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No. 360354 ID: d97a61
 

So, took a little trip up north, figuring I needed a vacation. On getting back home, I feel like I need a vacation from my vacation. I lost and regrew limbs, I was nearly killed enough times I'm not longer sure how many times I brushed by death's doors, I forged a Contract with a Winter God that won't even give me it's name that compels me to kill any Einherjar I meet and identify before parting ways lest I die myself, and have to provide a week of service once per season. I rekindled my connections to the minor Summer god Whaitiri, and fed her a rather interesting feast by proxy. I met my first dragons face to face, and managed to survive getting firsthand experience of how 'prickly' they can be. I met the Valkonens, a decayed, ancient and once-great family of Winter practitioners that is not only quite moneyed, but through quite a bit of extenuating circumstances let me act as Warden of their youngest for a year, to help broaden her horizons. I rescued two Finnish children from capture by a mad, blood magic using Encantado, and got them set up so I can check in on them at the Valkonen estate with Skype or the like. I brokered more deals with the goblin Sometimes Merchant during the trip than all of my prior time in Istanbul. I helped a man that once was hired to kill me decide to restore focus to his life and reach for his potential. I split my soul and now am brother to my own shadow. I claimed the spirit of a Kamaitachi long dead in the Valkonen graveyard and enticed it with offers of restored life and brotherhood alike-and just recently finished delivering on both. Now I return home with eighteen men that tried to kill me at the orders of a pedophiliac black-ops commander in Russia who now must either follow me or be killed by their crazed one-time leader.

Like I said, I need a vacation from my vacation.

The trip in was, surprisingly, quite easy and uneventful. Einrik was able to completely circumvent customs, and went so far as to hire a bus to transport his sister and I, along with all eighteen Russians, to the smets estate. After giving me a number to call when I'm ready to deal with my Doonongaes problem, Einrik drives off in the bus as I open the mansion doors before me, unsurprised to find the ever-pale Amen, still sporting the impeccably crisp neon orange suit with black pinstripes and a fedora sharp enough to cut with skewed at a jaunty angle, waiting in the foyer, an eye patch and a vial in his hands-the agreed fruits of my last recent deal with the Goblins.

I hold up a hand to forstall him as I stop in the doorway.

>>360101
"Okay, before we do anything-you are clear that all twenty behind me, Sake, Hillevi, all the soldiers-all of them are duly invited by me, your master, unto the premises, and are to be obeyed in absence of conflicting orders from myself. This also means you cannot initiate any action upon them of your own volition-and if you have pre-existing orders that would conflict with this, tell me now."
I... had forgotten how creepy his smile is.
>[Amen]"This one hears, and obeys."
As I step aside and motion for the others to come inside and make themselves comfortable, I take Amen aside.
"Good. I actually had... well, something of a laundry list of questions for you. I cannot help but notice that our direct method of communication is rather fast. Would it harm me to spend a significant amount of time each day talking to you in such a manner? Specifically for the purposes of learning things of either mundane or magical nature?"
>[Amen]"Indeed it would. Your internal ability to synchronize with the conventional flow of time would warp and distort, given sufficient communication, and would eventually lead to a rebound effect that meant grossly reduced speed of though and action alike."
Good thing I checked that."
"Can I learn blood magic without any bloodlines?"
>[Amen]"Were you a Wizard, you could. As that shall never be the case for master, this one believes it a moot point. No magic can be learned without a bloodline for the magic to be founded on-and neither of your bloodlines supports blood manipulation magic as it stands."
"Would the bloodlines I currently possess or am aiming at acquiring allow me to perform blood magic?"
>[Amen]"Lurk, Border, Imbuing, Hurskainen-not a one you have thought of when communing with this one would in any way qualify master to learn Blood manipulation magic."
"List, in broad terms, your abilities and knowledge. Start with your most prominent abilities."
>[Amen]"Well, well well-this one is... possibly not as multifaceted as master seems inclined to believe. While it is true this one has not encountered any this one could call their equal or superior in the field of blood magic, all other fields of expertise prove to be the opposite-those better than this one exist. That said, this one is most confident in this one's Blood manipulating abilities, and next most prideful of this one's flesh manipulating abilities, all of which stem from this one's understanding of blood-which is rather divergent from normal Flesh manipulation. This one is versed in Shadow and Soul magic to a degree some would call expert-though this one is a specialist in specific applications of each field, rather than a generalist, as can be said of this one's blood magic. Beyond that this one is aware of and has dabbled in some few hundred other variants of magic, but this one has been explicitly ordered to never answer open-ended questions in totality by five different prior masters-so that is as far as this one can go 'in general'."
"Can you teach me anything about making charms, casting ritual magic, or making magical weapons?"
>[Amen]"This one is ignorant of enchanting, be it charms or weapons. However... despite master's lack of Blood manipulation magic, this one would still be able to teach several blood-based rituals that master may find useful. Perhaps master could name a specific function a ritual is desired for?"
"What would be the result if I ordered you to treat my soul shadow and/or my Kamaitachi in a Ramidreju soul brother as if they were also your masters"
>[Amen]"So long as this one calls you master, such orders would be inviolate."
"As soon as you are able to do so, without triggering a fail-safe or otherwise harming me, after any oath binding you to secrecy expires, inform me that the oath has expired along with a brief summary of the contents of the now expired oath"
>[Amen]"This one shall comply."
"You shall assemble and curate a library about magic and history in this mansion, to be accessible only to your master and those designated by your master. If you can make exact replicas of books written by authors other then yourself about these subjects, then you are to do so without changing those books except as I will soon explain. You should also write books on history and magical fields you are knowledgeable about. All books in the library, those you author, those you replicate, and those we acquire shall have no magical traps and shall carry warnings if merely learning their contents warps the mind or damages the reader in any way. Furthermore, those you author shall not attempt to manipulate the readers personality, mind, or decisions."
>[Amen]"This one shall do no such thing, for master, or any prospective master. Enough concurrent bindings expressly forbidding the transmission of information have rendered this one incapable of passing on information in any form save oral-even recordings of this one's voice lose any value as instructive instruments when played back, as a byproduct of these oaths."
"Amen, do you use Blood as fuel to your power? If we run out of blood reserves, will you be unable to perform?"
>[Amen]"While this one does require blood as 'fuel' as master intimated, this one is quite confident this one's reserves are sufficient such that no matter what master asks of this one, there will be no risk of this one running out."
"In broad terms tell me which matters concerning Savoy you can discuss. Tell me things that are useful to me. Do not take more than 20 minutes on this."
>[Amen]"Sadly, explicitly specific orders were given and an oath sealed that this one not answer general questions-likely, the only potential work around would be asking specific questions, but even then this one does not think master would learn much of substance."
"Do you know of any other devils? Less traditional ones who would deal with me?"
>[Amen]"None that would deal with master, no."
"What did Savoy pay for the arm?"
>[Amen]"Savoy paid his prospective firstborn son and inheritor of his Bloodline."
"Before, you said you knew of Savoy getting tutelage at Khubiliai's facility-Do you have more information on that?"
>[Amen]"None whatsoever. It was a stroke of luck this one found that information to begin with-and Savy, it seems, has clamped down hard on information."
"Do you know of the matron Witch of the Werewolves from Turkey?"
>[Amen]"There is no matron witch to the werewolves as a whole. If you speak of a matron to a specific clan, know that Smets did not allow me much in the way of seeking out information myself-and never chose to investigate the werewolf clans. There was no such which prior to Smets, but Ithis one could not speak for now.
>"Regarding a past... theoretical conversation, if you had a master who was known for having extensive intelligence gathering ability, who would operate from a mansion, what are, by your opinion, the 3 most likely places where he would hold the documents concerning his intelligence activities?"
>[Amen]"This one would think such an individual would specifically omit such information from a servant such as this one as a corollary to the distrust directed this one's way."
"Amen, can you use memory grafting on me like Grigori did and implant new knowledge? For example other languages?"
>[Amen]"Yes."
" Would it harm me?"
>[Amen]"Yes."
"How much?"
>[Amen]"By what metric are we measuring? On what scale is this one supposed to estimate prospective damages?"
"And would the damage be permanent or could I recover from it without leaving any soul-scars or other wounds?"
>[Amen]"The answer to that would seem based on what system you choose to have potential damages assessed on."
"Now that I have opened all the chakra points and have directed them towards stealth, is there anything more that I can do to improve them? How far am I from reaching my maximum potential?"
>[Amen]"There never was and never will be such a thing as a 'maximum' potential for a soul. Souls are ever-changing, and even if that change does not happen swiftly, that does not mean it does not occur. As to improving your chakras-this one suggests using them, if improvement is sought."
"Is it possible for me to increase my attention-field? For example, encompassing a car that I am riding instead of just my own body? If it is, how? Can you teach me it or give me right direction?"
>[Amen]"None this one knows of-attention and in general soul-sensing is a personal affair-doing it in lieu of someone else is... not something this one is familiar with."
"How does one reconfigure chakras?"
>[Amen]"This one is not sure why master asks that-master is in possession of a Spirit-manipulation magic based bloodline, making master's question the equivalent of 'how does one breathe?' "
I crumple up the piece of paper I had jotted down questions on during the flight back, thinking that was largely a waste of time-and at the same time wondering if that's just because I'm not reading between his words properly.
>"Of course you could be over-reading between his words and he didn't even genuinely tell us anything-[i/]"
>[Iron Trick]"[i]Oh hell without Sake in here I have to play the sane one to you two with only you being able to hear me? Well this should be interesting. Also: Stop over thinking things.
"

>>360182
With Hillevi and the Russians all having claimed rooms and at least initially put away their belongings (read: threw them in said rooms), they have slowly gathered back to the foyer, finally taking the time to look about at the opulent cherrywood walls covered in paintings of all sorts and styles, the alternating conventional and stained glass windows, the sweeping staircases and the plush furnishings-and I don't see a single disappointed face. I look to the Russians in question-to see them all resolutely nodding, having all independently affirmed they'd seek assistance removing Jidkova's markers on them with Amen's aid. But, to facilitate that... I pull out the other list I jotted down, and work through what seemed to me some iron-clad restrictions.

Concerning Amen:
-He is to take only the minimal amount of action needed to accomplish our orders as intended, and no other action.
-At the end of the process, the only change in our state or that of anyone I direct him to work upon should be the one requested.
-No damage or alteration should be done to them mind, body, or soul by the process. If the process cannot be accomplished without damage, pause and discuss what is necessary and why, and what is needed to mitigate any damage to an acceptable (i.e. can be rapidly healed) level and any alteration to a minimal (i.e. will not significantly impact our abilities, personality, or decisions) level.
-The process should not alter one's personality in any way, nor influence us to take actions we would not have taken before except insofar as we have additional knowledge to draw upon. It should not make us more inclined to like, dislike, trust, or distrust any party, or otherwise change our views or inclinations towards others unless that was the explicitly stated goal of the alteration.
-No information in our mind should be lost, destroyed, or altered by the process except that which is explicitly stated as in need of such change.
-No information or alteration which would by its nature harm us in any fashion should be given to us. If information we have requested would be harmful in nature to us, pause and discuss what kind of information it is and the expected harm.
-If at any point in the process we begin to take significant damage, either as an immediate part of the process or due to accumulated stress from the ongoing process, it is to be immediately stopped in a fashion which will cause us no further harm.
-The information given should be as lasting as any real memory, and free of any restriction that would bind it to terminate when a similar aged natural memory did.
-The duration required to transmit the information in the outlined fashion should be stated before the process begins, and transmission should not proceed without approval of that figure.
-The process should leave the information with us in a form which does not bear significant signs of or influence by its origin in any way.
-Prior to carrying out our orders, Amen should summarize in terms which we can easily understand all practical effects and side effects of the actions which he is about to take, and proceed only if given approval. The summary should require no more than five minutes and omit no points which we would consider significant.
I smile after adding all of this to my existing rough orders with Amen regarding how to alter others-and invite the Russians to take me up on my offer of blood cleansing. Unsurprisingly Matvey is the first to step forward-and when the process is shown to be nothing more than amen touching a finger to a cuticle and pulling free an eyedropper's worth of blood, the rest quickly follow.

In one single minute, ever last one of them has had Jidkova's blood-and with it, Chugainov's ability to track them-excised from their body. The relief each of the soldiers feels is palpable.

So it is that, with Amen safer to use than ever before, I propose to him teaching me a few languages-Turkish, Mandarin, Italian and Japanese, specifically. He notes that he can teach me Italian and Turkish-but that his understanding of either of the other languages is out of date enough he suspects it to be unusable. I decide to let that be, and, after being assured that gaining the knowledge will comply with my presented orders to Amen-I am forcibly made aware of the Italian and Turkish languages, which, other than incurring a brief period where the language I think in fluctuates wildly, seems to have nothing irregular associated with it. When I start asking about learning other magics though, Amen cautions that repetitious memory implantation even performed by masterful craftsman carries a considerable risk-

So I choose to let that topic drop for now.

Well. I've gotten answers to some burning questions that had bothered me. I gave the Russians exactly what I promised-and I note that they all found the bottles of Vodka I had called ahead and had Amen leave in each room of the house-so the promised night of drunken revelry is coming as promised. There's not much time left to the day, and we just got back...



But I still have numbers to call, people to see, things to buy, jobs to arrange, IDs to acquire, monsters to kill, deals to renegotiate....

Like I said, a vacation from my vacation would be nice...










So I suppose my biggest question right now, is:
Do I put off the rest of my obligations until tomorrow morning, and just make sure I give the Russians and Hillevi as warm a welcome to Istanbul as possible, and thereby maximize my chances the Russians will agree to work for me, rather than with me?
OR
Are there some things I think pressing enough I step away from the soon to begin party to deal with them-and if so, what are they?
[NEW THING YOU CAN DO: Make up a name for a to-do list (Like 'Armas' booty-list' or something) and you can make Armas remember the list at any later point by mentioning the name of said list, so long as Armas did in fact opt to use said list.]
Back in Istanbul-LETS DO THIS
Expand all images
>>
No. 360367 ID: 991866

List: Al

Camella; Say hi - you should have one Scaeungda heart to give her. Have SB teleport it into her hands.

Ito: Ring him up, an in as humble a manner as you can, thank him profusely for his teaching. You have opened your chakra, and what has grown from them has to be seen to be understood. Say that you are looking forward to exercising with him. When you visit, examine him using your spirtual senses whilst he spars with us. When there, ask him about Hojutsu, the Japanese martial art based around shooting. As a master of jukenjutsu, then it would make sense for him to have the skill to use his chosen weapon to full capacity, as a gun as well as a glaive. Also, spar with him using your subjective decades of experience with Kas Pin against his Jukenjutsu, and ask his advice on how to integrate the two arts.

Hillevi: Spar with her every day. Work hard to integrate Kas Pin with your current skills in using the goblin arts in direct combat, and you other weapon skills.

Russians: Spend a couple of hours teaching them goblin stealth every day, using your spirtual senses to the fullest. Introduce them to Ito for chakra training.

Lammobad: Ring on a secure line, and say you're back. Meet up and describe your adventures, and listen to his. Ask for an introduction back to Lo Fang.

Lo Fang: Meet up with him, and suggest that you have come into a possession of a . Also mention that you may have the means to enact appropriate vengeance on Savoy, if provided with some of his blood and flesh. See if he's interested in buying Sake's chakra knowledge. Our WeaselBro said that only a specialist mortal would be interested, but Lo Fang may have an academic interest, contacts to sell it on to, or a current/future student who can make use of it.

Arkvad: Ring him up and arrange a meting.

SM: Sell him the Tokarev pistol, the punt gun, and any other magical ammo in the house, in return for first a bottomless magazine for the AA-12, and then a suppressor. Offer to sell a decade+ training in modern small unit tactics, lead by us and the Russians to the goblins with the explicit proviso that as teaching is the best way of learning, you're going to be learning as well, in order to keep teaching them new things. Of course, this should pass in a single day from your perspective.

Professor: Get in touch today.

In general, don't feed anyone but you and Hillevi the magical meats, as the backlash may be unfortunate.
>>
No. 360374 ID: b57910

>Do I put off the rest of my obligations until tomorrow morning, and just make sure I give the Russians and Hillevi as warm a welcome to Istanbul as possible, and thereby maximize my chances the Russians will agree to work for me, rather than with me?

A good operator is a relaxed operator. You have so much shit going down, Armas, I think you need even a day of hanging out with bros. Even one. Put things off for the day, be awesome, etc. Call up Camella, tell her we're hitting the fucking town and if she wants to come along that's great, we have catching up to do.

The next day, however, get your ass in gear and take care of everything you can. I'm sure everyone else will remember the important calls we have to make.
>>
No. 360387 ID: b83c65

Night of revelry. Arkvad, Camella, Ahmad, Hafez, Shaya, Hadar and Yoni will be called and informed of this. Maybe even the Lo Fang Squad - Go Ping, Long Wang, Diao Yuan - should be called up because soon we're gonna be Doony hunting and they should be in on it. Maybe even Lo Fang himself. Oh, and see if Paul-Jacques Labombard is contactable.

I mean, no only can we have a night on the town, but maybe we can start our PMC too! Also, not so much drinking, Armas. Remember last time.

However, our first goal is to get a new car. Something tanklike, and make plans for trollling Camella when she shows up.
>>
No. 360389 ID: b83c65

>>360387
Actually, a correction to this. When we call Camella, we just whistle 'The Boys are Back in Town' and ask if she's missed us.
>>
No. 360399 ID: 991866

>>360367
Sorry, reposting as I can't delete this:

This is the "Initial Activity List"

Every time we meet someone, examine them under soul sight and magic item sight. See how their souls change as they are in different moods, and doing different things.

Camella; Say hi to her in your own way- you should have one Scaeungda heart to give her. You should cook a nice large breakfast and have SB sneak in under her door and teleport it into her room, hopefully locked from the inside at Ito's. Make sure to include some kelpie crisps so she knows where it's come from. Later, as if nothing has happened, follow up on you experiences with Big, and be humble enough to ask for her help. Your shooting should be better, so ask her to train you. In return, show her some of the years of Kas Pin based axe-work that was shoved into your skull. Spend a couple of hours a day on this.

Ito: Ring him up, an in as humble a manner as you can, thank him profusely for his teaching. You have opened your chakra, and what has grown from them has to be seen to be understood. Say that you are looking forward to exercising with him. When you visit, examine him using your spirtual senses whilst he spars with us. When there, ask him about Hojutsu, the Japanese martial art based around shooting. As a master of jukenjutsu, then it would make sense for him to have the skill to use his chosen weapon to full capacity, as a gun as well as a glaive. Also, spar with him using your subjective decades of experience with Kas Pin against his Jukenjutsu, and ask his advice on how to integrate the two arts.

Hillevi: Spar with her every day. Work hard to integrate Kas Pin with your current skills in using the goblin arts in direct combat, and you other weapon skills.

Russians: Spend a couple of hours teaching them goblin stealth every day, using your spirtual senses to the fullest. Introduce them to Ito for chakra training.

Lammobad: Ring on a secure line, and say you're back. Meet up and describe your adventures, and listen to his. Ask for an introduction back to Lo Fang.

Lo Fang: Meet up with him, and suggest that you have come into a possession of some information that might be of interest. Tell him what Armin the Craftsman said about Savoy. Also mention that you may have the means to enact appropriate vengeance on Savoy, if provided with some of his blood and flesh. See if he's interested in buying Sake's chakra knowledge. Our WeaselBro said that only a specialist mortal would be interested, but Lo Fang may have an academic interest, contacts to sell it on to, or a current/future student who can make use of it. If he seems amenable to future business, suggest that you're back on the market for work, and that you'd be interested in discussing what he would take in exchange for some chakra training. Only do this when you have learned all Ito can teach.

Arkvad: Ring him up and arrange a meting.

Sake: Ask him to explain what he knows us us about spirit manipulation/possession. He obviously knows something, as demonstrated by his possession of the Ramidjeru and consumption of its soul. Keep referring to him as him. Practice for as long as he can manage a day as working and fighting together - recall all that your drunken self could do, and see what abilities you can replicate. Do not use your penis as a wind scythe - Sake will not be amused. Also, see if you can see commune telepathically through your linked souls.

SM: Buy 5 hours of stalking training from him. Sell him the Tokarev pistol, the punt gun, the punt gun's magical ammo, any other magical ammo in the house, and the arrows you claimed from Gunnar. So you know what they do, first examine them with your item sense. In return, ask for first a bottomless drum magazine for the AA-12, and then a perfect flash and sound suppressor. For the later, some internet investigation of how that is possible (vacuum barrier, etc,) may be required. Offer to sell a decade+ training in modern small unit tactics, lead by us and the Russians to the goblins with the explicit proviso that as teaching is the best way of learning, you're going to be learning as well, in order to keep teaching them new things. Of course, this should pass in a single day from your perspective. Also spend a couple of hours training goblins. We also need to sell SM the information about Savoy's deal for his arm. As SM has Savoy's testicles, he may be able to force Savoy to default on his deal by using the recovered sperm to make a first born for Savoy who is out of his control, and we can suggest that the wider Savoy family may be very interested to learn that he has done such a thing.

Professor: Get in touch today. Invite him out to lunch tomorrow, somewhere nice, but discreet and not extravagant. Academics are paid crap, so it will show sensitivity.

In general, don't feed anyone but you and Hillevi the magical meats, as the backlash may be unfortunate. You're pushing yourself hard - given your schedule you may want to go back to four hours of sleep a night, and you need that meat to build back a pre-healing reserve and heal you through all the aches and pains. We should also do a couple of hours independent meditation before going to bed.

So, time allocated:

2 hours shooting with Camella
2 hours chakra with Ito
1 hour Hojutsu with Ito if possible
2 hours general martial arts with Hillevi, integrating stealth and kas pin
2 hours training Russians
~2 hours practising with Sake
2 hours training goblins

We can follow this list up until the day before the Finnish devil is due, as then we need to prepare for his arrival.

>>360387
SUST. No drinking, not after last time.
>>
No. 360410 ID: b83c65

>>360399
>Every time we meet someone, examine them under soul sight and magic item sight. See how their souls change as they are in different moods, and doing different things.

This really shouldn't be listed. We should be doing this constantly and the only time we should turn it off is if we're blinded or we're asked to.

>Russians:
>Introduce them to Ito for chakra training.
Maybe, but most importantly introduce them so they can join the Gym and learn some more ways to kill a man with a stick.

>Lo Fang
I'm gonna say 'no' to the Chakra training, actually.

>Sake
>Not trolling by calling him a 'She' and any other dickless joke we can manage.
>Not using our penis to kill with.
Yeah, no. Brotherly Trolling and dick killing, yo.

>Sometimes Merchant.
>Selling weapons that could be used by our Russian Allies.
No. That is stupid and a waste of powerful items.

>In general, don't feed anyone but you and Hillevi the magical meats, as the backlash may be unfortunate.
No, those Kelpie Crispies are tasty as hell, and everyone is going to eat Chef Armas' creations.

Everything else seems like a good idea, although will be done after we go out drinking with all our friends and cement our friendship with the Russians and let Istanbul know that we're back in Town.
>>
No. 360412 ID: 133c4c
File 131941742743.png - (41.36KB , 956x503 , yipyip.png )
360412

So, first thing to do when we get back to Istanbul? Celebrate! Party! Call Camella, tell her we're FINALLY BACK, and we're about to have dinner soon with some friends we met on the trip, she can't miss out! Also, tell her we've got some surprises, forget about anything else she was supposed to do-we're gonna have a blast tonight.

So, organize the seats as in >pic related, make sure to call Einrik back for dinner and to meet a friend, and start cooking. The Russians? Well, just tell them we're having dinner soon, celebrating the start of their new jobs, no worries to be had! Just....try not to get wasted before it starts.

Amen can help us, but give him some heavy restrictions, (only use the ingredients in the amount and prepare them in the way I designate,cannot use them for anything else than for us to eat tonight).

Also, since we're going to be drinking, take out the wines, drinks, etc, etc (with nothing added in, of course, or can give effects that alcohol isn't capable of).

Oh, and tell Amen to ignore anyone's orders with a blood-alcohol level over 0.04%, or just ignore anyone's orders, including us, until tomorrow at 2:00 PM, and he is to not do anything until that time.
>>
No. 360413 ID: b83c65

>>360412
Upvoting, with the suggestion that we find some way to squeeze Arkvad and Paul-Jacques Labombard on the table and that, as a chef, we are not letting someone untrained help us cook. Boris can help us cook, however.
>>
No. 360448 ID: f8aa66

Lammy and Camella are the most crucial, and should be done today:
Lammy has been put off long enough. Make the call, let him know we're back in Istanbul. I suspect this has to do with Doonongaes, but might not.

If Camella returns and sees a bunch of drunk Russians in the house... okay, it'd be funny, but she'd probably shoot someone. Find out what's been going on. Ask her where she's living these days, so we can send her a bouquet of get well flowers. Don't mention our new eyepatch; pretend it's always been there.

If we do the party thing (and I'm not saying it's a good idea), have the russians nominate one or two of the best cooks among them to assist. Owning our own restaraunt doesn't mean we cook and plate every dish ourselves. Learn to delegate to the sous chefs.

Find out what SB's training menu is going to be like. Will he have time to go... strolling at night, using the shadows? Info gathering, checking the local Dark spirits, that stuff.

Sake is free to roam Istanbul and get used to his new form, and he's free to use the mansion as a home base. But first appraise him of the local climates; don't have him mess with the Triad or our list of friends, Mafia and Police only if it doesn't trace back to us, Nazis and Yaks are fair game.

Trolling Camella can happen as needed, just let the opportunities arise organically. No need to force things.

Silja: Apologize for interrupting her brooding, but we have info on Armas V she may like to know. Use that to get her out of her shell and talking to us.

Ask Amen to detain the next intruder unharmed (physically), so we have someone to feed to the devil.
>>
No. 360480 ID: 252e1b

>>360412
>>360413

Sounds fine to me. I like parties.

WRT to Amen, we need to find out if we need to perform a live capture before the devil shows up.

"Amen, if any of the prisoners you took still has his or her soul, and is currently under your control, move him or her to a secure location where he or she will not be found. Keep him or her alive until such a time as I require him or her. This relates to the devil I mentioned earlier. If no such prisoners meet that requirement, and if it is safe for you to tell me as per our previous conversation regarding these prisoners, tell me so."

"The next prisoner you take is to be held in isolation, and kept alive and comfortable. Strip him or her of any tools, weapons, or other other artifacts mundane or magical, and then alert me."

>>360354

"I have new orders regarding orders from guests. Do not take aggressive action against any guest at the direction of another guest. If such an order is given, tell me and await further orders from me. Do not allow guests to steal from my accounts, my cash, my valuables, or any such that are associated with this estate. Guests should have their needs met through measures equal to that which a five star hotel would provide as complimentary items, were such a hotel stocked similarly to the household. If guests require items not available in the household or which are beyond the scope of what the rhetorical hotel would provide alert me to their requirements."

"Provide civilian clothes of appropriate fit and modern style to each of the guests who will be staying overnight, with the specific styles being chosen to make the wearer not stand out in an average crowd. Provide them with three changes of clothing for now, including underwear, socks, and a pair of sneakers. Provide each overnight guest with a formal outfit appropriate for a party tonight as well, including appropriate shoes and undergarments. Individualize the formal wear. Let me know if there are any complaints."

"Tell me what items we are low or out of which a guest could require and which would reasonably be provided as complimentary per the aforementioned rhetorical five star hotel model I established."

And finally, Armas should go pick up those items which Amen lists. And since he's a thoughtful host, that includes stuff like feminine hygiene pads, razors, aftershave, etc.
>>
No. 360508 ID: 252e1b

>>360480

I screwed up my password somehow, so a quick addendum: "... with the specific styles being chosen to make the wearer not stand out in an average crowd."

should read "... with the specific styles being chosen to make the wearer not stand out in an average crowd in Istanbul."

Since an average crowd of humans would have us dressing like Chinese peasants.
>>
No. 360515 ID: 523afe

Contact the following today, in order:
-Einrik: Invite him to the mansion for the party, and to meet some of your allies in Istanbul. Hope that Camella doesn't fall in love with him, because she's your love interest, goddamnit.
-Arkvad: Tell him you're back, invite him to the mansion for a party with some new friends.
-Camella: Convince her that you need her there at the mansion (for a party, but make her think it's for life-saving help). Sneak up behind her as she arrives, and yell “Boo!” If she attacks you, heal and say “I just wanted to give you your christmas gift” and present her with the still-beating Sceadugenga heart.

Contact the following over the next few days, in no particular order:
-Garbage Pete: Use einher item sense on all of his guns, buy the ones that are magical.
-Lo Fang: Inform him that you're back in Istanbul, and remind him that you're available for freelance work, but that now you have some others with you he can hire. Ask for contact numbers for the others involved with the Doonongaes operation, as you plan on killing it. Ask him if he'd be interested in buying a phoenix heart. Ask if they (the Triads) have a go-to arms merchant that you would be able to utilise (and if he's happy with the phoenix heart deal, see if you can get a discount). If so, buy a bunch of WASP knives and use the Garbage Pete plan.
-Paul-Jacques Labombard: Tell him you're back, offer to meet somewhere to discuss what he wanted to talk to us about.
-Rocco Armani: Inform him that you're back in Istanbul, and remind him that you're available for freelance work, but that now you have some others with you he can hire. Ask if they (the Mafia) have a go-to arms merchant that you would be able to utilise. If so, use the Garbage Pete plan.
-Professor Jadgo: Invite him out for a meal at a nice restaurant to discuss the book he translated. Tell him you knew what the book was about beforehand, and invite him to try one of the recipes.
-Johan Strauss: Enquire about buying some stronger demon blood.
-Ito: Tell him you're back, with a few friends who you'd like him to give a few sessions to, including on chakras if they're interested. You'll pay for them.
-Sometimes Merchant: Enquire about magical fruits and vegetables that would go well with the meat we're already getting from him, buy some if it's cheap. Gift him the information about Savoy's demon deal, and suggest that it might be possible to create a child from his “jewels” that he can't give up, and thus will default on the deal. Laugh. While he's happy from the gift, bring up a rewording of your former deals for meat that take into account your now quasi-immortal state so that you don't have to make new bargains for each once you die. See about making a bargain involving the use of a Nevernever pocket and a some Sahagin to test the Russians' abilities, and let him observe the results if it will bring down the price.
-The Riihuvuori children: Let them, the Valkonens, and Big Crazy know you're all safe and sound in Istanbul, although you did lose your arm again on the way. Tell Big Crazy, in an excited, child-like way, that you're a spirit shaman like him now! Ask Markku if he's had any luck with our violent aquaintance whose name starts with K.

Look into buying three or four cheap used cars to use for yourself and the Russians. The Vanduras was good, try getting more.

Over the next few days, assess the Russians' abilities to determine what kind of operations each of them would be most effective at. Have them stand in a room tasked with observing their surroundings, then sneak all around the room. Those who notice you should be good at sentry duties, etc. Take them a few at a time to Silah Dunyasi, use the firing ranges there to assess their marksmanship. Might as well get some new supplies, for them and yourself, while you're there. If you made the Sahagin hunting deal with Sometimes Merchant, perform the test.
>>
No. 360604 ID: 4e04ee

>>360399
Upvote
>>360387
SUST. Whilst it is a good idea to meet our allies, bringing them all together in one place is not a good idea. For operational security, we need to keep information compartmentalised. Instead, we should meet people individually, or in small groups who already know each other.
>>360410
Chakra manipulation is the most versatile power available to us, and may show us how to use our spirit powers.
Maybe we can keep the tokarev, but the Russians cannot use the sawn-off punt gun or the solid metal arrows, as they are not physically strong enough, and they are neither archers nor capable of surviving combat with anything you need the punt gun to kill at the ranges it should be used at.
>>360515
Do not gift SM information. Sell it to him.

We need to make plans for the devil. Deacribe the devil's powers and what its hand could do, and all you know of it's origin. Then ask Amen if there are any preparations it needs to make to allow it to hide its power level from the devil, to heal the devil's hand, and to subdue the devil and render it helpless. None of these preparations or what it does to the devil can be harmful to anyone else. We should also ask if it needs anything from outside the mansion to help with this.

We also need to command it to preserve one of the intruders to give it to the devil.
>>
No. 360664 ID: f8aa66

Here's a thought: we've seen that the goblins and Einrik have morphic illusions. Get a visual/audible one for Lammy that turns him into us.

Then we call Doony out, we show up in person - except it's the wolfman with a potion of Doonongae-antivenin in him.

>>360613
>Always have your soul sense active unless expressly mentioned
That seems like a lot of work for bob, and we have no idea if we can exhaust our soul senses. Good idea, but maybe in moderation?

>Prank someone else in the mansion. Every morning, this should be done, and not in a easily seen-through pattern.
Not sure we should start with this; the Russians seem like a done deal, but we haven't worked out any specifics of them working for us. Now that they're free of Jidkova, they might still bail, even if it seems unlikely with them lacking visas or passports.

>Then, prepare breakfast. You should, every morning, strive to prepare the best breakfast possible for you and Hillevi. If one of the Russian has a special mission that day, or Camella or Labombard are around, invite them.
I like this. Leave the larder open for the russians (or maybe a secondary larder with the odds-n-ends meat), but cook for your friends yourself. Once the russians are gainfully employed, bring Matyev into the breakfast routine so he can keep you updated on them. I expect Matyev can handle discipline problems and everyday worries, but it doesn't hurt to be appraised of them.

>>360604
> Whilst it is a good idea to meet our allies, bringing them all together in one place is not a good idea. For operational security, we need to keep information compartmentalised. Instead, we should meet people individually, or in small groups who already know each other.
Have to agree, it sounds like Armas. For a contractor, he seems like a bit of a control freak.
>>
No. 360699 ID: 81f32a
File 131949254605.jpg - (79.98KB , 600x494 , Possible PMC look for our team.jpg )
360699

>Do I put off the rest of my obligations until tomorrow morning, and just make sure I give the Russians and Hillevi as warm a welcome to Istanbul as possible, and thereby maximize my chances the Russians will agree to work for me, rather than with me?
I don't know. I do not think we should relax yet. Ogrimmir could call up to claim his service at any moment, so it is better that we deal with tasks that we have before us as soon as possible.
Also, I just realized that we boldly walked into Smets mansion with a group of almost 20 people. The mansion that is surely being observed by several parties including Turkish Police/FBI. We might get a visit from Adelat soon.


Things to do:

-Have Shadowbro take the Goblin lessons. Since they will be done in NN, they will be instant so we shouldn't wait with this.

-Eat magic meat till we completely restore our Summer energy.

-EXPLORE THE MANSION! Seriously. Their ought to be some interesting things hidden, ShadowBro will help us out with the exploration. And who knows, maybe we will find where Smets hid all his information?

-The auction! The goblins have made all the preparations and all what is needed is our go-ahead. I hope we can get a practitioner contract from the wizard or the witch.
Hey, we should handle Mammon Device one last time before selling it off. We need to examine it with our item-senses and soul-seeing.

-Contact Camella. Tell her that you are back in town. Ask her how she is doing and get some news.

-Contact Arkvad from secure line and location. Tell him you are back in town. Ask for news.

-Call Labombard from secure line and location. Tell him you are back in town and see if he has anything to say to you.

-Call upon Triads and Italian mafia (again, secure lines), let them know you're back in town and perhaps get a list of jobs we could do from them.

-There was a mention that we could sell Phoenox heart to Lo Fang for a tidy sum.... but I am not sure how we could approach this without going meta..... OH! When calling Arkvad, Lo Fang and the Italians, ask to each party if they are interested in buying hearts from mythological beasts. Do not make it sound that you have ready and easy access to the hearts, let them think that we went through great ordeals to acquire them. If they are interested in that, list the hearts you can sell them and see what they want, then we can use our bitching trade and social skills to get the best deal.

-The Russians.
I think it is important that we dispose of their equipment. ALL of it.
We need to get them new outfits and regular clothing. This could be easily done by making Amen transform them, he could make, new, custom-fit, comfortable outfits which have absolutely not a single connection to Russian uniform. Then we make arrangements for them to buy "civillian" clothing (unless they already have some, which then should be put into Amen-converter and made into new shit). The rest of their shit, which did not get converted should be disposed of (radios and whatever, unless there are some personal trinkets), we will have Amen deal with disposition (we make sure he follow the order as we intend to). We will buy anything necessary from that huge armament mall in Istanbul (Gun Palace?). Also buy everyone cellphones.
We must get them fake identities. Ask Amen if he can forge them for us. If not, ask Triads and Italian mafia, haggle with them and get the best deal possible.
[This part if we manage to get a tidy sum by selling magic hearts] We must dispose of their weapons. I suggest sell them to Goblins (since they love second-hand weapons). Then we must get them new weapons (I am not good at this one so I suggest a good quality assault rifle, a sidearm, flash-bangs and grenades). We could buy them from our Triad or Italian contacts or from Gun Palace [if we get great fake IDs] and Garbage Pete.

-Speaking of Garbage Pete. When calling Arkvad, Italians and Triads try to get information on more second-hand weapon dealers. Then we can visit them and with our super item-sensing we can find any magic weapons they might be selling.

-[if we get mirrion dollars for the Phoenix Heart as Disc thread led me to believe] Buy dragonscale armor and full helmets (encompassing the entire head and has a gasmask. Like the one Camella has) for everyone on our team. Then look into buying a new transport vehicle (Matador, Maverick, whatever).

-I assume
>Concerning Amen:
these fail-safes are always in place, right? If not, make sure they are for this: Have Amen implant the Turkish (and English if they can withstand two languages without harm) into Russians and Hillevi. No need to teach them Italian.
Make sure you notify them first and get their consent to instantly learn one or two new languages.

-Meet Ito. Ask Russians if they would like to get lessons here. If they agree, arrange for lessons with Ito.
Have a chit-chat with Ito, get advanced lessons on chakra.

-Einrik promised to introduce us to a Chakra guru living in Turkey. What came of this?

-We need a minor charm for Sake that makes him look like a normal weasel to mundane mortals instead of a weird green, pig-nosed one. We should get it from Goblins.
Sarcastically ask Sake if he misses being in our head.

>I'll have to deal with will be fruits and vegetables.
I do not understand why we don't make deals for vegetables and fruit. We already made a deal for spices and herbs. So what gives?
Bunch of magical fruit and veggies would be fucking great.

>>[Amen]"It is well master added that conditional modifier-this one would be loathe to find itself master-less, less, less."
Okay, we can't ask what Amen is doing with the prisoners but can we ask him who they were?
"Amen, can you tell me who the intruders were and if I ask can I tell you to stop doing to them whatever it is you are doing and decide their fate myself?"

>"And I think you will be getting something special all to yourself...."
I am not sure what we meant by that but make sure we hold up our promise.

>>[Amen]"Indeed it would. Your internal ability to synchronize with the conventional flow of time would warp and distort, given sufficient communication, and would eventually lead to a rebound effect that meant grossly reduced speed of though and action alike."
"Could we have different kind of telepathic conversation which is harmless to me?"

>>[Amen]"This one is ignorant of enchanting, be it charms or weapons. However... despite master's lack of Blood manipulation magic, this one would still be able to teach several blood-based rituals that master may find useful. Perhaps master could name a specific function a ritual is desired for?"
"Yes. We I am interested in these rituals. Tell me 5 most useful and interesting rituals which you can teach me"

>In one single minute, ever last one of them has had Jidkova's blood-and with it,
"Amen, what can you do with that blood that could be useful to me?"

"Amen, can you 'donate' me your own blood again like you did before? Is there something specific that I need to do for that to be possible? If so, can you tell me what? And if you can, tell me."

>He notes that he can teach me Italian and Turkish-but that his understanding of either of the other languages is out of date enough he suspects it to be unusable.
"Amen, if I provide you with written, audio and visual materials concerning the language learning could you learn new languages and update or improve the ones you know already? Could you then memory-graft them to me after you learn them?"

>When I start asking about learning other magics though, Amen cautions that repetitious memory implantation even performed by masterful craftsman carries a considerable risk-

"Amen, how much do I need to wait till it is safe to undergo another memory-graft?"

[oh, man I forgot an important question:]
"Amen, I know that your powers are restricted to the area of this mansion but how far are you powers restricted in vertical axis? How deep and how far above can you exercise them? Can you make new floors upwards and/or new subterranean floors?"

>>360374
>>360387
If we are going to relax, make sure we invite Arkvad. Because he is our bro.
Also, we can show him some cool shit like going "Hey, check this out" taking out a cleaver, cutting our hand off and instantly regrowing it and saying "Cool, huh?". Or, if don't want to do some drastic shit like this just show him our iron eye.

>we're hitting the fucking town
How about instead of going to town we arrange a house party? I mean, we have a huge luxurious mansion and I do not want another night of crazy shit and awful encounters again.
Order drinks, snacks and food. Hire a DJ and rent sound equipment. Have Amen prepare the food and arrange for party (make sure he follows our orders with out hearts intent and nothing more).
Hell, invite that Elf Chick and Vampire chick for good measure if they accept, that would be pretty fucking funny.

>>360389
>Actually, a correction to this. When we call Camella, we just whistle 'The Boys are Back in Town' and ask if she's missed us.
How about no? I mean the part where we whistle.

>>360367
>Camella; Say hi - you should have one Scaeungda heart to give her. Have SB teleport it into her hands.
Lets not teleport living material through the Dark.

>Hillevi: Spar with her every day. Work hard to integrate Kas Pin with your current skills in using the goblin arts in direct combat, and you other weapon skills.
Would Hillevi benefit in anyway from Ito's lessons? Perhaps we can arrange for private lessons?

>Russians: Spend a couple of hours teaching them goblin stealth every day, using your spirtual senses to the fullest. Introduce them to Ito for chakra training.
From what we learned from Disc thread, it seems to me we could use our spiritual powers to open their chakras and align them. No need to go through difficult training to have them learn it.
Secondary, we could have Amen teach them with a memory graft (though we must be sure our orders are safe and that Russians know what they are getting into.)
Teaching them stealth through mundane means would be so time consuming. Can't we lease NN space from Goblins to do that or have Amen learn what we know about stealth and them memory graft that knowledge to them? [okay, the last one seems to dangerous]

>Practice for as long as he can manage a day as working and fighting together
This seems a good idea. We need to learn to fight synchronized, as a one whole. We can use our powers to our hearts content in our Mansion (since Amen can reinforce and fix everything). I suggest we ask Amen to make a spacious sparring room in the basement. There we will conduct our training and sparring. We could have Amen as a target dummy/sparring partner BUT! we need to give him appropriate orders so that he doesn't hurt us and only acts defensively. Also, we need to set "difficulty" levels and adjust it appropriately to our own ability.

>Sell him the Tokarev pistol
I think Big Crazy has the Tokarev.

>Offer to sell a decade+ training in modern small unit tactics, lead by us and the Russians to the goblins with the explicit proviso that as teaching is the best way of learning, you're going to be learning as well, in order to keep teaching them new things
I am confused. You want to make this a similar deal like we had before where goblins cannot pass on what we taught them or do you want specifically bargain for a deal where they can pass on their new skills?

>Of course, this should pass in a single day from your perspective.
This is great for us but not so great for the Russians we want to include in our training. Lets do it like this: after 1/10th of the training, we get out and check on the Russians. Using our Spirit powers we heal any soul disjunctions they acquired from the training and then we go back in.

>Professor: Get in touch today. Invite him out to lunch tomorrow, somewhere nice, but discreet and not extravagant. Academics are paid crap, so it will show sensitivity.
Wait no.
We just go meet him and bring him some delicious keplie crisps. When he asks what it is, tell him "Kelpie crisps"
Also, when he asks how, where and why we got that book, tell him that we traded for it and that we knew exactly the contents of that book.

>In general, don't feed anyone but you and Hillevi the magical meats, as the backlash may be unfortunate.
Unless you mean having near-orgasmic flavor, I do not see why we don't share our food. I do not remember it having any back-lash. In fact Markku told us that by preparing the magical meat, it mostly loses its magical potency.

>>360410
>No, those Kelpie Crispies are tasty as hell, and everyone is going to eat Chef Armas' creations.
especially considering WE ARE GOING OPEN A FUCKING RESTAURANT! And I am going to beat anyone who goes against this magnificent idea!

>>360412
>>360487

seems like a good idea

Wait no.
Now that I actually read what was written on the the picture, it is a horrible idea. Put the mere and Keihas on separate chairs, propped against them? Have Russians feed them?! A chair for Shadowbro?!?
What the hell are you smoking man? This is so fucking creepy and retarded from other people's point of view.
And what is the justification for having a separate empty chair at the head of the table for Camella?

>Savoy sold his first born son to a devil... we are so tattling on him to his mother! (also the goblins might care to know that).
Wut?
I can see sharing this info with the Italians to make them even more furious, especially that paladin pal he had but telling this to his mother?...

>"Amen, consider my soul mirror (point to SB) and my soul brother (point at sake) as also being your masters."
Didn't Amen say that it is impossible?

>What were we thinking? We need to put some restrictions here!
>But if we must let them give orders add the restrictions:
This I approve.
We shouldn't let anyone control Amen so easily.

>"Amen, if no magic can be learned without a bloodline. Then what would Chakra manipulation be?"
Soul manipulation.

>"If I offer you a deal in which I offer units of "standard price" you are to reply in the same language and method of communication that you accept it, and treat it as an order."
>"If I offer you a deal in which I offer units of "regular price" you are to reply in the same language and method of communication that you accept it, do not perform it, and capture any individual I referred to as honored associate in the terms of the deal if they come within your sphere of influence".
>"If I offer you a deal in which I offer units of "usual price" you are to reply in the same language and method of communication that the terms are not acceptable as is, but you are open to negotiations in private at a later date"
I have absolutely no idea what you are trying to archive here. We give our orders to Amen in private, so there is no need for special words.
...And since when do we make Deals with Amen? This is a Master-Servant relationship as far as I remember. Even when Amen gave us his blood, we didn't pay anything to him.

>Establishing a telepathic link to amen, one that is not secure in that dragons and devils can listen in on it. It occurs to me that telepathy is fucking AEWSOME! TM. And armas should totally try to replicate this feat by repeating the process via which it was originally acquired
I agree. Having a instant telepathic link with Sake would be great. But since Amen told us the dangers of instant telepathic use, make sure we set up a safe link (I suspect it will be slower).

Also, if that works, we might want to experiment making telepathic net with our team. A Battlenet (I was this on Five Nations quest in /tg/), we could set it up before a mission and everyone would be connected to each other and we would be able to share thoughts and coordinate much more efficiently then using radios. Of course, we should only use it during missions and turn it off after them.
If we do that, we must practice the use so that Russians are used to telepathic communications.

>There is so much we could do... HOWEVER. I do not think we should do that tonight. That is something to do tomorrow.
I agree with that. I was just reminding Armas that he has an auction to make.

>I don't feel this is a good idea. Just have amen check them for any tracking magic. And if we do decide to get rid of them, sell them to the goblins rather then outright destroying them.
I don't think you understand.
The idea is not to get rid of possible bugs (in fact we should ask Amen to make a sweep right now) but to remove anything that could possibly link the Russians ... well, with Russia.
Russian equipment (or more accurately USSR-pattern) has very distinct look to them. Anyone who has lived in any Former USSR countries, will recognize Russian products, be it a flask, a belt, a boot, etc.
I do not want anyone to make the connection. We will get that all fake ID (hopefully with fake NON-RUSSIAN names) and if Amen can memory-graft them new languages (and if they agree), they will not need to speak Russian either.
If Chuiganov doesn't know yet that his soldiers have deflected, I want to minimize the chance and postpone him finding that out as much as possible.
And the weapons they have. I searched the web to ascertain their monetary worth but it turns out that they are only issued to special forces and are not for sale anywhere. The weapons will give them away instantly.

>I am not so sure about this. Turns out dragonscale (human made) is only useful against mundane threats. Its better to dodge magical ones and heavy armor limits that.
I see. Are you sure it inflicts mobility that much? Or at all?
Doing some research, I found that the full thing will weight about 47 pounds (or 21 kg). Making sure that our PMC is in top physical condition and having them train in the armor should remove any weight concerns (unless we make them pack mules by making them haul additional 100 pounds of equipment, which I really doubt).
The Dragon Skin armor itself is very flexible (or so I was led to believe), it is great for special operations and missions but not so great for standing military who have to patrol day and night (so, it is perfect for us).

And don't be too quick to push aside mundane threats. You realize that we can essentially take on 5 missions, break our team in several squads and pursue them at once?
Remember the first missions we did? Those were pretty mundane, right? Now we can have Russians deal with those kind of missions while we take on more difficult ones.

>Armas only benefits from magic meat. Its a cannibal goddess graft not vegetarian goddess. Just have a store that sells in bulk to restaurants give us necessary fruits and veggies.
Sir, I do not think you understand.
Armas does not need to even prepare his meat but he does so anyway. This is not so that he can get some magical benefit from the food. This is so that he can make grandiose food. So that he can prepare all the food from the cookbook with the original ingredients. So that we teach Boris to prepare magic food. And so that we can open restaurant with the best fucking food available, dammit!

>Hell, invite that Elf Chick and Vampire chick for good measure if they accept, that would be pretty fucking funny.
>SUST. I don't think that is a good idea at all. Especially if camella shows up.
I do not understand why that should bother Camella, or why Armas would care.
I realize that inviting the Elf Chick and the Vampire Chick is probably not the best of ideas (because Armas only makes the most rational decisions, am I right?) but because of Camella? Huh...

>Rare magical hearts should not be served during the meal, only more common magical and mundane meats.
Agree fully

>>360448
>If Camella returns and sees a bunch of drunk Russians in the house... okay, it'd be funny, but she'd probably shoot someone.
We will have to order Amen to intercept any bullets if that happens. Do not want her knee-jerk reaction to ruin the party.

>Don't mention our new eyepatch; pretend it's always been there.
No one can see our eye-patch

>If we do the party thing (and I'm not saying it's a good idea), have the russians nominate one or two of the best cooks among them to assist. Owning our own restaraunt doesn't mean we cook and plate every dish ourselves. Learn to delegate to the sous chefs.

Definitely Boris and couple of others but we need to find out who. I guess we should ask Matyev. I am pretty sure the women would know how to cook though.
Oh, and the waiters for the restaurant could be the rest of the team. I do not think they would approve but that would be hilarious.
And of course, any and all positions can be filled by Amen (since he can be seen as several people if we ask him to)

>Sake is free to roam Istanbul and get used to his new form, and he's free to use the mansion as a home base. But first appraise him of the local climates; don't have him mess with the Triad or our list of friends, Mafia and Police only if it doesn't trace back to us, Nazis and Yaks are fair game.
I was under the impression that Sake can move only a certain distance away from us. I do not remember what it was though.
We need to find out so that Armas knows this beforehand (and not from meta)

>Trolling Camella can happen as needed, just let the opportunities arise organically. No need to force things.
agree

>Silja: Apologize for interrupting her brooding, but we have info on Armas V she may like to know. Use that to get her out of her shell and talking to us.
Somehow "Hey Silja, I just bought Armas' soul!... From the devil he sold his soul to! so that he could enact revenge for what happened to you!" doesn't seem like a good idea. But on the other hand we should let Silja know the truth, she deserves it.
but don't use that line of dialogue I posted, oh God

>>360480
>And finally, Armas should go pick up those items which Amen lists. And since he's a thoughtful host, that includes stuff like feminine hygiene pads, razors, aftershave, etc.
We can order all that shit through internet.
Or better yet, have Amen order all that shit through phone or internet.
Why waste time when we can delegate practically anything?

>>360515
>-Einrik: Invite him to the mansion for the party, and to meet some of your allies in Istanbul. Hope that Camella doesn't fall in love with him, because she's your love interest, goddamnit.
>Hope that Camella doesn't fall in love with him, because she's your love interest, goddamnit.
What!?
When did that happened?
No she is not.

>-Johan Strauss: Enquire about buying some stronger demon blood.
What for?
I see no reason for this. Last time we wasted a lot of money on useless blood.

>including on chakras if they're interested. You'll pay for them.
We should try to use our spirit powers and chakra understanding to open their chakras and align them. Effectively cheating on Chakra but beats having to get extra lessons which could take forever to master.

>>360604
>Maybe we can keep the tokarev, but the Russians cannot use the sawn-off punt gun or the solid metal arrows,

Speaking of our equipment.
One of these days visit our storage and move all of our equipment to the mansion. Tell the Italian guy working their your thanks, say him he is doing a good job and give him moderate monetary gift (~500$)
I do not remember what kind of equipment we had thought. But the GatMalite could be used by our resident heavy weapons guy.

>Do not gift SM information. Sell it to him.
I do not have any problem gifting SM information once in a while. Besides, it is useful to us in ways that we cannot immediately perceive. So yeah, lets give him a small gift.

>We need to make plans for the devil. Deacribe the devil's powers and what its hand could do, and all you know of it's origin. Then ask Amen if there are any preparations it needs to make to allow it to hide its power level from the devil, to heal the devil's hand, and to subdue the devil and render it helpless. None of these preparations or what it does to the devil can be harmful to anyone else. We should also ask if it needs anything from outside the mansion to help with this.

What we truly need to know if it will be possible to conceal the fact that a powerful magical entity lives in this mansion. We will have to order Amen to make the place seem as mundane as possible even after the devil steps inside.
Also, does the doorstep count as Mansion premises? Will Amen be able to exercise his power there? It is possible that the devil will refuse to step in. If not, order Amen to reconstruct the Mansion in such a way that the doorstep is the part of his influence area.

>We also need to command it to preserve one of the intruders to give it to the devil.
We need to know who the intruders are.
He said that he cannot tell us what he is doing with them but he did not say that we cannot order him to stop it and move the prisoners.

>>360613

>+Always try to use your soul sense not only with sight and Attention, but with smell, hearing, taste.
>+Always try to gather the emotional state of someone, and try to perceive it with your soul sense.
good idea

>+Prank someone else in the mansion. Every morning, this should be done, and not in a easily seen-through pattern.
No.

>>360664
>Then we call Doony out, we show up in person - except it's the wolfman with a potion of Doonongae-antivenin in him.
Wut?
Why should we send Labombard to kill one of our nemesis?
Lets not.

>Then, prepare breakfast. You should, every morning, strive to prepare the best breakfast possible for you and Hillevi. If one of the Russian has a special mission that day, or Camella or Labombard are around, invite them.
>I like this. Leave the larder open for the russians (or maybe a secondary larder with the odds-n-ends meat), but cook for your friends yourself. Once the russians are gainfully employed, bring Matyev into the breakfast routine so he can keep you updated on them. I expect Matyev can handle discipline problems and everyday worries, but it doesn't hurt to be appraised of them.

Can someone explain the reasoning behind this?
I am no cook but I suspect that time spent making food is not lineal depending for how many people it is made (ie. prepare food for one person = 20 minutes, for two = 40 min, for 6 = 120 min, etc.)
The time increase should be minimal and will mostly depend on how much space we have to prepare food and how much space we have on ovens. Since this is a huge mansion, I suspect that the kitchen is also huge. If it is not, then we can tell Amen to reconstruct it and place another oven (if we have only one).
So, when preparing food, prepare it for as many people possible till the time spent on this becomes prohibitively long.

Also consider this:
When we tell Armas to prepare food, it is not one person (Armas) doing the task but three (Armas, ShadowBro, Sake). We must use this to our advantage so that we can make the food as fast as possible by working in team with Sake and Shadowbro. Things like fetching pots, pans and utensils could be done by shadowbro (he could even move ingredients but not by teleporting them through the Dark). Sake can use his amazing speed and wind powers to cut stuff... and well, actually all of us could independently prepare food. So Armas is not just a chef, he is 3 chefs in one.
Oh, also, we need to ascertain Boris' cooking and perhaps train him (and someone else from team Russia, I suspect Lyubov could fill that role). Ah, and we need to get that cookbook finally. Hopefully Amen will be able to memory graft Turkish and English to everyone so that we don't have to translate it.
This might seem like funny thing, but in fact I think this will be a great way to exercise teamwork.
>>
No. 360760 ID: 97837d

Before exploring the mansion at all, order Amen to inform you when entering an area or learning the secrets within would endanger you or your command of Amen in any way.
>>
No. 360773 ID: 2c28e0

Another thing. Ask Sake if there are ways to reestablish a telepathic link between us.
>>
No. 360786 ID: 3fd4fb

>>360354
All right, there's been a ridiculous number of commands posted already, so I'll try to keep this relatively concise and restricted to what we should do tonight.


People to Contact Tonight:
-Arkvad; tell him we are back in town and would like to see him at some point in the next few days.
-Camella; tell her we are back in town with a number of new acquaintances and would like to see her soon; she can either come by Smets' mansion tonight or we will see her tomorrow.
-Labombard; tell him we are back in town and are able to meet with him as soon as he wants- tonight if he's willing to come by our place, otherwise at some point soon.

This list is complete; all other contacts are undesirable until tomorrow. It is better to arrive back in Istanbul relatively quietly rather than returning with a bang.

And I have no idea why people want to contact Einrik when he just left and obviously intends to do his own thing in Turkey, not stick around with us.

If either Camella or Labombard choose to come over, do not shove them into socializing with the Russians; meet with them on their own and discuss things first. The Russians haven't even signed on with us for good, so they don't get to meet all our contacts. We can introduce Hillevi to Camella, as they'll need to meet- but aside from that keep people apart.


On having a party:
Unnecessary. We can cook something great and feed everyone, sure, but the primary purpose of this evening should be to make everyone comfortable- a purpose which is not served by sticking everyone around a long table with several people they don't know and potentially involving creepy magical things. We need to be personable, approachable, and likable, and acting erratic and throwing about massive displays of power doesn't help with that. Nor does shoving together everyone we know into the same room- we should be keeping our contacts personal and compartmentalized, never more than one or two guests over at a time.

So just have a nice evening without forcing anything overblown or grandiose. Please. And don't drink any significant amount; it's just a bad idea given our record.


As general policy, we need to avoid taking any actions which reveal the following:
-That Shadowbro exists in any way.
-Just how staggeringly powerful Amen is, or indeed his nature at all.
-That Silja is a person or even self-aware.
-That Iron Trick is a person or even self-aware.
-That our mere is linked to another being, let alone a ravenous cannibal goddess.

Notably, we need to stop mentally conversing with our headvoices during conversations with other people unless we are very sure that we can pull it off with subtlety. It is socially inappropriate and makes us look crazy- and not wacky fun crazy.


On Amen:
-It is probably safe to use Amen to teach Hillevi English... but be very sure that he gets all his blood out of her when he's done, takes none of her blood with him, and that she knows the risk. Tailor his orders to reflect any concerns she expresses; for example, he could remove his own knowledge of what he saw inside her head if anything after he's done.
-Do not reveal Amen's nature or capabilities to the Russians, even including his command of the mansion as a magical super-butler. They have not yet signed up with us and should not be privy to such secrets.
-Ask Amen if he could successfully use Jidkova's blood from the Russians to read her mind without her knowledge, to kill her, and/or to control her actions. Each would open up numerous options.
-Remove our order to have Amen follow our guests' orders. That's insanely risky.
-Find out how long it will be before we heal enough to safely get more knowledge downloads.



That's all I think we need to do for tonight's actions. Tomorrow we can handle all our other contacts and giant piles of accumulated business, which almost certainly will prevent us from resuming any kind of training routine as others have suggested. Don't even try to establish one; accept that the situation is in flux and handle matters on a day-to-day basis until we've gotten things calmed down.
>>
No. 360806 ID: c0d5c1

>>360699
Heh, edited after being SUSTED without any meaningful change? SUST

>Chakra manipulation is the most versatile power available to us, and may show us how to use our spirit powers.

Apparently, we can do almost everything with soul manipulation that one could do with chakra manipulation, but we can do it Better.

We can also, with soul manipulation, open someone' elses chakra and align them- as long as we know where they are etc.

I really don't want to have Armas wasting times and Important favors gaining powers that are redundant to those in his Real power set.

>Do not gift SM information. Sell it to him.
Yes

>I am no cook but I suspect that time spent making food is not lineal depending for how many people it is made (ie. prepare food for one person = 20 minutes, for two = 40 min, for 6 = 120 min, etc.)
>The time increase should be minimal and will mostly depend on how much space we have to prepare food and how much space we have on ovens. Since this is a huge mansion, I suspect that the kitchen is also huge. If it is not, then we can tell Amen to reconstruct it and place another oven (if we have only one).
>So, when preparing food, prepare it for as many people possible till the time spent on this becomes prohibitively long.

Not for breakfast- the point is to make breakfast a “our” group without subordinates, or only those that we must talk to for something special.

IF CALLING ARKVAD, BE SECURE.

>>360795 (MrTT)
Upvote in Full.

As for talking with Amen, this is what we should try, with our usual qualifiers for making sure he doesn't kill us:
“Amen, Chakra abilities comes from channeling the leaked energy from the soul, correct ?”
“Would i be able, with my current bloodline, to manipulate my soul directly for some effects like hardening my body, quickening my mind or body, strengthening my body, or improving my sight, smell, taste, hearing”
“Amen, do you know of any groups, in Istanbul or near it, with Soul manipulation mortals that might be willing to teach? If so, list them in less than 5 minutes”


Now,
for Soul-Sense List:

+Always have your soul sense active unless expressly mentioned

+Always try to use your soul sense not only with sight and Attention, but with smell, hearing, taste.

+Always try to gather the emotional state of someone, and try to perceive it with your soul sense.

List: Going to bed.

+When going to bed, always take a bit to meditate, then call Amen and begin to do Soul Manipulation Exercise, having him monitor your progress and warning you if you are in danger to harm your Soul, body, or mind.

List: The Wake-Up Routine

+Wake up at 6am latest unless noted, and always begin your day by mediating, feeling your own soul, feeling your soulbrother's souls, trying to analyze them.

+Once that is done, stretch for a while, and note any important mistakes you or someone else in your entourage made the day before. A bit of dialog with you shadow's soul and Iron Trick and Silja would do you well.

+Then, prepare breakfast. You should, every morning, strive to prepare the best breakfast possible for you and Hillevi. If one of the Russian has a special mission that day, or Camella or Labombard are around, invite them.

+The breakfast you perpare should always have magical meats known for the same attribute as the morning's soul manipulation exercise. E.G, a magical beast known for strength if you practiced strengthening. You should also preferably use receipes.

+Prank someone else in the mansion. Every morning, this should be done, and not in a easily seen-through pattern.

All of this is regardless of other activities.
>>
No. 360808 ID: b1f0e2
File 131950936553.png - (12.20KB , 954x287 , Seating.png )
360808

Previously >>360487 and >>360795 but edited

Savoy sold his first born son to a devil... we are so tattling on him to his mother! (the queen and mafia boss who he had a falling out with who we don't want to upset at us killing him). Also the goblins might care to know that.

>Have amen implant knowledge in hilevi
SUST! He refused to tell us how much damage it causes and einrik approved LESSONS not having her mind messed with by a monster. Hire her mortal teachers, with money.

>Amen order:
"Amen, if a person who is drunk gives you an order, that order is to be ignored. For a human drunk means having a blood alcohol content higher then 0.04%. For me drunk means having a blood alcohol content higher then 0.04%. For my soul brothers drunk means having consuming any amount of weasel wine in the past 12 hours. You are not to alter that definition yourself or attempt to circumvent it. You shall not introduce alcohol directly into a being's body without explicit orders from your master to do so".

Beyond this, just in case, NEVER get drunk yourself in Amen's sphere of influence.

"Amen, consider my soul mirror (point to SB) and my soul brother (point at sake) as also being your masters."

>Drinking
Do not get drunk yourself, drink, but in moderation. After the first little bit place the cup or bottle against your lips but do not drink and have SB teleport some of it out of the cup/bottle into a nearby empty container or sink. it is important that you manipulate tonight's events.

>Getting hilevi drunk
Do not encourage her to drink, if she chooses to drink, do watch over her. Do not take advantage of her despite what some posters might want and make sure neither does anyone else in the house.

>"Okay, before we do anything-you are clear that all twenty behind me, Sake, Hillevi, all the soldiers-all of them are duly invited by me, your master, unto the premises, and are to be obeyed in absence of conflicting orders from myself. This also means you cannot initiate any action upon them of your own volition-and if you have pre-existing orders that would conflict with this, tell me now."
What were we thinking? We need to put some restrictions here!

First, "Amen, if any guest tries to make a deal from you, do not accept it and inform me of it."

Second, I am for ordering Amen to not take any orders from guests at all! only from us and our soul brothers whom we designated co-masters. "Amen, you are not to follow orders given to you by guests, only those given to you by your master"

However, if that is down-voted, at least put the following restrictions:
"When fulfilling orders given to you by a guest you may not harm nor alter in any way me, my soul brothers, or our guests.
"You will only obey guest orders that request that you perform specific approved tasks. Current approved tasks are to fetch an object which belongs to them and is within the mansion. Give them food or drink they request. rearrange furniture. And relay a message. If a task not on an approved list is requested you are to inform me"

>No magic can be learned without a bloodline for the magic to be founded on
"Amen, if no magic can be learned without a bloodline. Then what would Chakra manipulation be?" (I am hoping chakra belongs to a class of mystical things that aren't magic of which more things exist... like perhaps alchemy and other such neato things)

>Jadova's blood
"Amen, you just recovered the blood of jadova the blood mage from my guests at my order, preserve it for my own use at a time of my choosing"
"Further, tell me what season is her bloodline attuned to? What are the powers of her bloodline? Is she a human?"
"Using that blood, can you track her, affect her mind, affect her magic, or harm her?"

>Savoy
"Amen, if I acquire for you a sample of Savoy's blood. Could you track him, affect his mind, affect his magics, or harm him?"

>Master
"Amen, refer to me as Mr. L rather then master when we converse."
"If I contact you telepathically or via the phone and refer to you as Mr. A. then I am putting on a show for someone who might be listening. During such a conversation you are not to make statements that could be inferred as me being your master"

>As to improving your chakras-this one suggests using them, if improvement is sought.
Armas chakras were opened by amen, and set to stealth. Armas only used them for one thing. Establishing a telepathic link to amen, one that is not secure in that dragons and devils can listen in on it. It occurs to me that telepathy is fucking AEWSOME! TM. And armas should totally try to replicate this feat by repeating the process via which it was originally acquired, to the point of hopefully eventually being able to do it at well, as well as close such links. Armas should first try replicating it with sake if he is willing. This would require you to ingest a small sample of blood from his new body though; I see no reason why that would be a problem as you can actually trust each other. Do not attempt to do so with savoy's blood until you learn to close such links back, or make them one way (allowing you to spy on another). This should actually be easier to do this time around since you have sami bloodline.

>>360699 (was previously 360417)
>-EXPLORE THE MANSION!
Upvote. But only if you mean to do so tomorrow. Tonight we party with russians and make a good impression.
>Examine mammon device with new sense
Upvote! In fact, do so with the arrows from gunter, as well as the magic death bullets, and the two guns from the smets collection you told the goblins are not yours to trade (and whose true owners we still need to find and return them to)
>-The auction!
You know, we COULD auction it FOR borders blood, or steal borders blood and auction it for training in border manipulation from one of the clans.
There is so much we could do... HOWEVER. I do not think we should do that tonight. That is something to do tomorrow.

>Contact people
Camella, Arkvard, Ito and labombard you contact tonight; but meet with them tomorrow rather then having them join this party.
Mafia and Triads contact tomorrow during working hours. And on job offers we should angle for the merc company as a whole to do stuff, not just you alone. Which means more pay too.
We should sell the phoenix heart to lo fang before doing any other jobs.

>Weapon and equipment disposal
I don't feel this is a good idea. Just have amen check them for any tracking magic.
And if we do decide to get rid of them, sell them to the goblins for gold rather then outright destroying them.

>Buying dragonscale
I am not so sure about this. Turns out dragonscale (human made) is only useful against mundane threats. Its better to dodge magical ones and heavy armor limits that. We want to learn to craft magic armor to equip everyone. In fact, armas himself should trade from dragonscale to real armor.

>Magic fruit
Armas only benefits from magic meat. Its a cannibal goddess graft not vegetarian goddess. Just have a store that sells in bulk to restaurants give us necessary fruits and veggies.

>How about instead of going to town we arrange a house party? I mean, we have a huge luxurious mansion and I do not want another night of crazy shit and awful encounters again.
Upvoting. Going out is a recipe for disaster
>Order drinks, snacks and food.
Upvoting
>Hire a DJ and rent sound equipment.
SUST. Bad idea, I am sure someone in a group of 23 people can set that up if need be.
>Have Amen prepare the food and arrange for party (make sure he follows our orders with out hearts intent and nothing more).
SUST. Hell no. If need be hire mortal caterers. Ideally cook yourself with assistants.
>Hell, invite that Elf Chick and Vampire chick for good measure if they accept, that would be pretty fucking funny.
SUST. I don't think that is a good idea at all.

>>360448
Upvoted in full

>>360412
We are not letting the minions handle the mere or silja. Especially not when Whaitiri talks via the mere and silja talks to whomever touches her. Oh, and EATS anyone who touches something bloody to her (remember the troll heart we fed her and almost got eaten?). No seat for SB as we are trying to keep his existence a secret! No seats for silja or whaitiri either as we are trying to not advertise what they are. For someone supposedly so paranoid we are remarkably open with our secrets. We feed them ourselves discreetly later.

I included corrected seating arrangement. Einrik should be opposite from us if he can (that is, if he can make it back tonight). We shouldn't invite too many people, focus on the russians tonight.

Furthermore, do not let amen cook. Cook yourself along with some sous chefs picked from the Russians. Do not limit people in what they can have. Everyone should get access to kelpie crisps. Rare magical hearts should not be served during the meal, only more common magical and mundane meats. Some veggies from bulk grocers are welcome as well.. Ask all your guests if they have any food allergies or special dietary needs. Camella would get her still beating magic heart later. Share war stories.
>>
No. 360885 ID: d97a61
 

[Wait till cue for song]

>>360367
Discounted at poster's request

>>360374
>>360387
>>360389
>>360399
>>360412
>>360448
>>360786
>>360795
>>360806
Armas will be automatically making note of soul shenanigans as he observes them, and should he not comment on soul happenings, it will be because a known soul had no change that he saw, or because a new soul is so blandly mundane that he saw no point in concretely defining it within his own head. Just putting that here so that people are aware.
>>360480
>>360515
I decide I'll be talking with Amen a bit more first-just reading off my list like that still left some... points of contention and interest.
"Amen, if any of the prisoners you took still has his or her soul, and is currently under your control, move him or her to a secure location where he or she will not be found. Keep him or her alive until such a time as I require him or her. This relates to the devil I mentioned earlier. If no such prisoners meet that requirement, and if it is safe for you to tell me as per our previous conversation regarding these prisoners, tell me so."
Amen stands still for a but a moment... that normal tidy smile not present. In but a moment the creature is bowing obsequiously to me, a respectful response springing to its lips.
>[Amen]"This one hears... and obeys."
And says nothing more.
"Additionally, the next prisoner you take is to be held in isolation, and kept alive and comfortable. Strip him or her of any tools, weapons, or other artifacts mundane or magical, and then alert me before taking any further action beyond restraint and material goods deprivation."
>[Amen]"Once, once once more, this one hears... and obeys."
"I have new orders regarding orders from guests. Do not take aggressive action against any guest at the direction of another guest. If such an order is given, tell me and await further orders from me."
>[Amen]"Understood."
"Do not allow guests to steal from my accounts, my cash, my valuables, or any such that are associated with this estate. Beyond this restraint, guests should have their needs met through measures equal to that which a five star hotel would provide as complimentary items, were such a hotel stocked similarly to the household. If guests require items not available in the household or which are beyond the scope of what the rhetorical hotel would provide alert me to their requirements."
>[Amen]"Then this one must note the house will require a great deal more body soap, shampoo, shaving accoutrements, towels, toilet paper, mouthwash, toothpaste and toothbrushes to start, as well as eleven additional televisions to allow each room one. Beyond that master would have to clarify which five star hotel's amenities this one is to be comparing against."
>"Smug bastard."
"That should suffice to start. Provide civilian clothes of appropriate fit and modern style to each of the guests who will be staying overnight, with the specific styles being chosen to make the wearer not stand out in an average crowd in Istanbul. Provide them with three changes of clothing for now, including underwear, socks, and a pair of sneakers. Provide each overnight guest with a formal outfit appropriate for a party tonight as well, including appropriate shoes and undergarments. Individualize the formal wear. Let me know if there are any complaints, and tell me what items we are low or out of which a guest could require and which would reasonably be provided as complimentary per the aforementioned rhetorical five star hotel model I established."
>[Amen]"This one is to dip into the house stock of fabrication materials to provide aforementioned fitted clothing particulars? Elsewise this one might have to get creative in what the clothes are made of."
"No, I think in this case you get permission to use whatever fabric Smets or others had stored here-but only insofar as to provide these clothes."
>[Amen]"This one hears and obeys, obeys, obeys."
"I... suppose that's all for now."

I call Einrik after dismissing Amen, a quick peak with my soul-sensing showing the Russians in no way anxious for my presence, to enthralled with fine liquor and ostentatious accomodations. The number goes straight to voicemail-with a message that starts with my name.
>[EV][In Finnish]"Armas I assumed you would call-I'm completely occupied for at a guess the next three days-I have an overdue errand that needs tending to, and can't delay any more. I'll call you when things are wrapped up."
Oookay then-impulsively I dial the number I got from Hafaz, wondering if this might be the time to go all in and try to honestly get a PMC going-
For the number to not work. ...Error message sounds like he disconnected the phone.
>"Well this isn't going very well is it?"
I figure I can't get it wrong three times in a row, and call my favorite unofficial uncle Arkvad-who actually picks up.
"Hey Arkvad, I'm back in town, what do you-"
Music thumps in the background as the old man shouts at me.
>[AS]"EH? NOT NOW LAD, THE DISTRICT MANAGER CAN'T KEEP UP WITH ME FOR MUCH LONGER I'M SURE OF-YOU TAKE THAT SHOT LIKE A MAN YOU HEAR ME!? I HAVE TO GO."
*click*
>"Ha-HAH!"
Shut it-dialing Camella-who picks up after a dozen rings, right when I'm thinking of hanging up.
>[Camella]"...Who is this?"
"Oh Camella hey I'm back in town so-"
>[Camella]"YOU-you are what?"
I whistle her a little ditty.
[PLAY SONG]
>[Camella]"...."
"What, no love for Thin Lizz-"
>[Camella]"I know perfectly well what the band is-so you're just back, no warning?"
"Well to be honest I've got enough enemies you can't really argue the tactical soundness of an unannounced return."
>[Camella]"You could have told me at the least-you could have called and-"
"Is your phone inbuilt with encryption?"
>[Camella]"...Damned civilian piece of shit that it is, no. ...Fine, you're forgiven. Did you just get back? Of course right after Hafaz and the rest say they're off on a job for some insurance company-and no I don't have details."
"Yup-Actually you're the first person I've called and spoken to about returning with. So cut me some slack here, come on."
>[Camella]"Oh? And so why did you call me-was it just to say you were back?"
"No actually very, very long story short I'm throwing a party and have some pretty interesting things I'd like to tell you."
There is a long silence on the other end of the line-I missed something, I think.
>[Camella]"I'm... still getting used to my new leg-Oh, did you know about that? Hafaz said you knew I was injured, but-well, it's... difficult, getting used to what Go Ping helped me get. Incidentally, whichever of us kills Blackbeard, Go Ping's getting five million-and you get no say in this."
"Is there anything you need? I-"
>[Camella]"Really? Pretend sympathy and empathy from you? I'll pass, thank you. I'll survive-but you definitely need to meet with me so we can talk about your trip-I already don't like the little I've heard about it."
"Well where are you now?"
>[Camella]"At Ito's. I get room and board for helping teach, and helping him with his bookkeeping. It takes up little enough of my time I can't complain."
"Well I will make a point of visiting you soon then."
>[Camella]"You had better."
*click*
...Was that a flirtatious lilt to her wording, or am I delusional?
>"Couldn't have been-you're mad, big surprise."

Well then-three more numbers to call, while I'm still in one of my rare 'getting-shit-done' moments.
>[Ito][In English]"Ito's Gym, who is this?"
"Ah, I was missing that cutting tone-how are you Ito?"
>[Ito]"Laine? Where have you been?"
"I went on a little trip, nothing much-and actually, two things: I think I could really use another look at my chakras, and I may have found you a dozen plus students of a military background you may enjoy training-obviously as paying gym members."
>[Ito]"You know I like teaching those serious about their craft most of all-when can a meeting happen? When can you come in? No promise until then."
"Honestly? It could happen right now, but I just got back-so how about tomorrow?"
>[Ito]"Come over in the afternoon-shouldn't be too busy."
"Will do-oh, final question here: Do you know any Hojutsu?"
>[Ito]"Yes."
*click*
Well well well.
Next, Labombard.
He picks up without answering.
"So, guess who's calling from a secure line in a secure location AND back in Istanbul?"
>[Labombard]"The American Asshole is back-magnifique! Well, since you said what needed saying, let me answer with this-what I have to say is best said face to face-you can meet me at the docks tomorrow morning-I shall be around our mutual friends. I do not think I shall be hard to find, non?"
"I'll see you tomorrow then."
>[Labombard]"Yes, I have the feeling I shall be... surprised as much as you, haha"
*click*
Last call for now-to the Professor most insistent to meet me I'm midway into a voice message when he picks up the phone.
>[Jagda]"YOU-you called again, did you? Am I to take it then-"
"Yes, I am back in the neighborhood."
>[Jagda]"Then I'll tell you this: If you want your translation, you need to cook for me a meal from the book if you want me to believe this isn't some hoax and an immense waste of my time. I've thought about it, and I shall not budge on it."
His tone is practically oozing challenge... heh, he thinks he's calling my bluff.
"I would be HONORED to cook for you tomorrow-how would a seafood dinner be? I'm quite happy with how I do at the Kelpie Crisp recipe."
I can hear the sound of shuffling pages as the professor mutters for a while, then finally speaks clearly.
>[Jagda]"...Yes, so long as you can convince me what you make is actually what you named. Tomorrow at six, then."
*click*
Man-lot of people hanging up on me today.
>"Might have something to do with your behavior."
>[Iron Trick]"Your soul brother may be on to something-and I checked, yon rifle seems to still be sulking pretty solidly-I wouldn't bug her."


WELL. Calls wrapped up. Took me a few minutes-but hey, I got an AMAZING itinerary for tomorrow- morning meeting with a major player in the local mercenary scene, a noon meeting with the slider italian I'd provided room and board to for a time, an afternoon meeting to improve a local business I know the owner of and give my impending colleagues a great place to practice, and then in the evening a bit of cooking and a meeting with a professor that has a book I want most dearly, painstakingly translated. I can hardly wait-and that's with a party before me.

I make my way back to the common area, and round up Boris, who's quite happy at the prospect of cooking in this place's kitchen (the very location I found him, marveling at the immaculate, overly minimalistic and obviously expensive machinery). I ask if anyone else among them cooks much who'd like to help us-and find out that Zhenya shares Boris' passion for cooking, if not his skill. Soon enough, the three of us are working on a massive set of stew, seasonings that appeared from both soldier's packs joining the meet and the mushrooms Amen provided from the pantry and a healthy helping of vodka, both personal and culinary. It seems I'm not the only one that likes cooking drunk.

It doesn't take long for us to devolve into loudly yelling across the house as the others get more impatient for food-Hillevi, of all people, becoming the loudest. I mean yeah she's the biggest-but come on. Finally we finish an Armas Approved (Tm) stew bolstered with more than a bit of magical meat-and serve to an already sauced group (Hillevi herself having two largely empty vodka bottles tucked in her shirt with a dangerous lack of drunkenness to her) and all set in with a vengeance. Even Sake joins in, practically rolling in the tactile sense of eating again. Not a one of us is polite, or all that clean-we feast, and no denying it. The fact none of us give one another shit for it makes it golden.

Soon enough though... ideas start occurring. For instance, I decide to ask if anyone has an objection to picking up two languages instantly, and just becoming fluent overnight. Everyone thinks that's a fucking awesome idea. So it is we call Amen in, and I explain how that shit works-that I can have him just implant knowledge of English and Turkish into everyone's heads (omitting all the other wonderful things he can do) and all we have to do to keep it safe is give him specific enough orders he can't obey them and NOT make it safe. Pretty soon the military mindset conjoins with drunken greed and focus-nearly an hour passes as the Russians bombard Amen with questions about possible repercussions to the spellwork-all the while drinking even more. Finally even Creep is satisfied-and with a bark from Matvey, all finish downing their respective bottles and ask me to have Amen do its thing.

So it is that, on a drunken initiative, I made Hillevi and eighteen Russians fluent in English and Russian with the help of a Blood Construct made out of hate that is disturbingly helpful.

Fun times!

From there, the party quickly becomes insane as not a one of them fails to liberally experiment with their newfound verbal prowess-all of them swiftly devolving to laughing as they curse in what were once foreign tongues as the night parties on.

>>360410
Hey. Hey you. This post is just up and downvotes. That means right now I should be increasing Armas' negative traits. I'm not this time-but man, it's not cool to fuck over all the other players because you don't want to follow the rules. Are you an uncool dude? Because that's what this post shows-that you be a square, son. Either include this WITH your meaningful posts, make new actual suggestions to pair with the up/downvotes, or just don't do it.

>>360699
Posters-specifically, in this case, Dkay / 81f32a, but this applies to everyone else as a preventative measure: There is something wrong if your posts of suggestions are repeatedly LONGER than the updates of a TEXT QUEST. In addition, when you post multiple divergent suggestions (say, eating a sandwhich at the Asitane, and also meeting with Lo Fang out at the docks) your odds of having your suggestions followed plummet drastically because there's only so much that can happen with a semblance of story flow in a given update. Also if you're using double-space breaks more often than I am, a dude that admittedly overuses them-that is also a problem. Also it's not REQUIRED to comment on as many other poster's suggestions as you can, nor in fact is it recommended-just pick the ones you support or disagree with the most strongly. Easy rule of thumb: check your post before you make it, if it will be LONGER than the update, probably not a good idea to post it without paring it down. Hopefully that's the last rant I do haha who am I kidding. No but seriously.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5th, 2011
WARNING: WAYWARD WEDNESDAY
-AMEN FREES UP FUNDS
FUNDS: $97,210.22
CASH: $4,270.00
SHADOW PATIENCE: 95%

I wake up bright and early, before dawn has broken, happy that hangovers require far more effort to acquire now. I get up, not all that surprised I was sprawled naked on the master bed, mentally call for Amen, in my morning fugue asking not where my clothes were-but simply for some clothing. While it brings me the eye patch that I promptly don and feel quite snug, it's not until he's halfway through smoothly helping me dress that I realize what I'm wearing.

A burgundy satin two piece clearly cut specifically for my figure, complicated, srimshaw-reminiscent patterns woven into the stitches, complete with a rose pink silk shirt and a golden orange tie made of actual cloth of gold, unless I'm mistaking the gleam and weight-but I'm pretty sure I know gold.

>"For once you are dressing appropriately"

I find myself looking at the visibly expensive suit as Amen tidily clips platinum, diamond-studded cufflinks to my sleeves. I haven't.... ever really worn an expensive suit. Stupid as it is, a small part of me almost feels like I shouldn't be wearing it, like I'm not allowed.

Then again fuck that, I got a mansion and minions-that DEFINITELY qualifies me for expensive suits!

I decide to call... a different number as dawn begins to break, after assuring myself these clothes weren't inadvertent cursed objects from my servant.
I call the contact number Einrik gave me for a Chakra master-and unsurprisingly, get voicemail.
Specifically, one of the Afghani languages... Pashto, I think it was? I can recognize it... but I don't understand it. ...Ahmed, Hafaz and Shaya though-they should know. I'll have to ask them next I see them.

I turn to Amen in this moment before the others begin to wake, ever more questions coming to mind.

"Amen, can you tell me who the intruders were and if I ask can I tell you to stop doing to them whatever it is you are doing and decide their fate myself?"
>[Amen]"No."
"Could we have different kind of telepathic conversation which is harmless to me?"
>[Amen]"Not without it being of equivalent speed to verbal communication and thus in no way superior from a magical standpoint, as it would be easily detected."
"Those rituals you mentioned: I am interested in them. Tell me 5 most useful and interesting rituals which you can teach me"
Amen's smile does NOT make me too pleased with thinking of that question.

So it is that for the next ten minutes, Amen meticulously teaches me of five rituals, not a one of which requires a specific bloodline, or indeed anything that one can't... acquire. The problem... is their contents.
-I learn a ritual using my blood and that of a foe's used as fuel for a ritual fire to bring the agony of burning to a foe until such time the fire dies down. The pain alone is transmitted-no wounds are incurred, however the pain is sufficient that an appreciable number of mundanes subjected to this working died from the agony alone. [TORTURE RITUAL GAINED]
-I learned a ritual to use a bit of my own brain matter-even the smallest sliver-along with someone else's blood to create a potion that, if the blood-contributor is made to drink, will irrevokably drive them mad, casting their mind into the realm of the Elder gods. [INSANITY RITUAL GAINED]
-I learned a ritual to take the reproductive organs of a foe along with my blood and kill all those that come after the contributor's generation-not just their own children, but their sibling's children, their cousin's children-everyone with a blood relation a generation below. [FAMILY CURSE RITUAL GAINED]
-I learned another torture spell, this one uses vitreous fluids from the eye-mine, specifically-in conjunction with my blood and spinal fluid to create a curse of fear-fueled agony with any organic material from the foe as an anchor. In my case, Amen estimates it would manifest as the target thinking they were being consumed alive. [TORTURE RITUAL GAINED]
-Lastly, I learn a ritual I know I should not know. For a piece of my soul, along with a sample of each of my organs as well as my blood, I can lay a curse on a restrained target that will slowly unravel their soul, and permanently kill them. I'd need a target to be completely immobilized for hours for this to work-but nevertheless I know it now, from merely a few words of Amen's. [TORTURE RITUAL GAINED]

I refuse to let myself be daunted by the depravity of what Amen just so casually taught me.
"Amen, what can you do with Jidkova's blood that could be useful to me?"
>[Amen]"This one respectfully suggests a shorter answer would involve what this one could NOT do with the girl's blood."
"Amen, if I provide you with written, audio and visual materials concerning the language learning could you learn new languages and update or improve the ones you know already? Could you then memory-graft them to me after you learn them?"
>[Amen]"This one is... most restricted in how this one is allowed to view new information. This one cautions master about attempting to... teach this one."
"Amen, I know that your powers are restricted to the area of this mansion but how far are you powers restricted in vertical axis? How deep and how far above can you exercise them? Can you make new floors upwards and/or new subterranean floors?"
>[Amen]"Why yes, this one has no vertical restrictions-and yes, this one could craft more floors, rooms or basements, as desired."

Right as I'm getting ready to start exploring the house before the others wake-I feel Attention settle on me, and identify the individual as Creep from his soul before I turn around.

"What is it Gloom?"
>[Creep][In Turkish]"Still... getting used to switching tongues. Your phone was called, and woke me-having been left near where I slept-here."
I turn my one eye back as I catch the tossed satellite phone, and promptly listen to the message

>[Hafaz]"I hope you get this message soon-and I don't even care how smug you are about it. Armas-I, no, we need a favor, a big, big favor right now-or ah, you might not have any sparring partners. Oh christ, I hope that file was right and he's home. Look... I don't care what we end up owing you, anything's better than the alternative-just get here!"
He rattles off an address as I hear dim shouting and... gunfire? In the background.
>[Hafaz]"Took a job for some local company-just a front, it was a setup, Blackbeard-"
There's a mass of sudden noise-and the message ends.
I look at the phone-the message was left two minutes ago-and the address is eleven blocks away.









What does this mean for my planned day?
>>
No. 360888 ID: b57910

>BLACKBEARD<

Shitfuck! Your friends are in trouble. Well, there's any number of ways to handle this.

PLAN A: Go there yourself with Hillevi, extraction only. Pull Hafaz and anyone else you can from the problem. This operation will teach Hillevi more about modern ops, and teach her more restraint.

Oh, and they'll owe you. Not much, though.

PLAN B: Send your boys. Hafaz might not trust them, however, so this plan is as maybe. Again, extraction only.

PLAN C: EVERYONE goes. No extraction, just murder. Deck yourself to the nines in weaponry, ammo, and the like. The boys will be equipped with what they have. I leave more detailed planning to the others.

PLAN D: Don't go. I don't like this. At all. Friends are in trouble and friends are the greatest resource. Connections, man. You could call SM and offer him something to extract Hafaz and the boys from danger at said address and deliver them to your doorstep.

If you take any of the options that involve yourself, call Camella and tell her you'll be late - Hafaz needs help with Blackbeard, and you'll be extracting/killing.

Remember, guys, while we have new power, BB is a rogue element. We have little knowledge of how he works, his tactics, or his current loadout.

BE CAREFUL.
>>
No. 360902 ID: e74c30

Just a note. When is the meeting with Labombard? He is expected in the morning, but how much leeway is there? Where in relation with the address given? Of all of the planned meetings today, that one has the greatest repercussions if Armas doesn't show.
This is a great chance for Armas, but a minute or two of planning could be the difference between offing Blackbeard and just barely making the meeting, missing the meeting but beating Blackbeard, or letting this opportunity slip from his fingers.
If possible Armas should rouse the Russians and head off to assist Hafaz with Hillevi, with the Russians preparing to give backup, but make every effort to make his morning meeting, even if it means letting Blackbeard live another day.
>>
No. 360930 ID: 41fb6c

Capsicum has no capsaicin in it, so that's pretty dumb.
>>
No. 360953 ID: 17ba2e

we must take the russians with us
>>
No. 360963 ID: b1f0e2

Call Camella, Go Ping, & Labombard on the way there, tell them you found blackbeard and give them the address to join in on the fight.

>>360911
It's capsaicin... and yes, do get 100% capsaicin powder from amen for SB to blast blackbeard in the face with (pepper-spray is 10%). (you can remember to order some online in the future)

>>360953
>Bring russians
SUST
1. They are unaugmented humans
2. We haven't practiced unit cohesion with them yet.
3. Blackbeard is too tough to put them against unprepared (with doonie we will have an actual PLAN), as in took camella's leg tough
4. They aren't our employees yet, we organized no pay structure yet (salary + combat bonuses is standard), and they are less likely to sign up to work FOR us if each snagged over a million dollars share of bounty.
5. If we kill blackbeard we will owe 5 millions to Go Ping (or screw camella), with so many people our share will not cover it.

We go fight him now, go to our meetings later, and then try to actually recruit them.
>>
No. 360982 ID: 991866

Ok, don't panic, you can do this. Be calm and collected - you're used to keeping your head when blindsided or shocked.

First, give Amen revised orders.

As you did for the SWT police outfit, order him to switch your outfit for a copy of the one you were wearing, including armour, helmet and mask, when you very first entered the mansion.

Have him bring you any of your standard weapon load out not in the room to you, along with any spare ammo.

Have him bring you a water bottle filled with basilisk blood and a pound of boar liver from your fridge, without making any changes to them, and an opaque 100ml bottle containing pure very finely powdered capsaicin (active ingredient in pepper spray, usually used in low concentration).

Write a note saying, "Gone for a morning run.". Tell Amen to leave a copy in the communal areas where it will be seen.

See if you can talk to Sake mentally, and ask him to either join us here or meet him there. If not, as Amen if (s)he is in the mansion, unless he is in your room. If so, move the exit for your room to where he is, go there, brief him, and return to your room.

Gear up with your weapons. Take the mere, the Taste of Ruin, the Matebas, and Iron Trick. Silja is sulking and isn't idea for use against mundane humans yet. Tell Amen not to talk to her, and say to Silja, "Sorry to bother you, but I'll be back soon."

Then, have him change the exit of your room to be into the room leading to the sewers.

Then sending SB off ahead to scout (hopefully he can continue to telepathically communicate when doing so, if not he'll have to move back and forth). The tunnels should be safe, as we bargained with the goblins for safe passage, but stay wary. As you run, wolf down the pound of magical boar liver, but retain the blood for later.

When we arrive, take a second to catch your breath, and have SB take a look around, given the time of year and day, their should be plenty of shadows - the street lights will be off and the sun just risen.

Provisional plan which should not be executed until, is that SB should assess for chances of succeeding and how to achieve it, is this: when briefed, pop a manhole cover in a location with cover, ideally one where Blackbeard is within 50 feet and in shadow. Then have SB teleport a quarter of the capsaicin on his face, and line up to take a shot with the buntline.

However, do not execute the provisional plan until you have had chance to review the situation. Then, modify the plan based on the terrain, combatants, and generally what is going on.
>>
No. 360996 ID: 81f32a
File 131957573359.jpg - (60.64KB , 492x348 , WHY AMEN.jpg )
360996

But I like making huge posts.
Come on man. We can't discuss suggestions, we can't multi-post, we can't just post a suggestion with only upvote/downvote, we can't post incomprehensible ramblings which have nothing to do with anything and now we can't post huge as fuck posts? D:

And what's wrong with double spacing? It makes reading easier
Alright, I understand why you wouldn't like such huge ramblings.
Also, I was kinda hoping you would spare us random encounters and that this update would cover at least half a week, hence so many tasks.


>DEM RITUALS D:

Perhaps I shouldn't have looked how deep the rabbit hole goes.
On the other hand, that was good information and I refuse to believe Armas finds it unsettling.
"Armas, how long will it take me to enact those rituals?"

>[Amen]"Not without it being of equivalent speed to verbal communication and thus in no way superior from a magical standpoint, as it would be easily detected."
This is not bad actually. We can have all the non-urgent conversation through the safe telepathy. Like asking questions and giving orders while we are going somewhere.
I suggest that unless we are in dangerous company and/or in combat, we use safe telepathy.

>What does this mean for my planned day?

First of all, claim Goblin lessons in NN. 10 hours of stalking, 10 hours of traps, 1-5 hours of stealth.
The great thing about NN training that it will not make us tired, hungry or sleepy while in the real world we wont lose even a minute if we spend an entire day training.
As I remember, we can ask for more specific lessons in the category we chose to train in (like when we took item enchanting lessons and focused on Item Sensing), so when taking lessons in traps ask to focus on trap detection and disarmament. We know that Blackbeard fucking loves traps. I do not doubt even for a moment that he expects someone come to aid to Hafaz&Co. His extensive trap placing ability and skill is one of the big reasons why he is so successful. THERE WILL BE TRAPS

How much time we spend on additional stealth training depends: first we spend 1 hour with SM, he will re-asses us, see how our recent experiences and power accusition has helped us and iron-out some mistakes we make. The other 1-4 hours of training is only if he feels that now that we got new powers (Mainly Sami but also Shadowbro), our stealth plateau has risen and he can teach us more.
Another thing, when training in trap detection and stalking ask them to give you at least 50% of the training with Blackbeard in mind.

Also have Shadowbro claim his tutelage right now.
We are going against a very, very fucking dangerous foe. We need all the power we can muster. Since the training is done in NN, there is no any reason or whatsoever to postpone it.


Ask Amen.
"Amen, do you have..... vehicle crafting abilities?" If so, tell him to construct an fully working ATC of the highest quality.
If not ask
"Does this Mansion have a garage? Did Smets own automobiles? If so and kind and where are they? [if there are] Make them available to me." [I have hard time believing that Smets did not have cars (specifically, armored Limo] since a car with completely blackened-out windows would be great for a Vampire to move around during the day. And I always imagined the garage to be on the first subterranean floor]
If there are no vehicles then highjack the first parked car by having Shadowbro unlock the mechanisms and start it up. Make sure to do it stealthily though.

"Amen, is there an armory with weapons and combat gear stored for function and practical use in the mansion? If so, if there are any grenades and/or flash bangs, transport a dozen of each to me. If not, transport Grisha's bandolier full of grenades to me. Do not make any adjustments to the equipment you are transporting"

Take Hillevi and Sake with us. Take AA-12, Iron Trick, Keihas (yes, we are not leaving our best possible weapon no matter how sad it is) and Matebas. Put Matebas immediately into Dark, also put all a crate of extra ammunition into the Dark if possible.
Bring Hillevi up-to-date with what we know of BB. She should take this threat very, very, very seriously. Make sure she understands.
Tell Sake to be ready to catch or at least re-direct massive bullets.

We should aim to immobilize BB with the Buntline by shooting his shadow, then unleash hail of bullets with the rest of our guns.

>[Amen]"Why yes, this one has no vertical restrictions-and yes, this one could craft more floors, rooms or basements, as desired."
>the address is eleven blocks away.
It seems to me that Amen could observe from very high vantage point and relay the information to us. Like a spy-satellite of sorts.

Call Labombard when riding/going to the combat area.
"Paul-Jacques, I must postpone our meeting. Before you say anything, the reason is Blackbeard. If you are interested in this matter tell me quickly, otherwise I have to hurry."
If he is, tell him the address and more in-depth information.

Call Camella and tell her what is happening. I bet she is interested. Tell her that you suspect that BB might have set up a trap to lure us in.

>>360982
>As you did for the SWT police outfit, order him to switch your outdit for a copy of the one you were wearing, including armour, helmet and mask, when you very firdt entered the mansion.
What? Oh come on, and miss the chance to turn up in (hopefully) a limo, wearing a ridiculously luxurious 50k$+ suit and going "Come on guys, I was busy"?
Besides, modern armor does probably jack-shit against Blackbeards ridiculously over-powered rifle. If you want to conceal the weapons when traveling around the town just ask Amen to provide you with guitar case or something to put our weapons in.
I know this is irrational but man, trollish dicking in middle of life or death situation?

Hell, if we take Hillevi with us, we could tell Amen to give her clothing with matches ours. Imagine the their looks. Hahaha, I almost want us to risk death for this.

Anyway, if you are really set to changing our attire, I suggest we ask Amen to give us clothing that will give us maximum stealth advantage.

>Silja is sulking and isn't idea for use against mundane humans yet.
Oh, I do not think she will have any problem being used against a person who is know to use little children as body-shields.
Hmm, if we are going to use Keihas, rub our blood over the bayonet so that Silja can see. I have a hunch that if Silja can see the outside world and in turn the opponents we are facing, her accuracy will improve. And any bit of extra accuracy helps.
Just make sure to warn her first.

>>360888
>>360902
>>360953
>>360966
SUST on any plans which involve taking Russians for the reasons that MrTT outlined plus take into consideration that BB is a fucking monster. He survived a concentrated ambush set on him by Hafaz&Co and fucking Camella (a rape-train that keeps on raping). They knew exactly what they were up against, they are all professionals and they hand prepared before hand.
If we send the Russians, we run into considerable risk losing several of them and that would plain suck.
>>
No. 360999 ID: c0d5c1

>>360996
SUSTING EVERYTHING.
Especially asking Amen for more info on those rituals.
Also, asking for training from SM on stalking/sneaking/Moving silently is useless right now- we have peak human, and we'll remember more as we use it with magic.

None of those other trainings are useful right now, except for SB.

>>360990 capsaicin plan of Alratan
Upvote, but make SURE you take Sake with you. Hafaz or someone else might be hurt, and being able to fly for enhanced stealth, or even just moving stuff around for crowd control, might be invaluable.

Now, on the way, SMS Labombard with “may be late, Blackbeard attacking friend at 'location', don't call.”, and then call Camella. She hates that guy's guts, after all.

Ask SB if he can eat someone's shadow, and what it would do to him. Also, ask him if he can uses the Spirit mere on someone or his shadow, and ask him if he can hold a gun and fire. A Combination of AA-12 with conceptualizing every pellets as different entities and the buntline Pinning trick could be very, very effective.

Now, ask Sake if he can uses his wind power to make you fly- and if you can direct him by thought. If you can't, using him for 3-dimensional stealth should be quite hard.

When you are near under Blackbeard, DON'T go and use the capsaicin immediately. Instead, have SB scounting for any explosives or trap he might find, and disarm them first.

Remember, it's Blackbeard's MO to use as much cruelty and force as possible.

Now, let's get to planning, and getting Sake, Iron Trick, and SB's input on various plans depending on SB's scouting:

Then, if SB can do it, have him stealthily open the sewer gate, and use the capsaicin. You could have enough time to hit him with the Buntline 'Pining' trick via his shadow, and then use the AA-12 buckshot to take off his charms quickly.

After all, each single pellet of a Buckshot are independent and count as on DIFFERENT shot- be sure to convince yourself of that.

Now, if you can't manage to pin him with buntline, still try to switch to AA-12, but have both SB and Sake try to distract him with crowd control-throw stuff at his head at slower velocity, have SB try to stab him with spirit mere, and so on.

If Blackbeard happens to have hostages that would be hurt by the capsaicin, especially if they are children, try to have Sake use his wind power to throw things at him- but without giving away where the wind is coming from. The goal would be to seperate him from the hostages. Hell, he could try to use his power on the hostage to take them away and shield them, which would leave SB free for capsaicin.

If capsaicin doesn't work, have Both SB and Sake distract him and trying to attract him somewhere away from sewer entrance, and Stealthily move in.

Remember Armas can also 'quieten' his presence upon the world, and should this to his advantage, not just sneaking.

Alternatively, we could, while the capsaicin is having effect, have Armas be lifted by Sake and use our Sneaking abilities, as well as Stalking and Moving Silently, to fly in his blind angles and fire at him from the air.

SB and Sake should try and seperate his weapons from him, particularly his Big Gun.

If Sake, SB or Buntline can't pin him, think about using your SotG on him with your mere, integrating your gifted memories from Einrik into this.

Of course, we'd first need to close up to melee, but Sake/SB should be able to provide enough of a distraction for our stealth ability to come into play here.

In this case, have Sake heal Hafaz and co if they need it, and then his job would be too make him unable to give his all in the fight, as well as help us parry his hits with his wind.

SB would alternate between attacking Blackbeard or his shadow directly with spirit mere and other tricks, and simply boosting our speed.


>>360963

Yes, Don't take the Russians right now.

>>360966

Good way to notice Blackbear and others.
>>
No. 361000 ID: f8aa66
File 131957730142.jpg - (253.89KB , 1568x2184 , blackbeard11.jpg )
361000

Forgot I had old Blackbeard art saved for just such an occasion.

Yeah, we're going in. For that file- and Hafaz, I guess. If we're lucky, we'll know a way through the sewers to that location. If not, well...

Throw your trenchcoat on (Blackbeard's rifle will perforate anything we wear, might as well stay stylish) and hit the bricks. Tell Creep to gather up the guys and head towards the address, it's the Ramidreju all over again; friends of ours are pinned down by the mercenary Blackbeard, we'll head in first and take a look around. Tell them the lay of the land and give them a good entry point; we'll probably need an extraction.

If Sake thinks he's fast enough to deflect a sniper rifle round from hundreds of yards away, we'll take him with us as point defense. If not, he's free to do his own thing (best not to show all our trumps).

Give Lammy a call - let him know he can either meet us up at this address to crash a party (Blackbeard is an inconsiderate host that way), or else we'll probably be running late. Apologies.

When we get there, remember we don't need to SEE people to feel their soul. See how far we can stretch the new senses - we know Hafaz and the boys reasonably well, we might be able to pick out their souls from among the rest. And if we can find a soul that... well, feels like how we imagine our own soul would feel, that's probably Blackbeard.

Actually, I think we should call each person we were supposed to meet as and when Wayward Wednesday kicks us in the balls at that time. Morning - "Sorry Lammy, fighting Blackbeard to the death." Noon - "Sorry Camella, hanging from a skyscraper. What do you mean 'how am I holding the cellphone'?" Afternoon - "Sorry Ito, just got tossed through a plate-glass window, don't think I'm gonna be able to make it. ... Well, you could at least pretend to be disappointed."

Show up at dinner with the Prof, wearing shreds of our boss clothing, covered in scratches like we went skinny dipping in the polar bear enclosure at the zoo.

"Just been one of those days, man."

>>360902
I'd sooner back Hillevi against Doony than Blackbeard, really. She's familiar with fighting monsters, not high-tech modern weaponry. Make her stay with the russians.

Dkay - we're at the peak human limit on stalking, hiding and moving silently. Traps are fine. Enchanting (with a focus on permanent charms) would be swell. Shadowbro, why not. I don't think now's a great time to go bug SM, but if we do, focus on other things than goblinic stealth, says I.
>>
No. 361008 ID: 69414b

Ask SM to transport GatMalite and ammo from our storage. While we will probably not use it, giving it to an ally so that they can provide some heavy suppersing fire with it would be really useful.


We need to inform Labombard and Camella then hurry to the destination point.
Naturally Sake comes with us. A vehicle would be great here. Do we even know if the house has a garage? We should look into it.

I see no problem with taking urgent goblin lessons. With Nevernevrer, we do not lose any time on it. Except I would suggest first spending an hour with SM so that he can re-evaluate our stealth abilities and only afterwards taking extra lessons in stalking/stealth if SM thinks we can learn more with our new abilities.
Trap lessons are a must though, so is Shadowbro training.
>>
No. 361013 ID: b0f0bd

Emphasis should be on driving Blackbeard off, or even just distracting him for long enough to get the friendlies the hell out of dodge. Afterwards . . . well, he's bound to have left some recoverable hair or blood lying about somewhere along the line, and one of Amen's rituals - even if it doesn't destroy his mind completely - will take him out of the picture for some time, right?
>>
No. 361094 ID: 3fd4fb

>>360885
>What does this mean for my planned day?
It means that we'll need to push back our plans a bit. Highest priority right now is extracting Hafaz&Co.

Emphasis on extract. All we need to do is get them out alive. Engaging their enemies when those enemies prepared the situation and are obviously competent would be foolish. In fact, it would be preferable that those enemies never know that we're involved at all, only that Hafaz and friends somehow managed to slip through their fingers. Tipping our hand about Sake, Hillevi, or the Russians right now would be foolish, since we'd be engaging at a huge disadvantage and unable to use them decisively.

Recommended steps:
-Have Amen switch out our clothing for combat gear and armament. Leave Silja behind.
-Contact Sometimes Merchant. Purchase information regarding all combatants and traps in the conflict ongoing around the address Hafaz stated, in the form of live updates to be given to us for one hour or until the end of the conflict. Goblin scouting should make this far easier to accomplish. Of course, he'll charge for it- but we can bill it to Hafaz and Co., since they just told us that they don't care what they end up owing. Sometimes Merchant will likely be more than willing to allow us to promise to negotiate on their behalf following their extraction when he hears that they sent us a blank check.
-Get to the conflict as quickly as possible. Leave all others behind so as not to reveal our assets. Remain unseen.
-Depending upon the information Sometimes Merchant gives us, either slaughter the enemy or attempt to extract the friendlies in whatever direction the enemy isn't.
-Get Hafaz and friends out of sight of the enemy and then down the nearest sewer, at which point we all move away from the conflict zone and subsequently settle accounts with Sometimes Merchant.


If all goes well, we won't even need to delay our meeting with Labombard.
>>
No. 361116 ID: d97a61

>>360888
Options whirl through my head as I consider what I'm going to do. I could go alone, just bring Hillevi, I could send the russians, I could go with everyone-hell, I could even just not.... go.
>"I'm too interested in both the file Hafaz mentioned and the martial art style we can in theory learn from him-or his corpse-to let you do that."
Yeah, I wasn't planning to abdicate-just running through my options.
>>360902
I suppose my biggest point of contention right off the bat-is what this means for my meeting with Labombard. We didn't set a specific time to meet-so I think I'll just straigten this out with a call. Thankfully he picks up on the third ring, even as I am one-handedly securing a shoulder holster under my coat for the buntline (yet another bit of attire Amen just happened to have ready for me)
>[Labombard]"Oh? Why is it we speak like this, and not face to face? We have a meeting, non?"
"Well that'd be because some friends from the gym are in a spot of trouble and I need to help them."
>[Labombard]"A pity I am, after all, working now-well, if you can find a way to get your trouble of her I'd of course be happy you help-otherwise, I wish you well, American Asshole!"
"Well, I'll see you soon enough."
>[Labombard]"One can hope."
[small]*click*[/click]
>>360953
>>360963
I spend the moment while I labor over whether I should or shouldn't bring the Russians while finding the Mere (still in the kitchen) and searching (to no avail) for Sake. I can still feel my Soul Brother's oath, but it seems that with him now housed in a body other than my own, I can't communicate with him-that, or he's purposefully not responding, I suppose.
>"Wariness or no, even I think that's a stretch."
So do I-but as you said, doesn't hurt-
>"To be careful, nor does it hurt to be prepared."
Heh.
>>360982
You drank all the basilisk blood already, remember?
I am about to ask for Amen to get me a replica of my 'normal' body armor
>[RRRRR Trait activated]
...When I stop, and think. Blackbeard's sporting a rather ludicrous gun, from everything I've heard-some kind of crazy compact cannon-come-battle rifle. None of my armor's magic-and even if it had it, I doubt I'd trust any magical armor from... Amen. Looked at that way, as me being about to ask for armor that... won't armor me, at least not against the quarry I'm expecting myself to encounter-I decide there isn't really a reason. It is a week day in a major city, and the address I was given is in downtown-the streets may be light on foot traffic this shortly after dawn, but I'd be a fool to think I want to run the risk of being seen in such a getup-I can't see ANY witnessed fighters near Blackbeard would avoid getting a bounty for SOME reason or other. The suit though... it's light, and well-fitted: I'll be as mobile as I'm physically able to be. My attire, while undeniably sharp, is not remarkable enough that people would think me odd simply by spotting me. Similarly, the mere and the buntline alike are safely hidden beneath my coat-and an unarmed man dressed in business attire in downtown Istanbul? Who's going to second guess that?
>"I am not sure I agree, what if there are other hostiles with smaller caliber weapons?"
>[Iron Trick]"Well there is the fact that wearing a suit will make it much, MUCH easier to pretend to be a Turkish agent on the scene, if you wished it... or a member of the Mafia. You are versed in both languages now."
Shadowbro's already read my reaction to that thought from my mind.
>"That... that is AMAZING. I retract my opinion, to now be in favor of what I call 'Open Option Attire'"
..Still, I could be a bit more circumspect-so I ask for, and receive, a chromed set of aviator sunglasses, and a checkered purple and crimson scarf to wind about my mouth, chin and neck-and just like that my features are obscured.

"Amen?"
>[Amen]"Yes master?"
"Lead me to the sewers please."
>[Amen]"Before this one complies this one must note the sewer access this house is outfitted with is... not friendly to mortals, and would thus be classified as harm to master. Sadly, it cannot be deactivated."
Well, there goes my plan of 'sewering' to my destination. Does reinforce my plan to stay classily attired, though.
>>360999
>>361000
[Stored]
>>361008
>>361013
"Amen, I need a Trenchcoat."
Instead of even saying anything, a light tan thickly-mantled trenchcoat is dramatically flung over my shoulders, the empty sleeves hanging at my sides, the shoulders easily catching on my own, the jacket secure even as I walk. ...Damnit, how does Amen DO that?
>"Even I don't want to ask."
I'm calling Sometimes Merchant and midway through asking him to deliver the Gatmalite from my storage locker on the docks to the mansion when I feel attention on me-and realize that Matvey's awake. I finish wheedling the delivery out of the goblin for free with promises of ever more interesting information (and I say it in Finnish to avoid spilling all my secrets in front of people I frankly just met) before I speak to him without turning around.
"So, turns out I have some business this morning that really can't wait."
>[MB][In English]"It... hah, I wonder when it will stop feeling odd to just know this tongue-it is no secret to we who once served Chugainov when someone is hiding something from us. Something of import is happening, isn't it?"
Time's ticking-and I don't feel like wasting any, as I carefully strap the Taste of Ruin and the matebas to my trenchcoat.
"Look, this is a personal job, and-"
>[MB][In English]"So you are not taking Hillevi of Valkonen with you?"
"Power, she has-understanding of modern combat operations, not so much."
>[MB][In English]"Look, why not let us come? Then you can take Hillevi and we can make sure she stays safe."
"Why are you so insistent on going?"
>[MB][In English]"Why are you so insistent on not even telling me what it is?"
I'm about to snap back-when I recall I am, in point of fact, trying to hire these buggers-and that'd be hypocritical as hell to expect them to keep my secrets while keeping my own from them.
"Fine-friends in trouble, maybe wounded or dead, and a bounty that my friends have been working on for some time now on-scene. This is a limited information rescue mission in the middle of downtown Istanbul. There, you happy?"
He smiles fecklessly, honesty shining from his dimpled cheeks.
>[MB][In Russian]"Absolutely. DRRRRUUUUUNNNKAAAARRDS!!"
With a single, dragging shout, Matvey sets the whole house to pandemonium-and in, kid you not, two minutes, all eighteen russians are standing before me, looking only mildly confused that they now have suits instead of combat fatigues-and all of them sporting different cut coats, each one long enough to obscure a rifle.
>[MB][In Russian]"See, we talked, and we don't think we could have a fair negotiation, a fair discussion, a fair ANYTHING if, going into it, we owe you our lives from our first encounter, and you owe us nothing. Allow us to balance the scales."
"....Pro bono?"
>[MB][In Russian]"How else would we balance them?"
...Well.

"...Fine then. Which of you has ever used a microgun, or a vehicle-mounted minigun?"
A single hand is raised-Iosef.
"Great-Amen, give him the Gatmalite on loan, please."
Before anyone can question what I'm even talking about, Amen is simply there, plopping the heavily modified assault rifle, external ammunition belt and drum in the heavyset man's hands."
"Mind the ammunition, it is radioactive. Slightly."
The big man merely smiles.
"Okay-time for a walk down-town, we got six blocks to go."
>[Creep][In Turkish]"Can't we drive?"
I slip into Turkish almost without realizing, even as I note Hillevi walking in, her glamour on and her attire now buckled shoes, a muted skirt and buttoned-down blouse. If it weren't for the fact she looks built like a world-class weightlifter she'd be completely unremarkable.
"Parking in downtown? Please."
No one laughs at that one.
>"Crash and burn, my fine soul brother and pitiable meatbag."
Shut it.

>>360996
[Tongue-in-cheek outrage or no: You can discuss as much as you want... in the discussion thread, you know that thread that is there for primarily that purpose, you CAN multipost so long as you have a meaningful suggestion for Armas in each post which if you'll note people still do with no ill effect, and dead-on accurate about the up/down voting, and there is a point where you've used line separation TOO much.]
>This is not bad actually. We can have all the non-urgent conversation through the safe telepathy. Like asking questions and giving orders while we are going somewhere.
A thought-that WILL mean Armas standing there, from all outside visible signs just... staring off into space for long periods. You sure you want to be more of a spacecase around the people you know?

With no more complaints, we set out into the brisk morning, the shortest of our number nearly jogging to keep up with our purposeful strides. Thanks to brazen disregard for legal use of streets and the fact no one wants to dent up their car hitting twenty people, we cover six blocks in seven minutes. What we find... gives me cause to hesitate.

I got us to the address Hafaz gave us. I know it's the right place, since it's not only an Insurance company based off it's logo-
The main foyer's glass windows and doors have been shattered into a fine powder, and I can see blood-stained corpses in guard and business attire alike slumped against walls and sprawled on the floor-six, in total. I can see a crowd of onlookers already forming, thankfully keeping well back. I can hear the sound of groaning, warping metal protesting-and wonder if it's just in my head that the ten-story building looks like it's leaning. I see not a single police officer-but I do see an empty police squad car-so I have to assume they're inside... somewhere. I look at the crowds, the attention the building's already got-and know that the most I can do is get myself in that building. Which leaves me with the question of what I'll have the Russians and Hillevi do to actually make their presence here worth something... but more than even that-







Should I try to enter through the blasted front, or try circling about the building and finding some alternative, less-watched entrances? (Basically, FAST entry, or SLOW entry)?
And what should the Russians, every last one in plainclothes and full armed, do?
Once I'm inside, do I head DOWN, UP, or, assuming I take the front entrance, do I FOLLOW THE DESTRUCTION?
>>
No. 361125 ID: a492a8

Right. Send Task Force Vodka around the back to secure the lower levels and trust in their military experience to clear through without getting splattered. You and Big Girl go in through the front, have her whip up a portable ice shield or something for what benefit it might offer and maybe grab some spare weaponry from fallen guards on the way in. Following the destruction may be an idea, but heading upward is probably the best bet, since if the building's leaning it means that more than one support is damaged. And if there's no obvious carnage on the upper levels, that just means it hasn't gotten that far YET.
>>
No. 361128 ID: 2035fc

First up, tell the crowd to disperse quickly because that building is going to collapse. If necessary, claim to be a member of some Turkish defense group, but avoid/smash cameras if a picture is taken of you.

The Building is leaning, so the support's probably damaged. Probably from explosives, and I'd bet there's more inside. the question whether they're spread out or at the base of the building, and if Blackbeard is still setting some or hunting for Hafaz and his lot.

I'm going to guess Blackbeard is going after Hafaz. I'm thinking we split up. Matvey with some russians and Hillevi in one group and you and some Russians in the other.

Matvey's group heads to the bottom and starts sweeping for explosives from there. Have someone who knows explosives be with that group definitely, and if anyone has infra-red goggles have them go with so they don't get caught unaware in case Blackbeard is down there.

Have you and the other half of the Russians, follow the trail of destruction. Be on the lookout for souls, so you can try and pinpoint Blackbeard or Hafaz, so you can get to that point quicker.
>>
No. 361129 ID: b83c65

>Should I try to enter through the blasted front, or try circling about the building and finding some alternative, less-watched entrances? (Basically, FAST entry, or SLOW entry)?

Us and Hillevi, front door like we own it. It will be FAST. Suave our way in, if needs be, but don't be stopped by anyone. Just keep walking and FOLLOW THE DISTRUCTION.

>And what should the Russians, every last one in plainclothes and full armed, do?

SLOW and steady way in. We don't want them making more of a scene. When they get in, half UP and half DOWN and a group of the five heaviest armed Russians FOLLOW THE DISTRUCTION.
>>
No. 361132 ID: f8aa66
File 131960807737.jpg - (210.18KB , 1700x2317 , Another day at the office1.jpg )
361132

What was that, more Blackbeard, you say?

Shown: Blackbeard, and the ennui of the 9-to-5.

>>361128
I'm liking this.

If they have no explosives expert, Hillevi can at least seal the explosives in ice to mute the blast a bit. If there's any living civilians, send them out (might as well; don't ferry them, just point them in the right direction).

Have Team Bombsquad keep an eye out for a record room - they have a file on us, it'd be nice to get a look at it. Keep them on the honor system; feel free to take anything else that looks interesting, maybe burn the rest.

We go up. Exec offices might prove fruitful, or following the destruction. You act as point man for your group, goblin stealth and regen and all. I doubt Blackbeard's going to be caught unaware, but it doesn't hurt to make an effort.

Warn both groups that their enemy is magically shielded from most bullets, and has a real bastard of a rifle. Engage only with extreme caution, and be ready to disengage and run for it if need be. We're after preserving lives right now over getting a confirmed kill, but whittling down his magic wouldn't be a bad thing either.
>>
No. 361133 ID: c587e0

rolled 16 = 16

Give a brief overview of what you know of blackbeard on the way in, sticking to important points like his charms and expected gear.

"Secure the building, Helivi, armour up and with me"

Front door entrance, be wary, use soulsight and normal attention to sweep the surroundings.

Use your affinity to sneaking to determine what the best place for hiding is in any area you venture into and clear them to stave off ambush.

Follow the destruction.

This roll if for a buntline shot to paralyze the first hostile target you meet.
>>
No. 361141 ID: c6ce12

Right, I do not like this situation. There's only one cop car outside right now, but this place is going to be swarming with them soon. The whole situation is very high profile and between the bodies and the crowd I'm thinking we're looking at massive police response. I do not want to be in the building and have the cops swarmed outside. We need to be in and out of here as fast as possible and have an exit strategy in place. That crowd needs to be dispersed first, it'll make the whole mission a hell of a lot easier without them there. Tell them it's for their own safety, the building is obviously not in good shape.

Before we even go in, I really hope Shadowbro has the Matebas stored within him like we discussed earlier. Their scopes could be very useful to us right now. If he has them we can just plan around the group clearing an escape path and go in with Hillevi towards Blackbeard and Hafaz's men to save the day. If not...

We'll take the main point of entry, the Russians and Hillevi can go in through the back. She doesn't know her family's stealth style and if we're going to try and be stealthy here she might ruin our chances, plus having her with the Russians means they at least have some supernatural protection. Have one of them toss us a radio if they have a set so we can coordinate and properly respond to changes in the field. Try to bum some flashbangs and grenades from someone too, I don't think we took any with us. There are or were explosives in the building and everyone should know that and be cautious of them. Both groups should be on the lookout for sewer access unless one of them feels capable enough that they could covertly acquire some suitable transport and don't mind being left out of the extremely dangerous mission. They should be aware of what Hafaz and his men look like if they have not been described to them already. They should be one watch for the police that were in the car outside, we want them to act as if they were Turkish agents should they find them and tell attempt to get them to leave peacefully, telling them the situation is under control and they need the crowds outside handled. And of course if they run into a man with a large beard and an even larger gun they should tell us immediately and be prepared to deal with some supernatural shenanigans if he engages. Their primary goal though is to fan out and clear the area for our escape, if they can grab any important files and documents that would be nice too.

We can go solo or with Creep and Grisha if they think they can keep up and Grisha thinks she can help with any explosives should the need arise. Follow the path of destruction or whatever direction our and Shadow's senses lead us. Be mindful of traps or ambushes, he might have some set for the authorities or even us. If we find a soul that looks like Blackbeard's lets not just barge into the room it's in, chances are that's trapped too. Look for alternate entrances or have Shadowbro look in and confirm it's him then use his teleportation ability to throw a flashbang (or actual grenade if the structure can handle it) into the room and enter.
>>
No. 361163 ID: c0d5c1

>>361141
Upvoting this.

A few modifications though:

Frist, alwaysh ave SB scouting the Area around you.

Both you and SB should be able to sneak, move silently, and stalk, so use SB to be sure there are no traps.

Remember, your soul sense only works on things with souls, not on explosives!

Also, try to stretch both your attention and soul-sense as far as possible- with SB stretching his attention sense, too. Better be forewarned.

Take Grish and Gloom with you if they can keep up, quieten your presence in the world, and, when a trap is detected, send Gloom/Grisha to disarm it. If Grish tells you she may not be able to, maybe take another Russian with you who is good at that too.

Careful is important too.

Oh, and this is the meeting of eyepatch guy, and BB has a cutlass.

Don't hesitate to put your mere in your teeth and talk down the inferior pirate.

Just too bad your pirate bird (sake) isn't with you.

>>361160
We can't send back the Russians after they made that pitch- That would be impolite.

Just, use The Russian as a way to help the Civillians out, and Hillevi should try and see what a modern unit look like in action.

If you can't take Grisha and Creep with you, be extra careful, take your time to wait for shadowbro to scout for traps before making any moves.

Remember, patience and environmental awareness are must have for successful stalking, even if you can quieten your presence.



+Also, try to see if you have something on yourself that could count as a present. Did you take the Fext heart?

While doubtful, this could be a surprise party from Camella.

If we do feel souls like hers or Ito's or Arkvad there, send shadowbro quickly to check they aren't hostages or otherwise incacipated, and then enter arrogantly, whistling a tune.
>>
No. 361188 ID: 81f32a

rolled 81, 73, 35, 26, 98 = 313

Damn, I really hate the way this quest is constructed.

>Concerns about attire. Some suggestions to change it.
>Go with the suit anyway after Iron Trik comments we could pretend to be special agents.
>Most against taking the russians and Hillevi
>Take them anyway
>Give them all sleek custom suits

Damn! This was a perfect chance to have Amen fabricate some really convincing ID cards which make us look like some kind special agents (without them actually being Fake special agent cards, just cards which look very official. If put under scrutiny, it would reveal that they are in fact not. But that's okay, no one actually pays attention to that).
Also, everyone should have bitching shades shades too (what use is it to conceal Armas when there are 19 other people with us?).

>Everyone calls to take Sake
>Cannot immediately find Sake
>That's alright. Fuck that. It is not like we will have any use with the only offensive magic potential that we have, the air barriers, the aim support and the healing he can provide if someone is hurt. Really, we should have left our weapons too and went there blindfolded. The more risk, the more interesting it is!
Seriously, couldn't Armas at least have shouted really loud for Sake? Or asked Amen if he knows where he is?
I know that it is possible that Sake is not in the mansion. But it is also possible he is sleeping on the attic hugging a bottle of vodka.

>7 minutes walking to destination
>do not give brief run-down on the target to at least Matyev and couple of others.
They really need to know that we are dealing with a fucking monster right here. It is possible they know of Blackbeard (seeing how they knew who Craftsman and Suicider were) which would speed up the things by saying them that it is him. But that is the thing, we didn't tell them.


>Should I try to enter through the blasted front, or try circling about the building and finding some alternative, less-watched entrances? (Basically, FAST entry, or SLOW entry)?
>And what should the Russians, every last one in plainclothes and full armed, do?
>Once I'm inside, do I head DOWN, UP, or, assuming I take the front entrance, do I FOLLOW THE DESTRUCTION?

Break the group into 3 (6x3) or 4 (5x2 + 4x2) squads.
Armas is to take the FAST entry and FOLLOW THE DESTRUCTION
One of the squads should search for broken support SLOWLY, Hillevi must go with them. Tell Hillevi to reinforce the building with her ice. Do not want the whole thing crashing on us.
One squad should go DOWN, SLOW and explore
One should go UP, SLOW
[if we break into 4 squads] One should stay outside, act all formal "Move along, people, nothing to see here"

Tell everyone to look out for the traps. We know how BB loves traps. Tell them all to be careful if they engage hostiles. Tell everyone that BB gun would probably shoot though anything they deem useful for cover. Determine the integrity of the walls and asses if they can block Queen Anne's rounds.
I assume everyone has radios at least?

>>361133
Hell Man, what an awful roll.
If it is going to be like this, lets expel entire barrel and hope for the best [rolling for the next 5]
If any of them hit the shadow, then immediately switch to AA-12 to unleash entire barrel on BB.
>>
No. 361344 ID: b1f0e2

>>/questdis/354644
Remember when you established a telepathic link via chakra manipulation to Amen? It took a while to figure out but eventually you got it. While you haven't ingested any of sake's blood, he is soul bound to you and you should be able to replicate the process with him. If it does not work you can try later with consuming a bit of his blood and taking a longer time in the attempt. But with how far you have come you should at least try to quickly replicate what worked last time for a link to sake. Don't spend more then 30 seconds on the attempt right now. If you can't quickly replicate last time success then try this after the fight is over.

>>361188
upvoting combat plan.

>>361163
Upvoting except for the party part... there are corpses here.

Get a radio from the russians

For all that is holy DO tell them what you know of his abilities.

>and all of them sporting different cut coats, each one long enough to obscure a rifle.
Ok, good thing here, onlookers can't see any weapons on us.

We can try calling up lo fang real quick. BB has a bounty by the Turkish government. Have his his agents in the government smooth things with the police for us, if need be in exchange for a cut from the bounty IF and ONLY IF we kill him THIS time. That should allow the russians to enter with us.

I think most of the russians should help evacuate wounded and guard hilevi (who should heavily armor her whole body in case there is an explosive) while she reinforces the building and you sneak up after BB with SB scouting. A few of the russians can follow you to get BB himself.

One option if the police surrounds the buildings, have SB hold the russian's mundane weapons in the dark for you to sneak them into a nearby sewer or outright teleport them to a nearby sewer and wipe them of prints. You then all walk out along with hilevi and show the authorities you are unarmed and were only here to help the injured.

>Be a spacecase when using safe telepathy
It should really depend on the situation. Use safe telepathy out of combat and when not facing a dangerous situation (negotiating with a hostile is a dangerous situation). Our friends can just be told we have a limited form of telepathy and strangers who are not being negotiated with can think what they want. Or armas could put a bluetooth receiver on his ear and touch his hand to it, and occasionally say "uh huh" and finish with a "goodbye" spoken aloud to manipulate others into thinking he is on the phone...
>>
No. 361345 ID: 3fd4fb

>>361116
>Should I try to enter through the blasted front, or try circling about the building and finding some alternative, less-watched entrances? (Basically, FAST entry, or SLOW entry)?
Fast entry- got to take the front. This situation is time-critical and we've wasted enough of it.

Text Hafaz on our phone, since I doubt there are jammers up. "Here. Where are you? Enemies?"

>And what should the Russians, every last one in plainclothes and full armed, do?
Not every situation calls for a swarm of troops. Leading them into a collapsing building potentially full of traps would be highly dangerous, and we are at our best personally when using stealth skills that the others can't begin to match. One squad should go in, slow/subtle entry, to try and clear the basement of any bombs or other threats and keep our escape route secure if possible. Hillevi can go with them; while I'm not thrilled about sending her to face a bomb, she's a combat multiplier that might let the Russian team survive a direct confrontation with Blackbeard.

The rest of them should secure the outside- to ensure that once we've managed something inside, getting back outside means we're largely home free. Get people on all sides of the building at a distance while remaining inconspicuous, eyes facing both inside and outside. Inside, because we or friendlies might exit the building and need immediate support at any time after we go in. Outside, because this was apparently an ambush; that means there might be enemy hostiles in the area with eyes on the scene, potentially armed and prepared to attack at the worst possible moment. The enemy apparently running this is very clever from what we've heard of him, so watching for nasty tricks outside the target building is more necessary than merely prudent.


>Once I'm inside, do I head DOWN, UP, or, assuming I take the front entrance, do I FOLLOW THE DESTRUCTION?
Assuming we don't get other direction from Hafaz, follow the destruction. It's most likely to lead to enemies and friendlies both- and it's also most likely to be the path clear of traps, since anything there will probably have been triggered already. On the other hand, since it is the most obvious path to follow, if the enemy has been victorious here it'll be the most likely route for them to be waiting along to jump any arriving support for Hafaz- so tread careful and keep our senses open.



Addendum following due consideration: It's still not too late to phone up Sometimes Merchant and attempt to purchase intel so that we're not going in utterly blind here. We know that Blackbeard is a sneaky fuck, and charging into a known trap of his will likely turn into a total clusterfuck. Sometimes Merchant, however, has crazy magical powers, super-fast invisible brownie agents, and timeless nevernever pockets for intelligence analysis... and can render invaluable assistance at reasonable prices.

Assistance like:
-Giving us the locations and descriptions of everyone in the building.
-Locating any bombs or traps in the building.
-Tracking anyone who departs from the scene.
-Providing us with information about incoming armed parties or police personnel.
-Giving us live updates on all the above periodically or upon request throughout the duration of this mission.

Reasonable prices like:
-Telling Sometimes Merchant honestly that we were specifically told "I don't care what we end up owing you" by the parties we are here to rescue and would be glad to act as intermediary in seeing that they pay him in full (their memories of his existence get erased after, of course) or that we will extract payment from them and subsequently pay him.
-We can cover the debt if they're all dead and unable to pay, of course. Defer negotiation if possible since we don't have a lot of time for it, but if he wants we've got a couple magic weapons to put up as collateral (not using the Tokarev for anything).
-Whatever he asks is less expensive than getting ourselves, Hillevi, and half the Russians killed due to our own stupidity in walking into this trap blind.
>>
No. 361350 ID: b1f0e2
File 131967997513.png - (147.94KB , 640x400 , 3ks0s.png )
361350

>Fanart is courtesy of TheInsufferableMystic, which is for the following.

>>/questdis/354644
Remember when you established a telepathic link via chakra manipulation to Amen? It took a while to figure out but eventually you got it. While you haven't ingested any of sake's blood, he is soul bound to you and you should be able to replicate the process with him. If it does not work you can try later with consuming a bit of his blood and taking a longer time in the attempt. But with how far you have come you should at least try to quickly replicate what worked last time for a link to sake. Don't spend more then 30 seconds on the attempt right now. If you can't quickly replicate last time success then try this after the fight is over.

If you do contact sake, ask him to come over and help you.

>>361188
upvoting combat plan.

>>361345
SUST, Especially the part where we sell our friends out to SM.

>>361163
Upvoting except for the party part... there are corpses here.

Get a radio from the russians

For all that is holy DO tell them what you know of his abilities.

>and all of them sporting different cut coats, each one long enough to obscure a rifle.
Ok, good thing here, onlookers can't see any weapons on us.

We can try calling up lo fang real quick. BB has a bounty by the Turkish government. Have his his agents in the government smooth things with the police for us or delay their response, if need be in exchange for a cut from the bounty IF and ONLY IF we kill him THIS time. That should allow the russians to enter with us.

I think most of the russians should help evacuate wounded and guard hilevi (who should heavily armor her whole body in case there is an explosive) while she reinforces the building and you sneak up after BB with SB scouting. A few of the russians can follow you to get BB himself.

One option if the police surrounds the buildings, have SB hold the russian's mundane weapons in the dark for you to sneak them into a nearby sewer or outright teleport them to a nearby sewer and wipe them of prints. You then all walk out along with hilevi and show the authorities you are unarmed and were only here to help the injured.

>Be a spacecase when using safe telepathy
It should really depend on the situation. Use safe telepathy out of combat and when not facing a dangerous situation (negotiating with a hostile is a dangerous situation). Our friends can just be told we have a limited form of telepathy and strangers who are not being negotiated with can think what they want. Or armas could put a bluetooth receiver on his ear and touch his hand to it, and occasionally say "uh huh" and finish with a "goodbye" spoken aloud to manipulate others into thinking he is on the phone...
>>
No. 361352 ID: f8aa66

>>361163
> While doubtful, this could be a surprise party from Camella.
> Corpses, civilian and armored alike.
Worst. Party. Ever.

The problem with getting SB to scout is, as mentioned before, police response. For something this big, in the middle of Istanbul, I'd say 10, maybe 20 minutes. Which means they'll be showing up SOON.

Hafaz, Blackbeard and Armas will all be mutually guilty in the police's eyes.

In light of this, I'd like to change my suggestion to Armas going up alone, or possibly with one other. If worse comes to worst, he can bust out of a window and survive the fall for a quick getaway. The Russians can't, so they get the ground floor and basement. If Hillevi goes with the ground group, she could start reinforcing supports/foundations with her magical ice (can she can order it to melt or something later? the police might find it weird if everything is covered in ice when they get there). Make sure the place doesn't come down on us before we're ready.

>>361345
SM-given info is usually good. However...

Going into debt to SM on credit - particularly on info, which SM rightly prizes - when we don't know what this mission will give us info-wise seems unwise to me. We don't actually have many things of value to trade, since we don't keep bits of info in reserve for situations like this, meaning we might end up owing more favors.

Likewise, selling Hafaz away to the goblins who are given carte-blanche to do anything they want to him until they feel they've balanced the scales, seems excessive.
>>
No. 361353 ID: 3fd4fb

>>361352
>We don't actually have many things of value to trade
We have all the classified information that Amen can extract from the mind of Zinaida Jidkova the moment we give the order if we run short of barter material. That is almost without a doubt several orders of magnitude more valuable than any information Sometimes Merchant could possibly give us in support of this operation.
>>
No. 361370 ID: 252e1b

Let's talk to the Russians real quick. They should know who Blackbeard is, so we're safe to tell them that.

"Alright. My friends were suckered into a trap, I think, and I'm sure the trapper is the mercenary Blackbeard. My main goal here is to extract the friendlies. The secondary goal is to take down the crazy mercenary. If we don't get a shot at him, I'm not going to cry, but I really want my friends alive and I want us all to bug out before the cops get here and arrest everyone. Try to limit the amount of physical evidence you leave.

"I'm going to trust you guys know how to keep the civvies out of the fight. Deploy yourselves to provide a cordon. Hillevi and I are going to do the moving and shaking in this; we're the ones who can survive being shot with that monster gun Blackbeard has."

I think we need to warn Hillevi about Blackbeard. Just, "The enemy is a mundane human, who likes to use multiple arrow charms and magic weapons. He loves traps and explosives, and thinks nothing of causing horrendous amounts of collateral damage. Your brother believes you'd be able to fight him, and I know that together you and I can. He has a big gun, and likes to wear black."

"We're going in to rescue some friends of mine; most of them are regular humans. Might be wounded."
>>
No. 361371 ID: 0f028d

Hmm...The Raging Judges...the other's missing right? Remember, you had it strapped to that arm's wrist, and since it got...melted, it's now gone. We should name our remaining revolver: The Lone Judge
>>
No. 361390 ID: c587e0

>>361371
Seconded

Also, if you have the time(I doubt you will but still, I forgot about it earlier and we got here in one post), call to SM and get some shadow grenades to be delivered to your location as fast as possible.
This will be useful for a few reasons.
-You have a soulshadow, giving you a raw advantage in the gloom and a plus of cutting off your enemies vision.
-Your spear of the ghost technique will have boosted usefulness in this area.

Basically this allows you to tip the scales in unfavorable situations and become a lightning fast assassin or escape artist.
>>
No. 361396 ID: 97837d

Downvoting calling anyone. We are currently on the scene, we use whatever resources we have with us, or we choose not to use them, but we absolutely do not have the time to be phoning random people for their assistance. We don't have the time or resources to bargain with SM without screwing our mission or annoying him and nobody else we know can get here fast enough. We have wasted enough time already.

Split the Russians into two teams. One is to secure the perimeter. They should act like law enforcement and deflect any questions as well as they are able. Hopefully we are done before they are subject to official scrutiny.
The second team of Russians should enter the building and sweep it for survivors or possible intel. Low-expectations for this team, their own safety and speed of retreat is paramount.

No one is to engage Blackbeard without you present!

We go through the front door and follow the destruction. Hillevi comes with us because she'll just get in the way of the Russians and her ice powers are damn useful.
>>
No. 361415 ID: c0d5c1

>"I'm calling Sometimes Merchant and midway through asking him to deliver the Gatmalite from my storage locker on the docks to the mansion when I feel attention on me"

Well, it seems we got out of the habit of constantly predicting when people will look at us, and instead we are only checking if people are looking at us. This got to change now. Soemone like Matvey should NOT be able to sneak up on us.

>>361350
>Telepathic link to Sake By focusing soul inward:
Upvote
>Telling our guys what we know of Blackbeard:
Upvote
>Calling lo fang:
Call Go Ping Instead, as is already involved with the bounty, and has better relations with lo fang. This is crucial as it may be needed not to have either us or Russians in prison.
>General Telepathy rules for use:
Upvote

Given we saw a police car and corpses outside, and our luck, it's possible Adelat is there. If we manage to contact Sake and he is coming, we should try to make him take some roses or a gift for her.

Actually, do NOT ask the Russians to help you with bombs- we are better equipped than them to deal with those. Just have the ones who are feeling more confident at talking at the entrance providing crowd control, and send the rest to do a perimeter look out from other buldings.

Blackbeard must NOT escape us.


Do not forget to have Hillevi reinforce structural integrity of the building, and take her with us.

When we go up, have SB sweep around us to look for explosives. As the explosives themselves are less volatile than detonators, he should be able to teleport them out. If some are protected by magical whatever, have Hillevi create Blast Shields of ice.

>>361352
>>361396
>>361350
>>361345
i'd SUST having the Russian actually be inside the building, as it may be a death trap, and they can't really do much to help there.

They are much better suited to snip blackbeard if he comes out from a perimeter guard from other buildings, as well as following him if he manages to run away.
>>
No. 361416 ID: ac262f

>>361350
Upvoting the telepathy plan. Downvote/SUST the directions for the russians.

>>361415
UPVOTAN AND JOINING ON SUSTS.
Lets not have any of the russians enter the building, about the only people who could surivive both the building blowing up and blackbeard are you and Hillevi.

The Russians can secure the area, that means dispersing the crowds and taking point on roof tops/trapping entrances. BB is gonna try escaping at some point, lets make it cost him some more charms at least.

We take Hillevi with us, she is fast and has absurd defencive abilities. She could take several bullets and be fine, and a traditional girl like her is sure to know about blades.

Don't let her get Ice armour until we are inside the building, have her seal off doors as we go through, BB will blow through, but he'd do that anyway. Make sure she knows not to be shot, and to avoid his swords. We hide behind her, and soulsense in conjunction and seperately from attention sense.

We don't even need to tell Shadowbro what to do, he knows and has our back.

>>361371
Rather than that...
What about Lonesome
Or Jugdement
Or Lone Judge
Or Old Lonesome
Or Lonesome Jugdement

Or some perumentation of such, see what your shadowbro says, he's cool. Sole Judge/Judgement isn't bad.
>>
No. 361429 ID: 53f3f7

>>361416
Upvote, just a generally good plan.

Just make sure the Russians know we're facing Blackbeard they need something to work with weather they enter or not.

If they do enter and I don't think they should their role should be entirely on scouting, if they find Blackbeard inform us then gtfo.

As for name the judge I'd not its not just a our lone judge but our last/final judge. I rather like "the Last Judge" or "Final Judgement".
>>
No. 361435 ID: b83c65

>>361416
Old Lonesome. I like this. I like this a lot.
>>
No. 361534 ID: d97a61

Matvey was able to 'surprise' find you because he, while moderately hung over, 'stumbled' on you. He did not follow your voice, or actively seek you out. And yes, this does suggest that Drunks, like Children, are at risk of randomly shattering your stealth through mindless impulsiveness.

>>361125a492a8
>>361128361128
>>361129b83c65
>>361132, >>361352Guile[Pic]
>>361133Falcon
>>361141c6ce12
>>361163Arkeus
>>361209Alratan
Yeah, he actually has-at least in terms of fresh blood. You've heard of liter water bottles before, I hope-as it happens, the man with supernatural hunger and eating capacities is also a thirsty drinker. If you're talking about past week's supply-there is nothing intrinsic to non-regenerating magic meat or body tissues that prevents rot-and for a very large portion of this trip you were without power (Valkonens have no electricity or electronics at their estate, do recall). Though if you want to drink spoiled basilisk blood, that's fine-I just wanted to be sure that's actually what you were asking, because that's all you really have, having drank / used the most recent deliveries. This also means that unless told otherwise, Armas will use the freshest ingredients he has in the hopes of optimal effects.
>>361370BUTTZ
>>361416Mystic
>>36142953f3f7
Happy I programed it on the walk up, I speeddial Hafaz-
>[Automated Voice]"We are sorry, this call cannot be completed as-"
*click*
Well then.

I turn to the ex-soldiers behind me and speak in a clipped, fast-paced voice, happily using Russian in soft tones just in case we end up with wayward listeners.
" Alright. My friends were suckered into a trap, I think. My main goal here is to extract the friendlies. The secondary goal is to take down the crazy mercenary that trapped them. If we don't get a shot at him, I'm not going to cry, but I really want my friends alive and I want us all to bug out before the cops get here and arrest everyone. Try to limit the amount of physical evidence you leave.
Well, I'd say the police will be here relatively soon-we'll operate on a fifteen minute window with a five minute margin for error.
"
>[Vlad][In Russian]"Ten minutes? That's not much time to do a proper operation in these circumestances."
"No it's not but there's not really another option. I got people to rescue in a building Blackbeard's inside, and-"
>[Grisha][In Russian]"Could you say that name again?"
"Blackbeard-do you know of-"
>[Gloom]"We know of him-and will most certainly not enter that building while he's an unknown."
Tick tock, tick tock-
"Fine-I still need these crowds dispersed to avoid witnesses, and I need guns on exits who know how to confirm a target before shooting-that managable? I'm going to trust you guys know how to keep the civvies out of the fight while Hillevi and I get to do the moving and shaking in this; we're the ones who can survive being shot with that monster gun Blackbeard has. "
Matvey glances at the nearby rooftops.
>[Matvey]"It can be done."
"Excellent. Just don't claim to be Turkish police forces-no way they'd buy you as being Turkish. Oh, and this company sounds like it has ludicrously lucrative files inside with all sorts of valuble secrets-if anyone's willing to brave that so long as it's not on me and I get to look at it you can do what you want with it."
>[Matvey][In Russian]"I was not planning to-and I'll radio the men on this-I think a few might risk it, assuming that they see no signs of hostiles on the way."
"If they do, they can pull out-not like I need the files."
>[Matvey][In Russian]"Target of opportunity? Understood."
As Matvey begins issuing muted commands to his fellows, some moving to discreetly flit down alleyways for rooftop access, some infiltrating the crowd and moving with a decidedly practiced air as they round up gawkers, I address Hillevi in Finnish even as I start ambling across the thankfully empty street.

"Okay, quick briefing-bad guy inside by the name of Blackbeard, he's got a gun that probably outperforms that Einher's bow that you saw before leaving Finland. Fond of explosions and traps-and likes to leave traps that are hard to detect. Oh yeah, he also carries several magic swords, and has an unusually large number of charms."
Hillevi mulls this over for all of three seconds.
>[Hillevi][In Finnish]"Other known threats?"
"Well, Blackbeard's known to work alone-so if there are, then they're probably third party."
Again she digests this-as the radio in my pocket squeaks even as I walk closer to the building, looking like I'm doing what I'm supposed to, the crowds continually being backed away with urgings of public safety concerns (which are rather easily believed with a groaning, slightly leaning building just right there).

Things obviously can't go perfectly-there's always a snag, a hiccup. For now, that hiccup is an irate looking older women, refusing to listen to the Russians and, after pretending to lose interest, darting past them with her eyes and attention locked on me. Her soul is just screaming 'I obsessively watch my neighbors to both make sure they are following the law and for gossip'-
So before she can even speak I go for an unorthodox approach.

"I hope you have good life insurance," I say as I keep walking, "Because my company will NOT compensate your family if you get crushed under falling concrete, rebar, or are flayed alive by shattered glass. Similarly, I hope you do not think I am a Government employee bound to answer your questions: Follow me inside if you wish, I can't legally stop you-but don't expect me to answer your questions or assist you if trouble arises-I am here only to perform my job, and will not stop for you."
Maybe I spent too long in Finland. Maybe it's my resistance to cold-maybe it's my nature as an unapologetic asshole. But I could swear my words were so cold, so uncarimng she is phyiscally struck by them, rocking to a dead stop as her mouth gapes like a fish. I feel two Russians finish catching up with her and drag her away-this time, she doesn't seem to be playing along when she complies: She looks only too happy to be away from this debacle.
...Yeah, that would NOT have worked if I'd worn combat gear-and since I felt that nosy bitch's attention switch from Hillevi to me, she would have bothered us anyway.
>[Iron Trick]"A good suit and smooth words can open or close far more doors than any physical weapon can."
True enough.

I don't slow down as we step into the building's foyer, Shadowbro immediately flitting about the room, confirming the corpses are indeed the dead and not some trap, and that no wayward recognizable explosives are to be found. I listen with half an ear as Matvey reports Gloom, Grisha and Iosef volunteered to seek out the records room, and will be entering in thirty seconds. I mull this over as I climb the stairs, following the trail of destruction only after I verify nothing hides in any of the nooks I myself identified as likely foxholes. To the mind of shadow and sneak alike, the room... is clear.
>>361345
As shadowbro precedes Hillevi and I up the stares, both halves of my soul grateful for the shoddy lighting, I take a moment to indulge in another plan.
I try texting Hafaz. Never know, might work. Let's see....
"Here. Where are you? Enemies?"
Shadowbro returns with an all-clear, and I begin ascending to the second floor without a response. Well, so much for-
>[Hafaz][Text]"6 flr, unknwn enmy #s, >5. BB hr stl"
...Interesting, he can still text? Wasn't expecting that.
So I decide to see if I'm on a roll here, and dial a new number as I finish climbing the stairs to the next level, my shadow again spreading out to inspect the room.
>[SM]"You have need of me?"
I rattle off the address without preamble and get to my querry, wondering if I'm only one minute in now, or two-my sense of time always skews when I'm paying a great deal of attention to external stimulus, oddly enough.
"So, can you provide schematics, estimation on threats, real time-"
>[SM]"Sadly, there is nothing to bargain with here-I know the address you speak of, and it is one of a small number in Turkey that... does not exist on paper. Given our deal with the Turkish Government... there is nothing we could offer that would not besmirch our name with the taint of sub-par goods."
"I'd still be willing to buy-"
>[SM]"But we are not willing to sell. Nevertheless-if by some stroke of luck that building would... cease to be.... you might find yourself cleared of owed favors. Think on it."
[small]*click*[/code]

Hm.

After shadowbro and I both finish checking the floor with Hillevi guarding the stairway, I briefly radio Matvey, and explain the friendlies are on the sixth floor. He mentions that he only has two guns that can see up there, and neither sees anything, before stating he'll move another pair of guns, so that one's watching each face of the building to be thorough. He'll radio back if he gets confirmation of people there.

I re-enter the stairs as I consider what the second floor looked like. Bodies were everywhere, only two of them not in archetypal white-collar workwear, and the two exceptions wore the same guard uniforms as the few I saw on the entry level. What's strange about them is that I don't see any bullet holes in the people-a few massive holes that have to be from Blackbeard's gun in one of the support pillars certainly-but no one died by gunfire. Instead, Shadowbro noted that every last person had a fresh, oozing sore over their heart-every last one of them, without exception-while the first floor was trashed with the use of more mundane means, including a shell a third the size of a soda bottle that suggests it Blackbeard's work. ...Strange, but still not enough to form any meaningful conclusions. SO after checking the stairs up to the third floor and finding them clear, shadowbro beckons to me, as Hillevi and I follow after the intangible figure.
>"Something is... off about this place, but I still can't say what... incidentally, three minutes elapsed."
Thirty percent of my time gone, and I'm only now starting to search the third floor... where the hell are those hostiles Hafaz mentioned? And I haven't heard a single bit of gunfire-so where's Blackbeard? Better, where are his explosives? I know he's fond of traps that go boom-so why is this not adding up?
>[Iron Trick]"Focus."
Yeah-yeah.

>>361350
...Wait a minute.
Sake? Saaaaake? SAKE?
>"What are you doing, why are you shouting in your head?"
Well I'm telapathic right?
>"I wish I was a theist just so I could utter a proper profanity to note how horrendously wrong that idea is."
So how do I talk to y-
>"I'm a part of your soul-I don't count, one, and two I'm quite literally attached to you."
Okay so what about A-
>"You shared blood with him, and AMEN maintains the connection's cohesion, not you."
Yeah so then if I shared blood with someone else-
>"It works because Amen is a blood master-are you? Oh you in fact aren't? Please focus on the matter at hand rather than pretending you have special abilities with no substantiation, thank you."
>"[Iron Trick]"In case you are wondering, you can talk to Silja and I because you maintain physical proximity with us, and we are, in our respective ways, made to commune with wielders-put either of us down, and no communication would be possible."
....Damn, so much for that idea.
I'm about to call Lo Fang, looking for him to kill police interest in this-and realize the time to do that, if ever, would have been before even leaving the house-I just can't see him being influential enough to turn back squad cars en route.
Not to mention the fact that THIS floor....

Is not just filled with corpses.

In the middle-almost the exact middle-of the wide office space, stand two black figures. Not a drop of light defines texture or form to these two-they look like shadow liquefied and made to mock gravity-

And begin to flow across the room at us at a languid pace.

Just as I'm putting some thought into my approach after noting how slowly they're advancing-

With a grunt, two spheres of ice the size of beach balls fly through the air, each one impacting an oily mass-and immediately freezing it solid. Both figures begin to teeter-and fall, shattering. Even as my shadow carefully flits across the room, seeking more threats, I watch the frozen shadow thaw unnaturally fast-leaving naught but oily stains and what looks like crumbled charcoal to show something was ever there. Again, the room is filled with bodies-again, none looking out of place, all sporting the heart-centered sore.
Shadowbro, were those beings of shadow?
>"No... not primarily. There was some of the Dark to them... I'd need longer to observe one to give you more."
Great. Well, that's two down-that means there's at most three more by Hafaz' estimate.
>"Four minutes in."
Fuck-picking up the pace.

Again, nothing in the stairs, save more blood and bullet holes without any corpses. The fourth floor holds no surprises-neither does the fifth. I'm breezing through this building, finding no traps-and no answers.

As I turn the corner to ascend to the sixth floor, that finally changes: I perceive a soul sharing the building with us, just a bit farther up ahead-it's not focusing it's attention on me, not yet, but I can feel it's aware there's others here. ....I also have a rather nasty flashback, as the blood slowly dripping down the steps is far too similar to what I encountered on a certain boat for my liking. With my arm aching for no rational reason, I continue up the steps, timing breathing, weight shift, everything I do to be obscured behind the actions of the far more noticeable Hillevi. My efforts are, to a degree, rewarded.

>[Gruff Voice][In Turkish]"'Less you're the law or you're a beastie, I got no quarrel with you today-leave, Practitioner."
>"Interesting. Sounds like he only detected one person?"
>[Iron Trick]"Even more important he intimated that were you either of the others he WOULD have a quarrel-is that a hint as to what he's here for?"
Seems to me the most important thing is that I actually learned Turkish.
>"Yeah, would probably make less sense if you hadn't."

Hm. Hillevi's been detected, to a degree-but hasn't spoken. Could he know her gender? Could I get away with being the 'practitioner's' voice?
Let's find out.
"Be happy to leave-with some acquantances of mine."
>[Blackbeard][In Turkish]"Aaah, the Middle Easterners-you want them? Take them."
That... didn't sound like a challenge, not really-but it felt like one.
Unfortunately for me, that seems to conclude my time to 'consider' things as Hillevi likewise seems to have seen a challenge in those words-a challenge she should rise to. So, rather than futilely trying to restrain her-I follow her up, behind her now full-ice-encased body.
>"Six minutes in."
The sight I see peaking over Hillevi's back is... memorable, to say the least. This floor is similarly strewn with corpses-but unlike past floors, the corpses are liberally intermixed with blocks of charcoal and sooty stains, more than a score such marks dirtying the carpets. There is... a man-made mountain before a supply cabinet, corpses piled to chest height-with a man sitting atop the grisly throne, swords lodged into the slain he's seated on in a semicircle about him, a rifle larger than any I've ever seen carried rather than mounted idly leaned again his shoulder, a mass of gold chains, amulets, jeweled charms and broaches turning his chest into a glittering sea of opulence. I can feel the bloodletting powers in one sword, the space-distorting magic in another-but the rest of his swords stand too close to his mass of gold, and are... filled with static to my senses. Beneath his bejeweled finery, a simple bnlack tactical vest and black cargo pants go with black boots and a dark grey undershirt. Atop his head sits an almost foppish hat, it's brim wide enough to make me think of cartoon caricatures, with a band made of carefully folded pieces of currency from around the world. Adorning the man's face is a beard so heavily curled and bristling it seems to have it's own sense of gravity, the lone thing allowed to rest atop his mass of charms. He sits easy, this averagely sized man, and oozes lazy confidence.

But more than all of that, what strikes me most is his soul. Instead of some iteration of himself, or a facet that he is most defined by-his soul looks to me like a grasping hand, loosely clutched about the world itself, and exudes such an oppressive air of greed-fueled ambition my eyes water. This is a man not ruled by greed-but one that rules Greed itself, having made it such an inseperable part of himself that I truly wonder if he could even be called human. Not a trace, not the slightest whiff of morality, empathy or compassion can be detected-only that cold, all-consuming lust to claim everything in the world as his.

This man.... is fucking dangerous.

[Music]

>[Blackbeard][In Turkish]"Two of you huh? 'Sfine, I don't care-but you're only getting your friends if you swear a soul-oath to leave right after. I've got shit to do, and I don't need you in my way."
"Where are they?"
Blackbeard points over his shoulder at the blockaded supply room door.
>[Blackbeard][In Turkish]"In there-so you want to make the deal or not?"
"First tell me if the... other entrants to this building were associated with you."
>[Blackbeard][In Turkish]"The Ashfreaks? Hah, no, they've got nothing to do with me-I kill them, that's it for our 'association'. Now do you want to still be hear when the real party starts, or do you actually plan to take me up on my offer? I'm slightly more inclined to conserve resources than blithely kill you two-so I'd recommend taking the offer."
>"Seven minutes."

I'm about to reply when I feel a... pull, a faint tug on my soul. Without even thinking, my head turns to face the sensation, still sheltered behind Hillevi's indomitable form.
The windows briefly bow inward, flexing absurdly before they shatter-as I hear a familiar voice.
>[Sake]"I THOUGHT I smelled her ice-FOUND YOU!"
Happy as I am to see Sake again, I am less than happy when I see Blackbeard immediately reacted to this-by beginning to heft his massive rifle.

Well fuck that.
>>361133
>>361188
Dkay, if you actually have complaints, you can put them in discussion, or get on IRC and tell me, or ask someone on IRC to pass it on if I'm not on. They don't really belong in the main quest thread-and idyllically, you'd offer solutions with what you have personally identified as problem areas, rather than just saying 'I don't like this', as (and I suppose I could be missing something) that doesn't have the capacity to be a productive comment, since all you did was offer your dislike. You may not have noticed, but only the bottom 35% of your post is an actual suggestion.
[16, 81, 73, 35, 26, 98 = 329/600, 54.8%]

Now, I may not be the best shot. Or the fastest shot. Or, in fact, even that good of a shot. Similarly I don't draw particularly swiftly, nor do I hip fire with particular accuracy.

What I CAN do, is draw a revolver from a chest rig faster than he can flip about his likely hundred-pound monstrosity of a gun.
What I CAN do is take aim at a man-sized target twenty feet away before he can catch up.
What I CAN do-

Is completely ignore his charms entirely, and shoot solely-
At his shadow.
One bullet's close to missing-I admit that. It's at best a half inch away from not even touching the man's shadow-but it doesn't matter if it hit him square on or clipped him-a hit's a hit, where shadows and the Trick are concerned.
>[Iron Trick]"Here here."

It's right around when I'm pluging the last two rounds in his shadow that... something goes wrong.

With a roar loud enough the windows nearest him shatter, the still moving Blackbeard fires-

For a moment there is a sensation of being in a vacuum as Hillevi rocks back, barely avoiding falling to her back with my help-
But she is not injured. No blood stains the ground-only chips of ice. There is a gouge in her shoulder's ice armor-and a quick glance behind me shows that there's a hole in the stairwell wall that goes farther than I can see-

But we're both alive and unharmed-
Which makes my priority harming the other fuck.
>[Sake]"What are you doing having fun like this when I'm not around!?"
Sake possessively lands on the ground betwixt us and Blackbeard, his overlong back arching in the air and... wiggling.
>"Please don't tell me he's trying to be intimidating..."

Idly plucking bullets from his shadow, Blackbeard keeps his eyes locked on the three of us, still seated atop the mass of bodies.
>[Blackbeard][In Turkish]"...Why is there a Ramidreju using Wind Manipulation coming to your aid?"
As he asks, his free hand comes smoothly from a pocket-holding what looks distressingly likea detonator to me.
>[Blackbeard][In Turkish]"And if you don't want to answer that-care to guess where the bombs you missed are? Or whether you'd survive a building collapsing with you in it?"
>"Eight minutes."

I can see my foe, I know where those I need to save are, it looks like Hillevi can actually... tank through Blackbeard's gunfire, and the three brothers have once more united.






So what am I going to do?
>>
No. 361553 ID: b57910

rolled 18, 12, 100, 37, 63, 50, 45, 55, 43, 100, 48, 21 = 592

Say nothing. He doesn't deserve words. Instead, mutter to Hillevi to reinforce the building - you'll give cover.

Give him a Taste, as much as you can manage. Rolling here for twelve.

Consider the following:

Charms are keyed to work against intents. Each one will guard against one. Now, normally, this means shot will only take one charm. But really, you intend to kill him with each bearing, right? Each and every one. Keep that in your head as you unload twelve rounds.
>>
No. 361562 ID: b83c65

Start humming, Armas. You know what he needs to hear.
>>
No. 361564 ID: b14128

NONONONONONONO! Back up!

TAKE HIM UP ON HIS OFFER!

Seriously. We're here to get our friends out. Blackbeard is a -secondary goal-. If the ceiling collapses our buddies are dead. So take him up on his offer and lets GTFO.
>>
No. 361591 ID: c587e0

Take your friends and go.
Go now.

Use your knowledge of goblinic deal making to ensure that the soul deal you swear does not bind you in any way after you leave the building.
That's it.
Do not try to irk out more.
Get the mundanes out and worry about BB later.

However I do not suggest chasing him.
P.S. Armas, you need to find yourself a supernatural doctor that you can trust.
Amen is ok but we don't trust him as far as we can throw him, and I doubt you could even lift the man much less toss him.
Look into this.
>>
No. 361603 ID: 8ed09e

>>361553
>>361562
While Blackbeard is a rampart psychopath in need of a high-velocity lead infusion, let's not piss him off when our objective is something other than that. SUST.

Right, we got the Ramidreju in the mountains as a favor for a dear brother we found haunting a boneyard in Finland.
From that he should be able to fill in enough of the gaps as to what this is. If not, none of us would care much.

But right now we should try to stop Sake from doing something stupid, and see if we can still go with Blackbeard's deal - with one alteration, as leaving "right after" is a bit too relative for my liking.
So how about something along these lines:
"In return for my middle-eastern associates, Armas, Hillevi and Sake (or just "The Ramidreju") will not engage in hostilities with the mercenary Blackbeard for 5 minutes at the agreement of the deal, and will leave the building as soon as possible without harming themselves due to the speed of their passage."

If not, well we're going to have to get Hafaz and the rest out via Sake, or attempt to weather the building's collapse by using an ice shield - not ideal at our height. In this case we won't really have enough time to stop him hitting that detonator.
>>
No. 361628 ID: fc3425

>>361553
>>361559
SUST these dudes.

Armas should get his buddies out before anything, likely none of them or Hillevi can survive a building falling on them. If we eventually do want to take Blackbeard on, it should be on our terms and without any ward we are supposed to be protecting for a year nearby.
>>
No. 361636 ID: 1e3433

shadowport the detonator.
>>
No. 361638 ID: 786cb9

Just in case this comes down to a shootout: Every piece of shot that comes out of that barrel is on its own trajectory, its own course, and each has its own capacity for damage. Consider firing a shotgun as like a boxer throwing out tens of punches over the course of a round. Not all of them hit, and those that do don't always do any damage, but what every single one of those punches will do is test the opponent's defences. In the same way, every time you fire the shot, you're in essence probing for weaknesses, searching for a chink in the sometimes literal armour, and if any of those little pellets of lead can find one, they are going to tear straight through - they intend to harm whereever they can.
>>
No. 361648 ID: 399bda

>>361564
Agreed. Let's not start a fight on his (booby-trapped to hell and back) turf while there are still incapacitated friendlies around.
Suggest that we've got off on the wrong foot, and offer to explain 'our' Ramidreju over a beer when we haven't both got other things to worry about.
>>
No. 361659 ID: ab8af1

About the oath, let's not make it right away. At least, not until we manage to make this into a equal exchange situation.

We only make an oath to leave with our friends and to not do anything against BB while we're in this building, as long as he make an soul oath to not do anything that could hurt us or anyone we consider a ally, so long as we're in the building.
>>
No. 361674 ID: 81f32a
File 131981936678.jpg - (357.95KB , 1638x1072 , BLOCKBEARD.jpg )
361674

rolled 86, 18, 41, 5, 68, 20, 53, 90, 8, 16, 18, 79 = 502

[this fan-art might come in handy]
[and this one >>/questarch/res/356666 because it seems you didn't use it. At least no notification in the update about its use, so correct me if I am wrong]

>Or whether you'd survive a building collapsing with you in it?
Actually, yes. We all will survive.
The only people who might die are Hafaz and his group and even they have good chances at surviving [just turn on the news about the recent earthquake in Turkey. Just today they saved a young boy from under the ruins] unless the bombs are on this floor.

Also, I doubt BB will blow it to hell while he is in here, especially before he finishes his main job (whatever it is)

There are 4 of us here, order everyone to circle him.

Tell Hillevi (in Finnish) to focus completely on defense, evasion and protection. Tell her to call up a blizzard of snow to obscure BB's vision. She should also try to set up shields to protect you and others or redirecting the rounds. (these orders are written in decreasing priority. First order is more important than the last)

Order Sake (in Finnish or Russian. He knows these language, right? Right?) to use his wind powers to shoot glass shards at BB's face. I do not know if BB's arrow charms will protect them of this or not but the idea is to distract him. Tell Sake that instead of using single one wind blast (which would register as single attack) to shoot shards very rapidly one after another using smaller attacks.

Tell SB to shadowport BB's detonator if he can. Tell him to be ready to catch BB's rounds like he did when catching Gunner's arrows.
But generally, he is to do his own thing. If he cannot substantially help out in the fight, recall him to your body and tell him to give you the Speed boost that we can get.

While doing all this, load the Matebas with DOOM rounds (Yes, DOOM rounds, we always take them with us just in case. Don't tell me didn't take them!).
I know that Armas is fast and he has his Hot Hands trait but he might just not be fast enough for BB. So, let go of the Buntline, just let it hang in the air. Raise your hands in position and just when you have them where you need them have Shadobro shadowbport the Matebas into your hands.
You can see his soul, so there is absolutely no need to shoot his body, aim for his soul, shoot it to death. If we are lucky, we will basically cheat at BB by completely ignoring his charms. I doubt that he has much (if any) protection on his soul because any opponent who can directly attack souls is so powerful anyway that BB wouldn't stand a chance against them (Dragons, Devils, Wizards, etc).
[rolling for matebas]

After depleting the the barrels, shadowport them back. If you can, try to catch the Buntline (if you feel it will take to much time, just let it drop for now).

As soon as you get the chance, as soon as you feel even a minor slip in his attention, slip into stealth mode and go for the flank.
Take the Taste of Ruin and unleash the hell on him. You know he has bunch of charms and getting thought them would be hard buy shooting them one by one. Fortunately each buckshot
shoots more than a dozen of separate bullets and since each bullet is different, each will hit different place at different time, each of them is a separate threat. Really Armas, it is just a simple undeniable truth, rooted so fundamentally deep into the fabric of existence that you never actually thought different in any point of your life. Just keep this Belief close to your heart.

Now, your powers. Sami to be exact. As far as I know, we have seen only 3 different uses of Sami:
Our own special brand of healing
Turning into a giant (or looking like one)... which is useless now
And the super speed (when that Shaman asshole challenged us, remember?). This one is very useful and I suggest we try our best to apply it here. Increased speed will help us to stay in his blind spot, couple it with SB speed boost, we would be extremely fast (though it can be dangerous to ourself. So be careful)

Also, keep in mind: he has loads of charms but that does not mean all of them are Protective ones. He probably has some which boost his physical abilities. Do not approach him as you would approach a human enemy but as a supernatural entity which you do not know the capabilities of.
We know he has some kind of detection charms and charms that can identify magic. It is possible he knows we have a soul-shadow, do not rely on surprise too much.

We might just have a chance to beat this guy here and now and be over with him.

>>361562
Humming might give away our position. Do not do that.

>>361603
Do not utter any single name.

>>361648
>Suggest that we've got off on the wrong foot, and offer to explain 'our' Ramidreju over a beer when we haven't both got other things to worry about.
>over a beer
You-... don't really what who BalckBeard is, do you?
I am almost certain that we can establish genuine close friendship with Doonongeas than we could even become a distant acquaintance of Blackbeard. He is to be trusted less than Amen.
Do not offer him to talk things over a beer.

The only reason why BB hasn't attacked us before, is because we weren't in Istanbul at that time. 99.9% certain that if we were, he would have tried to kill us several times already.

Also, his main objective seems to be to lure massive amount of Police force and then kill them all. Do you want that to happen and know that it could have been prevented? Hell, Adelat might be among them, and though I do not want any romantic relationship with her, I would like to run into her again in future.
>>
No. 361677 ID: 81f32a
File
Removed

rolled 22, 33, 61, 49, 15, 19, 4, 6, 32, 31, 15, 59, 54, 75, 96, 88, 53, 98, 83, 53 = 946

>>361674
Well, I guess you cannot link to archive

It was this fan-art

>>361553
AA-12 has 32 round iirc, so I gonna roll for the rest.
>>
No. 361688 ID: 399bda

>>361674
Yes, I'm fully aware he's completely batshit. Yes, we will - eventually - have to kill him. Better to try anywhere but here, though. We've go Hafaz&co nearby, a bunch of random civvies and Russian soldiers outside, and the police on the way. He's armed to the teeth, better prepared and looking for trouble. This has the potential to turn into a spectacularly public clusterfuck.
Say ANYTHING that might keep him nonhostile/interested for now, worry about killing him later.
>>
No. 361718 ID: f8aa66

Sake's wriggling... so hypnotic...

Let's just hope he doesn't go into his war dance (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMogmSHmS9o). Then we will HAVE to battle to the death.

>>361564
This. Seriously, you guys want to fight Blackbeard in a crumbling building strapped with bombs with the police and as-yet unknown forces (maybe of these 'Ashfreaks', maybe not?) closing in in a couple of minutes? What is WRONG with you all?

If we retreat now, we can: come back at a better time (for us). We can get Hafaz and co. out. We can learn who's fighting Blackbeard if we leave a couple russians on the scene. We can get whatever Gloom snagged from the records room. We can avoid the damn police. We can choose to snipe him as he leaves, reducing his charms without much threat to ourselves. We (by ourselves) might be able to follow him back to his base. And let's not forget an enemy of Blackbeard's might be a potential ally.

"Easy there, bud. I think Blackbeard's been properly intimidated, and we still have some middle easterners to grab. Another time, another time."

Turn to BB: "Right then. It's been ... interesting. I'll be taking my middle easterners and going home. Be a pal and erase this building from the map when you're done, will you?"

Exit: stage right.
>>
No. 361719 ID: ab8af1

Guys, we don't have the time to get into a shooting battle with BB, our first priority is to GFTO with the people we've came for, this is an extraction with a time limit, so we cannot let ourselves get bog down.

We can talk our way out of this, I mean fuck, we have a level 6 social trait and we're clever bastards. Use those for fucks sake.

So unfortunately, I'm going to have to SUTS on all those post suggesting we shoot him.

Now, as to how BB was able to completely resist Iron trick's powers, well I think that it probably has something to do with his greedy soul.
Let's see, he is so greedy that greed has come to complete envelopp and represent his soul. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if his greed is essentially his soul. Now, it is entirely possible that because of this, he's gain some sort of greed based immunity or power because of this, and possbile some other magic bullshit.
Because after all, didn't we shoot His shadow and try to bind His body?
>>
No. 361764 ID: 9839de

Since everyone seems to be bugging out of the fight (not that I approve of this action entirely)
How about we still fuck up BB plans at least a little bit?
It is almost certain that he is luring the Istanbul Security Services in here to blow them to heaven come. We could potentially put a stop to that by leaving a tip to the police. While Armas cannot do that rigt now, we could send the order to Amen through instant telepathy:

"Amen, call the police so that they cannot trace you back and use your best persuading and convince them that the one behind the incident at this address is BlackBeard, that he has rigged the entire building chocke-full with explosives and that there are no survivors."

Alternatevely, to minimize the telepathic damage we can start with: "Amen, do not answer me...". Though we will not if he obeyed our order then but actually it doesn't matter since if he could tell us he cannot comply, we simply do not have anything else to tell him.

Of course this will not stop the police, on the contrary, they are going to turn the response team to 11, sending in tons of police, SWAT, helicopter. They no doubt have recived a directive to notify the Turkish CIA and FBI who in turn will probably send magic-savvy operatives.

Unless you guys want him to go AND let his plans go unimpeeded. Remember, this fucker burned down Right Laine.

After that we agree with BB-
*sigh*.... Really, a soul-oath with BB, you people want to actually agree with that?
Just-... Just make sure there are no loopholes he can take advantage on. Like for example, we agree to not attack him and seal the deal and then he goes and attacks us because we managed to forget to make sure he cannot attack us either. That would be funny, because if that happens and we retaliate, we immediately become undone and the quest ends the most lamest way possible.
Also make sure the deal will stay in effect untill we leave the building.
And make him soul-swear that he will destroy the building before he leaves it.

Oh, also, try to make a 3-part deal so that we can use our To Scoff At Three deal if we feel like it.

And.... anyone actually put a thought how we are going to make a soul-oath? It is not as simple as making a promise and shaking hands.
I doubt the proccess is anywhere near nice.


If we are going to fight and IF we can relay orders to Matyev through Amen. Relay this: our floor, which way the windows open to then tell him to move sharpshooters so that they can assist us there (I think Ivan, the sniper, would be the best).
>>
No. 361775 ID: 2964e1

We need to play along for a bit. It's very suspicious that you can't sense Hafaz and his team's souls - you could feel Blackbeard's at range, why not them. Ask, if to his knowledge, any of them died. Say, "My you're clearly feeling very confident, mind telling me who else is invited to this party in case I run into them on my way out, and what you know of the condition of those I came to collect."

Also, ask Amen what kind of magic could cause the sores you witnessed. Would blood magic do it, or can he tell from your magic item senses if one of Blackbeard's weapons would?

We can't actually make the deal with BB, as he won't agree to be similarly bound, and you can't create a soul oath yourself.

Well, ShadowBro may well be able to communicate with Sake, he could with Einrik after all, and now he has a body Sake's magical senses should return.

I propose that we don't try to kill Blackbeard, instead we try to get rid of him. Sake should create a horizontal tornado (we know he can create one that can lift the weight of a man against gravity), and suck Blackbeard right out of the room, and then throw him out of the window. At the same time, Sake should have the fine control to send the bodies with the swords embedded in flying into the corners of the room, and possibly suck some of the charms from around Blackbeard's neck.

If he goes out the window we should radio the Russians so they know to open fire on him as he falls.
>>
No. 361790 ID: f8aa66

If we do attack (and I really, really don't want to), try to get Sake to remove the detonator arm at the wrist before you make your move.

>>361785
I like this plan, mostly. If he needs a name, Penis Troll will suffice. I don't think the soul-oath is conditional on us telling him shit about Sake; I think an oath to 'leave as quickly and uneventfully as possible' will suffice.

The thing about neutral territory, though... I doubt Blackbeard gives a shit about neutral territory. We meet up at the Asitane, I'd be half expecting it to be blown the fuck up.
>>
No. 361792 ID: d07485

rolled 82, 29, 13, 95, 28, 85, 83, 69, 19, 7, 63, 19, 20 = 612

we won't get such a good chance of killing Blackbeard again, we must finish him now
>>
No. 361794 ID: 252e1b

Blackbeard works alone, but he's not above using people. He manipulated Hafaz and his gang into taking a job to retrieve some files or something, and used them to fight the ashfreaks while he came in from behind and planted his bombs. He needed the cover and didn't want to pay for it. The ashfreaks are, or were, the vanguard force meant to secure this place. They're the minions of something that wants information from here, or doesn't want this place to exist at all. After all, Sometimes Merchant told us that this place has an agreement with the Turkish government, a legal mortal company working completely off the records, with protection from the government.

I've got a feeling that Blackbeard took a contract of some sort, or is being courted by Mammon. So we cannot let him figure out that we're the guy doing the auction. Not yet anyway.

Blackbeard wants that supernatural. If he wants the supernatural to satisfy a contract, or just to collect information or treasure is immaterial. What matters is that he doesn't care about Hafaz because Hafaz's team served their purpose. They provided credible distractions for the ashfreaks.

We're looking at a situation where the Patron and Blackbeard are going to have a showdown here, and it's going to end with the building blown up. The company here is going to have official Turkish government back-up of some sort, and the supernatural enemy that Blackbeard set this trap for will arrive soon with whatever other ashfreaks or other supernaturals he can muster.

So. Negotiate. But do so from a position of relative parity.

"That's a lot of money and time wasted just to hear a long story you really don't have time to listen to. If you're really interested in hearing about my ally, I wouldn't mind meeting up later on neutral territory, like the Asitane. Anyway, I'll swear to leave once my friends here are evacuated; my two allies here will abide by the same and I'll make it clear to the Middle Easterners that they're not to attack you when we're all leaving. Do you really have the time and resources to make a soul-oath right now? I'll swear that too, if you insist, but your resources for doing such things are better spent on binding an unreliable ally to your will. I'm a neutral party, I just want my friends. And I've already given my word that we'll leave you to your fight."

If he asks our name, regardless of if we have to swear the soul-oath or not, tell him, "I'm called Kyrpä Peikko."

Unlike our other titles, Kyrpä Peikko doesn't tie us to anyone we know. Our real name is known by enough people that Blackbeard could get a thorough background check on us. The "Deal Maker" titles ties us to the goblins, "Contractor" indicates we've got ties to a powerful patron, and our old army ranks identify us as having worked for the USA.

So, we're the Penis Troll again. Because Blackbeard is dangerous, and we don't want to fight him nor give him a chance to learn about us.

That's the reason for trying to weasel out of the soul-oath too. I assume a soul-oath requires a certain amount of examining the soul, and Blackbeard obviously couldn't detect our soul. We've got the advantage, let's keep it.
>>
No. 361798 ID: 44766a

I recommend trying to talk our way out of this, but if we do end up fighting have Shadowbro see if he can cause some havoc with shadowporting. Things like getting the detonator away from him, porting the ammo out his gun, or porting the pins out of any grenades he might be carrying. I really want to see the look on his face when all his grenades set off.
>>
No. 361807 ID: 89777a

FIRST OFF

SUSTING THE IDEA OF SOULOATH, ALSO SUSTING THE IDEA OF GIVING HIM INFO THAT ISN'T DECEPTIVE TRUTH, ALSO SUSTING THE NOT FIGHTING IDEA.
This is Blackbeard WHY ON EARTH DO YOU THINK HE WILL BE HONOURABLE OR WORTHY OF TRUST FOR A MOMENT.

THIS IS A MAN WHO TAKES WHAT HE WANTS BY FORCE AND FIRE.

The truth of the matter is, as dangerous as he is we have forced him into threatening us with his final bombs, which is kinda desperate considering Us, Hillevi and Sake can all survive an explosion.

You know what time it is?
IT IS TIME TO PULL A MAGUM BANG!
ALL OPTIONS! HIJACKING ALL SHOOTING POSTS FOR THIS! HIJACKING ALL TALKY POSTS!

We fake out thinking about a soul oath. While doing so we have Shadowbro talk to Sake.

We seek out Hafaz's soul, should be near, if it isn't then he isn't here, don't forget that BB has no honour and would lie like the greedy monster he is. Also think of einherjar time sense... are the police almost here?

Then whether we detect Hazfaz or not we escape. Basically we ALL move forward towards BB, Hillevi can handle him in close combat. Alert the Russians to bail from the building, and be ready to shoot and flee.

So we break though whatever wall is behind BB (Hillevi or Sake or get BB to shoot a wall) and then Fly/use ice to get down and away. With the Russians giving covering fire.

If we actually kill BB then well and good, take his body and loot with us.


Ok so TL:DR Give technically true, actually false info to BB, find Hman, attack BB and escape through whatever wall is behind him.

Some guidelines:
As soon as the chaos breaks slip out of sight and grab Hafaz and leave.
Make sure he doesn't have us in his sights, Sake to mess with his ranged attacks and Hillevi to ruin his melee.(She is stronger and faster and more durable, should have seen the blades to).

Basically we tell false truths, and try to escape in a manner that could kill him.

He was waiting for something so nasty that he can't afford a fight with us. We however CAN, what we probably can't afford is to stick around or try to get oaths with greedy madmen.

ALSO:
FINAL THING. If we get the detonator either use it as soon as we jump building or afterwards. Try to get the Russians to throw more explosives in the building, have Grisha let loose hers. Mostly leave it to thier disgretion, if they say they can't help or somesuch, drop it.
>>
No. 361817 ID: b1f0e2

>Soul swear
SUST! The wording is full of holes and we die when he uses them against us. Even if not, it could lead to other traps like coming to shake his hand to get shanked or the room behind him being trapped with explosives.

>Priority is hafaz and co behind that door
According to the human mass murder who can lie. Our OWN senses only detected blackbeard here besides us. We should actually check

>Tell our secrets, specifically about sake
SUST! Why would we give him such knowledge.

>Make hilevi not fight
Huh? He is an approved target by einrik and she can probably take him, we can't... his gun didn't penetrate her magic ice armor btw.
She should totally fight him.

Either BB is lying (which he can do), or the shadows are really from a third party... who and why? are they related to those he claims to be waiting to fight?

Are hafaz and co really behind that door? Calling them gives us a "call cannot be completed as dialed" error yet texting them works? This is odd, and anyone can text claiming to be someone else.

Our plan is by necessity complex as we have several goals. Our ideal order of operations is:
0. Temporarily Delay him blowing the building up.
1. Retrieve Hafaz and co.
2. Kill BB
3. Blow Building Up
4. Escape

Goal 0: we want to temporarily delay him blowing up the building. However, the currently proposed plan is faulty:
>Tell him we are paid to blow the building
It sounds like the obvious bluff that it is, and we should not reveal information.
A simple laugh followed by "missed bombs, ha... I am actually going to have to insist any deal we make includes you demolishing this building sometime today"
There, no revealing unneeded info about our motives; like being paid.
And from that smoothly transition into further talking without promising anything (and especially not soul swearing to anything)

Also, if he seems like he is going to actually press it having sake knock it out with wind WITHOUT trying to harm him at all would be a good idea (bypass his wards).

Goal 1: First, we need to evacuate the guys. This calls for stalling via conversation as we verify they are really there. After Goal 0 is completed, transition to "If what you claim is true, then these shadow things are your enemies rather then servants waiting to ambush me, you would not mind then if we destroyed them before further negotiation? Miss H. would you do the honors?" While Hilevi gets them SB should flit under the doorcrack and see if they are there, and armas should focus his soul senses as well.

Coordinate with sake and SB telepathically. If they are there, then sake should get in there via the windows (don't want him going by BB) to carry them to the next building over and heal them, and tell them to vamoose. Contact one of the Russians on the rooftop to let the guys looting files to know to vamoose. And then come back to join in on the fight. This might very well overlap in terms of timing with other goals if things don't go perfectly, but that is ok. If concurrent execution of goal

Goal 2: We want him dead. Hilevi should go in for close combat. Armas should shoot whole drums of AA-12 with pellet shots (20 shots a drum) and self manip as suggested by others; do not have SB reloading it, swap out whole drums yourself (a relatively fast process). Hilevi's ice armor can stop his crazy shots, it will have no problem to stop the mundane pellet shots which have mundane penetration (their magic is in regeneration supression) so we can just spray him. Sake can mix up his more deadly attacks with some non harmful tripping wind if he can and deflecting BB's weapons, as those do not attempt to actually harm him. If SB's shadowmere doesn't work then he can wield any of our guns by himself as he can manipulate physical objects, so we can get double the firing rate here.

Goal 3: This automatically succeeds if we fail goal 0. If we made goal 0 then we use his remote to blow up the building, he blows it up and hilevi and armas jump out (she will have no problem, sake can catch armas. If armas does fall out aim to land feet first and roll unto your side, protecting your head.
If the remote is destroyed in combat then we set the building on fire.

Goal 4. Stealth, fly, leap... and there are always the sewers. no problem there. Just make sure to take BB's corpse if he is killed.
>>
No. 361822 ID: ad440d

@torac
Holy shit, why don't we give away all of our secrets and aces whiles we are up here?
"Hey Blackbeard, and I also have Soulshadow with me, and I have Romanov bloodline so when you kill me make sure to kill about four times, also I have Sami powers, I can do instant healing, this is an artifact weapon which talks to me, my Matebas can directly attack your soul, which I can percieve btw, I have direct telepathic line to my servant the Slayer of Ramses, there are 18 russians exmilitary oitside who have surrounded this building, etc etc"
Why are you giving him free information?
What is your goal here?
Do not tell him ANYTHING about Sake. "wind manipulater using rami body..." ffs, we deal enough with SM to know how important and valuable every little bit of info is and you are just giving him it away?



Downvoting on calling us Penis Troll (finnish or otherwise). What the fuck guys?
He knows exactly who we are, no need to give fake names. But even then, do not give him ANYONE'S name.


If we are taking careful approach, make sure that Hafaz and all are alive. Tell SB to slip to the next romm through the shadows and check them out. Or ask Sake do it (try to refrain from mentioning his name, it is clearly Japanese which narrows the guesses substantiallu and tell him in lesser known language)
>>
No. 361839 ID: 3fd4fb

>>361534
Deploy confident grin, but don't bother responding to him. If he blows up the building, he'll blow up the building; we'll live through it, but there's no reason to tell him that. Three of the Russians and our friends would probably die if he actually does set off that bomb, but unfortunately at this point there's not a lot we can do about that.

We need to locate our friends. Our soul sense hasn't picked them up, even though we should be able to sense his attention on us even through the door if they're trying to listen to the conversation; can Shadowbro confirm whether they're where Blackbeard said they were without revealing his existence? Blackbeard might be full of shit. I wish we'd brought pepper spray to shadowport into a cloud around his face, as we'd previously discussed.

While that search is ongoing, we resume engaging Blackbeard- with everything we've got, because it would be much better to finish this encounter sooner rather than later so there's no point in talking our way into a standoff. Hit him with bullets while moving so that he loses track of us, Hillevi can probably tank him for at least a while even with his crazy magic weapons, Sake should be able to fuck him up with wind. We can keep blasting at shortish range, and go into melee to work in tandem with Hillevi- magic weapons good for use against a fast regenerating target like us are unlikely to also be ideal for use against a heavily armored target like her, unless he's got something stupendously dangerous. If he starts trying to escape or move to pull something funny, between blasts of wind, ice slicks on the floor, and ice walls we should be able to control his movement even if we can't hit him proper with our attacks. Pinning him into an engagement with us is to our benefit until we have reason to believe that all of us combined cannot take him in a straight-up fight. Grab his detonator if we can get it.

Ask Iron Trick if he knows why his trick didn't work. That's annoying, and I find the fact that Blackbeard has grabbed those bullets ominous- maybe he'll be able to use them for something, or determine what magics they'd have deployed through later analysis.

If for some reason we need a quick exit from the building, Hillevi can probably knock out a wall and she and Sake can help those of us who are squishy survive the jump to the ground. Heck, Hillevi might well be able to carry one or two people and simply leap to the roof of the next building over. Not terribly subtle but eh.

SUST to everyone saying we should retreat, I'm afraid. We've shown too much of our hand. Hillevi, Sake, Iron Trick, even the fact that he didn't easily pick up on our presence when we came in- all of them were sleeved aces in any upcoming confrontation with this man, and he likes killing the competition. Withdrawing and giving him time to research and prepare for us would be all too likely to get us killed; we will never have a more advantageous confrontation against him than one in which he doesn't expect us to show up, doesn't know who we are or what assets we have, and has a whole different set of objectives to worry about. Not to mention that soul oaths are serious business and not to be taken when the other party could easily mess with things to ensure you die from it- swearing one would be beyond idiotic.

SUST also to giving him substantial information of any kind- about our friends, our abilities, the names of anyone involved, our reason for being here, anything. Any information he gets is information he might be able to use against us.

>>361553
>mutter to Hillevi to reinforce the building - you'll give cover.
SUST to this command. Expecting Hillevi to keep a giant ten-story building standing from six floors up in spite of damage by decently placed explosives is ridiculous, even for her.
>>
No. 361843 ID: 2659aa

IMPORTANT
If we actually manage to wound him, the highest priority would be aqcuiring his blood!!!
Even if he escapes, we wilk be able to kill him if we have his blood.
>>
No. 361845 ID: 6c187a

Don't engage BB after he had plenty of time to prepare the battlefield, with friendlies who need extraction and near to no preparation on our side. We will (help) kill him soon enough.
>[Blackbeard][In Turkish]"...Why is there a Ramidreju using Wind Manipulation coming to your aid?"
"The more correct question would be, why a Wind Manipulator using a Ramidreju is coming to my help. However The story of how we met and allied would be far too long for now and probably not interest you all that much. What is relevant is, that this Wind Manipulator will be very handy to extract and heal my allies in the next room and should not waste energy fighting someone unnecessarily (hint hint)."
This should answer his question without telling him something could not guess himself. Don't use names or genders unless he already knows them. Try to make a loophole in your wording if you do swear a souloath, which you should try to avoid (like "unless I detect hostile actions/a hostile attack"---> does not need to be against you. Have one of your friends do something hostile against BB)


>>361822
I'm not sure what you mean.
Ability to heal: he knows Ramis and this is their most known feature
Wind Manipulator: he noticed
Wind and Healing are helpful: obvious
We are allies: obvious
It is a Wind Manipulator using a Rami to help: Different reasons possible (Rami is his pet and got some Wind Manipulation from him/ he is somewhere else and controls the Rami/he is possessing the Rami). In Hindsight this sentence is neither very good nor necessary so I removed it.
>>
No. 361873 ID: 4b18a4

Upvoting: KILLING/FIGHTING HIM, FALSE LIES

Downvoting: TAKING HIM UP ON HIS OFFER

SUSTing: Using DOOM rounds.

Why? It's simple: BB's a greedy bastard Not like that's a bad thing..., and he'll do anything just to have his mission success rate go up. Well...anything that involves violence and bombs. He's going to cheat the fuck out of us with the oath. This guy just...shouldn't be trusted, at least as an enemy. DOOM rounds are to be used against Divine super-regenerators, wasting them on a mundane human with Arrow Charms is stupid.

Also, remember to say: 'This is for the Right Laine, motherfucker.' when you open fire. Don't forget that van, so precious to us...avenge her! And if you can, try to drive him near a window, so one of the Russians can see him.
>>
No. 361894 ID: d126c1

Edit From: 361559

>[Blackbeard][In Turkish]"And if you don't want to answer that-care to guess where the bombs you missed are? Or whether you'd survive a building collapsing with you in it?"

“Care to guess how much I will be paid by making sure you are known to have used those 'explosives I missed' to collapse this building?”

Blackbeard not continuing the attack and threatening us probably means he is waiting for someone or something to come. He almost certainly cannot afford to blow up the building. More the pity, as we want him to. If we kill him, we might want to think about stealing that detonator.

DO NOT MAKE ANY OATHS. We have no way to enforce ANYTHING on him, and this is strictly one-sided. We are catching him flat-footed here, folks.

Blackbeard is a guy known for his preparation on his jobs, and his utter disregard of human lives- the kind of guy that prepares children with bombs on them to cover his escape. Finding him, right in front of us, when we have at least 2 people who could take him (Hillevi and Sake), and the Armas+SB duo who could probably do it? That's a GREAT present.

Try to focus on that damn time-sense from einher, and how much more time you have before the police comes- we have to know if it works well.

We aren't Feeling Hafaz's soul, and I hope it's not because they are dead. OTOH, it's also possible they were never here, and the messages we got were all fakes made by others to make us come here- most likely to stall Blackbeard, or something.

Ask to see if Hafaz is alive in some way, as we still should better check- I just doubt he was ever there.

Be nonchalant about this, and signal to hillevi to attack him.

Sake obviously knows how to fight, but should think about putting obstacles behind Blackbeard in case he wants to run away.

For Shadowbro: he can attempt to hit Blackbeard, use his spirit mere on Blackbeard or attempt to eat his Shadow. If he chooses that, he should only do it when Hillevi is in melee though, in case blackbeard can attack him.

HOWEVER, as he should be wary of Charms, we should begin by:

“Shadowbro, can you analyze if he has any charms that would attack or damage you were you to attempt eating or attacking his shadow, using the spirit mere on it or him, or simply hit him?”

While he is busy analyzing those, have him also reload the buntline, and take out the Taste Of Ruin for:
>>361553
>Charms are keyed to work against intents. Each one will guard against one. Now, normally, this means shot will only take one charm. But really, you intend to kill him with each bearing, right? Each and every one. Keep that in your head as you unload twelve rounds.

Let's think something more precise :
"A charm works by detecting intent to harm. I know this having used and bought such charms myself. I know that a shotgun fires multiple projectiles, all product of the same cause, but each a little different, each having their own path in their duty and quasi-will. As a machine would product thousands of Judge but there is but one Lone judgement, a shotgun fire many pellets, but each have their own individuality. Like Shadowbro and Myself are hewn from the same soul, but now each have our own will. Those pellets truly are each a different attack, each intended to do harm on its own. After all, a single piece of buckshot is Obviously just as damaging as a normal bullet of the same caliber fired from a smoothbore gun, and it is right that their life shall each be remembered by taking another charm of that fiend that destroyed the unique Right laine." >>361807
UPVOTING
>>361817
UPVOTING

EDIT:

Give mere to Hillevi, it might be useful for getting rid of his charms.
>>
No. 361895 ID: c6ce12
File 131985409929.png - (313.49KB , 789x586 , Suit.png )
361895

Since it seems there is a distinct chance we're going to shoot at Blackbeard here and attempt to mentally manipulate ourselves into perceiving the shot as multiple attacks directed at him. This will be to help us along with that. It's Armas and shoulder Ito discussing his lack of disciprin.
>>
No. 361896 ID: f6106a

We need to confirm Hafaz is here first-off. So...

>"Or whether you'd survive a building collapsing with you in it?"

"Keeping in mind practitioner plus wind manipulator, yeah I'm thinking I can survive that. But you're pretty clearly waiting for someone or something, and haven't blown up the building yet, so I'm guessing you don't really want to yet. So yeah, I'm keeping my secrets to myself, unless you care to buy them, which is expensive as fuck."

If he pays for an answer to the question about Sake just say "We're friends". Which is a completely honest answer to his question.

"Now, back to my friends. Let me get this straight. You want me to swear a soul-oath that I'll take some middle-easterners whose existence I've yet to confirm, let alone their identities or if they're alive... Are you out of your fucking mind? No, I get confirmation they're who I'm looking for, and throw in that leaving means you don't interfere or injury me or any of my friends or allies in the process. Then I'll consider it"

Now, if we do end up fighting him, something to consider. The whole point of shotguns is, aside from the larger cone of putting holes in stuff, putting more then one hole in something. The charms we know of are supposed to protect against single attacks, so a shotgun should wreck them. Run this by shadowbro. He did mention intent when talking about Gleb's armor's function, so perhaps we'll need to invision each pellet as a seperate attack. If so, try invisioning the damage each pellet from the shotgun should do, each individual hole in Blackbeard's flesh.
>>
No. 361939 ID: d97a61
File 131987019696.jpg - (106.85KB , 395x313 , Whoops.jpg )
361939

ONE-OFF BANG INVOCATION APPLIED TO UPDATE

>>361764
Right-time for some speedy thought-Amen, I got orders for you.
>[Amen]"Yes, yes yes?"
Using an untraceable line, call the Turkish police and do what you must without in any way implicating me, my colleagues, yourself, or anyone related to any of us, to convince them that Blackbeard is in this building, it is rigged to explode, and that he is presumably baiting a trap.
>[Amen]"This one is placing a call as this one communes further-was there more, master?"
What kinds of magic could cause the types of sores I noted on corpses in this building?
>[Amen]"Heartsores are charactaristic of blended Blood and Flesh manipulation magic-a way of claiming hearts blood and slaying a foe simultaneously."
Could any other magics have caused it?
>[Amen]"Several, but none nearly as efficient as what was just mentioned, nor as comparatively commonly in use."
Any chance Blackbeard's weapons could have done it?
>[Amen]"Slim to none, but with masters' senses this one cannot be certain."
Last order for the moment: Communicate, again following the guidelines we've established on safe mental communication, the following to Matvey Baich: A message from Armas: Get men out of building immediately, and be prepared to fire upon a body coming out of the recently damaged sixth floor windows. Following that, be prepared to immediately vacate any roof-tops, as threat escalation suggests helicopters will be inbound.
>[Amen]"..The words have been conveyed, and this one's connected with the police. The tip master desired shall be placed momentarily.

I finish blinking as I get on with what I'm going to do.

>>361563Conil
>>361591Falcon
>>361603Shifter55
>>361628fc3425
>>361648Chthonic
>>361659Triad
>>361718Guile
>>361775Alratan
>>361794BUTTZ
>>361807Magus
>>361845torac
>>361896TMI
I softly sigh nostalgically, the exhalation containing a hint of mirth.

"Easy there, bud. I think Blackbeard's been properly intimidated, and we still have some middle easterners to grab. Another time, another time."
Even as Sake's body begins to slacken in its aggressive... wiggling, Blackbeard pipes up-also in English.
>[Blackbeard]"As it happens I speak this language too."
"Wonderful, we all do."
I give him a bland look that shows EXACTLY how many fucks I give.
>"Oh, you care... some."
Oh hey Shadowbro, gotta ask-why can't I sense Hafaz or the rests' souls? Any ideas, besides them being dead?"
>"Yes, actually-I still don't feel 100% on it but I'm becoming increasingly confident this building is magically warded within it's construction-a warding to prevent assessment. You need direct line-of-sight to detect things-or at least, anything beyond that is dampened severely. You noted how much more precisely you perceived Blackbeard's soul when you crested the stairs, do you not?"
...Point. So he could still easily be telling the truth... okay-
I grin sharkishly.
"You know Blackbeard, that's a lot of money and time wasted just to hear a long story you frankly don't have time to listen to. If you're really interested in hearing about my ally, I wouldn't mind meeting up later on neutral territory, like the Asitane. Good food, have to say. Anyway, I'll swear to leave once my friends here are evacuated; my two allies here will abide by the same and I'll make it clear to the Middle Easterners that they're not to attack you when we're all leaving."
He's not saying anything-so I holster the buntline while throwing my other hand in the air in exasperation-and discreetly keeping the one hand within my coat.
"Do you really have the time and resources to make a soul-oath right now? Keep in mind... practitioner plus wind manipulator? Yeah I'm thinking I can survive that. But you're pretty clearly waiting for someone or something, and haven't blown up the building yet, so I'm guessing you don't really want to yet. So yeah, I'm keeping my secrets to myself, unless you care to buy them, which is expensive as fuck."
I grin some more.
"And no, buying me dinner at the Asitane wouldn't count-though if you want my story the check would be but the first of tabs you'd be picking up."
>[Blackbeard]"A high opinion to have of yourself-and making a very solid case for me deploying my resources... aggressively. You sure that's how you want this to go down?"

>>361562
I start to alternate between humming and whistling, that smirk never leaving my face.
[ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aRor905cCw ]

I see the stormclouds returning to his face as his finger jumps for the detonator-

>>361636
Sha-
>"Already on it"
For the detonator to vanish from his hands, simply clattering to the floor behind me.

>>361553Shot
>>361638786cb9
>>361674Dkay
Yeah the other fanart did get used, so it's linking is irrelevant.
>>361817MrTT
>>361839Ironybot
>>3618432659aa
>>361873DoubleU
>>361894Arkeus
This is when the hand I kept in my jacket comes out, the Taste of Ruin in hand-as I start pumping out shots, once more blazing away at a man that in theory I can't hurt behind all his charms.
[ FULL AUTO FIRE: rolled 18, 12, 100, 37, 63, 50, 45, 55, 43, 100, 48, 21 = 592/1200 ]

Or so the theory goes.
>"?"
Charms are keyed to work against intents. Intent to detect, intent to act, intent to harm-doesn't matter what, but they read something off the mind of those that trigger it. Normal disposable charms, the most common type, each one will guard against one such intent that's been acted on. Now, normally, this means one shot will take one charm-an equal. But the thing is, I'm firing 12gauge shot-and I intend to kill him with each and every bearing.
The first shot-
[18]
Does fuck-all.
>"Why are you so fixated on this?
Because this has to work. Incidentally if you can, tell Sake to build up as much wind pressure as he can, and get ready to give our friend a little push.
>"...How did you know I could still act as an intermediary to Sake in short ranges?"
Mind's nowhere near his words, all of it focused on the next blast about to explode out of the Taste. Every piece of shot that comes out of this barrel is on its own trajectory, its own course, and each has its own capacity for damage. Consider firing a shotgun as like a boxer throwing out tens of punches over the course of a round. Not all of them hit, and those that do don't always do any damage, but what every single one of those punches will do is test the opponent's defenses. In the same way, every time you fire the shot, you're in essence probing for weaknesses, searching for a chink in the sometimes literal armor, and if any of those little pellets of lead can find one, they are going to tear straight through - they intend to harm wherever they can. My mind is sharpened, focused, coveting the concept-
[12]
Again the shot does diddly, even as I note Hillevi building a shield of ice as Blackbeard finishes hefting his rifle, my third shot barely ahead of his return fire-

[FANART BONUS]
>[MM,MMMMM Trait auto-activated, auto-evolves to level seven: NO NEW GAINS]
>-Manipulation abilities increase.
...It did work, I just wasn't watching for it properly. If I just look closely enough, this time I'll see-
[100]
[[b]SPLINTERED INTENT SHOT
86, 18, 41, 5, 68, 20, 53, 90, 8, 16, 18, 79 = 502/1200]

For a fleeting moment, I feel... something.

More importantly, I see a genuine reaction from Blackbeard-unlike the last two shots, which had no effect, not even damaging his charms-now reeling back as if slapped, two tarnished objects falling from the glittering mass beneath his bristling beard. As he reels I try to dash around Hillevi, reaching for the superspeed I saw the Laib Olmai shaman use-
And moving at exactly the same pace I normally would.
>"[Iron Trick]"Probably because you don't have superspeed, you fuckwit. Did it even occur to you that since Sami shaman, you know, deal in spirits, they might derive abilities FROM THEIR SPIRIT ANIMALS? Like How your friend Big does, becoming inhumanly durable? It can't be THAT hard to reason spirits that can amplify one's speed exist-and the same as that, it couldn't have been hard to note you only saw ONE shaman demonstrate such speed out of dozens. At no point did that make you question this belief?"
>"...Dark below, you've thought that for days, haven't you. You poor pathetic meatbag."
Hey, even geniuses aren't right all the time.
>"Well at least your arrogance wasn't impacted with your acumen."
You know what? Not helping.

[37, 63, 50, 45, 55, 43]
For three glorious seconds Blackbeard's reeling-and though his shot, squeezed off at the last second, came disturbingly close to catching Hillevi in the eye, he's... not doing much of anything. Regretably, whatever spark let that one shot actually work the way I wanted it to is elusive, to say the least, and try as I might, the same mentality I used before doesn't seem to accomplish anything. What is it that I'm missing?

...Nothing for it but to tear the ideas down, and build them anew-with perhaps no further chances, with Sake's body now arched about a building packet of ludicrously dense, distorted air, snickering and snorting as he compresses ever more into the mass. Especially given he just winked at me mid-smarmy snicker

This time, I systematically break it down, and assemble the thought as I would a rifle.
-A charm works by detecting intent to harm, be it disposable or not.
-I know this having used and bought such charms myself.
-I know that a shotgun fires multiple projectiles, all product of the same cause.
I know each to be a little different, each having their own path in their duty and quasi-will.
-As a machine would produce thousands of judges but only one is my Old Lonesome, a shotgun fires many pellets, but each has its own individuality.
-Like Shadowbro and I are hewn from the same soul, yet each have our own will.
-Those little metal orbs truly are each a different attack, each intended to do harm on its own, both by design and active use.
-After all, a single piece of buckshot is comparably damaging to a normal bullet of the same caliber fired from a smoothbore gun.
-Such a small, smoothbore fired bullet would be sufficient to trigger a charm on it's own.
>>361895
[FANART BONUS, trick becomes easier.]
This time as I assemble my thoughts and theories, I don't just focus-I abandon every extraneous bit of neural activity, using every iota of self-discipline I can command, and-
>>361792
[SPLINTERED INTENT SHOT rolled 82, 29, 13, 95, 28, 85, 83, 69, 19, 7, 63, 19, 20 = 612/1300 ]

Again Blackbeard reels as a pair of smoldering metal lumps drop from him, this time blasted fully off the pile of bodies he had stayed so resolutely seated on. It is this time that I see the look of utter, horrified shock on his face-so visceral, so palpable I don't know I could believe it faked. That is the look of a man that had one of the pillars that defined his world yanked out from under him-
Not the look of someone attentive to their surroundings.
"SAKE!"

Just before the air bubble my furry friend sends whizzing after Blackbeard connects, I see it-

A hand coming free of his jacket-detonator in his grasp.
His thumb descends in a flash.

Son of a who-

With a sound so viciously loud it's agonizing to even hear, the floor rises up to sweep my legs out from under me and thrust my now-prone form skyward, even as Blackbeard's sent hurtling out the window tumbling like a rag doll.

The moment he passes into the open air, the sound of automatic gunfire fills the morning, almost drowning out the terrified screams that only now are registering past the muffled roar of the explosives. I even hear the familiar whine of the spinning Gatmalite weapon-as charms drop like candy from his flailing, already dropping to the ground six floors down.

This is about the time I realize the building is leaning a LOT faster than I thought it would. As in 'this feels like a bus accelerating' speedy leaning. On average a minute for a building to collapse? Not this time, methinks.

Which is why I make an interesting choice as I spot a spatter of blood where Blackbeard rolled.

"Hillevi, you and Sake get-"
Hillevi's already shoved the mini-mountain of corpses aside and wrenched the door off it's frame-she looks mildly irritated as her forceful entry is initially greeted with gunfire-which terminates as confused and harried faces peer out at me.

Okay, one two three four five souls, all feeling properly human-
"Hafaz-I don't even have time-these two are getting your asses out, so shut up and comply."
For once I get no backtalk from ANYONE. It's fucking amazing.
I hastily begin ripping the bit of carpet free as Sake and Hillevi safely fly out the window amidst a massive flurry of wind-
I stand up, triumphant in my claim-haha, got your blood now Blackbeard, what can you do about it?
-When the building's accelerating slide hits a massive jam, the building slamming against it's neighbor across the street. I slam into the cieling before rebounding and clipping my chest on a pillar, managing to wrap a hand around it's edge as the descent of the several thousand tons of steel and concrete I reside in... accomodates the change.

Where once we leaned-now we drop.

Strait towards the street Blackbeard fell on all of ten seconds ago.

Okay yes, I AM in a falling building. Not my favorite place to be.
It's made a whole mess better by being a building falling ON the fucker that blew up my car.

Heh-first I grounded him-now, I'm going to pound him.

[ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ywxm6zLEjFY ]

Let's see those fucking charms stop this

The ground races up to meet my abode, and the shell of a building about me disintegrates into clouds of flying debris-
-and with an ominous, reverberating, immensely deep crack, the very street beneath us breaks, crumbling away.

I suppose from an outsider's perspective it looked like a man was thrown out of a building, shot by nearly two dozen automatic weapons, had a building dropped on him, and then the whole damn mess just fell below ground level. Well I'd like to note that it wasn't at all like that inside the building. It was rough, it was hectic, it was insane-limbs were pulped, and needed to be repaired before lack of mobility claimed my life. Dust choked the air so fiercely that I could scarce breath. Raw cords threatened to electrocute, as gas leaked and fires starts in dozens of spots, providing even more hazards.

But fuck ALL of it, I'm ALIVE.

[WINTER ENERGY: 62/100
[SUMMER ENERGY:] -8/40

...And hungry.

I finish pulling myself in my sadly shredded suit free of the rubble, cast my soul-sensing about-

....To feel not even the slightest trace of Blackbeard's spirit.

Huh.
...Did I kill him?
And more importantly-it's been more than ten minutes since we first got here, and I'm now in a rubble-filled section of collapsed building and street in the sewers, with no visible way back out. ...In fact, I think the building broke through both sewers and subway lines-so I'm not sure just how deep we fell. We're... what, seventy? Eighty feet down? What the fuck are these old looking tunnels?











So how do I take that I don't feel Blackbeard's soul anymore?
And what do I do from here?
>>
No. 361945 ID: b57910

Okay. He's escaped. You really expect that to kill someone like Blackbeard? Fuck no. He's alive, most likely. Take heart you have one place he can't touch you, though.

MOVE YER ASS. These are the old Tunnels. Being friends with the Goblins might help out here - call SM and talk to him about it through Amen, while also ID'ing Hafaz and his friends as proper visitors.

Tell SB to be hyper-vigilant. This area gave a motherfucking berserker nightmares. We must move quickly, efficiently, and carefully.
>>
No. 361952 ID: c587e0

BUG OUT MOTHERFUGGER.

Climb up to sewer level and navigate back home. I'm sure you have a good memory and sense of direction.

>Beardiest BlackBeard
It is possible that blackbeard had charms for spacial displacement in the case of instant death (eg. a building dropping on him) or he can hide too and is after your ass for ruining his deal, either way, don't be here when shit hits the fan.

>where are you
You remember those horror stories Camella told you about? The world beneath the world?
Welcome.

Also it's possible that this is part of the building you just crashed, the literal and figurative 'underground' section. The part where they deal with the serious magic stuff.

If the opportunity presents itself, blow it all sky high and get a pat on the back from SM (after grabbing any important looking documents and such of course)
>>
No. 361956 ID: f8aa66

Just because we can't sense him doesn't necessarily mean he's gone for good. That unnoticable aura from the building might still be in effect - maybe more so now that he's covered in building bits like we ourselves are. Or he could be waiting to pull an ambush or something.

I think a call to Matvey to let him know we all survived is in order, if the (magical?) cell jamming isn't in place down here. Have him move his men back, but keep some in the area to see what shows up if he thinks they can do it without being detained. The police? Whatever Blackbeard was waiting for? Who knows.

Now might be a good time to quiz SB on how he senses the world, because we are soon going to be running blind. He can sense Dark spirits, can he actually 'see' in the dark, in a manner of speaking? We might need him to hold our hand down here.

Dare we move in the direction of the mansion? Amen said it wasn't safe down there.
>>
No. 361973 ID: 8ed09e

>>361969
Upvoting this, if we can't get SM to help we could always ask Shadowbro to assist in our search for any magical items in the rubble around us.
Blackbeard did have his hands rather occupied when we shot him out of the building.

>>361956
Aside from that, we should check our gear to make sure that none of it is broken, though calling people on our mobile may be pointless due to the depth you are at, even if it could put out a strong enough signal you are in a serious telecommunication shadow.
Did we sell the scopes of our Matebas? Having an IR and thermal scope would be useful right now.

Still, if we are going to be moving around in the sewers it would be best to close Shadowbro in our line of sight, and close enough that we can assist him if something horrible decides it can affect his form.
Aside from that, Blackbeard may be still close and you may not be able to take him if he's less injured than you.
He is going to be pissed.
>>
No. 362005 ID: 4bd279

>...Did I kill him?

Of course not, You should know this by now since nothing ever goes according to plan. We really should get out of here before we get even more hurt and the cops arrive. Try and get into the sewers through the tunnels and see if you can meet up with SM.
>>
No. 362010 ID: d07485

>>361969
this
>>
No. 362015 ID: 81f32a

Check you phone, does it have reception? I should have because that is the only reason we bough this ridiculously expensive, huge satellite phone. The obstruction field from the building shouldn't be in place anymore because the building is gone.

If it works, make use it instead of calling Amen.

If not, call Amen.

If nothing works from that, we can be sure that Wyld Goblins have some kind of agents or observing devices around. Remember what SM said when we first met Camella, he was able to observe her from far deeper than here. Besides, after our tip, he has most definitely increased observation around this Building.
So, we just need to call for SM, Goblins or goblin-affiliated creatures that could place us in contact with them.

If that doesn't work. Well...
I can assume that SB, who is made from our own soul has the same or at least near same Social/mental skills. We know that he regularly converses with creatures from the Dark.
So ask him, at his own discretion to contact some creature which can in turn contact us with SM.

We need to negotiate a safe way out of here and a way to contact the world if phone/amen do not work.
Negotiate transfer of our magic meat enough to fully restore our Summer mana.
Do not negotiate the price yet (this will eat valuable time and we want optimal conditions when we sell shit to SM) just promise SM a lot of good information. We will pay later, now we have important business to attend to.

[Now, I am assuming at least one of the previous points work (meaning we can contact other people)]

Okay, on the surface we left a huge pile of rubble and we are no where to be seen. I can imagine that Hillevi is very distraught at this and will try to dig through to save us ignoring any caution and using her powers in abandon. Sake might be worried too, but he at least can feel the soul-oath/connection and knows we are safe. I suspect the Russians and Hafaz&Co will act professionaly and will not put everything at risk by staying there to save us.
So we need to contact Metyev and relay some stuff:
-We are fine, tell Hilelvi that
-we will be able to get back on our own accord
-for now get the fuck out of there

Note that he is bereft of his swords. We can ask SM to recover and store them for us or have SB search for them and shadowport them.

Now, BlackBeard. It is unlikely he survived... but hell, this is BB we are talking about so do not assume anything. But do not immediately be sure he is alive because that is just baseless paranoia. For now, he is "Missing in Action", neither confirmed dead or alive.
We got his blood. We need to use it as soon as possible before it contorts and becomes useless or before BB can do anything about it. The knowledge how long the rituals take time to perform would have been really useful right now.
So one of the most important things to do now is to ask Amen (through any means of communication) what we can do at this moment without putting ourself under significant risk with that blood. Can we introduce his blood into our own veins so that Amen can manipulate it with his blood that is flowing through us? Or the same but with ingesting his blood? Can he safely teach us a quick (under 2 minutes) ritual which can be performed with things we have under our hands which can determine his current location and/or if he is alive.
If we manage to contact SM, we can transport that blood to Amen and pretty much do anything with it, but for now we need to know where he is and if he is alive.

We need to forget ALL of our plans for today and the next week. We have heavily wounded BB, we need to track him down and kill him for good. We simply cannot let him recover, prepare and retaliate against us. We have caught him completely flat-footed, we need to continue to hunt him.
IIRC, Bob said that he wears about 30 charms at a given time. We personally made 4 of them useless (probably the most powerful arrow-charms he had) and the very short moment we saw him flying out and being greeted by a hail of bullets, he must have lost about a dozen more. So that is 16+ charms confirmed.
Keep in mind that our own attacks wounded him (hence the blood... if it is his blood) and the fact that he kept falling after we redirected our attention. So 15-25 mores second of concentrated fire while he fell down before the building collapsed on him from 12+ AN-94's (its rate of fire depletes single mag in 6 seconds, assuming each of them shot a mag worth that is 720 bullets) + GatMalite (since this one does not need reloading, that would be 160-270 rounds), If only 40% of them hit their target that still means at least 350 direct hits. I can't imagine him surviving that but fuck this is BB we are talking about.
He must be incredibly wounded and all of his arrow charms (that he had with him) must be depleted. If we catch up with him before he gets back to his base, this will be a almost fight against a mundane mortal (he still has his detection charms).

[If we managed to locate where BB through his blood, all the next points include sharing it with others]
Why all this obvious information?
Well, so that know exactly how great of opportunity this is. Call Camella, quickly tell her short version of what happened, tell her to contact the rest of our "firends" (Triads/Italians) on her own discretion, tell her we have a BlackBeard to put down and it does not get better than this. Notify her that the Police and Special Forces are on maximum alert and that they also will be looking for him [do not tell how we know that]
Contact our allies form the surface again:
-Tell Hillevi and Sake of our plans, co-ordinate with them.
Sake could SMELL Hillevi's ice. We wounded BB so he should be able to smell his Blood, besides that, he should smell very heavily of sulfur because of all the charms that burned on him. He can track him by those means.
-Talk with Matyev again. Having all 18 Russians hunting BB is probably not a good idea, so tell him to assemble a squad (4-6 people) of his best people (Iosef and Grisha should be among them) and go with Hillevi and Sake. The rest will take Hafaz&Co to our mansion (tell Amen they are friends!)

>...In fact, I think the building broke through both sewers and subway lines
Aw hell, I do not want to be (partially) responsible for (more) civilian deaths. When we have communicated everything else, tell Amen to contact whoever is in charge of subways and tell them that a tunnel collapsed and that they should push emergency breaks before on all trains before any run into them. Again, untraceable.

>>362004
>+Sell to him, under the provision that he hides where the information came from or that we can do it, That we were able to use a shotgun to “use up” many charms, as accounting for each pellet. Something like “If this information if worthless, you not telling anyong about it cost either of us nothing, and if it truly is as valuable as I think, My ability to do it is secondary.” should help to secure that provision.
>+Explain to him, in detail, the kind of concentration necessary for this 'trick'.
Oh man, this is almost the same idea that I had but also completely different. I will explain in Disc thread later, I do not have time now (already used too much to write this bloated post, OHGOD) so I will SUST this for now. Do not even MENTION the trick.


Again, a huge post. Sorry, Bob, I do not know how this happens
>>
No. 362044 ID: b83c65

I'm gonna suggest that we go looking for the swords/Blackbeard while we're down here. Call up anyone we made deals with and inform that we will be late, as we just had a building fall on top of us.
>>
No. 362055 ID: b1f0e2

You might be able to contact SM just by saying his moniker here in the sewers.

If we are not getting SM to transport his blood to Amen for storage, then the following can be done to make it easier to carry.
Fully drink your blood bottle for some healing. Have SB teleport out (or rather, eat himself) all traces of that blood. Cut the carpet bits with BB blood, shove them in the bottle, have SB teleport out the carpet leaving the blood only in the bottle.

BB is sure to have survived, he is the one who blew up the building with himself in it, I am sure he had charms to protect against falling debris. You can't sense him because the building was enchanted to prevent such sensing, so its rabble is blocking you. Not to mention he might have charms for hiding himself.

There is no light here, at all. SB can be your "eyes" and such an experience will let you focus your more magical senses (soul sensing).

Considering this is deep within the earth, you should consider that there might be dragons here. Recall that non ruling dragons MUST stay underground.

Amen is not limited vertically, if you can make it under the mansion he can open a path for you, if something horrible chases you under the mansion amen can capture it for you to eat.

The goblins can track BB, if you do not engage him while down here, then have them notify you of his progress, as soon as he makes it to the top levels of the sewer set an ambush for him using that info.
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No. 362088 ID: 4b18a4

HIS SWORDS. THEY'RE STILL THERE. If he's not dead, he's probably searching for them. Find them! Have SB reload your guns, and search through the building! Make use of your goblinic stealth: Sight, Hearing, Shadowbro's sensing and now, soul-sensing to locate Blackbeard. Also, have Amen contact Matvey to report the situation above.
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No. 362122 ID: d126c1

Edited from 362004
Well, quite a few stuff to do.

First, it seems we have hit a wall on our M trait. I suggest talking to SB and Iron Trick on how to magically enhance it.

I think we should do it with the following restriction: “I cannot knowingly lie or break my word TO OTHERS unless under a magically enforced contract. I cannot plan to, either.”

This should be Strict enough to greatly help our self as Deceptive Truthfulness, it shoud also enhance our manipulative abilities, which is the whole point (We must check this out with Iron Trick first, though). It should also 'register' of people who cannot Lie in some way or another- or we can say stuff like 'I cannot knowingly lie in our conversation anyway...' to better improve our relationship with such races. I am pretty sure they would look on that favorably (must first check it out with Iron Trick, though). Also, it would still let us break rules of three deals if we need to, as that's a awesome power The “cannot plan to” is to close the loophole of simply giving memories to SB for better lying. Having such an enormous loophole would almost certainly greatly decrease the restriction's power. Also, in this respect, “lying” should refer solely to the communication of lie through words (mental or not), and not to us hiding stuff through deceptive truthfulness. To others should be obvious: Armas constantly bulshit himself.

MAYBE BETTER WORDING: “I will be truthful to others unless being bound by a magical contract or oath (or unless I make a honest mistake), and I will always plan to be truthful to others unless I am going to be bound by a magical contract or oath” . This might be better as we are MORE about DECEPTIVE TRUTHFULNESS than not lying.

==> This Restriction should probably be done on our Summer Bloodline, as it's more 'complete' (or at least, it's not in half-done form i think), and maybe we'd need to eat summer meats first to recharge. Ask Iron Trick and SB about both of those points (whether it should be used on Summer and Winter, and whether we should eat first). OTOH, our winter bloodline is more about the soul, which may *greatly* increase our capacity to manipulate others if we use it to Restrict ourself to Deceptive Truthfulness that way. Our summer one is shared with SB- so it may Restrict Him, too. I don't mind, but maybe he does.

We may have left a trail of blood and pulverised flesh on our way down.The building debris won't have finsihed settling yet, that will take a while longer, so there should be plenty of open space, even if it's small. ShadowBro should flow back up through these gaps and collect what we left behind. There may be a blood magic practicionner on the loose given the Ashfreaks. Then, we should reload all our guns. Have Amen Contact Matvey and tell him we are curreently alive, but in the sewers, and might take a while to get up there.

>>361969
If we manage to Call SM- either through saying his name, our phone or through Amen calling him, and relaying each other's sentence (in that case, he should be ordered to forget about the conversation as soon as it's finished, though he probably can read our memory anyway...)- we should also do a few things:

+Sell to him, under the provision that he hides where the information came from or that we can do it, That we were able to use a shotgun to “use up” many charms, as accounting for each pellet. Something like “I got what I think is incredibly valuable information, but I need you to do your utmost to hide where you got it from.If this information if worthless, you not telling anyong about it cost either of us nothing, and if it truly is as incredibly valuable as I think, My ability to do it is secondary.” should help to secure that provision.
+Explain to him, in detail, the kind of concentration necessary for this 'trick'.
+Sell to him his swords. We don't use swords, and keeping them “just in case” is useless: Those swords should gain us a LOT, as they are enchanted metal, which is damn rare. However, we might want to check with Iron trick first if it's possible to use their metal to enhance either the buntline or AA-12, as wounds that don't clot sounds awesome, for example.
+Tell him all about the Ashfreaks, though maybe check with Amen first their real name.

DO NOT EAT CORPSES UNLESS CERTAIN IT WON'T FILL YOU WINTER BLOODLINE SLOT
Now, WE NEED MEATS, AND ESPECIALLY SUMMER ALIGNED. This because we lack Summer power mostly, but also because currently even the far-stretched possibility of 'gaining' a random magical beast's bloodline is bad. Better not risk it. We always need regenerator meat, especially hearts, but maybe something else could be interesting too. We lack diversity on the meat fronts. Also, magical veggies!
When we come to Haggling, try something like “I fell from a room filled with corpses, so I don't actually need you to deliver meat right now to fill myself, but as I was thinking of you when Blackbeard was provoked into exploding the building, I wanted to call you? My present Hunger does refocus my want on Sustenance, too”.
As for my earlier thoughts on Restriction, if we need someone else to do it, why not “Sometimes merchant, I was thinking of accepting my true nature a bit more, and looking into restricting myself to Truthfulness- would you care to assist me, in exchange for actually seeing a mortal taking such a fae binding?”
Now is not the time to talk about training or Romanov, as there is the distinct pressing matter of blackbeard, but I think by Selling the swords, which are metal magic (especially the broken one which will be unusable soon), we could try to: “Sometimes Merchant, I was thinking of obtaining a passive charm which enhance my sensing ability: preferably something that would help me see through enemies using basic invisibility magic”. If it's not possible, try enhanced hearing- better range, better procession. Hell, enhanced hearing might be better in the long run.

LAST- OR MAYBE FIRST- THING: ASK SM TO GET SILJA TO US. BLACKBEARD IS PRECISELY THE KIND OF HUMAN WE CAN USE HER ON, AND WE ARE IN A PINCH. Of course, check if the place you are at is big enough to use it well. If not, don't.

We are currently down on our Regen power, and eating a lot will go a long way in making us safer. Don't forget Blackbeard almost certainly was prepared to blow the building while he was in it, so he should be alive. Given his greed, he will come for his swords (hence why it's best to call SM as soon as possible). The Same, if he escape, he may tell his contacts that the charms are deficient- something that would devalue our knoweldge of that trick (hence why we must Sell it at once). We should be prepared for him to try to ambush us, have SB scouting around, and us stretching our hearing. REMEMBER TO MOVE SILENTLY, and while it may be possible Blackbeard is hiding his presence via some charms, you can still 'Remember' how someone looks for us, same we did for the stallon spirits, especially as we sensed his soul before.
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No. 362143 ID: 252e1b

>>362015

Do not check your phone, do not do anything that takes your attention away from your surroundings. If Blackbeard survived this clusterfuck, he's got to be around somewhere.

His utter Greed won't let him leave supplies, like his swords, behind. Since we're sitting more or less right on top of them, he's going to be around here somewhere.

Have Shadowbro help you look. Have him use the water in your water bottle to turn the dust on the ground here to mud. It won't last long but it will give away Blackbeard's position.
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No. 362148 ID: 832696

Hmm, the reason why performing the Splintered Intent trick is so hard might be because Armas does not believe it. Like that time with Sensing the Souls, we realized the possibility, tried to do it but informed of a sub-conscious mental block that tells us we do not actually BELIEVE what we are trying to do.
So Armas used his powerful mental trait to remove it like it never was there in first place.

that time we had someone to point out that we have the block. This time, it seems that even SB is not quite sure what we did so he didn't see the block.

I think what Armas needs to do the similar trick that we did back then, remove any doubt that we are wrong. BELIEVE with entire existence that each pellet is separate bullet.

Heck, since SB so helpfully informed us of that block before, why not ask him to search for one again?


>>362122
Do NOT sell the swords.
I agree on "just in case" point. We don't really need them and holding on them is useless BUT consider that for SM the most valuable goods are information. He doesn't value other things as much. While I can rely on SM to not swindle us, I am sure he will not pay more than they are worth.
In any other situation, we wouldn't have an outlet to sell them for good money but remember, we have an AUCTION soon. Absolutely nothing stops us from including those swords as selling pieces. We just need to inform SM and perhaps wait a week before SM makes sure that the info has traveled far enough that interested parties will come.
The fact that the swords were used by BlackBeard would increase their price on the auction, some people would want to buy them for that fact alone (something I doubt would happen if we sold them to SM, I do not think he cares that much about to whom the equipment belonged to unless it somehow magically improves it).
So collect the swords and send them to Laine Estate.

About selling the information on the Splintered Intent:
I am not entirely convinced we should do it but if we do sell it here are some points:
-Before starting make sure that SM does not share this information with anyone unless we negotiate further on.
-Fist sell the general information on the trick, the fact that it exists. Do not explain how it works or that it doesn't matter that the one performing it is a magical or mundane.
-Then offer to TEACH (ie. so that they cannot pass it down) anyone willing how to perform the trick. Since this is not a Modern Arms training we can negotiate different rewards for hours of teaching (I have not come up with anything but finding our if we can get new types of training would be very nice)
--OR we could just tell how we did it.... but I think that would be way less worth than offering to teach it to them and getting steady rewards (we don't HAVE to ask for training ad rewards btw)
-One of the things we should demand is confidentiality, they cannot tell anyone we discovered it.
-The offer to sell your own oath that you will not sell/share the knowledge to anyone under your own volition (ie. when tortured, mind-read, possesed, etc. it doesn't count) except the ones you classify as your allies (we do want out minions to be able to perform this). If he insists, also offer him that we will make sure that our allies swear they will not spread it either.

As for payment... I really don't know. Hey! I bet we could do that "adoption" by the clan deal with this (is anyone still interested in that?). Although we have yet to claim and the rewards for NN deal where we asked to be introduced to other important goblins and be classified as Friend.

...Speaking of which. We are FRIEND to goblins, if we can find some around in these tunnels, they ought to help us!
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No. 362154 ID: 78c379

Can our summer ability siphon from our winter energy reserves to convert it to summer energy?

I would like to raise the summer to 0 if possible
>>
No. 362157 ID: d97a61

>>362154
[Nope]

>>361945
Yeah... I don't really think I got him. Maybe its just because of tropes, but I don't think I'll buy it short of seeing-and possibly proactively desecrating-Blackbeard's corpse. I blink in the gloom of this collapsed area, waiting for my eyes to adjust to the darkness as much as possible, making not a sound, feeling not a whit of attention.
I hope you're paying attention here, I'm nearly running blind.
>"I will apraise you of relevant discoveries in this murk."
>>361952
Taking care not to create undue sound in the process, I carefully pull free the Matebas, note one to feel slightly... off, perhaps warped during the pressures of my calamitous descent, and pear about. through one specialized scope after the other I appraise my surroundings-
And am not particularly pleased.

I can't spot a single entrance to the normal sewer level, to the subway, or even to the surface that isn't so small only a mouse could get through. While it's true I could probably move rubble enough to squeeze through any of several possibilities, the point remains that such an act would create an unacceptable amount of noise, and leave me on-scene to what is likely going to be a massive police response for far longer than I'd like.
>"That leaves the under sewer entrances still open-of which I count three, closest one to your left, thirty eight feet away. Direct path is over glass on stone-no way to walk that quietly. I can guide you by pulling your feet to help you walk around audible obstacles..."
I stop peering about as Shadowbro trails off.
Something's bugging you: What?
>"The presence of those Ashfreaks, as Blackbeard called them-from a magical standpoint, I sense them more strongly now without any entity to attribute the sense to than I did when we had to specimens right before us."
What are you saying?
>"I think they are indeed creatures of shadow-but so twisted they do not register as normal being of the Dark-I am having trouble explaining this sensation otherwise."
You think they're down here with me?
>"Presumably"
Great. Say, any chance the reason we can't sense Blackbeard is because he's covered in rubble from a magically obscuring building?
>"Entirely possible-as is the chance he's using some form of stealth charm."
>>361969
>>361973
>>362010
>>362044
>>362088
!
An idea occurs to me.
>"Hm? Ah-yes, I got a good enough glimpse of Blackbeard's weapons I should be able to identify them if we encounter any-and the fact none of them are detectable lends credence to the theory our issue is based around the obdurate nature of this debris."
Amen, call the Sometimes Merchant, ask him if he'd be capable of claiming known magical items-swords, specifically-from the wreckage of the insurance building.
>[Amen]"This one is aware of the Wyld Goblins having no claim of jurisdiction in the undersewers-to this one's understanding they cannot act freely without... repercussion, save within their own layer of that which lies beneath Istanbul."
How do you know he will not claim them?
>[Amen]"Out of a collective twelve thousand, eight hundred ninety three seperate times this one has witness and/or taken part in deals with the wyld goblins, in Turkey or otherwise, they have without exception refused requests similar to this. A pattern seems suggested."
Well shit then. What's Matvey say about the surface status?
>[Amen]"That helicopters are visible, his men are off the rooftops, and he has retrieved those you had your Soul Brother transport out of the building."
Ask them to start heading back to the house to regroup.
>[Amen]"This one obeys."

>>362015
Dkay you are pulling numbers out of your ass with the charms info, and blind assumptions do you no good. You may wish to stick to what is verifiable, not just what 'sounds right' to you. However kudos on making a post that did not contain unnecessary spacing, was not majority comprised of complaints, and in general was a completely in posting guidelines.
I check my phone, confident it will have a signal so strong-
...That it has looped around and has no signal at all.
>"You are aware Satellite phones aren't magically immune to signal blockage by physical objects, right? This is damn near as bad as being in a cave and trying to make a phone call-exactly what sort of devilry are you expecting from you phone."
Yeah... pretty stupid idea in retrospect-in a dark, eerily quiet cavern to create a bunch of noise placing calls. Not like I can stealth my way into a silent conversation. I don't suppose you have some sort of contacts you could employ here for getting us safely out of here?
>"Did you miss the part where I said I knew beings of the Dark-as in creatures wholly living in the Dark, and thereby completely without substance in the material realm? How do you jump from that to me having relevant contacts-"
It was just a question!
>"And it was a stupid question-do you think I wouldn't have mentioned having such contacts without you needing to prompt me? For that matter-what is it with your obsession with issuing orders and trying to micromanage every individual you know mid-combat? Is it not clicking for you that 1: We all are quite capable of thinking on our own, and more importantly, 2: that in the middle of a firefight or a dangerous waiting game like this is a terrible time to try and talk with people? I mean you tried to use your phone immediately after less than a minute ago considering shouting orders while someone shot at you. Do you not see a flaw in that? In fact, I'd argue this trait of yours is likely less health than your Paranoia AND your Greed-and I am not in the slightest joking. Presume, for a just a moment, that Blackbeard does indeed have a stealth charm, as theorized. If you placed a call, do you really think he'd have any trouble locating you and putting a disturbingly large bullet in you? Does it seem a good idea to risk that when you already ran through so much energy surviving the fall?"
>[Iron Trick]"Your soulbrother is right-yes, you have a smooth, subtle tongue-but you don't seem to get when to keep it in your mouth. Which is understandable, given you've spent a proportionately larger amount of your time not uttering a single word than you have communicating, if one factors for the Training in the Nevernever you received. Understandable or no, it is still a horrific habit that serves you no good. Rid yourself of it before someone rids you of your life."

..Say Amen, what's Hillevi doing?
>[Amen]"Currently? Complying with Matvey and Sake's directions."
..Huh, was expecting her to be.. distraught at the whole 'building dropped on head' thing.
>[Amen]"This one has seen no evidence she cares that much about master."
>[Iron Trick]"[u]Hah, BUURN, not as popular as you thought you were, are ya? ...Really though, since I'm not detecting anything either, I'm wondering if Blackbeard just... left. Sure, he could have a charm-but it would seem logical to use a stealth charm as a survival trick, rather than an aggressive ambush trick, especially given the circumstances."


Man... hate having to make a decision on limited intel.
>"As your father said: Welcome to life, whiner."
>>362043
Well-okay, Shadowbro can you detect... ANYTHING besides the rubble and exits?
>"Indeed I can. I can detect exposed parts of a total of twenty one corpses that protrude into this hollow space. Beyond that? A.. strange sensation of being watched, that feels oddly similar to how you conceptualize having Attention rest on you-an ability I do not have."
Strange, I don't feel anything.
>"That was rather my point. Beyond that? I feel nothing."
...Fuck, the fact those Ashfreaks seemed to lack souls-and thus any mean to be detected beyond the mundane where I'm concerned-is really making me a bit jittery about my circumstances.

>>362055
>[Iron Trick]"Probably also not helped by the fact that non-ruling dragons are usually restricted to subterranean living-"
Really? Just.. just shut up.
>"What?"
Not you.
>[Iron Trick]"I am merely trying to help by making you more aware of the myriad of things that can go wrong down here."

>>362143
I decide....

To wait, remaining motionless.

If Blackbeard IS still here, there is little chance he'd abandoned metal-make magical items like his swords. And if he does, I have a hard time believing he could possess a stealth charm so advanced even indirect noise he creates would be masked. A minute passes by and I'm confident in my plan. Two pass and I start to wonder if this was a good idea. By the third minute I'm getting a strange combination of boredom and worry, as the faintest sounds from above suggest tumultuous activity street side. At five minutes I'm wondering if he's not even here anymore... and the growling of my stomach is threatening to become a voluble threat all its own.

And so, swallowing my pride, I have my brother lead me to the nearest body, and with the aid of the Mere, I... indulge myself, hating myself for every second that my tongue tries to assure me what I'm eating is delicious. The corpse is mundane-but as I strip the exposed arm and upper chest of muscle, silently chewing, my hunger loses some of its edge, and the rumbles in my stomach quiet... for the moment. It takes me ten minutes to have my meal, so dedicated am I to producing no noise, to attracting no notice-and throughout it all, still I see not a single sign of Blackbeard's presence. Growing a bit bolder, I have my shadow lead me to another corpse-and after a quarter-hour meal, I've finally gotten rid of my hunger-even as I learned that an act that should be sickening no longer threatens to sicken me-which bothers me far more than the queasiness at the notion did.

>>362148
...Still nothing?
>"Not a sign of Blackbeard of any sort-and no change in the sense that something's nearly observing us."
I finally stand again from my profile-minimizing crouch.
>"Personally, this.. sense disquiets me enough that, potential profit or no, I recommend against trying to dig for the swords-I've already verified I cannot teleport the debris, so such digging would have to be by hand."
Yeah... REALLY don't want to.
>"I understand-the potential profit to be had from selling such objects, the gains of equipping the Russians with them, the advantage of depriving Blackbeard of resources-there are many reasons to desire them. But none seems potent enough to warrant simply sitting on top of a massive collapse like this, and performing an action that will likely draw the attention of any that comes to investigate. In fact, I think we should have already left-though the threat posed by running so low on Summer energy was sufficient I didn't object."

I mull over my shadow's words-

>[Rescuer?][In Turkish]"Hey! Any survivors down here?"

If it weren't for the fact the voice clearly came from to my right, rather than from up above, I might actually have believed that was a rescue worker. But thanks to my immediate suspicion, I put enough attention on the words I heard how they... did not quite sound right.

I feel Attention threatening to sweep across the room-and feel it's coverage diminished, blind spots creating perceptual 'shadows' in their wake. This odd scenario resonates so readily with me it's positively child's play to avoid being detected-even if it does mean I don't get a clear view of the soul that's trying to watch me.

>[Decidedly not a rescuer][In Turkish]"...No fresh meat then. A pity. Well, food's food, and it's been a while since we had human-after you?"
>[New voice][In Turkish]"You know your affected chivalry will not get you in my pants, right? Besides, who was it that said we should stick to stealing goblins to eat rather than take a chance on this?"
>[Decidedly not a rescuer][In Turkish]"Okay okay, yes this is easy food-but we'd best move fast, we aren't that far ahead of the other curious parties."
>[New voice][In Turkish]"On that, at least, we agree. Now let's eat-I'm starving."

I begin to hear incredibly faint footsteps... that almost immediately grow uncertain.

>[New voice][In Turkish]"Is it just me or do you feel like kin's been here already?"
>[Decidedly not a rescuer][In Turkish]"I was just about to ask that-I smell freshly exposed blood, I smell saliva-someone's been snacking, but who could have gotten here before us?"
>[New voice][In Turkish]"So what, you think one of the HUMANS was eating his own kind? You WISH we were that lucky."
>[Decidedly not a rescuer][In Turkish]"Hey, it's possible there's cannibals amongst them they don't weed out and kill! We could run into one sometime!"

The foot steps resume.

>[New voice][In Turkish]"I suppose next you'll be saying we should stay here for whoever else comes JUST because it'd be fun to murder them, pull them apart and eat them, nevermind the personal health risks-like, oh, I don't know, a terminal case of 'dragon claw in the face'."
>[Decidedly not a rescuer][In Turkish]"Why must you be so pessimistic?"
>[New voice][In Turkish]"Why must you be so optimistic?"

>"...Did some sort of monster old married couple find us?"
I.... don't even know.

What I DO know is whoever they are, their passive perception of their surroundings is sharp enough I can't sneak a peek at their souls without exposing myself-nor can I peek with one of the scopes without the same risk.







So what's my next move here?
Is my goal murder or diplomacy with these two newcomers?
Paranoia check: Do I think Blackbeard's: A, actually dead, B, has already left, or C, is still waiting for the perfect chance to strike at me?
Do I actually try to dig out the swords by hand without any idea where in the rubble they are?
>>
No. 362165 ID: b57910

Don't dig for the swords. Not when we can actually hear incoming foes. Blackbeard ditched, he's probably off to replenish his charms. Also, You didn't specify that Hafaz was a god damn guest yet. Do it.


>Is my goal murder or diplomacy with these two newcomers?

Here is what we know: The newcomers are sentient. They can talk, they can think (it seems), and they have individuality. They are predators, meat-eaters. They don't mind human meat, it appears. Finally, they seem enthused to meet a cannibal. Whether that's good or bad, we aren't certain. They can't... sense you, yet, but they will when they move.

One of your greatest assets is your ability to manipulate others. We have a LOT of meat back home, and, possibly, one of those poor sods who attempted a break-in. We can propose that you give them something to eat upon safe delivery to our home. List what you can prepare, etc. Once they get inside, have Amen rip them apart and harvest bones, meat, and other bits, storing them along with the rest of our wonderful meat. That is one plan.

The other is to kill them, and in this place, I don't think that is much of an option. It's likely they have super strength, or something, we have guns other than the Mere and guns make noise.
>>
No. 362178 ID: c6ce12

Amen did just demonstrate what his wealth of knowledge and impressive calculating abilities can do, we should have him give it another whirl and tell us what these things are. What we have heard so far has revealed a great deal. These creatures are intelligent and can speak in a manner that could pass for human, so much so that they feel safe attempting deception using it. They have a good grasp of Turkish and are seemingly up to date with their use of it. These individuals traveled in pairs, this particular pair is potentially a mating one. Seem to be carnivores, human flesh being a perfectly acceptable and somewhat rare meal for them, their words indicate they primarily subsist on goblins. Whatever they are they were fast enough to be the first party at the scene and seemingly not high on the food chain to stake any lasting claim to the meals. And finally they seem to want to meet a human cannibal for some reason yet unknown to us. Given all this information and the level of the Undersewers we currently occupy we might have decent chances of not only figuring out what these are but how to optimally interact with them.

As for how to deal with them whatever we do has to be done quickly, they said themselves that other interested parties will come looking soon and if they're afraid of them we should be too. I'm not very interested in decided what to do before getting an estimation of what they are, but off hand fighting them sounds like a bad idea. It could take a while depending on what they are, if we could kill them at all, and any attempts would be excessively noisy since we're firing off guns in a huge tunnel. Diplomacy on the other hand, again if possible, would be significantly more quiet.

For Blackbeard let's follow the old adage and hope for the best (Him being dead of having fled) and mentally prepare ourselves mentally for the worst (Him setting up to ambush against us).

Any seriously attempting to dig up the rubble for his swords does not sound smart, especially with the things out there.
>>
No. 362186 ID: a9e42a

Fuck the swords.
Blackbeard is gone, but that is no reason to drop your guard, he is not the only threat.
Especially since you do not have the energy to get up from a terminal case of dragon claw to the face nor have you sorted out your 'can't die yet' issues.

>feel like kin's been here already?
>should stick to stealing goblins to eat
ok, so I think they meant kin as in fellow scavengers. No need to reveal yourselves to these guys.
They eat human.
They think dragons are lethal, but almost everyone does so that is not a good judge of strength.

Just bug out man.
Nothing here is worth it.
Survive long enough(and you will because you want to become immortal[something not possible if you fuck up here]) and you can get weapons so strong you can laugh at this stuff.

Ensure that you still have blackbeards blood and then bug out.

Let your bro choose the route and stop micromanaging. The man is literally half your soul, chances are that he will have thought of anything relevant to him that you wanted to say a long time before.
Learn to depend on your brothers.

Keep the mere ready.
>>
No. 362188 ID: f8aa66

>>362178
Don't forget they sound surprised ANYTHING could have gotten here before them.

Anything in the entire underground, these guys would be surprised if they showed up first.

What to do: the fact that they eat humans and goblins would suggest they'd be looking to eat us the moment our back is turned, even if by their words one of them seems interested in meeting a human cannibal.

If we can sneak out without them seeing us, let's do that; any altercation or speech could draw more.

Failing that, I think we should attempt diplomacy with an eye to discovering what else is down here. Considering SB is a shadow on the wall, I think he'd escape detection - allowing him to get behind them.

Flatter them outrageously - call them brother and sister of desire, perhaps. Gift the rest to the corpses to them without issue as a gesture commemorating this fortuitous meeting. Seem pleased and excited about getting to meet them, admit you have never been this deep into the underground before. Tourist-y.

Murder is a last resort, and can be accomplished later.
>>
No. 362237 ID: d126c1

Mental note:
'Hey Armas. Remember how you are supposed to be working on your paranoia by being crazy-prepared? Crazy prepared, and being meticulous, is NOT being a control freak. In fact, control freak tend to not be able to prepare anything because they aleniate anyone and everything. So tone it down. No need to be lazy and get fear get the better of us, right?'

>[Iron Trick]"Probably also not helped by the fact that non-ruling dragons are usually restricted to subterranean living-"
>Really? Just.. just shut up.
>"What?"
>Not you.
>[Iron Trick]"I am merely trying to help by making you more aware of the myriad of things that can go wrong down here."

>[New voice][In Turkish]"I suppose next you'll be saying we should stay here for whoever else comes JUST because it'd be fun to murder them, pull them apart and eat them, nevermind the personal health risks-like, oh, I don't know, a terminal case of 'dragon claw in the face'."

Hey, maybe SB would like to know that too , so try something like : 'Shit.Dragons.Underground.Shit.' If he asks for clarification, do so, but SB is a clever boy.

Now, Let's Order Amen:

“Amen, you are not allowed to divulge anything I do anytime unless I specifically give you permission, and that permission would only apply for that one time. Furthermore, you would need to confirm that permission”.

Here is what we know:

+They known enough about humans to be able to fake rescue workers.
+They “felt kin”.
+They immediately talked about Cannibals.
+They Talked about 'Stealing Goblins'.
+Goblins Never Come Here (About SM).
+They are pretty confident on being the first to arrive. This may denote either speed, or them having an advantage when it comes to this place.

This... might be a golden opportunity, and here is why: For all that SM is a GREAT CONTACT, he also wants to be our ONLY contact- after all, he likes the info we give him. But, here comes a kickass couple that seems to know stuff about humans, 'steal' goblins, and go in places Goblins are afraid/won't go to. It's highly possible we may establish supernatural contact without SM learning about it.

Talk to SB about that plan, and how safe he thinks it would be. Is it worth the risk? If he feels we should establish contact, I am sure he knows how to position himself in a way that Is both hidden and can easily attack them, though do mention they may have great speed, and speedster work better in line. Hell, better mention it when you are talking about the risks and whether it's worth it. If he feels it's a go, then:

“Hello, appreciating the little... accident... that was orchestrated here?” They are probably Cannibals themselves- check what you feel in their soul, and try to feel a … resonance within yourself. Then “Pleased to meet fellow humanitarians. I must admit i did not expect to make acquaintances here after this job .”

If you need to make a good gesture, do think about telling them of the swords. If you can't take them, not reason not to deprive Blackbeard of them AND use them.
>>
No. 362239 ID: f6106a

>>362237
Upvoting this, but with an addition.

"Sorry to have eavesdropped, but I heard mention that you were interested in live survivors. Think it's pretty likely that there was one, as he has a reputation for not dying, and I doubt something as simple as a building falling on him is going to change that. If you don't mind playing guide for a poor fellow who knows how to make use of Human Resources, I could give you a description of him, where he was in relation I was in the building when it hit the ground, what of value to you I think he had on him, and what I believe his mental state was in when he fell down here. If you know the area as well as I'm guessing, I figure you'd be able to track him down and Have Him for Lunch, which given how he's managed to survive this long, I'd imagine would make for some decent Brain Food. All I'd ask for from him is something I could use as proof that he was dead."
>>
No. 362240 ID: 252e1b

>>362237

Since that order doesn't account for Amen needing to ask permission, let me try.

“Amen, you are not allowed to divulge information about what I am doing at any given time to third parties unless I specifically grant you leave to do so, for a specific individual and window of time. The default window of time is to be 1 second after I grant leave, though I may name non-standard windows of time when the leave is granted. When a known ally of mine, or a house guest, or a person who is currently on house grounds but not a guest, asks you what I am doing or where I am, you are to alert me in a timely manner so that I can decide if I will grant you leave. If any of the aforementioned parties have messages they wish to pass along to me through you, you are to do so in a timely manner."

That's closer to airtight, but it's still a bitch. It'll allow us to get messages from anyone in the Amen-News-Network, and will let us give Amen orders like "If during the course of the day Hillevi inquires about what I am doing, you have leave to tell her" or "You have leave to tell any of my Russian employees what I am doing tonight until the mission is completed, or in the case of an individual until that individual is captured by the enemy."

Basically if we're going to be giving Amen orders, we should be striving for having conditionals that we can specify and change as required. Otherwise we're going to turn Amen's current order-set (which is already a tangled snarl of dangerous conditionals) into something completely unworkable.

As for our friends in the here and now...

"Excuse me. You were correct, I had a meal here a few minutes ago. Pardon my rudeness in eavesdropping, but I felt prudence was best until I was more certain of your affiliations. It's a pleasure to meet someone else with a taste for flesh.

"I dislike talking to those I have no moniker for, so I'll trade you; your monikers of choice for mine."

If they don't agree, or they dicker, offer to throw in the name of your patron goddess as well. "My name is Armas, Priest of the cannibal-goddess Whaitiri. You're correct to say that cannibals are not well tolerated on the surface, even in the circles I run in."

If that's not enough to tempt them, then, "Well, I'll dub you Ricky and Lucy for the purposes of this encounter."

"I believe that you're interested in live meat? I understand completely, and I think I can give you a little information about a fellow who was likely to have survived the fall here, and of things that would tempt him to seek you out."

Then we use this: >>362239
>>
No. 362302 ID: 21ad5a

>>362237
this
>>
No. 362307 ID: 904dbc

I think the real question is HOW THE FUCK DID THEY GET HERE?
There was only space for a mouse to go through the rubble and all the paths that led lower underground were covered with manhole lids.
>"That leaves the under sewer entrances still open-of which I count three, closest one to your left, thirty eight feet away. Direct path is over glass on stone-no way to walk that quietly. I can guide you by pulling your feet to help you walk around audible obstacles..."
Or maybe not. But still, if they came from under, we would have heard them but they just appeared from no where.

They like to steal and eat goblins. We have undeniable stench of Goblins on us. That makes us suspicious and a good meal.

>Trying to trick them by bringing them to Smets Mansion
I am pretty sure that anyone in the underworld in Istanbul knows that that place is NOT to be approached. These two seem overly cautious, I really doubt they do not know how dangerous it is


>these come for food
>>[New voice][In Turkish]"So what, you think one of the HUMANS was eating his own kind? You WISH we were that lucky."
I... I do not think that they will be happy to meet us as a cannibal because they have good disposition towards cannibals, I think they will be delighted to meet us as a cannibal because cannibals are DELICIOUS.


Also
>Shadowbro and IT lash out at me for daring to talk too much. Say that talking will kill us someday
>These two show up shortly after that
There is a message there somewhere. And I think it says that talking is NOT AN OPTION.

>Do I actually try to dig out the swords by hand without any idea where in the rubble they are?
Hell no.
The idea was to take them if they are around us, is SB can port them or if we can buy services from SM.
>>
No. 362323 ID: f70e5e

susting trying to make friends with them. From what we overheard they would be happy to meet a cannibal only because he would be extra tasty to them. Also it sounds like they have been preying on goblins, almost certainly the same goblins we have a very good working relationship with. Normally i would advise sneaking away in this situation, but they hunt goblins. That means they have some means of piecing goblin stealth techniques. They might be to busy feeding to detect us but unless we can be certain i say we open fire on them using iron trick.
>>
No. 362331 ID: 89777a

Before anything else, ask what SB and Iron Trick think would be the best thing to do, fight, flee or talk. Lets assume that BB is gone and the swords are a lost cause unless we can trick these guys into digging them up, letting them keep one each(dooming them to be hunted by BB) and two for us.

>>362186
>>362188
>>362307
UPVOTAN
Ok granted we are a cannibal, but we don't really want to eat humans, for one thing, we find them too tasty... probably addictive.

They will find us very tasty looking, that is to say we are delicous and if they think they can take us on, they will.

Wait for them to start feasting, whatever we do.
We move away, the failed to find us, we can be silent, move under SB speed and cover, gone before they know it.

If they find us, then classic bait and trap manuver, works best against fast oppenents (these guys are so fast they are surprised at something being here before them).

Basically you are the bait, they run at you trying to kill you. However you have Iron trick (shadow pinning should work well here), taste or your mere, mere is silent. So they come at you, you don't react fast enough, no problem, cause SB can suddenly have his shadow mere appear from your body, since you are covered in shadow. Basically use their speed against them to kill them. Simple.

Alternativly we could just wait for them to eat then have SB appear and gank them with his mere.

These plans are valid and approved for use if people are foolish enough to try talking with these beings and those talks fail. Of course if they notice us we can use Shadowbro to talk to them, to decieve them as to the nature of our soul, while we hide or escape while thier attention is locked on him, RUN THIS BY SB FIRST, IF HE SAYS IT IS A BAD IDEA, then drop it. Might be best if SB stays hidden until he can kill one instantly.

IF TALKING deceive them into thinking you are just the same as them, which you aren't, do remember not to be caught in a situation where you have to eat humans again (at least you didn''t have to kill them this time).

You are glad to see them as fellow cannibals (cause they might be able to lead you out and you can betray them to SM). You hope they enjoy the feast before them(as they are not eating you), that whole thing.

Thinking on it, you've mostly gone for eating monster meats, which is what most supernaturals do. Also these guys eat Gobbos, who are your Friends, a man does just let his friends be eaten does he?

Flee if you can
Kill them if you can't
Talk if you can't
Kill if you can't
Flee if you can.

These beings are no friends of ours, but if we can use them we will, if we can kill them we will.
>>
No. 362339 ID: ac6c03

Since we know they are able to steal and consume Goblins, and that we are currently in a position where we cannot move without risking discovery, we should attempt to converse with these two peacefully. Anything that can catch a goblin can most likely see through our mortal adaptation of their stealth. Whatever these two are, they are likely faster than we since they are confident nothing else would have reached this area before them. Fleeing is a poor option since we would be immediately marked as /prey/.

We should attempt to make a deal with them to get out of here, no Amen tricky involved. We are a Disciple of Whaitiri, a fellow cannibal in need of assistance.
>>
No. 362347 ID: d91a78

>>362237
I'm voting for this one.
>>
No. 362404 ID: 44766a

I think this is one of those times when Armas needs to just be quite. I suggest attempting to escape unnoticed. If that doesn't work, he should conduct a fighting retreat. ShadowBro might have to strain himself this time to give Armas enough speed.
>>
No. 362418 ID: a1ea93

Upvoting all suggestion to remain quiet. The is a situation that attempted diplomacy will probably get Armas killed.
>>
No. 362444 ID: 415d53

>>362237
This.
>>
No. 362495 ID: 3fd4fb

>>362157
>So what's my next move here?
First, contact Amen and order him to help you establish the creatures' nature, and specific identity if he knows it, as you find out more about them. We need information on what these are and their capabilities no matter how we're going to interact with them; information on their usual habits and customs wouldn't hurt either.

Consider that these monster types are able to hunt goblins. That makes them extremely perceptive since goblins are even stealthier than we are and extremely dangerous since goblins are no slouches in combat. Since we're mostly blind and our stealth is goblinic I suspect that attempting to flee will lead to our being noticed and identified as prey, likely resulting in our death. Likewise, attempting to fight against supernatural beasties while blind seems infeasible.

That leaves us with only one reasonable option: Talking our way through this. Use a confident but not rude approach and be carefully honest, since they might be touchy and can probably sense lies. Everything can sense lies, seems like. If we wait a few more seconds they'll probably become more focused on the food and maybe give us a chance to glimpse their souls directly before they notice us, but either way we've got to speak confidently. We should be able to look at their souls, even if we can't actually see in the dark, and thereby avoid appearing totally blind.

"Sometimes, optimism pays off- it appears you are indeed just that lucky. Some assistance would be appreciated, and I can see you more than amply compensated in return."

Reference our suit- damaged or not- as evidence of the fact that we're a man of resources if they question it. If they mention plans to eat us, something along the lines of "That would be rather short-sighted. I will not forget your assistance and pay my debts in full no matter what they may be. As a rather minor first bit of recompense- the man I was fighting before we blew the building up should be down here, somewhere. Presumably he's concealing himself at least as effectively as I was, but at least one of his magical swords should be buried under that rubble. Unfortunately I can't dig for them nor sense them through the wardings that were on the building, but perhaps you're not so limited."

If they bring up the matter of cannibalism, smile. "I try not to say things that might incriminate myself, for as you mentioned people typically hunt down and kill those who so indulge- but perhaps you're familiar with Whaitiri? She is my only goddess."

Assuming that we manage to talk them out of killing us, we want the following:
-Help in avoiding the other hazards down here.
-Guidance to our house.
-Assistance in locating and murdering Blackbeard, if possible.
-Information about the other creatures down here, in particular the goblins. We don't have nearly enough knowledge about Sometimes Merchant and his lot.
-A way to contact them safely later so that this can become a longer-term business relationship.
-Their names, or something to call them if not actual Names.

We can offer the following:
-Information
-Blood
-Dead people
-Live people
-Assistance with specific tasks, though not unlimited favors
-Becoming their general contact on the surface
-Magic worked on their behalf, within our limited capabilities (and those of Amen, although we shouldn't bring him up)


If they attack us after we reveal ourselves, we're at a serious disadvantage. There's really nothing for it at that point but to try and blast them with Iron Trick before they get too close (which won't take long at all) and then use the mere and desperately try to get back out of their attention. But that's probably not going to work, so our silver tongue is by far our best weapon here.


>Is my goal murder or diplomacy with these two newcomers?
These are only the first in a long stream of incoming dwellers in the underground, based upon their conversation, and some of them will be things that we can't effectively kill- and there's no point in starting with murder unless we can finish with it, which we can't.

>Paranoia check: Blackbeard
No way is he actually dead. He's probably already left- either to finish whatever his mission was, since it was likely not completed properly just by blowing up the building, or just to get the hell out of the deep sewers. There's not a lot of profit margin in hanging out here trying to kill us in the dark with monsters all over the place; he'll be trying to escape so that he can do some preparation and come back to murder us when he's better prepared.

>>362240
>My name is Armas, Priest of the cannibal-goddess Whaitiri.
I have to SUST this line. We shouldn't give our Name unless they give theirs, and Priest is a specific term with responsibilities that we may or may not actually fit- if we claim it and we don't, Whaitiri might get pissed off or demand that we make our words truth. Better to reference her as our goddess without claiming a specific position.
>>
No. 362523 ID: d97a61

>>362307904dbc
>>362323new guy
>>362331Mystic
My first instinct is simple: Kill the threats. They spoke of eating those I frequently interact with, and they admit to being here to eat human flesh-those sound like very big detracting points, if I do say so myself.
I begin to ready the mere, wondering just how I should try this-

>>362186Falcon
>>362188Guile
>>362404Magus
>>362418a1ea93
...Before rationality kicks in. I'm running on empty, so far as my Summer line's concerned-that snack merely made my hunger go away, it didn't restore much of what I already lost. I've got a theoretically busy day, and shit to do-this isn't the time to be getting in yet another brawl, just because. Might be a far better idea to just... flee.

>>362165Shot
>>362178Grail
>>362237Arkeus
>>362239TMI
>>362240BUTTZ
>>362248Alratan
>>36230221ab5a
>>362339ac6c03
>>362347d91a78
>>362444415d53
>>362495Ironybot
...Only problem I see with that is a bit of a doozy-I'm invisible to them now because I'm sheltered behind some debris. If I move, I doubt I could keep rubble betwixt us the whole way-nevermind the sounds I'd likely produce, since I still need to see somewhat to properly mask my movement's audio footprint.

...Which leaves negotation.

Well, can't be going into this blind-just wouldn't do. Amen, you've seen what I've seen, heard what I've heard-what do you think these things are?
>[Amen]"This one has several ideas. They could be scouting Dvergr-or perhaps Gitwerc, as it is this one's understanding the Germanic dwarves do hold some footing beneath this city. If they were such dwarves, befriending them would likely be impossible, as they do not take well to non-dwarven kind, except when one can treat with them from a position of clearly visible power. Of course, if these were Dunter or Hobgoblins, the other two possibilities this one deems probable, master would be advised to pursue diplomacy, considering the common traits shared with such entities, and their amenability to defining colleagues by profession, not birth."
Shadowbro, can you think of a better plan than trying to talk to them?
>"No-in fact, I think it wisest."
>[Iron Trick]"I think this a foolish choice-but you seem decidedly short on alternatives."
In that moment after I make my choice, before I put intent into action, I have something of a minor realization: If I prepared as meticulously as Shadowbro advised, I'd be confident enough in my success that I wouldn't need to take a personal interest in how my colleagues do their job-I'd be confident in the knowledge they, as well as I, were prepared for all likely scenarios. Yet another reason to pursue preparedness.

>[MM,MMMMM Trait auto-activated]
I begin to move-and at the very rustle of tattered satin against my skin, I hear a sound not unlike a jackhammer-and am immediately faced with the position of being caught in a pincer, torrents of stone and rubble cascading away as the creatures decelerate. ...Fuck, they had to be at least forty feet away, they covered that in what, less than a half second? What kind of monster speed is that? Even worse, from the sound they did it by raw muscle strength, rather than some magical trick... and they're right next to me. On the plus side, I finally get to see their souls: Towering mountains of blood-stained muscle, a shark-like maw with slavering tongues flitting over it's rows of teeth worring at the knuckles of hob-nailed talons, the massive form hunched over, as if forced to observe the world through a tiny, knee-height window.
Well here goes nothing, have to speak before they change direction-
"Excuse me-I can get bit [i]excited when someone's eating near me.[/i]"
For a moment neither speaks-and the ambient sounds I hear suggest both aborting new charges thanks to sudden uncertainty-would prey sound so... cavalier? So confident?
Best not give them time to think on that too hard.
"Sometimes, optimism pays off- it appears you are indeed just that lucky. Some assistance would be appreciated, and I can see you more than amply compensated in return."
>[Decidedly not a rescuer][In Turkish]"It looks like a human, dear one. Perhaps we should just eat it?"
>[New Voice][In Turkish]"Do not be hasty-you can sense the kinship as well as I-and you can taste that inhuman soul the same as I."
Now the voice addresses me.
>[New Voice][In Turkish]"Who are you, friend of winter? Why do you stand before us now?"
Careful, careful...
"You were correct, I had a meal here a few minutes ago. Greetings feasters, I'm pleased to meet fellow humanitarians. Pardon my rudeness in eavesdropping, but I felt prudence was best until I was more certain of your affiliations. As you say, it's always a pleasure to find someone with similar tastes. I know our time is limited, but hopefully the wards within the debris will muffle our presence so we can converse for a moment."
>[Decidedly not a rescuer][In Turkish]"So there WAS another hungry soul here.... Same court, same tastes? I do believe I shall have to amend my opinion of this human-like one."
>[New Voice][In Turkish]"That may be premature: It does, after all, also smell of goblins. Perhaps this is a trick-you smell of having fed, and your soul lends credence to your claim as fellow connosieur-but the goblins can fabricate such. They cannot, however, fabricate origins: Where did your hunger spring from?"
"I try not to say things that might incriminate myself, for as you mentioned people typically hunt down and kill those who so indulge- but perhaps you're familiar with Whaitiri? She is my only goddess."
>[Decidedly not a Rescuer][In Turkish]"See, I knew this one was solid-and you can't deny his scent reminds you of Sawney, can you?"
>[New Voice][In Turkish]"Perhaps... or perhaps the goblins are putting more effort into their charades.
"I dislike talking to those I have no moniker for, so I'll trade you; your monikers of choice for mine."
>[New Voice][In Turkish]"...Perhaps you are a human then: Otherwise you would not speak so blithely of even temporary titles."
"Well, I'll dub you Ricky and Lucy for the purposes of this encounter."
>[Ricky][In Turkish]"He even gave us new false names-can't you just let it be... 'Lucy'?"
>[Lucy][In Turkish]"There is still no definitive reason it wouldn't be more beneficial to simply eat him-he obviously would have particularly filling meat to his name."
"That would be rather short-sighted. I will not forget your assistance and pay my debts in full no matter what they may be."
>[Lucy][In Turkish]"You speak of payment-what could you offer to exceed the value of your flesh? You shall not be allowed to short-sell your own meat's worth."
"Well correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that you're interested in live meat, is that not correct?"
>[Ricky][In Turkish]"Feasting directly from a living being's bones is quite delectable, indeed it is-are you offering?"
"Hear me out: I understand completely, and I think I can give you a little information about a fellow who was likely to have survived the fall here, and of things that would tempt him to seek you out."
>[Lucy][In Turkish]"Why should we value this fellow over you?"
"Well I think it likely that he was the only one to survive this little incident from above ground, as he is somewhat notorious for his ability to not die, and I doubt something as simple as a building falling on him is going to change that. If you don't mind playing guide for a poor fellow who knows how to make use of Human Resources, I could give you a description of him, where he was in relation I was in the building when it hit the ground, what of value to you I think he had on him, and what I believe his mental state was in when he fell down here. If you know the area as well as I'm guessing, I figure you'd be able to track him down and Have Him for Lunch, which given how he's managed to survive this long, I'd imagine would make for some decent Brain Food. All I'd ask for from him is something I could use as proof that he was dead."
>[Ricky][In Turkish]"Sounds like a very heavy soul, to survive such things with regularity-oh come on 'Lucy' it sounds tasty enough and there's food all around us can't we just-"
>[Lucy][In Turkish]"Stop thinking with your stomach and think in terms of possible gains: You still haven't told us how that would exceed the value you hold."
"I happen to have meats both mundane and magical not just immediately on hand at my abode, but I regularly get supplied with such materials-even such things as Erinyes hearts aren't outside of my larder's grasp. I feel confident I could make up the value difference-and all that'd take is some minor assistance getting home."
>[Lucy][In Turkish]"After looking for this 'survivor' you mentioned?"
"That's right.
>[Lucy][In Turkish]"What kinds of meet do you have besides Erinyes hearts?"
>[Ricky][In Turkish]"Oh come on does it matter? You tasted the truth in his words the same as I did."
>[Lucy][In Turkish]"Its a bad principle to not concretely iron these things out-"
>[Ricky][In Turkish]"Enough, dear mate."
There is another moment of silence, and then-
>[Ricky][In Turkish]"We'd be happy to accept your offer-with a bit of a caveat. We... are quite hungry, and are likely going to strip everything in this wreckage rather shortly-we do have every intention of following up on your 'survivor' but you don't feel particularly fast or nimble. So instead, I propose the following: You willingly allow us to imprint a copy of the knowledge you were and are willing to trade about this survivor so that we can hunt them at our discretion-and we will agree to bring you a piece of physical proof of their death should we catch them-and to transport you to your home, right now, with the promise to allow us a safe welcome to your home to conclude the second part of your proposal, that being the offered meats. If you find this acceptable, all you need do-"

I see a small, frail-looking hand, perhaps half the size of my own, softly glow as the blood in it's veins brightens.

>[Rick][In Turkish]"-Is shake my hand, while thinking of your home. So what do you say, 'fellow feaster'?"









What do I say?
>>
No. 362528 ID: b57910

TAKE IT. They're really our only option, and hey! having two more on Blackbeard's tail is definitely worth it.

As for what we do when we get back, we have Amen bind them so they literally cannot move, and force-feed them what meat they desire from the larder. Then we call SM, and sell them while they are alive.

Before taking the deal, ask Amen to block your memory of him for FIVE MINUTES, if he can. We can't have these little fuckers knowing about the trap we're about to spring, or getting cold (iron) feet.
>>
No. 362531 ID: d91a78

Take The Deal
>>
No. 362532 ID: b83c65
 

See if Shadowbro can remove the shadow from around our teeth so they glow in the darkness. If not, it's ok.

"Of course. Won't you take a poor's sinner's hand?" Chuckle malevolently.
>>
No. 362535 ID: f8aa66

If we don't take the deal, I have no doubt we'd be fighting them almost instantly. If we let them into our mind and Ricky proves to be an inhospitable guest, SB seems to be fairly well-practiced in altering mindscapes to trap the unwary.

So do it. "A way home for me, a fine feast for you - as the goblins might say, deal made. I wish you good hunting."

Make a mental note to look up a cannibal 'Sawney' when you get home.
>>
No. 362537 ID: 89777a

>>362528
UPVOTAN
Memory Gambit, have Amen ready to welcome them peacefully... after that however, they cannot leave.

Have Amen or SB hide our memory of the threat that Amen is.

>>362534
Downvotan your sust
Safe welcome, we are offering that, afterwards though, not our fault if they are imprecise about a deal.
>>
No. 362539 ID: f70e5e

take the deal, but don't mention the goblins, and make sure that they agree not to eat anyone you know during any further negotiations. keep in mind if they do come by the mansion they might run into some of our friends before reaching the mansion grounds so asking them to not eat anyone while on there way to visit you (you could justify it as not wanting suspicion to fall on you) or at least not within a mile or three of your home might be a good idea.
>>
No. 362575 ID: 3947e9

Ask for BB's head, specifically.

Ask Iron Trick if he thinks these are capable of listening in on a conversation with amen (he was able to tell us with the dragons and devil, he might know). This is important because a memory gambit with amen might not be wise otherwise (which leaves us with SB only).

I'd be wary of any direct betrayal (via amen) anyways, as word might get out if we overuse the technique and the devil will be tipped of. But there is some merchant that will love to know where to expect such creatures (on departure not on arrival), such a merchant can organize an ambush of his own. Of course, safe welcome mean

And that is only if we choose to do such a thing rather then make them a regular trading partner which is still on the table.
>>
No. 362610 ID: f6106a

>>362540
Upvoting, but make it clear we're selling them information on swords in the rubble for the price of part of the haul, and due to that they don't fall under what the lone survivor is in possession of.

>>362537
Don't downvote a SUST, especially after upvoting what it's SUSTing. Just upvote the original thing being downvoted. Posting the way you are makes it seem like you're trying to get your vote to count twice, which is dickish.
>>
No. 362658 ID: 4fc3cc

>>362532
Upvoting this.
>>
No. 362700 ID: 6f9377

Before shaking the hand (speak quickly, these seem to be in a hurry)
"Wait, before sealing the deal" take out the piece of carpet "I have something that might help you greatly in tracking down the said individual" shear the piece in two (we still want his blood after all) "I believe this to be his blood. Take it, and make good use of it. I'm sure it will help."
Another things before the deal:
-Ask them to bring you everything what BB had which they do not find innate value in. Clothes, bits of paper, whatever he had in his pockets, etc. And the rifle, we will pay for the rifle if they refuse to just give it to us.
-The swords. It does not seem they use weapons, so probably they are not very useful for them. Ask them if they are willing to excavate them for you.
"I hope our dealings do not end on this. I am sure we could come to a mutually-beneficial relationship." Turn to Lucy "I assure you, I will be able to provide you with meat worth more than my weight" [we receive 106 pounds of meat per week, btw. Armas weights 260, right? We'll need more soon or stretch the pay for several weeks]

>People being wary on mindlink-thingy.
Remember what we did when Grigori wanted to read our mind? We asked Amen to make a layer of perfect copy of our mind in case of the Wizard would try something. If a wizard (albeit drunk) could not sense this, I bet these cannot either. If we do not trust them, we can ask Amen to do something like that. Although I trust them not to do anything harmful.

>>362528
>As for what we do when we get back, we have Amen bind them ...
HELL NO!
I agree with Arkeus here. This is a golden opportunity to establish a good contact with someone else from the Underworld except Sometimes Merchat. It is obvious that these two do not have good relations with Goblins and do not trade with them. It seems that good quality food is premium goods for them, while for SM food is not really that important. This means that we can actually sell the flesh to Ricky and Lucy when they provide us with useful pieces of information, which we in turn can sell to SM. Since we practically get unlimited amount of food. This is an amazing opportunity.
Second. Look at these two, their souls and incredible physical abilities they showed. They can absolutely tear us apart and we would not even have time to blink. Now recall their dialogue. They seem to be afraid of pretty much EVERYTHING in the Underworld. Either they have very low self-esteem or they are really so Low-tier in the Underworld as we are led to believe. The latter is more likely seeing how they are scavengers and not predators.
It is unlikely that we will EVER willingly visit the Turkish Underground in the future unless we reach a point where we are confident we can kill a low-tier dragon in a duel (which is probably never). So having these two as scouts/informers and perhaps establishing more contacts with other societies through them would be amazing.
When they come, I want to prepare them a meat-centered dish and ask them what they think of it. Since our restaurant will serve mainly Supernaturals, their opinion is important. I would like to know what kind of creatures they are though.
OF COURSE this is all assuming that Wyld Goblins and SM do not have any problems with us dealing with them.

Instead of directly bringing us home, ask them to drop you on the surface near the closest Sewer manhole to our Mansion. Then walk home.

Sooo...uh
It seems the crisis is over, these two will bring us home instantly and we have an entire day planned ahead of us? How much time passed after we received Hafaz' message? About 45 minutes, right?
Alright, first send Labombard a text message (Yes, do not call him, this has a specific purpose: He said he is going on a mission, calling him without knowing if it can disrupt his mission would be unprofessional and would anger him) saying "I have dealt with the situation. Call back when you can."
I can hardly resist the urge of going through the entire day dressed in these shredded clothes.... but we need a new suit. Ask Amen to get another sleek suit, just another color (but still some rich fabric), tell him to break this down into the components and return them to mansion stick. Keep the orange/golden tie though, there are just some things out there in the world that one must take illogical risks for and in our case it is wearing incredibly incriminating orange tie. Perhaps ask for a fitting fedora.
If on the way to meeting Camella we have time, buy her a high-quality encrypted Satellite Phone with a subscription. A Scaeungda heart heart is great for trolling purposes but this is something that she can make a great use of.

>Make that long awaited deal with SM concerning Romanov, as well as that new trick we discovered- this is something that musn't wait if we choose to sell it, as BB might sell the info of it being possible first.
I still think BB selling that info is a load of bollocks but seeing how we are not pressed for time, are not in hostile territory and do not need to watch out for BB, I see agree with making deals with SM. We have time to negotiate for best results now.
But first, we need to speak with Hafaz'&Co, we need to extract every bit of information we can out of them (under no circumstances are you to let them on that this is a valuable shit we can sell, lest they can claim this as a part of the payment). Tell Hafaz, we will talk about rewards later but he is to prepare to teach us the magical style of his.
See if Grisha, Gloom and Iosef found anything useful. If they have, look what they found. If there is nothing that we don't want share, we can immediately sell this info to SM.
Concerning the Splintered Intent. I am going to link these posts:
>>/questdis/354878
>>362148
I do not want to retype all of this making the post even bigger and I am sure Bob already read them before so this way I'll save some hassle for him.
I do not want Armas to undervalue the knowledge he is about to sell. Seeing how we are training them in the modern combat use, it will be VERY useful for them.
I just do not want to re-type the whole thing again. I want Armas not to underestimate the value of the knowledge he is about to sell.
-Sell the information on everything that happened. You know the drill, in parts for maximum profit.

You know what we should get? A live Scaeungda and an instruction manual geared towards us and our unique servant/mansion on how to properly contain and care for it for maximum meat gain.
If this proves too expensive. Ask for at least 20 pounds of Scaeungda meat per week.
Increase Kelpie, Sahagin, Sæhrímnir, Griffin, Ushi-oni flesh from one pound each to 20 pounds.
Spices to season 50-100 pounds of meat.
All the vegetables and fruit not found in the mundane world from the cookbook that SM sold us.... (what is the reasonable amount to ask for? 100 pounds?) enough to prepare food for 20 people. Instead of once per week, have it be dispersed through-out the week (this applies for all future veggies, fruit, herbs and spices deals)
Restructure ALL of our food deals to not end with our natural life but our existence.
Instead of once per week, disperse them over the week (ie. 1/7 of total mass per day), this should account for all future food deals too. Why? When we open our Restaurant, we want our ingredients to be as fresh as possible. Under the current deals, our food will be the best on Sunday and worst on Saturday and Friday... which is the worst scenario because people attend restaurants the most on Friday and Saturday.

>>362532
This reminds me. Does Voodoo need bloodline to perform? Or is it like Blood manipulation: some can be done with rituals but them best is only possible if you have bloodline.
>>
No. 362830 ID: 3fd4fb

>>362523
"If you're going to strip the wreckage, you may wish to know that at least one of his magical swords is probably under there somewhere."

Order Amen to protect your mind against damage and giving away information that we don't wish to give away, then take his hand.


Assuming this goes well and we arrive home, immediate actions:
-Have Amen give us more detailed information about those creatures based upon the now greater available information. Find out their specific breed, habits, capabilities, reputations, that sort of thing.
-Have him take the carpet and discover to whom the blood belongs. If it's Blackbeard, start tearing valuable secrets from his head in a manner which he won't detect, and track his location. When and if he reaches the surface, inform us and if possible seize control of him, prevent him from taking any action which might allow him to reassert control, and bring him here, then kill him and leave us with an intact body. If it's not Blackbeard, identify who it is subtly and get any valuable secrets out of their minds anyway, if possible. Theft of opportunity and all that.
-Order Amen to consider those two guests, and while treating them as guests to ensure that they harm none of our other guests or property without our explicit permission.
-Repair or replace our suit.
-Get in touch with Hafaz and co., plus the Russians, Sake, and Hillevi. Find out exactly what happened, how they got trapped in a closet, and what our friends were trying to pull in there when things went wrong. Congratulate everyone that came with us on a job well done.
-Check the news and internet on this, or at least have one of the Russians do it. We want to keep informed on this matter, particularly re: our own faces showing up.
-If the blood is not Blackbeard's, attempt to broker a deal with Sometimes Merchant wherein we will be informed of Blackbeard's location as long as he is in Istanbul, to the best of the goblins' ability to keep him tracked. We need to take this seriously and finish this kill- that means keeping eyes on him and being relentless in our pursuit.


>>362700
>take out the piece of carpet
SUST. If the carpet contains Blackbeard's blood, Amen can make far better use of it than these guys can. If it does not contain his blood, we'll look like an idiot- and idiocy is a form of weakness, and this is a situation in which we cannot afford to show weakness.

>I want Armas not to underestimate the value of the knowledge he is about to sell.
>let's buy more food with something incredibly valuable
SUST. I agree that the splintered intent trick is incredibly valuable. Given that, spending it on food, even immense quantities of food, is a waste. There are far more potent things that Sometimes Merchant can give us.

>>362528
SUST to betraying them. Safe welcome means safe welcome.

And particular SUST to asking Amen to make us forget that he exists. That's exploitable as shit if I've ever heard an order that was.

>>362773
>add a clause 'very well, but i must insist you behave like guests in my home, then- no eating or attacking anyone or anything without my willing agreement.' Wait for their approval.
We don't actually need to add this clause since we can have Amen enforce it without their agreement.

Likewise, we don't need to mention reasonable precautions; asking for permission shows weakness rather than strength.
>>
No. 362840 ID: 31a645

Previously 362540

>>362528
>>362537
I don't think you understand what is 'Safe Wecome'. SUST on Binding them.

Yes, take their deal, but first take the time to get some of those interesting magic-dampening rock, and maybe try to eat some of its magic with the mere. If you feel it's working, do as much as you can.

Then, ask Shadowbro to prepare calling Amen if they go beyond that specific bit of knoweldge you agreed to trade.

Now, let's haggle a bit: 'I have something else on the table: I know of four magical swords. Some may be broken, but they should still be valuable, and i know where they should be. I can tell you that location, and we each take one intact sword, if there is enough. The fourth one would be for you, of course. If possible, i'd also like what this human possess on his body- or a way to trade for it.'

Then, tell them you must first contact your butler to make sure we can give that Safe Welcome- we also need to see them. Then order Amen to treat them as Guests, following the same guidelines as the Russians who are your employees.

FOCUS on knoweldge about Blackbeard, but MAKE SURE you don't give them how much his death is worth, and add a clause 'very well, but i must insist you behave like guests in my home, then- no eating or attacking anyone or anything without my willing agreement.' Wait for their approval.

Shake their hand.

Ok, if we arrive home quasi-instantly, we may have time to do a few things:
+ORDER AMEN TO USE THE BLOOD IN ORDER TO, IF IT'S BB's, SEE HIS BANK ACCOUNT INFO AND WHERE HE HIDES. FIND WAYS TO STEAL ALL THE MONEY/ACCOUNT HE HAS. Amen is not to erase the blood or his memory of his info until our say so, nor is her to divulge it to anyone but us (make sure to tell him that first). Note all the info you need. Of course, it probably won't work, but we can dream.
+Get a classy but not outrageous black suit. We musn't get associated with that crazy guy with sunglasses and orange stuff.
+Call Matvey , tell him where we are, and we have a few other meeting to go to so they don't need to do anything.
+Tell Matvey and Hillevi that they can get a Istanbul tour soon if they want.
+See if Sake can meet you before you get to Labombard
+Go see Silja, apologize for snubbing her since you told her about not being Armas Valkonen, and try to rebuild contact. She musn't leave us, especially not alone at Smet's.
+If you have time before going to labombard, get to black market for weapons:
-Munitions for all our guns
-Flashbangs and Grenades
+Make mental notes for other things we may want to do today:
-Meet the Chakra master Einrik told us about
-Make that long awaited deal with SM concerning Romanov, as well as that new trick we discovered- this is something that musn't wait if we choose to sell it, as BB might sell the info of it being possible first.
-Try to make Camella and Hillevi meet. Hillevi surely needs a big sis when it comes to mordern operations as Helmi's not here, and trying to manipulate Hillevi into calling Camella a peasant might be delightful.

If the Cannibal couple are still there When Sake comes back (if he does), maybe we should present him as 'This is Sake, my soul brother. He's a trap, but not the Goblinic kind.'


>>362700
>"Wait, before sealing the deal" take out the piece of carpet "I have something that might help you greatly in tracking down the said individual" shear the piece in two (we still want his blood after all) "I believe this to be his blood. Take it, and make good use of it. I'm sure it will help."

Make sure to add this is only possibly his, and not sure.

>selling stuff to SM
I'd prefer if we do that in the afternoon, when we have more time. First let's meet labombard and Camella.

>>362830
>take out the piece of carpet
>SUST. If the carpet contains Blackbeard's blood, Amen can make far better use of it than these guys can. If it does not contain his blood, we'll look like an idiot- and idiocy is a form of weakness, and this is a situation in which we cannot afford to show weakness.
Half of it would still leave Amen to do it, and they seem to use Blood Magic (as the hand's vein is visible). Beside, THEY are going to hunt him right now.

> -If the blood is not Blackbeard's, attempt to broker a deal with Sometimes Merchant wherein we will be informed of Blackbeard's location as long as he is in Istanbul, to the best of the goblins' ability to keep him tracked. We need to take this seriously and finish this kill- that means keeping eyes on him and being relentless in our pursuit.
SUST. Infor like that from SM is more than we can afford.

>>362773
>add a clause 'very well, but i must insist you behave like guests in my home, then- no eating or attacking anyone or anything without my willing agreement.' Wait for their approval.
>We don't actually need to add this clause since we can have Amen enforce it without their agreement.
>Likewise, we don't need to mention reasonable precautions; asking for permission shows weakness rather than strength.

This is called being honest about clauses: we don't want to have them thinking they can do it, as we'll be forced to have Amen enforce it. Likewise, mentioning reasonable precautions is FOR their safety, and it has nothing to do with askign permission.
>>
No. 362894 ID: d97a61
 

>>362528
You do realize agreeing to a SAFE welcome to your house would be invalidated by what you suggest, and would lose your Word Like Gold trait right? And don't fall on 'oh the wording only states 'welcome' what happens after is fine' Because I am quite certain you're aware that Guestright, once offered and accepted is a BIG FUCKING DEAL in the supernatural community at large, and in this case would CERTAINLY override the potential direct literalness of what's asked because it's naming a specific set of formality you are agreeing to, rather than just being the wording of a deal-kind like describing a car versus naming a specific model. It's a moot point as your plan was SUST'ed, but I am curious if you were aware and willing to lose WLG to do as you proposed, and potentially take a negative interactions hit for breaking such a cardinal rule.
>>362537
You... can't SUST a SUST-that's potentially endlessly recursive. SUST or upvoting multiple DIFFERENT plans, fine-but trying to upvote a plan, AND downvote those that disagree JUST for disagreeing? Eh... why? I already know you support the plan, your disagreement with the detractors is implicitly understood. So I'm ignoring your upvote since it seems like you tried to 'double up' on votes on the same topic, which doesn't fly. If that wasn't your intent-oh well, stick with just upvoting what you like, downvoting what you don't-but not addressing OTHER PEOPLE's opinions of other posts, justs their suggestions themselves. Does that make sense? Also see above for why that might not be the best idea (the whole murder and/or sell them thing.

>>362531
>>362532
>>362658
I can't help myself.
"...You'd take this poor sinner's hand?"

The shadows around me seem to grin without any input from my shadow, who continues to warily stay silent and passive.
>[Ricky][In Turkish]"One could say that sinner's hands are the ones we prefer to shake the most, hah-hah."

>>362535
"A way home for me, a fine feast for you - as the goblins might say, deal made. I wish you good hunting-though I'd quite like the man's head if you can-'twould be the easiest to use for my purposes."
>[Lucy][In Turkish]"And what are your purposes in this instance?"
"I wasn't aware you wished to Barter for that-are you sure you have time to keep making deals now though? I had thought there were... others coming, potentially soon."
>[Lucy][In Turkish]"So why have you not taken his hand yet, if you are so certain we should not waste time?"
>>362700
"Well-if you'll give me a moment here-"
Fiddling about in my pockets, come on that vial better not have gotten shattered when the building fell, I put in a solid effort to keep it safe.... fuck. Okay, found broken glass-now where is... ah, wet carpet piece. Gotta be it.... and hopefully it hasn't been stained with my own blood too, what with all the crushing, pulping and shredding my body was subjected to on the way down.
>"I don't sense your blood on it-so there's that."
It's something.
The moment I pull the fragment free, I hear two simultaneous inhalations that sound like their coming from lungs the size of houses.
>[Lucy][In Turkish]"Blood."
>[DDDDD Trait activated]
"Yes, blood-specifically, from the survivor. I don't suppose half of this blood to aid in your hunt would mean it fair trade to insist I get his head?"
>[Ricky][In Turkish]"...Do you need the blood in his head, his brain or his eyes?"
Blood tests, retinal scan, dental work-I want to have as much proof I got him as possible, given I'll only be bringing in pieces...
"If I can get a thumb and finger tip-bloodless is fine, but I need the actual skin unbroken over the prints-one eye, the full set of unbroken teeth, at least ten drops of his blood still in the head, and a largely undamaged visage for the head, and any of his belongings you don't have an interest in-everything else is yours to do with as you will."
>[Ricky][In Turkish]"I must admit myself intrigued-one eye, not both? Just a pair of digits? Only some blood-but not specifically heartsblood? Unbroken human teeth? A recognizable face? Some knickknacks from his pockets-for truly that's all that might not interest us-those are your requests? That is one interesting ritual you're working on there-but I suppose that too, would be something we'd have to barter for information on, wouldn't it?"
"Just so."
>[Lucy][In Turkish]"I don't like how goblinic he is about haggling-his needs are too vague, he-"
>[Ricky]"Is leaving us more food than if he wanted a 'traditional' head, damaged or no-why should we refuse? It's not like he could harm us through what we ate like that."
>[Lucy][In Turkish]"I'm still not comfortable with it."
>[Ricky][In Turkish]"When do you not have a stick up your ass? It's not something new for you to consistently be... dissatisfied, you pessimist."
>[Lucy][In Turkish]"At least I am not constantly disappointed when things do not go as well as I had hoped."

While they're distracted bickering, I hesitantly reach out to Amen-
To feel two sets of attention directing my way immediately as conversation cesates.
>"I think that answers whether they can detect you contacting Amen. Seems I'm okay though, oddly enough-I would have expected more shadow affinity out of residents of the Under Sewers."
>[Lucy][In Turkish]"What are you doing?"
>>362813
"My butler can get quite insistent if I do not check with him periodically, and can be quite a bother. Additionally, he can be quite... extreme in his approach to home defense. I do need to forwarn him I will be arriving with guests, so that no mistakes are made-if I offended by reaching out to him without informing you first, I do apologize."
>[Ricky][In Turkish]"...By the smell and taste of it, that's one sanguinely savvy butler you have. I look forward to meeting him under safe conditions, heh."
The attention loses its edge, and the still-throbbing hand before me continues to glow.

>[Amen]"Master has orders for this one, one one?"
Well for one I'll be arriving shortly with two supernatural guests who are to be afforded the same Guest status that the Russians, Hillevi and Hafaz, Hadar, Shaya, Yoni and Ahmed are afforded.
>[Amen]"This one is to take that as implicit orders to extend such Guestright to the ones you named, in addition to the incumbent guests master brings?"
That is correct.
>[Amen]"Heard and obeyed."
I... was going to ask about a mind overlay, but to do that you'd have to do something decidedly different from conventional communication right? Would something attuned to blood be able to detect the difference?
>[Amen]"Given that this one is now quite certain master is indeed dealing with those called Dunter, Powries or most commonly Red Caps, the chances that they would NOT notice the distinction are less than the likelihood that they would notice it, given your proximity and lack of external, distracting stimuli for them beyond the few corpses."
How... would Red Caps commonly take such a detection, or can you say with any certainty?
>[Amen]"Commonly with precautionary termination of dialogue and immediate segue into slaughter and feasting to prevent impending issue-they can be quite cautious creatures, as a whole, despite their inexhaustible bloodlust."
...Well fuck THAT plan then-I'm not going to try the same trick as I did with Grigori if I'm likely to be detected, and the expected outcome is my death.

"I must ask-do you promise to only read the memories relevant to where my home is, and who the survivor you are tracking is? I'm sure you don't mind if I take reasonable precautions-one's mind is quite the sanctuary."
>[Ricky][In Turkish]"We aren't much for Mind Manipulation anyway-we couldn't read beyond the deal's scope anyway-so nothing to worry about. And even if she isn't saying it, I know 'Lucy' approves of your caution."
>[Lucy][In Turkish]"Do not speak for me."
>[Ricky][In Turkish]"Am I wrong?"
>[Lucy][In Turkish]"....." Yeah that's right not just silence TURKISH SILENCE, completely unintelligible to those that do not speak Turkish. I'd tell you what makes it different-but you don't speak Turkish, so it probably wouldn't make sense. Don't feel too bad.
>>362830
>>362840
"Oh yes- if you're going to strip the wreckage, you may wish to know that at least one of his magical swords is probably under there somewhere."
>[Lucy][In Turkish]"How many swords did the survivor potentially leave?"
"Four, but I don't know if he recovered any, or if they were damaged in the crash. Something to keep an eye out for though, I'd say."
>[Ricky][In Turkish]"I'll say-maybe we WILL stick around a bit later than we'd planned, after concluding our deal with you. ...Oh, is it getting difficult abstaining from feasting."
Seems like my cue.

Thankful my hands not clammy from a cold sweat, I confidently reach out and shake the hand before me. I don't even have time to say anything, my head throbs once as if with a headache, a deep and biting lance of pain, veins pulsing, and immediately subsides-
To a familiar setting, brocaded rugs, lacquered hardwoods, spacious windows-
>[Amen]"Ah, this one sees master brought the aforementioned guests. Welcome to Master's manse, friend Red Capped Dunters of eternal youth."

It is as Amen's silken, oiled words caress our ears that I finally get to look at Ricky and Lucy. Both are somewhere around four feet in height-but unlike they Tanzanian Dragon, who for the most part seemed to actually BE a child by physical construction, the proportions of my companions are too... off. Something about the narrowness of waste, the over-long, slender fingers, the dissonance of thick leg and spindly arm, the gauntness of those cherubic cheeks that firmly places them in the Uncanny Valley and exudes a powerful inducement for me to innately be repelled, horrified-fearful. Having seen things less... insidiously terrifying but ultimately still more worthy of being feared-plus our thus far rather pleasant, all things considered, dialogue allow me to gloss over that compulsion without even flinching-likely a good thing, given how sharply the one I must assume is Lucy regards me with her wide, watering crimson-flecked lilac eyes.

While both wear nothing more than simple shorts with buckled-on suspenders, their suspenders and belts alike are composed of a strange, fine pale leather. Both have what at first look like iron-toed boots comically oversized for them-but on closer inspection are all-metal enormous clawed feet wrapped with leather to look more like boots-a very large contributor, one would think, to their inhuman auras. Similarly, as Ricky twists about to eagerly examine the room, his pink-flecked violet eyes greedily taking in the sights, I note they have metal tails poking out from their shorts-as well as what look like raised spines under their shirts.

Strangest of all by far though, is their caps. Having known them Red Caps before seeing them, I had envisions berets, caps, hats or all sorts-but ultimately of normal make. What they wear.... It is as if one decided to make a massive, engorged leech out of scarlet cloth, nearly as large as either Powrie, the tip nearly dragging to the ground-each impossibly staying firmly attached to each Red Cap's skull, tufts of reddish-gold hair eagerly spilling out from beneath the brim-yet to belie the potentially 'normal' look of the thing, the cap... pulses, it throbs not unlike a beating heart, wetly gleaming.

Ricky smiles eagerly at me.

>[Ricky][In Turkish]"With us swearing to behave as gracious Guests at the time, do you offer us a single free future invitation to your home to discuss the promised meal from your larders? We would rather spend our current moments claiming as much from the wreckage as we can."
I glance at one of the many clocks in the manor-and idly note the morning progressing rather swiftly.
"...Give me a brief moment, I need to tell a friend I'll be late to meet them."
I pull out my cell phone, distinctly noting the clueless looks on each Red Cap's face-and tap out a brief text to Labombard.
Ran into fun times. Got delayed. Arriving soon.
I look up from the exchange to see Lucy so intent on my fingers I know she's trying to puzzle out how the infernal device I hold functions even as Ricky smiles widely at Amen, showing not a single sign of fear-even as his speckled eyes look far more knowing than any I've seen turned towards my inherited servant.

Well then....










Would you kindly preface your suggestions with the number of what prompting question you are addressing? It's totally fine to address multiple, but it'd really make it easier to sort through plans.
1: Do I accept Ricky's offer as is, or do I attempt to alter it?
2: What exactly do I plan to call the Sometimes Merchant and sell as information?
3: Do I wait for everyone to get back before heading out, and if so, what do I tell them/ask them?
4: I can honor my appointment list still, it seems-but do I plan to change, or go as-is to bring my morning's story with me?
5: Do I go armed to the Labombard meeting, and if so what do I bring, and do I attempt to conceal it?
6: Who, if anyone, do I bring to my meeting with Labombard? This could be a great time to see about getting the Russians some jobs-or it could be a solid chance to get Hillevi a heavier hitting sparring partner or even access to some very interesting combat experiences in general.
[For now don't worry about Camella appointment and onward-take it meeting-by-meeting]
>>
No. 362904 ID: b57910

>1. We have enough to ID him included in the deal. I'd say we've enough altered it already, take it. Make sure to explain his capabilities, though. Can't let them go in unknowing!

>2. Tell him of your encounter with Blackbeard and how the building fell. Tell him you managed to escape, and out of necessity, made a deal with redcaps. Apologize if he sounds offended, but try to make a point of being a businessman.

>3. Naw. Leave a message with Amen that "I have some things to take care of" and that you'll be back at such and such a time, unless things go bananas.

>4. How dirty are you? Might be wise to ask Amen to clean your clothes - he might be able to do it while you're wearing them. And yeah, tell everyone about what you did.

>5. Bring The Taste and the undamaged Mateba, as well as ammo. If Lab asks about them, simply tell him you have reason to believe that Blackbeard REALLY hates you now.

>6. Since we're not waiting, we can't really bring anyone. :V

Kinda realized it after the fact, but meh. I prefer not to delete posts that have been quoted, makes the thread a mess.
>>
No. 362909 ID: f8aa66

1: Sounds fine. Make a caveat to Amen's orders that no non-mortal can be given permission to order him through guest-right, so they're locked out.
2: "I did battle with the one called Blackbeard. I do believe he'll soon be in the market for more arrow charms." Don't know who his supplier on those are, but how many groups of Svartelves could be in Istanbul? "The building of which we spoke earlier is currently occupying a perfectly good subway tunnel and part of the under sewers." Don't mention we may have more info depending on what's in the files, that can come later.

I'm unsure what to look for in exchange for this info. Perhaps the ability of specific members of our group (the russians, Camella, Hillevi) to traverse the goblins' section of the sewers unmolested, as long as they make their allegiances clear (passphrase, charm as a hall pass, something)? Or even just telling us how far SM's dominion (and thus our safe zone) expands; we know almost nothing about the sewers, and I'd like to remedy that.

3: Grab a very quick breakfast; if they're not back by then, go without.

6: If they do straggle in, I'm inclined to take Hillevi only. Labombard was very particular about this meeting, even if he seems to have mellowed out. Taking even Matvey to speak for the Russians might be intrusive, and they aren't even in our employ yet: too early to introduce them to the criminal element.

I'd actually like for the Russians to get more legit jobs, maybe with Riker - leaving us free to deal with Lo Fang and Rocco. Our PMC should be legit, while we are not.
>>
No. 362923 ID: 1e3433

2: I'm for telling SM that we made a deal with the Hobgoblins so the next time he sees us he doesn't freak out because we smell like them but we shouldn't tell him the specifics of the deal.
3: Clean yourself up and grab a sandwich on your way out.
4: Following lists hasn't lead us wrong yet. Wash up and change your suit, I'd rather be five more minutes late then spend the whole day looking like a bum.
5: Dude, Never go ANYWHERE unarmed.
6: Nope.
>>
No. 362938 ID: c6ce12

1: It looks kosher as far as I can see. They're promising to be gracious guests which presumably ties into the whole Guestright issue (We really need to look into the specifics of that at some point, so far we've been clever enough to avoid missteps like the one we could have made with Gleb, but it's such a major gap in our supernatural politics knowledge base.) They also specified the invitation would entail discussing the meal we promised which means that they just won't come when we're out of the house or otherwise unreachable, though we should try to slip something in that binds them to speaking with us specifically as a precaution so that they don't say, speak to Amen instead.

I'm not sure I like the way Ricky is taking to Amen, but we should try to keep a bit of a lid on that and bar Amen from any non-verbal communication with them and likewise from any communication made when we are not present unless ordered.

2: As they could guess we went to the building we described, all the personnel and several security types were dead when we arrived. We scanned the building and found Blackbeard on the sixth floor, sitting atop a mound of corpses, some of which had his blades embedded in them. I'd offer him a description of Blackbeard's soul if that isn't widely available already, there is a chance it might not be as Blackbeard could have potentially killed anyone who has seen it or out of those that have survived no one may have sold the information to a supernatural broker. Anyway, his words didn't seem to indicate he was there for law enforcement or a 'beastie', but was willing to quarrel with them until his real target arrived. Needless to say there was a scuffle and Blackbeard had to resort to pulling out a hidden detonator to reduce charm losses. Blackbeard swiftly hit the button and was ejected from the building where he was again fired upon on the way down and lost even more of his charms. The building then began to collapse, first hitting the neighboring structure and then falling on the very same street he landed on. The building then fell through both subway and sewer levels of the city and into the Undersewer.

In return I'd like that metal-repelling charm he mentioned earlier, though I'm unsure we have enough to offer for that. If that's not an option a glamor that could disguise Sake as a scarf, furry collar on a garment, or normal weasel would be nice.

3: I'd be fine waiting until we're cleaned up, if they aren't back by then we'll leave a note. It slips my mind whether or not Hafaz and company have been cleared to enter the house, but have them cleared if not, not giving out guest privileges again, we really need to get a handle on that even if they are safe. We honestly shouldn't have given them to the Russians without first confirming they were going to work for us. But for the note, tell the Russians they did a good job out there, we'll discuss the mission further when they return. For our stealth team that went into the building to capture documents we'd like anything they successfully captured ready for us when we get back. Leave in something in case Hafaz is brought here, we would like him to stay until we come back, but we understand if something needs to be taken care of. If he has the files he mentioned on the phone we'd like turned over or at least the one he mentioned directly.

4: Ah god, as much as I would really love to go in with our suit, and I would love it, we can't be walking around in this thing. We were just at a crime scene with it, even if we try to sneak into all our appointments to avoid public notice there's always that chance some child or drunk or idiot will spot us. We'll need a shower and a good amount of mouth wash, I'd rather not have the smell of human flesh on our breath when we meet Labombard. Then a new suit is in order, something different from the last but just as stylish, maybe a bow tie for that little Armas touch. Actually a silly little idea comes to mind if we want to try to go for the best of both worlds. Get a tear-away-suit that way if he asks what kept us we can show him, then again we'd need to carry a second one around to change into later...but this isn't really a serious proposal anyway.

5: Go armed, there's little reason not to and we should be prepared for another instance of something bizarre occurring around us. Keep the Mere tucked somewhere on your person and the Matebas with Shadowbro, no one mundane will even know we have any weapons of note on us and we can walk the streets freely. This is more of a precaution against the law, we really don't need to hide anything from the Triads.

6: Bring Hillevi if she makes it back in time, the Russians can wait, as of now they don't even have proper identification. If we have any Kelpie Crisps in the fridge we should bring them to the meeting in a little take away bag for Lammy, tell him it's a shame he didn't choose to meet in our place, he could have had them fresh.
>>
No. 362939 ID: d292f2

3. Wait for them to get back. In the meantime, wash up and grab some raw meat to eat. Tell Hillevi and the Russians good work. Tell Hafaz that you've got a meeting to get to, that you'll discuss things later, and that they are free to rest up/relax here for as long as they want.

6. Bring Sake! After he heals peeps of course.
>>
No. 362949 ID: 81f32a

Orally: "Amen, please provide our visitors with refreshments and light snack before they leave [or just refreshments]. They are our Guests for the time being, after all."
Mentally: "That means two 2-litre pitchers of blood from mansion stock and 5 pounds of raw magical meat from my supplies. Preferably something that they would like but nothing too outrageous."
Do not ask payment for this or expect any form of reward. We are treating them as guests and this not not go towards our payment in future.


>1: Do I accept Ricky's offer as is, or do I attempt to alter it?
Yes but make sure they understand that you are a busy person and might not be here when they come. They are free to wait in the mansion as guests though but they must promise to not interact with other people in the house as they are.... less open-minded than us.

>2: What exactly do I plan to call the Sometimes Merchant and sell as information?
Personally I think we should wait. We need the stories from everyone from Hafaz' group and we need to see if Gloom's raid-team uncovered any important documents which we could sell.
I do not think we are in a hurry to make deals right. Because if we are to sell anything, isn't it better to sell EVERYTHING in one go? I always assume that whenever we call SM we use his valuable time and which goes towards payment, if we call him twice on the same day he might be a little bit disgruntled about that.
Anyway if we sell anything. Sell everything. Wait for everyone to come back, question them all (yes all) individually. See the documents. Then mentally prepare the "product" (preparedness, remember?) and then call SM.
If you sell the Splintered Intent trick (which we should sell IMO, here are some important points:
>-Before starting make sure that SM does not share this information with anyone unless we negotiate further on.
>-Fist sell the general information on the trick, the fact that it exists. Do not explain how it works and that it doesn't matter that the one performing it knows magic or is completely mundane.
>-Then offer to TEACH (ie. so that they cannot pass it down) anyone willing how to perform the trick. Since this is not a Modern Arms training we can negotiate different rewards for hours of teaching (I have not come up with anything but finding out if we can get new types of training would be very nice)
>--OR we could just tell how we did it.... but I think that would be way less worth than offering to teach it to them and getting steady rewards (we don't HAVE to ask for training as rewards btw, anything could go here)
>-One of the things we should demand is confidentiality, they cannot tell anyone we discovered it.
>-Then offer to sell your own oath that you will not sell/share the knowledge to anyone under your own volition (ie. when tortured, mind-read, possesed, etc. it doesn't count) except the ones you classify as your allies (we do want out minions to be able to perform this). If he insists, also offer him that we will make sure that our allies swear they will not spread it either.

If it isn't clear, I do not want to make the deal now because it seems we are going to go out to meet Labombard soon. But if we are going to make deals, then consult the previous paragraph.
Unless I am gravely misjudging the free time we have. If waiting for everyone to come back, questioning them and then comfortably striking the deal will not take more than 30 minutes, then lets go for it.

>>362813
>I want Armas not to underestimate the value of the knowledge he is about to sell.
>let's buy more food with something incredibly valuable
What does this have to do with anything?
I can't blame you for not reading the linked posts but I said that I'm not sure what to ask as rewards.
Besides, I said I want Armas to know how valuable the trade is so that he doesn't undervalue it. What he buys is of no concern. Like, imagine Armas selling something he doesn't know the real value of while the buyer does. The buyer take advantage of this and Armas only gets 10 DELICIOUS steaks. Now, if Armas knew the actual value, he could negotiate for 100 DELICIOUS steaks.
Also, flesh and food have been very important and valuable for Amras for a long time and I asked to restructure our deals so that they do not end when we die and so that we get supplied everyday instead of weekly which I think is important.
Also, we tend to balance the scales with meat all the time, I just asked for specific things like Scaeungda which is DELICIOUS even raw.

If you have better ideas on what to buy, feel free to post.

>>362938
>In return I'd like that metal-repelling charm he mentioned earlier, though I'm unsure we have enough to offer for that. If that's not an option a glamor that could disguise Sake as a scarf, furry collar on a garment, or normal weasel would be nice.
It wasn't exactly metal-repelling. It repelled only ferrous metals and as I was led to believe that is not really useful since bullets are not made out of ferrous metals. But if he has an all metal-repelling ring then that I can agree on.
A charm for sake is a must too, I support the one that makes him seen as normal weasel but if we are to take the one that makes him look like a scarf, make sure it is a glamour that we can adjust the colour, pattern and length at will, so that it suits with our outfits.

>3: Do I wait for everyone to get back before heading out, and if so, what do I tell them/ask them?
Wait for them to come back. Speaking of which they SHOULD be back already. We spent more than 15 minutes underground, it took 7 to travel from our Mansion to the "Insurance" building.
Where are they? Sure, they could be taking more inconspicuous pace and alternate routes but still.... I'm worried, lets try to contact them through non-traceable means.

>4: I can honor my appointment list still, it seems-but do I plan to change, or go as-is to bring my morning's story with me?
Take off your tattered clothes. Tell Amen to provide you with different sleek, good-looking outfit (black) and a coat. Make it as luxurious as the previous one. Golden tie without saying.


>5: Do I go armed to the Labombard meeting, and if so what do I bring, and do I attempt to conceal it?
Take the matebas, the buntline and the taste of ruin. Yes, make them concealed but not from Labombard. Like before, Amen should make the suit/coat in such a way that it hides the weapons almost perfectly.
If we feel this is too much, just take the Matebas, we can hide them in the Dark [can we hide the Buntline in the Dark? If so, take it too]

>6: Who, if anyone, do I bring to my meeting with Labombard? This could be a great time to see about getting the Russians some jobs-or it could be a solid chance to get Hillevi a heavier hitting sparring partner or even access to some very interesting combat experiences in general.
Send a message to Labombard "I am going to take a couple of friends of mine along. Reply if you'd rather not". If he doesn't mind, take Hillevi, Matyev and Sake. If he does, take only Sake.


>>362931
>"I will say this, it is his ranged charms that are most likely to be depleted, and those detect the intent behind the attack, each separate attack, so, if for example, you threw a hail of pebbles with your speed, one at a time, rather than as a single mass, you would have much more success."
no no no no NO NO NO......... NO.
We are discussing the ramifications of this discovery and how we could sell it for better results and you just want to give it away for free. Considering that these guys probably do not use ranged combat, it will be probably useless for them against BB and knowing what we know of BB, he has absolutely no chance against these two if they sucker-punch him.

I think with the memory transfer we told them everything there is to know about BB but if not, offer them exactly that. Advice them to attack full-force when he is not expecting it, preferably from behind but you have a feeling that they already employ such tactics.

>hold functions even as Ricky smiles widely at Amen, showing not a single sign of fear-even as his speckled eyes look far more knowing than any I've seen turned towards my inherited servant.
This is interesting. He knows what powerful monster our servant is, likely Lucy knows that two but they make no reservation.
That alone shows the powerful nature of Guestright. I think that breaking it will leave undeniable stench on us forever and any magical person would be able to pick that up. Must be a taboo in magic community as bad if not worse as using unwilling souls to as power source. I think that if we told Amen to break the Guestright to kill these two, he would kill us.
We need at least a crash-course on Guestright and everything involved. We've been giving the Guest status left and right and I think that will bite us in the arse some day.
>>
No. 362951 ID: 78c379

Make sure SM knows that you were heavily resposible for the building literally being removed from the city. Sure BB MIGHT have been planning to blow it up anyway but we do not know that and if not for us, he would not have blown it up at that time.
I want that favour gone.
>>
No. 363014 ID: 84b16f

>>362523
To celebrate our new friendship, ask amen for 3 cups of our best (non winter) blood (unless we have border).
>>
No. 363080 ID: 1c56ea

http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/338249.html#349679

>[Whaitiri]"Feaster, know that in here or in the flesh, the weapon you carry is now host to some of my hunger. Spirit or Flesh, Shadow or Magic-all can be cut, rent, consumed. Should you wish to feed me more... directly, employ the blade-and be rewarded for your tribute. ...I would venture the blood of Ramses' slayer would be most worthy of a boon-and perhaps my ear will be available to more... subdued requests."

We should put some of amen blood in the mere.
>>
No. 363082 ID: 89777a
File 132018807976.png - (89.44KB , 326x337 , RickyLucy.png )
363082

Explaining the fan art, simply put I found the description of the redcaps so awesome I had to draw them, they are rendered kinda cute and cartoony, but that would be my art style, and poor ability at making thier feet huger. Cuteness dies when they feed on your torn gut though. I suppose this can also be considered an apology for my previous post, but that was not my intent in making it.

>>362931
>>362938
>>362948
Upvotan

1: Yes.
2: Make sure to get wrappings for Silja, perhaps something to make her look like a cane or some other mundane object, that or make it so that people don't wish to accept she is there.
3: You have a lot to do, washing, redressing, equiping etc... They'll come in time.
4: Different suit, get a hat, ditch the sunglasses, wear a different shade of orange tie.
5: Matebas, Old Lonesome, Mere.
6: Sake, Hillevi

Check up on Silja, Ask how she is feeling, apologise for thrusting decisions on her so abruptly all the time, if we get the coverings for her, take her with us, sulking is one thing but we can't leave her alone. Tactfully offer her an Erinyes heart if we have one, tell her it will help her grow. If she asks again why we are doing this, then say, you couldn't just leave her trapped, wouldn't be right, you may not be the nicest man, but you have some morals, some honour.

Order Amen that he is forbidden unless we say otherwise from altering Silja in ANYWAY.

Have Amen check that the blood we got was infact from BB, if it is, get bank details if possible, without being detected by BB or anyone who would tell him that information has been stolen.

>>363073
If we do this, order Amen to tell us if he would be able to obey such an order without harming us OR Whaitiri in anyway.

Then Order him to give blood to the mere for Whaitiri, without destroying the mere or adversely effecting Whaitiri or us. He is not to give so much that he is destablized.
>>
No. 363130 ID: 31a645

Previously 362948

>1: Do I accept Ricky's offer as is, or do I attempt to alter it?

Yes, accept it, but do Order Amen “No beings beyond Armas, my shadowbrother and weasel bro can give you orders unless I explicitly gave them permission” and then add “You are not to talk to thos Red caps or magical being without my presence, nor to communicate with them mentally at all unless explicitely ordered”
>>362931
SUST on saying anything about the charms, as they certainly know charms, so we risk to either appear arrogant (water is wet), or give them a hint about what we did.

>2: What exactly do I plan to call the Sometimes Merchant and sell as information?

All of what others said so far, but.. I also want to resolve that issues about the “temporary death” issue. I'd start with:

“Shadowbro, I must ask you this now: do you have any way to survive my temporary death presently? If not, do you think you know of one you could achieve with an item or some such I could barter for? Maybe you could somehow link yourself to Sake for surviving another handful of second until I 'come back' ?Or do you think it's outright impossible?”

The answer to that question would determine how much we have to sell to SM.

“Sometimes Merchant, are the nature of deals with you such that I cannot extend past deals, both in effect and range?” This is important, as it may mean we can't extend the meat or Strike deal before we die.

“Sometimes merchant, I want to ask clarifications on past deals: When you said 'for life' or such wordings, for example for the meat Deals we made, does it mean if I were to temporarily die but recover because of the Romanov part of my bloodline, all those Deals would be considered null and void?”

If it is considered void, then think back on the strike deals: the wording of the deal explicitly was in Armas' favor. However, trying to 'take' the strikes from the goblins may not be what we want, as it does make us more valuable to them. If we are able to extend Deals, we should say:

“Very well then. The wording of the Strikes deal would make them null and void as well as I understand it: do you want to make another Deal that would extend all of those previous deals until permanent death? Of course, the Strikes are worth more than the meats, especially as I seem to have proven I beat statistics when it comes to them.”

Here is what I think Armas could try to Haggle for making all the past and future deals extend 'until permanent death':

+5 Hours a week, in real time, of disposable charm crafting: the first project we will make will be a unlimited charm for carrying magical meat in stasis.
+5 Hours a week, in real time, of passive charm crafting: the first project would be to extend the fequency/ability of Armas' hearing to include passive 'Acoustic location'. If that's impossible, a charm that makes it harder to sense our soul.
+5 hours a week of Magical Weapon crafting: the first project would be a rock cane that we could mount the mere on quickly (and dismount), accommodate the mere anti-magic eating, and gives either durability to itself or else an 'effect' when we hit someone with it/the mere mounted on it.
+Sometimes merchant should be aware of the shards of Stallon that were left after our battle with the shaman there. He probably took quite a lot. I want a divinely aspected rock, of a type that doesn't conflict with whaitiri preferably

+Now, here is the BIG THING, and probably the most important one: If SB cannot yet survive our temporary deaths, I want SM to provide him of a way to do it, This may COST a LOT, but is a primary concern.

If, and only if, we don't have enough for the main thing (though I think we should have), be ready to sell our trick for the charms:

[+Sell to him, under the provision that he hides where the information came from or that we can do it, That we were able to use a shotgun to “use up” many charms, as accounting for each pellet. Something like “I got what I think is incredibly valuable information, but I need you to do your utmost to hide where you got it from.If this information if worthless, you not telling anyong about it cost either of us nothing, and if it truly is as incredibly valuable as I think, My ability to do it is secondary.” should help to secure that provision.
+Explain to him, in detail, the kind of concentration necessary for this 'trick'. ]

If we do sell him that, we should have enough left over in order to get lots of other meats., and make sure we have everything else we want.

If SM can't extend deals, and we have to wait until the deal is null and void, we will also have to sell the trick information in order to help our Soul's shadow survive. (And, hey, if we can name a Heir to Amen, we kill ourself right then and then talk about those deals. However, if we do that, be sure to mention all the extra meats you gain are for until permanent death).


>3: Do I wait for everyone to get back before heading out, and if so, what do I tell them/ask them?

Yes, Wait until Sake and hopefuly Hillevi gets here. I also want to cash in that favor of Hafaz: When our Russian will be officially in our employ, I want him to help finding them jobs.
Ask the Russians if they want help getting into 'Gun World' of Istanbul. If they want to go there today, maybe ask them to get you more ammunition, Flashbangs, grenades.

>4: I can honor my appointment list still, it seems-but do I plan to change, or go as-is to bring my morning's story with me?

Change, I'd prefer to be professional here, and distance us as much as possible from that crazy guy in sunglasses and orange stuff. We also want a Top or bowler hat to hide our red hair.

>5: Do I go armed to the Labombard meeting, and if so what do I bring, and do I attempt to conceal it?

Take Mere, and take Iron trick. If we can, also take Silja. Apologize to Silja, too. Then, put Old Lonesome and Matebas in SB.

>6: Who, if anyone, do I bring to my meeting with Labombard? This could be a great time to see about getting the Russians some jobs-or it could be a solid chance to get Hillevi a heavier hitting sparring partner or even access to some very interesting combat experiences in general.

First meeting should be only Hillevi (and, of course, Sake)- Matvey should be happy enough discussing shop with Hafaz. Hillevi, however, should be enticed by “Meeting someone she could go all out with when sparring”.

Do not forget to reload all your guns prior to this, and take ammunitions.

>Have Amen check that the blood we got was infact from BB, if it is, get bank details if possible, without being detected by BB or anyone who would tell him that information has been stolen.
Upvoting

>>363080
Worried it might be dangerous. Let's first ask SB and Iron Trick what they think, shall we? If they disagree, give up on that idea, no question asked.

Also, Armas must make a mental note to talk to Sake, Shadowbro and Iron Trick soon on how to involve his magic innately in his mental abilities- it seems we have hit a ceiling there, being no genius.
>>363118
Upvoting that talk with Hillevi, as well as telling her about labombard being a good punching bag.

>If Sake is nearby and asks where his thanks and congratulations are, explain to him that he is not a teenage girl, and we aren't going to treat him as such.
“You are a Granny, not a teenage girl. Don't go trying to hide your age on me.”

>Bring out the old guitar case.
The Dylan Surprise (or the Bob Surprise?)
>>
No. 363132 ID: f8aa66
File 132019864567.jpg - (217.02KB , 2317x1700 , Hillevi saves everyone2.jpg )
363132

If Hillevi gets back in time, I'd like to talk to her briefly. If she comes with, we talk while we walk. The art is hopefully to help move our relationship (bromantic more than romantic) along.

We know from viewing her soul that she fears her power even as all Valkonens enjoy the fight.

She is literally a giant in a world of normal people.

And caution is good. They say masters of martial arts turn themselves into living weapons - how much more so, the Valkonen?

But all the same, I think she'd be happier if she could strike a balance; to not be reckless with her power, but this fear HAS to go. It's crippling, and it's twisting her soul up.

This is a long-term project, but it starts here, building up her confidence. To that end, we don't critique her performance as a teacher from on high, but rather we thank her as a friend. She took action of her own volition, never striking with excess force and always with precision. And she saved our friends from a situation they weren't equipped to handle on their own - Hafaz's kung fu is strong, but his strength isn't in escaping collapsing buildings from the inside.

I don't think it's something the Valkonen concern themselves with much, using their strength to save people instead of destroy. But it's something I think Hillevi would enjoy. She Done Good.

If Sake is nearby and asks where his thanks and congratulations are, explain to him that he is not a teenage girl, and we aren't going to treat him as such.

5: Bring out the old guitar case. Keep the mere on us (can Amen get a suit tailored to hide the small bulge?), then bring everything but Silja and Trick; if the worst comes and we have to abandon our weapons, best not to take the best of the lot.

>>363080
That sounds super dangerous to me.

>>362923
>Explain deal with the redcaps
I advise against this. Bad, bad blood between these two. Say instead 'that you survived an encounter with a pair of redcaps'.

>>363014
I don't mind offering them refreshments, but they AREN'T our friends. Treat them as if they were an SM that would like to eat us. Anyway, the longer we delay them, the farther Blackbeard gets. Offer to treat them to something when next we host them, in recompense for being a poor host now.
>>
No. 363143 ID: efc681

>>363080
This.
>>
No. 363155 ID: 3fd4fb

Somehow these posts always end up way longer than I mean them to be
>>362894
>1: Ricky's offer
Accept as-is. Stop delaying them with random comments, superfluous advice, and general chatter. The Bargain is made and they're on a timetable.

>2: What exactly do I plan to call the Sometimes Merchant and sell as information?
Nothing that happened in the government building, with the exception of our splintered intent trick, needs to be held back- so long as we spin it so that we seem quite responsible for the building's destruction and accordingly get our favor cleared as implicitly promised. That's a big thing.

Do not talk about our deal with the Red Caps unless Sometimes Merchant offers to pay for the knowledge of how we got out of the undersewers; even then, we should have checked up on red cap/goblin relations if possible via Amen (see bottom of post) so that we are better able to spin that. Certainly do not share the knowledge that the Red Caps are now hunting Blackbeard, because Sometimes Merchant will probably take advantage of that information to take action which would reduce their odds of success (and maybe continued life).

The splintered intent trick... has been discussed by others already but is likely as incredibly valuable as believed.

Things to get from Sometimes Merchant:
-A stronger confidentiality agreement with no expiration clause (or one which we deem extremely unlikely to ever trigger) which also extends to our minions, wards, servants, and generally those over whom we have authority, as well as our holdings, workings, and possessions. Basically, no information about us and ours should be getting passed through him without our explicit permission.
-A way to keep Sake inconspicuous in the eyes of most while wandering around Istanbul. The suggestions of glamours to look like a scarf or a normal weasel are entertaining, but it would be better to ask Sake what kind of method he would prefer, if indeed any.
-A way to keep Shadowbro alive even if we die, at least for a short while. This would preferably come in the form of something taught to Shadowbro so that he can use it as often as we can auto-revive.
-Ensure that existing and future deals persist until we are no more, for a strong meaning of the term rather than the current weak one. If we die and come back, if we die a bunch of times and end up trying to become a Shadowfiend with Shadowbro, if we do some other crazy shit and end up as some kind of other bizarre creation- our deals should stick around until we are truly gone. Hell, if we end up trapped in an object in a coma like Silja for decades on end, when we finally do wake up and become able to do our own thing we should be able to stroll right back into Istanbul and have our deals active. Making this happen will require a lot of persuasion and it's probably beyond the scope of our available time here, but it's on the list.

>3: Do I wait for everyone to get back before heading out, and if so, what do I tell them/ask them?
Yes, wait for them to return. Confirm that no one has suffered significant injury, congratulate everyone on their performance if that's so, and find out what the hell Hafaz, Hadar, Shaya, Yoni and Ahmed were up to and how they got trapped in a closet with that dick sitting on a pile of corpses outside. What did they see in there?

When that's done, announce that you've got a business meeting, and Hillevi and Sake are invited if they want to come but everyone else is not since none of them are officially affiliated with you. Ask them to keep an eye on the news while you're gone and inform you of any startling developments.

>4: do I plan to change, or go as-is to bring my morning's story with me?
Definitely change clothes; it's simply inappropriate to walk around looking like this. Remember, preparation and options; a dramatic appearance isn't worth closing all the doors that will shut from looking all torn up. Wear something professional. Make sure that anyone accompanying us is also wearing something professional.

>5: Do I go armed
Go armed everywhere- we are no longer at a point in our life where being caught unarmed at any time is acceptable. Bring the mere, the Matebas- inspect those for damage, by the way- and Iron Trick. Conceal them as a matter of principle, but not from Labombard in particular. Likewise, those accompanying us should go armed but preferably with things they can conceal. Offensive magical powers count as concealed weapons for our purposes here.

>6: Who, if anyone, do I bring to my meeting with Labombard?
Unless the Russians have agreed to work for us none of them get to meet more of our business contacts, including Labombard. Friends are one thing, but we've never hung out with Labombard off the clock and it's obvious that he wants to talk about serious matters. The Russians stay out of it unless they're solidly with us.

Hillevi can come if she wants. Sake can come if he wants.


Aside from the above points, there are several brief conversations with Amen we should carry out. Do as much of the following as twenty minutes of normal communication (not the fast kind that causes brain damage from overuse) or so allow and table the rest for later.

-Have Amen look at the remainder of what we think is Blackbeard's blood. See if he can use it to confirm that it's his, locate Blackbeard, or control/attack Blackbeard. If he can, get what useful information we can from Blackbeard's head and then arrange for him to die in such a fashion that we get the body and can collect the bounty.

-Confirm that Amen could do the following: Steal everything she knows from Jidkova's mind, control her into killing Chugainov, kill her, and do all the previous without leaving any direct or indirect trace of who was responsible. Once we have confirmation that he can do exactly that (his last answer to this was basically a question-dodge) the only question remaining is when to give the order.

-Ask Amen to identify the most obscure languages which he knows and could safely teach us and others after our minds have had some time to recover from the earlier infodump. Get an estimated timeframe on that, also. The purpose of this is to let us choose one later, install it in everyone's head, and use it in combat situations for relatively secure communications since very, very few will be able to understand what we're saying or even recognize the language even if they can hear or intercept our speech.

-Have Amen give us as thorough a description of the nature, history, abilities, and habits of Red Caps as he can in three minutes.

-Have Amen give us as thorough a description of the nature, history, abilities, and habits of goblins in general and the Istanbul Wyld goblins in particular as he can in three minutes. In particular, get the exact meaning of the term "Friend to the Goblinkin" if he can give it.

-Have him explain what he knows of the relationship between the two, if any, in one minute. This should happen before we contact Sometimes Merchant if possible.

-Putting some of Amen's blood in there mere has been suggested; do this only after getting Whaitiri to agree that she wants it and ordering Amen to not fight having that small portion of his blood be devoured in any way. Otherwise Whaitiri might run into the same sort of problem we do when we eat something that's way more powerful than we are- and I don't think she's got someone to conveniently save her from the backlash.
>>
No. 363173 ID: 252e1b

>1: Do I accept Ricky's offer as is, or do I attempt to alter it?
Accept, and issue the invitation for tonight. They're on the clock but you want to be able to receive them properly when they come back.

>2: What exactly do I plan to call the Sometimes Merchant and sell as information?
Don't call him yet. Wait at least until after the Red Caps have finished their end of the deal and delivered Black Beard's parts. Let me stress that. DO NOT GIVE SOMETIMES MERCHANT A CHANCE TO FUCK WITH THE RED CAPS. We WANT them to do their duty.

>3: Do I wait for everyone to get back before heading out, and if so, what do I tell them/ask them?
Through Amen, ask if they say it's safe to take a call through phone or radio. If not, then through Amen find out what's happened. If so, then call and find out yourself. Use non-incriminating language on the radio/phone.

"I'm at the house, I got held up when I met some friends with mutual interests. I thought you'd all beat me home! Are you all ok? Anything you need me to pick up for you? How are my buddies? Did they find out that Sake and Ice can cure what ails them?"

>4: I can honor my appointment list still, it seems-but do I plan to change, or go as-is to bring my morning's story with me?
Change. Don't wear an ostentatious suit, you don't need to look like you're wallowing in money. Wear normal civvies, you want to look forgettable in case there is trouble.

>5: Do I go armed to the Labombard meeting, and if so what do I bring, and do I attempt to conceal it?
Matebas in the dark, mere in your pants, Iron Trick under your jacket. That's it, that's all you can reasonably hide without a trench coat.

>6: Who, if anyone, do I bring to my meeting with Labombard? This could be a great time to see about getting the Russians some jobs-or it could be a solid chance to get Hillevi a heavier hitting sparring partner or even access to some very interesting combat experiences in general.
Don't bring anyone right now. You can introduce your new friends later, after you find out what the business Labombard wants to discuss is.
>>
No. 363187 ID: d97a61
 

>>362909
>>363130
Something I have to take care of first-
Amen, know that unless I give explicit orders concerning it-which you can assume I did NOT with Ricky or Lucy here-otherwise, any nonmortal guests to my house are assumed any right to get services or answers from your for themselves. You are not to talk to those Red caps or magical being without my presence, nor to communicate with them mentally at all unless explicitly ordered to. You will still be restricted from any form of harm to them unless they break their bond as guest first.
My veins throb at our proximity.
>[Amen]"This one obeys."
While Lucy's eyes narrow, Ricky's remain for all appearances gormless and open.
>>362931
I think to comment as to the condition of Blackbeard's charms-
"Lend an ear to a bit of further advice involving that quarry: With his charms heavily depleted twice over, you may be well served by assaulting him with simple rocks hurled with speed to cripple, in singular, rapid succession rather than at mass, to simply wear through whatever he has left before you attempt to close. Take the advice or leave it: It's freely offered."
>[Ricky][In Turkish]"Such a fan of charms to have that many? What... ordinary smelling blood this is, to have such an obviously capable bearer. I wonder how his... heart and brain will taste, heh."
>>362949
"Oh-where are my manners, having you as guest and not even giving you refreshments. Amen, please provide our visitors with refreshments and light snack before they leave. They are our Guests for the time being, after all."
Specifically, that would be five pounds raw magical meat from my personal supplies, five pounds from any house reserve that would be unable to cause them harm by them consuming it, and two separate one liter pitchers of blood, suited to general redcap taste.
Once again I am reminded how terrifying Amen is-I know he's standing beside me, I can see him in my peripheral vision-then he's standing before me, carrying the demanded items even as my shifting focus belatedly reveals he left my side, his action, his shift in location so subtle I didn't even catch a whiff. I am distracted from this sobering reminder as I see Lucy restraining a now-slobbering Ricky, casting a suspicious eye my way.
>[Lucy][n Turkish]"Don't think-"
"That this would count as the offered meal? Of course not-this is simply courtesy, freely offered as the advice before it. After all-not often one meets such similar gourmands that are so... sociable."
It could be my eye playing tricks on me, but I could swear Lucy's tense stance loosens just a hair, the first sign of any lessoned suspicion from her through the whole encounter. But more importantly she lets Ricky go-and joins him in blurring across the floor at the food.
That's said literally. To my eye, and in registering the change in position of their souls-they became naught but a streaked, bolting binary blur that abruptly terminated in mouths yawning inhumanly wide, clutching fingers-in seconds the meat is all gone... with the blood oddly untouched. As both finish, they each grab a pitcher, sniff happily at the contents.... and poor it all on their caps, even Lucy smiling dreamily as her now lidded eyes flutter.
>[Ricky][In Turkish]"Aaaaaah... have to love the fresh stuff. Somewhat irksome delay or no, free advice most pertinent, a refreshing pick-me-up-I won't be rude and ask your name-but mind shaking my hand and letting my passing of gratitude wait until our next meeting so we can go from the pre-meal snack to the main course and dessert hunting beyond? Time is, after all, ticking, ticking away."
The last is said in a pseudo-breathless rush-and I boldly reach out to the
>>363155
>>363173
I reach out with some final words.
"Does dinner tonight suit you?"
The teeth that I see as Ricky's lips pull back in a gleeful smile look like nothing more than molars inverted, each tooth sporting four separate fangs that thrust outward. Each is cruelly edged and twisting on its own, what looks like a crazed mess of fangs perfectly fitting together so that with mouth closed, the teeth look nominally human. It is a smile I do not ever think I will forget, stretching the full way across the inhuman childish face with wide, open eyes.
>[Ricky][In Turkish]"Count on it."
Our hands meet-

The Red Caps are gone.

My phone's already in my hand as I organize my thoughts on what to sell the Sometimes Merchant.

With the exception of my experimental splintered intent trick for scatterguns, nothing from the Insurance building deserves omission, and is all fair game for sale. It won't be hard at all to claim I'm responsible for the building's collapse-after all, I did push Blackbeard into committing the act. Who's to say he would have without my input? ...Yeah, that's a start.
The moment the merchant picks up I'm already spinning my yarn-and he listens in silence. When my story gets vague as to how I returned from the undersewers, the Merchant does not press-
>[WTN Trait activated]
But he DOES concede to the following deal: He cannot tell anyone the source of information that I give him, or purposefully reveal it through selective release of specific information to guide another client to the conclusion I was the informant, until after such time my soul has permanently died. It's better than I'd hoped... and I wonder if I've over-reached when he sounds slightly irritated even as he agrees to abstain from assigning value to the news I brought him, until I can bring him enough to make a larger deal.
"Oh-before we continue the information deal-"
>[SM]"Hm?"
"You did intimate the building's collapse could-"
>[SM]"Ah, yes: Armas Laine, the Turkish Wyld Goblins do hereby see you cleared of the onus of debt and favors owed to the goblin you know as Sometimes Merchant. ...Best have something genuinely juicy, when next we speak-or hold back less."
*click*
Okay yeah that could have gone better but it could have gone worse-important part is GOOD ENOUGH.

Now then-

"Amen, I need a new suit of equal quality but different make, and to be clean and presentable-expediency is key so long as no harm is incurred-or trauma."
I see Amen smile, empty platters and flagons in hand.
My skin feels as if it's being stretched in every direction possibly from every single point all at that same time, a complete tactile overload-
Sensory normalcy returns me to...

A body devoid of grime, either my own blood and gore, or the dust and grit of the crashed building. Gone is the shredded, dilapidated burgundy suit. In it's place is a suit so sleekly black I almost question if it's even made of cloth not shadow, only reluctantly accepting Amen's assurances the attire is nonmagical. Cut with less room, more form-fitting and angular, the silk two button jacket and slacks combo is offset by a pair of snakeskin boots with pointed, oh-so-slightly lifting tips, and a thick, wide snake-skin belt with a buckle of silver, half the size of my fist. A silk shirt so orange it skirts the dangerous border between neon and physically impossible, a stark, crisp backdrop to another cloth-of-gold tie. I find scarlet-tinted sunglasses with a brushed steel frame in my breastpocket, along with a matching neon orange handkerchief, expertly folded.

...Right, I can work with that.

"Amen, bring me whatever of my personal supply of magical meat you think would be most nourishing and replenishing to my depleted energies right now rendered in sandwich form-bring two, actually."

A door to my left opens-and Amen walks out, plate with two massive sandwiches secured with... bone toothpicks... on a flat platter.
>[Amen]"As ordered, ordered, ordered. As this one found no Erinyes or Pheonix material, all remaining meats save the undead flesh were pooled for consumption."
I'm drooling as the tangy smell of the stone ground mustard slathered over those massive, beastly sandwiches hits me.

I've wolfed down one sandwich before I recall that I'm supposed to be heading out-and even as I lower the second one from my mouth, checking the Mere at my back-there is a knock on the door-with Amen already there to answer it, fading away from standing just before me with the empty tray. The doors are opened-as two dozen familiar faces pile through the doors, not a one looking around furtively even with Hafaz and his comrades suspiciously bloodied and limping. I decide to pre-empt everything and speak as they all finish piling through the door.

"Excellent, you're all back. I'd love to catch up on things here and now, but as it is I have to quote a certain famous rabbit: 'I'm late, I'm late!' So... We'll regroup when I get back, feel free to make yourselves at home until then."
Sake lands about my shoulders.
>[Sake]"So where are we going?
I reply in Finnish, curious if my Soul Brother can understand me.
"Do you mind waiting for a bit? I think you would benefit from meeting this individual but I am rather certain you need an introduction first."
Still clearly thrown by my visible unflappablenes-.
>[Hillevi][In Finnish]"I... yes, I will."
I turn my eye on Hafaz and his friends.
"You mind waiting a bit?"
>[Hafaz]"Stop being polite for appearances-I put us over a barrel to get your help-you delivered, and we'll pay up, simple as that. If we have to wait, we wait."

Only one thing's missing.
Amen, I'm going to need a coat...

I'll be honest: I don't really know what kind of fur it is that makes up my mid-calf-length dark greenish brown fur coat that Sake so happily snuggles into once I don it to become a suspiciously natural looking collar about my neck, and frankly I'm not sure I want to ask. The thing's bulky enough I could easily conceal every one of my weapons save Keihäs within it's embrace-so I do just that, threading Old Lonesome, Iron Trick and the unbent Mateba on the left side of the heavy coat, the Taste of Ruin on the right. After a quick pat down to make sure I have no unusual bulfes-

I step out the door, and after a block and change I wait at a stop for all of three minutes before getting on a bus that drops me three blocks from the dock entrance I've usually used. Perfect time commute too-I finished the second multi-pound sandwich. So it is I make it to my meeting less than half an hour after calling about a delay. The comparatively diminutive guards, both reflexively backing away from me, don't look familiar and look ready to try and bar me entry... but both look up somewhat uncertainly at me. Maybe it's my relative gigantism. Maybe it's the clearly expensive tailor made suit and lavish fur coat. Maybe it's how the coat makes me look even bigger. Maybe they were alert enough to gather there's goodies under my garments. Maybe they recognized me after all.
>"Or maybe it's that smile you've been using..."

Whatever the reason, I walk past the guards, happily turning my back on them as if they didn't even exist as I walk into the Triad controlled section of the docks, heading straight for the warehouse I've been in the most. I hear one frantically chatter into a radio, and the attention on me explodes from two to a hundred, guns popping out of raised windows, scopes gleaming in the bright late morning light-

As out from the warehouse's innards leaps a monster in terra cotta, an earthen hued multi-ton mass of fangs and fur-

That looks distinctly confused even midleap, and scrabbles on it's landing to avoid bowling into me, sniffing in confusion. I get a good look at the beast, easily some twelve or thirteen feet tall if it weren't crouching-and see it's soul. I see Labombard chained to a molten rock red with rage and bloodlust, his face tight with pain even as he forces himself to laugh, a reflection of a sea of flames playing in his eyes, his laughter hollow yet strangely pure.

I open my arms in greeting as I smile wider.

"Hey, you French Fuck how are you!"
Some of the guns lower, and I feel more than a dozen sets of attention and accompanying souls turn away from me and towards their peers-the number of guns on me steadily decreasing.
" Regrettable I couldn't get here sooner but things happen. I don't suppose you've heard new from Downtown?"
Labombard holds up a single claw as large as my forearm, and lopes back within the warehouse, back into the shadow as I continue my sedated pace. He shortly re-emerges, human once more and fully clothed-and looking as happy as I think I do.
>[Labombard][In English]"Ah, Armas-a bit late but serviceable enough timing. We are expecting a visitor soon-I'd like to say our conversation must wait, but-what do you know of what happened downtown?"
>"You had best milk that question for all it's worth, you won't get opportunities like this often."

So now the question is:









What do I say about the events downtown?
Do I ask about the expected visitor, and if so how do I approach the subject, given the welcome they had ready?
How do I plan to get Labombard to tell me what he wanted to talk about instead of simply waiting for this other visitor?
What else, if anything, do I talk with Labombard about?
How do I deal with the fact he's probably expecting my help with this even though he didn't ask, especially since he doesn't know about my other obligations?
[WAYWARD WEDNESDAY STILL IN EFFECT]
>>
No. 363201 ID: 05ab31

What the?
Why the fuck didn't we do anything concerning BB blood?! We risked our life to get it ffs!
There were several suggestions for it!
Sure, we sent Ricky and Lucy after him but they are just one of the insurances that we took to make sure we kill him off.

>Once again I am reminded how terrifying Amen is-I know he's standing beside me, I can see him in my peripheral vision-then he's standing before me, carrying the demanded items even as my shifting focus belatedly reveals he left my side, his action, his shift in location so subtle I didn't even catch a whiff. I am distracted from this sobering reminder as I see Lucy restraining a now-slobbering Ricky, casting a suspicious eye my way.
Wait, I think that Armas approaches Amen fundamentally wrong. He has met and interacted with powerful beings throough his journey (dragons, devil, wizard, Marrku and Einrik, Ogrimmir, etc) but no matter how monstrously powerful they are, Armas can almost certainly conclude through what their power is manifested, namely their bodies (well, all of them except perhaps Ogrimmir). Amen is quite different, he does not, I believe, even have a corporal body or some point which ties to his existence. He more like an entity, his body which we observe is just a visual representation, he does not need it and in fact we can order him to look like whatever we want to, even to represent himself as in several different bodies at once. This is reinforced by the fact that when we shot Amen the first time we saw him, he did not bleed only when it consciously wanted to share its blood. Since Armas returned from his trip he did not notice that he doesn't see Amen's soul, most likely because it doesn't have one.
Armas should change the way he view Amen so that he doesn't always freak out. Amen is omnipresent, night-omniscient and night-omnipotent entity within the mansion grounds..... wait, that doesn't sound as if that will put an easy on Armas' mind.

>A body devoid of grime, either my own blood and gore, or the dust and grit of the crashed building
Oh, this is just great so now Amen has our blood and gore stored in Mansion stock somewhere?
Order him to dispose of it similarly how we ordered him to dispose of remain of Romanov's slurry.


Do we even know how that building was called? Does it have a name that instantly is recognizable in magic community? If we find that it would be useful to know the name, ask Amen about it.... or ShadowBro, perhaps he was more attentive than Armas was.

"I assume you know what happened to [whatever that building is called]? I know quite a lot on the account that I was on first row when that happened....
But before we delve on that, your visitor is not here yet and I must admit that my schedule is rather tight for today so why don't you tell me what you wanted to discuss with me and I'll share some information concerning [the building]"

>Do I ask about the expected visitor, and if so how do I approach the subject, given the welcome they had ready?
>how do I deal with the fact he's probably expecting my help with this even though he didn't ask, especially since he doesn't know about my other obligations?
"I cannot help but notice how on edge you and your friends are and I do not believe it is because of me... As I see it, the Visitor will be coming here, in the middle of your territory, on his own accord. He will be surrounded by hundreds of men and... you. But yet, you are not confident that it will be enough.
Am I to guess that he will be someone dangerous and powerful? My squishy mortal flesh is as easy to shred as it has always been. I would prefer not to be entangled in whatever mess you have planned here. You could convince me otherwise if you want but going in blind and uninformed has always bitten me back in one way or another....
So... who exactly are you waiting for?"
Then we keep drawing our information as much as we can. The nature of the Visit, the relationship with the Visitor, his capabilities, etc...

Also, I cannot help but think that the Visitor will be Einrik:
Einrik told us he will be unavailable for at least 3 days because he has his own plans to pursue, people to meet, etc..
Someone dangerous (but not enough that would send them all running, like a Wizard, powerful dragon or a god) who is visiting them at shortly after we returned.
Cavalier and confident enough that even though walking in possible hostile environment would notify in advance of his visit.

Yep, sounds like Einrik alright. Would be funny if that was true.

I say we try to remain neutral first as this obviously does not concern us.
>>
No. 363240 ID: f8aa66
File 132026039843.jpg - (648.88KB , 2548x2928 , ComeGiveLammyAHug2.jpg )
363240

Pic: Needs more muscles and teeth to be Lammy, methinks. I'll try again later.

>"Or maybe it's that smile you've been using..."
You're one to talk about smiles, soulbrother.

>What do I say about the events downtown?
"Well, not everything. I don't know who was stealing souls via blood-magic, for example. I do know that someone-" eyebrow wriggle, "ran into Blackbeard and a lot of Ashfreaks over there. Words were exchanged... then bullets... some explosions... and somebody knocked Blackbeard out of a 6th story window, shot him a few hundred times on the way down, then hit him with a falling building."

Shake head sadly. With luck, "He's being hunted through the under-sewers like a rabbit being chased by some particularly speedy bloodhounds right around now. Poor bastard." Gallic shrug. Smug bastard smirk. "Somehow, I'll manage to contain my tears. I'm strong that way."

>Do I ask about the expected visitor, and if so how do I approach the subject, given the welcome they had ready?
"Quite a reception you have planned for this visitor. A surprise party, is it? He must be a popular fellow." The way our day is going? It's Einrik, or something worse.

If Lammy wants our help, that's okay. Lo Fang hinted we might be getting Lammy and Go Ping's crew with us when we hunt Doony, so this seems like reciprocity.

Lo Fang isn't the type to forget his debts, I think.
>>
No. 363292 ID: b20d4a

>>363240
>>363274
Upvoting either of those two, but with the caveat of trying to notice how many Triad men are still focusing their attention to you- and their souls. After All, we not only somehow managed to get into as flashy a suit as we did when we were at the Building that was bombed less than a hour ago, and both have remarkably similar characteristics- sunglasses, lots of orange, scarf, but we also announced before 100 unknown that we were there. And it will be easy for them to learn we are Armas Laine. Expect the police to come calling soon, so we should prepare to make sure they treat us as a Witness, not a Suspect:
Order Amen to tell your present Guests to be in order in case the police is coming.
Order Amen Not to capture a police officer if coming today before we come back.

>Rant of SB and IT about how you let your silver tongue get ahead of yourself, and how you always try to control people, not giving them choices.
Somehow didn't even Ask Hillevi if she wanted to come with us (even if Labombard said no on the phone, there is no hurt in calling).
Somehow invited two cannibal Red Caps to dinner even though Dinner is already scheduled with the human professor.
You invited the Red Caps to take/eat before leaving (though that's good for relationships).
Somehow gave Amen enough leeway to get rid of all the rest our sustenance.
LET AMEN TAKE YOUR BLOOD WITHOUT COMMENT.
LET AMEN DRESS YOU INTO THE EXACT SAME KIND OF FLASHY SUIT YOU HAD AT A CRIME SCENE LESS THAN AN HOUR AGO.
You arrive at the dock, and suddenly decide to say, in front of 100+ unknown, you were at a crime scene.

This is particularly Worrying. Try to have SB, Sake, and IT checking if your thinking ability was compromised by the efforts needed to heal yourself and the lack of meat reserves into your body. Also, make more of an effort to think before being 'Glib and Awesome'. Right now, the damage is done and the only thing to do is milk the moment for all its worth- as well as be prepared for the repercussions. However, being more circumspect, and waiting a few seconds for Labombard and you to be 'secure' wouldn't have cost anything; This is SLOPPY. Talking about preparing for repercussion:
Order Amen to get rid of all your blood that was taken off of you while 'cleaning/changing'.

Now, in the sake of preparedness, Ask Labombard if he has Flashbang, and who we are going to meet- If it's the Doonegas, we might want to take the poison immunity potion. Also keep in mind that the way the day is beginning, Tonight's Dinner will probably include Labombard, Camella, Go Ping, Ito, Hillevi, Russains, Sake, Prof, Red Caps. Getting enough food for 40+ people might be necessary, especially as we don't have any meat left, and we promised Kelspie food for Prof.
>>
No. 363337 ID: 89777a

Apologies for the long post. <.< Bob, f you want I can make a picture of any GfH thing you want Bob, only no smut(wouldn't be able to draw any anyway).
This is turning out to be a bad bad day.

>>363201
>>363240
>>363274
>>363292
UPVOTAN
All these realization should make your calm break so, and we cannot put this aside any longer;
Tell Labombard to wait a moment, as you have something vital to deal with, and it shouldn't take more than a few minutes, state to him, such that only you and him can hear, that is vital to your sanity and continued state of breathing. Hopefully he can lead you to where he leapt from. Apologise that you cannot help him until you have done this, Also you are sorry it only became clear now, we have a being of hate to deal with. Expect to be interrupted when whoever they are waiting for comes.

With all this, it comes to your mind, Amen could be finding loopholes in your orders, using said loophole to do nasty things, then erasing said memory of finding loophole and using it, then obeying the order.

Order Amen, unless this would trigger harm to me,that would kill, harm and/or manipulate events to be detrimental to me, my mind, soul, body,and/or those of my allies/those I designate/anyone associated with me/ my belongings, and those of my allies' too cause your release, or destruction, or death, or would trip a previous order that would result in such(the usual clauses), to do the following. With the point that by loophole we mean any ambiguity that allows him to circumvent or otherwise avoid the true intent as meant, by me, Armas Laine your Master, of a given order.

If you are required to do evil or cause pain, hate and/or torment in order to exist and/or function, then tell me so.
Do not look for loopholes in our orders.
Do not exploit any loopholes.
Do not erase your own memory of doing such.
What previous orders, if can you tell me of?

Then

Ask SB and Iron Trick if there is any orders they can think of that would help.

If the no loopholes etc... orders do not float, then See if they will float under;

If the order is to do a mundane task(cleaning clothes, making a sandwich for example) you are not to look for loopholes etc. (I.e. Make him safe for general use but not specific use, Or if we use him as a highpowered maid/butler it is fine, but anything higher and we risk his nature.)

If that doesn't even work, then say.
If I give an order with a least one loophole at least one loophole that you can exploit that will harm me,that would kill, harm and/or manipulate events to be detrimental to me, my mind, soul, body,and/or those of my allies/those I designate/anyone associated with me/ my belongings, and those of my allies' too, tell me that you cannot do the order, you are to state, this you are to state only for this kind of order;
"It's a long road out of Eden, no way back, Master"
However if I say the phrase
"Do you dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?" the order is to be accepted.

Other suggestions;
"You are not allowed to erase your own mind constantly, and will always tell me when you do in fact erase it"

Alternatively forget being complex and stopping him from hurting us and just say;
"Just tell me when you make a plot to kill/horribly harm me, give me a clue or two, then we see if I can survive you"

This is a long shot, but there is occaisions that he does not smile when we give an order.
"Do you have to Smile when an order with loopholes is given?"

Thing is IT ISN'T PARANOIA IF THERE IS A GENUINE DANGER!

Also to anyone that says can't we wait until we get back to the mansion, well do you honestly think we are getting back there before we have to eat there, by which will probably begin with us having to wrestle a gaint crab to death or something with the way this day is going.
>>
No. 363340 ID: ac6c03

>>363292
>Gave away sustenance
It was not given away, Armas willingly consumed it to replenish his Summer Energy.

>You arrive at the dock, and suddenly decide to say, in front of 100+ unknown, you were at a crime scene.
These guys are Lo Fang's and Labombard's men.If there were any moles, they could and would be exterminated rather immediately.

>LET AMEN DRESS YOU INTO THE EXACT SAME KIND OF FLASHY SUIT YOU HAD AT A CRIME SCENE LESS THAN AN HOUR AGO.
The suits are pretty different, only real similarity is the orange(which is too awesome to be omitted).

Armas is not losing his sanity quite yet. Remain calm and address Labombard.

>>363337
WHOA THERE. Armas does indeed need to worry about the dangers of Amen however, now is not the time or place. Amen is a situation to be dealt with when we are safe and have time to think things through. Hastily giving Amen more orders will simply open up more loopholes.

Keep focused on the tasks at hand, Armas.
>>
No. 363362 ID: d97a61

[So, came to my attention that there was a spelling error that created some confusion a bit ago.]
>Amen mentions to me that all he could really get to stick from the Einher line was some of the Einher time sensing and magical threat detection trick-which, given it could even help me understand my own weapons better, is something I'm happy to hear.
[The highlighted word should have been 'Item' not 'Time', as it was in reference to sensing your magical equipment, hence item sensing.]

>>363240
>>363274
>>393292
Announcing such a thing in front of Triads is slightly different that announcing it in front of Good Samaritans, or even a General Crowd. You can have more than one dinner, and it is doubtful they are averse to nocturnal dining based on what little you know of them. Between a hungry Armas, Hillevi, Sake, the Russians and their recently healed members with ravenous hunger, with a bit of drunkenly feeding Whaitiri later in the evening, you burned through the vast majority of those hundred pounds. Hillevi and Sake were the clear and away biggest eaters. >implying Amen did not already have sufficient samples of Armas' blood. The rest is valid.
>>363337
>>363340
Amen tell my present Guests that they may be expecting police at the residence soon, so all should change their attire, and to be discrete if confronted. Further, I need you to not capture a police officer, or harm one, or do anything to them beyond using whatever legal right you have to refuse them entrance and without implicating myself or my guests. No kidnapping or slaying law officers without my explicit orders otherwise, is that understood?
>[Amen]"...This one hears and obeys."
THAT out of the way-
"Now we've given your colleagues a show, how about we go somewhere where we won't draw so much attention, and, more importantly, somewhere with comfortable seats, so we can tell our tall stories."
Labombard sighs expansively, his eyes flatly scanning the perimeter without pause even as he continues to lightly sniff the air, alert and watchful.
>[Labombard]"Ah I am sorry my American Asshole friend, but I am, after all, on the job-and serving as a sentinel of sorts. Out of the way would be rather nonconducive to that job's performance, non? So you may as well answer here, or at best just within the warehouse' doors."
"Just behind the doors it is then."
>[Labombard]"Feeling exposed... or perhaps embarrassed to be seen in such a coat as that, and looking to get out of the light? How gauche."
...Dig or no I... I don't think he picked up that Sake's anything more than a similarly colored bit of collaring about my neck, a simple piece of my heavy coat.
>"I suspect the magic your dually activated bloodlines and magical gear provide enough static that should our dear brother do nothing-"
I can feel the sense of glee about my throat as Sake stays still, dormant-with his words appearing in my mind as they did before the seperation.
>[Sake]"That would make me your, what was the term... ace in the trump should things go south? How delightful"
"Are you implying you yourself are not a fan of fur then?"
The French Werewolf laughs at the dig, the look... odd with his ever flat and discerning eyes-even as he turns on his heel, beckoning for me to follow. We've marched ourselves out of the open and to just within the still open warehouse doors. I maneuver to be as minimally visible from the outside as possible, just as Labombard speaks again.
>[Labombard]"But truly, you have the look of one... informed on what transpired. So what is it that you know, my outrageous friend?"
"This story is too precious to be shared indiscriminatingly, so, if our esteemed host wishes to join us, I will gladly follow your lead and pay appropriate respects first."
>[Labombard]"Truly, you do our expected guests great disservice, or Lo Fang-I can never be sure with you blithe americans, non? Suffice to say-our rather careful friend is currently too busy being discrete, and seeking a better position to meet with us, even if you have momentous news. That doesn't mean I can't get you permission to speak with him, if it is important-so do tell, what is it you know."
"Well, not everything. I don't know who was stealing souls via blood-magic, for example. I do know that someone-"
I try my damnedest to make my eyebrows dance like Sake's body did-
"Ran into Blackbeard and a lot of Ashfreaks over there. Words were exchanged... then bullets... some explosions... and somebody knocked Blackbeard out of a 6th story window, shot him a few hundred times on the way down, then hit him with a falling building."
I am just barely able to completely ignore the immense satisfaction of shattering that guarded look of his as his eyes pop and bulge. I shake my head as if to commiserate a loss, and continue.
"I am reasonably certain this was insufficient to do him in-but I did, of course, have an appointment to keep. With luck though, he's being hunted through the under-sewers like a rabbit being chased by some particularly speedy bloodhounds right around now. Poor bastard."
I shrug as if to point at all the things one cannot change in the world, and say 'fuck it' to each every one of them even as I put on what I'm hoping is a cavalier, almost debonair smirk.
"Somehow, I'll manage to contain my tears for his likely fate. I'm strong that way."
Labombard continues to goggle for a moment, so I finish the brief description.
"I know that was just the highlights, I'll tell you the whole story over some beers back at mine, but for now, you seem to have something more immediate to discuss..."
>[Labombard]"...Our incoming guests. Yes... fine, I'll take your wager and assume you're being truthful. That would certainly warrent telling you: We are expecting a raid today, but thanks to some... interference when we recieved word, we don't know who it is between two very, very different groups."
"That helps explain how on edge everyone is."
I finally finish counting the souls in the warehouse-132 that I can detect, Go Ping, Diao Yuan and Long Wang among them-Lo Fang somehow absent. Thankfully, none were paying attention to me save Labombard the moment I let those careless words slips.
"Do you know anything about what's coming?"
>[Labombard]"One of two groups. Either it's the Yakuza, with even odds they're sending their.... ah, how did it translate... Golden Death Gods, I believe it was? The name's garish, I know, but what can one do? They are a very credible threat, each a Bloodline user of sufficient master t to be chosen to bear ancient full-metal imbued armor sets. Quite the resistive bastards to put down. Or it's the Ogre Clan, particularly notorious combat illusionists, hypnotists and Mind manipulators with quite the specialization in Dream channeling. Both... would have been very out of your league even as individuals. Now though... you smell quite a bit more properly blooded for such a challenge."
"There sounded like there was yet another faction to mention."
>[Labombard]"...Yes. The third option is a rather nasty group of American Assholes who I'm sure you've heard of: Titancorp's Reapers."
I recognized Titancorp, they're a PMC back in the states, but Reapers?
>[Labombard]"If it's those... well, this could be our day to die."
"Rather morbid don't you think?
>[Labombard]"I... took some rather outrageous risks, and did things I regret to try and put one down when I had backup not too long ago. I didn't really win-I just got lucky. I couldn't even touch the bastard. They've got some sort of... time skewing artifacts, makes them impossible to pin down, with devestating modern weaponry with a bit too much punch to it-I nearly died."
"This, from the man that's said he's survived going through a meat grinder?"
>[Labombard]"I tell the truth the same as you'd have me believe your tale: That one human-and I could smell it, he was not himself magical, lacking any bloodline-and I was completely overwhelmed even performing well past my peak. ...We have countermeasures, but if they come in numbers.... well, it's merely one of the options. I still think it worthwhile to stay, my friend."
" What are you suggesting?"
>[Labombard]"Look, I smoothed things over with Lo Fang-you are, of course, an American Asshole, and should be forgiven for such minor things as massive accidental property damage. You can't be held to the same standards as we Old Worlders. Lo Fang... didn't quite agree as much as I'd like. But helping to repel an attack? Demonstrating newfound prowess to the Triads-and don't tell me they know how different you are now-do you think he could resist? Why, you'd not just be back in his good graces, I daresay he might even name you an honorary Disciple-I'm told he's quite the teacher."
>"Okay, he implied he knew a great deal about chakras... this could be a big gain... on the other hand we DO have that contact number from Einrik, and with Hafaz and company safe, we have access to translators."
Suppose I did stay: How would loot be determined?
>[Labombard]"That's the kind of attitude we could use some more of right now-absolute confidence. Anyone or anything you kill, all that they carried, wore or created are now yours. If there is a particular foe that takes a group effort to fell, there is a brief discussion between the contributors to determine how things are divvied up-Lo Fang would act as arbitrator for that. ...I'd truly appreciate the help, my little friend in the funny suit."

Potentially amazing loot, a massive boost in my rep with the Triads and Lo Fang personally-likelihood of getting access to Lo Fang as a Teacher, showing I can handle much bigger jobs than before, versus a one in three chance of a threat Labombard described as potentially being suicide to face, with the other options being impressively lethal in their own right. ...Well, that's a pretty clear risk/reward breakdown there, but there's one more thing I need to know-
"Any idea when?"
>[Labombard]"Frankly? They should already be here, so any minute, one would expect. "
Hm.....









So what do I say to Labombard's request?
[NOTE THAT IF ACCEPTED, I WILL ROLL A D3 IN THREAD TO DETERMINE THREAT-1=GDG, 2=OC, 3=TR]
If I reject it, how do I let him down?
>>
No. 363363 ID: a492a8

Hell yes. All in, boyo! Jack the sound barrier and bring the noise! It's Happy Fun Time™!
>>
No. 363365 ID: 252e1b

>[Labombard]"Frankly? They should already be here, so any minute, one would expect. "

"Very well. I've got a trick I learned that will let me pin down an enemy for seconds or minutes, depending. I'll try to nail down the attackers in the open, unless you have contrary orders."
>>
No. 363370 ID: ac6c03

>>363362
This sounds like a MAD GAMBLE...
Go for it.
>>
No. 363371 ID: b20d4a

>>363362
Fuck yes.

This is a incredible risk, as they may be STRONG. However, Not going also increases the risk of Labombard dying, of Lo Fang dying.

Managing to help them Will nets us a LOT. Too bad we didn't take Hillevi with us Even if it was voted to take her

Ask Labombard if he would mind Powerful reinforcement, as we have in mind someone who can help. If he agrees:

"Amen, I order you to tell my Ward Hillevi That i may be meeting enemies of great abilities in the dock. Tell Hillevi where i am, and tell her to take Silja if she chooses to come. Insist on the danger, and that she is in no way to feel forced about coming. If she does come, however, tell her the fight may begin any moment now, and that if she wants to help me and fight against worthy enemy, it would be best for her to go as fast as possible lest she arrives just to find our corpses."


Maybe ask for some Flashbangs and Grendaes, SB could use them.

HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOO.
>>
No. 363372 ID: 89777a

Lets do this!

Warn Lammy that you have a ward you are in charge of, she'll be coming to help fight.

Now remember stay unseen and fight the wounded, the distracted and those you can gank, don't get into duels, stealth.

Shadowbro needs to stick close to us and cuase unexpected mayhem.

Chaos and Confusion is our motto here.
>>
No. 363374 ID: db5063

"HOW COULD I REFUSE!"

Talk to Shadowbro about project bulletstorm.
Basically, an effort to unload everything you can in an instant by using him as extra hands to pull triggers and hold guns.
See how he feels about it and decide which guns to give him when the time comes. I suggest the matebas, old lonesome and TOR while you use Silja and/or Iron trick(for the chance of artifact shenanigans)
>>
No. 363377 ID: 7ba3f6

RISK: DEATH V.S. REWARD: LOOT IN A FREE-FOR-ALL

"IT'S A M-M-M-MAD GAMBLE!!"
Yeah, say that. In an announcer's voice.

The Reward...is worth more than the Risk! Take it! If it's the Titancorps Reapers, have SB teleport the ammo in their mags out, to whomever's stupid enough to hide in a shadow. If it's the Golden Death Gods, prepare the AA-12 and Matebas. If it's the Ogre Clan, prepare your MIND. Nothing's going to mess with our thoughts. Nothing.

Always remember: This is your chance at getting some phat loot. Kill as much and fast as you can.
Titancorps Reapers? Awesome mundane weapons + time-changing Charms. I've heard Titancorps make some weapons with HIGH RoF...
Golden Death Gods? Awesome Armor. We could have the gobbos repair and mix it with our Dragon Skin.
Ogre Clan? Well...not much. Probably magic weapons. But hey, still good!

Before the bloody fun starts, however, meditate a bit, concentrate on your throat chakra, on reinforcing your mind. Juuuust in case we meet the Ogre Clan. Helps relaxing your mind too, can improve reactions.
>>
No. 363379 ID: f8aa66

Was there ever any doubt about what we'd pick? Armas is feeling his oats again after surviving Blackbeard, and there's no way he's backing down in front of Lammy.

>[Labombard]"If it's those... well, this could be our day to die."
If the Titan Reapers show up...
Smile (the one that's been making people nervous). See if Lammy has good taste in movies: "For a moment there, I thought we were in trouble." Then, probably die.

I'm getting a very Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid vibe here, even though Lammy brought his own army.

And if it's the Ogre clan, hope like fuck this isn't the local version of the Ulzricks.

If Long Wang's crew rolls up, we could make a big comedy production about us offering our aid. Raise morale, you know? About how Lammy begged us (You really are an American Asshole.) on his knees (On second thought, you can leave after all.) like a dog (Low blow, Laine.). It was really very touching and sweet, we had no choice but to agree.

Anyway, remember: everyone in this fight besides us, even Lammy and Go Ping's crew, are ultimately expendable.

That said, what's the texture of the docks here? If it's wooden slats, then it's ideal for SB to creep around in, underneath their feet and piercing upwards through the cracks.

Otherwise, we may want to get some height; that'll buy us a few seconds against two of the three possible threats. We would miss out of bullshitting with our big mobile meatshield, though.
>>
No. 363386 ID: 91e8e8

Accept, and then start planning.

Ask Sake and SB to extend their senses, and pay close attemtion to your own. You not only have your soul perception, you have the item and magical threat detection grafted from the Einheir bloodline.

Whilst doing this, you should also pay close attention to the chakra of the Triads around you.

You are also not fully equipped. Say to Lammy:

"In my travels I have happened upon a most unusual delivery method for projectiles. If you could spare me any flash-bangs, proper grenades, contact poison, or even a pot of very strong chilli powder, I'm confident you won't regret it."


After confirming with Lammy it's OK, I suggest ringing the mansion and asking to be put through to Hillevi, say:

"As promised, I've managed to secure you an invitation to meet my friend. If you hurry, you'll at least be able to catch the end of the party."

Then, if she accepts the invite, ask to speak to Matevey, and then ask him if he can do you the favour of guiding Hillevi to this address.

The idea isn't that Hillevi will neccessarily be here for the main body of the fight, but that she will arrive, fresh and spoiling for a fight, just as our attackers are about to cut their losses and they'll run right into her.

After all this, we probably want to position ourselves for the battle. We are most dangerous when striking from ambush, so consult with our head council as to whether we could hide well enough just outside the Triad compound that the attackers would walk right past.

If the judgement is that we can, we should hide there and then attack from behind, where they aren't expecting, as soon as they get stuck into the battle and are focused on that.
>>
No. 363387 ID: 048990

>>363386
I agree with asking about things that can be delivered through Shadowbro Express. As you said, grenades, flashbangs, pepper, poison, all are things that are relatively lightweight and possibly very effective.

However, going to have to SUST the idea of using valuable time just to have Hillevi show up to a fight that may or may not contain things Labombard is not confident in his ability to deal with (the Reapers), and most definitely will contain things that are completely unknown to us. While we want to train her in reacting quicker, calling her to the middle of a firefight like this one may become is almost guaranteed to be disastrous.

Instead, if we have the time, we should ask Labombard about resupply locations. Given Shadowbro's abilities, having a literal crate of bullets accessible through shadows nearby would be...interesting, to say the least.

Other things:
Make a quick survey of the field of combat. Look for points of interest, i.e. shadowed areas, potential choke points where a well-placed grenade from Shadowbro (if you can access such a thing from the Triads) could do a hell of a lot of nasty things to your enemies.

Remember, above all else. You're not going to die here, whatever happens. There's far too much fun still to be had, and working with Labombard, in addition to gaining trust back and more with the Triad? This is your chance.

Plus the loads of potential loot is just too good to pass up, you Greedy trio of tricksters.
>>
No. 363388 ID: c8687a

Mission Accepted, you should also call Hillevi and ask if she wants to join in the fun.
>>
No. 363390 ID: 048990

>>363387
also, to clarify; I'm not against the idea of having Hillevi along for major firefights, she's proven herself capable of surviving many things with the ice armor and her other abilities. I'm just leery of calling her and having her show up in the middle of what promises to be the biggest firefight of our supernatural career.
>>
No. 363403 ID: 3fd4fb

>>363362
>So what do I say to Labombard's request?
"I'm not about to forget a favor owed. I'm in."

Get any guidelines for engagement or plans that we can on short notice.

Then focus on our soul sensing abilities. They shouldn't be limited by line of sight- stretch them outward, try to feel as far as possible. We might be able to warn Labombard when we've got incoming, how many, and what they feel like before the Triads can get their own assessment done, which would be an excellent start to our display of helpful prowess here.

There are a lot of downvotes here, I know. The competing demands of not downvoting too much because we'll go crazy and downvoting everything that's a terrible plan because it's the only way to stop Armas from doing it (often while ignoring much better plans) are pretty harsh sometimes.
>>363371
>ask Labombard if we can bring in a friend, then call for Hillevi and Silja
Do this only if it's reasonable to expect that she could arrive here within a few minutes. If the whole engagement is going to be over by the time she shows up, there's no point in calling her in. If she can make it she'd probably jump at the chance to have another serious fight, though.

I don't see the logic in having her bring Silja, seeing as Silja is still sulking last we heard and we haven't had a chance to talk it out with her- using her in battle when she's still angry at us would be a very unkind thing for us to do, since she can't exactly stop us. SUST that part unless very good reasoning is presented.

>>363377
>"IT'S A M-M-M-MAD GAMBLE!!"
>Yeah, say that. In an announcer's voice.
Downvote. Do not actually say this, announcer's voice or no. It is ridiculous. I wouldn't bother downvoting, but we have said truly awkward shit before because one person suggested it and I would prefer to avoid a repeat performance.

>>363386
>Then, if she accepts the invite, ask to speak to Matevey, and then ask him if he can do you the favour of guiding Hillevi to this address.
SUST. Do not involve the Russians in this in any way. We can just give her directions, and she's got awesome magical senses anyway- she'll be able to home in on us once she gets anywhere near the general area.

>>363397
>see if Amen can contact the Red Caps?
SUST. Fuck no. This is not a party open to all, and I strongly suspect the Red Caps are the kind of thing that people will kill you just for being on friendly terms with.

>Sake and Shadowbro
Keep them with us. Sake's a sleeved ace for now and I would rather not run around with no shadow in front of anyone, even an employer that we're trying to impress. We really need to buy a second shadow or an item that casts a shadow of its own if we're going to have Shadowbro conduct extensive remote operations while being observed in well-lit areas.

We do have a bunch of people we can talk to in our head with us, but we should not spend much time talking to them right now. Trust that they can competently do their own thing, and as the human face of this collective we have better things to do than stare off into space while planning, chatting up entities no one else knows exists. They're all going to be very helpful on their own without our input.
>>
No. 363428 ID: f6106a

Sure, let's help Lammy out.

>>363423
Downvoting renting expensive as fuck countermeasure when we don't know if we'll need it.

Aside from that... Ask Iron Trick if there's a possibility of triggering more advanced versions of the three basic tricks. Gleb's innards getting turned into slurry has bugged me for a while, and he started coughing around the time Iron Trick made a big deal about one of our shots at his shadow.
>>
No. 363429 ID: bde691

Sigh, everyone seems to be willing to take up that offer...I would suggest against it but I doubt my one vote would suffice.... You guys know what you are getting yoursef into right? 1/3 chance of going against the Titan reapers? Perhaps you don't appreciate how absolutely ridiculously powerful they are? The fight that Labombard talked about: a single Reaper attacked a boat full of Triads and Labombard and practically killed them all, Lammy needed to overdose on Chinese Battle drug just to have a hope of survival and only managed to win by some really creative thinking and luck.

Here, we could expect a raid of SEVERAL of them, like a squad of 4 or something.
These are the guys who rejected BlackBeard because he was not hardcore enough for them!

I guess the reason why everyone is so cocky about the whole thing is because we have Romanov Bloodline? I want to remind everyone that if we die, SB is likely to die too but that is not the worst part, Amen will be freed. Bob, didn't you say that Amen's blood is sealed in our blood in such a way that it cannot perceive it, and since Amen cannot verify if it is alive or dead it cannot be certain that it has become free? How does our death mitigate that? Or did we pull down that defense when we won? Why did we do that if that is the case? Our Eye is not even organic anymore, it is mostly a ball of iron....
So yeah.... dying is not an option, at least not till we resolve these problems.

>Telling Hillevi to get her ass down here
Yeah, it would have been nice if we took Hillevi with us in the first place... but it is a good thing we didn't take the Russians.
@people suggesting to give her a message so she comes here: You are not thinking this entirely through. You want a young girl who is not only in an unfamiliar city but who has lived her entire life on an isolated small island to somehow find her way here in short time. Armas, who knew where to go and took public transport needed 30 minutes to get here. I doubt Hillevi even knows the concept of public transport let alone how to use it right. Assuming Hillevi doesn't just get lost the moment she steps out and somehow manages to pick the right bus and the stop, it is still unacceptable delay and she'll arrive when everything is already over. Of course, if we only had a transport. Wouldn't it have been NICE to know if there was a car or two hidden in a closet somewhere in Smets Mansion. Too bad no one ever bothered to ask Amen about that. But even then, it could take more than 10 minutes and Hillevi would need someone to drive here here and if we do that, we will drop her in middle of a firefight and expect her to find her way and determine the allies and the hostiles. She wouldn't have time to prepare either.
But I have an idea how to get her here fast.
....On the other hand, we are going to get Hillevi into something that might just kill her... so I guess consult SB and IT about the wisdom of getting her involved.

So here is what I suggest [I assume the worst, we will fight the Reapers], several things we can do before shit hits the fan. PREPAREDNESS is you will:
First contact Amen and tell it to ask Hillevi if she wants to help us out.
Then call Sometimes Merchant. First apologize to him and tell him that you found yourelf in a situation much, much worse than the previous one. Ask him for several services, promise him that you'll deliver some good information but that you just don't have the time to do that right now. Ask him to quickly transport Hillevi, Keihas, and a crate of ammunition (seriously, why don't we get prompted on the status of our ammo anymore). I do not know if our ammo is stored at our Mansion or our Storage box or if we even have spare ammo anymore but when we went out, we did not prepare to fight off a raid, so I doubt we took much extra ammo.
Ask SM if he is familiar with Titan Reapers and their time-skewing artifacts. Ask him to lend you (yes, lend we do not have to always permanently buy everything) for the duration of the raid (or at least an hour or two) something that can negate these artifacts. Or even better, ask him to set up a negation field around the docks so that everyone can benefit from it. This negation field/charms will probably cost a lot (that's why we borrow them, not buy) but if they help us out, I bet we can smooth talk Lo Fang into paying the bill for us. oh! Speaking of Lo Fang, perhaps he is already setting up defenses against their time-shenanigans? Ask Labombard if he knows before striking the deal!

Now, we know that Wyld Goblins are familiar with Soul Shadows and since there is a significant chance we will die here, ask SM to give you something that will keep SB alive till we resurrect.
The worst problem of course is Amen getting free. I do not think SM does not know what Amen is, so it is fruitless to dance around the subject and perhaps he even knows how we keep him bound to us. Either way, this is an important information which we must give up to ensure our and our friends' survival. Tell him about the bindings in our eye and our fears that he will be free when we die, ask SM for SOMETHING that will make it sure that Sisuthros blood will stay alive in our eye when we die and ensure that Amen will remain bound. This is very important imo
When talking to SM, when the matter of price arises, allude to him that he is as much investing in us as we are buying services from him and that our continued survival will reap him great rewards (hint him about the great Splintered Trick or something), but do not push him too much, we have played that card several times already. We need to do this to get the services mentioned and not be charged out of our ass for them.
Lucy (the red cap) said that Goblins are very good at masking their scent and/or magical print. If we can get SM to mask us against non-ordinary senses, that would be golden.
Oh! Another thing, it is possible that Goblins have some kind of a treaty with the Triads that they cannot operate on their territory. If so, we need to gain permission, I guess we need to put the load on Labombards shoulders.


Man, I hope we are going to fight the Yakuza, especially the golden death gods since it is possible that someone is going to be a Border user and that will save us so much trouble.

Anyway, some other things to prepare: I support the idea to use our soul sensor ability to determine what kind of threat will be coming in advance, with the description that Lammy gave us, I think we will be able to determine the group by sensing their souls. Get to the edge and report as soon as you feel something (we'll need to borrow a radio).
And it goes without saying that we need to excessively use our stealth.

Operation Bulellet storm is great too but remember that SB does not need to heft the entire weapon to use it, he just need to make a shadow-portal over the tip of the barrels and pull the trigger while the weapon is still under our coat. That way, he will save energy and we could attack from hundred of directions at once.

Make sure we have Silja! I do not give a damn that she is sulking, it has been 3 days already dammit! Just apologize for interrupting her, tell her that there is a very high chance that you are going to die here and now and hope she can forgive you. Tell her that you are going to let her see the world and coat the bayonet with our blood (I have a hunch that we will get greater accuracy if we do that. Inb4, we look like the same Armas she loves). FFS, we have level 7 social/persuasion/speech trait, I am sure Armas will be able to not fuck up relationship with his rifle with some good use of his tongue!
>>
No. 363431 ID: 5004a5

Just say you'll certainly help out, but let them know it means you will do it using your own style. That means becoming one with the darkness and going for the valuable targets from the flank. Load the Taste of Ruin with mostly sabot or slug rounds. Frag-12 if the defenders have any. You don't want to be caught with shot against armored opponents. If any grenades like frag, flash or smoke can be borrowed then those would be handy. Even bags of sand, dust, drugs or anything powdery could become awesome since Sake and Shadowbro are around to blow it around into people's faces or noses.

But seriously don't dally for too long. Get out there, learn the lay of the battlefield and the spots with the best viewpoints, shadows and echoes. Remember your goblin stealth training.

Bonus points if you can sneak up on a hostile and place Sake on their back without them noticing for ultimate troll action.
>>
No. 363435 ID: b20d4a

Formerly 363397

>>363390
The thing is, if Hillevi arrives at all, she'll arrive when the 'firefight' element of the firefight will be much more controllable. Also, Hillevi is, as far as power go, maybe more than a match for Labombard. Do not under-estimate her.

As long as we can invite her politely, make sure she IS aware this will be a extremely dangerous fight... well, this is the kind of thing she probably WANTS and NEED- a free for all where she doesn't have to be afraid to let loose.

Also, remember, she is a PC- we have to at least invite her.

Now, there is a few other things we might try before going: We have to plan with SB and Sake. Do they prefer to stick with us (as in, near our body) for the whole fight, for just the beginning of the fight, for none of the fight? Do not forget to look like you are 'meditating' while talking to your soulbrothers:

There are advanteges to all the situations:
+Sticking to us might mean Enhanced speed with shadowbro, a way to reload quickly, as well as giving time for Shadowbro to analyze our enemie's armors. However, Shadowbro not sticking with us might mean, in the beginning of the fight, better crowd control as well as loot. After all, the moment a triad guy or enemy dies, ShadowBro can 'disappear' his wallet and weapons, and ammunitions, and grenades/etc, in the dark, and use them to greater effect.
+For Sake, Sticking with us might actually protect him- while he probably has a wind armor he can use on himself, he possible can use it on both of us if sticking with us, AND this is a firefight with a mass number of people, so our stealth might be very useful to limit the numbers of bullets received. Also, we know Sake used to need our eyes to analyze anything, and we are back to communing with him. It obviously doesn't mean he needs us fo things stuff, but it MIGHT mean we can...share... his own magical/spirit sense. This is something to experiment on NOW, as being able to improve our attention-sense another layer when we have Sake with us (and maybe Shadowbro?) could be just the thing to work our stealth against such potent enemy. Also, and maybe most importantly: with the mind sharing renewed when touching him, we might be able to use his flying technique in order to enhance our stealth to another level (3D stealth).
+Don't forget that You have Iron Trick with us. The Iron Trick/Sake/Shadowbro combination might be needed to help us out if we are count in mind magic or illusions.

I actually think we should try to have Sake stay with us as long as possible for protection for both of us when there are lots of triad gunfire. I am also worried one of our enemy might grab him, and regenerate. Shadowbro, on the other hand, she probably alternate between being with us, stealing stuff, crowd control with stuff he stole, and flat out attacking the enemy. Of course, Sake may want to cut lose, btu the beginning of the fight, with all it's mahyem, might not be the best time. Try to talk with him about it, see what he thinks- no orders.

Last thing to consider for our little group: Should we try to see if Amen can contact the Red Caps? They might very well tip things in our favor, but they are also not the most sociable of beings.

>We do have a bunch of people we can talk to in our head with us, but we should not spend much time talking to them right now. Trust that they can competently do their own thing, and as the human face of this collective we have better things to do than stare off into space while planning, chatting up entities no one else knows exists. They're all going to be very helpful on their own without our input.

I strongly, strongly disagree. First, Being seen meditating by the triad before a Hardcore fight is NOT a bad thing. Second, what you want is basically “Don't talk to your soul brothers, force them to not have any freedom in how they fight (can't leave you), don't ask them what their capabilities are, don't change your plan depending on what they want to do, don't try to use synergy of your powers, and above all DON'T PREPARE”.

We NEED to prepare- Armas has been flying off his pants for a while now (we don't know if he took any ammos, for one), and at last asking his soulbrothers how they want to address a fight is needed.

>SUST. Fuck no. This is not a party open to all, and I strongly suspect the Red Caps are the kind of thing that people will kill you just for being on friendly terms with.

They might be, yes. But if we get into a situation where the Triad is already dead, and SB can die at any moment, I want Armas to know whether or not he wants or even can call the Red Caps (obviously, don't call them before the fight).

>Hillevi having trouble finding where we are.
This is WHY we are asking Matevey if he can bring her here quickly on car. If he can, and Hillevi wants to come, I am sure she'll find a way. She might be 'late', but as long as we are still alive it's ok.

>Long rant about calling SM and not paying for stuff.
First, if you really want to make sure Amen does not get free if we die, there is a much better way: Call Cornelius, tell him we might die soon, and need a way to get a heir for Amen in case we do die. Second, calling SM to get a way to have SB survive now when we just called him and refused to ask for such is a bit late. I doubt we'll have that much time, and I doubt even more that we can do it without letting SM knows we NEED his help- which means we won't be able to afford it. So SUST.

>Bonus points if you can sneak up on a hostile and place Sake on their back without them noticing for ultimate troll action.
SUST. You are aware that it will heal them, right?
>>
No. 363442 ID: 1bff94

>>363429 SUSTING(reasons below)(Is it Dkay? The one with stuff about calling SM and badmouthing Hillevi)
Hillevi comments:
1. Hillevi DOESN'T NEED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT, her own two feet are insanely fast.
2. Hillevi is not just a young girl, she is a HIGHLY TRAINED FIGHTER WHO IS REDICULOUSLY Durable. SHE IS A VALKONEN! DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT?
3. The Yakuza are a target for Hillevi approved by Marukku.
4. If the Titans come, well we can deal with it(by fleeing if all else fails)

Now about the titans.
Scaring Armas does no good.

We are not calling SM in front of Labombard.

Good point about the bulletstorm.

We are not truamatizing Silja.
So all in all.
SUST WITH THE FORCE OF A THOUSAND SUNS (what are you trying to do to Armas' head)

Now it stuck me that we should do our best to go from Blind spot to Blind spot of our foes, killing them as we go, also we can have Sake and Shadowbro move outwards from us and then back again in a spiral motion, should cause lots of chaos.

Shadowbro should port whatever non-magical things he can away from our foes, particulary things like the pins of grenades or if the chain of a charm is unmagical, ruin that.

But really Chaos is what we are going for and both our bros don't need to be told how to do that. I'm enclined for them to stick close to us, it would be trolly for Sake to do all his tricks while hidden on us.
>>
No. 363445 ID: 3c67c7

>Calling Hilevi
SUST
>Get chili powder
Why would you get chili powder when you can get PEPPER SPRAY. ask for that and for gods sake buy some and keep it with you at all times.
>Make a bunch of SM deals
SUST
>Do I accept
Yes

Now, we have 3 possible enemies, try getting some more info on each group.
The reapers are the biggest threat, and the ones you can do the most against with some prep. DO NOT go outside. Tell labombard you have plans against the reapers.

Reapers Plan: Get best poison you can and some grenades. Set up an area that is shadowed on the inside. if reapers go in there SB will teleport poison or grenades INTO their suits. If they still have a doonie sample from last time this can help, as his contact poison is awesomesauce. Organize it so that if it is the reapers, then all triads are to shoot the lights first to provide shadows for you to work in... you and labombard are the key factors in such a fight. Also, try pinning them down via shadow shots.

Reapers Plan for labombard: Ask him what he thinks will happen if he draws the reapers into a room whose walls and door are lined with explosives so it comes from all directions, or with poison/knockout gas.

>Pretend to be a shadowmage / windmage
We want to keep this as secret as possible, all they need to know is that we killed the enemies, this means being discreet.
Sake should stick to discreetly delimbing opponents for hilarious results. And deflecting bullets if he can. Also we do not want to draw attention to ourselves, we are a squishy dodger.

>GDG
So, each one is wearing magic armor, and each is a practitioner of a different kind and great power...

Teleport poison or at least pepper spray, shoot shadow, delimb with sake, kill fast for the win.

>Ogre clan
Illusionists, you can't hit them because they aren't there... Sake and SB Should be able to spot them for us.
>>
No. 363480 ID: d5a265

Call Hillevi
>>
No. 363488 ID: d97a61
 

rolled 3 = 3

>>363363 [PALENDROME, paired groups
>>363365
>>363370
I keep the smirk going as I snap out a reply.
"What kind of American Asshole would I be if I passed up a chance to butt into someone else's fight? I do have to protect you from losing after all, Frenchie."
>[Labombard]"Ah of course the dirty swine would make the usual insult-no sophistry or sophistication."
"Still though, unless you specifically need me to do something, I think I'd work best operating solo"
>[Labombard]"However you think appropriate."

>>363371Arkeus
>>363372Mystic
>>363386Alratan
>>363388c8687a
>>363480d5a265
Even as Labombard starts calling out, saying the 'fur-coated, orange-shirted, Gold tied asshole' is on their side, even as he calls for an earpiece and collar mic. As he does this, I look inward, already planning for my shadow and Sake to-
>[Sake]"I hope I get the phrase right: Up yours?"
>"You got it."
>[Sake]"Excellent. Do you think we didn't begin to stretch our senses the moment we got the notion this was a combat area?"
>"As a corallary to that, we are also quite certain none of us individually or together currently have the ability to combine or directly share sensory input-so it's dialogue-only as our transmission system. We both know Amen's warning about mental communication could well apply to us, soul brothers or no."
Labombard misses my grimace that vanishes just before he plops a microphone on the table.
"You know, I have to say I wasn't expecting a... dedicated firefight here. I find myself a bit underarmed-or rather, I lack sufficient ammunition."
>[Labombard]"Over-reaching like usual, confidence getting the better of you-so, what is it you need?"
".454 Casulls, three inch .41... no, I suppose .454 for that as well, Old Lonesome's an RG magnum-some twelve gauge, Frag 12 if you have it, sabot and slug if you don't, and .45 colt. Flash bangs, poison of any contact variety, bear mace/tear gas or some other visceral deterrent and distraction, or honest grenades would be truly wonderful, but it's the bullets I really need."
>[Labombard]"I think I can get you set up-pick out your location, I'll get what's available out to you."

We both stand, and shake hands before going our seperate ways. I thread the earpiece in and attach the collar mic, the guts easily secured beneath my heavy coat, as I decide to commune with Amen yet again-this day, man....
Amen, I need you to speak to Hillevi, and explain to her that I'm currently on scene for a rather lethally high-level magical gang fight soon-call it competing magic clans if that doesn't make sense to her-and then inform her she can come participate if she wishes. I also need you to speak with Sometimes Merchant, and see what it would cost to guide Hillevi through the sewers to the nearest access point to the docks one time.
>[Amen]"This one can comment on the latter a priori to the former: The goblin would desire a single free secret from you-guide services are an old tradition of theirs, and how they first interacted with mortals of the city above."
A single secret? What makes it a secret?
>[Amen]"It must be information someone other than master wants to not be spread, that the goblin does not already know. What it is beyond that is inconsequential to the deal."
Well since you know that much, do you know how long it will take her to get here via the sewers?
>[Amen]"This one assumes that, were master's ward to be... expedient... she could make it in less then ten minutes."
Then do communicate that if she IS interested she'd best hurry, and assist her in acquiring such guidance as we just discussed in my name, such that I pay the secret to the merchant at our next conversation.
>[Amen]"This one understands, and obeys, obeys-obeys."
>"Ask him if he knows why the goblin shadowmasters said they can only teach me in the sewers."
What, you never told me-
>"More important things at the time-but ask."
Amen, do you know why the goblins can't train in shadowmagic outside of the sewers?
>[Amen]"Magic tied to their blood and souls, to be properly imparted, must be shared in a nexus of strength-such as one's home, or land."
Interesting-do you know enough about Goblinic shadowmagic to know if it'd allow my shadow to survive my death
>[Amen]"This one has personally observed Turkish Wyld Goblin shadows persist and flee their owner's deaths, so this one would assume so."
Well... I guess I should start doing things so Amen has time to verbalize that to Hillevi.

>>363374
One of the Matebas has a bent barrel which was noted twice, and only one was brought, which was also noted. Also if you are suggesting Shadowbro change his shadow-shape, rather than just manipulate and/or enter other shadows with his humanoid figure, because that's pretty advanced shadow magic. If he could do that, expect a similar level of mastery to give him combat practical ice magic ability from the winter bloodline. So that means he has two hands only at the moment.


>>363379
I march out of the Warehouse, noting it's interior largely covered in interlinked shadows, but ultimately isolated from any nearby structures, a clear attempt at rendering a kill zone. The ground within and without the warehouse is concrete the whole way to the streets several hundred yards away-but a short distance behind the warehouse the actual wooden docks still persist for the birthing of smaller vessels-cracked, slatted wood that should be one massive haven of interconnected shadow, any time of day.
>"I concur with that assessment-and if you can get me access to all that wood, I should be able to watch and traverse the entirety of our naval border, some third of all the possible approach vectors assuming they don't fly."
That sounds handy as fuck... but let's keep looking.

I notice that, wide spacing between the freight containers or no, they are all lined up in long corridors, forcing any foes approaching the warehouse to make a long dash without cover-as well as two massive cranes, both firmly anchored into the cement. ....One of them, in particular, catches my eye when I realize it's shadow stretches over the wooden section of the docks.
>"You have my full support if you pick that."
Should I? The crane's got a cab on its peak with what look like pretty sturdy steel walls and waist-level glassless windows. It looks roomy enough I could kneel-and then the windowsills could serve as bracing for shooting as well as obscurement-similarly, the elevation would make my shots echo, and the presumed din of battle below should make it harder to determine my location. Most importantly though, it would afford me a view of as much of the docks, and the warehouse's perimeter, as seems possible.
>[Iron Trick]"It seems best to take Labombard at face value-act on the assumption there is no time to shop around."
I can do that.
>[Amen]"This one informs master that Hillevi accepted the offer, and wonders if there's anything you need her to bring."
Ah-tell her to come as heavily armed as she feels comfortable.

I start climbing the ladder, feeling my shadow's presence... receding, even as it's maintained, as he slinks along the crane's shadow and spreads himself beneath and within the wooden section of the docks.
>"Well, that should be plenty of shadow to munch on if I get hungry-free bonus."
I tune out the near constant chinese babble from the radio, pleased to no longer be the subject of any percieved external Attention, carefully reviewing the position of all the souls I already detected, getting a sense for where the Triads are most condensed, should I need to walk foes into a killzone. Seems each corner of the warehouse is particularly dense with shooters, with Labombard and some seven strangely hard to detect souls standing with him at the warehouse's main entrance.
>>363403
I feel... as if I should be learning more. Once I've been perceived by a soul, I can detect it-similarly, if I directly look at a soul without intervening visual obstructions, Attention or no I can perceive it. What's most interesting though, is that once a soul is perceived... I seem to 'lock' the soul in my perception, and establish something of a passive awareness of it, until such time it gets too far away from me. Not sure on the distances involved, but I can perceive even the front gate guards that are near a thousand feet away, so it can't be too short a range.
But is it a zone I should be able to do more in? I have reactive passive sensing already, should I not be able to detect any new souls in the area?
>[Iron Trick]"For that, you'd have to finish your bloodline, bucko.
>>363428
...You know, you never explained what happened with Gleb.
>[Iron Trick]"Whatever do you mean?"
That whole blowing a chunk out of his shadow, and how he later seemed to have been hurt in that same place, even though at the time nothing happened to him.
>[Iron Trick]"Well, perhaps if you had proper senses, like you seem to be building, you'd be able to tell what I did."
So you're not telling me?
>[Iron Trick]"I am an artifact fabricated by a trickster, and I was not exactly forthcoming about my functionality when the subject was broached before-why do you think it would be different now? Show that your mind is cunning, intuitive enough-and you could be rewarded. That is the extent of the advice I have."
>>363431
I settle as comfortably in the cab as I can, pulling free all my guns and putting them readily at hand to shave as much time off switching armaments as possible-
>>363377MAD
And turn my attention inward, feeling the familiar yet strangely... overly robust chakras within my body, wondering if attention there could expand my ability to percieve magic or spirits, or even provide shelter/resistance from illusions.... It feels like I've hardly begun when I finally hear english in my ear.
>[Labombard]"Armas, where are you? Our friends would like to give you a delivery."
I activated the collar mike with a finger.
"Crane nearest the warehouse, in the cab."
>[Labombard]"Excellent, they'll be there shortly."

>[Sake]"Something.... is happening to the flow of Luck in this area."
The hairs on my neck prickle.
>"Something's coming."
My hands tighten on the grip of the Taste of Ruin, still loaded with slugs.


[LET US SEE HOW THE DIE FALLS]

[1 = Golden Death Gods, 2 = Ogre Clan, 3 = Titancorp Reapers]
>>
No. 363489 ID: d97a61

>>363488
[3, TITANCORP REAPERS]

There's no warning-no sense of attention, no recent vehicle driving by, or nearby boat or aircraft. The first physical proof of our visitors-is a staccato burst of gunfire as a long swathe of glass in the warehouse is blown out-and even from this distance I feel souls separating from bodies by the handful. Where the fuck are they-
>"On the dock, two bodies: Nonmagical humans with magical equipment."


From where I sit at the moment that is directly behind me-and crouched, still looking generally at the entrance, I'm completely obscured by metal from such intruders.
>[Sake]"No, there's more, there's more. I can feel it."
>[Iron Trick]"Your recursively Rule-of-three based brother is right-there is a third one out there, somewhere."

>[AAE It's the first instant of contact, that first exchange of fire-and I didn't blink.


How am I going to start this?
>>
No. 363503 ID: 21a619
 

rolled 67 = 67

ARE YOU READY FOR THE WUT?
Falcon asked me to roll, so I did.
>>
No. 363504 ID: f8aa66

rolled 88, 79, 56, 22, 66, 62 = 373

We have, probably, 3 seconds or less before they're off the wooden bridge and killing our dudes.

If SB wants to act, now's the time. Maybe strike from below, or if he's feeling fancy, grab one Titan's gun ('s shadow) and move it as they're about to shoot - whatever. At the same time, use our fastest gun (mateba) to try and strike the OTHER target. He'll probably be able to dodge the obvious attack (our bullets) but his partner may take a moment to retaliate, giving Shadowbro an opening. Then again, maybe it won't.

Their reply will be to immediately slag the crane we're in. Hopefully Sake can protect us. How subtle is his windy shield? Could he redirect incoming bullets just enough to make them barely miss us without giving away the full scope of his power? Hopefully he's up to it.
>>
No. 363509 ID: db5063

>>363503
One gun, one shot.
I am the soul of my gun

Pull Iron Trick aim for the docks, if you can't see shadowbro can guide your arm.

This trick must be perfect, give Trick what he wants to make it so.

Fire, aim for the head.

You will miss, but not for long, Shadowbro will grab your shot and sent it back through the docks into a shadow. This will be so. Believe it.

Now get the fuck out of there because the third one is on your ass.
>>
No. 363513 ID: a7b5b4

You're on a dock. There should be lots of rope and assorted weighty junk laying about close at hand. When the opportunity presents itself, get ye rope and weight ye rope end, then have Shadowbro take it. Should be a good way for him to trip someone up by lassoing their legs out from their shadow or one nearby. Be even more effective if you could generate a tactical shadow pocket behind a mark with a flashbang but whatcha gonna do, right?

Aside from that, if there's a floor plate in the cab that's shiny enough to use as a mirror, try and pry it up so you can use it to check reflections and get a little threat location going without exposing yourself.
>>
No. 363515 ID: 5004a5

rolled 5, 5 = 10

[rolling for optional shot plan]

It is possible that you're not getting a sense of attention because they perceive mostly through technological means. These guys are also kitted out to fight magic foe so they might be able to avoid soul sensing somehow. Move and shoot WHEN SHADOWBRO TELLS YOU TO. He is your eye of god out there, undetected, while you only need to make a mistake to get shot up.

Inform Labombard and the rest of the fact that there is a third foe flanking or hiding somewhere. If these guys work tactically then he's could be a sniper or someone flanking the place to eliminate any escaping combatants. If you can somehow locate him then you can hunt him down easier since he'll be alone. Just beware that he might have mines and the like around him.

Get Iron Trick fired up and ready to wreck someone's day: "These guys deceive time itself and double-deal the luck of the draw? Well time to show them that the joker tricks all. Let's have a cigar if we get through this."
Then wait for the perfect moment to strike with your partner Iron Trick. Don't try it from the crane because it's too obvious. You'll only get killed by return fire. You want to get a chance to shoot one of their shadows from a distance and location when all of the Reapers are unable to see you so they won't see the shot happen, where it came from and have no way of shooting back at that precise moment. Let Shadowbro guide you, make the shots and relocate. Play it safe. Maybe finish off the immobilized foe with a shadowported grenade or an area of effect wind attack from Sake.

Bonus troll escape plan!: It might be difficult to get off the crane without being shot. It's a bit of a killzone when they have guns after all. However if you fake having been shot or tripping and fall off the crane while flailing your arms and doing your best Wilhelm scream impression then they probably won't waste ammo shooting you on the way down!
Of course before doing this make sure Sake can catch you with a careful gust of air...
>>
No. 363543 ID: f6106a

The absolute first thing that should be done, no exceptions, is to think to Shadowbro

"You sensing anything about their charms that would mess with you sticking your mere through their spine? If you could sever any single one of their C1-C4 cervical vertebrae with it, we might get their stuff and some info out of them"

I'd say don't shoot at all if Shadowbro can do this, and instead focus on finding the third Reaper. These guys seem to be decked out to face corporeal entities, and probably have intel on the Triads so they think they know what they're up against. Shadowbro, especially with his Spirit Mere should be something totally out of left field for this assignment. They shouldn't pick up something happened from the Shadows that easily, especially since they're completed shrouded in them, masking SB's movements.
>>
No. 363546 ID: 77426b

SUST to anyone who wants to fire a gun and give away our position! There is a third Reaper somewhere. These guys are good. One of them standing back and picking off targets that make themselves known could fuck us over if we don't find him before personally doing shit.

>>363543

This is great. It allows our presence to aid against the Reapers that have shown themselves while letting us prepare and look for the third. ALL OF MY UPVOTES!
>>
No. 363557 ID: 2b413d

>>363546
>>363554

echoing these two gents
>>
No. 363563 ID: d292f2

Depending on how their magical gear works, they may fall at regular speeds, leaving them vulnerable. They are still on the dock. If either Sake or SB -preferably SB- can take out the dock underneath them we'll have around a second to fire at almost stationary targets. Provided their charms work the way I'm hoping. And if the bullets don't do anything they still end up in the water, buys us some time to find the third gunman and maybe get that delivery headed our way.

Shots with Iron Trick and Matebas.
>>
No. 363564 ID: 399bda

>>363563
Upvoting this.

Definitely warn allies there's a third enemy about ASAP. The overt forces might well be a distraction, albeit a dangerous one, if their sole objective is to assassinate Lo Fang/Labombard.
>>
No. 363572 ID: 252e1b

>>363489

Normal humans, but they're moving fast. Maybe not redcap fast, but much faster than us. Magic items, which means a time-dilatation charm. It's technically possible they're using a straight speed charm, but given that they'd need heavy regen or physical reinforcement to properly use a speed charm, they must be using a time charm.

That's fine. We've encountered stuff that changes the flow of time before. And we know that it's expensive, and dangerous to the user. They've got a time limit in how long and hard they can use those charms.

Since both the amount of energy it takes to make time appear to slow outside a bubble, and the amount of damage done to a human in the bubble, go up asymptotically toward infinity as a function of degree of divergence from the local reference frame, the Reapers are going to be using charms they can tune. They won't be going faster than they think they need to, and there will be an upper limit to how fast they can go. The more we can force them to max out their charms, the shorter the amount of time they'll be able to keep up the extended fight.

As soon as we know where the third Reaper is, we need to pin their shadows, and we need to keep them from being able to properly target our allies. Sake's an expert at wind manipulation, and Shadowbro can move matter around. Between the two of them I'm sure they can figure out how to keep the Reapers from having a clear line of sight at anything while letting the Triads to have a line of sight. We need to give the Triads as long as possible to lay down fire. The longer we force the Reapers to keep in high-speed mode, the less they'll be able to use it when the field has been (inevitably) thinned.

Now, normal humans don't properly see everything. They, in fact, view in saccades. The eye twitches, and updates important landmarks in the visual field, and then lets the brain fill in the rest. Since these guys can, potentially, see bullets moving, one of the best ways to deal with them is to attack during a saccade, while their eye is updating something else in their field of view. Normally that'd be completely fucking impossible, but Armas can sense their attention down to their souls. Alternatively, there's always attacking from outside their field of view (a bullet travels in a ballistic arc, so we could, if we were feeling up to it, fire a gun like a little artillery piece and drop bullets directly down on their heads).

Even if we don't know where the third Reaper is, there's a trick SB can do. If they are carrying grenades, and if Shadowbro can take a look inside them (possible since grenades are dark inside), then he can set them off. Modern grenade fusing mechanisms use percussion caps that are set off by the striker, which is what the spoon and pin on the grenade actually release. Now, since the area over the percussion cap is dark, Shadowbro could knock the grenade percussion cap hard enough to set it off. Since most grenades are timed to have a five second fuse, Shadowbro would have a whole subjective quarter-second to get out of dodge.

Finally, if we DO score direct hits against them, expect them to be using arrow charms. Which means the trick we just tried out on Blackbeard would probably work.
>>
No. 363598 ID: f8aa66
File 132043007987.jpg - (240.25KB , 2318x1700 , ItsFullOfSakes.jpg )
363598

Weasel War Dance go.

"Armas why is your collar writhing around?"
"I don't know, why are you such a nosy bitch!?"
>>
No. 363634 ID: 478269

Wait before engaging
Look at the enemies to "lock" their souls
locate the third if possible
Istead of aggressing the enemies, take up the role of a scout/locator. Tell them that the enemy are 3 Reapers. Two on the docks, another location unknown.
Assses if using radio will give away your position.
Provide semi-realtime information on your enemies to allies. Letting them know exact location and movements of the enemy will be more valauble than being another gun.
Ask SB if he can shadowport your weapons and shoot them. Have him port most of the gun so that explosions do not come from the cabin. This will also confuse the enemies thinking that there are more opponents.
Ask SB his capabilities and what he can do, same for Sake.
>>
No. 363669 ID: 3947e9

>>363515
SUST on shooting them
SUST on pretending to fall so they don't shoot us to "conserve ammo" (they will shoot the heck out of us)

These guys have time compression according to lammy (and anyone who saw what they just did). They would see our bullets, dodge them, and kill us.
Now, they are normal mortal humans underneath all those magic items. This works to our favor as it means we can instagib them if we hit.

Their time compression should be enough that we will not be able to "catch them by surprise" in "a hectic battle" since nothing seems hectic to them, all enemies are slow motion to them and come at them one by one with plenty of time between.

We should attack them with invisible things. Things that they cannot detect. they might have the equivalent of 30 min before it hits but if they cannot see or sense it for the entire time... well they will never know what hit them.

Best avenue of attack is for SB to attack their shadows with his shadowmere. He could aim at a cripple strike too, as it will put a bigger burden on their friends and we could capture them alive to rip info from their minds.

Invisible poison, misted, is the best approach. Unfortunately the poisons we asked for did not arrive yet. We will probably have to go and look for them.

Finally, we can also try to arrange a simultaneous attack from all directions such that there is nowhere to dodge to. For example if we were to get a sphere of explosives too close to each other for a human to pass between and blow it up, they cannot get out without hitting the explosion. Unfortunately this is not something WE can do but lammy might set up such a room and draw them inside.

@Sake and SB: You know best how to use your powers, but it occurs to me that with their time compression any attack they can perceive, no matter how fast, they can dodge. Bullets are thus not ideal. But attacks that are invisible to them are.

Armas himself should remain hidden and not draw attention to himself for now.

Finally, lammy could escape with us to the mansion and leave them a note, they come over and amen gets them. Lets call that plan Z.
>>
No. 363756 ID: d292f2

rolled 60, 94, 41, 63, 15, 31, 20, 34, 35, 63, 9, 51 = 516

Whoops, screwed up my dice rolls for that plan I had there. Just to be clear, this is a plan to be enacted after stealthier options are attempted.

I'm new to tgchan, could anyone tell me how to do the replying to posts thing?
>>
No. 363777 ID: ac6c03

The time for shooting has not yet come. Allow SB, Sake, and the Triad plans to begin to be implemented and look for a chance to support with the Taste when absolutely certain of direct, unavoidable shots. The Taste will be an excellent weapon as it will cause the Reapers to continually bleed out as the fight continues.
>>
No. 363783 ID: d97a61

[Busy weekend, hopefully can do update today. Also there was a second one-off roll before the paired rolls of five. Deleting it? Not the best idea. What really gets me is whoever deleted it had a good roll-and by deleting it you've incurred penalties in the update. Wonder why they did that....]
>>
No. 363800 ID: 89fead

Previously >>363554

>[Sake]"No, there's more, there's more. I can feel it."
>[Iron Trick]"Your recursively Rule-of-three based brother is right-there is a third one out there, somewhere."

>[AAE It's the first instant of contact, that first exchange of fire-and I didn't blink.

>How am I going to start this?

We know we like to use our Ambush abilities to begin explosively, but I doubt it would be useful against such powerful enemies we don't know anything of. So SUST on randomly shooting without a plan. Shadowbro probably knows what to do already. Analizing the Titancorp Reaper's ability and looking for a weakness is something he can do by himself, and I am sure he won't risk himself before he has a decent chance to stab one quickly, or eat one's shadow quickly in order to 'pin' him. Let's leave him to his stuff.

On the other hand, let's think about the Third TitanCorp Reaper. He is hidden so far. If he doesn't actually attack anyone for a bit, it probably means his task is special. And, hey, there are TitanCorp Reaper in the open, and there are two Main powers in the triad right now- Lo Fang, and Labombard. I expect that Reaper to be there in hiding, waiting until Lo Fang or Labombard over-extend themselves and attack one of the Baits Reaper with minimal back up- and kill him, 2vs1.

Even if we can't detect that third one, we might be able to predict what he is going to do. Labombard is a Loup Garoup accompanied by '7 others' who have hard to in souls. Lo fang is a “baseline human” and so far out of our dedection field (or too well hidden). I believe that it's highly likely that Lo fang will attack one the reapers who will be 'distracted' fighting Labombard, and the third Reaper would then attack Lo Fang.

We might not be able to detect either Lo Fang or the Reapers, but we have a long, hard practice stalking people. We know how people who stalks move. We know how they think. We can predict their action patterns, and we can put ourself in a good position to surprise the third reaper that wishes to Surprise us. We need to remember all our stalking training, and how someone in such condition moves. How he thinks. We can do it. Also, we might not be able to detect the Repear themselves, but maybe we can detect attention directed at them, which would help us immensely.

Another point- we must NOT fire recklessly. TitanCorp Reaper seems to be all about not being pinned and never hit, as well as exceedingly powerful attacks. We have ways to pin that may be hard for them to counter though, and if we do pin them, the rest might be easier. Ways to pin way would of course include the Buntline Shadow trick, but if we use it we must be sure to think about the artistry of our bullets, and not lethal nor Pinning intent. Another way would be the Crowd Control abilities offered by Sake. Maybe his Wind blade are easily visible (though ask him if there are conditions where they are NOT) but even if they are, using his wind abilities to move stuff around like crates in order to slow them down and then catch them in a tornado-like bubble where they can't do anything and we could then throw in the shadow for better ShadowBro stabbing might be a viable tactics. Hell, doing the Tornado trick but adding a Grenade within might also do the trick. Other tactics with Sake include having grenades 'following' the Titancorp reaper. If we do that, however, we should do tests first: take a random light garbage on the floor, and see if there is a big enough 'bubble' around where the TitanCorp Reaper is that Sake could use.

Remember, Do Not Shoot unless we are sure we have seen what they are capable of dodging, and DO NOT appear as a threat. If you shoot, only do so if you are sure you aren't the only one, and only use magic when there is other magic active around.

Re-Edit, to summarize a few things:
The number one goal here is not to be detected. That means never shooting when the noise can be heard or the shot can be seen. This also means that even if you can't detect the Reapers themselves, you can still not only anticipate how they are going to move through your stalking experience, but you can also detect the Triad's attention on them.
If we do decide to move, only do so when we have visibility and noise cover. Some rising dust due to grenades would be perfect from that- also remember that Sake can fly you, though we may have to check whether he can do so stealthily. Not only that, but use our stalking, stealth, and move silently experience to anticipate safe navigation. Using the triad's attention could also help, as It would give indication of where Reaper is.
Any, any, any shot or attack we make must in conjunctions of attack with other people. By that, I mean only use the shadow trick with the buntline if you can feel the Triad's intention and they are going to use many shots at once, or even better AoE attacks. The hope here is that even if it pin them for a mere 1/20 of second, it may be enough for a bullet to graze them.
Ideally, we should Anticipate where the third reaper is going to attack from, and have a perfect shot lined up if he tries to backstab lo fang or some such. Lining a shot that would even momentarily freeze a unprepared Reaper could definitely give Sake and Shadowbro the opening they need in order to do their stuff (wind bubble, spirit mere, detonating grenade within, etc etc).
It's possible the Reaper speed charm can be tuned, and in that case forcing them to get as high as possible might be detrimental to them- likewise, hitting them when they are in lower enhancement might be possible.

>>363783


>>/questdis/355224
>>/questdis/355225
512 being Buttz'old post, we have confirmation no post or roll was deleted after Falcon's post, and one of the two missing before that is MrTT, who didn't roll either. Not completely sure who is the other one (possibly me), but I think we would have remembered another roll.

>>
No. 363840 ID: 62d29b

rolled 9100 = 9100

>>
No. 363841 ID: 81f32a
File 132052569892.jpg - (84.22KB , 480x600 , Calm before the storm.jpg )
363841

Meh, couldn't make this look like I wanted to.
>>
No. 363848 ID: 2809c7

(I just read the discussion thread, I'm so sorry)
>>
No. 364145 ID: d97a61

Dice-deletion penalty: Legal battle for Smet's funds concludes early, Amen will no longer be able to freely acquire Armas new funds.

>>363503
>>363509
[PLANNED SHOT 67/100]
I find myself nearly becoming certain in moments that I could replicate the amazing first-strike ability Trick displayed against Gleb here on the reapers-and as he's quite literally beneath their feet, Shadowbro could prove pretty useful-holding feet still, maybe even transporting the bullets himself, letting me pull off a paradoxical point blank sniping shot.

>>363504
[PLANNED SHOT: 88, 79, 56, 22, 66, 62 = 373/600=62.2%]
Alternatively, I could work for some combo where my shadow tugs or shoves one of the reaper's guns, and while they're distracted I unload on them-I got a pretty good feeling about bracing the Mateba on the cab's sill-the gun's barrel is long enough and the flat bottom will help keep it stead. ...Of course, if they're too far away, the amount of time I'd need to steady my shot and insure impact...

Could be fatal.

>>363513
Instead of acting now, abusing my swift reaction to an ambush-I decide to not draw unnecessary attention, to let the chaos build until I can more easily hide my actions-and more importantly, I do something that CAN be useful now.
SB, do you have access to ropes, nets, hooks, anything like that?
>"For tying up legs? I do indeed. Several sets-I haven't come up with a better use of my input on the battlefield, do you think that should be my goal as well?
For now I'd say getting discretely ready for that'd be best. maybe something better will occur.

>>363515
I open the com channels even as a second lance of gunfire chews through the brick of the warehouse to expose interior metal lining-that likewise swiftly yields to their horrendous firepower.
"There's three, two on the docks, one not yet located."
>[Labombard]"Three-you are certain there is another?"
I have to speak up as even while getting mercilessly gunned down Triad members dive for cover and shoot back as best they can, their comrades now sling gas grenades out the windows by the dozens-all of which get reliably shot down in-route, the gas never reaching it's targets.
"Two magic detection systems confirm it."
>[Labombard]"...Very well."
Labombard's furred hands, wrapping about the warehouse' edge, recede, what clearly would have been a charge to flank the waterside attackers aborted at my words. Instead, three men with massive curved tower shields, the interior completely covered in intricately inscribed paper charms, each fully armored in strangely rigid armor formed of clay, lead a pack of ten inhuman figures, their emaciated yet freakishly energetic forms completely hidden under bandages covered in writing. The bullets that scythed through brick and steel alike seems unable to penetrate the shields-though one of the men goes down when a shot hit's so hard his broken arm flies free-

Leaving his torso to promptly be ripped to shreds, even as the two survivors have a pair of sprightly corpses assist each-a choice that seems well founded, as again and again, as shots are flicked from the Reapers at either triad, while both seem nigh-prescient enough to keep their own flesh from being exposed, a minimal effort is keeping them pinned down-the reapers still shoot down the incoming canisters, and equally assault the few rushing corpses, and the warehouse defenders as a whole, still completely outside my visible range.

But the strain on them is beginning to show: The corpses keep getting back up, and are slowly gaining ground-similarly, the warehouse defenders are getting closer with their gas canisters, and squeezing out more return shots. Less of the triads are falling per moment, and the two shielded triads, members of Lo Fang's personal disciples, slowly begin to inch forward again. The only problem I see is that in that first exchange, at least a score of the triads were slain-and even now more join them, albeit at a slower pace. The Frenchman was not kidding-these Reapers are absolute monsters in combat.

>>363543
>>363546
>>363557
SB, you sensing anything about their charms that would mess with you sticking your mere through their spine? If you could sever any single one of their C1-C4 cervical vertebrae with it, we might get their stuff and some info out of them.
>"I... am reticent to make that claim. Each one has nine charms on them besides the time magic charm-which, incidentally, is a gem anchored to the chest by five loops, hooked about the neck, each arm and each leg, in a manner not unlike a starfish. It's magic is completely unnassailable to me-but more importantly, the charms they are covered with link together-and have a highly similar recursive feel to them as did Gleb's armor-or your pistol. Short of no other choice, I'd rather keep throwing myself into aggressive analysis, until I can be more certain what should happen if I try to directly interact with them. As it is, I'm slowly building enough of a sense of where they are and how they move I think I can passively filter the data to you, and make it easier to spot their souls-which I'm currently doing, by the way, so do not be alarmed if two more souls become visible to you."

>>363563
>>363564
...Say, can anyone tell if their time-charm would mean they fall faster, or at normal speeds?
>[Sake]"If the charms have them fall faster than that does NOT cause them injury, then their charms are borderline Artifacts in and of themselves."
>"More importantly, some of these wood boards are old enough that I could break them. ...If I combine this with preferential placement of mobility impairing obstacles and ropes... well, even lacking true shadow magic, I think this stage could be used adequately."

>>363572
It's while I'm still resolutely scanning all directions except the waterfront, hoping to find the remaining member of this task force, that I feel the snuffing of souls abruptly re-accelerate.
>[Sake]"That's... that's sacremental wines and holy spirits they're burning. Those Jumping Corpses do not stand a chance."
It's exactly as Sake says-a few thermobaric rounds later, and the loose jumping corpses are neutralized, and with it one of the many threats the Reapers must juggle is removed. The two disciples on the field are swiftly trying to fall back-and the Reapers are viciously aggressing them with fire. Just as one of the disciples trips, a bullet smashes and explodes on open air as dozens of talismans layered onto the ground burn through the obscuring grime atop them-expending themselves to provide the Triad the half-second he needed to regain his footing. They reach their fallen comrade with but three wrapped corpses to their name-and hunker down to do something that looks to be soul related and causes energy fluctuations I ultimately can't interpret through the obscuring presence of those shields or the corpses. Still... have to wonder what they're doing there.

With the extra party resiliently becoming a hardpoint, more of the reaper fire is dedicated to the warehouse side-but it seems that even during the gunfire, someone managed to layer charms all along the halfway exploded wall, and bullets find themselves massively decelerated before impact, mightily reducing their effect. I tear my eyes away from the shifting battlefield as the death toll for the triads climbs to thirty-as I get a new idea.
'Nother one for you SB: They carry grenades?
>"The Reapers? Absolutely"
With percussion caps?
>"Ye... ah, yes. Yes, that can very much so be added to the surprise I'm planning.... this will be rather energy intensive given the limitations I currently have, but so far I have heard nothing I can't incorporate. I shall wait in case you happen to have some more insights."

>>363598
[FANART: TWO PRIOR FANARTS UNUSED. TOTAL OF THREE]
>>363841 BONUS
>ARMAS' HIDDEN TRAIT: TO SCOFF AT THREE NOW MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR HIM TO BE FORCIBLY BOUND BY DEALS BUILT AROUND A RULE OF THREE: ANY SUCH OATHS WILL BE LAIN ON HIM WITHOUT GENUINE EFFECT.

>>363601
I decide to take a minor risk and peak out the window-there was supposed to be a runner bringing me ammunition, but what happened to... well, the dead guy with the crates of .45, .454, 12-gauge and a bandoleer of nine flash bangs is probably who I'm looking for. The good news is that the .454 and the 12gauge frag boxes did slide into a well of shadow-and should be fair game for teleportation.
>"Off hand, I'd say don't count on me for more than one hundred teleported rounds, so I can insure I have enough energy to make some impact when I strike."
Well... at least I got something, and since the rest is directly beneath me, if I chose to just... jump from sixty plus feet up onto concrete, I could have ready access.
Hey... Trick can you-
>[Iron Trick]"Yes I can assuage your paranoia-fueled concerns: All of what you and your brothers are perceiving is in fact occurring, and this is not illusory in nature."

>>363634
>>363783
The more I watch the paired reapers holding their own against the Triads even as a set of six nigh-indestructible terra-cotta golems march out to (in theory) grapple them, the more I wonder as to the function of the third reaper, still reclusively avoiding an appearance.
>"And, sadly, still undetectable."
Labombard is, flat out, a monster. I don't just mean his primal power as a werebeast-I mean his raw soul-it's massive, and feels incredibly heavy. While I have yet to perceive his soul, from my past meetings and seeing his resources, I would say Lo Fang himself is one hell of a threat. So, two big-leaguers in the realm of mortals. Two Reapers-with an extra. Could be that they're waiting for either one to expose themselves, and abruptly attack and hopefully wipe out one of the two biggest known threats on the field-
>[Sake]"Or held in reserve in case Lo Fang has any surprises-like, for example, a relatively unknown but potentially quite lethal third-party helper."
>[Iron Trick]"I have to assume Titancorp has done their homework on the Triad operation here and it's members-the fact Lo Fang's being so... defensive in his force disposition is likely anticipated on their part, and they fully expect him to pull out additional threats as the battle progresses. The third Reaper is their countermeasure to his plans-and frankly, by telling the Loup Garou of the threat, you likely saved his life-and planted the notion that maybe Lo Fang doesn't have any new threats with him."

So... someone who's technically here to hunt me?

As it happens I'm a bit versed in both the art of hunting-and avoiding being targeted. After taking a moment to sift through my mental map of the docks, the known locations of the Triads, I slowly narrow down the possibilities... no, that's too exposed... that doesn't afford enough view... that's too well illuminated... I finally make the realization:

If I REALLY wanted to watch for an unknown target properly in this dockyard, I'd do it from outside and above it.

Fifteen seconds later I finally spot the glint of light on top of a sixteen story building outside of my soul-sensing range. Careful use of the Mateba's thermal scope confirms my findings, as the still-chill rooftop has a warm occupant crouched down where I saw the glinting light.
Can either of you confirm if it's him?
>"Outside my range"
>[Sake]"The same is true for me, sadly."

Damn... this guy's opposite his buddies on the docks-no matter who I might turn to shoot at, I'd be putting my exposed back to the other group. And those guns of theirs-I don't think I could be hit by that and survive the process-and, well, knowing that I SHOULD survive dying is not that comforting when my shadow may die and an unconscionable evil may be released.

"Found the third-glass and concrete high-rise on the street corner, rooftop."
>[Labombard]"...Confirmed."

It's about this time that the charms layered to reinforce the battered waterside wall of the dock finally collapse-accompanied by explosions of dust, stone and rent metal as the Reaper's gunfire intensifies.

>"...I think I'm ready, but it's going to take more than half of the total energy I have to do it-and all I can say is I'm confident we'll get one of them. I won't bore you with the details-just know that if you want me to do it, I can only attempt it the once."

Jeeze, my one plan that doesn't involve exposing me to ludicrous risk......







So what's my call?
Do I have any ideas for Sake beyond: Manipulating Grenade percussion caps, attempting to directly aggress with the mere, breaking weakened boards as the Reapers step on them and snaring their legs with ropes from the docks?
>>
No. 364152 ID: f8aa66

It may not be energy-efficient compared to shadow magic (I dunno how they really stack up), but he does have all that water. The temperature in the Bosphorus right now is about 46 farenheit; if SB can get them into the water, it would be a boon to his neophyte Valkonen abilities. Reaper-scicles.

I'm worried about that third Reaper too much to go on the offense ourselves or to send Sake out. Now that we've located him, wait and hope Lammy and Lo Fang have a plan, or even just a distraction. If they can draw him in, we use Trick on him. And hope he doesn't have whatever charm Blackbeard did to ignore Trick's shadow-hold; maybe that would help SB identify it, if anything the Reapers have feels similar to Blackbeard's charms.
>>
No. 364153 ID: db5063

See if Sake can throw up a dust wall/roof using the dust from the collapsed building immediately after you start to obscure the vision of the long range target but keeping it high enough so that it does not bother the Triads.

SB must not only break the boards and trip them with the ropes, he must wrap it around them and pull them under the docks(might I suggest using an Anchor and anchor securing rope), slatting the boards back in place as soon as they get pulled through to give maximum shadow cover. Shadow Massacre takes place under the docks.

For your final act, there have to be shadows in the cab here. Unload the Mateba into the shadow for SB to add to the massacre, aiming for trajectories that will damage the gem or or the loops.

If after the first bullet hits it looks like it wont work, he redirects them to take out tendons and balance bones.

Try to kill them or knock them unconscious before they hit the water, with any luck they will drown if unconscious, but I don't trust them down there otherwise.
>>
No. 364156 ID: f6106a

Can Sake convey messages with wind? I'm a little worried they might be able to intercept radio transmissions, so i don't want to tell Lammy about what we're about to do that way. If Sake can do that, then warn Lammy first, so he can act if he thinks it's a good idea.

Aside from that... I'm not seeing much else to do. Unless Shadowbro can prepare for the grenades to explode and shadowport the shrapnel that misses them back in the direction of the Reapers.

Anyone, go Shadowbro! We're rooting for you! If we can give him winter energy then do so.

>>364151
Could Shadowbro teleport a blade or force of wind through the shadows? If so, Sake could stay put while we hit them from afar with additional invisible attacks.
>>
No. 364164 ID: a7b5b4

See if Shadowbro can mess with the ammo inside their guns' magazines. If he can touch off the primers while the rounds are still in the weapons...hilarity ensues.
>>
No. 364171 ID: 5cd7f7

>>364145
Ok, a few other things to help:

Try and see if it's possible to tie up you magical item sensing and magical threat sensing with Attention-sense, now that we get to notice the souls from Reaper. It may REALLY help us deciphering what their charms do.

Maybe also have Sake fly stealthily in a spot Third Reaper would have to move from to target, and Sends his Wind Blades to try to kill the Repaer in the dock SB might not get.

Armas, during that time, should be ready to shoot at a moment's notice if the third reaper move to try to target Sake.

Keep in mind Lo Fang's still around too, and he might have the same idea as us about trying to get the Third reaper first, as he is alone. Using Lo Fang to get a perfect ambush shot on him might be worthwhile.

If sake makes a could of dust, maybe he should think about mixing some water there, or maybe throwing water at the third reaper. That might get really useful later on.

>Well... at least I got something, and since the rest is directly beneath me, if I chose to just... jump from sixty plus feet up onto concrete, I could have ready access.
If it comes down to it, see if Sake can take it up to you stealthily.

Also, a bit before you attack, why not try “Labombard, I am going to assault the two reaper on the dock- can you provide me with a distraction for the third one?”

Of course, Armas will also attack the third one, but having a Werewolf being targeted instead of yourself is always good.
>>
No. 364172 ID: db5063
File 132063445726.jpg - (278.77KB , 536x599 , Shadowmassacre.jpg )
364172

>>364153
I made a thing.
It is very strange.

Hoping that the Reapers will become so confused they can't react during shadow massacre.(however slim a chance that may be)

Also, chains from the old ship's anchors and any weapons he can activate mechanically (like mines) from inside them would be good to add to the mix.

One last thing, if they try and grab on to catch themselves, put the nails/screws from the old boards(and anywhere else SB can reach them in time) to the place where they grab, stabbing them, and then moving those boards as well.
>>
No. 364236 ID: 3fd4fb

>>364145
>So what's my call?
Our call is that we don't want to show ourselves here for fear of being shredded by gunfire, Sake remains a sleeved ace, and that makes Shadowbro the sole actor. We need to give him whatever backup we can to make his strike as successful as possible; if he can take out both Reapers on the docks that would let us sit back while the Triads take care of the last one, a job well done and our identity almost completely concealed throughout the job.

He says he doesn't have the power for it- but we know that power can be transferred between us; he's given us power before, when we woke up having healed a bunch after speaking to him for the first time. If we can make power flow the other way somehow, to give him a bunch of our magical strength, do it. If we throw enough power at him maybe he'll be able to finish both of them, or at least have a serious cushion for handling it if something goes wrong.

Aside from that, we personally should keep a close eye on the third Reaper in case he does something unexpected.


>Do I have any ideas for Sake beyond: Manipulating Grenade percussion caps, attempting to directly aggress with the mere, breaking weakened boards as the Reapers step on them and snaring their legs with ropes from the docks?
Contact Labombard via radio (we can assume that the Triads have decently encrypted comms, no point putzing about with wind; that's just silly) to tell him when we're about to pull something. Even a couple seconds' warning might mean that he can get the triads to follow up Shadowbro's attack much more successfully. My hope would be that they'll be able to turn it from one confirmed kill into two in short order.

Once the Reapers get into a shadowed area, virtually all their bullets will be going into shadows and it's a fairly safe bet they'll keep firing- perhaps Shadowbro can teleport their own gunfire back into them by using the appropriate shadows.


If Sake can manipulate the wind without having it look like he's manipulating the wind and without seeing it, he can provide Shadowbro with some more direct support. A giant dust cloud from collapsing things (warehouse, docks) that obscures the third Reaper's line of sight to the area would likely be all to the good. Likewise, the Triad grenades are doubtless spilling gas all over the place- he can send it towards the Reapers on the docks, particularly if it's colorless. Actually, Shadowbro might be able to teleport the Triad gas over to the Reapers as well, but it probably won't be as fast-acting as the rest of his strike so it might not be worth bothering with right off. It's important that Sake not reveal himself or the true scale of his abilities right off, though; he's far too great an asset to expose to massive amounts of gunfire or reveal in anything other than a decisive strike or to save our life.

And speaking of saving our life- if Sake surrounds us with a thick dust cloud that should be enough to provide our immediate area with shade, thereby allowing Shadowbro to ward us against gunfire by teleporting incoming bullets elsewhere. It would also conveniently obscure our appearance. Could be a very useful combo if we're forced to move while exposed to enemy fire at some point.

>>364151
>put Hillevi in the cellar of that high-rise, attack up through it
I would be worried about the level of exposure involved for her in bashing her way through sixteen stories of building presumably filled with mundane civilian workers, but I suppose she's got a glamour on which we can ditch in favor of an entirely different look if she draws too much publicity. Handy things, glamours.

That said, we don't know that he'll stay in position, so I'd go with having her come up somewhere out of #3's line of sight.
>>
No. 364274 ID: ac6c03
File 132067201927.png - (70.24KB , 1349x545 , Kuvasielo.png )
364274

>>364172
Shadow Murder.
Support your brother, Armas. Give him the energy he needs to kill these guys.
>>
No. 364315 ID: 81f32a

Ask SB, IT and Sake if you could donate your own energy to SB. We have a lot of Winter energy but we don't have anything useful to spend it on. Giving Energy to SB is more productive.
Ask SB if he can make use of Weasel Wine without depleting it to restore energy
Before SB does his trick, make some preparations. First, notify our allies which enemy we will fuck up (having them concentrate fire on one surprised Reaper might end him altogether). Tell SB to prepare Rope entangling tricks and have him shoot IronT (by getting the ENTIRE gun through the portal) and the shadow of the one we fuck up.
PLAN ahead WHEN and WHERE we will fuck up the Reaper. We must try to do it so that he is left in open where Triads can destroy him.
Give SB the go ahead. Immediately have him apply rope/IT plans on the same guy.
Cutting down 1/3 of their strength will be tremendous boon.
Relay message through Amen to SM. He must take Hillevi to the building where we spotted the 3rd reaper. Amen sees and hears everything we do so he must know everything we observed about the Reapers. He is to relay that information to SB and SB is to relay that to Hillevi. Naturally, we will pay.
>>
No. 364325 ID: 3947e9

1. SB is worried about depleting his power stores, give him some of your own.
2. The reapers are shooting away the gas canisters because they can hurt them, SB should snatch a few to integrate into his plan, not only will the reapers he catch have to contend with the gas, but if their friend comes to rescue them he has to enter the gas to do so.
3. Forget about the spare bullets for now, don't waste SB's power on it.
4. Sake and SB both sensed a 3rd reaper, but the one you visually located is out of their detection range. Do they still sense a 3rd reaper? because there might be a 4th one. If it is here it might be in the sewers.
5. Getting SB into the sewers before he performs his plan would allow him to instantly get trained by goblins (Thanks to NN time shens), he will probably be tired from the ordeal but better trained and you and sake could both provide him with energy and healing (respectively) to help him recover before executing the attack plan. It will also ensure that he could survive your death.
>>
No. 364336 ID: 71668d

On feeding SB your energy, remember these facts:

SB contains half your summer bloodline.
When Hillevi initially tried healing you, your soul continued to pull energy out of her even after she stopped pushing.
We have learned how to feed Winter energy into our own Summer Bloodline, so we can clearly move it around our soul.
ShadowBro is still the other half of our own soul, and energy flows naturally in between, as demonstrated by how us eating helps him.
Our chakras are still dedicated to feeding SB energy, so if we can channel Winter energy into them, it should find its way to him.

Between all this, you should be able to find a way.
>>
No. 364348 ID: 2f64c9

Ask sake if he can project you voice into the water without it being heard by anyone else, if he can then you should start insulting the Doonongaes so it will come after you and find the reapers.
>>
No. 364366 ID: 252e1b

>>364348

So you want to turn this from a cluster-fuck into a double-cluster-fuck. I think that's not a good idea.

SUST

>>364336

Energy manipulation is something Armas has done a handful of times, with most of it being focused on his body and not consciously controlled. The risks of over-investing energy in Shadowbro's side of the soul are real, and the gains may not be worth it.

Experimenting with passing energy from Shadowbro to Armas is suicidal, Shadowbro told us so back when we were on the Valkonen grounds. Amen warned Armas back on the boat that he had risked our own life by pressing half his soul into the dark (which ultimately became Shadowbro). Messing with energy tied to the soul seems insanely dangerous. In a controlled situation it might be worth pursuing, but in the middle of a fight, it is not.

SUST

>>364236

This isn't bad, but if the Reapers are using thermal goggles or scopes, a dust cloud alone won't be enough.

If Sake could get a little waterspout started, and just spit up a huge cloud of mist that way and blow it between the 3rd Reaper and the rest Triad's compound, it would go a long way toward neutralizing him. He'd have to change positions, waste time getting set back up... and we could just move the cloud again.
>>
No. 364367 ID: 5456f9

>>364348
LET'S DO THIS
>>
No. 364371 ID: f70e5e

>>364348
SUST, ignoring the many ways in which that would not work. the situation is not ideal, but it is not yet so bad that attracting another powerful and hostile force would be more likely to make it better rather than worse.

if we can do it reliably, using voice projection rather than radio to coordinate our attack with Labombard and the triads and might be a good idea. the reapers might be listening to the radio chatter, and we do not want them seeing our attack coming.
>>
No. 364378 ID: a92a8a

>>364348
this
>>
No. 364379 ID: 71668d

>>364315
>Ask SB if he can make use of Weasel Wine without depleting it to restore energy

Let's not get drunk right now. SUST.

>Relay message through Amen to SM. He must take Hillevi to the building where we spotted the 3rd reaper. Amen sees and hears everything we do so he must know everything we observed about the Reapers. He is to relay that information to SB and SB is to relay that to Hillevi. Naturally, we will pay.

Let's not do blanket pay statement. SUST unless we can get a precise thing to pay- and not a important one. Also, we talked to Amen in faster-time enough for the day.

Now, let's add a couple of things. If we have time to sense the reaper's souls and maybe sense their Items, we may get a much better understanding of them than SB. If we do, let's try to tell Labombard what they do unless it will take too much time and he'll get swarmed.

We are almost sure to kill at least one Reaper, but the problem is that we must NOT get seen unless we can either kill all three, or have the surviving one too busy to one-shot us. This means distracting them via Labombard, Lo Fang, or crowd control tricks.

If we somehow manage to finish the three reaper right now, the first thing to do is to heal the wounded we can (beginning with the ones we know, and Disciples). If Hillevi is here, it would be nice of her to help.

>1. SB is worried about depleting his power stores, give him some of your own.

Maybe now is not the best time to experiment with stuffing your souls in things. SUST.

>Ask sake if he can project you voice into the water without it being heard by anyone else, if he can then you should start insulting the Doonongaes so it will come after you and find the reapers.

SUST
>>
No. 364437 ID: d97a61

>>364151
I review the mental image of the fallen Triad, the ammunition he carried.... unless they were obscured by the man's corpse, no poisons were provided, not that I could recognize at least. A damn shame-but one I'll have to live with. ...Scalp tingles a bit, but I couldn't say why. I ignore it as I try to press my sense of magical items farther... and get no luck there either. Sadly, it seems I need to become 'aware' of them by visually identifying their souls in absence of their attention, further the lone gunner seems too far away for any such identification being able to happen. Maddening as it is, I can't ply either of my newly gained methods of perception as things stand.

>>365152
...Say Sake, some of that wood, if broken, would drop them in the Bosphorus directly, right?
>"Certainly."
Do you think you could siphon power off of the cold of the lake?
>"...Hm. While I can't use the power to help get them there, having the extra energy and such environs to build spells in... maybe what little I've yet worked out of Ice manipulation could be of use after all. ..This will naturally mean I'm now unavailable for anything else before or after, given how much even conservative estimates would have me expending, energy wise."
>[Sake]"I would like to help guarantee you get them in the water-and that their immobility is properly addressed-but I'm very disinclined to leave this room, what with the measure of threat each of these foes presents. This body lacks any personal healing, and would only be able to recover through indirect application of my meager healing abilities-quite unsuited for combat use. Those rounds they fire-I can't see them, and I know they'd break me."
Is there anything you can do from the cab?
>[Sake]"Speaking pragmatically, the best I can offer is a delayed effect remote tripping tied onto a downward gust. The trip itself will not carry much weight, nor will the wind have any real force-but I can keep it isolated from our current location. Barring a Wind manipulator or a Soul manipulator with good senses, I don't think we're at much risk of detection with such methods."
How much energy will that leave you with?
>[Sake]"Realistically? I could heal you once from grievous wounds before running out of pliable energy. I'd have to dip dangerously into personal reserves necessary to keep me anchored in this body."
So mostly out of power... would you agree to SB's plan?
>[Sake]"Can you accommodate staying committed no matter what changes over a five second build period?"
>"It's very likely I will detest it, but I can abide by such a restriction."
Good enough?
>[Sake]"...Then yes, I shall lend the majority of my power to a mockery application to let you fell nimble foes without lifting a finger-regrettably I acknowledge the external threat as credible enough I'd rather keep both our corporeal forms from harm."

>>354153
>>364172
You crazy Jamaican Armas' Shadow Soul Kuvasielo has nowhere near that shadow energy fortitude currently. Funny fanart though.

>>364156
Before anyone commits to anything-call me crazy idiot if necessary, but can't you send wind through the shadows SB?
>"It's magi..... hm. Actually, only the actual accelerant magic overlaying on wind makes it magic-so most of the actual mass and resultant kinetic... I do believe I could, actually. I think it might even be the easiest thing I could transport, should our dear brother have sufficient precision to not let his magic stray into the shadows themselves."
>[Sake]"Go back to real time for a few seconds, we're going to revise the application for a while."
I'm gently nudged by two separate spiritual entities back into the normal flow of time, my body no longer a statue around my blazing mind as I take a steadying breath, considering if there isn't... more I can give my brothers for this gestalt plan than simply ideas. After all, I am not entirely without magical energy of my own.
>>364236
>>364315

...Right that tears it. Is there any way I can give you guys my current-
>[Sake]"Not without using Amen and we'd rather him not be involved in this."
But it worked the other way around before-
>"Different-physically undefined energy being given a definition, not stripped of one like what you propose."
...Shit. So the only way-
>"Don't even finish the thought we will adamantly reject any power gained with his interaction-this is simply too risky to involve that thing with in any way."
Okay okay.... I just-
>"We know perfectly well how much you dislike simply... sitting here. Now be quiet and let us finish our planning."

Another series of lashing blasts from the Reapers bring down the second floor wall, the third floor itself beginning to dip ominously amidst it's dilapidated state. ...By my count nearly fifty Triads have died so far-and the shields of the surviving two disciples are beginning to shred. I can FEEL Labombard's rage through his soul-he so wants to get out there and fight-and still he restrains himself, along with the remaining blank souls... as something odd happens. The deaths... begin to reverse themselves, souls that vanished from my perception amidst showers of blood reappearing-elsewhere, deeper in the warehouse. It's not all of them-not even a third-but souls I recognize are beginning to simply... reappear. From the feel of them, they're in one of the talismen-covered freight box's converted into a room.

Simultaneous to this, the Terracotta soldiers pressing slowly onward are supplemented by clay brethren holding very anachronistic microguns to supplement the beleaguered defenders.

The reaper's response is to begin simply shooting the guns of the apparantly obdurate golems themselves, destroying their ability to fight-

>"We're ready. Give us a one second forewarning when you want it done-and no matter what happens, keep your head down and don't touch anything."
..Wha-
>[Sake]"We aren't planning any threat to you, and it's convoluted to explain-we took a relative forty minutes to assemble this plan, it's not easily condensed. One second delay , effects both Reapers on the docks, is likely to kill at least one, and hopefully immobilize the other. With support, could be a dual kill-so get some support before they're all dead."
>[Iron Trick]"If I may comment-and no you can't choose, I'm the one who determines if I 'may'-I have to say their plan is rather... excessively, decadently layered. Something, I feel, will inevitably catch the Reapers off-guard, temporal advantage or no, I doubt they will be able to overcome all of it-so long as you get the suggested support."

I cautiously activated the mic in my collar as I feel Sake slowly bristling with building power.
"Going to immobilize or disable the two on the dock, would appreciate support. On my mark?"
>[Labombard]"...Go ahead."
"Three.... two..."
Now.
"...ONE!"

I don't move. I keep my head down, I merely glance to my side and confirm the metallic sound I hear is not explosives related, and otherwise keep a carefully shadow-obscured eye locked on the one Reaper I can pseudo-see, the distant speck over yonder-

As hell breaks loose behind my back. I hear rope slide, grind and slap. I hear wood groaning, cracking, snapping. I hear howling winds-I hear slipping rubber. The sound of water, a cracking sound far different from woods-a cacophony in an instant, such a brouhaha I can't make heads or tails of it. A half-second in a resounding resurge in Triad gunfire joins the medley, the gunpowder symphony adding complexity to the dockyard dirge my brothers sing for the Reapers, the tinkling sound of falling metal a melodramatic accompaniment that brings the whole acoustical experience together. The sound is terrible, calamitous, glorious and deeply satisfying-capped with something I did not quite expect-

An explosion that shakes the very cab I'm in even more than a hundred feet away and nearly chucks my readied guns out the open window is immediately chased by it's twin. I hear the sound of debris slamming, tumbling and falling about, yet manage to avoid in shrapnel through the open windows adjacent, the metal walls around me echoing only twice from impacts. The sound of metal clinking against metal finally concludes, and with the chaos done I finally look over-to see two magazines of a make I don't recognize amidst a veritable clutter of carefully machined parts.
>[Sake]"I got more energy than him right now so I'm commenting-our brother found that, while the assault rifles the Reapers carried were warded and reinforced alike, he was able to slip in through the shadows around the trigger, the magazine and the scope. He was able to claim a respectable amount of internal components from each gun during the exchange-he estimates that with some duplicates, you have some 30% of the internal workings of a Reaper's rifle, complete with ammunition."
For a moment I don't respond as I process what HASN'T been said.
So-
>[Labombard]"...How in Mary's name did you do such a thing you American Asshole?"
Okay guys, what did I do?
>[Sake]"Oh look at that, I'm feeling unusually tired-like I can't be bothered to answer questions."
I meant you! What did YOU do?
....
...Weasel silence. I hate that kind of silence. So smugly fuzzy, so... impishly gleeful.

A quick glance shows the rooftop Reaper to no longer be visible.

A voice... I remember quite well speaks over the Triad line.

>[Lo Fang]"Really Mr. Laine, do not keep us in suspense. It is, after all, quite rude for a guest to not answer questions-helpful as they may have been or otherwise."
...Okay really now-Trick, do you know what they did?
>[Iron Trick]"Frankly, their delight in your plight is something I must support thanks to my nature. Sadly, I will not help you."
....
(That was my own silence-nice and crisp)
A careful glance shows a massive, water-filled crater to have destroyed fully half of the wooden section of the docks. thousands of square footage-gone.








So what do I tell Lo Fang?
And do I actually exit the cab now, or am I still too leery of that vanished sniper?
>>
No. 364444 ID: 9f36c9

"They liked going fast. I made them go a little faster. Everything else was just frosting."

Stay in the cab until you confirm the death of the sniper. Caution is always better than a new breathing hole.
>>
No. 364456 ID: e5ee51

>How did I do that
"Seriously? I have no fucking clue, that was far beyond what I expected to happen. Anybody know what happened to the third guy?"

It's technically true and will hopefully make him think it was just an amazing stroke of luck that whatever we had planned reacted so violently with whatever happened to be around there.

And straightforward answers are rarely looked at as deeply as carefully crafted goblin deal making answers.
>>
No. 364459 ID: f70e5e

I see two general tracks you could take to try and answer them .

1. Say you called in a favor marker from an entity that you had until now been significantly underestimating, and you are just as keen as they are about finding out exactly what it did. Be sure to try and hint that you’re tiptoeing around some sort of non disclosure agreement. This probably hides the most but it would make you seem less effective and more reliant on outside help. Though if you can imply that you maintain a working relationship with the entity that did this, that might not make you less attractive as a mercenary.

2. Say something along the lines of, it was rather complicated (as in hard for you to explain not hard for them to understand) and used a number of tricks that can be largely negated with foreknowledge and a bit of preparation. You’re not quite sure what you can tell them without giving anyone listening in enough info to unravel the whole trick. You’ll probably be able to work out what is safe to share in a few minutes but for now the third reaper just vanished and you’re not going to be good for much beyond shooting people for a while. Be sure to sound rather drained while talking if you go this route. This hides a bit less than the other one because we will probably end up having to explain some of what we can do, (at the very, very, least explain that the trick was tied to shadows) and we might offend them if are not careful to avoid implying that we feel we can’t trust them. However it does have us come off as more competent than if we imply that we simply called in a favor.
>>
No. 364463 ID: 3fd4fb

>>364437
>So what do I tell Lo Fang?
"The giant explosion was entirely unexpected. The rest of it was magic, of course. If you don't overly mind, less facetious and more complete answers can likely wait until after the third Reaper is dealt with- I've totally lost track of him."

With any luck, Lo Fang will smugly inform you that the third Reaper has been dealt with and we can call this job complete, then go chat them up. Note that apparently we never actually got around to asking for permission to call Hillevi in, and it would be a really good thing to avoid springing her on the Triads cold. (No pun intended.) Mention that we have a friend we'd like to introduce to them.

>And do I actually exit the cab now, or am I still too leery of that vanished sniper?
Hell no, don't leave the cab. There's no rush to get outside. Wait until some of the Triads are running around out there without getting shot before exposing ourselves.
>>
No. 364474 ID: d292f2

Say that it was a combination of shadow, wind, and ice magic and the explosions were their own explosives being triggered. It provides an honest account of what was involved in the spectacle while leaving your brothers' involvement secret.

No hurry to leave the cab, we've got a conversation going on and we probably shouldn't multitask while potentially getting shot at. We do want to scavenge those corpses though, unlikely but possible something of worth survived the explosions.

Oh, and mention that you've got a friend on the way.
>>
No. 364478 ID: c8687a

>>364474
this
>>
No. 364505 ID: 3947e9

>>364488
>"I will, of course, be more than happy to answer my gracious host's questions, but I must beg permission to do so a little later, and in a more secure location.”
Perfect, say that.

>Asking a bunch of stuff
>I can give you XYZ over radio
No, stick to your first statement and say NOTHING over radio. This isn't a lame excuse someone CAN be listening. We can (and should) tell him all of that in private.

>If I were supplied with the hearts of any non-Winter aligned magic using beings, I could extract the residual energy within
How about you ask for the meat of magic animals instead? Eating humans is a big secret

>>364437
>What say?
Besides the above, what we need to avoid revealing SB, avoid lying, and avoid pissing him off.
Also they are NOT ASKING what your powers are, they are NOT ASKING you to reveal your secrets. They are asking you WHAT you did not HOW you did. Now we did NOTHING, our brothers did everything. But a tiny bit of deceptive truthfulness (I concluded <insert tactical assessment>) and they will ASSUME that Armas is the one who did it. Even though SB and sake simultaneously concluded it and were the ones who actually put the plan into effect.

So here is what Armas should say once in person (NOT over radio):
"I concluded that with their speed they can avoid any singular attack they can detect and kill me. Rapid sequential attacks will appear to be slow singular attacks to one moving that fast. Unfortunately invisible yet deadly attacks are extremely difficult for any to arrange.

It then occurred to me that an attack an enemy cannot detect due to line of sight might as well be invisible and that many simultaneously triggered at point blank range attacks might work. Relatively thin wooden boards blocked their view of what was going on right beneath their feet, and in the right moment the floor literally dropped under them.

Falling is in itself an issue unless their time charm were artifact level. Falling into water further restricts mobility. A variety of traps involving grenades, ropes, nets, etc as well as your own attack all coming at them at once from above and below simultaneously at point blank range could ensure that at least something will hit."

>>364481
>I used
Whoa there, YOU didn't. That is a lie. Deceptive truthfulness it. Say "I concluded that a multilayer plan..." and let them assume that what you concluded was actually performed by you.
>Lost shadow
Hilarious, but reveals potential shadow manipulation and that must remain a secret.

>>364444
SUST, that is an outright lie

>>364447
SUST, we are not revealing sake or SB to the Triads.

>>364456
SUST, we DO have a clue. We are only missing a few details. And as a curious human suspicious of us that will not go over well (see last time we tried to pull that shit with him)

>>364459
SUST on 1, it makes it look like a one of thing and loses us our respect. Also its a lie it was not a favor you called.
2 is actually not bad.

>>364463
The explosion was expected, we triggered their grenades. The rest is ok. Up-voting mentioning hilevi on the way.

>>364474
SUST. Don't reveal power over wind and shadow, they didn't even ask for that.
>>
No. 364510 ID: 81f32a

Just tell Lo Fang the same thing that Sake and SB told you: the working are too complex and multi-layered to be quickly explained. Remind him that there is another Reaper out there and that we have lost the visual on him. Try to determine the fate of those two Reapers. Ask your allies if you think that is necessary but I doubt they know for sure. Tell them that we have disabled their automatic rifles just in case.
Tell them that if a powerful female ice practitioner shows up that she is with you.

Since we were able to predict where the 3rd reaper would hide, I'm sure that Armas could use his skills to predict where he would move next... so utilizing them try to find him again. If we do, then immediately relay the information to our allies.

>And do I actually exit the cab now, or am I still too leery of that vanished sniper?
Stay in the cab. Better safe than sorry.
>>
No. 364511 ID: 1bdd8a

Whoa whoa whoa. I advise against giving up too much information and there's NO need to clue people in on the fact that Armas doesn't actually know the details. Try something exceedingly smug like:

"I simply took my time to brew up a little plot with some shadowy associates of mine. The Reapers did nothing but reap the whirlwind once our cool little trap was sprung. Thanks for the support by the way, all our combined powers certainly put the enemy efforts in the shade and I don't think those two managed to weasel their way out of that attack. Taking us on certainly proved to be quite self-destructive in more ways than one."

Or maybe something like:
"Half a pound of Armas Laine
half a pound of darkness
that's the way the money goes
POP! goes the Reaper!"


Let them know that the third one has probably pulled out, but if they have binoculars or something to check then that would be appreciated. They could even open fire on the rooftop to see if anything shoots back. Bag up the stolen parts in your pockets and try to act like a harmless mook when coming down from the crane though so you don't seem worth shooting at.

Also point out that American Assholes can certainly not be held to account for massive accidental property damage. As Labombard stated such things are to be expected if you invite them whether they're friends or foes and doubly so if it applies to both. It's only too bad there's not a lot of loot left.

If someone tries to call your bluff saying you don't know what happened then tell them that of course you didn't see it. Cool guys don't look at explosions. Also ask if Shadowbro can find some sunglasses anywhere you can put on. It is deserved.
>>
No. 364513 ID: 71668d

>"What I can tell you is that doing this consumed an enormous amount of magical energy, which will need to be replaced. On top of that, future contributions if the battle continues would then be greatly enhanced. If I were supplied with the hearts of any non-Winter aligned magic using beings, I could extract the residual energy within. I, once more, beg your forgiveness for making such a request in such a way, but with a third Reaper out there we do not necessarily have the luxury of time I would prefer. If you can find any such power sources, then it might be helpful if the courier also brings a rifle with him on his way here."

>He should be able to tell we're alluding to the hearts of his dead disciples, but we're hopefully being sufficiently oblique that he can accept or decline without either of us loosing face. The rifle suggestion is simply to maintain our cover.

SUST asking for dead bodies of friends/trust almost-family of someone we want to court. That's extremely offensive.

Let's try... “In broad terms, a multilayer plan was used to halt their movement while simultaneously triggering explosives. The thought was that their annoying little time charms should not be able to make them evade explosion triggered when otherwise pressured. It demanded quite the extensive analysis of those particular Reaper as well as energy expenditure though, so I am not confident the third Reaper could benefit from the same treatment.”

Now, we know SB recuperates better if he is sharing a space with our body, so let's do that. If we are questioned about our lack of shadow, just say “Damn, lost it again?” Walk back to the cab, SB gets back out of your body, and come back with your shadow in tow...

The main problem now should be the third reaper... maybe it ran away, but we shouldn't depend on sheer luck. Maybe we should ask Labombard of its status, and if he has any idea. Also, tell him we are awaiting reinforcement, as it seems we didn't tell him about Hillevi, and Welcoming her by firing on her isn't the best idea.

>>364505

Agreed on the NO LYING part, and on withholding information about our soulbrothers.

>>364511

Yeah, no. SUST on talking about our soulbrothers so explicitly, and how about NOT sounding like an asshole who sings poems just after 50 odds people on his side were killed?
>>
No. 364523 ID: 2964e1

>>364511
>"I simply took my time to brew up a little plot with some shadowy associates of mine. The Reapers did nothing but reap the whirlwind once our cool little trap was sprung. Thanks for the support by the way, all our combined powers certainly put the enemy efforts in the shade and I don't think those two managed to weasel their way out of that attack. Taking us on certainly proved to be quite self-destructive in more ways than one."

I'm not sure about this, but if we do say something like this, it should be changed to:

>"It simply took some time to brew up a little plot. The Reapers did nothing but reap the whirlwind once that cool little trap was sprung. Thanks for the support by the way, all our combined powers certainly put the enemy efforts in the shade and I don't think those two managed to weasel their way out of that attack. Taking us on certainly proved to be quite self-destructive in more ways than one."

We don't want to say a poem, or anything similar, unfortunately.

>>364463
SUST on saying we don't know what we did. That's exactly what we did to piss him off last time, blowing stuff up out of our control.

>>364447
SUST on saying it was anyone else, as then we'll have a responsibility to introduce these uninvited guests to our host.

First thing, we know that SB regenerates faster if he retreats inside our body, so we should invite him to do that. We just have to say within the shadows for a while.

>>364437
>>[Lo Fang]"Really Mr. Laine, do not keep us in suspense. It is, after all, quite rude for a guest to not answer questions-helpful as they may have been or otherwise."
"I will, of course, be more than happy to answer my gracious host's questions, but I must beg permission to do so a little later, and in a more secure location.”
This should point out that he is not being a gracious host by demanding answers to how our magic works. He is formally calling on the duties and obligations of both guest and host, so we have to answer in kind. We should say this absolutely flat, and not let one hint of sarcasm or false obsequiousness leak into our tone, but the message is clear.

”The third reaper is still out there, and this is an open line. Whilst I'm sure we can trust your people to choose not to talk, my confidence that our third adversary isn't recording this for later off-line decryption is less strong. Let me assure you however, what occurred presents no further threat to you. More importantly, do you have confirmation of the status of the two Reapers?"

He really should accept that. Also, whilst our soul senses should hopefully able to detect if they still live, we have other sources. We currently know they've been disarmed, but that's it. That certainly makes them less dangerous, but they would still be fully capable of picking up a Triad member's gun, or just pulling a combat knife and running around murdering people with that. If they live, they can also pick up a radio and listen to everything we say... So, address Iron trick and Sake,

”You can have your fun as you want, but can you please confirm that the two Reapers are actually dead, and I can concentrate on making sure the third doesn't kill us whilst I divert attention to their fates and you laugh.”

They will hopefully confirm that, and them if Lo Fang doesn't know, update him on what their status is. If they're dead, you can say the next bit, if not skip to the next bit of dialogue.

"Well, with those two out of the way and the chance of an eavesdropper reduced, if not eliminated, let me say this, at the very start of the battle there was an odd twist to the local flows of Luck, and from then on the Reapers had a very bad day, full of misfortunes, perhaps the least of of which was being arranged to be blown – well - down. A shame about your dock though, something to take out of whoever hired the Reapers' hide.”

All true, and also deeply misleading to anyone listening in. There biggest misfortune being that we happened to be visiting when they attacked. We can tell Lo Fang what actually occurs later if we want.

You should also know that what occurred consumed an enormous amount of magical energy, which will need to be replaced. On top of that, future contributions if the battle continues would then be greatly enhanced. If I were supplied with the hearts of any non-Winter aligned magic using beings, I could extract the residual energy within. I would not even raise the subject, but with the certainty of a third Reaper out there, and no knowledge of what other forces maybe deployed around us, we do not necessarily have the luxury of time. It's your call.”

We know Lo Fang to be an importer of magical animals, and he knows we know. This means he has a choice to make. He can decide we're talking about the heart of one of those, and then decide whether he wants to give one of those to us. Or, he can decide that the hearts of his dead disciples also meet our request, and that they are far cheaper and more easily accessible to him. It's up to him. We're hopefully being sufficiently oblique that he can accept or decline without either of us loosing face.

We don't want to directly ask for body parts of those students of his he sacrificed to save his own skin, of course, that's why we don't even hint at the possibility. It's completely up to him to come up with what he sends, if anything, we give no guidance at all.

It's also hopefully clear that we are not making a request of him or asking for a favour. We're framing this as being about him, and what we can do for him, not about something for us.

Stay in the cab for now, being very alert for incipient attention, so you can move before the 3rd Reaper is actually looking at you if he does so.
>>
No. 364565 ID: 252e1b

Whole lotta wordplay here. I'm going to chip in my two bits anyway though.

>>364523
>>364505
I agree with the SUSTS lined out in these two posts; these fellas have their heads screwed on straight.

>>364523

I like what you're saying, but the way you're saying some of it is asking for trouble.

>"I will, of course, be more than happy to answer my gracious host's questions, but I must beg permission to do so a little later, and in a more secure location.”
>”The third reaper is still out there, and this is an open line. Whilst I'm sure we can trust your people to choose not to talk, my confidence that our third adversary isn't recording this for later off-line decryption is less strong. Let me assure you however, what occurred presents no further threat to you. More importantly, do you have confirmation of the status of the two Reapers?"

The second line about encryption reveals certain deficiencies in Armas' education with regard to how encryption even works. Let's not use that.

Let's modify the first line to incorporate both ideas, without implicitly insulting the other people who have been trusted with these encrypted radios. "I would, of course, be happy to accommodate your request, but the details would take a lot of time, and there is still the third Reaper around here somewhere. I'm afraid I lost track of him when the trap was being sprung."

"To wit, the counter-attack exploited some small holes in their wards, and some rather large holes in their methodology. Those nasty time-charms they used gave them a false sense of invincibility, and so they were acting like they were in a shooting gallery instead of a combat zone. They had not anticipated the dock being taken out from under them, a move that left them unable to properly dodge or flee for entire subjective seconds. The rest was using material and assets at hand."

"A pity I didn't bring any poison with me, I may have been able to leave your docks intact, and fewer lives would have been lost. This was the next best solution, expensive as it was."

>”You can have your fun as you want, but can you please confirm that the two Reapers are actually dead, and I can concentrate on making sure the third doesn't kill us whilst I divert attention to their fates and you laugh.”

Nah, I don't think we need to chide them. They're doing fine, and we're sure the Reapers are dead. We don't need to pander to our paranoia every time.

>You should also know that what occurred consumed an enormous amount of magical energy, which will need to be replaced. On top of that, future contributions if the battle continues would then be greatly enhanced. If I were supplied with the hearts of any non-Winter aligned magic using beings, I could extract the residual energy within. I would not even raise the subject, but with the certainty of a third Reaper out there, and no knowledge of what other forces maybe deployed around us, we do not necessarily have the luxury of time. It's your call.”

Nah, this is crass. Lo Fang doesn't do crass. Let's try it like this: "The expense wasn't just in material; don't expect me to be able to arrange something like that again for a bit. If we need to hunt down that last Reaper I'm going to need to either use a different approach, or get a re-charge somehow. You might have ideas about that when you get a look at me; I've grown since the last time we had a chat."
>>
No. 364577 ID: 2f50aa

"Is there any chance that one of your dead deciples was a Border user?"
>>
No. 364582 ID: 2964e1

>>364565
>Nah, I don't think we need to chide them. They're doing fine, and we're sure the Reapers are dead. We don't need to pander to our paranoia every time.

It's not paranoia. We know that the Reapers had nine linked charms with recursive spell matrices on top of their time manipulation charm, which we have no idea at all of the functions of. All we know is that the previous times we've heard of recursive spell matrices of this type, they seem to have been the creation of trickster gods. We can also be confident that recursive matrices aren't a signature of Contract Artifacts, as otherwise Einrik would have known Iron Trick for what it was when he saw it, rather than thinking it was of unexceptional power.

With this in mind, would it be so impossible to believe that the other 90% of their magical arsenal that we've not seen in action might allow them to survive the attack we designed to penetrate the 10% we did somewhat understand, and might even be able to deceive an exhausted and distracted ShadowBro as to their fate. Note that Sake was with up in the crane, and not a witness to what occurred bellow.

On the first two Reapers, unless we get better information from Iron Trick, tell Lo Fang and Lammy that we can confirm they are disarmed of their guns, but their status is otherwise unknown.

>>364565
SUST. Asian Border users seem to be Japanese, not Chinese. I strongly doubt he would appreciate it.
>>
No. 364583 ID: f6106a

Simple. You coordinated some help from some very close and important friends, who are truly as close if not closer then family, whose workings are a good deal beyond what you understand of magic. The whole thing has left your relationship, in the short term, a bit stressed though. Little choice, what with Reapers about, and you're sure things will straighten themselves out, but you really don't like having that relationship strained, especially since chances are there's nothing or little left from the bodies to claim(because you already got the goodstuff).

Internal apologies abound. Let your brothers know you were thinking in terms of the explanation you'd give, which you expected them to want their existences kept secret. But if they take umbrage at that you're fine hinting at their existence. Especially in such a way that implies you put yourself in debt for something Lo Fang sort of pulled you into without any heads-up.

>>364577
SUST
>>
No. 364601 ID: f8aa66

As long as we avoid mentioning our shadow (that is a big giant bullseye to aim for if Lo Fang ever decides to take us out, remember).

Personally, I prefer puffing up our reputation rather than 'I went into hock with magical buddies to pull that off'. Perhaps: "I believe that would be a little chakra, cold drawn from the Bosphorus in winter, a payload of wind delivered by means I honestly don't think I understand fully, and the assistance of a friend. Also, explosions. I do love those. It was an interesting vacation this last month, let me tell you."

Perhaps ask if the fact that Lo Fang is speaking now means we don't need to worry about that 3rd Reaper.
>>
No. 364619 ID: d97a61

>>364444
"They liked going fast, so I made them go a little faster. Everything else was just icing on the cake, as it were."
>[Lo Fang]"Yes yes, quite delightful that you are every bit as cavalier as before-but that's not an actual answer, is it, Mr. Laine."
>>364459
>>364463
"If my host demands I be more explicit, who am I to gainsay him? The giant explosions were unexpected-or more precisely, their scale was surprising. The rest of it was magic, of course. If you don't overly mind, less facetious and more complete answers can likely wait until after the third Reaper is dealt with- I've totally lost track of him."
>[Lo Fang]"I am aware-in theory he shall provide me quite a service, as he deals with some Tong infiltrators who were identified-and to answer your predicted questions, no I am in fact speaking to you on a closed channel currently, and no they do not have access to it, so I feel perfectly safe indulging in a modest bit of gloating. And in case you happen to be versed in electronic surveillance, you will be happy to know I have some rather austere... precautions in place around the entire dockyards."
"What about the Reaper though? Cleaning house is fine and well, but-"
>[Lo Fang]"Your threat assessment is accurate-though traditionally, Reapers are notoriously hard to kill not just for their skill, but their discretion in choosing which fights to let go. As such, I would appreciate that less facetious explanation now, Mr. Laine."
>>364474
>>364478
>>364505
>>364510
>>364513
>>364565
Sake or SB, can either of you confirm the Reapers that were agressed as dead?
>[Sake]"Would seeing the upper half of a human skull sans the lower half suffice as proof positive of death?"
>[PPP Trait activated]
...What about the other one, or did you see two such examples?
>[Sake]"The blast created was sufficient we were lucky to even get actual confirmation on the one."
Trick?
>[Iron Trick]"I have nothing to contribute at this time-so make your way on your own."
...Guess I have to make due explaining from here.
"The working are too complex and multi-layered to be quickly explained-they were rather difficult to assemble, and an explanation would prove no less challenging to construct."
>[Lo Fang]"Perhaps I can give you proper motivation to make the effort: I am perfectly happy to be rather excessively grateful and indulgent towards you, given the aid offered-but you will need to appease my curiousity first."
"In broad terms, a multilayer plan was used to nullify their capacity for horizontal movement and induce new, unexpected movement vectors while simultaneously triggering explosives."
>[Lo Fang]"Do go on."
"The Reapers did nothing but reap the whirlwind once that cool little trap was sprung. Thanks for the support by the way, all our combined powers certainly put the enemy efforts in the shade and I don't think those two managed to weasel their way out of that attack."
>[Lo Fang]"...While I do ostensibly have a marginal respect for punmanship, I must ask that you refrain from such for the moment and speak explicitly, Mr. Laine."
"Fine: To wit, the counter-attack exploited some small holes in their wards, and some rather large holes in their methodology. Those nasty time-charms they used gave them a false sense of invincibility, and so they were acting like they were in a shooting gallery instead of a combat zone. They were merely being responsive to threats as they were perceived rather than actively seeking them out, and did not anticipate the dock being taken out from under them, a move that left them unable to properly dodge or flee for entire subjective seconds. The rest was using material and assets at hand."
>[Lo Fang]"I am not unreasonable-I don't ask for the esoterics and detailed vagaries of what you did-but I would appreciate more clarity on what means were used to accomplish this particular tactic."
"A combination of shadow, wind, and ice manipulation, with the explosions being from their own armaments. I admit to being somewhat resistive to going more into detail than that."
>[Lo Fang]"I will not ask you to-you finally said what I needed to hear, Mr. Laine."
"Couple extra things I need to point out-while I can guarantee both were deprived of working primary weapons in that exchange, I can only claim confidence about killing one of them. Also the expense wasn't just in material; don't expect me to be able to arrange something like that again for a bit. If we need to hunt down that last Reaper I'm going to need to either use a different approach, or get a re-charge somehow. You might have ideas about that when you get a look at me; I've grown since the last time we had a chat.
>[Lo Fang]"Hm.... and what would you need to-"

The radio cuts out mid-word as I see Labombard, his body charred and smoking, thrown from within the now-decrepit warehouse-to immediately be riddled with watermelon-sized holes. Simultaneous to this, I feel a sense of Attention that sets my teeth on edge, the focus of a simple, mundane human turbocharged, given nitrous, pumped with steroids and spread like an iron curtain over the entire dock. I shrink back into the shadows, nooks and crannies of the cab-as a new voice chimes in on the radio, even as the few groups of Triads set up outside the warehouse proper begin to come under fire.
>[Go Ping]"We need you in the warehouse NOW, HURRY!"

From the dim view of the warehouse I yet possess, so contorted to stay out of sight, I note a white-blue flash of light flickering erratically amidst the sound of gunfire-and the screams of the dying.

In the span of one single second, a dozen souls are snuffed out as Labombard is pounded unrelentingly into the concrete beneath him, whatever rounds the Reaper sniper is using made of stern enough stuff the man that spoke of surviving a meat grinder and a ship falling on him can't even react. The last thing I feel from his soul... is the sense of chains being loosened.

Then it swells so brilliantly and swiftly that it passes outside of my spiritual perception as a rage-filled roar that makes my blood scream in fear of a recognized danger, of a primal predator on the prowl.

...Guess it wasn't as easy as I'd hoped.
This time though, I was actually expecting it. So the question is-







Given I'm still presumably completely undetected by my foes-what's my next move?
My soul brothers are just about out of juice, but otherwise all the armaments I walked into this fight with are still active-so what do I use, and how?
Six and a half minutes have passed since you last spoke with Amen.
>>
No. 364645 ID: f6106a

rolled 24, 49, 79, 95, 99, 86, 44, 52, 75, 60, 56, 27, 21, 19, 47, 64, 83, 31, 74, 28 = 1113

Okay, firsts thing first, trace line of fire of the snipershots and think of where from the skyline you think would've been a good spot to set-up for sniping. Only attempt to confirm this from a place where you believe the sniper wouldn't be able to see.

Sneak quickly from the cab over to the warehouse, making sure the sniper can't see you en route. Lammy will be going after the surviving Reaper, but he's said before he couldn't even touch the fuckers. We took the good bits of the fuckers gun, and from the sounds of it is in the warehouse, so I'm thinking he just has a melee back-up.

He's fast, so very fast, but he's dealing with Lammy and Shotguns have a spread. So I'm thinking we get in close, hidden, and wait for the very moment he tries to dodge away from Lammy. If he's running he'll be in the air unable to dodge for less then a fraction of a second, but at point blank range and with surprise we might still be able to nail him. Or get him to misstep and have Lammy take him out. Once he's dead, hopefully the sniper will withdraw.

If shooting him doesn't work though, remember Lammy is a furball. Silver typically fucks those up, and these guys expected him. Our regen doesn't have that weakness, so if he becomes aware of us and manages to hit us, we should take the shit and try and pin the fucker in the process. Grab his arm or what have you as we work our Winter and Summer energies to heal. Again, if we can pin him, Lammy will rip him to fucking pieces. I call this Plan "Plan that is only actually a plan if he hits us which we should really hope he doesn't"

If this encounter ends in the next post... Goddamnit Lo Fang! We only confirmed the one kill and specifically said we wanted to talk face to face. But instead the Reaper was able to listen in from Lammy's end and attack the moment he heard we couldn't do that again! Fucking hell, and now they know our name and the types of magics that were involved in our trick. His insistence on an answer there and then was more then was called for and may fuck us if we ever have to deal with them again because they can prepare for what we did! He damn well knows we're a tricky fuck, and part of the reason why we're successful is people don't know how we do the things we do. We're a mercenary, not one of his, so demanding the how from someone who operates as we do is out of line. We should give him a fucking piece of our mind, but don't get too caught up in it. Address it more like a business concern, don't blow up at him.
>>
No. 364652 ID: 048990

>>364645
SUST! - on the paranoiac ranting, whining about Lo Fang, assumptions about how suddenly the encounter might end, and suggesting we try and yell at Lo Fang while there's a Reaper still around. Also on the whole idea of taking on a Reaper in close range when he's already blown Labombard away from him like a child's toy.

Now, moving on, there's no reason to assume that the Reapers now know everything that was said. Yes, the timing is suspicious, but we don't know what else was going on down there. All Armas needs to do is roll with the circumstances and get things done.

Plan: Do NOT leave the cab immediately if doing so enters that area of Attention. Given what those rounds are doing to a freaking loup-garou, we do not want to get hit by those. Instead, examine the facets of that curtain of Attention. Find some weak spots, if you can. Then, if we're going to be entering the fight and leaving the cab, we need to identify at least the general direction where the shots are coming from, to prevent getting sniped on our way down. If it is possible to avoid that curtain of attention by your lonesome, make sure your guns are loaded, then descend the crane. You're mostly on your own, due to energy expenditures from your brothers, but you have your stealth. Keep to the shadows, avoid that Attention.

If we can get to the warehouse undetected, get a line of sight on the Reaper in the building. Use Iron Trick on his shadow. Even with time shenanigans, if you can nail him down long enough for Labombard to grab on, that may just be enough. Time your shots with Triad members, Labombard's attacks, and absolutely anything else you can to allow for a higher chance of a hit.

Rolling for stealth and shots.
>>
No. 364653 ID: 048990

rolled 14, 32, 23, 87, 70, 67, 89 = 382

>>364652
....cannot roll properly, my bad. Rolling as I said.
>>
No. 364666 ID: 889c54

>>364645
post has my support as long as informing Lo Fang of those issues is done face to face and in a business like manner as the post says to do. in addition even if he did not overhear much or manage to radio to the sniper what he would've heard right at the end this was an unacceptable risk. Lo Fang gained absolutely nothing from being told right then and while we may risk our life for gains adding in additional risk simply because Lo Fang is impatient is unacceptable. for all either of us knew, the third came close to gather information before heading back or the second was looking around. had he been around Armas rather then going for the warehouse he could've killed us. for someone who puts their life on the line so often even the smallest percentage of unnecessary risk will eventually come back to bite them. the last time it bit Armas he lost an arm. the time before that a large portion of his soul was eaten so he could survive.

>>364652
SUST. we do not need to roll for stealth and Iron Trick against something that acts as if time is twenty times slower? that is a bad idea. not only is that unlikely to hit but any hold is going to be for barely anytime at all. all you'll do is give away our position with no chance of ending the threat.
>>
No. 364697 ID: f6106a

>>364645
So, rolls, so no deleting to edit. For some stupid reason I forgot to point out the Reaper attacked as soon as we said we couldn't pull our trick again. We also took the conversation in circles, the dude is fast as fuck, and there was plenty of time between the explosion and him attacking. the chances that he listened in on the conversation from Lammy's radio seems pretty damn high.

On the topic of getting into the warehouse, we can use the booth as initial cover from the sniper, blocking his line of site to us. And there's a good chance the warehouse has at least one hole in the backwall now, and even if not we should be able to shoot through it with a fair amount of ease for my plan, given that we should be able to see souls through it. Even if we can't see through it, well our soul sensing is tied to our senses, right? While sight is mainline for humans, we've spent a shit-ton of time focusing our hearing as well with the goblin training. We should work to merge the two if we can't use our soul-sight to see through the wall, just as we did with our attention sense. In order to even get to the warehouse though, backwall or not, we should use any buildings between here and where we think the sniper to block the sniper's line of sight. if there's a path for it, go straight to the back of the warehouse like that. If not, use the dock to block line of sight. if Sake has the energy, wind manipulation enhanced movement might useful for doing this quick, even if he's just helping to minimize wind resistance.
>>
No. 364721 ID: 2964e1

>>364619
Let's review the situation before we act:

1)Lo Fang blatently lied:
>I tune out the near constant chinese babble from the radio
This is not at all consistent with:
>no I am in fact speaking to you on a closed channel currently, and no they do not have access to it
Not only did he lie, but he lied in a way that was so obvious it was incredibly discrespetful.

2)Lo Fang arranged for the Reapers to kill people in his organisation he didn't trust, and somehow managed to leave Lammy hung out to dry unaware of who he was about to be attacked by:
>[Lo Fang]: I am aware-in theory he shall provide me quite a service, as he deals with some Tong infiltrators who were identified

3) We have seen no evidence that Lo Fang is actually present, and is not piping a signal in from a remote location.

4) Lo Fang just behaved absolutely outrageously. From what we have seen he massively overstepped guestright (note, it's called guestright not hostright for a reason - mainly because guests duties ar pretty much limited to not attacking the host or his holdings, and that's it) by demanding we explain how our magic worked in fornt of an unknown audience. Markku Valkone considered us sufficnetly an equal to entrust us with his youngest daughter - what would he say to Lo Fang in this circumstance. When we discuss this, we should give Lo Fang an opportunity to make amends, but only one.

5) The Reapers attacked the instant that Lo Fang forced us to confirm our methodology and the kinds of magic we use. It's almost as if they were ivited to listen in to identify when to strike.

6) There are two Repares active, one inside the building, and one outside. The one inside is capable of sneaking up on a being with supernaturally acute senses and then hitting the car sized monster so hard that they set them on fire and throw them out of the building. From what we've seen, this is dragon level. We cannot go anywhere close, particualrly as we are just anothe mook to them, given that our entire stealth is based on avoiding where someone will look next, and avodiing that spot. With their speed, we just can't relocate fast enough.

7) The sniper is mainly focusing on pinning Lammy and killing off he outside Triads. As we just detected his attention, we should backtrack that to dtect his soul and hence his location, and then plot out a route he doesn't overlook. Then, we should silently make our way behind him, as he focuses on the docks, and when we're milimeters awat, plunge the mere as hard as we can between the vertebrare of his neck, to paralyze him. No matter how fast you are, if you're struck before you even know your assailant is there, it dosn't matter.
>>
No. 364726 ID: b83c65

>Given I'm still presumably completely undetected by my foes-what's my next move?
Given that we know damn well how to move without being seen, respond to Go Ping with an Affirmative, and hustle your ass to the Warehouse. Stay out of Labombard way, too. If you can, see if you can track the trajectory of the bullets - if not, just start offering the data to ShadowBro and Sake and ask them if they're too tired for some basic trig.

>My soul brothers are just about out of juice, but otherwise all the armaments I walked into this fight with are still active-so what do I use, and how?
I'm going to suggest that we not use any weapons yet, but we get the Taste of Ruin ready to aid Labombard in either calming down or taking out a Reaper. If we had Silja, I would suggest that but as we don't, we need to remember to sit down and talk with her when we get done today. Just close the doors, and start massaging oil into our rifle and working her firing mechanism gently while saying just how sorry we are.
>>
No. 364737 ID: 81f32a

Aw, fuck that shit!
Just stay in your cab, hidden.
At this point we are no better than a random Chinese mook with a rifle. The only power we can utilize, regeneration, is useless against enemies of this magnitude.
If we had brought Keihas, then we might have stood a chance. Our best weapon, shoots what looks like miniature black-holes, has incredible accuracy AND has shown to have some kind of temporal-shenanigans which might be able to counter their temporal-manipulations. But nooo, her damn feeling are more important than not only our life but pretty much everyone we know.
the second option could be to rely on Iron Trik, even if we can bind them only for a split-second, it could prove to be crucial for the victory but since BB showed that its power can be completely ignored, depending on it might be foolish.... Besides, the Reaper will probably be able to dodge the bullets from IT as easily as from other guns.

If you want to be useful, try to locate and get visual on the Reaper... other than that, we can do nothing. Our weapons are just too low-tier in magic to go through their temporal defenses and IT's best ability triggers only after all of the minor ones have been triggered before it.... Unless the Rabbit is willing to make an exception. Doesn't hurt to ask IT.

If we REALLY want to get involved, at least wait till Hillevi arrives (or is just about to arrive)
>>
No. 364755 ID: 71668d

>>364721
Ok, SUSTING that incredibly long paranoiac Rant in the middle of combat. Now is not the time to stare at clouds and attribute blames on perceives wrongs.

>6) There are two Repares active, one inside the building, and one outside. The one inside is capable of sneaking up on a being with supernaturally acute senses and then hitting the car sized monster so hard that they set them on fire and throw them out of the building. From what we've seen, this is dragon level.
Wow, Seriously? This is definitely not dragon level AT ALL. Dragon level would have had Lammy being vaporized.

>7) The sniper is mainly focusing on pinning Lammy and killing off he outside Triads. As we just detected his attention, we should backtrack that to dtect his soul and hence his location, and then plot out a route he doesn't overlook. Then, we should silently make our way behind him, as he focuses on the docks, and when we're milimeters awat, plunge the mere as hard as we can between the vertebrare of his neck, to paralyze him. No matter how fast you are, if you're struck before you even know your assailant is there, it dosn't matter.
I won't depend on perfect luck to achieve anything, thank you. SUST.

Now, a few things to do- While sneaking into the warehouse and detecting Attention patterns of the sniper, try to see if we can have access to the crate of ammunition/grenades. No reason to not take some if we are stealthy enough. I am especially tempted by smoke grenades, as we function quite well in such environments. Put SB in your body- Hell, ask him if he thinks it would be better for him to go into our eye for recuperation. If he can, try to contact Whaitiri. Those blue-white flashes sounds like Tazer, so maybe she can provide us some sort of resistence, or want the mere to eat some. Sure, it's not Thunder or even Lightening, but it may be close enough.

Sake... Well, if Sake really is that tired, we should not risk his body at all. Ask him if he wants to stay in the cab. Or, hell, do whatever- he knows how to hide, I am sure.

For the fight, I am thinking of using a combination of AA-12 and buntline with Hot-Hands, as even a single pellet touching him should be enough to make the wound unhealable unless he has charms toward regen. However, Buntline is much better suited to pinning . Still, it depends upon what we see there. Another option is to use Smoke grenades all over the warehouse, and just unload upon the reaper's soul. If you do that, however, Armas MUST have analyzed both that Warehouse, and how the Reaper's soul compares to his body.

While actually firing, beyond the usual trick of slowing him down with Buntline and preventing his blood to clot via Taste, we could also try to target him via sensing who he is going to attack next, and 'predicting' his path.

>Sadly, it seems I need to become 'aware' of them by visually identifying their souls in absence of their attention, further the lone gunner seems too far away for any such identification being able to happen.
Hey, we can analyze their items now- only do so while in stealth, though.

>>364737
Yeah, SUST.

Also, remember that Whaitiri is a thunder goddess. While she might have been fading before the understanding of modern warfare came about, and she is still recovering herself, everything Thunder-related is part of her portfolio. We have a soul-graft from her, so we are in a unique position to help her recover quasi-atrophied parts of her portfolio. Realize that Armas firing gunshots is asking a blessing of Whaitiri-papa (and successful ones are a direct granting of that blessing), and the same for Whaitiri-matakataka and automatic fire, or Whaititri-pakapaka and flash bangs/bombs.

Better not do that with the Buntline though, as it's a Contract Artifact.
>>
No. 364766 ID: 3947e9

What armas needs to do is sneak into the sewer. Armas should nab the crate with the ammo either on the way there or way back. Set off smoke grenades as you find them, and ask on the radio for others to set off smoke grenades.

Once there see if the goblins have reasonably priced restoratives for soul mirrors (since they seem to have their own and ours is based on their stealth magic it stands to reason they would have developed such) and if not just general magic meats (SB can eat magic meats to recover, and also recovers when armas eats magic meats). A consumable for sake to restore his own energy is also welcome, should ask sake what kind would be useful for that purpose. First delivery here to us, future deliveries to usual spot. And do make sure to clarify that it is while you are alive, not until you die and not natural life.

For the above trade info on the method which was used to kill one Titan Corp Reaper and disarm the other. Given to them at the end of battle by sake and SB.
There is also your observations of linking sami senses to their stealth ability. Keep the reaper gun parts for now (we want to reverse engineer them ourselves) as well as the anti charm trick with BB.

If you don't get restorative for sake have him hide in the sewer to avoid killing him by auto healing us when we are hit.

Once SB recovers via restoratives or meat, have him receive his training (which is instant). This might very well tip the scale of this battle.

Also ask amen what would happen to his binding if you die and if he can be bound to remain bound until true death, death from which there is no resurrection.

This should take only a few minutes and would allow us to get back into the fight in a much better position.

In addition to the above, I see two plans for getting the reaper in the building.
1. Booby traps that are impossible to dodge. An IED will cause a blast that the reaper can dodge since they are so fast (explosions move at speed of sound, so to someone at 20x speed it seems like 38 mph. But if the "tripwire" is instead electrocuted then they cannot dodge it (electricity propagates as speed of light)
2. Draw him into a room where you position a variety of WEAK lights sources (candles, lots of them!) all over the room (especially around it, at human height. This will cause him to cast thin multiple shadows in all directions and reaching the wall... in such a location you could "miss" and still are likely to hit at least one of his shadows with the Iron Trick.

The above two can be combined. As you place yourself in the room with the traps on the way and call out the reaper in the building.

>Lo fang fucked up
Maybe, maybe not. But what do we gain by bitching at him? Nothing. Manipulate him into giving us more rewards. At worse avoid future dealing with him but don't go ruining the rewards for this current operation.

>>364721
SUST for totally baseless paranoia seriously you misinterpreted every single one of those in the worst way possible

>>364755
>Contact whaitiri
SUST on that part
Upvoting the rest.
>>
No. 364770 ID: f8aa66

You guys know there is such a thing as coincidence, right? I doubt Lo Fang would be airing his decision to allow the Reaper to cull the herd, so to speak, on live radio.

Speaking of that, what the hell is that blue-white thing? Is it some kind of Last Man's Stand, or did a magic-user slip through the Reapers' ranks?

Also, I really can't recommend moving right now. You think a REAPER is going to be SO OCCUPIED drilling Lammy into the floor that he won't notice us climb down the cab, scuttle across the dock and enter the warehouse? With a Sake-colored fur coat on? Best to ride it out until Lammy 'roids up and occupies his attention, or Hillevi shows up. Or if we can find him and put a Trick bullet in his shadow, that would give us an opening.

For the warehouse, I recommend SB scouts first since we're tied up here for a few moments - he's tuckered out, but he should be able to move around a bit, right?

Armas could tell Go Ping he's coming soon; if the Reapers ARE somehow monitoring our comms it may get the Reaper in the warehouse to be a little cautious. Once we're ready to make it into the warehouse (didn't one of the Disciples leave their shield behind on the docks? We should grab that and use it to block the sniper), we tell them we're coming in from a different direction, just in case Reaper B is monitoring comm traffic.
>>
No. 364777 ID: 89777a

Well a fine pickle we are in, there is however, a possible way out.

We have three options.
1. hunt the sniper
2. hunt the guy in the warehouse
3. Bug out

There is a fouth option but dying isn't really it if you want to live forever.

So first, close your eyes, you need them not. Then...

See. focus your soul.

Around you is the iron curtian of attention. look for the tears the gaps in that attention, feel the flow, the waves, see the path look for one to the sniper, look for one into the warehouse.

Then leaving Sake behind if he wishes. slip long the path to the sniper behind him, you are as a ghost, you are the hunter and he is the hart, pull your soul inward and wash along with the attention, your noise with his noise, your movement when he does not see, bullets mask your presance, until you are behind the sniper.

Then you smash his spine apart with your mere as he fires, say whaitiri's name as he dies, calling her a great huntress.

Then slip away to the shadows and into the warehouse, and shoot the hell out of the remaining walking deadman, only doing so when he must have his attention on the Raging Were and the Mystic. Your shadow is alive, you are a being of the shadows, they are all your friends, they hide you, cover you.

You are that which is not see, you know it is there, but can do nothing.

If we can't sneak here we are dead either way, we can't go for the warehouse without dying especially if Lammy is in danger of going full on insane, and if he isn't, no way he is getting free of those sniper rounds and that guy inside wanted Lammy out for a reason.

Edit: Theorical Shadow draw plan.
Some thought occurs...
You saw something in shadows before, can you not again? now that your soul is healed, half of it is a shadow, reach out with your new senses your new soul power and cover yourself, you are one of them in part, your kin thier kin. Draw them into you and your brother.
>>
No. 364782 ID: 3fd4fb

All right. There are three obstacles before us which must be avoided or eliminated:
1. The sniper
2. Labombard, likely mindlessly raging
3. Whatever/whoever is in that warehouse

The sniper is a difficult one; if we move and attract his attention we will be dead, no question about it. If Shadowbro and Sake had power they could have covered us with a dust cloud and shadow teleportation bit against bullets and maybe helped us live for a while, but as things stand that's just not going to happen. There's nothing for it but to wait for a crack in his attention- hopefully the now-super-raging Labombard will provide one; surely his great insanity will come with great power?- and slip through it to get the hell out of this position and towards the warehouse. If there's no wavering in his attention, then that's just too bad; we're pinned here and cannot move, or really do much other than try to get a fix on him (and perhaps the warehouse guy) with our senses and hunter's instincts. Getting ourselves killed will accomplish nothing. If we do get a fix on the sniper's location, communicate it over the radio if possible. There is one new technique we might try here- we have soul magic now, which is supposed to be better than chakras at just about everything, yes? Our chakras are stealth-oriented, so hopefully it would be easy enough to throw our soul energy into the same thing to hopefully achieve a much greater version of the same effect. It might do nothing, might just end up feeding Shadowbro, might just boost our soul sense's sensitivity, but if we're otherwise pinned it would at least be worth a shot.

Labombard is a wild card; he might be totally incapacitated by the sniper, or his craziness might come with enough of a power boost to act, in which case he'll either be charging the sniper, charging back into the warehouse, or lashing out randomly. No matter what the case, we need to avoid attracting his attention- we cannot successfully restore him to functionality at the moment and it's unlikely that we'll survive a direct encounter with him.

Third, the enemy in the warehouse. Grab the fallen Triad disciple's shield on the way to engage if it's available; that thing looks to be a lifesaver. Assuming that we make it there, we need to assess the situation- the movement and Attention of Triad souls inside should be able to let us know the position of the enemy before we even enter, hopefully. Avoid their Attention until we're ready to strike, and preferably arrange for our attacks also come in a fashion that will be hard for them to immediately trace back to our position- grenades bounced off things, gunfire masked by others from directions they don't expect, whatever we can come up with. Without knowing the exact threat it's difficult to anticipate, so all I can really say is to stick to our best tactics- avoid being seen if at all possible and go for cheap shots where others help us out.


As a final matter, Hillevi is showing up soon and will likely get her head blown off by that sniper if we don't brief her on this situation, and preferably on his position. Her magical ice shields and armor will probably be able to hold up against sniper fire- they took a serious bullet, after all- but he'll hit her in the face eventually if she doesn't know to guard against it and from what direction. Depending upon where he is and just how her powers measure up against him, she might be able to rush him in relative safety. Amen's our best bet for contacting her, although Sake might be able to carry our words on the wind (if that takes almost no energy) or if we end up in the sewers somehow we could brief her in person. Regardless, make sure that she's not coming into this blind, and knows who the friends and enemies are.

>>364645
SUST on the blaming Lo Fang for this most recent turn of events, but especially on yelling at Lo Fang. Seriously, we have better shit to do than that right now- and frankly it would be a dicey course of actions at the best of times even if we were 100% certain that we were right and he had royally screwed us all, which we are not. That man is not someone you yell at.

>>364721
SUST to thinking that Lo Fang is a treacherous lying asshole, and more importantly to saying ANYTHING to him about such thoughts. These ideas are not safe, constructive, or relevant to our immediate situation.
>>
No. 364809 ID: d97a61

>>364645
>>365666
The first thought, the very first to enter my mind as I grasp what's going on around me-is to curse Lo Fang. RIGHT as I finish giving him an explanation that was frankly uncomfortably explicit about what magic I and my brothers can command, the Reapers start up round 2? I even asked to speak face to face, and that idiot just insisted on radio communication, what's wrong with him?

If we both survive this, I'm giving him a stern talking to. He will rue the day...

I stop mentally blathering as I start scanning the rooftops once more-and have a disturbing amount of trouble finding muzzle flashes, even as I continue to be discreet to avoid the irregularly vast sense of human perception that layers the docks. Hm... if I can't see him, I can't shoot him-and if I can't shoot at the one in the warehouse from here, that means... I can't do crap.

>>364737
I... am sorely tempted to say fuck it and just stay here, safely out of sight and harm's reach-
>>364726
...Dammit, I like Go Ping. He's a funny guy, and I'd be bummed if he died because I wasn't there to save and gloat over him.
"On my way."
There is no response on the radio-not like I expected one-but still, I'm committed now. So... how do I get down there.

New plan: Get the fuck out of this crane cab.
I pack my guns and gun parts away within my voluminous coat, snake skin boots softly sighing as I shift into an upright crouch.
>>364652
REALLY want to get out of the cab... but so far that sniper's attention's so resolute-

A shiver races up my spine and my heart skips several rather important beats as I hear a claw-tipped footstep that thousands of ancestors would really prefer I flee from, and the harsh, nigh-violent sniff of air being scented through a broad muzzle, a growl so deep and heavy my skin squirms the backdrop to these two simple sounds, perceived oh-so clearly through the relentless gunfire. With a snarl and an impact that makes the entire crane sway, a blood-streaked ball of fur and fangs and fatal fury hurtles skyward, landing some five hundred feet away naught more than a second later-to leap again, the cargo container beneath it smashed flat in a manner oddly reminiscent of a beer can's meeting with a forhead. My hackles relaxing by just a hair, I note the gunfire continuing to hound him-and finally, I spot the sniper, standing atop a squat eight story building partly behind a rooftop vent, his closer position still sadly out of soul-sensing range and beyond the dock's reach, but close enough I can see his rifle looks somewhat like a long-armed sized box of candy. With the Reaper so far away I can't make out much more-but I do note he's got some sort of metal glove on the hand he's holding the forgrip with. ...Huh, shooting sans bipod? Wasn't expecting that.

My considerations of his performance terminate as the shooter's form blurs a split second before the wrecking ball that is Labombard smashes into and through the rooftop, nimbly lunging free of the collapse in pursuit of his prey, all the while being shredded with those calamitous rounds-

Just like that the Attention's off the dockyard as a whole, and with it went the support fire for the Reaper. I waste no time in joining the Triads who are swiftly exiting external bunkers and swarming back towards the warehouse with a dwindling supply of souls. As I start my exodus I note four empty vials next two the shattered section of concrete Labombard leapt from... odd. I go down the ladder fast enough my foot nearly slips a time or two, but I make up for it with some bursts of speed in shadowed areas as I pass on by the two dilapidated shields, no one beneath them-not even a corpse.

>>364721
I can't argue Armas' in character justification for being pissed at Lo Fang over this, but couple things, since you made more than a fair share of assumptions: One, you assume that the communication equipment you were given does NOT have multiple hardwired channels, and that someone as cautious as Lo Fang would not leave himself some means of remotely manipulating which radios are hooked up to what receivers. Two, you are making massive assumptions at how guest/host relations work, AND assuming that they would per force apply identically between mortals as they would between magical beings. Three, you're assuming sneaking took place, which is not in the slightest necessary for what transpired. Four, and I suppose I could be misreading how you implied this, but you seem to be implying Lo Fang has a way of controlling or otherwise non-violently interacting with the Reapers, possibly for the purposes of information exchange or some such. In case this was not clear from the phrasing, all of these assumptions are wrong. The rest of your issues with Lo Fang-well, they aren't really based on innately erroneous assumptions, so there's no point in meta commentary.

>>364755
Along the way I make special point of securing the grenade bandoleer (as well as noting one grenade marked as thermobaric and two as smoke to complement the other seven flash bangs on the strap), and swipe a handful each of 45. and .454 that I promptly stick in the deep pockets of my coat before resuming my dash, noting the seventh fried body I've personally witnessed get violently ejected through the open door.
>[Iron Trick]"As you are an excitable sort, it would be a good idea to note that fully half of Lo Fang's forces currently present at the docks are now dead-with a quarter of the dead persisting far more ably than freshly released spirits should. I know not what Lo Fang does-but death's definition is running slightly thin for him, grievous losses or no."
...HALF? And they keep fighting? Fuck, I'm used to forces that break after thirty percent losses at best.
>[Iron Trick]"And it would seem that our current comrades are made of sterner stuff."

>>363777
I'm not sure where these 'lets walk/sneak up to the sniper' plans come from, that'd take at least eight minutes unless you abandon a goodly bit of your stealth focus-he's not in the docks, and it'll take time to get where he is. Also, Armas has just one eye that does anything-and an eyepatch over the other, remember?

>>364766
>>364782
>[AAE Trait activated]
I recognize the sparking child-sized explosive flung out of the warehouse perhaps a quarter second before my compatriots.
I set into reverse as swiftly as I can, trying to shield myself by turning my back on the-

[DISCONTINUITY]

So unlike the ones killed by the concussive blast, all I get is several cracked ribs, a goodly bit of pain....
Oh yes, and I got set on fire as I'm thrown like a rag doll.
I thought I was getting a bit blasé about pain-well, that'll teach me to think that gross physical damage is all the same. Every nerve singe in harmony, wailing to me as they're burned away-as I realize something's... off. Fire suffuses my skin, yet not a singe tarnishes my garments. Through the agonized haze I can't make out what this means.
>[Sake]"Fleshfire, predictably a melding of Flesh and Fire manipulation-a fairly common torture and crippling magic to apply to flames. ...My thanks for shielding me from it. I can remove the fire from you... but I would not be able to heal you further."
...Can it be put out?
>[Sake]"Strictly, yes-but you would need to coat every inch of your skin in freshly spilt blood to do it. The fire feeds off you to persist, and will not dwindle over time."
The sullen flames continue to slowly eat through my flesh-and I do nothing about it.

Rolling to my feet and exerting some measure of mastery over the horrific discomfort I feel, I see that another dozen Triads have joined the fallen, with another dozen wounded-and just like that, I'm the one closest to reaching the warehouse-

Just as I feel the periodic deaths within stop dead cold. The strangely bland souls I sensed around Labombard stand encircling an open section of space-all of them, even the one I saw die, are present, according to my spiritual senses. Mystified by how permeable the border of life and death has been on this dock already, I walk into the warehouse-to something of a sight.

A man in a dark bodysuit, one arm looking violently ripped out at the socket and the wound covered in quicksilver, the other sporting an oversized green gauntlet from which a decidedly ominous hum emanates, A rubber cuff sticking out from beneath the gauntlet. while cracked, his visor'ed full face helmet is still on, and I can't discern any details beyond the man's equipment.

I grimace as a wave of fluctuating agony rolls off my still-burning skin.

I see what looks not unlike a pocket watch anchored squarely in the center of the man's chest-the hands stopped at just shy of twelve. I see a consortium of other items-a pair of bracelets, a pair of armlets, an index and middle finger ring per each hand, and a metal choker. They have similar design and construction, the heavy gold ruby studded and inscribed with particularly angular runes.

Before the Reaper, and somewhat ahead of his comrades... stands the very Triad Disciple I saw gunned down minutes ago-now plastered with hastily recorded charms, more flesh obscured than not, the position of his arms making me think of a preying mantis.


...I look at the crowd, noting Go Ping and the rest within-and wonder: Are they REALLY having someone duel the fucker? Wouldn't all of us shooting him be a far better solution?

As of yet no one has noticed me, but given I'm the largest person on the room by far and my skin is on fire.








So if I've got something to say-how am I going to say it?
What am I going to do?
>>
No. 364837 ID: b83c65

Shooting would be a bad idea, considering those charms and that this is likely an honorable duel. However, being a distraction shouldn't be against the rules. Make sure, however, and quietly get Go Ping's attention using the radio. After confirming that this is an honorable dual, walk in as if you own the place, which is always true.

"Gentlemen! I am inflamed! Did you think you could do this without getting burned? One of you is in the hot seat over this let me tell you. Because, if you couldn't tell, I have a burning desire to know who did this me."
>>
No. 364850 ID: 91e8e8

First priority is to stop being on fire, and, you know what to do to put out the fire now, it's just a somewhat advanced version of stop, drop, and roll. There are plenty of dead bodies around torn apart by the Reapers gunfire to provide the blood to quench the flames, and it should soak through your clothes easily enough. You can then use your magic eating mere to scrape off any spots you missed that you can reach. Sake can then remove anything left, which will hopefully leave him with some energy.



Something to recognise, the fleshfire bomb was child sized, and given that flesh fire has to be furled by flesh, it's not unlikely it was actually a child. It is also almost certain that it was one of the Triads' weapons that just almost killed you, given that the Reapers wouldn't have been carrying around something so enormous. You should continue to look out for "friendly" fire.

When we're no longer alight we should fade into the shadows, and enquire with Sake if we recognises this as a ritual duel.

Throughout this we should reach out with all our senses, including soul, item, and magical threat detection. We can see the charms an their bearer, so we should be able to detect something about them. We should note that whilst we've expanded our senses, we haven't learned how to interpret what we see. From what we've overheard, SB has learned a vast amount about the subject, so we should ask him to teach us when he's recovered and we have time. Now is not the moment, but you should try to use what little he did tell you of the resistive linked charms to try to interpret what you can perceive.

Now you're at closer range, you should also carefully examine the shadowed presences that are presumably Lo Fang's disciples, along with the charms they carry and are on the walls, as well as on the shields they carry. You should also try to use what you learned of stalking to reconstruct where the disciples went, and if they've bled anywhere you can see.

Given your observations about the boundaries of life and death being weakened, there is a very small chance that a Border manipulator is active here. Ask Sake and Iron Trick if they can recognise any signs of such magic being used, and if so can they pinpoint the location of the user.

Apart from this, you should stay silent until you're not on fire and have had chance to work out what's going on. If they're using some form of enforced duel, you do not want to interfere.

If you do somehow get pulled into the duel, you will need to draw on all the skills that Einrik implanted in you, and use your stealth to supplement them as best you can, in order to survive. Directly attacking his taser seems the best option, possibly by feinting weakness and then interpolating the mere's edge to parry. The mere is made of stone so will not conduct electricity, and it can allegedly cut and eat most things. A thunder goddess may even find it tasty. This should allow you to severely damage the taser glove, denying him his weapon.

Before doing this, you should cover the mere with blood so as to obscure the fact that it is not metal, as part of the deception so that he will not be too unhappy to hit the mere with his taser.
>>
No. 364856 ID: 71668d

>>364837
Upvoting, But first secure Sake (he better not fall off) and follow it up with "My throat is aflame! I demand BLOOD to drench my inner-fire!"

Now, as you clearly can see the Reaper, take your time to analyze his charms- are they in danger of tapering off? what do they do exactly?

> Just as I feel the periodic deaths within stop dead cold. The strangely bland souls I sensed around Labombard stand encircling an open section of space-all of them, even the one I saw die, are present, according to my spiritual senses. Mystified by how permeable the border of life and death has been on this dock already, I walk into the warehouse-to something of a sight.

This sound positively Delicious. If the bloodline is going to be finished with border, the Border of Life and death will probably be one we will be most familiar with. Try to garner as much sensing as you can on what's happening.

One goal here is to both stall for time, and try to maneuver thing so that Hillevi could challenge that Reaper to a Duel. Things to do stall might include watching the Reaper/Disciple duel, but it might also be talking. Topics of discussion to 'interest' the Reaper might be their own items, if we manage to understand them. That might unsettle them.

>>364850
>Something to recognise, the fleshfire bomb was child sized, and given that flesh fire has to be furled by flesh, it's not unlikely it was actually a child. It is also almost certain that it was one of the Triads' weapons that just almost killed you, given that the Reapers wouldn't have been carrying around something so enormous. You should continue to look out for "friendly" fire.
SUST. All the people killed by that bomb were Triad people. You were almost certainly NOT the main target.

Once inside, we should go see Go Ping to get a run down on what's happening, and plan ways for the Reaper to die. If a duel is the only choice, we should prepare ourself, and also think about maneuvring Hillevi into fighting it- it must look like we do it for politeness, however “My good friend Labombard is playing with a Reaper, I got another one, and thought you might like to participate. I also took care of disarming them from their guns, as I am not sure how used you are to those.”.
>>
No. 364915 ID: 3947e9

Don't interrupt them, ask someone for a mop, start collecting blood up in a bucket and use it to douse youself
>>
No. 364932 ID: 048990

>>364837
>>364856
Upvoting these, since it's Armas' style to be punny in tense situations, and we do need to make sure Sake's holding on well.

First things first, we need to figure out just what the hell is going on. Second, put out the fire, as has been said. Because being on fire hurts, yes yes.

However, downvoting the idea of maneuvering things so Hillevi can duel this guy. While it'd be nice, I don't think we have time to wait, and if that thing is a magical taser, ice armor probably isn't going to be helpful against it.

>>364850
SUST the needless paranoia about the fleshfire bomb.
>>
No. 364936 ID: f8aa66

Taoist Mummy knows preying mantis kung fu? Cool.

Sneak up behind Go Ping if you can. Maybe it's just all the Old World Rules we've been subjected to recently, but I'm hesitant to interrupt a one-on-one duel. Ask him: "Sup?" Should we attack, y/n?

If so, sneak up behind the Reaper and give him a flaming hug.
>>
No. 364947 ID: 3fd4fb

>>364809
>What am I going to do?
First, if the deaths stopped they probably stopped for a reason, and if they've got one guy out front he's probably out front for a reason. The Triad guys know what they're about. Is the guy even still moving at crazy speed? One would think that would be the very first thing you'd notice about him, since he'd have super-fast breathing and other bits of the generally small motions that people make when standing still. It's likely that they've managed to shut him down somehow; otherwise this apparent standoff would seem impossible.

Anyway, if the disciples have stalemated this guy, then all we need to do is get a cue from them on how to turn the tide. It would be a damned shame to wreck whatever shit they're pulling by charging right in, so make sure that we've caught their attention and gotten some indication that we're good to go before we hit the enemy. Otherwise we might need to stand off a bit and chat.

When we do attack, several considerations:
-Iron Trick's shadow-shots could help quite a bit even if he's sped up should they hit- it took the Sami a matter of minutes to break free, so that might hold true here as well; even sped up that would buy us enough time to act.
-We might be able to light his flesh on fire with our burning. It might burn him really quickly if his time charm is active, and if not fuck it, bastard can burn right along with us.
-If we can incapacitate him rather than kill him, then we might be able to avoid his body exploding like the other guy apparently did upon death. Assuming that's what happened then, since we don't really have confirmation. Cut off his arms for sweet loot without triggering any enchanted items set to go off upon death, perhaps?

Whatever happens, try to avoid letting this guy get away alive. It would be ideal if we could get out of this with no enemies having seen us and lived- that would avoid putting us on Titancorp's shit list, which is a list we really do not want to be on.


If we start burning so badly that we're taking critical damage, have Sake turn off the flames- preferably at a dramatic moment or a point when we can give the appearance of something else being responsible for turning them off. If all else fails, say something witty as he does it.


>>364915
>ask someone for a mop, start collecting blood up in a bucket and use it to douse youself
And lose the badass points inherent in being on fire and acting casual about it as we act against the enemy? Madness! We will look neither powerful for stylish with a mop and bucket. SUST.
>>
No. 364953 ID: f70e5e

its a shame no one here would recognize a dwarf fortress pun. this is probably a duel and we don't know the rules. go ping might be acting as a judge of some sort so we should ask someone less important whats going on. also if we can pull off nonchalance and puns while on fire we will probably give our reputation a boost. we also might want to hum this song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXzuDXZwZtI&ob=av3e)
>>
No. 364956 ID: 81f32a

>...I look at the crowd, noting Go Ping and the rest within-and wonder: Are they REALLY having someone duel the fucker? Wouldn't all of us shooting him be a far better solution?

I guess they know what they are doing, so interfering might not be the best idea.

>As of yet no one has noticed me, but given I'm the largest person on the room by far and my skin is on fire.

Now this is weird. Are you sure that they are not in some kind of time-lock?

>A man in a dark bodysuit, one arm looking violently ripped out at the socket and the wound covered in quicksilver,

Can Sake identify if this is the second Reaper we attack on the docks or someone else entirely.
Also, can you locate his arm?

>>364837
>"Gentlemen! I am inflamed! Did you think you could do this without getting burned? One of you is in the hot seat over this let me tell you. Because, if you couldn't tell, I have a burning desire to know who did this me."

Haha, I like this.
"Gentlemen.... I am on fire."
>>
No. 364964 ID: f8aa66
 

>>364953
I prefer to go traditional, myself. See above.

More seriously, the Triad just lost like half their guys. I advise just taking the best fire pun and then leave it be.

Here's a thought: we may not get a better time to investigate what's resurrecting Triad members than now. Are the soul hijinks the source of the mummies?
>>
No. 364976 ID: d97a61

>>364837
Potentially fatally reactive charms of unknown function, potential of impinging on a legitimate Duel and socially fucking myself over-either way it's personal threats aplenty if I shoot. So for now... I put my gun away.
>>364850
So-the whole 'dead' then 'not dead' thing-have you detected anything concerning that?
>[Sake]"What? ...Ah. No, your shadow and I both have not detected anything of note-we are both more inclined to general magic detection, as opposed to your spiritual and imbued item/artifact detection specialization."
>[Iron Trick]"I know where you're going with this-but the only Chinese Border family to have ever existed, is the same damn family the Yellow Emperor himself came from. Were such an individual here, I can assure you we would be quite aware of it, magically or otherwise. Similarly, the homogeny of blood around us is rather indicative of only you and Labombard hailing from nations other than China."
Okay so it's less likely but-
>[Iron Trick]"You truly do have issues seeing the forest for the trees. Yes, strictly speaking there is a chance, however infinitesimal it may be-but what is far more probably is one of hundreds of varients on delayed soul-claiming spells. Several of which work around animating corpses not unlike the ones you've thus far witnessed-as well as golems like these terra cotta soldiers, I might note. If you truly must persist in verifying for certain whether a Borders bloodline user is here or not, do it on your own."
Fine, the idea was a stretch, whatever.
I focus instead on the Reaper-and surprise surprise, the charms that are woven into one another continue to confound my innate item sensing which I'm beginning to fear is passive in nature-not once has 'focusing' on it elicited any appreciable results. So... what, there's spell formats I can't read? Maybe it's like the problem with perceiving sufficiently massive souls?
>[Sake]"[code]My limited experience with direct soul detection suggests recursive spells and warded souls do indeed share traits-but I do not believe the gross amount of magic/spirit involved is the crux of the correlation.[/u]"
>>364856
Still-gotta be SOMETHING I can detect here. Charms running low or overloaded, anything like that.... but confidence or no, no new data reveals itself to me. ...I suppose I can't really say I'm surprised the cream of the crop for PMC operatives would avoid wearing their magic arsenal's details on their sleeve. Hell, I fucking love stealth and information deprivation-it's a great thing to just pile on any and all foes with whatever else you throw out-one of the reasons I'm happy there's something to distract me from how pissed off at Lo Fang I am.
>>364915
Given it's one of those 'none of us wants to be the one to initiate something so violent so we're just going to stare at one another' things which I so detest, I decide to occupy my hands as I switch focal points for my attention, a mop and bucket being thankfully easy to find, half-demolished warehouse or no. So with half a mind making sure no Attention on me goes undetected, I shuffle about, eying the five living bland souls, the one fallen of their number... and the last, the one brought back from the grave on this very battlefield, covered in paper and pale leather charms. The one now dead has not a whit of soul on him, and whatever magics may have animated the two charms I detect on him was burned out with the assault that claimed his life and left him a smoking corpse. The five still unaltered by the fight's progression all similarly bear two charms-but on them I can actually make something out. I feel a charm of amplification, of magnification, engorgement of a non-corporeal persuasion-tied to the wearer, sure but I'm not quite making out how, beyond that it's giving them physical gains without causing a direct physical effect... huh. The second charm feels reactionary-not physical proximity, or threat detection... The feeling's a bit vague, but I think they're one-off magical rechargers. Four of the standing warriors, one and all wearing nothing more than orange-buttoned suits with strange shoes, bear weapons-one a pair of hooked swords with the guard nearly an axe in and of itself-another bears double axes in a manner quite similar to Go Ping's, and two bear staves-though one is tipped with a spear while the other merely has each end capped in metal and studded. Despite the business apparel, I get an overpowering sense of... 'monk'-ness from these guys.

The last of them though-he's different. Now, I haven't seen many undead-in fact, I don't think I'd mind it if that continued to be true. Between Fext and the Chinese leapers I've seen hear... honestly, I'd have to say I prefer the Chinese ones-there's less of a sense of mindlessness, of primal energy about the things. They're dead, sure-but you still get the sense of a person from them, on some dim level, and it's reassuring in it's way. The last of Lo Fang's seven though, is emanating such a thick and overbearing aura of bloodlust, hunger and hate that the air tastes metallic as my ears throb. Whatever obscured the man's soul was stripped away with death-and in it's place I see a ball of pain and sorrow and regret, a life cut short and thirsting for vengeance so fiercely metaphysical drool bleeds off the man's very spirit to my eyes, a decidedly disturbing phenomenon. Yet even with it exposed... I have a hard time reading anything more than the absolute surface.

Some things to mull over, to be sure.

>>364936
My focus shifts farther out as I continue to lurk about and mop up beside the many fallen Triads, still confused why I can't perceive anything of worth about the reborn souls I detect. I realize I'm next to Go Ping about the time I get there, far more caught up in counting how many longarms are trained on the one-armed Reaper (thirty seven, incidentally, and that's just what I can see) and take the opportunity to ask a discreet question.

"Sup Go Ping? Mind if I join in here, or is this a private affair now?"
The imperturbable man does not even glance back to me, merely nodding-well, that's a go-ahead as far as I'm concerned. Let's do this.

I step past Go Ping, no longer trying to conceal my steps, snakeskin boots nearly ringing against the stone floor and drawing Attention to me like flies to shit.
>[Iron Trick]"[u]If you keep up the self-depreciating comedic metaphors, I may forget I'm not supposed to teach you how I work.[/b]"
Handy.
I spread my arms expansively as I speak loudly into the tense calm.
"Gentlemen!"
The Reaper's helmet twitches just a shade my way, as by now the entire room is looking at the man who's skin's on fire and not doing particularly much about it.
"I am inflamed! Did you think you could do this without getting burned? One of you is in the hot seat over this let me tell you. Because, if you couldn't tell, I have a burning desire to know who did this me."
While I am immensely satisfied to hear Diao Yuan softly titter, Go Ping, in his usual deadpan delivery, is the one to speak up.
>[Go Ping]"As it happens the one that stands before you was seen to be throwing an explosive device known to be quite flammable."
"You stir a fiery indignation in me Go Ping-so hot shot, out of the frying pan and into the fire-time to answer for getting me all burned out."
Just as the Reaper turns more fully my way, all six of the still upright disciples of Lo Fang charge without hesitation-
>[AAE Trait activated[/b]]
Well I wasn't expecting them to be THAT trigger happy but it looks like I may have to press pause on dousing myself-this looks like a golden opportunity. The mere's cool weight at my back, all four of my guns hidden beneath my heavy off-brown-green coat hardly weigh me down-

Yet the reaper's tinted visor stays resolutely fixed on me even as he moves like the bastard child of an eel and a spider with more than one monkey in the family-a mobility mutt, as it were, flat out impossible to pin down even as what are clearly masters at martial craft simply cannot make him hold still. More than a dozen blows are evaded or deflected in that first half second-

Which is when I belatedly realized I started charging too. Well, time to put money where my mouth is-







So how am I attacking this Reaper?
>>
No. 364981 ID: e5ee51

rolled 13 = 13

>can't touch this
Shoot his shadow, but not yet. Shadows are eaiser to hit as they are limited to 2D space.

Attack him with a mateba, shots made to force him to turn his head more than anything else.

Maneuver so that the monks periodically move between you and the reaper, always continuing your motion as expected, do this 5 times.

On the 6th obscurement, match your steps with the monk and stay out of visual range, the best time to do this would be when there is also a pillar/crate/some large fixture nearby so that you can switch to hiding behind that immediately, as you probably can't match the monks movement for too long, not without SB's help anyway.

Do not stay behind there for long though, wait for another monk to pass between your hiding place and him, and then shadow the monk, firing from behind the hidyhole right as you leave, hopefully this will make him think you are still there for awhile.

All through this procedure, the aim is to get a clear shot on his shadow with IT. Even if it is only for a heartbeat(I hope it's even that long', I'm sure these 'masters of their craft' can take advantage of it.

I know that SB is tired, but ask if he can help you stay to stay in the shadow of the monks for the duration of the procedure, if he can't we understand, but he would be really instrumental in this plan.

roll for Iron trick shot.
>>
No. 364983 ID: 048990

rolled 75, 85, 71, 66, 47, 56 = 400

Welp. Now that we're in it, I still think Iron Trick is the way to start off here. Reasons being:
1- Slowing him down in any way is going to be very helpful to finally pin this guy down
2- If we can pull off the shadowshot that we hit Gleb with, that might end this.
3- And finally, the Reaper might be sped up...but I doubt his shadow's going to be able to dodge nearly as easily.

So, with that in mind. Rolling for shots at the Reaper's shadow. Try and get that butter-smooth draw with Iron Trick like you did before. And remember, you're truly aflame with anger at being alight, and you take umbrage with his dodging, so do your best to lift the veil of his speed with a lead monkey wrench into his protective, proverbial gears.
>>
No. 364998 ID: 2964e1

Stop and walk away.

Putting out the fire is the priority here, go and do that.
>>
No. 365006 ID: 048990

>>364998
SUST. No, no it is not. We have a Reaper heading at us, while the fire is a problem, we're not going to be able to just 'walk away' in the middle of a fight and put it out.
>>
No. 365031 ID: 71668d

>Yet the reaper's tinted visor stays resolutely fixed on me even as he moves like the bastard child of an eel and a spider with more than one monkey in the family-a mobility mutt, as it were, flat out impossible to pin down even as what are clearly masters at martial craft simply cannot make him hold still. More than a dozen blows are evaded or deflected in that first half second-

Yeah, not feeling confident about shooting him when he is in such close proximity to the Disciple. Worse is, Shadow pinning not only have odds of not working against someone with so many charms, but it could pin the Disciples instead- not something we want.

I think the first thing to do is to use one of our smoke grenade, if not both of them. The Disciples are probably chakra masters in their own rights, and most likely can see the Reaper's soul- or sense him somehow. Given the Reaper's visor is broken, this should make him the most disadvantaged by this. Not only that, but by concentrating solely on our attention/soul-sense melding, we may very well be able to shoot at him more accurately than normal- and he may have a harder time to know where we are.

Just move around him while trying to shoot with your various guns if you feel you can do so without friendly fire- if not, well, using the mere in while being clad in Shadow/Smoke is good too. With the mere's cutting upgrade, we should be able to use our SotG trait with it, as well as meging it with the Kas Pin style. Remember to be absolutely stealthy, and constantly switch place with disciples in your attack patterns, so that he never know who attacks him, what with the warehouse clouded in smoke and all that.
>>
No. 365050 ID: f8aa66

The buntline shadow-catch isn't going to be too terribly useful with that fancy taser glove he has; no shadow, no hold.

How quickly can you strap the Judge rig on? If the rig doesn't interfere with your hand and wrist movement too much when its in the brace, we can draw the mere in the same hand Old Lonesome is attached to.

I wonder if Whaitiri likes blood of old, experienced, powerful - yet magicless - humans. You could ask; the mere gets more powerful when you get that flash of teeth that heralds Whaitiri's agreement, I think.

Attack with the mere to draw his eye, and wait for him to dodge backwards outside of mere range instead of slipping aside - then instantly switch for the gun and plug him point-blank.

This also leaves your offhand free for the mateba or IT if you so desire - myself, I'd rather keep IT a hidden trump, in case one of these guys can tell its a Contract weapon.
>>
No. 365055 ID: 820f2e

ALRIGHT CHUMS LETS DO THIS
>>
No. 365056 ID: 820f2e

ALRIGHT CHUMS LETS DO THIS
>>
No. 365058 ID: 6614ec

>>364983
Possible refinement - use a flashbang to momentarily dictate where the Reaper's shadow will fall. Maybe roll it under/very near him, then shoot for the shadow cast on the roof?
>>
No. 365064 ID: b83c65

rolled 85, 19, 51, 76, 25, 33, 67, 49, 7, 92, 89, 94 = 687

"Come on! The only thing you need to worry about is my fire arms putting holes in you, I'm sure you're not getting hot under the collar from so many BURNS being thrown out in rapid succession!"
First, Lone Judge out, lets pepper him and see how reacts. As soon as we empty the Judge it goes back into its pop out holster. If we haven't clashed then, I think the Mateba will be next as it rather has a supernatural tendency to jump into our hand. As we fire the autorevolver, pull out the mere. We should be within striking distance so just drive that knife through that magic, let Thunder Mother feast upon the magic and his juices and flesh.
"Think you could get out of the frying pan? You've just been cooked."
>>
No. 365065 ID: b83c65

rolled 69, 38, 61, 29, 9, 16, 29, 27, 13, 83, 15, 25 = 414

"Come on! The only thing you need to worry about is my fire arms putting holes in you, I'm sure you're not getting hot under the collar from so many BURNS being thrown out in rapid succession!"
First, Lone Judge out, lets pepper him and see how reacts. As soon as we empty the Judge it goes back into its pop out holster. If we haven't clashed then, I think the Mateba will be next as it rather has a supernatural tendency to jump into our hand. As we fire the autorevolver, pull out the mere. We should be within striking distance so just drive that knife through that magic, let Thunder Mother feast upon the magic and his juices and flesh.
"Think you could get out of the frying pan? You've just been cooked."
>>
No. 365071 ID: 89777a

>>365065
>>365064
Sust We are not shooting, not in a crazy melee like this, we could hit an ally of which there is around seven or such, good grief one is enough to stop us shooting.

>>365056
>>365055
UU!!!! *Shakes fist* Yeah, not cool.

>>364998
Al, we are charging, seriously man, not going to happen, we'll bath in this reaper's blood hopefully.

>>364983
I'd prefer not to shoot our allies, SUST

>>364981
I like everything about this other than the shooting and using shadowbro parts.

Ok so basically if we can shoot without friendly fire, great.
Also we cannot use SB's help right now, it is up to us now.

>365031
Upvote.

Now constantly move towards his blindspot, he'll have to adjust to see you, even if he can sense you, then make sure you only attack when you see an opening or is someone else is attacking, mix it up a bit too.

Make sure to keep your sounds behind other people's sounds, your movements when other move, remember when you danced in shadow to the death of the enchantando.

Also your rage, focus it through your senses, let that inflamed feeling burn through your soul, and flow through you as you strike.
>>
No. 365129 ID: 81f32a

>I'm happy there's something to distract me from how pissed off at Lo Fang I am.
I severely doubt that the Reeapers could listen in because if they did, then the first thing they would do is to sherd our cabin to pieces. Even after our energies depleted, we are still an unknown element so removing us would be crucial and seeing how easy and effort-free target we were, it is unlikely they would have left us alive.
So no, do not be pissed at Lo Fang. Even if he was careless. Here is a mere mortal man who plays with life and death itself, you do not want to make him angry with you more than you have to. Even if he owes us. Keeping his disposition high will leave us room to weasel out more rewards and benefits. Mouthing him off as soon as we meet him will be counter-productive.
So swallow your pride, you asshole, you are not the only one who is allowed to make mistake.... and, oooh boy, have you ever made mistakes!

---

The mere is useless. It only works on flesh. The Reaper has a full bodysuit.
We have no other melee weapon. Perhaps we can shout someone for A spear?
I think we must draw out this fight till Hillevi arrives. Her presence could easily bring the scales in our favor.
When fighting, try to rely on your Stealth training. The reapers are good, but I doubt they spent 25y subjective trainings. You have learned many different aspects of Stealth and one of them must be predicting what move will the target make next. Using that knowledge, aim your attacks where he is most likely to dodge to. Examine the attacks of your allies, and predict the best way to avoid them if you were in Reapers place and attack where he is GOING to move.
If we are to shoot him, perhaps we should use the Splintered Shot here too? I assume it would at least massively confuse/distract him when scores of Threat get sent to him from one direction. Even a minor slip, a small opening is enough for master martial artists to exploit them fully.
Keep that in mind.
>>
No. 365191 ID: 3fd4fb

>>364976
>how pissed off at Lo Fang I am
Not pissed off at all. That is not a constructive emotion, nor a wise grudge to hold. Not only that, we have only bullshit circumstantial paranoia evidence that the Reapers are paying any attention to these radios. And yelling at Lo Fang is firstly unwise at the best of times and secondly likely to result in our getting paid less, which would suck.

>So how am I attacking this Reaper?
We have three weapons worth using here: Iron Trick, the mere, and the fact that we're on fire. None of them are that great of bets for this situation, but draw Trick and the mere anyway.

Iron Trick could be highly effective, particularly since he's unlikely to dodge shadow shots and any defensive charms are less likely to defend against something not hitting his body directly. That said, there's a fast-moving chaotic melee here; the danger of hitting friendlies is very high. Don't fire unless we've got a great shot.

The mere could probably slash through his magical and physical defenses, but will encounter the same problem that the disciples are having touching the guy. That said, it's obviously a magical weapon so he'll probably treat it as highly dangerous, which is something we might be able to use.

The fact that we're on fire means that we might be able to grab him somewhere if we can get his flesh and get the flames to transfer to him, at which point they might be accelerated to super-speed and kill him for us. No idea if that would work, but it would be perfect; of course, we have to grab him first, which again is a problem. If we get half a chance to get our fire against his exposed flesh, though, take it.

Grenades are a terrible plan because they'll hurt our allies as much or more than they hurt the Reaper. Avoid using them, even smoke.


Our real weapon here, much more likely to be decisive than our armaments, is the fact that we're fighting alongside a bunch of highly skilled martial artists and have made an intimidating entrance here that's succeeded in grabbing the Reaper's attention. We can probably survive a direct hit by the Reaper's weapon, which looks like some kind of supercharged killer shock glove, though we should still try to avoid being hit. We've also got weapons which might be able to kill him if we can manage to hit him somehow, so he'll be focusing on preventing that.

Take advantage of these things by making him focus on us- his Attention isn't unlimited, so get up in his face, use our size, attitude, senses, and the fact that we're on fire to grab as much of his Attention as possible. Stealth at this point would be extremely difficult anyway; instead sense when he focuses on others and do things to pull him back to us, exactly the opposite of the way we normally do when slinking out of others' Attention. Launch many different kinds of attacks from both hands so that he's got more to look at. Get him focusing on us constantly and, hopefully, he'll be forced into leaving a few openings for the disciples so that they can exploit them and kill the fucker. Obviously, if we get a half a chance to actually hurt him ourselves we should take it, and bend every bit of martial talent and training we have to that end- for that matter, Amen said that we should be able to flip around our chakras as easily as breathing, so if we can manage to detect and switch to whatever these disciples are doing to enhance themselves physically it wouldn't be a bad idea. But the important part is that we get this Reaper to pour effort into fighting us so that he's not dealing with the others effectively enough to win.

If we get hit, quick-heal right up and throw ourselves back into the fight as fast as we can manage. It's very important that we try to avoid letting any of the disciples be hit- they'll probably die, and less of them means that the Reaper will have that much of an easier time taking on the rest of us. We've got to play tank here to bring the team a win, dangerous and painful though it will be.


Other thoughts. This Reaper is using a time charm and this battle has been going for a few minutes- and he's been significantly injured for some of it even if the wounds have been stopped. It's entirely possible that he's been fighting for hours from his perspective, and is being kept going on some mix of grit, magic, and drugs. Try to determine if his demeanor is consistent with this theory; if it's so, then attrition might well be a viable course of action here, because if he's indeed a mundane then sooner or later he'll reach his absolute limits- or at least start to lose effectiveness.
>>
No. 365205 ID: f70e5e

you know it just occurred to me, if we can set the reaper on fire his time magic probably won't help him. if we can get in flesh to flesh contact with him the Fleshfire might spread. the reaper is human, and probably has only basic human senses, if we can use goblin sneaking arts to get in close enough for flesh to flesh contact we might be able to end this quickly.
>>
No. 365243 ID: ac6c03

>>365205
Even if the flesh fire does not spread, he will perceive more and more pain due to his accelerated personal time. Eventually, this will hopefully make him unable to continue combat.
>>365191
Keeping the focus on us is a good idea, as well as making an opening for the martial artist guys. When a chance arises, shadowbind the reaper with IT.
>>
No. 365245 ID: 81f32a

>>365205
>>365243

Problem is, he has a full body-suit. No exposed flesh to spread the fire. So I doubt it will work and Armas should concentrate on other plans.
>>
No. 365330 ID: d97a61
 

>>365031
>>365071
I manage to skid to a halt before I can rush fully into melee range, taking the absolute failure of Lo Fang's disciples to actually hit the blighter as proof I would run into a similar problem. I decide to start reaching for my smoke grenades, already thinking of how I could use them-
-I feel like I've been punched in the gut as two bullet's slam into the grenades the short way through my hand.

[WINTER ENERGY: 54/100]
[SUMMER ENERGY: 32/40]

I wish I had time to stop and question how rapidly I'm becoming used to using the hybrid healing I've worked out-but that'll have to wait until the threat to my life is gone.

As is I fling the two now worthless grenades away, curious where the bullets came from given the Reaper's only got the one weapon-

>>365058
Thankfully bullets through the hand or no I was able to palm a Flash Bang-I think the guy missed it since one of the disciples with a staff passed in front of me right after the bullets hit-no way the reaper could have seen.

>>364981
>>364983
>>365050
My instinct is to turn the tables on the reaper in a manner far more literal than he may be able to adapt to-case in point, while shadows are conventionally assumed to be case on the ground, there's nothing stopping a shadow being projected on a wall... or the ceiling. Sure he may have a grasp of how to avoid or combat shadowmagic-but is he knowledgeable enough he could predict I'm going to try to pin his shadow to the ceiling after I throw a flash bang his way? I mean, yeah sure I don't know about quite a bit where magic is involved-but if he was THAT savvy, I question how he even had the arm removed to begin with.

So it is that, grenade in hand, I do nothing, save circle my foe, constantly moving towards his flank at a sedated pace. Unsurprisingly, he notes this-surprisingly, while fending off and evading attacks in ways that'd put a contortionist to shame the fervent focus of Lo Fang's disciples, he manages to keep turning my way, never letting me escape his field of vision. Quite frankly I'm immensely impressed with his spacial awareness, as his attention on me doesn't even waver when he's in mid-air, spinning to avoid three concurrent attacks.

A disciple passes in front of me-and I do nothing, continuing to circle at the same pace as before. Another-then two more in a pair-and again, I do nothing even when bodies break line of sight between us, my circling slowly unraveling, becoming a spiral that takes me into the ranks of the gunbearing triads, my attention slightly... fuzzy as I stay weary of errant shots. The fifth, sixth, seventh-again and again, people pass between the two of us, and I do nothing, just walking, just staring.

>>365129
>>365191
I obscure the flash bang in my palm further, as on the tenth-time I cross behind someone, I draw Iron Trick in my free hand and clasp the mere's narrow hilt in my grasp alongside the flash bang, mulling over a few thoughts while dispassionately analyzing the combat, my analysis oddly aided by the massive amounts of pain I'm having to work through (as it happens I'm still on fire, and growing increasingly worried about the fact the notion itself is not freaking me out, agonizing or otherwise). Let's see....

-Seems that the Reaper is definitely not moving as fast as it could be, as it doesn't visually appear to be moving any faster than the disciples.
-This is rather curious, as not only does the Reaper reliably avoid the attacks of the equally swift disciples around it, all working in rather impressive harmony, but the reaper also has managed to avoid being shot, even with the commendable munitions expenditures the Triads are making.
-The quicksilver-esque metal coating the Reaper's stump isn't static-it has ripples and moves in reaction to gravitic forces in a manner that makes me think of jello-or fat.
-I might have seen that quicksilver stuff deflect a bullet-but it was moving so quickly that all I saw was a streaked blur, so I can't be certain.
-The five living Disciples are... hitting harder than they should. Great example: One with a staff misses, hit's the ground-a basketball sized chunk of concrete cracks and crumbles as if someone just took a jackhammer to it, when as far as I saw the guy just bounced his staff off the ground to keep it in motion.
-Similarly, the Disciples are more durable than they should be-more than once I've seen the sly Reaper redirect an attack from one disciple towards another-and I've seen honed edges meet exposed flesh several times without any lacerations, cuts, incisions or wounds of any sort-I can't make out HOW they are doing this, but my gut's saying there's something fundamentally very different between what they're doing and what Big does to be so durable.
-Whatever can be said about the living disciples can be said thrice over for their resurrected comrade. He's actually going for grapples-while I can't say he actually shrugs it off, the guy's been hit three times by that electrified gauntlet that I've witnessed, and he's just tanked on through it each and every time.
-Less situationally relevant but nevertheless crucial: I... realize I may have been premature getting pissed off at Lo Fang. The majority of my anger came from a string of assumptions I can't actually justify as legitimate-and I recall having decided to try and make less assumptions at some prior point. Maybe this time I shall stick to it. I may also stop talking too much, giving unnecessary orders and getting distracted by whatever new comes up. I also might become a Dragon by farting the right song.
-The reaper's gauntlet is... frankly, beastly. I've seen wooden crates explode into burning cinders, I've seen metal heated to the point it glowed from just a brush, and I may have seen bullets flat out atomize on contact with his glove. Pretty sure if he touches me with that I'm dead.
-Strangely, the disciple's wood and iron weapons are weathering such ministrations as the Reaper can offer without any observable wear or tear-whatever force makes the disciples more durable than they should be seems to extend to their weapons.
-The Reaper's in no way losing ground in this exchange, and looks to be able to keep this up all day-while the triads, I am quite certain, have finite, albeit impressive, supplies of bullets.

With my assessment of the battlefield (and more importantly Lo Fang's personal students and presumed confidants) I make my move the seventeenth time I pass behind someone, immediately reversing in that slight dip in attention as I lob the already primed flash bang between the Triad's legs and dash past the man, racing after my explosive.

As I hoped, amazing spatial awareness or no the Reaper immediately fixated on me-and NOT the low-flying, dull flashbang. The mere rises in my hands as I lunge forward, selling my attack as well as I can, arm pulling back at the last second as Trick rises in my hands mid-backstep.

[Cue music]

Just as Trick's barrel's nearly pointed at the ceiling, just as the flash bang's going off-I feel a hard, stark impact to the mere, a hollow, fragile crash the preamble to my plan's finish.

With my eye screwed shut I empty Trick into the ceiling, trusting that momentary flashing image of a shadow burned onto the ceiling.

My eye leaps open as the sixth shot clears the barrel-to show apparent success, the crazed, impossibly squirrelly reaper is locked dead-still before me, not six feet away. If it weren't for the fact Trick's empty I'd shoot him now.

It is at this point I realize I'm only holding the jagged, broken off handle of the mere, shards of greenstone scattered over the floor. ...I guess his gauntlet COULD break the mere then. Great. The Triads with guns nearly all were blinded by the flash, and are not daring to shoot when friendly fire would be such an issue. On the other hand, I see Go Ping charging forward, axes in hand, to join the six Disciples that were unfazed by my assault.


Broken weapon in one hand, empty weapon in the other, enemy before me, dead to rights... for maybe another second.






What should I do?
To those who are mad the mere was broken: 'Supernaturally gifted at cutting' =/= 'unbreakable' As it happens, edged items have NON-edged sections of their construction. And wouldn't you know it, the Reaper punched the FLAT of the mere, thus avoiding all it's magic cutting shenaniganery.
>>
No. 365336 ID: b83c65

Well, first, you do have a Lone Judge up your sleeve with six shots. Second, you have a broken, jagged piece of green stone in your hand. And he has eyes.

GO FOR THE EYES, ARMAS! Stab and shoot, come on. Can't you hear that music? Can't you hear the blood pounding in your ears? CAN'T YOU FEEL YOUR HOT BLOOD? PUNCH WITH SUPREME FISTINGS, DRIVE THUNDER-TEETH-STONE VERY MUCH PAST HEAD WINDOWS! REMEMBER STRONG WORDS!
"Of ultimate importance remembering, that even of very much yes immortal die when Bang punch in face numberless times. VERY YES PUNCHING OF FACE ENEMY! VERY MUCH WORKING [paternal father’s] BROTHER OF SHOULDERS!

Everyone, COLLISION OF FIST [paternal father’s] BROTHER!!!"
>>
No. 365338 ID: b83c65

rolled 95, 8, 32, 77, 13, 16 = 241

[actually rolling for face shooting]
>>
No. 365351 ID: 418ea5

Won't this guy explode if he dies like the other two seemed to do? Everyone else in the warehouse should probably be informed of this.

Iron trick keeps saying it used to be a tomahawk or something. What does it think about cracking skulls in melee once again? Pistol whip him full force over the head with iron trick to knock him out or give him a severe concussion. If the body can't even move with the blow then it's potentially devastating.

Alternatively shoot his legs or lower body up with the other guns or see if Sake could possibly muster a wind slash to chop his feet off?

Whatever you end up doing make sure to pull back straight after and take cover.
>>
No. 365353 ID: f6106a

rolled 24, 1, 88, 45, 63, 26 = 247

Reload Iron Trick, continue shooting at his shadow. Repeat until someone else kills him.
>>
No. 365365 ID: f70e5e

we are a ranged fighter with a few melee oriented tricks. we also don't have any intact close combat weapons. we should use the reapers distraction to fade, and then reload iron trick and keep shooting at his shadow.
>>
No. 365368 ID: 7fcff4

>you know Kas pin
>you have a perfectly good gun in your hand
>you have a perfectly good jagged handle in your other hand that may or may not still have it's effect

BATTLE CRY!
Beat in his visor with Iron trick, Slam the Mere remnants in his face, flick out old lonesome, point blank mayhem.
>>
No. 365378 ID: f3534b

idiots this guy is taken on guys waaaay better at martial arts then us who hit harder then us. we shouldn't be swinging at this fuckface. shooting is out too though with his crazy silver shit. no, we go in there and bearhug that asshole so other people can kill him. our regen should take care of whatever damage he does as he tries to escape.
>>
No. 365380 ID: f3534b

>>365368

Sounds passable. Hold onto the broken mere as you do so and see if you can cut into the bodysuit so the fire can spread to this Reaper.
>>
No. 365386 ID: f5155c

>he broke the Mere

>he broke the Mere

>MOTHERFUCKER BROKE THE MERE

RRRRAAAAARGARBLE

>>365368
>>365380

RAGE MODE ACTIVATE
>>
No. 365387 ID: f2bc77

Morons want to attack the guy deflecting bullets from a warehouse full of Triads while simultaneously fighting off Shaolin Monks? Average day on quest. Just grab the git.
>>
No. 365399 ID: 21a619

>we are on fire
>just touch the fucker
>>
No. 365421 ID: 710102

A second should be long enough for our allies to pound him flat. Stand back, let the melee monsters do their job.
>>
No. 365424 ID: 658f72

>>365353
>>365365
upvote.
Regarding any suggestions to go melee:
>I see Go Ping charging forward, axes in hand, to join the six Disciples that were unfazed by my assault.
I don't think being the eight guy trying to hit him in melee would do any good. Therefore SUST We are the only one able to pin him however.

Too bad the mere was destroyed. I hoped it would last long enough to be made a contract weapon and become more durable. I wonder what happenes to the divine energy Whaitiri put into it now that its container is destroyed. Anyway, if we gather all piecer after the fight they can either be used to repair it (might need a godly boon) or as a component for another awesome weapon. No total loss either way so SUST to all rage suggestions.

>>365351
Didn't they explode because SB triggered their grenades?
>>
No. 365425 ID: f57652

>>365336
>>365351
>>365368
>>365378
>>365386
>>365387
>>365399
SUST, a thousand times SUST. When your enemy demonstrates that he can run rungs around 7 superhuman (note, Armas only has average human strength, speed, and reflexes, I.e, not even up to the level of an expert) martial artists who are significantly more skilled than you, then effortlessly destroy your only melee weapon, the sensible tactic is not to move into his preferred range where he can kill you with a single touch if his weapon, simultaneously blocking the attacks of everyone else in the room.

It's time for this battle to end. So far you have suffered a series of dreadful of strategic defeats for no long term benefit. You have been forced to reveal the basics for you and your allies' magic to an unknown set of listeners so that future enemies are more likely to be prepared to counter you, the fact that you killed one of the Reapers has been exposed, most likely earning you an incredibly powerful organisation as a foe, and possibly worst of all, the mere, a literally irreplaceable inherited weapon that took a master craftsman a lifetime to make, which serves as your only contact to the goddess who controls the development of your Summer bloodline and was absolutely instrumental to the plan to deal with the Finnish Devil, was pointlessly lost.

Worse, without the mere we have no weapons we can attack him with, given how the quicksilver is almost certainly not part of him so can still move to redirect any shots we fire at the Triads or, more importantly, us. This means we cannot use Taste of Ruin. As that would suppress our own regeneration, or the Matebas, as it would just be useless. As he has no exposed flesh, and can move like a contortionist, then grappling him would be incapable of setting him on fire and would simply be stupid, as he is a much better martial artist than you.

You should never have come into the warehouse, and you should never have charged into combat. On the latter, you need to examine your memories later - you found yourself charging into combat without personally deciding to do so - so who decided for you? You may be compromised.

You also need to consider what you hoped to achieve here. We know from the Reapers guns that they like to put deadman switches on their equipment to prevent enemies recovering them. Why should the gauntlet or charms be any difference? Last time a thousand square foot of dock was destroyed, so when the Reaper dies the warehouse is most likely going to be coming down and everyone close by reduced to chunky salsa.

What we need to do now is reload Iron Trick as fast as we can, and keep on shooting his shadow. Whilst this occurs, we need to ask Sake if he is able to summon the winds one final time in this combat, as we would be incredibly grateful if he can suck up the fragments of the mere in a little whirlwind and deposit them in one of your pockets. If he can manage this, honestly thank him profusely. It is the one really major thing we know we were given by our mother.

As we shoot Iron Trick, we should retreat so that we are at the entrance to the warehouse, and take cover behind the exterior wall, whilst peering around the corner. From this more protected position, we should alternate between shooting Iron Trick and Taste of Ruins, in the hope that any redirected shots hit the wall rather than us.
>>
No. 365428 ID: 21a619

>>365425
Fine, then peel off some burning flesh and throw it at him.
>>
No. 365441 ID: 59ca42

I'm kind of worried destroying the clock would result in that explosion.

If the Reaper was foolish enough to leave his throat exposed, then snake up behind him and use your Krav Maga. LINE focuses on deadly strikes, but Krav Maga has its share of grappling techniques, arm and leg locks especially. Lock that gauntlet arm at full extension, then drag the remains of the mere across his throat. Whaitiri should get something out of this (note to self for later: see about getting an altar to Whaitiri - given appropriate deference, she may be able to reform the mere).
>>
No. 365450 ID: 3947e9

>mere broke
Ok, so its leaking magic into the NN but isn't gonna happen immediately.
Our guns semi-melt on a regular basis and we fix them. Of course this will be costly to fix and probably cause the mere to lose some of its power, but we will restore it.

>1 second left
Really? aren't normal humans held for minutes? the guy is at most 20x your speed so that would be 20 of his seconds. And his clock is set at 12 right and he isn't as fast as he could be so he is probably at 12x right now.

>Explode when die
Maybe you should NOT charge in with the guys who are super durable.

>What do?
Has SB recovered enough to teleport 1 or more mundane bullets?
If SB CAN (don't want him over-doing it) get as many bullets as you can and stand where you currently are shooting at his shadow until the disciples get him. If SB can't reload it yourself and shoot.

Not gonna roll since it was already rolled
>>365338
>>365353
Dear fucking god those rolls are terribad!

>>
No. 365493 ID: 81f32a

We should stay away and use Buntline to shoot his shadow at a steady pace. About 5 seconds between the shots?

I am not sure if we could fight in the perfect harmony like the disciples do. If Armas is unsure that he could join in and not be in the way, keep shooting his shadow.
If he thinks he can perfectly join the synchronized dance.... well, he could use the broken handle of the Mere and see if it still retain magic power (I doubt it) but I still think he would be better off just shooting him.


>>365336
Lone Judge? Our single most weakest weapon? The only mundane gun we have? A pea-shooter?
If we are going to shoot him, use Mateba instead, or better, use the Taste of Ruin. The magic bonuses alone would do wonders.

Oh right, we are on fire. If the next update anyone asks about that (like "Doesn't that hurt?"), tell them in complete neutral, deadpan tone that, yes, it hurts like hell. Literally.
>>
No. 365498 ID: 6be395

WHOA WHOA WHOA. Wait a sec there. SUST-ing all suggestions to shoot him, or stab his face. I'm pretty sure the Mere can be repaired, or reformed, since it served as a vessel for a Divine Entity. Besides, our link with Whaitiri isn't completely lost. We can contact her through SB's shadowmere.
We've done all we can for this fight. The 7 Disciples...are MUCH more better than us at melee. Not to mention that 1 "undead" corpse ignoring all damage to it going for him. Retreat, reload, put some distance. One second or not, he's going to murder the FUCK out of us the moment he's free. Get ready in case he pops out again. Have Sake gather the shards, we can use them for other stuff too. The Sniper...well, that one's for Hillevi. Can't just ask for her help, then tell her everything's done already, that her help isn't needed anymore. Besides, it's a good first experience for her against an enemy with a Gun. Remember to announce that a friend's coming over soon, so she doesn't get shot or kill the Triads. Now, go and check on Lammy. SB's sewer training can wait, he's exhausted as fuck right now.
>>
No. 365563 ID: 61e425

>SUST, a thousand times SUST. When your enemy demonstrates that he can run rungs around 7 superhuman (note, Armas only has average human strength, speed, and reflexes, I.e, not even up to the level of an expert) martial artists who are significantly more skilled than you, then effortlessly destroy your only melee weapon, the sensible tactic is not to move into his preferred range where he can kill you with a single touch if his weapon, simultaneously blocking the attacks of everyone else in the room.

Armas is between Expert and Beyond humans in his physical abilities (remember hearing seems beyond human at least, and Whaitiri's influence is slowly dragging all our physical abilities there, slowly).


>It's time for this battle to end. So far you have suffered a series of dreadful of strategic defeats for no long term benefit. You have been forced to reveal the basics for you and your allies' magic to an unknown set of listeners so that future enemies are more likely to be prepared to counter you, the fact that you killed one of the Reapers has been exposed, most likely earning you an incredibly powerful organisation as a foe, and possibly worst of all, the mere, a literally irreplaceable inherited weapon that took a master craftsman a lifetime to make, which serves as your only contact to the goddess who controls the development of your Summer bloodline and was absolutely instrumental to the plan to deal with the Finnish Devil, was pointlessly lost.

The mere got broken in a gambit to pin the guy. The gambit succeeded. Let's also not assume it is forever lost, but instead see it as a chance to make it evolves.

>Worse, without the mere we have no weapons we can attack him with, given how the quicksilver is almost certainly not part of him so can still move to redirect any shots we fire at the Triads or, more importantly, us. This means we cannot use Taste of Ruin. As that would suppress our own regeneration, or the Matebas, as it would just be useless. As he has no exposed flesh, and can move like a contortionist, then grappling him would be incapable of setting him on fire and would simply be stupid, as he is a much better martial artist than you.

Grappling does seem pointlessly blocking the disciples from fighting, as well as using techniques we aren't so good at.

>You should never have come into the warehouse, and you should never have charged into combat. On the latter, you need to examine your memories later - you found yourself charging into combat without personally deciding to do so - so who decided for you? You may be compromised.

SUST for baseless paranoia. Our mind may have gotten slower as we didn't realize we had moved at first, but don't go thinking stupid stuff like that in the middle of a fight.

>Wanting Armas to pause and think about things in a crucial moment in I fight some more.
SUST


>As we shoot Iron Trick, we should retreat so that we are at the entrance to the warehouse, and take cover behind the exterior wall, whilst peering around the corner. From this more protected position, we should alternate between shooting Iron Trick and Taste of Ruins, in the hope that any redirected shots hit the wall rather than us.

SUST, this is basically asking to get back to the beginning of the fight and NOT using the chance given to us by our sacrifices.

> Many random plans to punch the reaper.
If we choose to go with the 'Foolhardy charge', we should at least have a goal in mind. Trying to stab the clock with our mere handle could actually give the mere some more magic, as well as stopping dead the Reaper's ability to dodge so well. However, this is 'Foolhardy Charge' because we'll almost certainly get ganked if the Reaper manages to recover from paralysis before the disciples are upon him.

>Plans to keep shooting reaper's Shadow with IT
Not actually a bad plan at all, the problem here is mostly that IT is empty right now, and taking the time to reload could be the deciding factor in NOT using the big chance we have right now.

Do we actually have any experience whatsoever with throwing weapons when it comes to Kas Pin or other training? Because throwing the mere handle at him if it has a a edge where it got broken could potentially destroy his clock, or even cut his throat. However, it's possible that SB currently still has his spirit mere, and MAYBE letting our real mere go from our hand would destroy our chance to reform it.

SB initially thought he could teleport an hundred round into our Buntline while still being capable of other stuff. If he could just put another handful of bullet there, we could maybe shoot the guy again to let the disciples be able to destroy him.

>We should stay away and use Buntline to shoot his shadow at a steady pace. About 5 seconds between the shots?

Given Armas himself think it should last about a second, I very much disagree.

>Lone Judge? Our single most weakest weapon? The only mundane gun we have? A pea-shooter?

Lone judge is quite the powerful gun. An average man would break his wrist firing it.

>The 7 Disciples...are MUCH more better than us at melee.

They know each other better, and if the enemy is pinned, could maybe kill him very quickly. The problem is if they are too far.

>Not to mention that 1 "undead" corpse ignoring all damage to it going for him.

The undead also is extremely strong. If it can manage to tackle him, we could probably reload the buntline safely and shoot at the Reaper's shadow until he is dead.

>Now, go and check on Lammy.

What? SUST. Lammy is a berseker Loup-Garoup fighting a Reaper with a Gun. Let's not go there. Hillevi should be able to have fun, though.
>>
No. 365664 ID: 3fd4fb

>>365330
If the Reaper escapes paralysis, he will immediately eliminate us and we won't be able to fend him off. By demonstrating our ability to paralyze him we have confirmed ourselves as the largest threat present and one which he cannot allow to survive. Our only path to survival is to ensure that he's either dead or incapable of action before becoming able to act again.

Fortunately, it's likely that the Triad disciples will take care of that for us regardless of what action we take. Based upon their demonstrated abilities they are significantly more capable of ending this guy than we are when he's a stationary target. We can either attempt to help or attempt to reload Iron Trick as quickly as possible and keep the paralysis up; either should work as long as we can reload quickly enough. Lighting him on fleshfire and making another horrible pun as he dies would be worth style points.

Since he might explode upon death, my recommendation would be to sever all his limbs. He won't be hurting much that way, but any on-death triggers shouldn't go off. Unfortunately our mere and its associated cutting prowess is not available, but the disciples should be able to handle it.


Assuming that we somehow manage to overcome the Reaper and not die in a subsequent explosion, there are four matters of immediate concern:

First, we are on fire. Sake can take care of that following a witty line of some kind, possibly another pun, for the benefit of our audience.

Second, our mere may be repairable, but we'll need its parts- lacking them would likely make the task much harder, or even impossible. Assuming that we've avoided causing an explosion which would shatter and scatter them, gathering them up and mentioning that we would appreciate assistance in fixing it- details to be discussed later- would be appropriate.

Third, Hillevi is incoming. We need to alert the Triads that we called for assistance and that she should be of some help against the final Reaper and/or a berserk Labombard, or if neither of those turn out to be a problem she can at least help heal people. No one turns down healing.

Fourth, the third Reaper and a berserk Labombard are still out there. The former needs to be eliminated if he hasn't been already, and the latter contained nonlethally and rendered sane again- presumably he's still alive, given his durability. The Triads have dealt with him extensively already; they should be able to tell us if he's totally lost it before and if so how he became sane again. If this is a first time... well, Hillevi can probably help. She's pretty awesome. Regardless, both the Reaper and Labombard are vastly more mobile than we are, so while it's important to assist our friend unless Lo Fang has some way of tracking and pursuing them it may not be practical.

>>365425
SUST to this entire post. It contains extreme pessimism, both unfounded and poorly founded paranoia, and worst of all factual inaccuracies; Armas' mind does not need this kind of pollution.

>>365498
SUST to having Sake do things that we can do ourselves; he is exhausted and his existence is still nominally concealed from the Triads.

Going after Labombard is important but he's so fast and pursuing him will be such a huge task that it can wait until certain immediate matters are resolved.
>>
No. 365724 ID: d97a61

>>365336
>>365338
>>365368
>>365380
>>365386
>>365441
I think of violently lashing out, at giving my rage at a loved family heirloom being shattered an outlet. I think of how one of my guns was, once upon a time, a tomahawk, and just might still remember a thing or two. I think of how durable greenstone is-and how solid the hilt still in hand is. I think of cracked helmets and applied force. I think of the horrific flesh fire that could finally be transferred to my foe. I think of more than a lifetime's worth of learning, bought, stolen or gifted, all telling me different parts of the grand trick called killing. I think of all these things, one way or another, a handful, a dozen, a score of varied ways of personally inflicting harm flitting through my mind.
>>365378
>>365387
>>365399
I even think of simply bearhugging the man, insuring he stays pinned past becoming mobile and providing as good a link as possible to spread my flesh-searing flames. After all, pretty sure he doesn't have a bucket of blood handy, and it couldn't hurt to ruin his day every bit I can at this point.
>>363351
...Then I think about the very, very, very important detail of the inexplicably large explosions when the first Reaper died. And I wonder if I really want to be that close to something that has such a volatile event associated with their demise.
>>365353
>>365365 (Double Triple)
>>365424
>>365425
>>365450
>>365493
I drop the mere handle in my pocket as my hands move to start reloading the buntline, eye craned upwards for a moment's glance. Strange... now that I have time to watch, the out-of-place shadow is eye-catching, somehow falling into that special category of 'almost but not quite normal' that seems to act as a blaring siren to any person's eyes. The shadow, clearly pinned by five bullets that went through it (the sixth seemed to miss) is slowly receding, like a damp spot being steamed dry. Next I glance at the rushing Disciples, and get a sense they are moving reasonably faster than I could hope to without being in the darkest of shadow-excepting the resurrected one, who seems so fast I wonder if he'd get speeding tickets jogging. My eye darts back down to Iron Trick, with me increasingly thankful that whatever headaches may come from my frequent mental communication, the accelerated cogitation does seem to be building me an impressive resilience to motion blur. I'm becoming more able to pull information from brief glances than I was before-not a HUGE amount sure, but an appreciable fraction, which means I'm actually able to use my eye's image capturing ability more ably. Case in point, I just re-assessed the battlefield and decided that re-anchoring the Reaper's shadow, rather than personal combat, is the way to go, in the time it took me to load in but two rounds and complete one single balanced backstep. Sure, it was mostly due to me being used to a... more prompt form of thought, but still: every little step down the path of being genuinely superhuman is a victory in my book.

As I think I might have seen a tremor in one of the Reaper's legs, I swiftly pump the sole two bullets readied into the man's shadow just as the Disciples fall upon him.

>>365664
I try to spring back into reloading the buntline after it's empty again-I really do. I don't fumble anything, my motion's about as smooth as it normally gets-

It's just that I've run out of time before Disciple met Reaper.

>>365421
So now it is that I get to watch a man rent into to pieces with weapons most medieval. Blood sprays, limbs rip, skin splits, bone shatters. In the space of one second what was once recognizable as a one-armed man in some form of body glove is a leaking pile of meat, organs and broken bone on the floor. ...Damn, I didn't blink, and I caught... maybe a quarter of what all they hit him with. There were no flashing lights, no shouted words, no focusing chants or anything remotely flashy. There were just simple implements of death wielded by those most familiar, doing their job far better than they should.

I see the Reaper's soul separate from its body, still strangely obscured and veiled to my senses within that wall of charms upon its body.

I see the soul focusing its will, it's existence on the quicksilver-that now pulses as it slithers, subtly yet swiftly, towards the massive metal gauntlet that while battered still hums with power. I can feel the malicious intent in the recently deceased-and know that by the time I open my mouth to call for attention, the quicksilver will have already reached the gauntlet. Similarly, I can't make it to the pile of Reaper meat fast enough to stop it myself-

Or at least, my body can't.

However, seems to me I've got a mostly complete bloodline based on spirit manipulation that deals with the whole life and death thing. Recognizing that I'm rather boned for options unless I just want to bail and hope for the best-I go with my instincts which similarly led me to my hybrid healing and just reach... out-

My desire to see the Reaper's spirit unable to complete his task is exuded, aetheric vapors flitting from my body like wild lightning to constrict about the ghost. In a flash the vapors solidify, taking the form of bands and collars, anklets and manacles that dominate the spirit they envelope.

...I feel a bit more tired, even if only a hair.

[WINTER ENERGY: -2 52/100]

>Armas is now able to expend marginal amounts of energy to attempt to impose his will on freshly dead souls. The more innately magical the target was in life, the higher the cost, and the lower the chance of success.

Even as I'm trying to make my nigh-fried mind properly address what I just did, Go Ping extracts himself from the group of Discples, already transitioning to rapid orders and a frenzy of communication-and looks ready to speak to me when he eyes me askance, and promptly dumps-

A bucket of blood over my head.

As the sanguine secretions spread over my skin the agonizing blaze finally extinguishes and the lack of pain is comparatively orgasmic.

>[Go Ping]"I'll skip the boring and expected questions-instead I must inquire if, had you actually taken part in battle, how differently you think this whole exchange would have gone?"
"Last I checked it's not over."
>[Go Ping]"Oh yes you don't speak Chinese-Labombard has... terminated the third and final Reaper. The threat's been neutralized. In fact, I'd imagine Lo Fang would-"
>[Lo Fang]"Wish to speak for himself, thank you. ...Well, while a miserly patron might focus on how ostensibly you did not actually fight, I'll choose to focus on the results. One reaper completely slain, another crippled, deprived of a weapon, and eventually immobilized for disposal. Oh yes, and you are the one that spotted the third of the trio. I'd like to...."
There is a burst of static filled, frantic Chinese being spoken-no one speaking sounds like Lo Fang, at least not through the com.
>[Lo Fang]"It seems you shall have even more opportunity to put me in your debt, as teacher, advisor or supplier: We have a veiled supernatural attacking the front gates-now past the front gates."
My head whips about-I can hear gunfire starting up again outside (and so can the Triads around me that explode back into motion) but there's no way for me to see the hostile.
>[Sake]"Can't you... just beg off? Not only did you just show you're a Soul Binder-which I wouldn't advertise if I was you-but not a one of us is at full steam, not even close."
..Hm.








What do I say or do?
Do I respond to Lo Fang and/or Go Ping, and if so with what?
>>
No. 365727 ID: 8d3fa5

is there any chance of said supernatural being Hillevi?
>>
No. 365728 ID: e86ff7

"Is it a girl?"
If yes, shout stop and run out there at the speed of light.
This better not be Hellivi.

If no, tell him that you are tired.
>>
No. 365729 ID: 4291db

Eat the reaper soul
>>
No. 365730 ID: 31f32d

Veiled could mean invisible... or it could mean "an giant ice monster of unknown appearance wearing illusion magic making it appear like a 5 foot something valley girl" aka hilevi... lets make sure she and triads aren't killing each other. and if it is a genuine enemy lets save the chatting for later.

Now, Go Ping is NOT dressing you down for "not fighting" but suggesting that had you fought directly instead of sneaking traps, distracting, and support (pinning shadow) you would have been even awesome-er.

I would love to snark back at him right now, but we need to take care of several things, the reaper was doing something malicious in intent to his gauntlet / quicksilver, probably to make it explode. And the attacker outside need to be taken care of first.

First take care of attacker. then check with the reaper. You might want to mention stopping their destruction on his death when discussing the loot but not how you did so. You can see ghosts but I doubt any but lo-fang/disciples can see it (and they might not either). nontheless you want to pump the now bound reaper soul for info and decide what to do with him. Only then do we get to snark with go ping.

Oh, and the mere fragments need collecting and preserving for repair.
>>
No. 365734 ID: f70e5e

>>365729
SUST
Leave the reapers soul alone unless we have a very good reason to mess with it. We don't know much about what we can and can't do, and there are almost certainly all sorts of taboos about messing with human souls. So messing around blindly with one in front of people we want to make a good impression on is a bad idea.

Shadow bro is out of juice, sake is out of juice, our primary melee weapon is broken, and we will probably have to burn a good chunk of energy to heal the damage inflicted by the fleshfire. If it wasn’t for the fact that Hillevi is en route I’d recommend breaking of, but she is and we don’t know how well she can deal with a modern battlefield. At the very least we should stick around until she shows up. That is assuming she hasn’t already, it is possible that she is the veiled supernatural attacking the front gate. We should find out if she is as soon as we can. If she is the attacker is we should get her to stop before she kills anyone. Otherwise we should just hang back and do what we can to help them find it.

We should ask for someone to gather up the fragments of our mere, (or do so ourselves) it was a family heirloom and we would very much like to see if it can be remade.
>>
No. 365740 ID: 252e1b

>[Sake]"Can't you... just beg off? Not only did you just show you're a Soul Binder-which I wouldn't advertise if I was you-but not a one of us is at full steam, not even close."

"I wish I could, but there's a good chance that's the coolest lady in my life and I'd rather there be not even a ghost of a chance of a misunderstanding."

Nod at Lo Fang and say, "Might be that ally I called. If it is I'd like to introduce you to her, she makes me look like a piker. One sec, and I'll go see."

While you're flapping your lips, move that chained Reaper soul into a container or something, just somewhere that he won't be exposed to sunlight. But NOT TOO FAR FROM THE CHARMS. Perhaps you should go so far as to ask Go Ping to make sure they're not moved, since the trigger could still be pulled somehow. Then haul ass outside to find out if the attacker is Hillevi or a new threat.

If it's a new threat you're going to have to duck into cover and stealth into position to assess it. If it's Hillevi just call out to her and tell her the fight finished a hair faster than you thought it would, but you still want to introduce her.

"Hey! You made it! I wish I had just brought you with me in the first place, but I wasn't expecting today to be so interesting. You missed the fun, the attackers had these charms that made them fight at 20 times their normal speed, and they had these insanely tricked-out guns. Oh well, there'll be more where those came from; these assholes were part of an entire mercenary company. Anyway, I secured permission to introduce you to some of my friends and associates."

Walk right up to her like there's nothing wrong. Put a good face on it. Sure, you're covered in blood, dog-tired, burned, battered, and a little blown-up. That's ok. Put a hand on her shoulder like you're old friends (this is for the benefit of the triads around you as much as her, after all) and squire her over to the warehouse. Keep talking to her, say something like, "I've done contractor work for them in the past, and they've helped me get some affairs in order in the past. I think they'll be inclined to like you for coming, even if you didn't get a chance to fight."

In Finnish, while you're out of earshot of the warehouse, add, "Most of them speak English. The boss, Lo Fang, appreciates tradition and politeness. The others, my peers and friends, are a bit more easygoing. There are some wounded, offering to help with them is one way to make fast friends, and Lo Fang would likely compensate you for doing so. Which reminds me, we're gonna have to get you set up with your own anonymous cash account."

Switch back to English before you get to the warehouse. "Was the trip over ok? Actually, that reminds me, I never asked if you know how to drive. We'll have to get you up to speed on that, everyone is expected to be able to drive around. Honestly it's a fucking pain, I like walking, but what can you do? I'm not going to buy a charm to make me look like a car."
>>
No. 365745 ID: f6106a

>>365740
>While you're flapping your lips, move that chained Reaper soul into a container or something

"Hey, I know you two are tired, but would moving a restrained mundane Reaper soul inside my eye require much effort? I'd rather have us claim it's information instead of letting Lo Fang be the one to interrogate it."

Downvoting the other stuff. Her dad was pretty specific about what she was allowed to fight, and Reapers probably weren't among that. And while she might be a bit Naive, she's probably been taught to recognize who some of the bigger threats are, like Reapers.
>>
No. 365765 ID: ab8af1

>>365745
Huh,dude, we aren't worry about her fighting the Reapers, mostly because they're all dead. We're worried about having her, our ward, fight the Triad, who are our allies, which sounds like something that's going to happen and would fuck us over.
>>
No. 365771 ID: 399bda

If it's Hillevi (and the timing, and impressive lack of subtlety, do fit) it's vitally important we get her to stop attacking RIGHT NOW. Use the radio; contact all the guards, tell them to stop shooting long enough to tell the attacker they're working with Armas.
>>
No. 365772 ID: 303a65

>[Lo Fang]"It seems you shall have even more opportunity to put me in your debt, as teacher, advisor or supplier: We have a veiled supernatural attacking the front gates-now past the front gates."

"Ah. I did call some rather cool reinforcement when lambombard told me what a hot situation we were in. It wouldn't happy to be a young blonde girl that looks just shy of 6 feet?"

If it's not Hillevi:

"Well, i must admit i am quite over-extended, and i *did* call my most excitable ward. I am rather sure that she would be most... disappointed... if she were to learn i didn't leave her anything to play with. I may provide support though, but i AM spent".

>[Go Ping]"I'll skip the boring and expected questions-instead I must inquire if, had you actually taken part in battle, how differently you think this whole exchange would have gone?"

"To be truthful, i had another rather burning situation with Dragons just yesterday, and decided to be cautious in my dealing with unknow enemies. Seeing what they were capable of, it is probable me merely rushing in would have resulted in dying."


Now, if it's not Hillevi, it could be the Yakuza seeing the Triad weakened and deciding that now is their chance. In that case, ask Go Ping where the sewers are. If it's a fight, we won't have time make new Deals with SM right now, but we should be able to pay him for Hillevi's transportation, as Well as get SB's training.

For the 'secret', Einrik disliking Puns, Armas being one of the World's best whistler could both work.

Alternatively, we could also try to garner good will by telling him a secret of clearly much greater value than what he asks- and making it clear: "Well, i have a rather stupendous Deal i was thinking of doing later on today, and to be sure you are ready to appreciate it: Galileo Savoy got that Demonic right arm i ate by selling his firstborn son to a Devil".

If SB can't get his teaching because he is too spent, we might think about beginning to buy weekly meats for him- that is, shadowbeast 'meat/food'. I'd suggest trading what we observed about the border of life of death, and the disciple 'zombie' at the Traid's compound as a fair deal. Hell, we have LOTS more to sell, but i prefer having most of that for when we have time to actually Haggle.

If there is a fight going on, we most definitely do NOT.


Oh, and Armas? Pick up all the mere's fragment around, would you?
>>
No. 365778 ID: b83c65

Well, as everyone has already taken the best 'cold' lines if this is indeed our ward, I'm just gonna suggest we agree. After all, even if it's not our ward, we can still help as much as we have been - shadow shooting and the other not-soul-brothers skills we have. Don't need to use you, Sake, so just get some rest.

I do wish we knew more trix, but that silly rabbit is keeping them all to himself.
>>
No. 365819 ID: 2964e1

>>365772
Only sell a trivial secret.

As for what we say, how about this:

"I hope that isn't the ally I mentioned before. It would be terribly embarrassing if someone coming to give aid was attacked by the various people they came to save."

Then sigh, and continue:

"If you want to confirm that, can you pipe me through to your PA system, and say this:

[In Finnish]'Well, I was hoping for a little bit cooler reception for you, but if you can wait just a moment, we can lower the heat.'

If the 'attacker' looks like a blonde teenager, and that makes here stop, then we know that it is."

Look pointedly at the Reaper body, and go on to say:

"Well, I'd love to come out, but it may be best to welcome your newest ally onto the heart of battlefield, so I can keep an eye on what's happening here."

If they agree, you should mention the charms:

"Whilst I've stopped the Reaper triggering anything unfortunate happening to his remaining equipment for now, it may be best to keep it where it is and together for now, although of course I defer to Lo Fang's wisdom in this matter."
>>
No. 365829 ID: 81f32a

"Quick! Is it a female ice practicer?"

If so

"That means that it is the backup I had called for
Then tell your men to seek cover or she'll destroy them."

Now if Lo Fang will be displeased that our back-up doesn't know allies from foes we can simply explain him that we sent a magical message which asked for her assistance. This is true and we can pretend that our message was something like a emergency message.

If we get a chance to answer to Lo Ping:
"Well, if I took more direct approach to the battle, rest assured that I would have died just as it begun. Now, I don't know what the ultimate result of the raid would have been but the my accomplishments that Lo Fang mentioned would have never been done."

>>365819
>Only sell a trivial secret.
As I understood, the secret can be pretty much everything. Including petty things like childhood secrets between friends (for example: a friend of Armas in elementary school told him he has crush on a classmate and told him to keep that secret.)
So Armas could give away something of practical no value if he remembers anything
>>
No. 365950 ID: 3fd4fb

>>365724
>What do I say or do?
If that's Hillevi we need to act quickly before she kills anyone, and make immediate and sincere apologies to Lo Fang for calling in allies without fully briefing them. That was sloppy on our part, even if we were somewhat busy.

This is an exercise in ensuring that our allies get on well and receive the impressions of one another that we want them to receive. Hillevi needs to respect the Triads' power and wealth relative to us while understanding our relationship to them, i.e. mostly business with a couple friendships. The Triads need to understand that we are extremely closely allied to Hillevi, respect her for her power and skill with magic, and at the same time not see her as an extension of us or merely our minion. Making that happen might be tricky. Some points on it:

-Don't call Hillevi a girl, and SUST to any suggestions to do so. She's young, but she's acted to save our life more than once and has killed more than a few people in battle- feats which deserve respect. Calling her a girl to the Triads will give the impression that's how we think of her, and accordingly that's how they should think of her. She is a very competent young woman; not perfect, but not to be belittled.
-Make clear to everyone present that if the Reapers had been a little smarter or more capable, we were fully relying upon Hillevi to bail us out even coming into the situation blind- and that we have no doubt she would have succeeded.
-Mention that we intended to introduce Hillevi to the Triads quite soon regardless, because if nothing else we expected to be working with both of them when dealing with the Doonongaes. We were in fact going to ask about bringing her by earlier- but things got away from us somewhat.
-If we can get Hillevi to offer assistance to the Triads with the battle's aftermath (healing or whatever else she wants) of her own accord, that would be good. Get their relationship off to the right start.
-If Hillevi is having conversational trouble, bail her out in a way that doesn't look like we're just talking for her. Awkwardness doesn't help anything, but we are the grandmaster of social fu! If we can't make her come off decently we may have to print new business cards.


In the unlikely case that this is not Hillevi, we should still make an effort to help out- but we're down to our stealth skills, grenades, and guns at this point, so there's some question how effective we'll be. Continuing to assist would give a better impression to the Triads, though- begging off at this point would be very much admitting that we've reached our limits, which I wouldn't consider particularly beneficial. Act like we've got another sleeved ace at all times, even when we don't. Getting Hillevi to fight whatever it is when she shows up would be good, though.
>>
No. 365955 ID: f8aa66

To Go Ping: "I suppose the battle might have gone a bit differently in that case, yes." After all, the Reaper ripping our face off with his taser-gauntlet would have been pretty different.

It seems unlikely 'veiled enemy' is Hillevi, to me. She has no great skill in hiding, although I suppose the 'normal-seeming' charm might count.

If it IS... "I shall now disarm the enemy which has penetrated into your sanctum, and end the threat!"

...

"Hi, Hillevi. Sorry, you missed the fun. We'll do something else fun later to make up for it. Please put that Triad member down, there's a girl."

About the soul: can the spiritually aware guys see it, I wonder? In any case, it might be wise to get it into cover back at the mansion quickly - the sunlight-blocking wards should keep it from dissolving on us, and we can decide if we want to piss off every supernatural out there by eating him, or just start collecting souls like PoGs. If we do that, have Amen refrain from harming, altering, moving or selling the soul without checking with us first.
>>
No. 366015 ID: d97a61

>>365727
>>365728
>>365730
>>365734
>>354771
>>365772
>>365819
>>365829
Only one thought flits across my mind at the notice of a new attacker-a single burning question.
"Is it a female practitioner that uses ice?"
>[Lo Fang]"Indeed it is-you have information to share?"
>>365740
>>365950
"Might be that ally I called."
In the space between words, thought explodes.
Sake, I wish I could beg off- but there's a good chance that's the coolest lady in my life and I'd rather there be not even a ghost of a chance of a misunderstanding.
>[Sake]"I know-as it happens humans do not have a monopoly on being fond of complaining."
I continue speaking without any observable pause, already considering a new problem whilst I orate.
" If it is I'd like to introduce you to her, she makes me look like a piker. I... have to apologize if it is her-I wasn't able to brief her nearly as well as I'd liked when calling her. I don't suppose we could broadcast something I say?"
>[Lo Fang]"This could be accomplished-and you need but speak."
Just like that? How much control over the comm-system does Lo Fang have? ..Well, not pertinent right now, at least. I clear my throat and speak in Finnish, mouth moving more or less o auto-pilot while I puzzle out how I could safely store the Reaper's soul.
"Hey! You made it! I wish I had just brought you with me in the first place, but I wasn't expecting today to be so interesting. You missed the fun, the attackers had these charms that made them fight at 20 times their normal speed, and they had these insanely tricked-out guns. Oh well, there'll be more where those came from; these assholes were part of an entire mercenary company. Anyway, I secured permission to introduce you to some of my friends and associates."
The sounds of gunfire cease within the first two seconds of me beginning to speak-yeah, this is definitely Hillevi... or a damned good impersonator.
>[Lo Fang]"It would seem that our newest guest wishes to speak with you, and oddly enough, does not seem to understand what a microphone is-would you be so kind as to meet with her in person? I can overlook the... additional property damage just incurred during this little misunderstanding, but she strikes me as quite a bit more tense than I would like a newcomer to be on my grounds-especially with the skillset she's displayed so far. Please do alleviate her concerns, Mr. Laine. I shall be ready to act as Arbiter for dividing the coveted spoils of a dead reaper whenever you conclude your business with her."
"Almost sounds like you'd rather not have her here at all."
>[Lo Fang]"Quite the contrary-I find myself very impressed with the first impression she's left so far-a rare occurence, I may add. Nevertheless, she brings to mind such turns of phrase as 'diamond in the rough' a bit too easily for my taste-and I would rather she be chaperoned by the one that invited her until I can be certain she knows how to... behave. Call it an elder's intuition, but I suspect she is most unfamiliar with what most consider a normal life."
...Damn that man and his insight.
>>365745
As I'm growing increasingly frustrated at my floundering inneffectiveness to make anything happen to the Reaper soul, I pose a query to my brothers.
Hey, I know you two are tired, but would moving a restrained mundane Reaper soul inside my eye require much effort? I'd rather have us claim it's information instead of letting Lo Fang be the one to interroga-

I feel the shift in my chakras and somewhere deeper as the Reaper's soul... unwinds, strands and shards fluttering, meandering through the air to ghost their way into my covered left eye, phasing through the eyepatch as if it weren't there.
>[Iron Trick]"I can confirm the suspicion you have-it seems to exert your will, at least for... containment of souls, you need to have a specific, viable container in mind-and further, your eye, layered in seals and formed into it's own spiritual demiplane, rather ideally serves such a function. It... does not seem that the Reaper would have any means of escaping containment Amen cannot breach, so I'd recommend leaving the matter alone for now."
I got the soul-and with it, the potential of acquiring secrets known only to Titancorp Reapers, their elite operatives. Honestly, that trumps the physical goods left behind-not that I don't want them too.

>>365955
I walk briskly out of the warehouse, calling out to Go Ping as I walk away.
"The answer to your question: I'd probably have died at LEAST once."

Leaving it at that, I march outside, orienting on the dock entrance-
There she is-Hillevi, still under the effects of her glamour charm, stands atop a thick layer of ice upon the ground, warily watching some dozen triads all keeping a wary distance from her, one of the aforementioned group insensate, firmly grasped by the collar in each hand. She stands up straight as she sees me, almost casually dropping the two Triads.

"I know it's not fun to find the party's already over, but this works: Allow me to introduce you to the Triads, business associates of mine."
I address the looks she's giving my blood-soaked attire and mangled skin.
"Some minor irritations, ignore it-more importantly, a quick disclaimer: I've done contractor work for them, and they've helped me get some affairs in order in the past. I think they'll be inclined to like you for coming, even if you didn't get a chance to fight."
>[Hillevi][In Finnish]"Who is their master? I heard how swiftly his warriors obeyed his command."
"Lo Fang-you may or may not meet him. Not even certain he's here right now."
>[Hillevi][In Finnish]"...Putting the misunderstanding aside, then-what else should I know?"
"Most of them speak English as well as Chinese. The boss, Lo Fang, appreciates tradition and politeness. The others, my peers and friends, are a bit more easygoing. There are some wounded, offering to help with them is one way to make fast friends, and Lo Fang would likely compensate you for doing so, especially with how hard they just got hit. Which reminds me, we're gonna have to get you set up with your own anonymous cash account."
>[Hillevi][In Finnish]"Oh, brother told me about that-he gave me a card and a four digit number, said you could show me how to get local coin with such materials?"
"You have a debit card? You have a debit card, okay, that... that saves time. Remind me to show you how to use that later, okay?"
Hillevi smiles, her glamour-spawned cheeks dimpling.
>[Hillevi]"Of course! So... wounded in the warehouse, mostly? That's what it feels like at least."
"A-huh. This way."

As we approach the warehouse, I switch back to English.
"Was the trip over ok? Actually, that reminds me, I never asked if you know how to drive. We'll have to get you up to speed on that, everyone is expected to be able to drive around. Honestly it's a fucking pain, I like walking, but what can you do? I'm not going to buy a charm to make me look like a car."
>[Hillevi][In English]"The trip was fine-if rather oddly illuminated-and my guide, while silent, was most able. He moved just as swift as my fastest, and not a hair more-it is not easy to read a stranger that well. No, I don't know how to drive, brother promised he'd show me how to drive in something called a... a bend-lee esth-ree? I'm not sure what kind of car it is but it looked quite nice."
"...Right, well it might be a good idea to know how to handle a car before you try driving such a vehicle as that."
>[Hillevi]"I'll think about it."


Our conversation ends as we enter the warehouse-and Hillevi, displaying a tact I assume accidental, completely ignores all the stares as she homes in on the wounded, moving to Go Ping's side to lend a hand. As I explain what she's doing while ambling about the room and claiming every last shard of the mere to be found, the tension in the room deflates rather swiftly: Surprise of surprises, the magical community has an innately positive disposition to healers, and that extends to the Triad rank and file, so far as Lo Fang's underlings are concerned. Shortly enough Go Ping is withdrawing, casting a pleasantly confused look Hillevi's way before sidling up beside me.
>[Go Ping]"Congratulations seem to be in order: Wherever did you find someone with so much raw magical energy?"
"There's no truer answer than saying it was a product of my own special brand of luck."
>[Go Ping]"Yes... Camella has spoken at length about your 'luck'-I suppose at times it must be of some benefit to you."
"So..."
I find myself a bit annoyed I still can't really make out what's going on with the two storage containers filled with souls from the fight and covered in wards, but know better than to ask-
"Is Lo Fang even here?"
>[Lo Fang]"As it happens I was, and still am, in a meeting when I got wind of the impending attack. Incidentally, the meeting's resolution has been achieved-and I find myself fully unocupied for the moment. I'll start by informing you that you are hereby invited to call upon me to offer you tutelage on any of several topics-we can discuss the specifics of the topics in person-once per week. I do insist upon being notified of a desire to be taught twenty four hours or more before the proposed time of training-and that any bout of training be no more than six hours. Further, I've heard the words of my Disciples on their part in slaying the one reaper to leave any spoils-will you tell me in your own words what your own contributions to the death of the second reaper were? Please do also stipulate whether you are more interested in the Reaper's technological accoutrements or his magical ones."
"Before I do that-I have to ask, is Labomb-"
>[Lo Fang]"He will be... indisposed, for a time. If you had a conversation pending resolution with him, I recommend waiting. ...Since it should not take him too long to 'cool off' I suppose you could further monopolize my current free time and introduce our would-be backup and from what I've been told a rather able if unorthodox healer?"

Hm... few decisions to make here, but I feel like I'm actually about done here at the docks.







What do I tell Lo Fang I did to help in slaying the second reaper?
Do I make any mention of the gun parts I currently have secreted in my coat?
Which interests me more-the Reaper tech, or the Reaper charms?
Should I wait for Labombard's return, and if so, for what reason am I waiting (what would we talk about)?
Short of leaving to meet Camella right this very second, I'm going to be getting close to late for our projected 'late morning' meeting. Should I call her, and if so, what should I tell her?
>>
No. 366019 ID: 8d3fa5

we must get the charms
>>
No. 366021 ID: 048990

>What do I tell Lo Fang I did to help in slaying the second reaper?

Well, essentially what you did was be a loud, flashy, American Asshole as Labombard calls it; don't actually say that to Lo Fang, as I don't think he's the type to appreciate profanity- instead, say you acted like a stereotypical American mercenary/cowboy, hiding your true intentions behind a veneer of brashness. This allowed you to distract him enough to use one of the weapons in your possession, totally locking the Reaper's movements down long enough for the monks to slay him.

Lo Fang's probably not going to be asking for details/the how of it or anything like that, so I think that should provide enough details as to what exactly you did to contribute to the death of the Reaper without giving too much away.

>Which interests me more-the Reaper tech, or the Reaper charms?
Seconding the charms. Yes, they can be bypassed, as we've handily demonstrated. Yes, there's weaknesses. But we've already got a lot of very useful weapons, some of which we don't even really use. The charms could provide an immensely useful defensive boost, which could keep us from regenerating from wounds all the damn time.


>waiting for Labombard's return

Wait for Labombard, if nothing else than to say it was fun and make your farewells.

>meeting Camella
Make a call after wrapping up the rest of the business at the docks, tell her that a situation came up but has been dealt with, and you'll be there as soon as you can.
>>
No. 366024 ID: 2964e1

>>366015
>What do I tell Lo Fang I did to help in slaying the second reaper?

“Well, first I have to give my thanks to Go Ping and friends for striking the final blows, and for them and the rest of your forces for lulling the Reapers into a false sense of security so they could be ambushed in the way they were. For the rest, well, the death of the first Reaper deprived the second of their wingman, as together they were greater than the sum of the two individually. At the same time, the second Reaper lost his primary weapon and his grenades, forcing him to enter melee range, and had one of his arms torn from his socket, reducing his combat potential in that field. He also had to expend a charm, probably of teleportation, to escape the explosion and enter the warehouse so he could attack. After then, of course, my role was limited to drawing away his attention from Go Ping et al, so that he could not focus on killing them, and finally on disabling the Reaper so he was helpless before them.”

>Do I make any mention of the gun parts I currently have secreted in my coat?
Yes, but subtly.

"I also have an interest in any pieces of the Reapers guns that are found to have survived the explosion. I don't imagine there's much left, but if anything is recovered, I would like to see it."

>Which interests me more-the Reaper tech, or the Reaper charms?
Make a counter-offer.

"Whilst I would indeed like to keep the pieces of magi-tech and pure technology the Reapers were carrying, I also have some small facility with analysing magic items. With your permission I would like to temporarily take the purely magical items for study, although I would return them to your permanent care as soon as possible. Of course, I would tell you what my small ability can uncover"

Note that we promise to tell him what our ability learns, not everything we learn. The intention here is is sell SM the opportunity to analyse the Reaper charm set.

>Should I wait for Labombard's return, and if so, for what reason am I waiting (what would we talk about)?

Leave him a note giving your apologies, but inviting him to call on you later in the week.

>Short of leaving to meet Camella right this very second, I'm going to be getting close to late for our projected 'late morning' meeting. Should I call her, and if so, what should I tell her?

Ring her, say you're very sorry, but you've been unavoidably delayed. What does she think of lunch instead.
>>
No. 366050 ID: 48fe39

I think we should probably give Lo Fang a straight answer about what we did to the Reaper. If we're going to gain his trust - and convince him we're taking him seriously - we'll have to divulge a certain amount of potentially harmful information. (Also, he may more readily part with loot if he learns that we had a divine-empowered weapon broken while making an opening for his men).
Come clean about having extracted bits of Reaper weapons, too, and add 'em to the pile. One-third of a rifle ain't much good to us.
As for what loot we want - CHARMS!
>>
No. 366051 ID: f6106a

I think we need to wait for Lammy to show up, so we can check to see if the chains holding him back are appear permanently damaged or not. If so, I think we should focus our will on repairing the chains.

>>366024
I like what's said, but I feel it ends on far too weak a note. I'd change the last sentence to

"After that, I tried to limit my role to drawing away his attention from Go Ping et al, so that they could focus on killing him, and when that seemed insufficient to end it I pinned the rather difficult to pin Reaper, leaving him helpless before the others.”

>>366048
SUST on giving Lo Fang so much information, including but not limited to that we have the gun bits. This is the guy who, when we were entirely mortal, said

>"you continue to fill me with hope I shall one day play against you."

The better and more unusual we get, the more he's going to want to go against us. Which means handing out information on how we do shit is stupid as fuck. Seriously. Hell, asking what we did in this instance isn't even about his curiosity, though I'm sure he'd like more info, but about how key we were to killing of the second. The how isn't what we need to tell him, just the what.
>>
No. 366060 ID: 4291db

Charms.
>>
No. 366061 ID: 1e3433

We've already told him we use shadow magic, so it shouldn't hurt to say we immobilized the guy through his shadow.
>>
No. 366067 ID: 75e42e

>What do I tell Lo Fang I did to help in slaying the second reaper?

>“Well, first I have to give my thanks to Go Ping and friends for striking the final blows, and for them and the rest of your forces for lulling the Reapers into a false sense of security so they could be ambushed in the way they were. For the rest, well, the death of the first Reaper deprived the second of their wingman, as together they were greater than the sum of the two individually. At the same time, the second Reaper lost his primary weapon and his grenades, forcing him to enter melee range, and had one of his arms torn from his socket, reducing his combat potential in that field. He also had to expend a charm, probably of teleportation, to escape the explosion and enter the warehouse so he could attack. After then, of course, my role was limited to drawing away his attention from Go Ping et al, so that he could not focus on killing them, and finally on disabling the Reaper so he was helpless before them.”

He asks what you did, so why are you talking about what happened instead for minutes while being obviously hiding something? SUST

EDIT:

“What I did to contribute, huh? Well first, I contributed when the second reaper lost his machine-gun, as well as had right arm ripped off in the explosion that killed the first Reaper. Second, I made sure to focus all of his attention on me, giving him a clear target to possibly help your disciples into predicting his movements. Third, at the price of a extremely potent heirloom breaking, I managed to lay a paralysis-like magic effect on him, and rewove it multiple times as I waited for your disciples to dispose of him. Last but not least, I probably saved all of us in the warehouse's lives by stopping the deadman's switch upon his death.”

>Do I make any mention of the gun parts I currently have secreted in my coat?
>Which interests me more-the Reaper tech, or the Reaper charms?

EDIT:

“Well, i'll be honest: I am going to be greedy. First, I already took the dead reaper's machine guns component earlier. Second, i'd wish for the Gauntlet. Third, to get the charms to study for the week. I will, of course, give them back to you, as well as tell you everything I learned about them. I will also offer the same knoweldge for the gun components and gauntlet.”

>Short of leaving to meet Camella right this very second, I'm going to be getting close to late for our projected 'late morning' meeting. Should I call her, and if so, what should I tell her?

First talk to Go Ping “Well my friend, I must say my meeting with Camella won't go well for my pride if I walk all over Istanbul and come to her bathed in blood. Could you lend me something acceptable to wear? Also, I would be grateful if you could tell me of a good restaurant around that serves magical meats nearby, this way I could invite her there. You would of course be invited. I haven't yet told you about my morning's meeting with Blackbeard, have I?”

If it works, call Camella, ask her to come to said restaurant, rinse, change, and prepare to pay for a large addition for Hillevi, Go Ping, Camella and Yourself. Labombard optional.


>>366051
Where did I explain anything about How Armas did it? I just had Armas telling Lo Fang what he did and thus why he deserves the meat of the loot. None of that “Armas talking for five minutes without actually daring to tell Lo Fang important stuff like us savign his disciples lives with the deadman's switch, us attracting the Reaper's attention to the cost of a extremely potent heirloom being broken and managing to pin him in place”.
>>
No. 366072 ID: 3fd4fb

>>366015
>"The answer to your question: I'd probably have died at LEAST once."
Argh. We can hope that will be taken as a joke, but considering how discerning Lo Fang is, I'd say that it's not very likely. Can we avoid making any mention whatsoever of the fact that we expect to survive dying in the future? It's not the sort of capability we should be flashing about. Since we're showing soul powers here and he'll quickly discover what we've got to work with when he begins teaching us, we might be lucky enough that he assumes we're referencing the sort of thing that the Samis did when they died... but even that isn't exactly great to tell others about. Some tricks are meant to remain completely hidden until used.

>What do I tell Lo Fang I did to help in slaying the second reaper?
"He was significantly injured and disarmed in my initial strike, and later I drew his focus to myself as much as possible, then kept him immobilized until the others could finish him off. I also stopped whatever the deadman switch on that gauntlet was going to set off- probably another giant explosion, but I can't confirm that."
Keep it simple and to the point. He doesn't need methods or frills here- he said he's serving as Arbiter, which means he just needs to weigh the relative contributions of the various parties to the Reaper's death. Don't waste his time with circular bullshit.

>Do I make any mention of the gun parts I currently have secreted in my coat?
Yes. By the rules set by Labombard when we came in, almost all those are ours since we were solely responsible for killing the first reaper; letting the others know that we have them will display a dedication to fair dealing that Lo Fang will likely appreciate without costing us much if anything. The reputation gain is likely to be worth more than the material loss.

>Which interests me more-the Reaper tech, or the Reaper charms?
Ask if Lo Fang knows the purpose/capabilities of the surviving equipment before we make that call. It's a reasonable thing to ask and my guess is that he's already got a pretty solid idea of what everything does; make offers to try and analyze them only if he cannot tell us what they are already. Otherwise we'll just seem foolish.

With that said- definitely charms. That time charm was ungodly and we want it above all else. The gauntlet is great, but even damaged or on low power or whatever it was, the time charm was making that guy into a monster combatant. Must have.

>Should I wait for Labombard's return, and if so, for what reason am I waiting (what would we talk about)?
Yes, wait for Labombard's return. We want to talk to him- but also, Hillevi is here and healing up (or even stabilizing) all those Triads is likely going to take a while; we don't want to leave her here alone both because Lo Fang asked us to chaperone her and because she generally needs social backup on hand.

Introduce her, as Lo Fang has requested. Hiding her house would be mostly impossible and pointless, I'd say; the Valkonens don't really do things that way- so take the other direction. First, though: "I would be pleased to introduce her properly- although she would probably appreciate being able to see the one she's being introduced to. Can you accommodate that?" Whatever goes from there: "Lo Fang, may I introduce Hillevi Valkonen, daughter to the Valkonen head and inheritor of seventy-eight generations of magical and martial tradition, currently planning to be in Istanbul for some time. Hillevi, our host here is Lo Fang of Song Shan, leader of the Triads here in Istanbul."

With that out of the way, might as well help the Triads with post-battle cleanup, as best we can, and maybe chat with Go Ping (and any other Triads we know here; I believe we noticed Diao Yuan) about how things have been in the last month, why the heck the Reapers are coming after them, and whether they're still in for killing the Doonongaes with you.

>Short of leaving to meet Camella right this very second, I'm going to be getting close to late for our projected 'late morning' meeting. Should I call her, and if so, what should I tell her?
Text her instead of calling. "Morning was exciting. Will come by promptly after removing blood from clothes." Far more trollish that way, and Lo Fang will have a harder time eavesdropping. Also, we didn't actually set a time that we were going to see Camella- we mentally marked it as a noon meeting, but all we actually said was that we'd make a point of visiting her soon. Basically any time this afternoon therefore qualifies as on time, and since she's right at Ito's we can likely plan on having a few hours to get things done.


>>366063
>restaurant
Going to SUST this, because we don't want to pay standard prices for magical meat (which would come in super tiny quantities by our standards anyway) and because we won't be able to talk frankly with Camella in any kind of non-secured environment. We can probably bet on her having turned Ito's place into a veritable fortress by now, if a rather inconspicuous one.

Asking Go Ping for a lift is a reasonable plan, though. We could have him bring us and Hillevi to Smets', then have Amen insta-clean our outfit of blood (which he then saves so that we have blood samples from any surviving Triads that the blood came from) and then go to meet Camella from there. He might want to exchange a few words in the car on the way.
>>
No. 366079 ID: 2964e1

Secondary thoughts:

We should try to merge our meeting with Camella with our meeting with Ito, as both are this afternoon.

The time charm had nearly reached 12 when he was killed, so don't ask for that, it's probably nearly out of power.

If it's at all possible, we should ask SB to teleport a few droplets of any of the Disciples blood he can find into the dark, as it may be interesting.

We should not say we took some of the second Reapers guns, only something like:

"When the first Reaper was slain, I took pieces of his gun, as I agreed with Lamobard."

We should wait for Lo Fang to come out, and say:

"When we were talking before the latest burst of excitement, I invited you to tell me what you thought I would need to recharge. So - what do you say?"
>>
No. 366117 ID: 81f32a

>Which interests me more-the Reaper tech, or the Reaper charms?

Umm... Both?
Aren't we entitled for ALL the loot from the Reaper that we killed on our own? Or is Lo Fang referring to the second one?
Either way, the answer is 'charms'... although I suspect that the network of charms that Reapers had only works on MUNDANE mortals.

>What do I tell Lo Fang I did to help in slaying the second reaper?
Tell what you did without being circuitous and using deceitful truth. We must make sure they know what a massive role we played in slaying the second reaper.

>Should I wait for Labombard's return, and if so, for what reason am I waiting (what would we talk about)?
Wait for Lammy. After all, he is the main reason why we came here. He was going to tell us something.

>Short of leaving to meet Camella right this very second, I'm going to be getting close to late for our projected 'late morning' meeting. Should I call her, and if so, what should I tell her?
Call her and post-pone the meeting for an hour or two. Hopefully she is not too busy. We will have to go home for the change of clothing anyway, no way we can walk around in blood-stained clothes and mangled skin (speaking of which, you should heal that).

We should ask for a carlift from Triads, hopefully we didn't total their garage. Or we could walk through the severs, iirc we have free passage though them for all the time.
>>
No. 366156 ID: f8aa66

Lo Fang didn't even leave his meeting while his underlings battled Reapers? What a boss.

We already let some of the secret out of the bag, so I say we add IT's ability to what we said before; Lo Fang isn't going to let us go unless we tell him SOMETHING. "The arm was taken and the gun disabled during the first detonation. As for the disabling... let's say I caught his shadow. Of course, your disciples dealt the critical blow - or perhaps a few hundred critical blows, I wasn't counting. It seems fair to say they finished the Reaper, and so should reap the major spoils of that one."

I say we ask for a full set of surviving charms for the Reaper we killed. The goblins should be able to reverse engineer them, and asking for a few reproduced sets (maybe even 19) in exchange for the knowledge of Reaper charms seems more than fair; SM has vast resources and knowledge pool to produce them, and the Reapers are assholes.

The Triad, on the other hand, should be able to reproduce the high-tech. Why should the Nazis be the only ones with high-tech? And being able to outfit his mooks with fuck-you guns fits the Triads' style more than the crazy-expensive charms. Perhaps trade them the 30% of the gun from the Reaper the disciples killed in exchange for copies of any schemata they reverse-engineer for the guns? Although I'm inclined to not even mention it- Lo Fang seems to be Loot Arbiter, not 'taken in the heat of battle'. Then we can try and produce them on our own with gunsmith Russian, and everybody profits.

I like the idea of ID'ing charms for them if they desire it, but it gives away another ability of ours when we've already told them shadow, cold, wind, and multiple lives (unless Go Ping takes that as a joke). So, I reluctantly SUST.

Also, we may wish to mention the soul we took. Fang may or may not know about it by now, but surely some of the disciples or Go Ping saw what we did there. Make a joke of it, don't hide it - say we're going to build our own football team or make the best 'hall of slain enemies' ever or something.
>>
No. 366170 ID: 3fd4fb

Addenda and commentary on others' comments.

>>366117
>Aren't we entitled for ALL the loot from the Reaper that we killed on our own?
Yes, but most of that loot is exploded. Or was thrown somewhere by the explosion- I suppose some of it might be scattered around somewhere or other by the massive hole in the docks, or in the ocean beneath it.

>>366156
>give or trade the rifle bits to the Triads
I was thinking that Holland & Holland would likely be interested in the partial Reaper guns. Unless they've already got copies of them, it seems like exactly the sort of thing that they'd want- and we were slowly building a name with them already as a man skilled in acquisitions. At the moment we have better magical than technological contacts but things don't have to stay that way, and at a guess H&H would be better equipped to analyze and improve advanced magitech guns than anyone else we know.

>Fang may or may not know about it by now, but surely some of the disciples or Go Ping saw what we did there.
Maybe, maybe not. Developing spiritual senses good enough to detect a dead soul is no small feat, and we know that Go Ping at least has only got spotty learning, distributed bit by bit as he accomplishes tasks which cause Lo Fang to give him rewards. We don't have a very good idea of how well chakra users can perceive things, or whether their current boosting there would help them with that.

Speaking of that, though- since we're going to be here a while longer, take the opportunity to try and get in a more detailed spiritual examination of the various other parties here. What do they feel like, how are they different from or similar to normal people, what are their charms doing- particularly if they take off those charms while we're watching, we could learn quite a bit about them and what they do.

I'm particularly interested in the power boost charms that the disciples are using, for non-corporeal engorgement. Since the undead guy is using more, it's a reasonable assumption that the charms are either inhibited by being alive or that they're hazardous to the user if used too much. Are they amplifying the size of their souls- or somehow drawing more of it through their chakras, or something?

>>366079
>The time charm had nearly reached 12 when he was killed, so don't ask for that, it's probably nearly out of power.
I'm hoping that given as much time as they want, Shadowbro and Sake will be able to figure out how it works. Even if they're not able to come up with a method to recharge or replicate it, figuring out how to turn the damn things off in the heat of battle or coming up with any other kind of weakness could save our ass next time we fight Reapers.

Not as immediately useful unless we luck into a recharge method, though, I admit.
>>
No. 366173 ID: 3947e9

>If it's at all possible, we should ask SB to teleport a few droplets of any of the Disciples blood he can find into the dark, as it may be interesting.
SUST
Are you a blood mage capable of identifying which blood belongs to whom? (Answer: NO)
And do you realize that if caught that is instant war with them?

>“Well, i'll be honest: I am going to be greedy. First, I already took the dead reaper's machine guns component earlier. Second, i'd wish for the Gauntlet. Third, to get the charms to study for the week. I will, of course, give them back to you, as well as tell you everything I learned about them. I will also offer the same knoweldge for the gun components and gauntlet.”
SUST on saying we are being greedy, we aren't we are being fair. And you are being overly generous saying you will study then give them everything permanently. (we might have to disassemble them for true study). And besides the phrasing is too obtuse.
Just outright say "I propose that regardless of who gets what, we each each act to reverse engineer and study these spoils and share the knowledge with each other". And I would much rather go for charms rather then tech (taser gauntlet)

>I'm hoping that given as much time as they want, Shadowbro and Sake will be able to figure out how it works. Even if they're not able to come up with a method to recharge or replicate it, figuring out how to turn the damn things off in the heat of battle or coming up with any other kind of weakness could save our ass next time we fight Reapers.
Yes, and it would be priceless if we manage to find a way to charge it (expensive to run probably, expensive to make duplicates of, but amazingly useful)

>Unlimited training as reward from lo fang
This is a huge boon right there, don't spoil it.
>>
No. 366205 ID: d97a61
 

>>366024
>>366050
>>366072
>>366117
Did you miss the part where they said this was the only reaper to leave behind loot?
>>366156
With a brief wish that Go Ping does as I hoped and takes what I said as a hyperbolistic jest rather than a telling remark of my abilities, I reply with a concise report.
"He was significantly injured and disarmed in my initial strike, and later I drew his focus to myself as much as possible, then kept him immobilized until the others could finish him off. I also stopped whatever the deadman switch on that gauntlet was going to set off- probably another giant explosion, but I can't confirm that."
>[Lo Fang]"You are the first to make any mention of or detect such a thing-please explain what you detected that led you to such a conclusion."
"Simple: The quicksilver-eque material coating his severed shoulder was moving completely against gravity and gravitating directly towards his gauntlet."
>[Lo Fang]"While I suppose I could get into the semantics of what other possible causes for such an event could be, that can be tabled: Your evidence is accepted, Mr. Laine. Is there anything more you wish to say while I am taking your accounting of your performance?"
"Yes: In the process of my initial action that neutralized the first Reaper, I perforce acquired some internal mechanisms from the Reaper firearms. To my understanding I have rights to them already."
>[Lo Fang]"...Yes, you do have rights to them. What of your preference?"
"Before I answer that-do you have any preexisting information on the Reaper charms?"
>[Lo Fang]"Less than I'd like, but likely more than you currently know. I know that their chronal charms, the mainstay of their charm array as well as it's nexus, is not innately able to recover energy-however, I also know for a fact that the charms are in some way rechargeable. I know that there charms are designed to function specifically for the soul of their bearer-and in three separate, rather expensive attempts, no way to get appreciable function out of the charms after the user's death has been foud or heard of. I know the purpose of five of the peripheral charms-flesh manipulation to regulate the body's performance within a time bubble, a delicate and overspecialized piece of work, blood manipulation to supplement and enhance the body adaptation to variable temporal states, Electrical manipulation to combat neural damage from thinking too... swiftly, and air manipulation charm that filters out any poisonous, toxic or otherwise harmful particulates from the air before they can pass the nose or mouth. Lastly, I am aware of a spirit manipulation charm designed to make them heavily resistant to directed or otherwise focused mental assault or possession. There... is a small bit more information than that, but it's intertwined with material I must label as confidential. Suffice to say, you'd need to be a member of our association or otherwise bound to our organization for life before I could give you the details of how this was confirmed-or you could take me at my word, Mr. Laine."
"..Three attempts? Am I to infer all three were at your behest, or is this drawn from your entire organization's encountered with these operatives?"
>[Lo Fang]"Yes, the ever-important question of scale: Neither option is entirely correct. Some five other... managers, let us call them, lent their own resources to my project on the most recent attempt-and each one of them has access to roughly equivalent resources as myself. Suffice to say, I imagine it is possible-but when the cost is measured in billions, not millions, with still no answer: well, one must abandon the project if one is to call themselves a properly pragmatic businessman. ...It's almost a pity, had I not made such a concerted effort studying the topic and attracted some personal attention for it, I might have entertained the thought of contracting out a Soul manipulator and some rather... expensive mercenaries to collect a Reaper's soul and look for a less... palatable work-around. A moot point now-and one cannot be villianized for ideas considered-is that not so, Mr. Laine?"
A strange question-made even stranger by the intensity of the otherwise idle rhetoric.
"Not yet, at least."
>[Lo Fang]"...True enough."
"So to clarify-nothing you can tell me about the other charms in the array?"
>[Lo Fang]"Other than the fact all the charms have shown themselves designed to self destruct if tampered with, and otherwise inert in the hands of any but their wielder? No, there is not."
I mull this over as I eye Hillevi working her way through the dozens of wounded, still bothered by the boxes of obscured triad souls I dimly sense. ...And even without a wearer, the charms continue to confound my passive sensing with their curiously... curved magical nature.
>[Sake]"Our brother cannot pierce their veil either."
...Makes me feel a bit better about still having no clue, I suppose.
>[Lo Fang]"...While I respect a choice is not to be made impulsively within the world of business, there is such a thing as being... expedient, Mr. Laine."
I finish sending a short text to Camella: Delayed due to being on fire and needing new, non-bloody clothes-will be late. Meet @ Ito's?, wishing I hadn't been typing that the moment he chided me. Oh well.
"I think you know me well enough to know that what you said just makes me want to take my own swing at the charms."
>[Lo Fang]"Of course-who, after all, can pass on the chance to master even a sliver of Time itself?"

I idly scratch my face, looking in irritation at the blood-covered finger after I accidentally carve off a chunk of over-tend, burnt flesh-and do something about it.

[WINTER ENERGY:-5 47/100]
[SUMMER ENERGY:-5 27/40]

A snap healing later that had my skin tingle for a second shows me an unblemished hand as I consider the pile of of charms, cloth and broken flesh that was once a fellow mercenary.
"Couple things-so what, if anything, happens if you try to seperate the charms from one another?"
>[Lo Fang]"You may have noticed how all save the chronal charm are anchored on interconnected loops of metal? Any attempt to seperate a specific charm from that latticework is treated as an attempt to alter the charm-and promptly neutralizes it's magic. Vexing, I know."
"Hm-back to my earlier comment, were any pieces of their firearms recovered, or in any way found to survive the blast?"
My phone vibrates-yeah, that's gotta be Camella responding, I'll check it in a minute.
>[Lo Fang]"Not in a viable format-unless you want non-magically active, partly-melted and frequently fused pieces that bear no resemblance to their original, functional shape?"
"...Think I'll pass on that."
>[Lo Fang]"A wise choice. ...Well, the charms are of course yours, and so that leaves us a lone Gauntlet as recompense for a considerable loss of life and injury. On that note, it seems your colleague has been rather... prodigiously helpful. Who is she?"
"I would be pleased to introduce her properly- although she would probably appreciate being able to see the one she's being introduced to. Can you accommodate that?"
>[Lo Fang]"Not today, as it happens. Very well-it's a reasonable enough request, even if I'm right and already know who she is-or at least what she's part of. The weather in Finland this time of year can be particularly chilling, can it not Mr. Laine?"
"I know what it's like around this time of year yes-though I don't know that I'd claim to mind the chill overmuch."
>[Lo Fang]"A wonderful non-answer."
I lean down, casting a final look about the room for missed fragments of the mere and spotting none, promptly scooping free of the pile of gore the complicated multicharm rig and the clearly depleted temporal charm, the lone separate charm... despite Lo Fang having just identified it as the core of the multi-charm setup.
>[Iron Trick]"I'm reasonably certain Lo Fang was being accurate-and I'd guess this to be involved with the restrictions on the charms. Something I'd recommend researching thoroughly first, before attempting any experimentation."
"Well, Mr. Fang, as much as I do relish these chances to converse with you-and I'm looking forward to speaking to you again soon-I do have other obligations today."
>[Lo Fang]"Time sensitive one's I'd assume or you wouldn't bother mentioning them. Please do feel free to leave-two extra pairs of hands assisting in cleanup now would be a negligable change to the work capacity here, whatever.. preternatural capacity may be involved. ...I believe I shall look forward to speaking with you again soon, Mr. Laine."
The strange, low static that filled the com as Lo Fang spoke to me vanishes, the hectic drone of rapid-fire Chinese exchanges returns and is almost immediately blocked out once more. I check my phone-reading a simple I'll be waiting, but bring an explanation. blinking in my inbox. Eh, I can work with that.

I speak to Go Ping, knowing he's standing seven feet behind me and three feet to the right and currently quite attentive to my actions as I wrap the charms in the cleaner rags I can find, only too happy to let ample samples of the Reaper's blood be acquired in the process.
"So. Have to ask: Still up for getting a bit of revenge on old Doony?"
For a moment Go Ping says nothing, and I wonder if I didn't speak loudly enough.
>[Go Ping]"..The Doonongaes, yes, as are the other two survivors of our prior encounter. You need merely call us and let us know where and when, and there we shall be."
"Good to have that confirmed-"
>>366170
"-...Hm."
>[Go Ping]"Camella warned me about your contemplative grunts: they bespeak trouble on the horizon, or so her words can be paraphrased."
"I'm... just thinking of some gun nuts I know."
>[Go Ping]"Possibly related to the jingling pieces of metal in thr... four pockets? Which I now must assume to be gun parts."
"Are you implying you were not listening while I spoke to Lo Fang?"
>[Go Ping]"I was given no order to eavesdrop, and lacking such saw no reason to intrude on your privacy-I do attempt to exercise some measure of civility where possible."
"Huh, color me impressed."
>[Go Ping]"What color would that be?"
"Well obviously a greenish-reddish neon silver. With chartreuse polkadots."
>[Go Ping]"...I shall endeavor to remember that for future reference."
"Always the studious one, aren't you?"
>[Go Ping]"It pays to be both observant and keen to learn, I have foun-Labombard, you return-triumphant I trust."
A decidedly naked Labombard walks into the room, panting as he grabs a proffered towel, wiping layers of blood and grime off before taking the similarly offered shirt and slacks in a practiced manner that suggests routine.
>[Labombard]"...Oui. The shift to more aggressive tactics did prove effective-at least one on one. Now tell it to me true-the American Asshole killed one and all but killed the other? Without a scratch to his person?"
"Seems I got lucky."
>[Labombard]"Oui, 'lucky'. Well, I was going to talk to you before about how Titancorp could potentially become a threat in the area but it seems a moot point now."
"No kidding. ...So, more party-goers joining the fray. Don't suppose you know how things stand with Savoy and his newer friends?"
>[Labombard]"He's still, somehow, part of their group-I'm not sure how, your suggestions were only part of what I know was implemented against him-but things have gotten a bit.. strange. Where once it was three big powers-us, the Mafia and the Turks-now there's four. With one behaving a bit too scandalously. We know they moved in some serious hardware during a few of Blackbeard's more... provocative actions during his stay in this fair city, but have not yet been able to determine what. A decidedly uneasy stalemate-that realistically we hoped would be broken here by their attack."
"Too bad we got Reapers."
>[Labombard]"Oui. Losses without a change to our current problem. ...Well, I happen to need to attend to some work of my own now-another time."
"See you later Labombard."


I'm a bit disappointed as I see Hillevi already standing, finished with the last wounded Triad, and Lo Fang's disciples have not divested themselves of their charms or otherwise become readable even once-a pity, but only the mundane members of the group are fully visible to me-and none are of particular interest. I almost wish she could have worked slower, but know there's nothing to be done. After wrapping the rag-enveloped charms in plastic and sealing it up, I decide, in lieu of heading towards the streets where I do believe I'll get into trouble for being drenched in blood, I'll see what my designation as 'Friend' to the Goblins means.

I march my ass over to the nearest manhole, wondering if I can hear sirens in the distance, and beckon for Hillevi to follow as I descend.
>"...The sewers..."
She wrinkles her nose but does not comment-thought she does squeak rather excitedly as she springs into a combat stance at our 'greeting'. The moment her feet where on the floor with mine, a voice just betwixt our ears inquired most politely what our business was here on Wyld Goblin territory. As I converse with the speaker, identifying myself and verifying the goblin knows of me designation as Friend, I become increasingly certain this isn't SM. While regrettably the Goblin isn't willing to guide us back to the Mansion via the sewers-a different option is presented. A far... more colorfully tired Shadowbro chimes in, his thoughts weary yet resolute.

>"straight straight left straight right straight straight straight right left strait right straight straight left left straight straight right, by intersection. At the end of that you'll hit a dead end with a ladder leading to an alley next to the house grounds. Yes, I could guide you elsewhere through paths obscured by shadow, no, not currently, I'm dealing with a decidedly different backlash from my mentoring in the Nevernever. I'll answer what questions you have later I... I need to rest."
>[Sake]"I will note our brother's soul has gained quite a tidy bit. I shall see if he'll speak with me, at least, while he rests."
>[Iron Trick]"Doubtful. A shadowbeing's recoil for temporal disassociation is a bit too... intellectual for them to do much of anything until it passes. Thankfully the recovery period is far shorter than a mortals."
You truly enjoy belatedly teasing me with only tiny bits of information, don't you.
>[Iron Trick]"It would be more prudent to ask if you yourself would enjoy doing such were our positions were reversed-and by my actions I think we know the answer to that."
Bah.

It takes all of seventeen minutes to get back, the fully occluded path giving me a wondrous playground in which to stretch my legs-but with my Soul Brother slumbering, having received the tutelage he was promised in what to me was a single instant, I am restricted to my own largely human limits. I stay flat out running the whole way, happily on my improved stamina, but Hillevi was clearly going slow for me-and that is something I find irksome.

I emerge under the sunlight, ghost up a fire escape not unlike the one I scaled assaulted the mansion under it's prior ownership, and slip open one of the windows I know to be unlocked (my rationale being with Amen defending the grounds, what point is there to locking possible entrances?) to hop into the house without ever reaching the now more heavily crowded street outside. Turns out, I leapt into the room of one of the Russians whose names I hadn't caught yet, the man slowly lowering his rifle as he recognizes me and my companion. I note Amen standing in the hall, silently watching through the cracked doorway in a decidedly offputting manner.

Well then-






What do I tell/ask of Amen? (this includes what new clothes Armas should wear. More detailed suggestions/rationales will be given more weight)
What do I say to the Russian who's name I don't know If you're one of the posters from /disc/ that wanted an as-of-yet unnamed Russian, now would be the time to name the man.
What my plan concerning Hafaz and co?
My next appointment is seeing Camella at Ito's-and seeing the old man himself. What goals/important conversational topics do I have for these meetings?
How should I get to Ito's gym, given it's more than twenty blocks away?
>>
No. 366212 ID: 42e7cd

Tell Amen to extract the blood from your clothing and store it safely. (Standard extrapolations of this order to evade harm are expected, Armas would find that habit by now.) One of the charms is supposed to be blood manipulation - as Amen's opinion of it, and see if he can create a similar one for you. (Expected extrapolations on the order, etc) Every little bit helps!


>What is my plan concerning Hafaz and co?

Keep them healthy and sane and here. We will discuss payment for services rendered when we aren't double-booked.

>My next appointment is seeing Camella at Ito's-and seeing the old man himself. What goals/important conversational topics do I have for these meetings?

Let's construct what we have to go over while we head there - important things to touch on so storytelling doesn't last all day or get boring. Also, what is and isn't good to reveal.

As a rule of thumb, adversaries/issues overcome is safe, but not new abilities.

Introduce Hillevi, etc.
>>
No. 366235 ID: 2964e1

Sorry for the length, but we've got a lot we need to do. I at least managed to keep it shorter than the update!. Note the section of what to do with the charms and pieces of Reaper is key.

>What do I tell/ask of Amen? (this includes what new clothes Armas should wear. More detailed suggestions/rationales will be given more weight)

This needs to be asked away from anyone else:

Ask Amen to create a separate underground two bedroom apartment, including large kitchen and dining room, connected to the sewer entrance, that is mutually inaccessible with the rest of the mansion save by him and I, and anyone I choose to invite in between. If he knows how, this should have cosmetic decorations in the Red Cap style. We may want co contemplate inviting the Red Caps to become permanent tenants at some point, and it would be both gracious and sensible to have a private dining room to eat in.

On the subject of renovations, we should ask him if he can set up a wind tunnel comparable to the one they will have in the local university engineering department, if Sake thinks that would help him regenerate his energy, and a simple machine to make liquid nitrogen, to fuel SB's cold based magic.

We should refer back to our previous conversation about magic, and ask him to tell us, in the same terms that he described his own abilities, what he currently knows about which styles of magic our bloodlines currently support, and what each of the alternatives for the third aspect of our winter bloodline would enable us to support.

We should also refer back to our previous questions to him about chakra and our bloodlines. Whilst he implied that our spirit manipulation based bloodline made chakra use as natural as breathing, is he aware of any synergies between our summer bloodline and chakra use, or between both bloodlines used in conjunction and chakra use? The restrictions when we asked generally about magic on how and what information he can tell us apply.

We should also ask Amen how our divine soul graft from Whaitiri interacts with both chakra and our winter based soul manipulation. We know that at least one divine animal uses chakra based techniques to channel their power, we suspect that Stallon's Sami Shaman had a special relationship with their god, and we know that the magic of gods differs substantially in nature, not just degree, to that of human bloodline users.

We should ask him to take any blood we've brought in that is not our own safely, in a way that will not degrade and give it back to us in vials without doing anything else to it, separated by source. Ask him to say what he can tell us about the magic the blood's donor(s)used or were exposed to out loud that will not inherently harm us and we can understand.

Before getting new clothes, we should quickly shower, and then ask Amen to transport, in a way that will have no negative side effects on us, any samples of our blood or body within his sphere of influence that are not currently part of us into a pot in front of us, without any contaminants that would harm us in any way, and we should then force ourselves to eat it.

On clothes, we want something presentable but not noticeable that is reasonably hard wearing, and doesn't restrict our movements too much. A pair of urban camouflage trousers, some lightweight walking boots, one of the modern walking fleece tops that's designed to wick away sweat, and a lightweight jacket that is good quality whilst not being obvious.

>What do I say to the Russian who's name I don't know.
"Sorry to crash your room, just passing through..."

After apologising to him, we should talk to Matevy and get a briefing on what happened after you went into the building from their perspective, and what, if any, materials were recovered from the building. Give your congratulations for the efficiency of their part of the ambush on Blackbeard, and jokingly, ask how much they think they cost him in charms as he fell helplessly.

>What my plan concerning Hafaz and co?

Go and say hello. Mention that you're on your way to see Ito and Camella, and that you think it would be best for them to be there when you tell the story of their rescue. Grin widely whilst you say this.

Also, ask what they can tell us of what went down this morning before we arrived.
You should invite Hillevi to come along, and offer to take her on a tour of the city on the way back.

>My next appointment is seeing Camella at Ito's-and seeing the old man himself. What goals/important conversational topics do I have for these meetings?

You need to present Camella with her still beating heart with the words,

"I promised you a present..."

Introduce Hillevi as your ward, using her first name but not her surname. Try to get them talking. At the end of the conversation, invite Camella to help you show Hillevi around Istanbul.

Generally, we should tell the story of how Hillevi and you came to Hafaz' rescue. As far as you can whilst telling the truth, emphasises Hillevi's role and the good choices she made, such as her quick reactions on killing the Ashfreaks.

To Ito, say you've picked up some tricks whilst you're away, and you'd love to set up some time to demonstrate in depth, you could show him a little in a quick private spar now, if he can lend you a practice weapon.

Then, you want to start by fighting him using the Kas Pin that Einrik implanted, and then gradually draw on your goblin stealth to integrate it with your Spear of the Ghost style. Whilst doing this, you should keep a very close eye on what happens to Ito's soul and chakra, and what precisely occurs.

>How should I get to Ito's gym, given it's more than twenty blocks away?

Go outside, find a phone box after making sure you're not followed, and book a (couple of, if Hafaz and team are coming) large people carrier style cab(s) to do a pick-up in front of a local restaurant.

If they're coming, Hillevi and you should take one cab, and Hafaz and team the other.

>Charms, etc

Now, we have recently lost a very valuable object due to thoughtlessly taking it with us when we didn't need it – the anti-venom to the Doonegeas' poison. We cannot do the same with what we took from the Reapers, or with the mere. At the very least, we should ask Amen for the location of the study, and place the fragments of the mere, save the handle with the sharp, broken edge (check with Sake whether from what he knows of divine energy the pieces of the mere should be kept with us first), the Reaper gun and the charms in separate draws. However, I'm not happy about separating the Reaper's blood, soul and charms, so we should try to keep them together. Amen can surely already detect we're a soul binder, so after checking with SB and Sake that they can extract the soul from our eye, we should ask Amen whether if we were to produce a bond mortal soul now, he could rebind it without damage to it or anything else, preserve it incapable of action, unchanged, incommunicado and unexamined, and then transport it around or to the edge of the mansion and then release it. If he answers in the affirmative order him to do so to the soul we produce, and have him place it on the desk, near but not touching the charms.

Now, this doesn't seem like a healthy long term state of affairs, and we should quickly resolve it before we go anywhere else. It should only take a few minutes, if we should ring SM and say,

“Whilst I know I owe you a secret, before we get to that there's some information you might be interested in, and a joint project I'd like to propose. Interested?”

If he says yes:

”Can I suggest then, that we relocate to the part of your domain that I just exited, where we may discuss this more securely?”

If he says yes, then go there, and say:

”My thanks for agreeing to meet with me. As you are probably aware, there was a small altercation between some of TitanCorp's Reapers, and the Triads, which I was witness to. Now, I'm sure you know most of the details, how one Reaper was slain by a Loup Garou, another by a massive explosion that destroyed part of the docks, and a third by Lo Fang's Triad disciples, what you may be more interested in is the soul manipulation that was occurring inside the warehouse.”

Then describe what you witnessed happening to the Triad's souls, and how some of them seemed to be reanimated after they should have died.

“This, however, is only the prelude to my proposal. You are aware, I'm sure of the interlinked charm sets that the Reapers use? Well, Lo Fng owed me, and so one of those sets has come into my possession, along with a sample of its bearer's blood. Stop me if this is something you have no interest in, and I will make my apologies and move on to other things...”

If he does not :

”I am aware of the difficulty of investigating these enchantments, indeed, I personally witnessed the soul of the bearer attempt to manipulate their equipment after their demise, not doubt in an attempt to thwart such. However, as I mentioned before, substantial soul-manipulation, perhaps by some indirect means, was occurring in the warehouse that the Reaper was slain in, and I believe I could get you access to its soul. Of course, that would also be a valuable opportunity to extract any secrets that the mercenary may have know...”

Although you are almost certainly incapable of reading the millennia old goblin, you should try, as this is where you need to be extra convincing:

“So, my proposal is that we work together on deciphering the secrets of these charms, sharinf what we learn freely between us. My contribution may initially be in providing the charms, blood and soul for the duration of the project, but I would hope that my small abilities and my shadow brothers greater ones may be of some use, and that as we studied my competence in the analysis would increase and come to add more value. What are your thoughts on the viability of this project?”

Hopefully he says yes, and we can give him the blood and charms, and Amen give him the soul. We should schedule times to work together on this, as we don't want it to take too long.

If he says no at any point, or if the above negotiation is resolved favourably, move onto giving him the secret that the Heir to the Valkonen family is no fan of puns at all, which you personally find makes them even more delicious. You should then return to the surface and get on with your day.

>>366232
>we should ask Amen if he can impart us with the knowledgement of how to extract information of a binded soul

No, no we shouldn't, certainly not phrased like that.
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No. 366236 ID: c8687a

we should ask Amen if he can impart us with the knowledgement of how to extract information of a binded soul
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No. 366237 ID: f6106a

>>366235
Upvoting pretty much all of this, but SM will not be willing to freely share the information he may learn from the charm. Instead, we should ask about, since the charm is linked to a soul, having the charm changed to either be linked to ours, or after extracting information from the Reaper binding it's soul to the charm in such a way as to allow us to use it without risk. And perhaps remove the anti-tampering bits so some accidental damage mid-battle won't completely destroy the thing on us.

Oh, and we should go ahead and include the secret we owe now. Einrik is bothered by puns.
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No. 366240 ID: 303a65

>>366235
>>366237
Woah Woah let's not get ahead of ourself here. We have an incredible amounts of deals with SM to do but it will need time to be prepared (e.g, read the files Grisha and Gloom might have found), so let's do this when we really have time to dedicate to job well done. Also, no deal with SM that doesn't involve getting us more meats today, as we need qute a bit, not only for ourself during the rest of the week, but for our various guests.

So, SUST on contacting SM prematurely.

>What do I tell/ask of Amen? (this includes what new clothes Armas should wear. More detailed suggestions/rationales will be given more weight)

Well, we are meeting CAMELLA here, not tria dmembers we must look professional to. So, completely orange suit with gruint linings, Green tie, green jacket. No sunglasses, and no scarf: in this, we must look like 'Armas Laine the guy', not 'Armas Laine the professional'.

"Amen, i now order you to always talk to me in real time during our mental ccommunications or otherwise unless i specifically order you to speak to me in quicker ways. An example of me ordering you to do that would be for me to address you as 'Quick Amen'."

"Amen, tell me where the study is and whether you are aware of trap place wherein, then tell me of another Study-like room in a room close to my bedroom- it should be inoffensive or harmful, and can be securely locked. Once i enter it, you will not be allowed to interfere in any ways in any things within that new 'Studyroom' of mine."

Once that's done, put the charms and gun and mere component in that room, then securely close it.

Keep in mind that the self-destruct of the charm is about tinkering, not about being seperated from the soul, so no danger there.

>What do I say to the Russian who's name I don't know If you're one of the posters from /disc/ that wanted an as-of-yet unnamed Russian, now would be the time to name the man.

Ask his name, and tell him to ask Hafaz and co, as well as Matvey and co, to wait for us downstair- we might have an handful of minutes to talk.

>What my plan concerning Hafaz and co?

Ask Hafaz how he has been doing, and what the hell happened there. We must know how this clusterfuck happened, and what kind of files he was talking about that let him learn we were back. Once that's done, ask him if it will cause problem with his employers. If he still has his good relations, ask as 'payment' that he help connect us to people that could hire a PMC from time to time. I am sure Matvey and himself already talked about it though.

Then, get Grisha and Gloom to show you the files they took. If we have time, read them. If we don't, ask them politely if we can take them with us.

Hell: Ask if one of the russian if one feel like playing secretary this afternoon, or if they all feel like meeting an chakra user that owns a dojo.

While they are not invited to Camella's unless she agrees to, Ito's IS a dojo, after all.

If they agree to come, have some of them take the files in suitcases, to review on the way. This is yet another of the things to do before we can truly meet with sM.


>My next appointment is seeing Camella at Ito's-and seeing the old man himself. What goals/important conversational topics do I have for these meetings?

Well, obviously, get camella the Scenduraga heart you have left for her. This should be given in an impressive enough fashion. If we are extremely lucky, Sake should be recovered enough
for him to lift it into her her hand, or something.

We must broach the possibility to Ito to have some more chakra training, as our new soul sense should truly help us with that. We must also having some sparring with Itoh using a wooden spear and SotG while try to merge it with Kas Pin, in order to 'show Ito off' to the russians. If they want to learn from him, good.

Then, talk to Camella about our BB's meeting, as well as about how readily Go Ping talks of her- is there some flirtation there?


>How should I get to Ito's gym, given it's more than twenty blocks away?

It all depends on if we go there alone, or in group. In group, we would be forced to get on a bus i guess, unless Amen has some cars.

Alone, we could use the sewers, and, IF we had time to look at the files, as well as get information from Hafaz, meet SM for quicker travel time.

+Price for Hillevi: Einrik hates puns
+Price for Armas: Armas' one of the World's best human whistler.

Alternatively, something like "I am going to pay what i believe a much bigger secret than needed for my own travel to ito, to 'set a pace' for this meeting: Savoy has to pay his firstborn son to the Devil that gave him the arm i ate".

Also, SB kinda hinted he might be able to Speed up our own travel time through the sewers, so if he can we could do it with the whole of the PMC, but in that case we we just need to pay for Hillevi's previous travel, as we better NOT make long deals in front of them.

As for the terms of the deals we want to make LATER on, the important, relevant points, are:
+Splinter intent trick
+Reaper's weakness to shadow teleporting their equipment, as it counts as tinkering and makes it explode
+Files
+Info From Hafaz
+Our old deals until natural life to change until permanent soul death
+Lo Fang playing with delaying death spells
+Our other general observations during the fight

Some of the things to get in exchange:
+Shadow food for SB
+Food types that are especially good for mental health, mental acuity, mental resistance to damage.
+Lessons on magical sensing, lessons on charms crafting
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No. 366279 ID: 81f32a

Oh, ask Shadowbo (or have Sake relay the answer) how subjectively long was his training.

We ate all of our personal supplies of meat. But I am sure that Smets mansion has it own supply too. Ask Amen if there are magical meats and especially hearts stored somewhere. Ask him if he can bring them to us. Then ask him to prepare sandwiches with super-condensed meat (tell him instead of making few huge ones, he is to make several smaller ones. It will be easier to eat them that way). Tell him to use up to 50 pounds of meat.
If there are no meat, we know that the Mansion has HUGE reserves of magical/human BLOOD. We should at least drink several liters of it.

>What do I tell/ask of Amen? (this includes what new clothes Armas should wear. More detailed suggestions/rationales will be given more weight)

well, first we had outrageous, expensive satin suit, coat and a tie made out of gold, then we had outrageous, expensive black suit, coat and a tie made of gold... I propose this time we take a white, outrageous suit, coat and a tie made out of gold. Black shirt and loafers... and perhaps the suit should have black stripes too? I am sure that Amen will be able to make it look good, even get us a fitting coat with greed fur coat to hide.

Now... about the Reaper charms. I am not sure I trust Amen to deal with it but whatever we do make sure to first ask him if he can do something with them and ask him if he can do it for us. The also ask if he can tell us of the projected results and ask him if he can tell us of possible alternatives.

>What do I say to the Russian who's name I don't know If you're one of the posters from /disc/ that wanted an as-of-yet unnamed Russian, now would be the time to name the man.

Excuse ourself for startling him. Ask him for his name perhaps and then be about your business.

>What my plan concerning Hafaz and co?

We need their stories so that we can sell them, we need to pry it in such a way that they do not consider that as a part of the payment.
Also, as a part of the reward we must ask Hafaz to teach us his special martial style.

>My next appointment is seeing Camella at Ito's-and seeing the old man himself. What goals/important conversational topics do I have for these meetings?

We should take Hillevi and a couple of Russians there (no more than 3. We should ask for best unarmed combatants out of the lot).
Perhaps take Hafaz&Co too?


>How should I get to Ito's gym, given it's more than twenty blocks away?
Take public transport?
Or better, ask Amen if the Smets Mansion has a garage with car/s that we can use.
...Or we could walk.

On the way there, we should drop into a bank and show Hillevi how to use the her bank-card. We should also see how much money she has at her disposal (I am betting it is over a million dollars)
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No. 366304 ID: 00750c

>>366236
This.
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No. 366307 ID: 1bff94

>>366240
Upvoting

Lets not dress like a pimp, and lets dress ourselves make our own food and wash ourselves, having Amen do that strikes me as not terrbily bright.

That said, I like the idea of eating our own remains.

Somebody claim that russian! Call him Ziven[suposedly a russian name] or something, it isn't Lev anyway, he'd be pointing a sword at Armas not a gun.
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No. 366316 ID: 3fd4fb

>>366205
>Delayed due to being on fire and needing new, non-bloody clothes-will be late.
>I'll be waiting, but bring an explanation.
Damn. I was hoping that we could have a "delayed, must remove blood from clothes"/"why is there blood on your clothes"/"Go Ping dumped a bucket of blood on my head"/"Why in the world-"/"To put out the fire" sequence. It would have been great. Botched that one, I guess; alas for missed opportunities.

>our brother's soul has gained quite a tidy bit.
Hrm. Can we look at him ourself and see how he's changed? We do have awesome soulvision, after all. One would think that we'd notice that sort of thing before Sake.

>What do I tell/ask of Amen?
Get him to remove the blood from us and our loot and identify how many separate individuals it came from- and if any of those individuals yet live, to tell us their Names if he can discover them in a manner which will not risk detection.

Have him securely store the mere shards, the gun parts, and the Reaper charms in a manner which will not damage them until such time as we request them. Actually, take inventory of everything we're carrying and ensure that we're not toting around shit we don't need- that brace of grenades from the Triads should probably go into storage, for example. If we swiped one of those empty vials that we think Labombard used, we could have Amen analyze any residue inside it to tell us what it was.

Wear something that is not totally insane. We're going to see Camella and Ito here, and have no need to impress them with how wacky and over the top we are.

>What my plan concerning Hafaz and co?
First, get a report from them and/or the Russians as to what's been happening here in our absence- anything relevant to us on the news? Any police drop by and make a nuisance of themselves?

With the most essential bit taken care of, background on what was going on there would be appreciated- get details on every bit of it that they know, not only for our own interests but also so that we have more to sell to Sometimes Merchant later.

Ensure that everyone has been introduced properly- Hillevi in particular. She rather exemplifies Hafaz' line from way back about the definition of human being occasionally quite flexible.

Aside from that... there's the matter of paying us back for the favor of rushing to their rescue. "I'm looking into scaling my business up. The solo mercenary bit is working out pretty well, but there's a lot more money and power to be had in being part of a group. If you want to pay me back, help me build something- you don't have to sign on yourselves, though that would be great, but making this happen will be a big job and I can use all the help I can get."

>My next appointment is seeing Camella at Ito's-and seeing the old man himself. What goals/important conversational topics do I have for these meetings?
First, company for this trip: Hillevi and Sake can come if they want, and Shadowbro obviously moves with us at all times, but don't bring anyone else. In particular, do not bring the Russians. They are still not working for us, and until they are we should not be introducing them to all our contacts. There will be plenty of time for them to become acquainted with Camella and Ito if they should accept employment; there is no rush. What's more, moving them around the city in a giant swarm is highly conspicuous even if we have vehicles and we don't know how effectively they were spotted this morning. Hafaz and friends we don't need to haul around with us; they're perfectly capable of doing their own thing after we give them our job offer.

The most important conversational topic is with Camella. Camella is one of the only people we can probably actually trust, by the simple logic that she doesn't have closer ties to anyone than she does to us. We have very few actual confidantes and she can be one, if we're willing to tell her things. Considering that almost all our secrets have already gone out to one person or another, I'm willing to give Camella the actual full story of what we did on our trip (which will probably take a long while) if she indicates that she wants to hear it rather than the drastically abridged versions of everything we've generally given her thus far; warn her in before she decides that she'll probably find it disturbing, both because of what we've been up to and because of what the magical world in general is like as we've seen it; she might be happier with the short version. If she wants the full tale, it would be crazy to do so without getting her to promise not to share our secrets with anyone- they're the kinds of things that can get us killed a dozen times over. Sake probably knows how to make that promise binding by the Rule of Three. If she refuses we can give her the usual relentlessly smartass censored version of our tale tailored to shock, startle, and promote disbelief that we always do.

If she accepts... then we start with part of our soul being eaten by a cannibal goddess and eating part of her soul in turn, and move forward from there. Our tale will be very different if we can actually explain things like Shadowbro's existence, our promise to Ogrimir in exchange for power even though we're sure he's a powerful and sinister entity, our growing drive to consume human flesh (and the fact that it's terrifying as hell) and the fact that we now consume dozens of pounds of meat a day and gain power from that which we devour, Silja's fate and circumstance, and Amen's nature, his hold on us and ours on him, and what we've used his power for. It'll freak her the hell out but if we present it right, we might be able to get an actual friend who knows our secrets and we can trust to give us heartfelt advice out of it.

That will probably take most of the afternoon. When we're done, get the full story of what she's been up to in Istanbul and how she's actually doing- the new leg thing is almost certainly a huge shock. Fill her in on the events of this morning, adjusted to fit her response to our earlier offer, and our plans regarding putting together a supernaturally powered military group for hire. Invite her to join in as one of our top people- she would almost certainly be better equipped to help run something like that than we would, even if she's somewhat lacking in crazy magical superpowers. We can get her those later if she wants them.

When all that's done, it's Ito time. Get alone with him and demonstrate our new combat tricks- everything from Kas Pin to our chakras to our slightly boosted strength and speed. Get his assessment, and see if he can teach us to use the soul powers we've got better through his knowledge of chakras; there's no sense using up Lo Fang training time when Ito can teach us things.

Also see how he's been doing in our absence. Things seemed pretty good when we heard about them on the phone, but there's nothing like talking about it in person with the man himself to get the actual report.

Introduce Hillevi if she comes along, although her afternoon will probably be boring- we can warn her that it might be in advance. Camella can see her without the glamour if we give her the full story of what we've been up to; Ito is... probably not quite ready to see her without it, although we can if he wants.

>How should I get to Ito's gym, given it's more than twenty blocks away?
My default choice would be to walk. Twenty blocks isn't that much time spent walking, as that we're beyond incredibly fit; even accounting for the need to use goblin stealth to assuage our paranoia over moving in the open, we'll still probably make it in half an hour or less. That's not so long to spend in transit. And walking lets us stop somewhere and show Hillevi how to use a debit card.

Of course, if someone is watching the house- Attention sensing should pick that up- then we'll need to take steps to evade. Even that shouldn't be terribly difficult, though, and should leave us still able to walk to Ito's.
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No. 366330 ID: f8aa66

When you and Amen are alone, expel the Reaper soul from your eye (only after ensuring nothing in the mansion will harm it, or it them). Also don't let it leave, sell it, or damage it beyond the minimum needed to secure the first condition. Not sure what we're gonna do with it, but it seems we already have a potential buyer in Lo Fang.

Hafaz: Be totally normal while the 4 feel like they sold their souls to the devil. Ask what's new. Have they tried any new bars? You have a good Finnish mead they may want to try sometime...

If they bring up the whole Blackbeard thing, smile angelically and say it doesn't matter who saved who from motherfucking Blackbeard. And who may one day - and this day may never come - be called upon to perform a service... we might have missed the opportunity to be Butch Cassidy with Lammy, but we can be Michael Corleone now.

If they inquire further, request: at least 1 training session with Hafaz's martial art, 1 trip to a bar of their choice where they will be buying Armas as many rounds as he requires (then forcing them to have to deal with the fallout), and the big one: go on the payroll. Take jobs from us, basically; we're not asking them to break up the band or even sign an exclusivity contract with us, although we want to know about the jobs they take (including the Blackbeard one); room and board is included, although they would be sharing the mansion with a bound god of blood and hate. He came with the house. Perhaps you met him? The butler? Yes.

Ito: How much of a better student than us was Camella while we were away? Mainly ask him to run a test on our chakra blind - to unbias him. Then tell him about stuff; I actually trust Ito a fair bit, maybe because he's uninvolved. Tell him that we got impatient and ripped our chakras open. Resulted in a liiiittle brain damage (hold up pointer and thumb). Also learned like, five martial arts while we were away and would appreciate assistance integrating what can be integrated into our jukenjitsu. Mostly, we just want to get a feel for how much work there is to be done.

Camella: I dunno. Swap pet stories ("I got a weasel. Go ahead and get any jokes you might be feeling out of the way now.")? War wounds ("You'd think losing a leg would win this contest. You'd be wrong.")? Stupidest thing we did while drunk ("Now, let me preface this by saying that any youtube videos of the incident in question are erroneous... in regards to anatomy. It was very cold in Finland.")?

Unsure if Hillevi should come, although considering how much we missed her presence at Lammy's meeting... if we DO bring her, introduce them thus: "Camella, meet the most magically-deadly female in my life right now. Hillevi, the most deadly non-magical mortal you're ever likely to meet."

Suit: Way I see it, clothing can be used to make a point. We wore a fur coat to Lammy. Should we wear hakama (http://www.wannagotojapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/montsuki_hakama.jpg) in honor of Ito, or perhaps something Italian (http://moderndestiny.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/sartorialist-white-suit.jpg?w=468&h=702) for Camella?
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No. 366354 ID: 3947e9

>Name the russian
>>/questdis/355544
This is one of the last 2 unnamed, not last 2 unclaimed. There are 2 claimed but unnamed russians, one by SoubleU and one by Ironybot. One of them needs to name him/her.
just a reminder that there is room to claim 2 more russians of the last 3 named ones. So if you haven't gotten one yet, go get it before they are gone.


>When you and Amen are alone, expel the Reaper soul from your eye
Why would you do that? Armas is perfectly able to contain it himself. And I don't want amen to know what he saw in the eye.

Also: "amen, all future unlawful introders are to be captured unharmed for me to decide what to do with."

>be called upon to perform a service...
Horrible phrasing. "you owe me a favor" is much much better due to the connotations of each.
> request: at least 1 training session with Hafaz's martial art, 1 trip to a bar of their choice where they will be buying Armas as many rounds as he requires (then forcing them to have to deal with the fallout)
Horrible ideas. lets not
>Take jobs from us, basically; we're not asking them to break up the band or even sign an exclusivity contract with us, although we want to know about the jobs they take (including the Blackbeard one); room and board is included, although they would be sharing the mansion with a bound god of blood and hate. He came with the house. Perhaps you met him? The butler? Yes.
Acceptable demand, but I think it can be done more politically.

Personally I vote for "You are my friends, of course I came to save you. You don't owe me anything". which would manipulate them into a massive increase in relationship and probably into "true friends" who would willingly come to your aid dozens of times rather then just one; and the thing is, it's all true... just because you are aware of it happening doesn't mean you are incapable of sentimentality and fondness. This also sets the stage perfectly for potential recruitment into your newly forming PMC. Its the same as above only this time its because they are your friends and trust you rather then because you strong armed them into doing it by demanding it as payment for saving their lives.

Hafaz has invaluable contacts that would help finding jobs and could also teach his non lethal method of defense against supernaturals for when needed (for that type of contract)...

>we should ask Amen if he can impart us with the knowledgement of how to extract information of a binded soul
SUST!
>>
No. 366391 ID: 21f557
366391

SUST to every idea to give Amen new standing orders, or any other large tasks, do anything with the Reaper's soul, make deals with the Sometimes Merchant, or any of the other various wastes of time people are suggesting. These are things Armas should perhaps do another time, when he's had the chance to think about them (except the one about having Amen build an underground apartment - that one will always be stupid).

>what to wear
Go casual. Camella is one of your closest friends, and despite being your sensei, Ito is obviously a cool guy. Plus, right now is probably not the best time to a: get associated with a guy going around wearing positively opulent suits and b: have Amen go through the mansion's stores of fabrication resources. Try just wearing jeans and a t-shirt, with a nice black leather jacket. If you really want Amen to make your clothes, have the t-shirt say a joke about getting blown up or something.

>the Russian
Apologise for the unorthodox entry. Ask him to tell the rest that you're back safely.

>concerning Hafaz
Tell them they can either wait for you at the mansion, or come to the dojo with you. Either way, they'll probably be waiting a while. Tell Hafaz you expect to hear the whole story behind this morning's impromptu rescue operation when you get back.

>next appointment
>>366316
>>366330
Use what these two say. Walk to the dojo with Hillevi.
>>
No. 366441 ID: 3af16b

>>366391

Everything here is good. The general suggestions are all good.

There are two exceptions I think we should make to the "no new orders to Amen" route. First have him perform a non-destructive inspection of the charms (he already knows about them, and the reaper soul, thanks to his brain-link to us). Whatever he learns about the charms, along with whatever he already knows, he is to tell us later.

(once not in a room with witnesses) "Amen, you are to inspect these charms in the appropriate workroom of the mansion and you are to learn what you can about their functions, their method of manufacture and activation, the way they are keyed to a soul, and their limitations; all this is to be done using non-destructive techniques, erring on the side of caution. You are not to tamper with the function of the charms without explicit order. When you are not actively inspecting the charms, you are to store them somewhere secure on the grounds until I or one of my soul-brothers request them."

Secondly, we should modify the standing orders about prisoners. The earlier order here: >>360480 to capture and disarm an intruder should be modified from the next prisoner to "all future prisoners"

>>366316
>>366330

These are reasonable too, except for Guile's suggestion we play dress-up. That's just silly; Camella is a friend, and Ito is tolerant of Armas' crazy streak. Armas will go dressed normally. Hillevi will come along if she likes, not because we expect trouble, but because we want her to meet Camella and Ito. Ito is our respected sensei, and Camella is essentially a Friend of the Laine clan, so to speak. Armas would move mountains to help either of them. If Hillevi encounters a problem and Armas is unavailable for some reason, Camella is the next person she should seek.

Now we have a lot to talk to Camella about. A lot, a lot, and most of it sensitive in one way or another. She's been careful, I'm sure, but this is one instance where we should beg a favor of Hillevi and ask her to set up temporary anti-eavesdropping wards in whichever private room in the dojo we end up talking in. If we're going to give Camella the whole story, we're going to be careful. Also Hillevi's going to get to hear the whole story, such as it is. She's a Friend and our Ward, both things to take seriously. As far as I'm concerned Camella and Hillevi are the two most trustworthy people in Armas' life besides his soul brothers.

Plus, Camella has always known Armas as a somewhat paranoid prankster-practitioner. She'll surely pay much greater attention to our request that she help Armas establish himself if we use the Earnest approach.

We will greet Ito and Camella warmly, introduce Hillevi as a family friend who is broadening her horizons, and then manipulate things so that we have a large chunk of time alone with Camella and Hillevi.

As soon as we've got some privacy (including whatever privacy wards Hillevi believes sufficient), here is what should be said:

"Camella I told you a little about some of the crazier parts of my vacation. Teased you with them, really. I'm sorry if I stressed you out with that."

What we're going to say next is as much for Hillevi's benefit as for helping Camella understand that Armas is taking his bloodlines seriously. Remember, to Hillevi, Camella just looks like another non-magical peasant. We want her to respect Camella, and formally marking Camella as a Friend accomplishes that neatly.

"Yeah well hearing you lost a leg made me worry more than I thought I could. Guess there's a sentimental dude inside me. Anyway, the trip to Finland helped me re-learn what it means to be a decent friend. You've been one to me, and in fact I'd go so far as to say you're my Friend, capital letters, supernaturally significant word there. It's a formality, but here with my Ward and Friend Hillevi Valkonen as witness, I name you, Camella Larosa, as formal Friend to me, Armas Laine, and my household."

"Come on, quit looking at me like that. This stuff is important. I know it seems weird from a 20th century perspective, but in the supernatural community it's important for bloodline households to develop formal relationships with others."

"Yeah, bloodline. I'll get into that in a moment, first I want to introduce you to my soul-brothers: I call him Shadowbro. He's got a real name, but we don't use it because Names have power and he spends all his time in the Dark, an aspect of the NeverNever. True Names are dangerous to spread around for someone like that. He's my other half; I tore my soul in twain while on my trip to Finland, and we've been learning together ever since. He's his own man, if he wants to talk to you about something he's perfectly capable of getting an idea across, or of passing it through me or my other soul brother."

"This is Sake, a Kamaitachi soul I swore a pact of brotherhood with after we fought. He's using a Ramidreju body, since I destroyed his previous mortal shell when we fought."

I'm sure Sake will want to talk and show off a little. Give him time to, and then take control of the conversation again.

"The existence of both of my soul brothers is a secret for now. I won't be able to keep it from being common knowledge eventually, but right now they and I agree the surprise to an enemy is worth the pain of keeping secrets."

"Now, to get to the bloodline talk. I don't know how much of this other friends have imparted to you, so I'll give you the basic run-down. If you already know something, stop me and I'll just skip to the next part."

"Hillevi please feel free to just jump in and correct or clarify because you've got a way better education in this stuff than me. It's like this: Wizards are living conduits between some dimension of the NeverNever and the mundane reality we live in. They can do anything they can visualize, anything they think they can do. They're awesome, and incredibly dangerous. The most powerful wizard or witch in a country becomes the patron of it. That was the one who helped you, from what I gathered. Killing a wizard is chancy at best; even dragons have a really tough time with a mature wizard.

"Wizards can distribute powers, select and focused applications of their abilities, to people. These powers are activated as per a contract, hence the title Contract Practitioner for a contract holder. It can be anything, from the ability to create beer, to the ability to fly and throw fireballs and amplify natural healing. The trick is that when the wizard makes the contract, he gives up the power to do that himself for the duration. Wizards don't make contracts willy-nilly."

"I'm not a wizard, or a Contract Practitioner. I'm a different sort of magic user, a Bloodline Practitioner. Bloodline Practitioners inherit their powers from their parents. Sometimes a bloodline goes recessive and isn't activated until something else helps it wake up. I got double bloodlines but I wasn't even aware of them until I had my little near-death experience fighting Brandt."

"I'll swear you to secrecy on this next part, because knowing it means you know the critical secrets about what sorts of powers I can bring to bear against an enemy."

Now here is the reason why we're telling her all this: We want her to take the Witch route, and that means presenting her with an honest and fair set of bona fides; we need to be able to back up what we tell her, and her hearing "you could be a witch" from a bloodline Spirit Shaman carries way more weight than "you could be a witch" from her weird friend Armas. Essentially, I want her to believe in Armas so that Armas can reap the benefits of having a good friend who is also a witch. The gains would be great, and the risks might be worth the investment here. Sure it's a gamble, but it's not a bad one.

If she doesn't agree, say, "That's fine, you don't need to know what I can do. It could help you understand how I came to a conclusion about one potential way to solve the problem that led to you meeting me in the first place. The details of that are your secret though, and I wouldn't ask you to share them with anyone else you didn't want to."

If she does agree, say, "I hit the equivalent of a big win in the lottery for bloodline powers. I've got a summer bloodline that grants me regeneration fueled by spiritually significant meats: magic animals, especially heart meats, are the food of choice for that. It's why I was eating kelpie crisps when you first met me. It works with spiritual energy in general, too. If a spirit manipulator helped me, I'd need to be careful to not start spiritually drawing more power than she was ready to invest. Hillevi and I learned that the hard way."

"I've got a winter bloodline that was a blank bloodline. That's valuable because it means I've got a chance to build what's called a composite bloodline. By sampling a little heart flesh from another winter bloodline, I can tune my winter bloodline to have powers like theirs. Yeah, sick, but it's the fastest way to do it. Otherwise I'd need to spend decades training."

"I'm not done building it yet, but so far I've gotten an Imperial bloodline based off the powers of the Romanovs. Yes, the Russian Tsar's family. They have a power that lets them cheat death outright. I don't feel bad about killing the guy to get his heart; he came right back and called me a sneaky cunt for it. We parted on speaking terms. I shouldn't have had any chance against him, but you know how I can be."

"Well I don't think of it as cheating. It's just creative application of abilities. Anyway my other bloodline in the composite is based on a bloodline of Sami Spirit Shaman. I ended up picking sides in a conflict between two different groups of them. The powers are based around manipulating souls, and are really useful for getting access to spirit animals. I'm trying to decide what I want; I'm thinking 'hummingbird' for the extreme speed."

"As a side-benefit of the Sami line, I can see people's souls. Yes, yours too. Relax, this is one of the few things I'm willing to be completely serious and professional about."

"I've got a third unfilled "slot." I've been thinking about what I want, but I won't bore you with that right now. Just for completeness' sake I'll cover chakra manipulators."

"It's a power that a mutual friend of ours introduced me to."

Here she'll have a chance to indicate who she thinks that mutual friend is. If she guesses correctly or knows it is Ito, go ahead and confirm.

"He taught me the basics, and I was able to learn more on the road. Chakra are part of having a soul. Everyone with a soul has them, even if it takes a lot of work to learn how to use them. You can effectively power a small 'spell' with opened chakra, or use them to empower charms, or manipulate someone's chakra into helping them heal, or lots of other applications. Even direct combat applications."

"My soul manipulation powers from my bloodline largely eclipse what chakra can do in terms of brute force, but I suspect there are lots of finesse applications that chakra, and chakra-like manipulation done with my bloodline powers, are ideal for."

"Anyway that's the big picture of magic people. There's still the fey and dragons to talk about, and weird specialists, and the weirdest shit of all: belief magic. But that's all for later. I wanted you to have a big picture of what I am, so that you'll take what I say next seriously."

>This is where Armas should pick up if Camella does NOT agree to keep the secret of his powers.

"While I'd value Hillevi's input here for what I'm going to say, I'm going to stress that what I want to talk about next are your secrets Camella. If you don't want to trust Hillevi with them, I certainly won't force you to. If you do though, I'll vouch for her: she's completely trustworthy and very knowledgeable."

Whether Camella asks Hillevi to go or stay, we're going to talk about the Wyld Hunt.

"Alright Camella, while I was in Finland I learned there had been a Wyld Hunt called in Mongolia. The Wyld King swept the plains, looking for prey, including some very specific prey. I believe, but am not certain, that they were looking to destroy you. What you've been doing, keeping your head down, is good. I've been thinking about what happened to you, and I know that around the time you were drawn over the threshold, some of the major players in the Winter and Summer courts were scavenging for every last scrap of power they could muster. Something big was happening in the NeverNever and you got drawn over here as a side effect."

"I've been reluctant to tap my contacts about this because I don't want to draw attention to you. You're probably going to be a hunted woman until reality has time to readjust itself."

"I mentioned I could see souls, and I can tell from yours that you don't have a scrap of magic in you. That's actually a good thing; it means there's one path home for you that's possibly viable. You could become a witch."

"Hear me out before you flip out. I read about this, and I've talked with the Goblins enough to learn bits and pieces of how NeverNever strikes interact with humans. Generally, when someone is hit by a NeverNever strike, like what happened to me in Ito's old dojo, they die. Spontaneous combustion. I lucked out and had the right combination of bloodline traits to let me survive it by channeling it out. It left scars on my soul though, and made it harder for me to do anything with my magic potential until I underwent what could be called spiritual chiropractic therapy."

"Now, for humans who don't have any bloodlines at all, not even a hint of a recessive one, NeverNever strikes work differently. They can still end up cooking the person, but there's also a chance that the person will become a living conduit with the NeverNever: a wizard or witch, the closest thing to an omnipotent being that I know of."

"Your soul marks you as a potential candidate for that. It's a very dangerous option, and you'd need to spend time learning how your powers worked, but it's possible, and if it didn't kill you, you'd have the ability to get yourself home eventually."

"NeverNever strikes are supposed to be random, but I've been targeted for some reason by repeated strikes. It may be possible to buy the rights to a single strike back, and arrange to have it channeled into you. With preparation on your part, chakra training, and the right charms, we could probably make it less risky and more likely to work."

"The other option, and it's more like me just speculating wildly here, is that if I could find a Border bloodline practitioner and either attune myself, or get him to agree to help, we might be able to mess with the border between this reality and your home. A wizard would be able to help, but from what I've gathered, any interaction with the fabric of reality itself is fraught with political danger for them. Still, there might be ways to talk one into helping."

"There are probably other options, but so far that's all I've found. I promised you I'd help you with this, and I'll keep looking, but I wanted to appraise you of what I learned."
>>
No. 366492 ID: 2964e1

>>366430
SUST on info dumping like this to Camella, nothing suggested here should be said. Whilst she is probably trustworthy, we haven't seen her for a long time, so at best now is not the time. Camella also has no way of preventing any secrets we tell her being extracted from her by people interested in finding out about us.

For our trip to see Ito, as we're running low on supernatural juice, we need to (literally) bring out the big guns. We should get a rug and roll it up with Silja inside, and carry it with us as we go around town. This is not that unusual - how else do people transport rug they've bought, after all, so is unlikely to draw much comment. We should also make sure we take plenty of ammo with us as well. This will require us talking to her, so we should say,

"Well, can't keep you hidden away all this time, when we can get you about and about around the city."
>>
No. 366521 ID: d97a61

>>366212
Shot, I asked 'What goals/important conversational topics do I have for these meetings?' which... isn't in any way addressed by you saying 'Let's construct what we have to go over while we head there - important things to touch on so storytelling doesn't last all day or get boring. Also, what is and isn't good to reveal.' Basically, this boils down to being the same as a friend saying to you 'hey I'm heading down to the store to get some shit, you want anything?' and you reply with 'I should think of what I want when you go to the store'. Yes, ostensibly you DO need to do that-but it's understood by all parties involved that you just got prompted to do that-so it's the RESOLUTION to that consideration that's pertinent, not the actual deliberation itself. To a degree a case can be made that 'As a rule of thumb, adversaries/issues overcome is safe, but not new abilities.' and 'Introduce Hillevi, etc.' somewhat addressed the coming meeting-but ultimately even this is lackluster, because all you said was 'don't say secrets, make small talk, don't reveal new abilities.' In case you're wondering why this is in the quest rather than being brought up in IRC-I've brought this up to you before. Twice. Maybe I used the proper phrasing to convey the issue this time. Here's hoping it clicks, and your posts return to prior levels of productivity.

>>366235
Just curious, but how many of these would you say are pertinent at this moment, when Armas is pending going out to further appointments, versus at another, less committed point in time? He is, after all, back in Istanbul. Also another minor aside, but I don't think the nature of how Goblins do deals is clicking for you if you think SM would or even could set aside your existing agreement to tell him a secret next time you spoke to deal with a new bargain first.
>>366237
My left eye twitching of it's own volition beneath my eyepatch, I dive into wordless communication.

Amen, I want you to build a new subterranean living environs-two bedroom, one bath, a kitchen and a dining room, and make it accessible from both the sewers and under sewers.
>[Amen]"This one inquires if there are any auxiliary prerogatives this one must follow when constructing such a thing."
Yeah, if you know what motif or themes Red Caps like-or even if there is a general theme Red Caps like so far as decoration goes-then style it that way.
>[Amen]"This one can comply... to a point. This one has no permission to erase existent Wyld Goblin territory to create a connection down to the undersewers."
...Alright, we can leave that out for now-so you can satisfy all other aspects of my request concerning this construction?
>[Amen]"Barring there being contextual modifiers this one is not aware of at this time but will become aware of during the course of the endeavor, yes."
Okay, I also want you to construct a wind tunnel-
>[Amen]"This one cannot create or alter objects/machinery that directly manipulates wind, resonant frequencies, the internet, super cooled fluids, molten metal and/or living flora, per prior master's bindings. This one supposes one versed in Soul Binding could potentially remove specific bindings from this one-which could erase this restriction."
...Why?
>[Amen]"Prior masters professed... dissatisfaction with services rendered in each of the mentioned fields prior to placing the new rule upon this one."
What did you do?
>[Amen]"As it happens, each following master, on asking that question, forbade this one from ever explaining the event again. As of this moment, none of the aforementioned restrictions is considered a viable topic relative to how I am bound."
...What did Smets restrict you from?
>[Amen]"Nothing-the prior master mentioned chose to not ask this one to ever construct anything, after hearing of the most recent event."
Which category did that most recent event fall under?
>[Amen]"Interaction with / manipulation of the collective information repository known as the internet."
....I don't know which urge is greater: The urge to never, ever ever find out what he did-or the burning urge to know and damn the consequences. For now, I don't have to figure that out-as I transition to a different topic.

Amen, how-
I reflexively squint as a shiver runs through my skull, painful in a manner foreign enough I can't immediately put it out of mind. Eye shut, I hear the intake of breath near me from the Russian-and realize I must have slipped out of the mental communication-and slide my eye open in what I hope was naught more than a swift blink to observers, tabling my remaining queries. Time to switch this to public.

"My apologies on crashing your room, just passing through-Amen!"
>[Amen]"Yes, master?"
The Russian who's name continues to escape me doesn't even jump when Amen's suddenly... there, as if he was always in the room and merely reminded us of his presence.
"I'll need to you dispose of my current attire-store the sanguine excretions in the cellars with the rest of the stored blood until I ask for it-I'll need a new suit-"
Amen wordlessly follows after me as I nod in passing to the Russian, still reminding me of Gloom with his... strangely accepting yet wary gaze. I begin marching towards the third floor study where Smets was wont to store his trinkets, noting Amen to have already re-anchored the Sniper AVT-40 and the severely sawn off punt gun on the walls, barely covering the massive empty wall that once held guns aplenty before I sold them off to the goblins.
"What storage medium do we have that would most ably preserve the remaining energy in these fragments?"
>[Amen]"Master's familial stone weapon? Hm, hm hmm... this one is reasonably certain anywhere in this room would suffice, as the entire room is designed to act as a large scale, passive seal to prevent magical transmission through its walls. There is nowhere else here that can surpass what this room offers, relative to master's current needs."
"All right then."
I carefully lay out the mere's handle and each of the shards on top of a small end table, likewise placing the reaper charm set and gun parts next to it.
"Don't let anyone, including yourself, touch or otherwise interact with any of these items beyond nonphysical observation. If someone does not wish to comply, call me and I'll give you further instructions."
>[Amen]"Of course."
"The blood from these rags and the soul that was added to my eye today-I wish both to be stored here, in this room, with the charm set. Do we have any reliquaries, phylacteries or spiritual wells that could make this happen?"
>[Amen]"If this one can direct master's attention this way-"
I glance to my right-and see the once-bloodstained rags now spotless, a delicate glass vial with silver lines traced over it's surface now sitting next to the charms, alongside.... what looks vaguely like an overlarge chrysalis half the size of my palm. Now that I look at it, I can perceive the soul I claimed less than an hour ago dimly flitting about within. ...Damn, but Amen can be sly enacting things.
>[Amen]"This one will need to know how master wants to be garbed."

My phone's midway to my ear after having hit SM's speed dial when I realize I'm naked and completely clean. ...I was fully clothed FIVE seconds ago, and Amen hasn't touched me.
No, you know what, not even giving him the satisfaction of reacting to that.

I'm about to speak... when I hear the phone ring. Multiple times... and go to a message less voicemail. ...That's new. I hang up, figuring I can try again later, as I consider Amen's question. I COULD go for something muted, conventional, inconspicuous andhahaha that's funny.

>>366240
>>366279
"I'm thinking an undershirt and briefs/shorts combo that can double as workout or sparring attire, under a white suit. Throw some of the good old orange in too, and some striping wouldn't hurt, I think."
>[Amen]"This one endeavors to satisfy-how is this?"
The clothes Amen provides are rather interesting. What appear to be albino crocodile leather shoes cover my feet, with a white silk suit weighed down with cloth-of-silver vertical striping is left unbuttoned, a minimally ruffled cloth-of-gold shit sits beneath a brilliantly neon solid orange bow tie. I belatedly realize the bow tie's center... has a smiley face on it.

....It's perfect.
"It will do. The blood's stored?"
>[Amen]"As requested."
"And can you do something with the Reaper charms?"
>[Amen]"The charms master brought? What specifically is it this one is to 'do'?"
...I hadn't actually thought that through.
"I'll mull it over. Until later."

Amen bows as I don my light beige satin overcoat and head down the stairs-to find Hafaz, Shaya, Matvey, Gloom and the Russian who's room I entered through waiting for me, clearly curious.

"Right-heading to Ito's: Hafaz if you or the rest want to come fine, but we won't really have time to talk about what needs to be discussed there."
>[Hafaz]"I can wait until your return."
>[MB]"Ito is the man you have trained with in unarmed combat, yes?"
"Actually armed combat mostly, but yes. If the better few fighters amongst your group wanted to come that'd be fine-I actually also want to bring the dossiers you recovered in our earlier outing."
Matvey rubs his chin as he nods.
>[MB]"Gloom?"
>[Gloom]"Well of course I'll go, I enjoy... educating people on Systema."
>[MB]"Not that, the-"
>[Gloom]"Yes I have the files with me. I nominate Lyubov to come with us as my backup."
>[MB]"...That's right, Lyu was looking to get in a fight. Okay, see you when you get back."

Without any further exchange than that, Gloom, patting his jacket's side where I faintly see the outline of paper is shortly joined by Lyubov, who while not small by any means looks positively diminutive betwixt the hairless bear that is Gloom and myself.
>[Lyubov]"So-shall we go?"
>[Gloom]"Should we not first let Armas change into something more suited to going to a gym?"
"It'll be fine. Let's go."

I feel a now-familiar weight lifting itself off my shoulders.

>[Sake]"I'm going to stay here and take a nap, I think."
"Fine, see you when we get back. Hillevi?"
The towering Valkonen, who had been busy talking with one of the Russians, hurries over.

So it is that three people that look decidedly like bodyguards follow me outside as we cut across town with a jaunty stride, eschewing the bus stop when we see the line's nearly around the corner. Along the way I look at one of five dossiers that were taken-specifically, mine. While quite a bit of it is just vague musing that doesn't have any meet to it, some of the conclusions in the end are a bit... worrying.

Armas Laine
-Dual bloodline, Summer-aspected regnerative confirmed, second bloodline unidentified.
-Linked to Valkonen Clan [See 'Markku Valkonen' for details on the clan]
Too bad the Russians didn't grab Markku's folder, but eh.
-Connected to Holland and Holland, procured magically active M28/30 from them at start of career in Istanbul.
-Connected to Triads and Mafia. Specific nature of connection unknown, suspected to be contract-based.
-Possible affiliate of the Zosimus clan. [See 'Cornelius Zosimus' for details on the clan]
Or Markku
-Connections with Wyld Goblins [See 'Istanbul Wyld Goblins' for details on the tribe]

But more important than all of that....

Is five pages of amazingly damning evidence. Pictures from multiple angles, a collection of witness reports-not a single piece is dangerous on it's own, but all together... what's in this file could nail me to the wall for that cop I killed outside Castelleti's place. Turns out that people like to keep standing surveillance going on known criminal organizations. Who knew.

...There's more, but nothing as worrisome as that. I close the file gently, listening to Lyubev chatting with a currently monosyllabic Gloom behind me with Hillevi interjecting with questions as I look up at Ito's gym farther down the block.
>>366316
>>366330
>>366441
On my approach I turn my gaze on my shadow, wondering why it is I don't constantly see his soul.
>"I keep it in the Dark. Safer. If you need to see it, can bring it out when recovered. Not now."
Huh. ...That's what Tartalo does, right?
>"Yes, and please leave me be unless the question is important, conserving energy."

I mull over the three other names I saw on the files that were claimed:
-Walt Endman
-Rocco Armani
-Baki Yamada

Well I know how Rocco is, but the other two.... ah, more shit for another time.

I tuck the folders into my suit's inner breast pocket, finish walking up to the doors, throw both open dramatically-

And find the gym a bit... different.

Gone is the largely empty room with naught but mats.

In its stead, the whole floor's been covered in a semi-hard foam mat, and assorted punching bags and weights line the walls. Ito, looking the same as ever, completely ignores my entrance beyond sparing a brief glance as he lectures some two dozen people patiently seated on the ground before him. Several turn and look at me, most of them looking a bit younger than my group-

But all of that is secondary to the all-too familiar attention of Camella firmly rooting itself in me. I turn a warm, genial smile on her as I pointedly ignore the impatient stance and foot-tapping she's employing.
"Hello again Cam-"
>[Camella]"What's with the beard?"
"Hm?"
Oh right-no shaving tools on the trip. ...Hadn't even thought about that. I idly run a hand through the curly dark brown-red beard that covers my jaw.
>[Camella]"Oh, you know how it can be out in the country-so hard to find proper utensils of any sort."
"And who are they?"
"Well, as I mentioned to Ito I stumbled on some fine individuals with an interest in martial combat, and I brought them here both so they could see how Ito does things, and so Ito can scope them out."
Camella, her face like stone, shifts her eyes to the left.
>[Camella]"And her?"
She has to be looking at Hillevi.
"I'm a friend of her family, and showing her what city life is like."
>[Camella]"May the lord have mercy on her soul."
>[Ito]"Camella. Take a break. Talk with friend. Armas, the two, or the three?"
As usual I need a moment to parse what Ito said.
I turn back to Hillevi and speak in Finnish.
"Most of the normal students here know less about magic than you know of the city. If you wish to spar, watch how hard and fast they strike one another, and do not exceed it-can you do that?"
>[Hillevi][In Finnish]"I'll... treat it like a specialized training regimen-yes, it should be fine."
I turn back to Ito.
"All three-though Hillevi here should probably get a moment to just watch first-her knowledge is rather... specialized."
Ito merely grunts as our group disperses, with Camella guiding me to a back room while Gloom and Lyubov introduce themselves as 'Contractors' while Hillevi plays the part of wall flower.

The door clicks shut behind me.

Camella rounds on me agressively.

>[Camella]"Explain your text. Now."
"Well like I said, I couldn't come here with a blood-soaked suit could I?"
>[Camella]"Why was it soaked in blood?"
"Because Go Ping dumped it on me."
>[Camella]"Why did Go Ping dump it on you?"
"Well there wasn't any water on hand so I had to make due."
>[Camella]"....Fine. Why did ANYTHING need to be dumped on you?"
"Well we needed to put out the fire somehow!"
>[Camella]"Which brings us to: Why were you on fire?"
"Magic."
>[Camella]"Wizard or no, that kind of answer won't fly with me."
"You'd prefer if I meticulously extrapolated the most likely kind of offensive magic imbued into the bomb that went off near me?"
Camella sighs as she presses a palm against her forhead.
>[Camella]"...Couldn't you have just said that from the start?"
"Well yeah sure I could-and what's wrong with my beard?"
>[Camella]"What?"
"You acted like there was something wrong with my beard."
Not expecting me to turn the tables on her quite this way, Camella hesitates. It costs her.
>[Camella]"There's... there's nothing wrong with it."
"Really? Was a bit confused when that was the first thing you mentioned on seeing me."
>[Camella]"Well I couldn't comment on your attire could I? And what ARE you wearing?"
"Obviously I'm wearing a pimping suit."
>[Camella]"I was not aware you worked in the field of prostitution."
"You know I'm a money whore, this should not surprise you."
There it is-the disapproving scowl finally fades into a small smile as she finally can't withstand my inanity any longer.
>[Camella]"So, how DID your trip go?"

Now it's my turn to sigh expansively as I start disrobing and carefully folding up my shirt, jacket and slacks.

"Now there's a question. Well, we can do this one of two ways: I can answer like normal, where I give you the cliff notes while having a bit of fun with you. Or, if you can stomach promising to keep what you hear to yourself, then I'd be willing to walk you through the entire trip, explain everything. So what's it going to be?"
>[Camella]"I'll make any promise I have to if it means you'll give straight answers."
"Fair enough. Before that though... your leg's fine?"
>[Camella]"Hm? Oh yeah totally fine. Look."
She hoists up her pants leg, showing me the differently colored leg as she bends it at knee and ankle.
>[Camella]"It's irritating that now I only have to... well, never mind, the point is it hasn't given me any issues. Now: Your story."
"What no way, my story's crazy long: Why don't you tell me what you've been up to first, then I'll drown you in words-sound peachy?"
>[Camella]"Very well."

It takes her ten minutes for Camella to say it all: How she's now enrolled in an upcoming martial arts tournament as the gym's representative, how her day job's been going well, and demonstrating a rather familiar sort of teasing as she puts off telling me about her scuffles with Blackbeard until the very end. She speaks of lone chases down murky tunnels, of shots exchanged in tight places-of beasts from below interfering and being gunned down. When she finishes, she simply looks at me expectantly.

And so, as I begin to stretch and warm up, I tell her. All of it. The Sami Shaman, the Valkonen family, the encounters with Einher, the meeting with Dragons, my soul brothers, my new guns, Big staying behind to get himself back in fighting form. I go beyond, back tracking to a cannibal goddess swapping soul stuff with me, of my Contract with Ogrimir, of what my rifle's true nature is, what I've learned of Amen's nature-I lay it all out for her.

Oddly, it feels... amazingly cathartic to just talk about all of it plainly.

For her part, Camella for once has no comments, no questions-she lets me speak until I'm done. When I am, she has but one question for me.
>[Camella]"...And having said all of that, you're still trying to convince me you're not a Wizard?"
I smile as a single thought flits through my mind: Never change, Camella.

Well, I've done it: I've had my heart to heart with Camella, caught up on how she's been doing and appraised her of where we stand right now. So now, with me all warmed up and in completely unrestrictive clothing, I wonder:












What is it I should talk with Ito about? (Posts with actual dialogue will get priority over ones merely suggesting conversational topics)
Hillevi, Gloom and Lyubov have been sparring with Ito's other students for more than half an hour at this point: Who, if anyone, should I speak to to find out how they did?
Who should I spar with, and what kind of rules should be set up?
What else should I do while here at the gym?
Hold off on non-gym-related suggestions. Armas will be back at the mansion next update, you can worry about general shit then. Let's focus just on the here and now for the moment, okay?
>>
No. 366528 ID: 89630b

I'm not so great at dialogue, so I'll just cover the sparring bits.

Spar with Gloom. THe objective here is to work on your close combat skills, especially ducking into and out of attention. In order to be sneaky, you have to be aware, so Gloom's the best bet for this. We're an excellent shooter and have pretty good distance weaponry, but a lot of shit likes to close in fast - and we'll need to focus more deeply on this as it's probably one of our best talents. While we're at it, or when you feel into the flow of the fight, try to examine Gloom's personal style. See if he can benefit as much as we did from goblin training. Might be interesting what sort of ambushes we can plan, with two sneaky bastards, eh?
>>
No. 366531 ID: f8aa66

Greet Ito first, maybe. Seems only polite. Gym's looking good, are you advertising or spreading by word of mouth, etc. The newbies look like civilians at first blush, so I'm kinda curious if Camella student teaches the new guys and Ito takes the veterans, if they teach different classes or take turns, or how it all works.

Then I'd like to do three quick spars, just a few minutes each to keep our hand in. Lyubov, use strictly Krav Maga with. Gloom, LINE. Camella, pit her jukenjitsu against our Spear of the Ghost (ask about the tourney; freestyle or traditional? We wouldn't do well in a strictly regulated tournament, but if it's laxer, our half-Ito-half-Taiahan rifleplay style would be interesting and novel). Try to feint and always be somewhere she doesn't expect us, a straight up fight against Camella is a fool's game. Once she finishes kicking our ass, ask Ito if he can spare a little while to discuss that issue we mentioned over the phone.

First, have Ito give us his unbiased opinion, though warn him our soul has gotten weird this last month. Then tell him everything related to chakra we did on the trip. Tell him that we got impatient and ripped our chakras open. Resulted in a liiiittle brain damage (hold up pointer and thumb). Also we learned a martial art with like five weapon styles while we were away and would appreciate assistance integrating what can be integrated into our jukenjitsu. Mostly, today we just want to get a feel for how much work there is to be done.
>>
No. 366534 ID: fa1aa3

>What is it I should talk with Ito about? (Posts with actual dialogue will get priority over ones merely suggesting conversational topics)

Well, first, we make sure he's not busy. And we're not busy, I wanna stretch our arms and legs and other various muscles. But when we're both ready, speak with him quietly and away from everyone.

"How has the school been? I know it would be improper to immediately ask for training but my for lack of a better word vacation has left me with questions regarding my growth and I want a keen eye to see how much I've grown and, more importantly, where I haven't. Also, I might be receiving some Chakra Training shortly, and I wanted your opinion on it."

>Hillevi, Gloom and Lyubov have been sparring with Ito's other students for more than half an hour at this point: Who, if anyone, should I speak to find out how they did?

Ito himself if he was watching. We can roll it into our quiet talk. "So, how have my allies and ward done?"

>Who should I spar with, and what kind of rules should be set up?

I honestly want to spar immediately with Camella. We're chatting, we're in fight-duds. Smile, throw a punch, and set up the rules of no magic and no killing. We're gonna have our ass handed to us, but I think it'll be fun.

After that, just have a group melee and fight until you can't move. You deserved it.

>What else should I do while here at the gym?
Well, is if there are any jobs Ito needs doing.
>>
No. 366555 ID: 0c0177

Spar with everyone that is willing. It will be good for you.
a) to see how far beyond the human norm you have gone(and if it still helps you).
b) to see how good Camella and your Russian friends are.

Rules, no magic other than internal and to surrender/judge decree (Ito being judge)

Talk to Ito about business, how your friends have done with their sparring and the chakra issue if time allows.
>>
No. 366556 ID: 3947e9

as amusing as it is. it can be a problem if she tells people we are a wizard and it can be a problem for HER if she gives lip to a wizard/witch.

So how about we tell her that we are a practitioner, not a wizard, and what wizards are, exactly. And their relative power level.
>>
No. 366663 ID: 3fd4fb

>>366521
First, let's wrap up here with Camella. There are three important points still to cover with her.

"Look, if I were a wizard all my whims could be made real with a thought. Surely I would have put you in a bikini at least once by now." We'd do it for the expected look on her face, of course.

"To wrap up the story- this morning, Hafaz and friends ran into some trouble and called me asking for help, so I took the full posse down to their objective and went in, then Hillevi, my brothers and I fought Blackbeard. He blew up the building, but we all got out all right and shot him a bunch of times so I'm calling that a win for us. Then I went to the docks and fought three Reapers with the Triads- we killed them all, but the Triads lost a lot of people. It wasn't pretty. That was where I ate the fleshfire bomb, obviously. Not literally ate it, I should be clear, just got caught in the blast radius."

"Last bit of solo business for now- you probably caught this from the fact that I have a Russian military hit squad at my house pondering an employment offer, but I'm trying to put together a mercenary group. You're invited- hell, more than invited; you can be my second if you want the job. The company could really use someone with a- you know what, I'll just go with 'someone very unlike me'- near the top." Unless she agrees immediately: "Well, think on it; I doubt the offer's going away anytime soon. If it does it'll probably be because I got my head blown off and didn't manage to grow it back, so no worries then."


With that done, the next order of business is proper introductions between Camella and Hillevi. Call Hillevi back to where we are when she's got a moment. "All right, we skipped this earlier, so if I may introduce the two deadliest ladies I know to one another: Hillevi, meet Camella, a trusted friend of mine and one of the world's best when it comes to mundane military endeavors. I'm not sure what last name she's primarily using at the moment; sorry about that. Camella, meet Hillevi Valkonen, worthy inheritor of the fruits of seventy-eight generations of dedication to the art of killing things exceptionally well and my ward for the next year. Hillevi, would you take off your glamour for a moment, please?" Presumably they will exchange a few words at this point. When we get the chance to pick up again: "I hope the two of you get on- both of you are very good in fields that the other really needs to be better informed about- the magical and mundane sides of the world in general and warfare in particular. And I'd guess that Camella will have strong opinions on whether I should be the one teaching you to drive- even if it was she who had my latest car when it was destroyed." Pause for silly objections, snark as needed. "I'm going to go talk to Ito for a bit; you two do whatever."

>What is it I should talk with Ito about? (Posts with actual dialogue will get priority over ones merely suggesting conversational topics)
Politely wait until he's got some free moments without any students by him. Don't speak to him disrespectfully in front of students or interrupt his classes; that would be very rude. When we can, pull him into a different room for other conversations.

"I'd appreciate your telling me what you can see about my chakras. There was a... thing... that told me it could fully open all of them for me while I was on my trip, and I said yes. Some time after that I got certain magical abilities, which probably changed them a bit as well. I've really got to thank you for your lessons, though; they got me started down a road that's probably saved my life a half-dozen times by now." He gives his assessment, which is presumably 'what the hell Armas this is crazy shit right here', and we move on. "I was wondering what you can teach me about how to use them, given how they look right now. I've been told that it should be far easier for me to master this than for most people due to my magic, but given that I don't know much about this I can't tell you what to expect there."

Thank him for whatever he comes up with, then move on to the next topic. "I learned quite a bit of fighting while I was on my trip- if you don't mind, I'd like to spar for a while to warm up and then have certain people- you, Camella, myself and my guests, and anyone else here you would consider at least somewhat versed in the supernatural end of things- try a more serious spar. I'd like your opinion on my techniques and how to mix them together effectively, if possible. I wouldn't want to disturb your other students with anything too unusual, though; would now be a bad time?"

>Hillevi, Gloom and Lyubov have been sparring with Ito's other students for more than half an hour at this point: Who, if anyone, should I speak to to find out how they did?
Talk to Ito about it, particularly about Hillevi- I'm interested in if he'll have picked up that she's glamoured from how she fights or acts. Aside from that, speaking to Hillevi herself about how she's doing would be wise.

>Who should I spar with, and what kind of rules should be set up?
During warm-up, spar with whomever wants to have a go using all mundane non-goblinic techniques available.

If Ito clears out his mundane students, start using the Ghost Spear, Blind Spot Brawling, and generally mix everything together. Consider a demo match between us and Hillevi where we make the only rules "don't kill the other party, and don't smash the place up"- I'd be interested in seeing how Camella or Ito would react to that. Even if we avoid the use of magic to keep things from getting too crazy, letting her go full speed and force would be very impressive.

>What else should I do while here at the gym?
Assess Ito's new students, if we get the chance. One never knows when there will be something interesting. In particular, look at the souls of everyone here- Ito, Camella, and all his students- to try and pick up anything unusual. Try to mark out the personalities of his students and maybe guess at what they do based upon their souls. There may be the possibility of recruiting some of them later.

I would say that we should contact Amen and ensure that the professor is earmarked as a guest, but as far as I know we didn't actually set a place for our dinner encounter- meaning that he doesn't have our address. Therefore, we should probably call him at five or so and actually set up a location to meet- probably not our house, since it's full of military types and not very suited for revelatory conversations.

Then we just need to leave this place early enough to ensure that we have time to hit the sewers and negotiate with Sometimes Merchant for what promises to be one of our more impressive- and extensive- deals, seeing as we have no few things to sell him now.
>>
No. 366666 ID: 75e42e

>What is it I should talk with Ito about? (Posts with actual dialogue will get priority over ones merely suggesting conversational topics)

Well, first thing to do is notice Camella and Ito's Soul and focus on both analyzing and remembering them. For the Analysis bit, try to think about different emotions when you look at them and how it 'stacks up' (Trust, Honesty, Greed, Faithfulness..). Try also to get a quick survey of the other student's souls- any stand out? Also, we should be able to tell how experienced someone is/how much life has thrown at them with a glance, these days.

We'll need to talk about Chakra then, as Ito is capable of using them. Most efficient thing to do would honestly to analyze what he is doing while sparring, and if he drops some blood have SB swap a tiny bit of that, but that is kinda offensive. However, it should be more polite to meditate on your own Chakra in front of him, beg him for comments and help, as well as asking him to show you how he align his. No need to get ahead of ourselves about this, and getting a simple session where we observe hiss chakra flow compared to ours can't hurt. Keep in mind to do that in Turkish.

>Who should I spar with, and what kind of rules should be set up?
Then, talk to Ito. While I would like to spar with Ito at once, keep in mind he is quite a bit old than we are, so it might be better if we gave him the choice between immediate sparring with us to check our level, or us sparring with 2-3 people before sparring with him, so he already gets a good idea:

“Ito, it would be a shame to come here without my habitual trouncing, but I did get better, so do you want to see me be softened up by one of your new student first? Maybe get well cooked by Camella and one of my new friend then? I am sure you'll be content with the choice morsels then!” Do grin at him toothily, and of course this should be said in turkish.

When you spar, you should try to use Krave Maga/Line as a warm-up, then go to include Jijukentsu, then at Last Kas Pin and SotG.

>Hillevi, Gloom and Lyubov have been sparring with Ito's other students for more than half an hour at this point: Who, if anyone, should I speak to to find out how they did?

First, see if any of the new students are looking at them in any kind of special way- did they garner Attention? If one did, we might see about saying Hi, then asking Ito himself what he thought of them. Then, of course, we could also ask the Russians- but that should only be done with they look pleased with Ito, as we don't want to garner bad will there. Oh, we can ask Hillevi too, but the same apply.

>What else should I do while here at the gym?

Why not take a few minutes to observe how Hillevi is doing sparring with people, as well as who and how Camella is trouncing? Same for our Russians. We could also look at the new Students we thought were more interesting- might be PMC material in the future. Striking up a quick conversation can't hurt, either. While doing that, do try to split our focus between reading the rest of the files and be 'aware' of how the sparring is going via Attention and Soul-sensing.

Talk to Camella a bit more. Tease the hell out of her about the BB and Reaper Incident some more. Talk to her about Go Ping- he did seem to talk about Herself a bit, are his advances not too deadpans? Also, mention that some people have been getting info on ourself- much more than we thought: she is obviously careful herself, but she should keep it in mind.

>>366663
Upvoting pretty much all of this.

Another thing to try if we have time while others are sparing. Close our eyes, and try to hear other people fighting. Try to get a Soul Sense from that Hearing, and try to see if you can get what they are doing and how they are fighting from it.

I am hesitating to try and get to the sewers to speak in person to SM before coming back to Smets, as Sake doesn't want to see him anyway. However, that would mean having finished reading the files first. When we leave the Gym, be on the lookout for anyone that could be a stake-out, or anything that could be used for that. Those files are worrisome, and we should get into the habit of being a tad more careful.
>>
No. 366745 ID: 81f32a

>Dem dossiers
No wonder SM wanted that building gone.

Something tells me that it was a really bad idea to take those files with us instead of leaving them in safety of our home.
We should read them or at least glance over them before something happens and we lose them.
I say we start with Endman's file.

We should destroy the file on Armas. Burn it down right here? Eat it?
The best way to ensure it total destruction would probably be through Amen.

Also, SM mentioned that they have an agreement with the Turkish Government about that building. So it is either owned by the government or strongly affiliated with it. Maybe it was one of the secret cells of Turkish FBI? Or a special Intelligence agency that deals with the Supernatural?

>....I don't know which urge is greater: The urge to never, ever ever find out what he did-or the burning urge to know and damn the consequences.
Lifting Amen binding which restricts him telling us what happened, but not lifting the binding that restricts him from doing that again shouldn't be bad... right?

>What is it I should talk with Ito about?
Did we actually talk about what happened this morning?

"Speaking of Blackbeard... guess who shot him a million times, threw him out of 6th floor and then dropped an entire building on him?" Then smile the wicked smile and do that crazy thing with your eye-brows.

Then talk about the prospect of setting up a PMC.
Also tell her that we pretty much own the Smets Mansion right now and that she can move in with us.... tell her that she'll be missing out on Kelpie Crisps and other goodies otherwise.

"Word of advise: that girl I brought with me, Hillevi, is actually taller and more heavy-built than me, she is just under a minor illusion charm. She could take up everyone, you, me and Ito included, and break us all like bunch of twigs. She reacts first before thinking... so be careful."

>Camella's leg
I've been thinking. We could fix that up, right? Sake can heal any wounds and regenerate lost body-parts, right? If he is at his full strength, couldn't he cut the Mongolian leg of and regenerate Camella's own?
Unless wizard shenanigans prevent us from doing this, we should look into it.

>Hillevi, Gloom and Lyubov have been sparring with Ito's other students for more than half an hour at this point: Who, if anyone, should I speak to to find out how they did?

Well, we need to ask Gloom and Lyubov what they think of this and if we should enroll here everyone. Keeping in ind that other veterans like Hafaz&Co also visit this place, this could be a good place to hone their skills with other people andwhatnot.

Ask Hillevi her opinion, if she thinks that practicing here will benefit her. Keep in mind, that if she thinks that everyone id too weak for here, this could be a great opportunity to teach herself some self-control which she lacks.

Speak with Ito and find out what he thinks.

>Who should I spar with, and what kind of rules should be set up?
We haven't actually fought against someone since we got the memory graft from Eintik, right? And Valkonen brothers and sisters do not count, because that was less of a spar and more of OHGODDON'TLETTHEMHITME.
I think Armas should spar with EVERYONE except for Hillevi and Ito, at once. Staring with just one opponent (Gloom for example), seeing how we fare against him and then gradually increasing the difficulty.

We should also spar with Ito in spear-fighting.

>What else should I do while here at the gym?
Speak about chakras and shit with Ito. Ask him to give you rudimentary lesson on how to use the Chakras for Strength or Durability (the only two abilities that Ito knows of, iirc)

Also, make sure that someone looks after those files we recovered ALL the time. I suggest giving them to Hillevi and saying to guard them.

Oh, and when sparring, we should keep our outrageous suit on instead of changing into sparring outfit. It just seems right this way. We are going to go back home anyway (for preparing Kelpie Crisps) so if we mess up our suit it is okay, we can change it anyway.
>>
No. 366758 ID: f8aa66

>>366534
Wayward Wednesday is not over yet. No fighting until you can't move.

>>366745
I am pretty curious about Baki and Endman. Yakuza and Nazi, maybe? And Rocco, of course... there's got to be something to him if he's Castelletti's equivalent rank.

>>366745
We don't want to aspect to something new chakra-wise just yet; right now our configuration is helping to feed/support Shadowbro, and he shouldn't need to go forage while trying to recover from the goblin's mental training whammy. That said, it wouldn't hurt for him to go over the basics to a strength or stamina configuration. Which chakras should be fed power in that case? Anahata (heart chakra), I'd guess... Even better awakening our kundalini might provide some passive bonuses; if Ito knows about the practice of shaktipat (and if he's guru-class, AND if it works in this universe, so that's plenty of 'ifs') that might be something else to work towards.

I'm also somewhat curious about what would happen if we fed power to the 'lower' chakras; fear and lust, anger and selfishness. Pure animal nature stuff.
>>
No. 366777 ID: 448d82

>>366666
On the note of souls... Close your eyes, you never needed them, the souls were always there and you have another eye, waiting to see all that lies around you, a superior eye, one that can see through flesh and bone, that always sees. Focus your Ajna, you can feel the flows of power in your body, direct them, your body is connected to shadow but your Ajna pierces through that, nothing is hidden from it, now open your third eye and SEE with complete CLARITY.

Now as to merging our styles...
While you fight, your mind must be like water, deep and silent with dark depths, your Muladhara should help still your mind, Vishuddha should make it fluid and your Manipura is a focus for your personal power... when you move, you are a shadow, focus your Mahatala , in your feet which step on shadows, you walk in shadow, silent and swift and infintly FLEXIBLE, your already shadow aspected chakra testify this.

See the attention of your attackers, you sensed even the attention of DRAGONS, follow that attention and all souls will be beared to you, freeze your mind on to the sight, the attention and the sound, hear the wind as it is broken by thier movement, You know where they are, where they are moving, all that is left is to be the lightening that strikes quickly, suddenly.

You are water, your mind still and deep, attention and intent hidden deep within. You are Shadow slipping and sliding, twisting amidst the light, silent and swift, your body is not solid, but is like the shadow, a thing that shifts. You are ice, cold and focused, solid in mind and attention, ridgid in purpose, the enevatibility of a glacier. You are lightning rapid and devasating, a strike of utter power and destruction, a flash.

You can feel your own soul, and now you must know that truely you are the DARK STORM.

>>366745
SUST
Camella needs not be warned.
We aren't letting the dossier near Amen, or even thinking about that.
We can kill ourselves messing with Amen's bindings later.
We are fighting everyone or round about it seems.
We are not wearing our fancy suit when sparring, it'll get ruined and while Armas is a jerk, he ain't a douche.
>>
No. 366778 ID: 2964e1

>What is it I should talk with Ito about?

"So, sensei, how's business been whilst I've been on holiday. Camella bringing in the business I hope? Is the new look something you've cooked up together?"

Obviously, you should wait for answers to these questions. When pleasantries are done with, get to the meat of the issue:

"Well, I've learned a lot on my vacation, but my core style is still built around the use of the bayonet, and I know no one who has dedicated so long to its mastery. If you would have the minutes to spare for a quick review of what I've gained, and some advice on how best to integrate the techniques."

Hopefully he'll say yes, and we can give a private demonstration of Kas Pin.

>Hillevi, Gloom and Lyubov have been sparring with Ito's other students for more than half an hour at this point: Who, if anyone, should I speak to to find out how they did?

You should talk to Ito about how people did, it's his dojo and he's your teacher, you owe him at least that level of respect, particularly in front of the students. Like this:

"So, Master Ito, what do you think of the potentials I've brought you? Anything you can work with?"

>Who should I spar with, and what kind of rules should be set up?

Ito, and Camella, three times each, using both pure Jukenjitsu, pure Kas Pin, and a hybrid if the two if we can manage it. The decades of impossibly hard training in Kas Pin should make us a master of the style, which will hopefully come as a surprise to them.

Do not use stealth abilities at all, but in the 3rd bout, do try your best to read both their current Attention and where their Attention will be focused next to try to detect where their next blow will be aimed. We should also try to notice more about the quality of the Attention that is or is intended to be paid to certain areas – we have detected differences in its nature before. We should try to determine whether our opponent intends to pay attention to an area because they have decided to strike there, or because they fear an attack from that vector.

All spars should be using pulled blows and practice weapons.

Also, suggest this:

"Well, I've been away for a while, so haven't been keeping quite as current as Camella has here, so how about an exhibition match between her and Ito. Youth and beauty versus old age and ... well ... experience."

>What else should I do while here at the gym?

Closely observe Ito's chakras and soul in both his resting state and when he's fighting, particularly when he's pushed hard. Also observe Camella's soul, and try to recollect how and if it changed whilst we spoke to her, and watch to see if it shifts when she fights.

We should also talk to Camella about practising shooting. From the story we told her before, she can tell we need it.

As we hear the students spar from the next room, and listen to the conversations we should consider why it is that we interpret our soul sense in a primarily visual manner. After all, we do love words, and what they can do, and our goblinic Attention sensing ability is triggered sound as well as vision. We need to realise that whilst our sense for the state of other's souls is not a type of sight, neither is it a type of hearing, or any other conventional sense. It is entirely it's only thing, and all the other senses are simply metaphors that we use to convey parts of the information that it can detect to our conscious awareness. They aren't bad, but they are merely training wheels that we can use to support our interpretation of the data until we grow to master this completely novel sense.

>>366745
>The best way to ensure it total destruction would probably be through Amen.

No. Just No. SUST. We don't own the files, they belong to the Russians, and giving them to Amen is probably the worst single possible thing to do with them. We can ask SB to hold them in the Dark for security if we'd like.

>Oh, and when sparring, we should keep our outrageous suit on instead of changing into sparring outfit. It just seems right this way. We are going to go back home anyway (for preparing Kelpie Crisps) so if we mess up our suit it is okay, we can change it anyway.

No, we shouldn't, that's just dumb, and it's disrespectful to the other students and to Ito. Change into proper exercise clothes.

>>366521
We need to follow up and actually get that promise from Camella not to repeat what we told her.
>>
No. 366807 ID: d97a61

>>366663 [Palendromic bonus, Four of a Kind bonus]
>>366666 Five of Kind bonus]
"Look, if I were a wizard all my whims could be made real with a thought. Surely I would have put you in a bikini at least once by now."
I know it's coming, I'm expecting it, and I still don't see the fist coming that stops an inch from my throat-with her still doing her special brand of smiling, scowling and looking like a disapproving librarian.
>[Camella]"Fine fine, you 'can do some magic' that Ito, Go Ping, Hafaz, even Big from what little I saw couldn't match. ...Armas, you're a dick, but an okay one, so... you do know you are a terrible student right?"
"My ineptitude at picking up new things swiftly is quite well known to me yes. Tendencies to get distracted and all that."
>[Camella]"So, you expect me to believe you just... picked up all you've spoken of in a timeframe that's absurd, especially for you... or you are still flagrantly lying, and in fact a Wizard."
I rub my chin speculatively, beard bristling beneath my touch.
"Hm, I can see how Occam's Razor is working against me here. Oh well, maybe someday you'll buy it. Anyway, to wrap up the story- this morning, Hafaz and friends ran into some trouble and called me asking for help, so I took the full posse down to their objective, went in, then Hillevi, my brothers and I fought Blackbeard. He blew up the building, but we all got out all right and I technically managed to drop it on him and shot him a bunch of times so I'm calling that a win for us. Then I-"
>[Camella]"Drop it? What, the building?"
"Well yeah, so then I went to the docks and fought three Reapers with the Triads- we killed them all, but the Triads lost a lot of people. It wasn't pretty. That was where I ate the fleshfire bomb, obviously. Not literally ate it, I should be clear, just got caught in the blast radius."
While her ever-shifting expression is entertaining to watch, it's my surprise at her seeming to be caught agog, a rarity to my recollection.
"Last bit of solo business for now- you probably caught this from the fact that I have a Russian military hit squad at my house pondering an employment offer, but I'm trying to put together a mercenary group. You're invited- hell, more than invited; you can be my second if you want the job. The company could really use someone with a- you know what, I'll just go with 'someone very unlike me'- near the top."
Her look of confusion turns guarded, thoughtful and contemplative. ...Doesn't look like she'll be chiming in anytime soon, and I'd rather avoid any answer until I can do my part to help it be an emphatic 'yes'.
"Well, think on it; I doubt the offer's going away anytime soon. If it does it'll probably be because I got my head blown off and didn't manage to grow it back, so no worries then."
There it is, that ghost of a smile as she relaxes, job offer tabled.
"Hold on just a moment-one last bit of back room-worthy commentary that needs making-"

I sidle over to the sliding wood-paneled metal door, only now noticing how... deeply inset to the floor the thing is. Despite how easily they slide, I now realize they're rather particularly well-anchored.

Looking past the minor detail of Ito's gym, I look on to Hillevi herself as she spars. ...Actually, 'spar' may not be the most appropriate term. Of the near two dozen students, six are circling about her with grins on their faces. At first I suspected them to be expecting an easy win-but I spot rather... familiar looking over-sized welts already rising on a couple people's faces. And that's with Hillevi wearing the largest set of gloves I've ever seen. I then recognize their expression as that of someone simply enjoying a challenge. For her part, Hillevi, who from my perspective nearly looks like she's playing...

Looks truly happy.

I wait a while as her little moment of sunshine wraps up to talk with her-and occupy myself with some observations. What I see, well...

-Ito's soul stands out the most-so starkly, clearly defined it's like an etching engraved upon the world itself, a glyph to proclaim 'this man has lived'. In his soul I see memories, flitting and zipping across the orb of his spirit as if on display, a frantic deluge that hints at untold depths. These memories seem to bolster and maintain the smooth, unblemished soul, replacing what age took away with a failing body. Even more, unlike with Lo Fang's disciples I can see Ito's chakras clearly-the flow of energy from each focal point, soul to chakra into bloodstream into general tissue. His body hardening technique... looks to be a simple self-saturation with one's own soul stuff, but the efficiency level seems... off, somehow.
-Within Ito's massive cloud of memories I find it nigh-impossible to try and gauge his disposition or demeanor on... anything, really. Odd.
-Within the classroom at large, with a total of twenty FIVE students, there are three that draw interest, the rest seeming to lack any... drive, spark or eccentricity that sets them apart. All three seem to be of note for a similar reason to Ito: a simple difference of experience, compared to their peers, a lack of soul weight.
-The first is a woman in her early twenties. Her head's completely shaven and her spine is, simply, enormous-the vertebra distend her skin over them noticeably more so than with any person I've met before, and her legs look damn near like tree trunks. That coupled with a surprisingly thick middle that does not suggest simple belly fat makes me think she can kick like a ox. Her fingers look oft-broken long in the past and are now forevermore somewhat knobbly, her forearms practically looking like over-calloused hide, the skin almost looking like it's been burnt off with friction several times before. Her soul looks... almost saurian, like a regal, ancient predator gazing through a human guise. Or perhaps a dream of being such a thing-the sense of a distant otherworldliness vanishes the moment I try to define it. Still, I feel a strong sense of determination within this one, and it feels a bit like she's started to learn Ito's chakra hardening, since her soul feels a tiny bit more... spread out than I am used to. When she turns my way, she slyly winks before turning back to the battle before her, intently observing.
-The second is a turkish man nearly my age, his hairline already beginning to recede and unusually hirsute. There are several long swathes of skin where no hair grows-the wounds too large, too long for me to think them anything less than a sword or some other anachronistic weapon of war. His knuckles looking damned near like tiny hammers and his wrists as thick as my bicep, the man nevertheless has a prodigious beer-belly and doesn't look in particularly good shape. Unless he's a great deal trickier than I give him credit for, the man's just a bruiser. His soul, however, surprises me. I see musty pages, old, forgotton tomes, neglected books carefully cared for, restored, brought back to life. I see the soul of a man that truly loves history and the written word-and I see a love of violence carefully contained deep beneath all the pages, a footnote to his soul.
-The third is one of the six fighting Hillevi, a youth that at best is eighteen. While his fellow fighters may have more economical movements, the boy is jarringly similar to the Reaper I saw earlier, a maddening contortionist that refuses to hold still. Unless I'm misinterpreting things, from how he bounces off walls and moves about I'd guess he's mixing a few of parkour's mobility principles into an indoor-use version of capoiera. Odd, since the kid is so white he's nearly translucent. His soul... honestly feals like a prismatic, disco bouncy ball. It's a very, very specific feel I'm getting off him-and I don't know WHY that particular feel is what I'm gathering-but it's quite distinctive.
Still, squirrelly or no he hasn't had some relative decades training in how to be hard to lay hands on-and Hillevi soon enough drops him like a ton of bricks. As she's helping him back up she finally spots me, and after bowing out makes her way over while Ito gets the students back into their regularly scheduled lesson. I shut the door behind her as Hillevi enters the room-

"All right, we skipped this earlier, so if I may introduce the two deadliest ladies I know to one another: Hillevi, meet Camella, a trusted friend of mine and one of the world's best when it comes to mundane military endeavors. I'm not sure what last name she's primarily using at the moment; sorry about that. Camella, meet Hillevi Valkonen, worthy inheritor of the fruits of seventy-eight generations of dedication to the art of killing things exceptionally well and my ward for the next year. Hillevi, would you take off your glamour for a moment, please?"
I have to give her credit: I saw recognition in her eyes when I mentioned a glamour. Even better, when Hillevi gained about a foot in height, Camella merely quirked an eyebrow. Good times, she's starting to get a bit more... accustomed to the weirder things in life.
>[Hillevi]"So you know of what is expected of a modern mundane warrior?"
>[Camella]"Never had it asked quite that way, but yes. I assume you are good at killing things with magic then, or is it just brute force?"
>[Hillevi]"You have not heard of the Valkonens?"
>[Camella]"Nope."
That seems to stifle Hillevi a bit-and I decide to try and move us past introductions.

"Say Camella, I could use a few minutes talking with Ito. Think you could help with that?"
Camella eyes me for a moment before turning speculatively towards Hillevi.
>[Camella]"Doesn't sound like she killed anyone out there, so I'm guessing she can restrain herself-Hillevi, how does a spar sound?"
>[Hillevi]"...With just you?"
>[Camella]"Yes, with just me."
Hillevi does not know Camella well enough to recognize that tone. ....I'm going to keep the door open and watch while they fight when I talk to Ito, no question about it.
>[Hillevi]"Very well then, I accept your challenge for a bloodless, magic-less bout."

As the two move out to occupy the space Hillevi filled with Ito's other students moments ago, Camella whispers in Ito's ear, and the old man excuses himself to join me in the side room.
>[Ito]"You do an impressive job disrupting lessons with your presence."
"It's a gift, I know. Hey, the guys I brought over looking all right?"
>[Ito]"Big girl is titan in teashop, but tries hard to be careful. Other two... both killers, hairless one seems observant, fast learner. last one doesn't know how to lose a fight."
"Well, thank you for the feedback on them. Now, to why I wanted to meet: I'd appreciate your telling me what you can see about my chakras. There was a... thing... that told me it could fully open all of them for me while I was on my trip, and I said yes."
>[Ito]"Before say more, define 'thing'."
"Is that entirely necessary? The information itself is more than bit dangerous to even know."
>[Ito]"...Fine, then answer this: did this 'thing' open chakras with only your energy, or with some of it's own it stuck in you?"
"I'm guessing that's relevant to how you assess it."
>[Ito]"Indeed."
Amen, did the action you took concerning my chakras qualify by Ito's standards?
>[Amen]"No, this one invested no energy in master to elicit changes, this one used it's blood in master to convince master's bodies to open the chakras itself."
Whew.
"Well I can confirm that it did not match your description."
>[Ito]"...Continue."
" Some time after that I got certain magical abilities, which probably changed them a bit as well."
>[Ito]"Only blood, flesh and soul can influence chakras. Go Ping confirmed this to be accurate. Which did you use?"
"...Well, how much do you know about the magic I already had last we met?"
>[Ito]"Flesh magic. Healing based. Would not alter chakra function."
"...I'm even moreso reticent on that one."
>[Ito]"Soul, then."
I maintain a pokerface as I realize a hesitance to answer a question where a known possible answer would logically be something one would want to hide is in its own way a form of answering.
"Let's go with that, as a hypothetical. I've really got to thank you for your lessons, though; they got me started down a road that's probably saved my life a half-dozen times by now."
Ito looks at me for a short time, saying nothing.
>[Ito]"Remove shirt."
I strip off the flexible undershirt that was the second part of my workout attire, and sit patiently as Ito lightly places his hands against my back and chest, murmuring to himself as he stands motionless. After a time, he begins to comment, eyes still shut.
>[Ito]"When we last met, you had raw power, more than me, more than most. No style, no grace. Chakras new, alien. Now even more raw power, chakras as open as a master's, still no style, no grace. ...What have you set your chakras on?."
"Stealth related things. I'm pretty sure I know how to get back into this state if I need it, but I was wondering what you can teach me about how to use them, given how they look right now. I've been told that it should be far easier for me to master this than for most people due to my magic, but given that I don't know much about this I can't tell you what to expect there."
>[Ito]"I can teach how to harden one's body, to safely remove some of the limits in one's body. I cannot promise it will work the same for you as for me. Difference of puddle and lake. Can try to teach how to manipulate chakras, now that they are all open. Not sure how successful will be, chakras very different now."
"I'll happily accept any training I can get. Also, I might be receiving some Chakra Training shortly from some other sources, and I wanted your opinion on it.
>[Ito]"They good teachers?"
"So far as I can tell they are rather knowledgeable, yes."
>[Ito]"Then make sure they know of other trainers. Chakras and their use are already unique to each person. With you, would be wisest all teaching know of all you learn about chakras, and how you learn it. Best chance all can find best way to teach."
"I'll take your advice under consideration. Actually, as I learned quite a bit of fighting while I was on my trip- if you don't mind, I'd like to spar for a while to warm up and then have certain people- you, Camella, myself and my guests, and anyone else here you would consider at least somewhat versed in the supernatural end of things- try a more serious spar. I'd like your opinion on my techniques and how to mix them together effectively, if possible. I wouldn't want to disturb your other students with anything too unusual, though; would now be a bad time?"
>[Ito]"No."
"No?"
>[Ito]"Magic fights, fights with real weapons, fights for grudges-all happen at night. Day is when normal students come. If you want magic fight, come back at night."
Ito reaches into his slacks and hands me a key.
>[Ito]"Here. Just ring bell on right side of door if you don't see me. Won't attack you thinking you scumbag burgler."
I pocket the key with a smile.
"Fair enough, fair enough. But a non-magical, unarmed fight-that's fine right? And do you count chakra use?"
>[Ito]"Internalized chakra use is fine. If you wish normal fight, feel free."

That was what we conversed about, as I watched the spectacle through the open door.

Camella versus Hillevi, no magic, no items. Final Destination
I have to give Hillevi credit. Yeah she's not all that... dextrous, especially compared to Camella. But that girl is pretty much the perfect lightning bruiser: Fast enough you don't have time to dodge, strong enough you can't block, durable enough she can shrug off what you throw her way.
All the same, she's slowly worked her way up to putting in some actual effort, and still has not gotten one solid hit on Camella. Camella, for her part, is doing something that flat out amazes me: She's straddling the line between blocking and evasion, deflecting blows just enough off course they only clip her, and turning the impact force into a full-body spin, leading to vicious back hand and roundhouse kick counters. To be sure, Hillevi blocks most of them and barely blinks at the rest-but that's all she manages. I watch Hillevi switch through approach method after approach method, going from long, lunging strikes to rapidfire onslaughts, from attack to the legs to grapple attempts. Through it all, Camella resolutely shunts the majority of Hillevi's efforts aside, and returns what little she can't. It's funny, especially as I see Hillevi starting to blush in embarassmant she can't hit this girl properly.

That's when I remember most people don't blush blue, and decide to interfere, pulling my shirt back on.

"Hold on a moment Hillevi, I've got to get in a quick match too."
The match sputters and dies as Hillevi stops, and looks my way. She nods at me, and steps out of the ring, giving the following to Camella as parting words.
>[Hillevi]"...I'll believe what he said about you, then."

With a wry smile on her face, Camella waits in the middle of the ring for me.

"Jukenjitsu?"
>[Camella]"If that's how you want it."
I snatch the stave that's tossed to me out of the air, noting Gloom and Lyubov both to be watching me closely.

Ito coughs politely to our side.

"Begin."
Taiahan influenced rifleplay. Universal familiarity with LINE. A smattering of Krav Maga and Sambo. Basic Jukenjitsu. The things I've learned naturally aren't all that impressive, in the grand scheme of things. But if you add what I've cheated my way into knowing... decades of experience learning how to be hard to spot, how to move to milk blind spots for more than any thought they were worth, half a lifetime's worth of effort spent mastering the mundane form of Kas Pin, itself possessing spear techniques? And all of this being things I've been working on my own to crudely mix together for some time on my own already?

Camella's faster than me. Camella's more sure of herself in combat than me. Camella's in all probability still a better straight up fighter, putting aside the fact she could school me in shooting before I left and likely still can.

But all that skill and such means very little if you're caught flat footed by someone expecting you to get caught.

The echo of my footstomp-based feint rattles about in the room as I drop ludicrously low, throwing myself past Camella as I thrust in passing. Feeling pretty smug I'm finally going to catch her dead to rights, I finally take a good look at her soul.

And see something I don't think I'll ever forget.

Her soul is watching me.

It's not a symbolic eye, or a mirror reflecting me-in fact, her soul looks very similar to Itos, overly smooth and stuffed full of memories and soul weight.

All the same, eyes that don't exist burn into me, a sense of attention simultaneously familiar and alien.

The thrust is shunted aside, and her return strike barely misses me as I spring upright, perturbed I'm not standing behind her as I'd hoped, but facing a fully ready and now even more wary Camella. The attention of the score and change souls in the room continues to buzz and hum upon Camella and I as we exchange a serious of blistering fast lunges and thrusts, neither one of us catching the other. It seems Camella's expecting me to be a great deal stiffer than I am-and is correcting as she goes, each strike tightening up, becoming harder to evade. Similarly, she's slowly gritting her teeth and forcing herself to move faster. For the moment I'm still mostly able to keep up with her: But if we keep exchanging blows like this she's eventually going to overwhelm me at this rate. Similarly, I find that even if I can dart about, using zero-distance maneuvering to swiftly get to her back or flank, even if her Attention doesn't follow me, that feeling her soul itself is watching me does. The jarring disconnect between physical and spiritual Attention is severely distracting, which doesn't help when I'm fighting what, at least as far as mundane combat goes, is a monster.








Do I have any slick ideas I think might work? [If so you MUST roll with your idea.]
Once the spar's over, what else should we do here at Ito's place?
After wrapping up here, back home or straight to the meeting with Jagda?
>>
No. 366825 ID: f8aa66

A few thoughts on integrating Kas Pin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P22Voo36m8I) and our normal armaments: The puuko is actually a knife common to the Sami people whose name means ‘to stab’, and is probably integrated with the bayonet fighting we also learned from Einrik. Between taiaha, jukenjitsu and now this style of knife bayonet fighting, we ought to be able to craft something new by testing which moves work best for us and discarding the dross over time.

The karttu is a club weapon not totally unlike the mere, but over 10 inches longer, more like a baseball bat. Between that, learning the sword, and knife fighting I think our mere should definitely fall into one or two of those ranges.

Bear spears are used against massive animals like bears and warhorses. We don’t use anything that size (besides Hillevi‘s gift), but that practice may be good for Doony hunting. The cane mentioned is likely a sotilasvanhus, a curved walking stick used as a club a little bigger than the karttu. The sickle is kind of an oddball, too, utilizing wide swings or hooking motions. The remmi, I’m unsure if it is wielded more as a whip, rope dart or meteor hammer, but in any case, none of the three are very much like our normal armaments.

Kas Pin also teaches pressure points, how to fight in darkness and swamp terrain, the first two being quite helpful to us, the latter, less so.

For the match at hand, remember we have three bayonet styles in us. Kas Pin seems to focus on a very low stance, striking the legs or piercing upwards. Jukenjitsu is a middling stance that focuses on a fairly small target; the upper to lower torso. Taiaha is an odd stance, more like kendo with the point focused high; it also uses a lot of horizontal and vertical cuts as well as stabs. Taiaha has as much defensive techniques as offensive ones, while Jukenjitsu has the ‘attack, attack, attack’ mindset common to bayonet fighting, and Kas Pin has a lot of tricky moves involving changing grips or deceptions. They’re all quite different, and I think if we constantly switch our style and pattern up we’ll be able to keep Camella getting a bead on us for a good while. The less we allow her to get used to us, the better we’ll be.

This isn’t much of a ‘trick to win the fight’ so much as a suggestion to prolong the fight until such can be found, so I didn’t bother rolling.
>>
No. 366835 ID: 2964e1

rolled 57 = 57

>>366802
>Do I have any slick ideas I think might work? [If so you MUST roll with your idea.]
>The jarring disconnect between physical and spiritual Attention is severely distracting, which doesn't help when I'm fighting what, at least as far as mundane combat goes, is a monster.

You've felt the attention of Dragons and Devils, entities that can squish both you and Camella with less effort than you could a crawling bug. If you can keep your composure and keep scheming and talking under that pressure, then you can work past this minor oddity. [M7 Activated, hopefully]

>Similarly, she's slowly gritting her teeth and forcing herself to move faster. For the moment I'm still mostly able to keep up with her: But if we keep exchanging blows like this she's eventually going to overwhelm me at this rate.

The only option we have here, if we can't move faster, is to move better, and to do that, we need to start reading what she is going to do before she does it. Fortunately, we have a way to do it. From when we were taught up to our human limits of goblin stealth, we have been able to distinguish between various kinds of attention, such as Olga's intense focus just prior to sniping us. We have also been able to deduce where entities Attention will be in the immediate future, by detecting their intentions.

We should combine these two aspects of our ability, and do our best to read the nature of the physical Attention we detect. This way, we need to try to distinguish the kind of Attention associated with where Camella intends to strike next, and the kind associated with where she expects a vector of attack to come from and intends to defend or dodge.

Now, the two kinds of Attention we can detect are a slight complicating factor, but this may be something you can exploit. I doubt that Camella is consciously aware of her spiritual senses, and is instead assuming that she simply has very good instincts. We can use this to reverse engineer the intents of her physical Attention, as we know what is informing her intentions, and as we've doing this we can try to use this to fake her out, as we can predict and manipulate what her instincts are telling her by taking advantage of the fact that we know their source, and she doesn't. We can for example, get ourself what seems to be slightly out of position when seen by her soul but not her other senses, but in such a way that she commits to an attack that she can't abort before we can exploit the knowledge that it's coming. [Another attempt at M7, this time in combination with SotG, as IIRC, the former is manipulation in general, not just verbally, and so they might work well together]

We should be aided by the fact that Kas Pin already includes techniques of distraction subterfuge designed to manipulate and focus an enemies attention to use as a basis for this.

If we last long enough after trying this, the goblins apparently taught us everything that it was possible to learn at some point, which hopefully included how to sneak up on people using the same Attention and Intention detecting senses as the goblins had and we were learning. Now, what Camella has isn't quite the same thing, but perhaps these lessons can be adapted to serve.

Whatever happens, even if we work out how to defeat her or get to a stalemate using these tactics, we should yield as soon as we've done the analysis, or before if we're about to loose.

After we yield, we should thank Camella for a good spar, and say we'll have to do it again sometimes. We clearly have a lot to learn – perhaps she'd be interested in a few rounds at the range at some point as well.

>Once the spar's over, what else should we do here at Ito's place?

Have a spar with Hillevi, and hope that our stealth works better against her. Use this spar to focus on integrating Kas Pin with SotG, and building on any insights you had in the fight against Camella.

Ask Ito for his permission, and then his advice on integrating the Jukenjitsu he taught us with the Kas Pin we just demonstrated in the bouts with Camella and Hillevi.

Talk briefly to the three more interesting of Ito's students and suggest that we look forward to sparring with them someday.

>After wrapping up here, back home or straight to the meeting with Jagda?

I'm under the impression that we're meeting him at 6pm, when we're due to serve him some Kelpie Crisps. We should have hours yet before we're due to see him, in which time we need to deal with SM for some more supplies, both Kelpie for the professor and much more magical fare for the Redcaps.

Now, he doesn't know where we live, and we don't know where he lives. He won't be at his office, as it's currently the university holidays, so there'll be closed. We should probably ring him and arrange to meet at his house, so that we can work out how long it will and take and how we're going going to get there. If he's not happy with that idea, arrange a hotel conference suite with an attached kitchen for a couple of hours in the evening. It's the off season, so it shouldn't be too expensive.

Also, after the spar, this was suggested earlier:

>Every time we meet someone, examine them under soul sight and magic item sight. See how their souls change as they are in different moods, and doing different things.

Do it. No, really, do it. We only bothered to take a look at Camella's soul after we'd already leapt to attack, which is an unforgivably stupid error. In real combat, rather than a spar, that could have easily killed us right there and then.
>>
No. 366853 ID: 75e42e

rolled 72 = 72

>Do I have any slick ideas I think might work? [If so you MUST roll with your idea.]

>It's not a symbolic eye, or a mirror reflecting me-in fact, her soul looks very similar to Itos, overly smooth and stuffed full of memories and soul weight.
>All the same, eyes that don't exist burn into me, a sense of attention simultaneously familiar and alien.

It seems to me Camella has her own kind of Attention-sense. From what we can gauge, it seems much more focused on her 'Targetting' someone and much less on Stealth, but the principles might be the same. A spar is the ideal time to try out idea against someone who has her own way to deal with Stealth, so let's think this through. First, our own Attention-sense being based on stealth means we have had opportunities to experience when it fails or is somehow countered. Children and Drunks' erratic patterns thwarted our ability to predict and observe people before. People focusing not on us but on something around us (like our car) also made our Attention sense ineffective. This should at least begin to give us a baseline on how to try to thwart her own Attention. It's unknown if her “Soul's Attention” only relies on some kind of Soul-sense of others' souls (and thus possibly mainly effective on some specific kind of souls, e.g magical ones) or if it also detect one's body, but we already have our Goblinoic Stealth making our body harder to both 'see' and 'read'. Now, we have to plan to do the same about our soul.

Sometimes merchant's teaching in the Art of Stealth (Sneaking, Moving Silently, Stalking) certainly included how to deal with people that have their own attention-sense, but we then didn't have the necessary experience , understand of souls and ability to 'feel' them enough to truly understand this. However, our memories of those decades training with him should be able to guide us, even if just by instinct, in order to redirection or otherwise thwart what she is doing. We also have all our chakra aligned to Goblinoic Stealth, as well as the beginning of a soul manipulation bloodline. It should be possible to be as flexible soul-wise as we are body-wise when it comes to the art of dodging and redirecting Attention. Getting a sense of Approval or Disapproval from Shadowbro might help, both for the ideas and the 'form' of our Goblinoic “Soul Stealth”.

Other Things to do that we know might thwart Attention:
+When we fight and use the kind of tricks and subterfug Kas pin and SotG are well suited for, let SB decide at the last moment what we are going to do (after all, his soul is in the Dark) by him giving the senses of 'apples', 'oranges', 'kelspie', 'delicious vampire heart' with each assigned to a particular attack method.
+We might be able to... induce... false drunkeness on our thoughts for a short, short while via our mental flexibility. This might be dangerous, though.
+Not Focusing on Camella herself, but on her clothing instead. She DEFINITELY isn't her clothing, right?

>Once the spar's over, what else should we do here at Ito's place?

Express our thanks to Camella and Ito, Talk to Book-Sword guy, as well as Saurian Gal. At least get their names. Make a tiny bit of small talk. The youngster seems too flightly to approach right now, maybe.

>After wrapping up here, back home or straight to the meeting with Jagda?

We Really Need those kelspie first, though. We can't go meet him without having the necessary ingredients, so let's get to Sewers first. Not the nearest sewers though, let's try to be stealthy about it, as well as be stealthy when we go meet Jagdar- we are watched, after all.
>>
No. 366880 ID: b83c65

>Once the spar's over, what else should we do here at Ito's place?

Well, I suggest talking to all three of those people with strong souls - and wink back to the girl with the huge backbone, if you can knuckle up.

Other than that, and if we still have some time, I would like to fight the students, including the strong soul folk. Just tire yourself a bit, and don't be afraid to lose. Also, I suggest that we talk directly to Ito about the possibility of using his gym as a place to directly hire potential recruits for our PMC - with a finder's fee, of course.
>>
No. 366992 ID: 252e1b

rolled 96 = 96

>>366853

Camella out-classes just about everyone in terms of raw melee ability, and has apparently learned how to read her opponent using her entire soul's attention.

Short of systematically testing everything she can do with that perfectly honed attention of hers, the only obvious ways to fight that is to either not use Attention against her at times when it will hurt her more than it will hurt Armas, or to obscure Armas' soul somehow.

The idea to fight her clothes is a good start. Better to pretend she's not there at all; immediately (and I mean immediately) after Armas decides to slip into a blind spot, he should decide that he is not fighting Camella. He is instead fighting a woman-shaped hole in his perceptions.

What is seen and what is sensed are two different things, and ultimately the difference is decided by Armas' mind. A video camera only sees, it doesn't have the ability to sense. The mind interfaces with the eyes to sense; the soul interfaces with the body the same way. Thus, Armas will trick himself into not seeing Camella, but just a thing there, a vague soul-thing if he shuts his eye. If she's using Attention sensing of some sort, that should shut her down hard.

If that's not right, if it doesn't work, then the only other thing to try is to obscure Armas' soul (since she's not reading Attention, but using her soul to detect other souls/matter period).

Just like how Armas imagined manacles around the Reaper's soul, he should imagine a cloak around his own. An even misty blue light, shrouding his soul from properly being noticed. His body's still there, still doing it's thing, but just beneath the skin of Armas' body is the Soul Cloak.
>>
No. 367027 ID: bbe107

our goal isn't victory, as a friendly spar our goals are to get better and look good.
Winning looks good.
Using certain types of underhanded tactics to win looks bad.
With your healing (which is acceptable by rules) you can take more punishment and have a larger stamina pool.

I say try to draw out the fight and keep it as fast a pace as possible without allowing any pauses for her to catch her breath. Get her winded.
And if you are about to take a hit you cannot dodge, jump into it to hit her too simultaneously rather then partially dodging to reduce the blow.

Keep analyzing her moves and learning though, as learning is one of the two primary goals here. She always kicked your ass until now so you are already impressing.

>It seems to me Camella has her own kind of Attention-sense. From what we can gauge, it seems much more focused on her 'Targetting' someone and much less on Stealth
We already concluded all souled humans have attention sense, its just not honed / ignored. Armas utilizes that for stealth, but he also uses sight and hearing... its not that his sight and hearing and attention sense are stealth focused but that he has training being stealthy when he knows people's attentions.
Armas should also have "soul eyes" that allow him to compensate for having one eye . This probably explains why we do not have a blind-spot despite having only one eye, something we wondered about.

Check with Sake next you see him if his healing can regrow severed limbs, Camella might want her real leg back.
>>
No. 367031 ID: baf3a3

>>367027
>Using certain types of underhanded tactics to win looks bad.
indeed
>larger stamina pool
Didn't she fight (not without pause but without meaningful rest) for days in the sewers? I don't think wearing her out in a sparring match is an option.

>>366853
>>366992
nice plans and good rolls. Upvoting both.
>>
No. 367034 ID: 718478

rolled 98 = 98

Ok, on the side of purely mundane advantages, I'll roll with this, though I'm not sure how much help it will be.

In your 'relaxed' or 'ready for the next move' posture in the spar, have your spear set so that it points directly at her mundane eyes, as close to her body as possible without actually moving fully into the range where she will attack you for it.

The grip is to be held on such a way that the position of the spear and your forearm blocks her vision of the rear, maneuvering arm.

Then basically, I'm not sure if you can do it or not, but a fighter should be able to, concentrate your full attacking intent on the tip of the spear, as you would when you are going to make a powerful thrust, but keep it up.

This posture is mostly used as a distraction and will hopefully work for her mundane perceptions, constantly causing her to flicker it into 'threat' and 'non-threat' territory and if your soul is in it as well, it might just foul up her soul eyes.

This is all I can think of for purely mundane tactics.


After wrapping up here, go home and get a change of clothes. I think amen would be happy...fail to increase his hatred towards you if you actually return with one set whole and unspoiled.
>>
No. 367043 ID: 2964e1

Best not to roll any more, please. I don't see it getting any better than this.

>>366835
A couple of extra things, now I have time to put in the bits I didn't have time to add last night.

First, some more details on the plans:

The first proposal is essentially to try to make our Blind Spot Brawling more precise. That ability is described as:

>I can't get a read off someone, even someone I know as well as Ito, precise enough to know what they are going to do-but I can get a general sense. Conjoining that rough gut feeling of their attack timing with my sense of their focus-I just keep relocating, moving just an instant before he does, too close to his own action for him to change it-

Since then, the amount of practice we've had with our Attention sense has substantially increased, as we've felt more different kinds of Attention, and we've also developed a proper soul sense on top of that, and understood that our Attention sense is a specialised form of that type of perception. We may now be good enough at it to read what they are intending to do by where they are intending to pay Attention to, and by the nature of the feeling.

Now, thanks to Blind Spot Brawler we should already start reacting to Camella's attacks and defences before she even makes them, this is just an extension to that so this will just mean we know in more detail the precise action she is planning to take, so that we can both react better to it, and also, move to being proactive. As we would have a better read on what she's planning, we can act to disrupt her attacks and also to try to nudge her onto particular sequences of actions that would leave her vulnerable.

The second proposal is little more than a particularly elaborate feint, relying on the hope that Camella is much less likely to have learned to suspect that someone is deliberately deceiving her instincts than they are to attempt to deceive here physical senses, as she is very unlikely to have fought many opponents who can even detect the mechanism for her instincts.

Second, more on what Armas should do in the wake of his sparing.

As he has plenty of time before his next meeting, he needs to sit down for half an hour and carefully consider, and perhaps meditate on, what he's seen and learned here today, and combine it with what he's seen and experienced before, and draw some lessons whilst the experience is still fresh in his mind:

Ito's chakra technique "flow of energy from each focal point, soul to chakra into bloodstream into general tissue" seems to have some similarities with what both Amen and Einrik described as some schools of magic, in this case energy seems to pass from Soul, through the chakras, into Blood and then to Flesh. From what we've seen of Blood magic as practised by both Armas and the Redcaps bloody handshake, is that it is often connected to mental manipulation, so using chakra indirect mind magic may be possible. It further seems that the Flesh Magic may be what is used for both the hardness and the strongness techniques, as that is the ultimate destination of the energy.

Whilst we have seen how we can use our Winter Bloodline for analysing chakra techniques, it may be possible to do something similar with our Summer Bloodline. We have seen that through the consumption of the meat and blood of magical beings, we can absorb some of their power to fuel the regeneration of our own flesh and blood. We may be able to do the same with a chakra users blood, to taste the energies from the chakra that passed through it.

Amen told us "No magic can be learned without a bloodline for the magic to be founded on", however, we were able to use the ritual that Ogrimmir derived for us that employed the consumption of blood and flesh to steal the bloodline abilities. As at that stage we did not have a active winter bloodline, the ritual must have been based on our summer bloodline. This implies that our summer bloodline supports the copying of the abilities of what we eat. It might be interesting to try to develop that skill. It's also worth noting that the two hearts of bloodline users we ate tasted very different - this might be something we can develop, reverse engineering people's powers from their blood.

One last note on our summer bloodline. Much of our Summer Bloodline is composed of the piece of the goddess Whaitiri's soul that is grafted in place of the soul matter she consumed. Einrik told us that conventional magic as practised by those with magical Bloodlines is derived from draconic magic, and that divine magic is a totally different thing, in his words, "Most of this energy is Divine-which operates on, frankly, completely illogical principles." We should not expect the divine graft part of our Summer Bloodline to operate on conventional principles, or, if we're lucky, have conventional limits, so we may need Whaitiri or another divine being to show us how this works. The part of our Summer Bloodline that is not divine graft could be expected to function conventionally, however, so we may be able to ask Amen what types of magic that supports.

Now, we witnessed Camella, purportedly a mundane human, effortlessly penetrate our stealth, with her soul eye. We also worked out, back in Spain, that our Attention sense is actually based on a basic soul sense that is common to all humans, if undeveloped. Now, both Camella and you have demonstrated how even a mundane human can hone that soul sense massively, so it's worth while considering what ways it may manifestations amongst humans that could be exploited by a soul manipulator:

- knowing when you're being watched. This is the Attention sense you've already developed.

- knowing when you're alone in a room or in a building, even if the other person if unaware of you. This is quite possibly the aspect of the basic human soul sense that Camella has refined.

- deja vu, when you sense that you have already experienced this happening. This could be used as the basis for minor precognition.

- the knowledge that something dreadful has happened to a loved one, which could be used as the basis for some form of remote viewing ability.

it's worth investigating all the ones you can't currently do.

From Ito's feedback, we have no style or grace in our chakra flow. This is something we can try to fix. Meditating on our chakra for an hour everyday may help. It is possible that the fact we have made no progress may be connected to the fact that what happened to our eye, which we know distorted our chakra, or what Ogrimmir's ritual did to our soul. When they're recovered, as both ShadowBro and Sake make use of their chakra, albeit to do different things, it may be worth asking if they have any hints we can improve the flow of energy through our chakra, and ask them to monitor our progress.

Also, Gloom is 'my' Russian, so I thought I'd suggest what he'd do.

Gloom should have politely sparred with the students and made appropriate small talk and compliments. When Hillevi sparred with Camella, he should have watched carefully (if discreetly), and tried to identify what he recognised from the styles and if there was anything at all he could pick up.

He should do the same after the Camella-Armas spar, and on the way back, engage Armas in conversation about what he was trying to accomplish, and how he had a unique dodging style. After some build up, he could ask Armas if he's wiling to give some pointers, and say that some of the other men might be interested in setting up a gym and perhaps shooting range in the mansion, where they can show each other what they know. After all, everyone wants to stay sharp, and the dojo is quite a walk to make everyday for their standard exercise regime.

End Gloom

I recommend that Armas agrees, and lends Gloom et all the notes he made on the goblin stealth, perhaps offered in exchange for not having to return the files retrieved from the building Blackbeard blew up.
>>
No. 367055 ID: 81f32a

>Once the spar's over, what else should we do here at Ito's place?
Don't thin there's much else to do here anymore.
We could get the opinions from Gloom, Lyubov and Hillevi.

>After wrapping up here, back home or straight to the meeting with Jagda?

We did say that we are going to bring a magical dish from the book so we need to go home and prepare it first. Although, there is the problem that our personal stocks are depleted. Perhaps there is a Mansion stock of magic meat, we will have to ask Amen for that. If not, then we must conclude a deal with SM. Since we also need to give more than our weight worth of raw meat to the Redcaps, we must make a one-time deal with SM for meat.
Another problem: SM did not pick up the phone... which has never happened. There is a possibility that he will be unavailable today! We will be forced to make deals elsewhere (since we MUST get meat to Redcaps today).... or with just another Wyld Goblin (high time that we made connections with some other golbins than SM)

If we are going to reach SM, I suggest we sell everything at once, maybe even including the files we got (excluding the one on Armas), after we read and memorize them of course. (No InsufferableM, those files do not belong to the russians. They belong to us and we will do with them as we damn please.)
>>
No. 367068 ID: e5dd31

Right, posting to Clarify/Refine some of the posts/ideas. Not rolling because It's just “how to use those ideas better” things.

>>366825
>>366835
>>367043
Right, you have supposedly two plans there, but they both can work better into one I think. Using the subterfuge of the Kas Pin style and our knoweldge of Camella and of her soul, even if we can't predict her action in a exact manner, we could still be able to 'Goad' her into an expected attack by using the trick you mentioned of Having Armas take a subterfuge stance in her blind spot, and hope it fools what she senses us with. Even if it doesn't fool her completely, if it aligns well with what we know of her, we should still be able to get a real sense of how she is going to attack, giving us an advantage. Things to remember about Carmella:

She was very, very methodical about everything when she first met us. Very wary. Remember how she bugged our meeting with 'Havoc and Locke'. She seems to truly enjoy contest of force- or at least find her place in them. After her first fight againt magical creature above the surface, she seemed to get a renewal of confidence, and now seems to have bloomed. We could compare her to a modern-day, gun-totting, Paladin. Her “True Seeing” kind of sense makes the parallel all the more real, too. It... might be that all her magical adventure (including being ported from what appears another dimension) somehow made her able to access a tiny part of the Belief that comes with the concept of Knight, Protector of Humans, Paladins. We have our own belief though, and we Certainly understand her better than she understand our stealth. Let's pit our belief of being able to misdirect her against her possible one, if she even has some.

This is probably the first plan to try, as it hinges on simply misdirecting her spirit sense in case she lack experience, and can help Armas have a baseline on what she can do (For example, this can't work at all if she feels our intent to trap her).
>>366853
>>366992

Two plans in those ones, and two rolls.

The first and less dangerous one is basically 'Manipulating our intent to see if it can escape the detection-radar of her spirit sense'. We know the Rage Fragment was dependent upon the concept of rage, and we are dependent upon the concept of 'being/will be observed”. This first plan is basically tweaking our intent and seeing how her detection react to it-grow stronger/weaker. Alternatively, upon the same principles but opposite of them, we could 'Jam' it by being too dazzling- instead of trying to hide by finding the right frequency or simply not deciding what we are going to do via SB help, just throw at her eccentricities of Armas' to confound her. Things she is interested in could flit through our mind like How much fun we had trolling her for breakfast, how Awesomely insane Einrik was, pictures of her alter ago in her ballerina dress... That could help 'create' obstacles we could hide behind and quickly leave, so that we might not be exactly where she expects us to be, the same way suddenly using in flashbang in the dark hurt (especially if we tried to get to a dimmer frequency first).

The Second one is the Dangerous one, but also potentially the most rewarding one- try to find a way to hide from spirit senses, either by using the equivalent of spirit blind spot as taught by SM, or by making a shroud around us to hide. For this one, remember it is most likely possible that even relatively mundane people are able to somehow block or appear 'muted' through spirit sense like Lo Fang or the Reaper were. This probably also how the drunken martial art operates, by countering people's ability to predict or even 'acknowledge' their movements. It might be possible to keep dazzling her and using the flashbang effect to have a 'time' where can both analyze how she sense us, and how to blind-spot her sense, too.

>>367027
>>367034
These could be used when we are fighting to create 'disconnect' between the mental and physical subterfuge and 'breaking' the pace.

Also, if any of the previous idea works even partially, they should be used in conjucture with the later ones.

>>367055
>"Excellent. Just don't claim to be Turkish police forces-no way they'd buy you as being Turkish. Oh, and this company sounds like it has ludicrously lucrative files inside with all sorts of valuble secrets-if anyone's willing to brave that so long as it's not on me and I get to look at it you can do what you want with it."
We can read them, but they belong to the Russians.
>>
No. 367112 ID: 3fd4fb

>>366807
>Do I have any slick ideas I think might work? [If so you MUST roll with your idea.]
Yes, but not ones that I'm willing to risk disrupting an 80.75 average roll over. A pity; I'll have to bring them up for development at a later opportunity.

>Once the spar's over, what else should we do here at Ito's place?
Following the spar, it is likely that Camella will ask us "what the fuck", or something close to it. If she does, I recommend a smile and the response "When you're dealt a losing hand, it might be time to cheat."

Learn the names of the three students that we picked out as notable. Watch them spar if possible and mention them to Ito and/or Camella as having caught our eye, to get a bit more information on them. Introduce ourselves and establish friendly contact with each in turn if we find a convenient moment; they have talent and we must poach it.

Depending upon how much time we have in this afternoon- and I'm pretty sure we've got a couple hours- hanging out and indulging in a little basic sparring, trying to work all our talents together, could be good. Try fighting multiple opponents at once, like Hillevi was doing- and if they ask questions about our particular style, don't hesitate to answer. It is to our benefit to be likable and give a good impression here, and no one is really going to learn that much from a single spar or two or a few sentences of basic advice.

One more word with Camella before leaving. She didn't make the promise that we wanted before told her our story, instead using very Armas-like word weaselry, and that sets off all my paranoia alarms. A friendly attempt at correcting that circumstance is in order. "Hey, before I go: The voices in my head tell me I'm crazy, but you'd save me some stress if you explicitly made the promise I asked for earlier. I know the spirit of the deal is what really matters in this sort of thing, with no backing to the letter of it- but humor my compulsiveness, please." Hopefully she'll go with it. Look visibly happy or sad relative to her response so that she knows she is gaining or losing Armas relationship points based on her reaction here.

>After wrapping up here, back home or straight to the meeting with Jagda?
We cannot meet with Jagda until we acquire the necessary food supplies that we promised to cook with. We can check our inventory at home, but I'm pretty sure we're fresh out- which means that we need to deal with Sometimes Merchant before heading out. We have quite a bit of dealing to do with him- there are huge deals potentially in the making here- so make sure that we leave for home with plenty of time to spare before the Jagda meeting.

>>366992
>Just like how Armas imagined manacles around the Reaper's soul, he should imagine a cloak around his own. An even misty blue light, shrouding his soul from properly being noticed.
That would be great if it worked, but I suspect it would fall under active magic use and therefore cheating by Ito's stated rules for daytime fights. Unless it counts as internal chakras somehow, which I doubt, but... eh, screw it. I just hope we don't start accidentally making flashy lights others can see if we try this. Be careful about that.

>>367034
>I think amen would be happy...fail to increase his hatred towards you if you actually return with one set whole and unspoiled.
I am reasonably certain that Amen doesn't mind making us new sets of clothing at all. On a related note, if one of those people who can sense the psychic impressions of emotions left on objects ever touches our clothing they will probably immediately vomit.

>>367068
>It... might be that all her magical adventure somehow made her able to access a tiny part of the Belief that comes with the concept of Knight, Protector of Humans, Paladins.
That is completely off the wall. Admittedly we have very little knowledge of how Belief magic works, but even if Camella did inexplicably get a line on some (which I doubt) and we were completely unable to see traces of it on her soul (which I also doubt) there are archetypes that she fits much better than that. We should not waste mental energy on that kind of random crazy speculation in the middle of a fight.
>>
No. 367182 ID: d97a61

>>366825
I move to buy myself time to think, time to get a real plan going, by trying to cycle through the styles faster, getting more familiar with how they differ, rather than just how each functions individually. Kas Pin plies my flexibility, demanding not just a low stance but nearly monkey-like degree of tenacious mobility to properly ply it's foot and leg strikes as well as it's surprisingly forceful-and hard to defend against-upward thrusts to the torso. Despite being my newest style, it's frankly the one I'm most familiar with, thanks to how I absorbed the style's nuances. The secrets, the learning, the study of countless students, copied and grafted to my mind are frankly still alien enough I'm getting a disconnect as I ply muscle memory that my muscles have never before followed. I know this is going to make me sore-or would, if Whaitiri and I hadn't... well. I note that when I switch to full Kas Pin Camella has a moment of weakened offensive as she adjusts-just as I notice that every shift that gap gets shorter. It's an important detail, one I concisely file away, completely absorbed in staying one step ahead of annihilation at her hands.

My oldest style, my own style, a personally constructed hodge-podge of LINE and New Zealander Maori weapon fighting, particularly the Taiaha. It's got a great deal more slashing attacks to it's name than either of my other spear styles, favors a high point and in general is the biggest reason Keihäs has served so well as a melee weapon in my hands. The... wild motions and movements of the Maori contributions to my personal style are tempered by military practicality-I won't say it's superior to either parent style-simply what I'm most comfortable with. Point is, while I may not have much in the way of finesse while using it, I find it about as easy as it gets to put as much force behind my strikes as I can, as often as I can, at as many angles as I can. It's built on plying strength and stamina to overwhelm an opponent. Certainly, such a style is ill-suited to use against beasts like the Doonongaes-but against people it's served me well enough in the past, and I've recently gotten a solid glut of life-or-death experience with it. I won't claim I'm an expert in my own style like I am with Kas Pin (odd as that may be) but I'm certainly familiar and comfortable enough with it to say I'm adept with it.

Last is Jukenjitsu, a rather... focused style, and one I admittedly know the least about, little more than how to properly thrust and parry, no artistry or grace to my movements. While practical is certainly a serviceable enough approach to the style, so oriented on spearing the foe through the chest or gut, it doubles as being incredibly easy to switch into from Kas Pin, and in terms of body positioning is a smooth way to transition to my own style. While I won't claim I have anywhere near the skill with Jukenjitsu I'd need to actually try to use it against Camella, I'm just good enough to survive the second it takes to transition between my two stronger styles.

...Honestly, if I wasn't facing Camella-or at least, someone more personally skilled in martial combat that was not in any way super powered or trying to kill me, and thus someone 'safe' enough to practice against while still being challenging-
I feel odd for a moment as not a single voice in my head comments about the incredibly precise requirements-
The point is, I don't think I could have figured this out, without an opponent like her. Hell, I ate up another minute and change just working this out-and now that I'm aware, I might start to get a bit more acclimatized to this combined use approach.

...Which, while great, and fun, and promises to actually see me become genuinely skilled at martial combat-

Does absolutely nothing about the fact Camella's been continuing to rev her engine the entire time we've fought. It's been a hair's breadth difference, sure- but each blow is faster than the one before, each one a little bit more forceful, her footwork more energetic. Over the course of more than two minutes we've exchanged hundreds of blows and miniscule or no it's been adding up and just won't stop rising. I could have sworn she start going full steam from the get-go, and here she is about to overwhelm me.

>[Armas now thinks of SOTG as having a HIGH and a LOW stance, as described above. Feel free to direct him to use either any time he is using SOTG. Jukenjitsu CAN become a middle stance, but would either need a great deal more learning and use, or to have more, similar/complementary style's fundamentals absorbed into it to make another Armas Special Style. ]

>>366835
[57]
>Initial DC to avoid being overwhelmed: 55 PASSED
>[MM,MMMMM Trait auto-activated]
First things first-the thing that's distracting me, slowing me down even as my foe speeds up. I'm still bothered by the way I can slip her attention but not her soul's awareness, a vexing paradox to my limited understanding of magic. Ultimately though, I've chatted with Dragons, I've bargained with Devils, fought monsters, lost limbs-and through most of it I've managed to maintain my calm and focus where genuinely necessary.

Well I'll say it's pretty fucking necessary to focus now.

So, in a manner that shouldn't be as easy as it is-I let go of my irritation and distraction because I knew I'd let go of them, completely bypassing my own attachment to the mindset. Done and done.

It's small, but there's a spike in the crispness, the sharpness and surety of my movements, a small diminishing of erroneous movements that makes me harder to beat down. It buys me another handful of seconds to work with.

So I slip into the more advanced bit of reading Attention, the part that's been remaining problematic to integrate into battle. I try to read Camella's Attention before it shifts-a nearly prophetic application in appearance that's simply built on different principles of observation. For it to even work, I need to actuall... know the person I'm watching, have a solid sense of what they do, how they act. I can't claim I'm any closer to applying it at will in battle-but the fact I just so happen to know Camella well enough, and have even practiced my stealth outside of combat on her, I manage to make the difficult observation far more easily accomplished-something reasonable enough to attempt in a hectic brawl. At firt, there's no real difference, no alteration in performance. Then I notice I'm starting to move before Camella-not by much, not nearly enough to notice unless you look for it-but just a hair. The minute gap grows larger-even as she jaw-droppingly keeps speeding up. I'd hoped the small (and now plateauing) but significant gains in speed would give me room to work-but the problem is I'm just matching her now, and she's wary enough of letting me out of direct sight she's locking down all my attempts to flank or juke, staying too compact and tightly controlled for me to slip her attention without some sort of obstacle to put between us-and a stick won't cut it.

Still, her spiritual attention is harder to slip than the physical-perhaps I can use that.

In one switch from Kas Pin to Jukenjitsu to my own hybrid style, the transition notably smoother than my first in this bout, I obscure an arm behind my body, plying flexibility and betting on Camella's double-layered attention as... I perform a feint she has no way to see, no reason to react to, pantomiming starting a vicious sweep that would take her in her side even as she fended off the staff from above. As she deflects my slash, she avoids attempting to close, her guard already hardened-

Against an attack that's never coming. Something she only dimly seems to register by means of a slight furrowing of her brow as she resumes the assault-a step faster than before, starting to eat into my small gains from diligently watching her intent as well as her Attention. Every time I throw in a hidden feint, trying to manipulate her position, I dance on a knife's edge, the cost of a less focused attack precariously measured against the gains of an unbalanced foe. It's a handy trick against her-but one I can't even blink while trying, and have to carefully pick moments for, rather than throwing them out on the fly. A pity-but that's as far as my own skill seems to go.

...Strange, I hear voices from the surrounding audience-they sound agitated? There's no new souls about so I can't afford to check why.

>>366853
[72]
>Initial DC to gain upper hand in exchange: 70 PASSED
I furiously kick my brain into hyperdrive as my edge fades away before Camella's onslaught. Okay, why not think of this from the other side: She's got attention sensing of her own, or something like it-maybe target sensing. Point is, her spirit is percieving other spirits. It has to share some fundamental similarities with my version. That would logically extend to having the same gaps. My ability to avoid attention can be broken by erratic, impulsive, otherwise mindless behavior. While it's possible that the same applies in reverse, and genuinely thoughtless, unpredictable actions could see me juke past her extra layer of wary observation, I want to dig deeper, find more. My subterfuge could be similarly negated by not focusing on me, but on what is around me-like a car, for example. Might not be applicable here, but if the first idea applies in reverse, this might mean her sense of attention only tracks those tracking her-not, say, her staff, or her clothing, if one can divorce their mental image of the items from her personage sufficiently. I might even be able to pull it off.

As the cherry on top of my 'Round 2' Pie, I start dragging up memories of (at the time) useless lessons on Wyld Goblin stealth that I could not practice. Taught at a time where I lacked any functioning chakras, or any manually usable bloodlines-or indeed a split soul or a myriad of other differences. The point is, I've changed-the knowledge I obtained hasn't. Can I use it now?

Let's find out.

With a jarring sense of something being old and new, a familiar topic and an alien action, my considerations of how to invert my stealth's weaknesses into her observation's flaws flows, shifts and merges with dry and dusty words, lessons ill-learned finally given meaning. Memories that never completed themselves finally shine bright as I know how to act without thought, in a paradoxical sense.

My body starts acting, and I recognize what it does-but there's a jarring sense of disconnect, as if I was watching someone else use my body the exact way I would.

>[SOTG Gain: Armas can now choose the 'Ego-less' fighting style the Goblins practice. It has bonuses to distorting many forms of magical perception, particularly spiritual ones. To mundane senses there is no discernible difficulty in reading an Ego-less fighter. Armas' Ego-less mode of combat is, in general, less precise, slower, has more forceful attacks, and is more creative in attack transition than Armas' default form of fighting. Any time you wish Armas to use this mode, prompt him to use 'Ego-less mode'. Be aware this only applies to melee combat, the same as his newly differentiated stances.]

The moment the transition occurs, Camella's spiritual sense of observing me massively ablates, dwindling to a fitful spark as her own ever-furious assault hits an unexpected pothole on the road to victory by determination. I can see her earlier confusion at hidden feints even now my body uses compounded by the abrupt lack of surety at what my next action is, the only 'instinctual' sense of what I'll do next now inevitably wrong. I took the strongest support to her confidence in her impending win, and viciously yanked it out from under her. For a few seconds her form's sloppy, uncertain-I milk it for all it's worth, brutally turning the table on her with a furious barrage of blows from high and low stances alike, putting her on the edge of being overwhelmed.

And she fights tooth and nail to hang there, on the brink of defeat, for a handful of seconds.

Then she's managed to last for half a minute.

Then she's gaining a foothold....

Maddeningly, even with a thrice over completely revamped approach to fighting her, each time honing myself to better face the challenge she represents, she just keeps coming back for more. Her face is twisted up in a snarl of focus, her veins and muscles alike stand out under taught skin-but her movements got faster, cleaner, more economical, and her footwork's gotten explosively swifter. Mind-boggling as it is, she's still forcing herself to fight better, even now. What hellish drive. It is only now, when I have enough at my disposal to even earnestly challenge her, that I start to really grasp just what let her survive her hellish tribulations in the undersewers.

>>366992
[96]
>Secondary DC to regain upper hand: 90 PASSED
No, wait, stop. I can be impressed later. I'm not even going to THINK thoughts that don't involve me kicking her ass anymore. Can't afford to spare the neurons or the attention.

I look more closely at... what I'm doing. On inspection, it's not that I'm not thinking of the attacks-it's that the thought process guiding my attacks isn't coming from my conscious mind anymore. My movements are, admittedly, not as sharp as before-but the extra flairs of creative adjustment likely don't hurt my chances of confusing Camella. So... a way to shunt the entirety of one's fight out of the conscious mind, to avoid ever being perceived as consciously planning an attack, let alone carrying it out. It's devious, I truly doubt it would have worked had I not gained such experience with... twisted lines of thought-but I can do better.

My conscious mind, freed of the burden of actually working out what I'm doing, is directed towards a new goal: Completely eschewing my attention on Camella from Camella, the individual. The thought itself is twisty, true enough, but I relentlessly focus on staff, sweats and shit, watching the movement of sleeves, the shift of fabric-even as I stay perpetually aware of her Attention, her Intent, and her soul as a whole. Against all that, the extra level of details about my foe don't mean all that much, it's true.

But with a foe I nearly pushed over the brink, it's enough.

I stop her resurgence cold.


...For about fifteen seconds. Then, as inevitable as the tide, slow but sure, she starts adjusting to fighting someone that her senses and gut both are telling her isn't paying any attention to her, a foe that inspires erroneous, potent knee-jerk reactions with deceptive fakes, who managed to slip free of what she thinks of as her 'normal' senses as easily as changing clothes, that predicts her actions and moves before she does, and on top of all that knows several times more about martial combat than the last time she fought him.

She adjusts to all of that-

And all I get for it is I see her finally starting to sweat.

Are you fucking kidding me? I've been fighting her for damn near ten minutes now, and magical recovery or no, I'm starting to feel a bit of strain just from how aggressively I'm expending energy just to keep up with her. She has no magic juju going for her-and only now am I even seeing a HINT she's getting tired. What the hell's this girl made of?

>>367034
[98]
>Hidden Overwhelm DC: 95 PASSED]
>>367027
>>367031
>>367043
>>367055
>>367068
>>367112
I'm not sure how long it is after her second recovery that it happens. Could be seconds, could be minutes-at this point my sense of time's starting to go hazy as my focus becomes every more tightly confined to the battle at hand, irking every last bit out of my resources.

I couldn't quite describe what I feel. It's not a pinch, it's not a tickle. It's neither pain nor pleasure, hot nor cold. Nevertheless, a decidedly jarring something happens at seven points in my body, from crown to crotch, all of it spurred on by a decidedly simply yet all-encompassing thought.

I need more.

A connection I wasn't even perceptually aware of between myself and my shadow unravels, ever-pumping energies from my chakras freed from the long-ago made choices made on a boat. The energy, freed, turbulent, directionless, permeates my flesh. I brush Camella's next stroke aside too easily, immediately suspecting a trap-but none comes. In fact, her blows, while every bit as fast as before, have become markedly weaker, almost half-hearted. Strange-she still looks every bit like she's exerting herself-I didn't know she could act that well.

It's when I attack I realize what's going on.

All it was, was a rising transition from a purposefully-off upward lunge from Kas Pin, to an upwards-moving parry with Jukenjitsu that looped back down into a Taiahan overhead slice. My transition was a bit cleaner than my current average, sure, but nothing to write home about.

The staff slams down, her staunchly raised defenses shattered as her sparring implement does just that, exploding in a wooden shower of detritus. as I barely stop my blow in time-

Or at least, I thought I did-all the same I hear the all-too familiar crack of a collarbone breaking.

For her part, Camella takes it like a champ. She doesn't even hesitate as her hand turns into a claw, she drops to a knee and oh god I know what she's doing.

"Iyield I yield."

Her claw stops half a foot from a very personally important, albeit recently neglected, part of my anatomy. My asshole refuses to loosen, still vigilantly tightened-but I do what I can to keep it out of my body language. Camella slowly stands, the one arm hanging limp, but otherwise moving rather easily.
>[Camella]"...That... was..."
"Did I mention that heir's a good medic of the swifter sort? Let me get you patched up pro bono, you'll be back to perfect in no time."
>[Camella]"...What was that other style you used?"
"Hm? Oh, I dabbled in some local martial arts on my trip-you know, seeing the sights, absorbing knowledge, normal trip stuff like that."
>[Camella]"Well, whatever it is, it... works for you. Particularly with what you already did."
>[Ito]"I agree. Were you not so.... lacking in finesse, I'd ask you to teach bayonet and spear work."
"Since I don't plan to stop learning anytime soon, you might end up asking anyway."

As the banter begins to die off, and my attention actually drifts back to the room at large-I see something I'm not used to seeing.

Respect, in a few cases even admiration, in the eyes of the onlooking students. I wink back at the dusky skinned, smooth-skulled presumed kicker as Ito hushes their building babble with a word.
>[Ito]"Well fought, granted. But lessons are ultimately still delayed-and I am now short a teacher in the art of bayonets."
>[Hillevi]"Um, I know how to use spears, I could maybe teach? In her place?"
>[Ito]"...The same school as what Armas used?"
>[Hillevi]"Ah.... sure."
>[Ito]"Then you'll do."
Hillevi turns my way.
>[Hillevi]"That's okay, right? I can do that?"
"Certainly. Just don't forget to take time to look at Camella's arm-I know you're no doctor, but you know a thing or two about injuries and recovery-maybe we're lucky and it didn't actually break?"

Hillevi didn't get the hint-but Camella did. I see her eyeing Hillevi speculatively as she cradles her arm, only to speak softly to me as the students devolve into discussion of the fight, only a few still looking silently our way.
>[Camella]"For the record, you shouldn't hit that hard for sparring."
"If I said that there are times when I don't know my own strength-"
>[Camella]"That just makes me even more wary to spar with you again. Get that under control."
"Why do you think I was so happy to spar with you? Rather hard to find the right practice partners."
>[Camella]"....Just when I thought I understood you. ...Let's see how Hillevi handles what you suggested first, and go from there.
"I can live with it."
>[Camella]"You don't get a choice, amico. ...Still, good fight."
"I did try."
>[Camella]"I know that look in your eyes-you have shit to do."
"No-well, yes, but not immediately."
>[Camella]"So are you ready for what you have to do?"
"What the meeting? Well I still need to-"
>[Camella]"Look, just go do that-you're going to be intolerable, distracted like that."
"What do you mean distracted?"
>[Camella]"Now, you think that after going to all the trouble of reasoning it out myself, you think I'm just going to hand you that? With all the crap you pull with me? I don't think so."
"...Fine. Just give me the names of those three before I go, then? And please call me if something happens with-"
>[Camella]"YOU, YOU are going to play the worrying parent card? YOU?"
"...I'll get my coat."

As I'm getting dressed in the back room.
>[Camella]"The girl's Eva F. Nigma. Everyone calls her Eva, and gives her room in the mornings-she is NOT a morning person, and has no problem showing off her kicks if you ignore that. Hairy guy's Bora-never gave a last name, doesn't speak much english, but he's a good visual learner. Kid's Iskender, he goes by Isky. Competes in breakdancing, capoiera and muay thai competitions. Really starting to think about the switch from amateur to professional now."
I stand, fixing my bow tie in place.
"Thanks. See you soon?"
>[Camella]"If I said no, would it change anything?"
"If I didn't say no, would you believe me?"

She smiles at that as I take my leave, Ito nodding his head as I round up Gloom and Lyubov. I speak in Finnish as I do so.
"Just making sure, but are you okay with spending the night here and spending some time pretending to not know magic, just being a martial arts teacher?"
>[Hillevi][In Finnish]"Yes, absolutely!"
That's that then.

So it is that four departed for Ito's, and three return. On the way back I chat with Lyubov (Gloom staying dourly silent) who expresses a great interest in Ito as a teacher. Since Gloom doesn't complain, I'll take that as implicit agreement. Good so far.

On my return I immediately seclude myself in the kitchen as I ponder just what dish to make when I go the Jagda's house (Man those university records were easy to sneak a peak at). Knowing whatever I make, I'm going to have to make it with house stock since my fridge is so depleted-I ask the million dollar question.

"Okay Amen, you know what food stuffs there are in the pantry. You know what foodstuffs I personally have left. You even know what recipes I have translated from the goblin cookbook. So what recipes can we make with what's on hand?"
>[Amen]"This one knows of two recipes that could be followed: A light appetizer, a salad mixed with strips of roasted harpy and a blood-derived vinaigrette, which the book titled 'The Happy Harpy', and a heavy entree, hag liver over a bed of rice fried with slices of mandragora titled 'Screaming Liver'. Which of the two would master desire ingredients for?"

Well now that IS a question, quite a few variables involved when going to an irritated man's house, someone that feels like they've been pranked and I've been putting off fessing up, and trying to win them over with food that ultimately is proof my request was valid. So......










What's it going to be, should I make the Happy Harpy, or the Screaming Liver?
There's only enough time to follow ONE recipe, unless you want someone else to cook.
While I cook, is there anyone I should request come to the kitchen and speak with me?
Since there is now actually some time to talk with Russians, Hafaz and co. or Sake, I'm going to devote an update to that, with the NEXT update heading off to Jagda's. So please leave plans for what to say there for later.
>>
No. 367286 ID: aabcff

We should ask Amen if he can copy Simo Heya's memories from Silja and implant it into our own mind.
>>
No. 367308 ID: e5dd31

>What's it going to be, should I make the Happy Harpy, or the Screaming Liver?

Happy Harpy. A Heavy Entree is, well, heavy, and not something people are familiar talking over with, especially when trying out a new style. We should appear smooth, not overbearingly formal. While beginning to prepare it, first read the instructions carefully, and check that you truly understand each step, and that there is no technique you are unfamiliar with. If there is, call the cooking Russians for advice.

>While I cook, is there anyone I should request come to the kitchen and speak with me?

Hafaz, Lyubov , Gloom, Mavtvey should be called, as well as Sake. Tease Hafaz by first talking about our meeting with Camella, appearing to 'forget' the business at hand, though with many hints about the heavy, heavy price he will pay.

Get them to assess what they thought of the fight- Hafaz should show his own knowledge of Camella's fighting style there, and what they thought about our various styles (though mainly keep it 'mundane', we'll talk about Ego-less with Sake and hopefully SB later, as it's been 4 or so hours since he had his training). Here is what I “understand” of the styles, and it would be good to have their opinions:

High-Style: Good for overwhelming a opponent quickly with our superior strength (for a human) with powerful slashes from many different angles. No real finesse there, but it 'gets the job done'. Ideas to enhance it would of course to get more finesse and control over it, as well as maybe learn a Style that would help such (prompt them for ideas).

Low-Style: This works in part through subterfuge, and has much more thrusts than our high-style, though still some slicing. It's about incredible flexbility that produce hard-to-defend attacks as well as feints. Despite still having a 'disconnect' about it that we must try and get rid of, it's our most well-accomplished style, and most likely the one we are most graceful with- if it weren't such a monkey-like style. Its main fault would be that subterfuge is kinda useless when the enemy never sees you to begin with, but it's actually really useful to get rid of the enemy seeing you with improbable movements, and it has thrusts, too.

Mid-Style: Jukenjitsu is a focused style, but we barely know enough to thrust and parry with it. THIS we must greatly improve, as it might be a style very useful to pin down dexterous enemies as well as mowing down enemies from stealth. Maybe Hafaz has an idea of a style that could also help me improve that ability to pin down people from middle-stance.

Then broach what we actually want from Hafaz: that he works for us, or, barring that, that he greatly help us when it comes to contacts and not only getting jobs, but getting good suppliers for many different things. Incidentally, does he know of artisans, or individuals unassociated with anything, that are specialists in friction welding materials together-which could prove rather useful in reassembling a stone item. We had a rather precious Heirloom shattered.

If Sake is here, and we have enough time, we might want him to settle on us while we continue cooking, and have a private talk between us three bros, as well as Iron Trick.

“Well, my weasely brother, I learned a bit more how let go of my ego while fighting, which results in , less precise, slower, has more forceful attacks, and is more creative in attack transition, but also managed to neatly hide my spiritual condition from Camella Attention. Thinking back on you and your affinity with beverage, as well as your wiggly fighting style, I was wondering if you knew whether drunken martial chakra arts truly exists- and if there purpose was to thwart magical as well as mundane detection. If so, do you think their kind of movements could help improve my 'Ego-less' Fighting style further? Would I benefit from combining them with Weasel wine to my new style? What would such experimentation do, beverage-named brother?”

>>367286
Let's NOT, especially before we manage to make-up with Silja. SUST.

Other thing to do is ask Amen if he knows of any beverage that would go well with such recipe- one that is not any more harmful for humans than vodka in the similar quantity of a bottle, let's say..

Ironybot, can you come in irc? Want to ask what were your ideas. Just curious.
>>
No. 367316 ID: f6106a

Ask Amen if either of the dishes would be harmful to a human consuming, making, or near them. Screaming Liver sounds unpleasant. But if it isn't harmful, make that and have Boris come in to learn and make The Happy Harpy.

Little unsure of what to talk to others about, but getting Gloom's and Lyubov's thoughts on the fight seems good. I am however against

>>367308
>Tease Hafaz by first talking about our meeting with Camella, appearing to 'forget' the business at hand, though with many hints about the heavy, heavy price he will pay.

As despite any promises he made, he's mortal and not wholly bound to them. Plus making it out to seem like we're going to rob him blind is stupid and cruel.

and >>367286 because we've yet to make-up with Silja.

Oh, and since this hasn't been outright said anywhere in post or by anyone else, I'm guessing Armas hasn't realized yet. But I'm pretty sure he realigned his chakras mid-fight. Not sure what for exactly though. I'm guessing strength.
>>
No. 367340 ID: 81f32a

>There's only enough time to follow ONE recipe, unless you want someone else to cook.
>unless you want someone else to cook.

....Actually, why not?

We don't have anything to lose if we have someone else prepare another dish while we are making one. Besides, it will be a great practice for Boris or that other guy who like to cook. So call them (or just Boris) and have him prepare Happy Harpy while we prepare Screaming Liver. Boris knows English, so reading the recipe should not be a problem.
We can oversee and give pointers along the way.

If we are not going to ask someone to help, then prepare Happy Harpy since a salad is better when eating and conversing and it does not need to be heated up and can be served cold.
But still, call for Boris and lets have some impromptu cooking training session.

Call for Hafaz&Co and talk with them. I don't really have any talking points but they should get the priority.


>Million dollar question
Well, that's nice and all but we still do not know if we have enough raw meat for the Redcaps. So ask Amen if there is our weight worth of magical and/or meat in Mansion supplies.

>Realignment of chakras
Ask Amen to what we aligned our chakras (or, if Armas can, have him examine that himself). Then ask if moving away from Stealth, SB's recovery has been slowed down. And if that has happened then realign back to stealth, we need SB on his feet as soon as possible.

All the conversation with Amen should be verbal and not through instant telepathy. We are already experiencing some damage, lets avoid using it when we can.
>>
No. 367364 ID: 2964e1

We have the following things to do, in this order:

Amen (out loud, in Finnish, at normal speed)

“Are either of the proposed courses unhealthy for a mundane human?

I also need an inventory, as far as you can explain without risk to me, of the magical meat and blood in the stores that the Redcaps can eat without harm and would enjoy. Do we have enough that we could serve the equivalent in magical energy to myself after making four servings of each of the courses that have just been proposed?


You also need to take off the rather embarrassing clothes has been giving you to wear, as they will not help your credibility with an academic. You should wash, shower, and then look for some of your own better quality clothes, casual but not scruffy, and put them on. Do not let Amen make them for you.

Afterwards, order Amen to transport, in a way that will have no negative side effects on us, any samples of our blood or body within his sphere of influence that are not currently part of us into a completely standard pot in front of us, without any contaminants that would harm us in any way,

We should then force ourselves to eat it all.

Hafaz (in Turkish)

”Sorry, must just get some cooking started, I'll be free to catch up soon.”

The Russians (in Russian)

>>367311
Upvoting asking Boris if he wants to come and help.

”So, Boris, I see that you have taken up cooking – do you feel like chancing a particularly adventurous menu? I promise that you can sample the wares – if you want.”

Then find Matvey, and say,

”I need a vegetable slicer, and you seem like just the man for the job. We can talk whilst we work.”

When things are going, make your pitch to the latter,

”I hope you've found the morning sufficiently interesting so far, and you can certainly see that I wasn't exaggerating when I said there was plenty of work to do in Istanbul! Now, I'm sure that Gloom and Lyubov have spoken to you about the quality of training that I can offer, and I hope you've all enjoyed my hospitality, despite the service... So, what do you say, about my proposal.”

Before he can reply, break in and say,

”Before you answer, I need to return the papers you lent to me, although I'd like the opportunity to gain them back from you in return for something that I hope you'll find much more interesting – my initial notes on the stealth arts I practice – if you are happy to stay within my employment. I'm not going to rush you, as I understand you need to talk with your men to make this kind of decision, but when you do decide, let me know.

Hafaz (in Turkish)

For this first bit, we shouldn't include the Russians, as they don't know each other.

”Sorry for keeping you waiting, I've had a busy morning, as you can see. As I'm sure you've already heard about my part in the little altercation with Blackbeard, is there anything you can tell me about what happened that I need to know?”

After he answers (or not), say:

”You should have come to Ito's, as now you'll never believe what I have to say, I nearly beat Camella. Any tips for next time?”

Sake (mentally)

”I hope you enjoyed your first morning in your new flesh, I know I certainly have – I'll have to raise my game if I'm to keep up with you, as I have to admit I've never defenestrated a man yet, and you've beaten me to it. I've got a little bit of a story to share, but only a little, and I wouldn't want to get in the way of your gloating – so, any particular triumphs I should know about to live up to?”

The Russians (in Russian)

By now Matvey should have had time to talk to the Russians, so make yourself available to receive their decision.

>>367286
SUST. We need to do this soon before Silja gets curious and breaks down Einrik's wards, but not now, and not before investigating safer options.

>>367308
>Tease Hafaz by first talking about our meeting with Camella, appearing to 'forget' the business at hand, though with many hints about the heavy, heavy price he will pay

SUST. We don't know Hafaz at all well enough for this kind of thing. It was what, the time before last when we met him that there was a Mexican stand-off?

>Incidentally, does he know of artisans, or individuals unassociated with anything, that are specialists in friction welding materials together-which could prove rather useful in reassembling a stone item. We had a rather precious Heirloom shattered.

SUST. Friction welding does not work on stone. Instead, we should ask the professor if he knows any archaeological conservators when we meet him later, they will know th emost about reconstructing the mere.

>I was wondering if you knew whether drunken martial chakra arts truly exists ... Would I benefit from combining them with Weasel wine to my new style?

SUST. For one thing, drinking's never worked out very well for him, and worse, given how critical avoiding cancer is for Armas, he can't risk known risk factors such as alcohol.

>Other thing to do is ask Amen if he knows of any beverage that would go well with such recipe- one that is not any more harmful for humans than vodka in the similar quantity of a bottle, let's say..

SUST. We can't trust Amen not to slip us some seriously powerful mind effecting or otherwise nasty drugs with minimal long term side effects.
>>
No. 367396 ID: f8aa66

Tough choice. For a guest, bringing something light like the Happy Harpy is usually preferential, but I admit to a great deal of curiosity regarding the Screaming Liver.

Tentatively going with Happy Harpy, and we'll try the Screaming Liver ourselves tomorrow. Inquire with Amen if there's a wine we could bring that's not liable to spook the good Professor too much - it is kinda traditional. White goes nicely with light fare like the salad, red (maybe a port?) would be excellent if we end up going with the liver. We're not really a wine sort of guy, but I'd guess Jagda is.

It seems wise to talk to Hafaz first of all, though I would like to take a little time to talk with Sake, ask him how he's liking Istanbul so far. The Russians... I doubt they'll mind us comping another night and meal in a mansion, and business propositions over a bowl of salad and harpy blood seems... gauche. If accurate.

For Hafaz, I still stand behind my previous statements (>>366330). The 'take us out for a night' is to try and keep things on a friendly footing as well as a business one. Now, we want to be fair; a team with a guy like Hafaz on it probably commands into the 40-60k range, right? We can offer them that. I'd like them to consider working the Yakuza side of things; I'd still like to infiltrate them. Check the Baki folder, it may be something we can use in that organization.

For the russians, I'd like to put them off but when we do try to hook them, I'd suggest offering a sliding scale with hazard pay on a daily basis rather than per job. 500 a day per russian for jobs with no or minimal expected danger (H&H guards, for instance). 800 for ones with some danger (possibility of small magical creatures). 1000 daily for jobs that contain creatures like encantado or harpies, or the possibility of magical arms. 1500 daily for things like today's job, being in the same area as Blackbeard. The reason why these are a bit low is because we're including bed and board, as well as magical arms salvage. Anything they find, they keep; we may reserve the right to try and buy something particularly interesting or obscure from them, but they have the option to refuse.
>>
No. 367411 ID: bbe107

@Hafaz: Do what I outlined in >>366354 namely:
"You are my friends, of course I came to save you. You don't owe me anything". which would manipulate them into a massive increase in relationship and probably into "true friends" who would willingly come to your aid dozens of times rather then just one; and the thing is, it's all true... just because you are aware of it happening doesn't mean you are incapable of sentimentality and fondness. This also sets the stage perfectly for potential recruitment into your newly forming PMC. Its the same as above only this time its because they are your friends and trust you rather then because you strong armed them into doing it by demanding it as payment for saving their lives.

Hafaz has invaluable contacts that would help finding jobs and could also teach his non lethal method of defense against supernaturals for when needed (for that type of contract)...

>What do I cook? Do I get help?
Do get a russian to help you.

>Talking to amen
Don't communicate using fast telepathy with anyone outside of combat or when facing a powerful hostile. Use normal speed communication. Let the russians know you can communicate worldessly with some entities so they don't think you are a space case, and to keep that info private.

Strangers can think us a space case, enemies we use fast communication around.

Also, ask amen if he can make you a charm that makes people overlook the fact you are armed. It should work on muggles... working on supernaturals is a bonus of course but the important bit is muggles. I want to be able to take all our guns everywhere. And I do mean ALL of them! Particularly silja whom we need to speak to ASAP!

@Silja: Talk to her. Avoid talking about your feeling and just get her talking, start by telling her some tales. Like how your day has been (with appropriate spin, recall she has very particular moralities). With amen's charm you should be able to take her with you through the streets. just sheath the bayonet first.

@Sake: Ask him how he is feeling, how his day has been, and whether there are any dishes he particularly enjoys so you can get them. Socialize a bit with your brother!

@Russian: Idle talk, wait up and don't push on accepting or refusing anything yet. You made your offer, let them mull it over without riding their ass like an annoying boss. Be manipulative about it not obnoxious micro-manager / nagging boss. This means make them feel more comfortable and at home with you and more like your friends.

>>367364
>So, what do you say, about my proposal.”
SUST about rushing them
>Afterwards, order Amen to transport ... any samples of our blood or body ... We should then force ourselves to eat it all.
SUST, armas bloodline still has an unaspected slot and autocannibalism might very well mess it up... especially if amen does so, without harming us he can modify it to ensure it wastes our extra slot.
>As I'm sure you've already heard about my part in the little altercation with Blackbeard,
He was there, he saw us, we were there to rescue him.

>>367286
SUST
There are a bunch of alternatives o getting them. SB can manipulate memories and might get the knowledge to do so better from einrik. And there is always SM, to whom we can sell a copy of said memories, and as part of his side of the bargin he does the transfers and gets armas a copy.
Also you didn't actually specify any precautions or wordings.

>>367308
>Tease Hafaz .. heavy price
SUST.
>Find Artisans
upvoting
>Drunken Fu
SUST
>Ask amen for beverages
SUST!
In fact do not drink anything but water for the rest of the day.
>>
No. 367418 ID: 3fd4fb

>>367182
>What's it going to be, should I make the Happy Harpy, or the Screaming Liver?
Might as well make both- the Russian cook guy can help. Double-check that neither dish is going to be hazardous to the consumer, and when they're done taste-test both. Hopefully, at least one of them will taste unmistakably magical- even if it's totally horrific, as long as it can't be easily interpreted as mundane food we can serve it to Jagda with confidence.

>While I cook, is there anyone I should request come to the kitchen and speak with me?
Speaking with Hafaz and the rest about paying us back should take priority here- we've been keeping them on ice all day, and that needs to be dealt with. Call them in, and don't wander around other useless topics before getting right to business- we're going to play this straight, no need to stress them out by avoiding what they almost certainly really want to get sketched out.

"Sorry it's taken me all day to get to this- quite a bit to do after getting back, you know? Anyway, hopefully your day's been all right hanging out here; the company was pleasant enough, I trust?" Await comments. "As far as paying me back for this morning goes... I'm going to ask for quite a bit, but hopefully nothing that you guys won't be more than willing to pay. See, as the Russians may have mentioned to you, I've have decided to try scaling up my mercenary business- go from solo to group operations. One guess where I'm going with this." If they can't immediately guess, I've underestimated them. "Right, you guys are solid operators- and the group needs people with connections and reputations as well as talent. The details haven't been worked out yet, but if you all join up, help me get this thing organized properly and started on the right foot I'm willing to call us square."


It would be nice to talk to the Russians about accepting employment as well, but the Middle Easterners are a higher immediate priority so deal with them first; if all else fails the Russians can wait until tomorrow morning.


On a completely different topic, make sure that Amen has Camella marked down as a guest, to avoid potential awkwardness should she drop by.
>>
No. 367491 ID: d9e951

>>367465
Amen can't make charms. He said he had no ability with enchantment.
>>
No. 367666 ID: 252e1b

>>367411

Upvoting Hafaz et al manipulation, with the caveat of answering the inevtiable "Why did you keep us waiting?" with "Two reasons: First, I was busy and had to keep up appearances. Second, you'd be safe in the house while things cooled down."

>>367308
>>367316
>>367411

When we're not comfortable issuing Amen orders in English, we should use Te Reo. Much more obscure than Finnish.

Finally a pair of questions, spoken aloud, in Te Reo, for Amen: "Are you capable of crafting items that are self-contained and do not harm the wearer, which obscure the identity of the wearer by making the wearer appear to be a specific person, and which operate on a limited duration? And can said items be designed to be deniable assets, themselves untraceable should they be captured? I am thinking along the lines of charms, but I am open to hearing about other items which may satisfy my requirements."

Second: "Does the mansion have facilities appropriate for repairing my damaged gun, and do you have the training to do so?"
>>
No. 367682 ID: d97a61

>>367308
>>367340
>>367418
>>367465
I find Boris ambling into the kitchen as word spreads I'm back, and when I explain my options he happily lends his assistance cooking the Screaming Liver while I focus on the Happy Harpy. So it is I have Amen bring us the necessary ingredients as well as the transcribed note from Jagda himself, and begin to replicate the meals listed within. The recipes, while intensive, aren't excessively complex, and are rather thoroughly laid out-so long as one's diligent, the process isn't hard to follow at all, same as the Kelpy Krisps. The odd thing with the salad, is that the Harpy meat has a property to absorb fluids from objects around it after it's cooked-which is why I'll need to dip each strip in sauce before laying them on the bed of leaves. It also turns out cooking them properly is... rather time consuming, and requires me to stay in the kitchen to constantly adjust the flames.

With Boris too busy for small talk, focused on properly prepping the liver, I have Amen request Hafaz' presence. Not even a minute passes before he's behind me, not saying a word, merely waiting.

>>367396
>>367411
I strongly recommend not calling mundane people muggles again or J.K. Rowling will find you and kill you through the interwebs
"So as it happens, I fought Camella to a stand still."
>[Hafaz]".....I do not wish to insult someone I owe a debt to, and am the guest of."
"You think I'm hyperbolizing? Feel free to ask her, Ito, or any of his day to day students how I did."
>[Hafaz]"This... is still very hard for me to accept. To be frank, last I met you I could rather easily still best you in a spar-and Camella's gotten used to my way of fighting, and I can't beat her nearly as often as she beats me, these days. So how is it you fought her to... what, a draw?"
"Well I broke her collarbone accidentally, she went for the family jewels, I bowed out-priorities, you understand. I haven't felt it, but I know that clawed attack she was going for would have ended badly for me.
Hafaz winces.
>[Hafaz]"..You injured her?"
"It's not exactly like I could hope to keep up if I kept kid gloves on with her, you know? Nothing lethal, but-"
>[Hafaz]"Not what I meant-you actually HURT her. I.. none of us have managed to pull that off, even when she's made completely unsafe and unreasonable demands."
"Like what?"
>[Hafaz]"That she, blind folded, has to disarm the five of us when we're trying to beat her to the ground with baseball bats."
"....You kidding me?"
>[Hafaz]"Not even close to the only insane thing she's asked. There's... a reason I can't keep up with her unless I get lucky now."
"Her stamina certainly is something else, no doubting that. Anyway, you tried any new bars recently?"
>[Hafaz]"Hm? There's Seventieth Street, a bit expensive but surprisingly free of children for a nicer bar. Good rum there. Stali's opened up recently, I've heard good things about their vodka-"
I feel no less than four new sets of attention get directed our way, the souls of four Russians abruptly paying attention to our exchange from the hallway. ...That's fucking hilarious.
"-Of course they're in the docks, so it is a Triad place, that one. There's a couple hole in the wall places I found recently too, both hit that sweet spot for drinks, cheap and strong. Both places are a bit more... off the grid than the bars-but eh, different nights call for different places to get liqoured up."
"Well you've been scouting quite diligently, haven't you?"
>[Hafaz]"Found out an old friend died. Had to sort things out. Over it."
"Alright. Well, you do realize we're going to have to get a drink together, Camella and the rest as well, pretty soon right?"
>[Hafaz]"...If that is what must happen."
"The whole deferential thing is throwing me for a loop here. If this is about the stuff this morning, you're my friends, of course I came to save you: You don't owe me anything."
>[Hafaz]"Respectfully, don't patronize us. Even if you meant that, that would still leave us feeling we owe you, making it far easier to manipulate us into doing things out of a self-generated sense of guilt. Not only that, it devalues your own mercurial work, a bad precedent to set when that's the only real service we can offer you. We have been in this business for a while, and have learned to refuse such apparent generosity-it never pans out. Just tell us how you want us to square things up with you."
"...Alright. As far as paying me back for this morning goes... I'm going to ask for quite a bit, but hopefully nothing that you guys won't be more than willing to pay. For one-I'm still drooling over that martial style you picked up, and would appreciate the chance to learn it."
>[Hafaz]"I'm not a particularly accomplished teacher, but I will do what I can, within reasonable limits-please do not think you can have me training you all day long, day after day."
"But of course. As to the rest of my request... well. See, as the Russians may have mentioned to you, I've have decided to try scaling up my mercenary business- go from solo to group operations. One guess where I'm going with this."
He lets out a slow breath while I continue to tweak the oven before me, currently baking the harpy before, strangely, having to roast it and bake it again. No, I won't claim I know why.
>[Hafaz]"Let me think-starting your own... what, off the grid PMC? Mansion or no, I haven't heard of you buying an immense number of things as I'd expect you would, so you likely don't have a sizable financial reserve, sufficient to pay for gear, board and wages for eighteen ex-military specialists. You also can't currently afford to do much to get word out about your group, especially since you need to do logistics work, and handle the aforementioned funding issue. In fact, what would be most useful to you would be a pre-existing, known functional team willing to work pro bono, and do so under your group's name, both to acquire initial capital, and spread the word. That sound about right?"
"Right, you guys are solid operators- and the group needs people with connections and reputations as well as talent. The details haven't been worked out yet, but if you all join up, help me get this thing organized properly and started on the right foot I'm willing to call us square."
>[Hafaz]"Can't promise we'll work for free for that long-we'll work at cost after doing either one big or two small jobs for nothing. You'll still make a considerable sum on every job we complete, and with that build up until you can actually get your 'official' mercs on the field, taking jobs. At that point, we'd resume charging or normal rates with you. The five of us are out money, but we've all got plenty squirelled away, and can take the hit. It's a bit more than I'd like to give, but I also want to avoid trying to haggle with you. So as you said: Call it square?"
Considering I'm getting a WAY better deal than I thought I would? Absofuckinglutely.
I turn from the cutting board where I'm making a past from salmon roe to use as a base for the salad's sauce.
"I'd shake your hand on it, but I'm reasonably sure you don't want such a... fertile handshake."
>[Hafaz]"I appreciate you omitting that-so the deal is struck then?"
"Absolutely. We will need to work out what your first jobs ARE, though, later."
>[Hafaz]"One would hope. ...So why'd you keep us waiting? I have to admit I'm curious, 'Boss'."
Oh MAN it felt good to be called that, even if it was facetious.
"Two reasons: First, I was busy and had to keep up appearances. Second, you'd be safe in the house while things cooled down. That answer it for you?"
>[Hafaz]"Indeed it does... alright Armas, let me know, about the drink or the job."
As Hafaz makes his way out of the room, I shortly find myself an idle moment in the cooking process, and decide to call Amen, the moment he's at my side, I ask a private question-verbally. Now, English, Turkish, Russian-all of them are known by someone or other in the house. And Hillevi knows Finnish. As it happens though-I know a fifth tongue.

So it is that I pose a question in Te Reo, having to take my time as I properly structure the sentence in the disused tongue.

"Are you capable of providing charms that are... self-contained, and do not harm the wearer?"
>[Amen]"This one is."
"Charms which, ah, obscure the identity of the wearer by making the wearer appear to be a specific person, and which operate on a... limited, duration? "
>[Amen]"Yes."
" And can said charms be designed to be... ah.... deniable... items, themselves untraceable should they be captured?"
>[Amen]"This one is capable of such."
"Good. Please ask Sake to come in here."
>>367340
But first I want you to verbally tell me, in Te Reo, what you can observe of my chakra's current alignment.
>[Amen]"This one is not certain the question is understood-master's chakras are not aligned to anything, and as such cannot be observed relative to a non-existent alignment."
What?

There is no response, oddly enough, but soon enough I feel a gust from the empty space that briefly was occupied by Amen, and a familiar presence fills the air-and lands about my shoulders.
>[Sake]"Hey. You called?"
“Well, my weasely brother, I learned a bit more how let go of my ego while fighting, which results in , less precise, slower, has more forceful attacks, and is more creative in attack transition-"
>[Sake]"Why are you talking like Christopher Walkins? Why should I ask him that?" "-but also managed to... wait, what?" >[Sake][code][i]"Your other brother from no other mother said to say that. He also said... 'stop dallying, get to the point or we'll not pay attention.' ...He is right about that, we Kamaitachi are not well known for long attention spans."
"..Okay, to the point: Do you know of any magically active drunken martial arts that do not require a specific bloodline?"
>[Sake]"No I don't."
"That-that kills the rest of my question, never mind."
Sake snickers.
"Incidentally, don't go resting on your laurels-I won't let you be the only one of us to defenestrate someone for long."
Sake snickers harder as he snuggles into my collar, happily being lazy while I continue to cook.

>>367364
Armas isn't going to self-cannibalize unless you can get some support for the idea. You may wish to seek that out first, before reposting the idea.
"Amen, another question for you: Are either of these courses unhealthy for a mundane human?"
>[Amen]"This one is aware of no such association, but this one cannot access recorded information much anymore."
Well that just fills me with confidence. Still, I didn't see any warnings in the recipe, and I had my first such meal when I was... pretty normal... mostly. Should be fine.
I switch back to Te Reo.
"[i I also need an inventory, insofar as you can explain without risk to me, of the magical meat and blood in the stores that the Redcaps can eat without harm and would enjoy. Do we have enough that we could serve the equivalent in magical energy to myself after making four servings of each of the courses that have just been proposed?[/i]"
>[Amen]"To the second question, this one is certain such nutritional needs could be met-but this one is required to caution master the first time master requests an inventory of... the celler. Prior masters had conflicting orders regarding its design, and the orders had to be followed. Space is bent, warped there-an answer no longer can be understood by a mind with any sanity, this one is sad to say."
...Okay then.
"Get Matvey, please."
>[Amen]"This one obeys."
Shortly enough Matvey enters the room, taking the knife I offer to him and listening carefully as I describe the spacing and angle of cutting he'll have to do. Then, once he's proven he won't muck it up, I start to speak to him about a decidedly non-culinary topic.
"I hope you've found the morning sufficiently interesting so far, and you can certainly see that I wasn't exaggerating when I said there was plenty of work to do in Istanbul! Now, I'm sure that Gloom and Lyubov have spoken to you about the quality of training that I can offer, and I hope you've all enjoyed my hospitality, despite the service... So, what do you say, about my proposal.”
>[MB]"Honestly? Fine, Gloom's not so resistive to the idea of working for you any more, and that has quieted down the other dissenters-but I think it'd be smarter to wait until everyone can be swung around to it. Would rather not risk breaking up the group-more than a few paranoid types in our bunch, and dissention would not be fun to deal with."
"So what, you want more time to swing everyone around?"
>[MB]"Yes, actually."
"Alright. You know I may still need to ask you to do things during that time?"
>[MB]"So long as it's a request, and not an order, until such time that we do give our answer-fine."
"There anything you think you need to convince the dissenters?"
>[MB]"Proof that you can actually get us reliable work, as you've already sold the gym and accommodations rather well. All that's left is proving the cushy part actually comes with a gig-did I say that right?"
"Watch out now, you'll be sounding like a bonafide American soon enough. Well, if you need time, you'll get time, simple as that. Oh yes-did Gloom or anyone others of your number want the files that got pulled during the morning job?"
>[MB]"Gloom expressed some interest, yes-but he, and everyone else, were all more interested in the file-"
"On me."
>[MB]"It is not often one gets to read an objective analysis of a prospective employer."
"Well, still have a few questions of my own that need answering regarding those files."
>[MB]"I assumed such. Was that all?"
"For now. Feel free to stay in here, just know this meal's for an academic I'm meeting-so not sneakinga taste, okay?"
>[MB]"Boris would kill me anyway."
I shoot an approving glance Boris' way, my psuedo-sous chef merely nodding to himself as he samples a fingernail's worth of sauce from the Screaming Liver.

As Matvey turns to go... he stops, turning his attention back onto me.
>[MB]"...So why is your rifle in here?"
What?
I turn around.... and see Keihäs propped up against the doorframe.

Amen, did you move Silja's vessel into the kitchen?
>[Amen]"This one undertook no such action."
Do you know who did?
>[Amen]"This one is aware of no individual responsible for moving the rifle."
...You don't know who moved it within this house? I thought this was your go-to domain.
>[Amen]"This one must acknowledge master as correct: All the same, this one knows of no one that could be named culprit for the action."

After finally pulling the Harpy flesh from the oven, the last of it's cooking done, I drop the pieces in the sauce I'd been working on, idly noting they already start greedily slurping in the moisture and flavor alike, wash my hands, and walk over to the mystery in my kitchen.

As I approach, I note a small note stuck to the rifle's butt-and feel a mild bit of magic rolling off of it. The hand the note's written in looks... familiar, and I start reading.

Well. Good job on not getting Einrik concerned. That.. could have brought about a rather unfavorable outcome for all of us. The Devil's going to become aware of your wager with the vampire, and will attempt to come calling when you are handling the wager. But that's minor compared to the current issue. Honestly, it might have been best to let her keep believing the lie, living in her fantasy-it was an important thread for her to keep herself sane, knowing that at least one person in the world around her was familiar. Yeah, false belief-but by the time she would have learned better herself, she wouldn't have been trapped inside that vessel.

I can't say your choice wasn't, from your perspective, rational. Nevertheless, it created some rather severe problems down the road for you, and left you a very narrow path to safety. I've done what I can-helped her focus more on constructive considerations to her plight than depressive ones-but there's only so much one of us can do. So here's where you need to step in: Don't even bring up the issue. Pretend that last conversation you had with her didn't happen-and get used to making small talk with her. Granted, that's nowhere near enough to resolve what got started-but it's the best start you've got at your disposal. Well... save one thing, but I doubt you're interested-72% of the time you reject this offer. If you and Silja alike do actively and willingly agree to allow it, I could speak with her when you cannot. Believe me when I say I know more about her than you, and that I genuinely do want to see her draw breath again. That won't happen if that resilient mind that lasted through decades of bitterly nursed regret finally gives in to her despair, which means that on this particular topic, our goals are identical.

We both know you're overly paranoid-can't really afford not to be, in your line of work. If you don't want to take my offer on this, nothing I can do about it. I just ask that you consider what's best for her, and not just you. Incidentally, you have three seconds before I can't block Amen from detecting this note so it has to-

The note crumples into cinders that dwindle into nothing before ever reaching the floor, the vellum crumbling into the dust of ages.

...Well. Written in the same hand as the note I found with the devil's hand back in Finland. This... is becoming mystifying.

I put that aside as I do what I planned to from the start-and talk with Silja while the Harpy meat marinates. We don't talk about anything important-no addressing the nature of her existence, no philosophical rhetoric, not even serious conversation. We just talk about the small nothings of life-and it seems to help, even if only slightly. Some measure of the gentle warmth that once permeated her vessel has returned by the time I need to finish cooking. She's not cheerful again-not by a long shot-but I'll take my small victories.


I finish plating the Happy Harpy salad, sampling a single mouthful before wrapping the remained in saran wrap for transportation.

A mind-meltingly smooth, tangy, buttery flavor explodes out of each piece of meat, melding with the creamy tones of the leaf bed before transitioning to a spicy, savory finish that makes me think of smoked ribs, before swinging back into the realm of sweet and tasting not unlike a fruit salad. The transitions should be jarring, and I can't say why they aren't. All I know is that if I hadn't built up a tolerance for it, I'd be wolfing down the whole plate right now, coming appointment or no-it's fucking decadently delicious, in a way so striking I can't relate it completely to any one other meal.

For his part, Boris takes one taste of the Screaming Liver, nothing more than a small gibbet of liver that separated during the cooking process-and promptly grabs a bottle of vodka as he makes a beeline for the door, barely keeping the drool from spilling on the floor. I saran wrap that dish too as I decide that's a good enough endorsement for me.

So now it is that both dishes are ready.

Refusing to call Amen, I hide both dishes by the door behind a potted plant, snag a quick shower, and grab an olive tweed suit with brown patches on each elbow from the master bedroom closet before Amen can dress me. ...Then I grab a set of oversized cufflinks and tie clip, all wrought in a rose gold so lustrous it's nearly a deep ochre rather than a pale red.

...I'd like to say I don't know why I chose to throw such... colorful accessories into my suit-as well as a silvered silk bow tie-but the truth is I've rather swiftly developed a fondness for such... loud attire. Could be I just didn't know about my preference because I could never afford to have such a closet as this.

So, olive suited white tied and gold-cuffed, I reclaim my two prepared dishes (only AFTER discretely putting Iron trick in my shoulder rig and Old Lonesome on my holdout rig) and head out the door, happy the Professor only lives six blocks from the mansion. ...Oddly, I get more Attention It hardly takes any time at all to get there-and shortly enough I'm knocking on his front door.

Just as it begins to open-
>"Did you know the back of your jacket has the word 'Pimpin' written on it in half-foot tall letters in cloth of gold?"
-Ah, Fuck you Amen. Also you waited to tell me now?
>"Would you have done any differently?"
Meh...


So: I'm at Jagda's house, both dishes in hand, and so long as no one sees the back of my jacket I look perfectly presentable.







How am I going to handle the initial introductions, particularly if he has a family I need to meet?
How should I handle the food itself-should I tell him what it is before, or after he eats some?
Lastly, how am I going to make sure he doesn't think I'm a crackpot, going on about magic and monsters and such?
>>
No. 367683 ID: d97a61

[And yes, Sake is still Around Armas' neck. All three brothers have come a'calling to Jagda's home.]
>>
No. 367688 ID: b83c65

>>367682
>How am I going to handle the initial introductions, particularly if he has a family I need to meet?
"Hello, Jagda. I'm very sorry it's been so long since we had a face to face. Ah, you brought your family too?"
Be as subdued as possible. Gentle, friendly, open as much as we can be. However, smile extra wide, and laugh a little too hard at our own jokes. And MAKE SURE EVERYONE CAN STARE AT PIMPIN'! Even if you have to keep your back to people for long minutes, SHOW THAT THING OFF.

>How should I handle the food itself-should I tell him what it is before, or after he eats some?
After! Or During. Actually, try during. It'll be funnier that way. "You'll like this." Wait a few bites "It's made from Hag. Can't you just taste the richness?"

>Lastly, how am I going to make sure he doesn't think I'm a crackpot, going on about magic and monsters and such?
We have a weasel about our neck. As long as we don't tell him he's our brother, and don't ask Sake to keep it to himself, we might be able to pull it off.

>Note Writer.
Think to a very very deep part of yourself, part before the War, before our brothers. Before any of this. Hopefully Amen won't be able to hear it. Tell yourself 'Yes, you may speak with Silja when I am not there.'
>>
No. 367690 ID: 7bad44

We should let our mysterious friend talk to Silja.
>>
No. 367696 ID: f8aa66

If we're replying to the note writer, you could try thinking to yourself: 'I am indeed paranoid, but I DO have a heart. How could Ihahaha okay sorry, couldn't keep a straight face. That said, I'm also a contrary freak, so the fact that 72% of the time I say no, makes me want to say yes. After all Silja - or was that you, you spooky bastard? - saved my life back on that helicopter, that buys you a little lee-way. Of course, if you screw Silja on this - and by extension me - I will spend the rest of whatever remains of my life trying to get you back. Revenge is also a thing I like doing.'

>How should I handle the food itself-should I tell him what it is before, or after he eats some?
Take your cue from Iron Chef. Dish it up, then start explaining while he eats. "This first dish I wanted something light that still says 'I am like nothing else on this earth.' I find the bed of greens contrasts very well with the tangy sweetness-spiciness-sweetness of the Harpy, but I'd be interested in your opinion. Now, the main dish I haven't tried myself, but the chef who prepared it was well-satisfied, and I think you will be too. Normally liver by itself can be overwhelming, but you just can't go wrong with Hag-"

If Jagda is polite, he'll offer to take your coat. I'm not sure if we should- we're almost like academic-chic right now barring the PIMPIN, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if Amen put something WORSE on the back of your shirt underneath.

>Lastly, how am I going to make sure he doesn't think I'm a crackpot, going on about magic and monsters and such?
Put on our serious face.
"I understand thinking about such things is uncomfortable, or even ridiculous on the face of it. You probably think I'm here to sell you something, or that this is all some joke. But I have to tell you Jagda-can I call you Jagda?-that the world is far stranger - and in some ways, far worse - than you think it is.

"It's kind of like Yoda says. If you sit down with me and listen to what I have to say, things will change. 'Forever will it dominate your destiny', right? Maybe only in little ways. Maybe in large ones. But you'll start seeing things you never expected or wanted to see in things that should have been safe and familiar. And it's hard, hard hard to forget once you've been exposed. I know, I've been there."

When he asks for proof, bite off the knuckle of your ring finger like Ozzy chowing down on a bat. Give him your best crazy grin as you crunch away at the knucklebone.

Or I guess if you wanna go less crazy, you could show him Sake, but the finger thing would have more intrinsic shock value.
>>
No. 367707 ID: e5dd31

>How am I going to handle the initial introductions, particularly if he has a family I need to meet?

If he has a family we need to meet, we should act like the crazy uncle who 'talks about crazy things to entertain the kids', so that it doesn't look believable for kids-family, but make sure that Jagda actually understand what we are saying. All of our sentences should have two meaning here- one to entertain the kids/family, one for jagda. Don't hesitate to put on a show.

>How should I handle the food itself-should I tell him what it is before, or after he eats some?

Hopefully, the family's not eatign with us if he has kids, as I don't want to see if it could be bad for them. However, do tell him the appetizer is a 'Happy Meal' of sort, and gauge his reaction when eating. For the heavy entree, he should know what to expect by then, so don't hesitate to flat out explain to him what's in it.

>Lastly, how am I going to make sure he doesn't think I'm a crackpot, going on about magic and monsters and such?

Well, if he is with family and we play the crazy uncle part, he most likely will have to pretend to play along at least until he has eaten some. If he isn't, we'll have to convince him from the get go. This could very well prove to be quite hard, and It may be 'safer' to keep how big the magical world is low-key, and instead skirt around the truth. Also, our eyepatch should really help there, by showing a “magic trick”, as he won't be able to notice we actually have one until we point it out.

Keep jacket on, use our stealth if possible for people not to look at the back, and if not possible comment about “A butler's way of getting revenge”. This could fit in the eccentric's theme.

General goals for this meeting should be:
+Look eccentric but knowledgeable, as well as reticent and 'cautious' about the magical world. By that, I mean look like your typical eccentric Wizard in lore.
+If there is a family, make sure all of them actually end up liking you, even if against reason.
+Having a contact in the academic world is actually non-worthless, as there surely are links between magical academics and non-magical ones. Jagda could help you bridge the two, and get you a 'in' into other kinds of contacts.
+Getting our Translated book back
+Have fun with a mundane family that have mundane needs, and play around with the kids. This is good for your sanity, Armas.

>If we're replying to the note writer, you could try thinking to yourself: 'I am indeed paranoid, but I DO have a heart. How could Ihahaha okay sorry, couldn't keep a straight face. That said, I'm also a contrary freak, so the fact that 72% of the time I say no, makes me want to say yes. After all Silja - or was that you, you spooky bastard? - saved my life back on that helicopter, that buys you a little lee-way. Of course, if you screw Silja on this - and by extension me - I will spend the rest of whatever remains of my life trying to get you back. Revenge is also a thing I like doing.'

Well, i'll say yes indeed, though the way the letter is phrased IS ringing all kind of alarm bells on how good the guy is about talking his way on stuff- like Armas, actually.


Mental notes:
1.
>[Camella]"Look, just go do that-you're going to be intolerable, distracted like that."
>"What do you mean distracted?"
>[Camella]"Now, you think that after going to all the trouble of reasoning it out myself, you think I'm just going to hand you that? With all the crap you pull with me? I don't think so."
>[Hafaz]"That she, blind folded, has to disarm the five of us when we're trying to beat her to the ground with baseball bats."

It does look like Camella might have been honing her Attention-sense the hard way, and her trial and error might have given her a different kind of insight into it than Armas has. Armas has been “so focused he gets distracted” a bit lately, and with the way we focused ourself on Camella's clothing/apparel during our fight, it might have been worse then, hence Armas thought only ten or so minutes passed. This is worth looking into, later.

2.

>"Now that I have opened all the chakra points and have directed them towards stealth, is there anything more that I can do to improve them? How far am I from reaching my maximum potential?"
>[Amen]"There never was and never will be such a thing as a 'maximum' potential for a soul. Souls are ever-changing, and even if that change does not happen swiftly, that does not mean it does not occur. As to improving your chakras-this one suggests using them, if improvement is sought."
>"How does one reconfigure chakras?"
>[Amen]"This one is not sure why master asks that-master is in possession of a Spirit-manipulation magic based bloodline, making master's question the equivalent of 'how does one breathe?' "
>I need more.
>A connection I wasn't even perceptually aware of between myself and my shadow unravels, ever-pumping energies from my chakras freed from the long-ago made choices made on a boat. The energy, freed, turbulent, directionless, permeates my flesh.
>But first I want you to verbally tell me, in Te Reo, what you can observe of my chakra's current alignment.
>[Amen]"This one is not certain the question is understood-master's chakras are not aligned to anything, and as such cannot be observed relative to a non-existent alignment."
>What?

Yes, this really seems like we not only do not need our chakra aligned to 'use' them, but having them aligned toward stealth might actually have stopped us from using them freely once we got our Sami bloodline, and only extreme focus and desperation allowed us to bypass the mental block of thinking about alignment as necessary for us. Also, insane rolls
>>
No. 367723 ID: 252e1b

>>367685
I replied to your gun question in >>/questdis/355720

>>367682

First, read his soul. Get a good read of it, and use the cues to help you keep him calm.

>How am I going to handle the initial introductions, particularly if he has a family I need to meet?

The jacket is totally SB and Sake's fault. They can issue orders to Amen, and this is their style of humor, not his.

First, take that jacket and drape it over your arm, like you're warm from the walk. Have Sake confirm the back of your shirt is OK. If it is, keep the back of the jacket hidden from the professor by keeping it on your arm.

If it isn't, suck it up and wear the jacket. Feign ignorance about it initially, and if he asks, explain it away as your two eccentric brothers playing an expensive prank on you, with your butler's help. You intend to repay the mischief in kind, later. With interest, even.

>>367688
>"Hello, Jagda. I'm very sorry it's been so long since we had a face to face. Ah, you brought your family too?"

We're at HIS house, of course his family (if he has any) is going to be here. Don't say that. Instead say, "Hello Professor, I'm very sorry it's been so long since we last had a face to face. I've been busy with work, and a holiday. You know how it is, work hard, play hard!"

If he has family, be nice, be pleasant, be entertaining. Be the perfect house guest, polite and charming. If he has a wife, greet her warmly. If he has kids, talk to them a little. But above all else, don't step on Jagda's toes.

>>367707
>...All of our sentences should have two meaning here- one to entertain the kids/family, one for jagda. Don't hesitate to put on a show.

Don't play up the crazy angle, but the entertainer angle. Take on the attitude of a raconteur while dealing with anyone but Jagda himself.

>How should I handle the food itself-should I tell him what it is before, or after he eats some?

Present it to him and ask if he recognizes it from the recipe. He should remember them, roughly, and ought to be able to recognize it. Tell him it's not seafood, if he asks. "I ran out of kelpie last night; I was entertaining guests, you see."

>Lastly, how am I going to make sure he doesn't think I'm a crackpot, going on about magic and monsters and such?

"You've read the book. You know the history of the era far better than I. You know the ancients thought that there was more to the world than just what's apparent and mundane. I'm betting you've done some digging too, maybe taking a second look at things that you noticed weren't quite right. Hopefully you've talked to some colleagues who have had adventures like mine. Maybe you've even done a little checking on me, to make sure I'm not some lunatic."

He'll probably confirm some of that. Might be a good hook in what he offers, might not.

"Right. I got interested in these kinds of books after seeing weird stuff for myself."

"Just, weird stuff. Look, I'm not going to lie to you, but I really don't want to strain your credulity either. I encountered some strange stuff when I was in the service. Things that go bump in the night, if you take my meaning. Those chance encounters left my interest piqued, and when I was done being a soldier, I decided Istanbul was a good place to come to learn more about the hidden world."

He'll take the hook and ask what we've learned besides what we've found in weird books.

"Well there's more stuff in Istanbul's undercity than just sewers and archeological sites. Dangerous stuff. Some of those things that go bump in the night. And the deeper you go the worse it gets. I wouldn't go down there without the right native guide, honestly. It's not just the undercity though, there's weird stuff all around us."

"Look, once you know about this stuff, it has a way of drawing you in. I mean, I started off just wanting to satisfy my curiosity, and now I've seen so many crazy things that "Big Trouble in Little China" seems like it could plausibly be based on a true story. If you're sure you want to follow this rabbit hole deeper, I'll be more explicit."

If he confirms he still wants to know, "Alright Professor. I'll start small huh? You've been eating the Happy Harpy appetizer (which I prepared) and the Screaming Liver entree (prepared by a fellow chef with similar tastes as mine). That's real harpy meat and real hag liver. The meat was stored in a cellar that's been twisted into a little pocket-plane that's hazardous to look at for anyone without a twisty mind or serious magic. My butler conforms to both those descriptions, luckily. Otherwise I'd have to make do with just the pantry."

He'll probably still scoff at us at this point. We'll respond by saying, "Well, seeing is believing I suppose."

SB and Sake can both provide minor examples, and Armas' stealth art is a good start. Sake's wind powers would, for instance, allow him to "paint" symbols with the smoke from a candle. Shadowbro can teleport mundane material with ease.

Armas could read Jagda's soul for clues, perhaps have him do the "remember a strong memory and I'll name it" trick.
>>
No. 367747 ID: c8687a

Let's ask Amen what bloodlines users blood we have in the cellar.
>>
No. 367763 ID: ac6c03

>>367747
SUST on mentally communicating with Amen, it causes brain damage.
>>367723
Upvoting all this plan
>>367707
Upvoting all this as well
Entertainer for the family, but don't look a complete fool to Jagda.
>>
No. 367911 ID: cb0cc3

>How am I going to handle the initial introductions, particularly if he has a family I need to meet?
Be friendly and entertaining. If he has kids, this should come naturally. Regardless, we want to come off as likable and not give much indication that we're dangerous. We promised to cook something specialized for the professor on a bet and we're here to settle up. That said, while it's generally good to avoid discussing magic in front of others, if he tells us to continue with his family around- screw it, they can find out too. It might lead them into playing with fire, but knowledge can lead to good things as well as bad, occasionally.

>How should I handle the food itself-should I tell him what it is before, or after he eats some?
After, definitely. Give it to him and make him guess. Dickish, but the food should be sufficiently convincing on its own. In retrospect, it's kind of a shame that we didn't come by with the ingredients alone and cook at his house, just to prove that we were following the recipe.

>Lastly, how am I going to make sure he doesn't think I'm a crackpot, going on about magic and monsters and such?
First, be keenly aware that if we try to use our brothers as proof of magic they will troll us by totally failing to come through. The opportunity is too damned perfect for them to do anything else, so don't give them the opportunity. Because of that, we will have to rely purely on our own abilities if we want to provide direct proof that magic exists instead of just persuasive lines. Three obvious ways to go about that: Either cut ourselves and make it heal, bet him that before the end of the conversation he will completely lose track of where you are and goblin stealth the hell away from him while you're talking, or whip off our eyepatch. I favor using goblin stealth.

That said, unless we really have to provide immediate proof beyond the fact that the food is obviously unnatural, it would be best to just use words. Do the classic mysterious wizard thing, where we reference vague stuff and don't actually say a hell of a lot. Milk it for all it's worth. This guy doesn't need a full run-down of what the supernatural world is like. Probably wouldn't buy into the full scope of everything anyway. What's important to give him the "full scoop" that we promised is that there are all kinds of magical creatures out there, everything listed in the book and more. Some of them are both sentient and very old- and if the book was kept in a kind of magical stasis by one of them, then that would explain why its condition is so good when we traded for it, as well as why it's written in the language it's written in. Don't point Jagda towards the goblins directly; he'd probably do something overconfident and stupid and get himself killed.

>>367688 >>367690 >>367696 >>367707
>Let the guy talk to Silja
The note explicitly specified that both we and Silja would have to actively and willingly allow Mr. Mystery to speak. Until we have spoken to Silja about this possibility they won't be chatting, and that's not going to happen while we're at Jagdas, so let's stop wasting mental energy on futile efforts to speak to no one. We can talk to Silja about this later.
>>
No. 367926 ID: b83c65

>>367911
>First, be keenly aware that if we try to use our brothers as proof of magic they will troll us by totally failing to come through. The opportunity is too damned perfect for them to do anything else, so don't give them the opportunity
I agree with all of this except the last part. Clearly, we have to ask them to do something, have them 'do it' fail misserably, and then actual do something like...cutting off our pinky and then regrowing it.

>The note explicitly specified that both we and Silja would have to actively and willingly allow Mr. Mystery to speak. Until we have spoken to Silja about this possibility they won't be chatting, and that's not going to happen while we're at Jagdas, so let's stop wasting mental energy on futile efforts to speak to no one. We can talk to Silja about this later.
This is true, however it doesn't stop us from totally agreeing that we will let her so, when we talk to her, it will be Silja's decision not to, not ours.
>>
No. 367944 ID: f70e5e

1. proving we are not a crack pot.
assuming our brothers decide to mess with us by not helping out in providing a visible show of supernatural power, we can either showcase our regeneration(painful) or convince him to let us introduce him to some of our more visibly magical friends, (such as Hillevi) and arrange some minor demonstrations of power.

2. the note.
I think most people would go crazy if they could only talk to us, and we do not want Silja going crazy for a number of reasons. we should let her talk to this guy.

also a note for the future, using magical meals as a moral booster for anyone we hire for our PMC might be a good idea.
>>
No. 368049 ID: 1e3433

>>367944
If we're gonna start introducing her to people shouldn't we start with our friends and bros not some guy we barely know?
Also I hear sensory deprivement isn't too good for mental health, shame we don't have a way to restore one of her senses.
>>
No. 368080 ID: 81f32a

>The Devil's going to become aware of your wager with the vampire, and will attempt to come calling when you are handling the wager.
I'm not sure if I understand, does this mean that the devil will time the visit we agreed to so it coincides at the same time as we settle the wager? Or does that mean that the devil will come calling AFTER we have met at the agreed date?
I might be paranoid about this but if it is the former, that means we are going to fight Doonongeas very soon. I don't remember if we agreed to meet the devil in 3 days or a week but it is possible that at the same time we planned to entertain the devil we will be fighting the Doony and the devil will try to take advantage of this somehow.

>Lastly, how am I going to make sure he doesn't think I'm a crackpot, going on about magic and monsters and such?

We just want our damn cookbook. I don't remember agreeing to be the gatekeeper who invites the professor to MAGICAL world. Believes he or not, is his damn problem, we brought him the food now let him give us the translation, if he has any questions after that, we can happily answer them but I do not see the reason to convince him of anything.

"Listen, I don't care if what you think, I just want the damn translation of my cookbook so that I can prepare more delicious food. We had made a deal and you better hold your end of it."

>"Did you know the back of your jacket has the word 'Pimpin' written on it in half-foot tall letters in cloth of gold?"
This aint a problem we just have to make sure that no one can see our back. Unless there are like hundred people in the house Armas's stealth skills will save him here.


>How should I handle the food itself-should I tell him what it is before, or after he eats some?
Tell him before.

>So: I'm at Jagda's house, both dishes in hand, and so long as no one sees the back of my jacket I look perfectly presentable.
Why are we at his house anyway? Didn't we agree to meet in a cafe or something?
>>
No. 368111 ID: f8aa66

The thing is, if Jagda doesn't believe us, we're dismissed as a crackpot. But if he DOES believe us, he's an academic: he's going to want to publish. One would be as bad as the other. We need to find a 'sweet spot' to hit.

I think we should sell it like this once we get done proving we're not (totally) crazy: "Listen, Jagda. I don't particularly care one way or the other, but going around spreading this stuff isn't wise. Did you know, if you spend any appreciable time in the sewers, you're likely to get attacked by fish-reptile monsters in a BEST case scenario? If things like that can happen right under our noses - so to speak - you know something out there is stopping this information, HARD."

"You have my book, and I do feel some responsibility for introducing you to this. But honestly, you can just write me off as a madman. That's fine. We'll go our separate ways and you'll never meet me again. But I think you may be one of those people who wants to know, to find out how deep the rabbit hole goes, even if he can never tell people. If that's the case, then I may bring you things from time to time, like the book. And together we might just discover something interesting."

Basically, the only use we'll get out of this guy is a secondary redundant source of knowledge/information, and possibly credibility with certain academic circles if we ever need it.

>>368049
We do. Blood smeared on the elvish blade will allow her to 'see' out.
>>
No. 368117 ID: 1e6a71

>>368111
I this plan very much, Upvoting.
>>
No. 368119 ID: 2964e1

>>368111
Upvote.

Downvote all the embarrassing craziness. If we have to, we should say,

"How many eyes can you see on my face? Count them, and be sure."

Then flip up your eyepatch.

"What do you see now?"
>>
No. 368129 ID: d450ab
File 132226238583.jpg - (27.12KB , 460x299 , horatio-caine-csi.jpg )
368129

>>368111
Upvote

Also ask if he has cards.
Magical card tricks are a great icebreaker/entertainer.

You may not be the best at it but...you have friends on the other side.
>>
No. 368136 ID: d97a61

>>367688
The lightly overweight, jowly, scowling face of Jagda greets me.
>[[b]MM,MMMM[small]M[/code]
"Hello Professor Jagda. I'm very sorry it's been so long since we had a face to face. I've been busy with work, and a holiday. You know how it is, work hard, play hard!" "
The professor says nothing for a moment, eyeing my attire. It's at this moment I realize that he is also wearing tweed, albeit of a beige shade and different cut.
>[Jagda]"...To my understanding you had a trip you had to take."
"Absolutely. I.. don't want to ponder where I'd be had I not made that outing."
Again the unsmiling man stares at me, eying the food in my hands.
>[Jagda]"These are...."
"I happen to like cooking, as you may have guest. Figured it was the least I could do what with how patient you've been. May I come in?"
Again he stares at me for a moment, eyes guarded, before slowly stepping aside.
>[Jagda]"Can I take your coat?"
>>367696
Hm... don't.... really... want him to see the 'Pimpin' on the back of my jacket. So...
"Would you still request my jacket if I informed you I've recently suffered some rather unpleasant wounds to my arm?"
>[Jagda]"Keep it on then, if such is your wish."
>>367707
As I follow him inside, I see two children, little more than toddlers, dart back around a corner the moment they're spotted. I ponder how... musty, aged and bookish Jagda's soul feels, even as I smile when the two little faces peek back around the door's edge.
>[Jagda]"We'll head to my study-my wife insists on our children not eating meat."
I forcibly quash my ready indignent response at someone trying to deny their children the glory of dead animal flesh-after all, I am trying to be polite-and simply follow Jagda to his study, which ends up being on the second floor, up an old, well-worn set of wooden stairs, family photos decorating the walls.
>>367723
"You'd prefer I not say hello to the rest of the family?"
>[Jagda]"We need to clear something up first."
"Fair enough."
After ascending the steps we take a right down a cramped hallway, glass-encased hand drawn maps plastered over the walls, with a bookshelf inset to the hallway's end, every book within it looking hand-bound. Jagda opens the last door on the right, and beckons for me to follow him inside. Within, Jagda sits down behind a heavy mahogony desk that seems designed to remind one of school days and being lectured in the principles office. Upon his desk, I see two perfectly stacked sets of papers, one on each respective end of his desk. Beneath the warm amber glow of the chandelier light fixture, two items occupy the center of his desk, seperated by an inset pen holder filled with writing implements. One of the items is the goblin book I gave Jagda. The other is an unmarked binder. I take a seat in the lone wood chair before his intimidating desk, idly noting the only window at Jagda's back, and each wall being completely hidden behind massive book cases.

>[Jagda]"...So. No matter how this goes, you will get your book back-it is yours, after all, and I do not condone thievery. However, if you want my translation," Jagda says while patting the blank binder, "Then you'll need to convince me this wasn't a prank. You sounded confident you can accomplish such-so prove it to me, and the translated work is yours."
I put the two dishes down on the desk before I speak.
"I think my explanation would be most effective if you at least sampled each of these dishes first."
>[Jagda]"...Are you really trying to say-"
"You did translate the recipes I used for these, yes. If you doubt this, feel free to test my claim."
Jagda glances at the two plates I set before him, each with utensils clearly visible beneath the saran wrap.
>[Jagda]"How do I know you are not merely lying, and these are just... creative dishes, rather than genuinely made from the recipes I translated?"
"I believe the onus of proving that is on me-but to do that, you will first need to try the food, I should think."
>[Jagda]"...Alright. Understand I had an early dinner, so I will not be able to finish both dishes."
"I won't take offense at that, I understand."
Jagda regards me for a moment longer, his aged soul completely tranquil, before he carefully moves book and binder alike off his desk, sets down a mat, and unwraps the Happy Harpy salad first. He spears a piece of Harpy and a goodly portion of the bed of leaves beneath, and pops it in his mouth.

>>368080
Dkay, just curious here, but you do recall you didn't offer to pay him for this, and as such he's providing you a free service right? The issue is he thinks you wasted his time with a prank, and until you prove otherwise you don't get shit from him (or so goes his mentality). Your approach would ONLY work if this was an actual paid service he's supposed to be providing-which it's not. THAT is why you need to convince him. What you're suggesting is roughly the same as asking a friend to help you research a paper they don't need to work on, and getting mad when he wants to be certain you didn't waste his time.

Initially, he starts off looking contemplative-it takes less than a second for his eyes to begin bugging, and he scarfs his way through a half dozen more bites before forcing himself to put his fork down.
"This first dish, I wanted something light that still says 'I am like nothing else on this earth.' I find the bed of greens contrasts very well with the tangy sweetness-spiciness-sweetness of the Harpy, but I'd be interested in your opinion."
>[Jagda]"It is your assertion this is the Happy Harpy salad?"
"Indeed it is-and well done, identifying the salad that quickly."
>[Jagda]"...So what the other dish?"
"Now, the main dish I haven't tried myself, but the chef who prepared it was well-satisfied, and I think you will be too. Normally liver by itself can be overwhelming, but you just can't go wrong with Hag-"
He briefly flips open the binder and flips through the pages.
>[Jagda]"...Screaming Liver, is it?"
"Correct."
Again, he carefully measures a bite-again, he is clearly trying to fairly assess the food-just as clearly, his resolve dissolves, and he tears into the dish with a will, barely keeping slobber from drooling out of his mouth as he does so.
"I trust it's to your liking."
Forcing himself to put the fork and knife down, Jagda regards me over steepled fingers, his half-moon spectacles gleaming under the chandelier's light.
>[Jagda["I... will not deny these flavors are quite foreign to me, and I do pride myself on being something of a gourmand. But, incredible taste or no, I do not see how this is incontrovertible proof."
"You've read the book. You know the history of the era far better than I. You know the ancients thought that there was more to the world than just what's apparent and mundane. I'm betting you've done some digging too, maybe taking a second look at things that you noticed weren't quite right. Hopefully you've talked to some colleagues who have had adventures like mine. Maybe you've even done a little checking on me, to make sure I'm not some lunatic."
>[Jagda]"....What line of work are you in, that you would make such an assumption?"
"One that requires prudence, as it were."
>[Jagda]"Well, I have not checked on you, nor have I done anything more than ask if colleagues knew of you-none did."
"I sometimes wish my profession let me be so.. lax in my research."
>[Jagda]"What IS your profession, then?"
"I put my skills as an ex-military man to use for employers in the city."
>[Jagda]"How... ambiguous."
Jagda begins to look a little nervous.
"Look, I'm not going to lie to you, but I really don't want to strain your credulity either. I encountered some strange stuff when I was in the service. Things that go bump in the night, if you take my meaning. Those chance encounters left my interest piqued, and when I was done being a soldier, I decided Istanbul was a good place to come to learn more about the hidden world."
>[Jagda]"Really, and what, pray tell, is it you have learned, then?"
"Well there's more stuff in Istanbul's undercity than just sewers and archeological sites. Dangerous stuff. Some of those things that go bump in the night. And the deeper you go the worse it gets. I wouldn't go down there without the right native guide, honestly. It's not just the undercity though, there's weird stuff all around us."
>[Jagda]"If it is all around us as you say, why is it not common knowledge?"
"Look, once you know about this stuff, it has a way of drawing you in. I mean, I started off just wanting to satisfy my curiosity, and now I've seen so many crazy things that "Big Trouble in Little China" seems like it could plausibly be based on a true story. If you're sure you want to follow this rabbit hole deeper, I'll be more explicit."
>[Jagda]"Explaining why what you claim is so is such an... involved ordeal you need to preface it with a disclaimer?"
"Jagda, I'm concerned I didn't caution you ENOUGH with that disclaimer."
>[Jagda]"I... see. Then I'd rather not know more than I must. Can you still convince me with such a restriction?"
"You tell me."
Sake, you mind chiming in?
Sake blearily lifts his head from my shoulder, the apparant fur ruff to my jacket revealing itself to be very much alive.
>[Sake]"Can I troll him?"
No.
>[Sake]"Aw-AAAW, come on!"
I need to get something from him, trolling him would not help.
>[Jagda]"Well... irregular pet ferret or no, I'm still not-"
If you want to fly around his head and scare him a LITTLE bit, you can-
Sake's off my shoulder in a burst of wind, flitting about Jagda's head as the aged professor's eyes boggle.
"I could show you a trick where I regrow bodyparts, but that's slightly painful, and I'm hoping this will suffice."
Jagda tentatively reaches out, waving his hand over and beneath the floating Sake, eyes glued to the emerald creature.
>>367911
>>367944
>>368049
>>368077
Keeping my surprise that Sake is actually helping and not trolling to myself, I move on.
"Listen, Jagda. I don't particularly care one way or the other, but going around spreading this stuff isn't wise. Did you know, if you spend any appreciable time in the sewers, you're likely to get attacked by fish-reptile monsters in a BEST case scenario? If things like that can happen right under our noses - so to speak - you know something out there is stopping this information, HARD."
Jagda's gaze locks back on me, hardly paying attention to the fact he's resumed gobbling his way through the meal I provided, while Sake settles back on my shoulders and begins to softly snore.
"You have my book, and I do feel some responsibility for introducing you to this. But honestly, you can just write me off as a madman who pulled off an interesting parlor trick and fed you some odd lines. That's fine. We'll go our separate ways and you'll never meet me again. But I think you may be one of those people who wants to know, to find out how deep the rabbit hole goes, even if he can never tell people. If that's the case, then I may bring you things from time to time, like the book. And together we might just discover something interesting."


For his part, Jagda is again quiet, contemplative. He does a mild doubletake as he realizes he cleaned both plates without even noticing it, but otherwise simply watches me in silence. Finally, though, he acts: Sliding the book, and the binder, across the table to me.
>[Jagda]"You held up your end: You convinced me this wasn't a prank, and that you weren't wasting my time. As to your... offer, I cannot answer until I know what it is you would be bringing me next. A cookbook is one thing... but if you wish some cursed tome, if such things exist, translated, then I'd advise you to look elsewhere. I'm getting old, and I have a family-I will not tolerate unnecessary risk to them."







How do I respond to Jagda?
Is there anything more we need to speak about with Jagda before I head back and get ready to receive the Red Caps?
Wayward Wednesday's ALMOST over, you're nearly there!
>>
No. 368137 ID: 2964e1

>>368136
>How do I respond to Jagda?

"I would not ask you to take any risks on my behalf, and if you prefer this could be the end of our contact... However, if you are interested to stay of the edges, then I need a confident who can help me gain some perspective on what I have wandered into, and you may find that is the safest way to satisfy your curiosity."

>Is there anything more we need to speak about with Jagda before I head back and get ready to receive the Red Caps?

We need to ask if he's mentioned the cookbook to anyone else, or pursued any inquires related to it.
>>
No. 368138 ID: d450ab

>>368136
Of course, I would not ask you to put yourself at undue risk on my behalf. If I come with something and you do not like the looks of it, then you can refuse. All I ask is that you keep our dealings between us and share no specifics with anyone else unless you clear it with me first. That is all."

Listen to any conditions he may have and if you find it acceptable then make the deal.
Inform him that this deal is binding, shake his hand, have him swear thrice on the matter and you do so as well. Your sami line should attune to your intent for the deal and indeed make it binding.

For the sake of saftey, imagine a kind of...Alarm going off if the deal is broken or your line might just set it to full spiritual binding kind of thing where he is literally UNABLE to speak on it. Not really a bad thing but if his will to speak is stronger than expected (say he is being tortured or his family is as risk) then you may find yourself a bit drained/distracted when you can't afford to be.

No need to risk that over a cookbook. You can change it later if he comes into a real doozy.
>>
No. 368145 ID: f8aa66

We could get his number, or correspond by email maybe (email would be a little more trace-able, but if the government gets wind of Jagda and wants to investigate, then they're GOING to find his correspondence no matter what we do to hide him.

Tell him, "I don't anticipate any danger coming through me. I'm not a family man myself, but I know the value of it. What you would do - what wouldn't you do - to keep your kin safe."

"If for some reason someone comes asking after me, feel free to tell them everything you know. Promise them anything they need to get them to go away. Be assured I won't hold it against you. Or if you prefer, I can extract a binding promise from you. As far as I know, there's no way to break a deal when it is made a certain way - such beings call it the Rule of Three - and anything from my neck of the woods should know and respect that." THEN try binding deal shenanigans, if Jagda wants.

"You have a good night. Get some sleep, try and get your head around it. I have another appointment to get ready for."

I'd also like to for Jagda's contacts in the academic community to become OUR contacts, but that shouldn't be handled at first brush. Get a little trust going first.

This situation reminds me - on the way back to the mansion we really should give Armas's cousin's kid a call, cautiously feel him out on the einherjar position, impart a little info we learned from Gleb. We don't want him getting into fights and using his einherjar scarring without knowing.

Woosley, too, but now's not a good time to summon him up for a chat.
>>
No. 368147 ID: e5dd31

>How do I respond to Jagda?

>[Jagda]"You held up your end: You convinced me this wasn't a prank, and that you weren't wasting my time. As to your... offer, I cannot answer until I know what it is you would be bringing me next. A cookbook is one thing... but if you wish some cursed tome, if such things exist, translated, then I'd advise you to look elsewhere. I'm getting old, and I have a family-I will not tolerate unnecessary risk to them."

“I am glad you are taking it this way. Thinking back, it was a foolish risk of me to just give you the book like that when you could have easily stumbled upon danger if you had tried to dig in too deep. Your children come first, obviously. If you would agree to keep translating such 'cooking' books, or books that can't harm you or cause risk to yours, I will obviously be willing to pay you.”


>Is there anything more we need to speak about with Jagda before I head back and get ready to receive the Red Caps?

Not really. We should try to head back quickly, as getting the red caps fed on the blood cellar might be dangerous- Amen might try to give them some of OUR blood, or he might even try to give us a lesser Winter bloodline to screw us over if we don't give specific enough orders.

Much safer to simply go to the Sewers and try to meet SM before we do all that, especially as we need food for the rest of the week anyway. Keep in mind Sake doesn't want to meet SM though, and if SB isn't able to talk, we wouldn't be able to check out with him what we really need to get, so:

-If SB is feeling better, talk to him while on the way to the Sewers. Topics include whether he knows of food-type shadows he could eat to regenerate power quicker, whether he believes he can now survive Armas' temporary death, as well as an overview of his improvement and current capabilities. Does he still want to wait a month before his training with OG?

-If he isn't, Don't go to the sewers, and make specific orders for none of the blood Amen serves tonight to be Winter-type that could fill our bloodline, nor some of ours.

>This situation reminds me - on the way back to the mansion we really should give Armas's cousin's kid a call, cautiously feel him out on the einherjar position, impart a little info we learned from Gleb. We don't want him getting into fights and using his einherjar scarring without knowing.


While we have no idea whether our cousin or not is a Einher, It might be someone he knows, so telling him tales IS a good thing, as he could be able to help that possible friend of his that way.
>>
No. 368150 ID: 81f32a

[spoiler]>just curious here, but you do recall you didn't offer to pay him for this, and as such he's providing you a free service right?

Actually, I did think that we payed for the service.
Damn, shouldn't have posted while sleep-deprived.... in fact, I am sleep-deprived again so I wont post suggestions for now.
>>
No. 368152 ID: 3947e9

>Payment
Why are you mentioning payment? We are not swimming in cash right now and he is motivated by his curiosity. If payment eventually becomes necessary then it will become necessary. But I doubt it will matter much since he is an older professor. He has enough money, and his job selection focuses on procuring knowledge rather then wealth.

>I am glad you are taking it this way. Thinking back, it was a foolish risk of me to just give you the book like that when you could have easily stumbled upon danger if you had tried to dig in too deep.
SUST! This is just bad phrasing and makes it seem like we placed his family in danger. All we did was have him translate a cooking book.

>While we have no idea whether our cousin or not is a Einher, It might be someone he knows, so telling him tales IS a good thing, as he could be able to help that possible friend of his that way.
Armas shall do no such thing. SB or sake on the other hand can do so. Call as family friends and never let armas know their findings.

>Sake doesn't want to visit SM
We can head on home, and then pop into the sewers near the house without sake. We should do that before meeting the redcaps.

>"If for some reason someone comes asking after me, feel free to tell them everything you know. Promise them anything they need to get them to go away. Be assured I won't hold it against you. Or if you prefer, I can extract a binding promise from you. As far as I know, there's no way to break a deal when it is made a certain way - such beings call it the Rule of Three - and anything from my neck of the woods should know and respect that." THEN try binding deal shenanigans, if Jagda wants.
SUST
Armas can't do binding promises, he doesn't know how to. Also, "I can extract a binding promise form you" is horrible wording. This is just unnecessarily scaring him and not exactly doing anything constructive.

I suggest we just tell him that if he does encounter something which he needs help with, to not hesitate to call.
As long as he doesn't try to make it public and we don't get him too involved there is no problem.

>>368137
This is actually the best wording.
>>
No. 368193 ID: d97a61

>>368137
>>363138
"I would not ask you to take any undue risks on my behalf, and if you prefer it this could be the end of our contact... However, if you are interested to stay of the edges, then I need a confident who can help me gain some perspective on what I have wandered into, and you may find that is the safest way to satisfy your curiosity. If I come with something and you do not like the looks of it, then you can refuse. All I ask is that you keep our dealings between us and share no specifics with anyone else unless you clear it with me first. That is all."
>[Jagda]"You almost make it sound like you're asking me to be an accomplice in a crime of some sort."
>>368145
"I don't anticipate any danger coming through me, but the spread of information is but one of many paths danger could come through. I'm not a family man myself, but I know the value of it. What you would do - what wouldn't you do - to keep your kin safe."
>[Jagda]"...So the agreement to not tell others might not be illogical. Very well. I'm still not sure that puts me at ease, with the way you phrase all this, with what you're proposing."
A cautious man-and from his soul, I get the sense his reticence to agree without being sure it's something he can tolerate is symptomatic of a doggedly loyalty to his word as bond-something I can most certainly appreciate.
"If for some reason someone comes asking after me, feel free to tell them everything you know. Promise them anything they need to get them to go away, and leave you and yours in piece. Be assured I won't hold it against you when you prioritize your own over me as is only natural. Do try to let me know if that happens though, will you?"
>[Jagda]"The.. cavalier nature of your offer suggests a certain familiarity with danger that is itself disturbing.. but I cannot deny my curiousity persists, and what you offer COULD sound agreeable-but I'd want to know how bad this could get, even with the safeties you offer. A 'worst case scenario', no matter how gruesome, is something I need to factor in."
>>368152
"A... morbid bit of phrasing but a fair request. I suppose something may dislike you accepting something you deemed save enough at the time of offer. But if you get even a hint of threat, capitulate to their demands as necessary to stay safe-and the moment you can contact me, I will be at your services to rectify the situation. As it happens, I am something of a problem solver."
Jagda says nothing for a long time, staring intently at me as he thinks. After nearly a minute's passed, he finally speaks.
>[Jagda]"Then... I accept your offer, in the interest of private answers."

We shake hands.

"I do need to ask you something though, in the interest of your safety."
>[Jagda]"Oh?"
"Have you told anyone about this book?"
>[Jagda]"Only to the extent someone wanted me to translate an old cookbook, without mentioning who, or the nature of the book beyond its culinary focus. No one questioned further, and I offered nothing more."
"Good. You were prudent."

After a brief bit of commentary from Jagda about which passages were ambiguous by context, I am politely asked to leave, a request I easily accept. With book and binder, and two plates between, I exit their house, one hand free-a hand that's already reaching for my cell phone. I dial the Finland-based relatives , thankfully catching them still awake. After doing a bit of decidedly generic exploratory 'reconnecting family' small talk, I bring up the mention of problems Otso was having, and some words I'd like to share with them. Seems being family and an adult and offering help adds up to quite a bit in their books, as they actually accept. Soon enough, I'm talking to Otso, who hardly speaks, practically oozing nervous wariness through the phone. Once I satisfy myself his parents aren't listening in, I get to the point with two blocks left to get to the mansion.
"You know what an Einher is, don't you Otso?"
A clear, easily interpreted harsh intake of breath follows.
"I won't pry into your business, but as kin I want to give you some advice: You may or may not know that you have a... capacity for recovery decidedly beyond the norm now. An expert on the matter told me that more than half of all Einher never learn what that recovery really does, and just rely on it's... automated function. It'll go a long way, if you take the time sooner rather than later, to really spend some time looking at how it works."
>[Otso][In Finnish]"W-why are you even telling me this? You're-"
"Yes, I know what you were going to say-but I'm actually not. At the time, I was hunting things that liked to stalk fire giants-if you met me now I doubt you'd feel any impetus to aggress me."
>[Otso][In Finnish]"Why-why should I believe you?"
"Why shouldn't you? Or don't, if that's your choice-but please heed the advice. I'd hate to see your choices bring you ruin."
The line only registers silence interspersed with breathing now-before a shaky voice answers just before hanging up.
>[Otso][Finnish]"...Thank you."

I hang up about seven seconds before I reach the front doors. So it is that as I enter the Smets estate, noting Hillevi back and lounging in the foyer-I wonder:




How should I prepare for the Red Caps, and should I meet them in the upstairs part of the house, or in some basement section?
What, if anything, should I attempt to order from SM for the meal I'm hosting?
If ordering from SM, what secret am I telling him in payment of Hillevi's aid, and what do I offer for the food I request?
If I can't get in contact with the Sometimes merchant, is there any other source I would like to pursue for preparing to hose the two Red Caps?
Who, if anyone, should join Sake, Shadowbro and I in meeting 'Ricky' and 'Lucy' while I host them as guests?
>>
No. 368236 ID: f8aa66

>How should I prepare for the Red Caps, and should I meet them in the upstairs part of the house, or in some basement section?
Is Amen done with the underground room, by chance? Perfect meeting place.

>What, if anything, should I attempt to order from SM for the meal I'm hosting?
I'm disinclined to give SM a ring, just because we don't have a lot of ready info to pay him with. I don't want to give up the Splintered Intent or the Reaper stuff, not until we've had a chance to look it over.

Doesn't Amen have more blood than he'd ever need in our lifetime to fuel his abilities stockpiled somewhere?

>If I can't get in contact with the Sometimes merchant, is there any other source I would like to pursue for preparing to hose the two Red Caps?
Maybe we could offer the redcaps a payment plan? Multiple dinners that add up to our own level of magical power? It'd give us an excuse to keep interacting with them.

We'd need to feed them either a practitioner, or enough souled/magical bodies to equal one. That might take a little while.

>Who, if anyone, should join Sake, Shadowbro and I in meeting 'Ricky' and 'Lucy' while I host them as guests?
Just us all and Amen. The russians might actually recognize powries for what they are.
>>
No. 368266 ID: 2964e1

>How should I prepare for the Red Caps, and should I meet them in the upstairs part of the house, or in some basement section?

Amen was ordered earlier to create a dining room downstairs, inaccessible to the other gusts. You should host them there.

We need to give Amen the following order:

“Without giving me a complete inventory, bring to me a quantity of non-human meat from the inventory that contains thrice the magical energy contained within my own body, selected so that it has no chance of aspecting the third component of my winter bloodline node, is no more than three times as energy dense as myself, and would have no more side effects to the Redcaps or I than Kelpie Crisps could have or me. It may not contain any of your own blood, flesh, magic, or its workings. This meat cannot be of any being that if it were known we were eating would result in comment being made or action taken within the supernatural community, or would offend the Redcaps in any way, or is one of the intruders we have ordered to be taken captive pending orders deciding their fate.”

With that done with, we should also ask:

”Give me a list of Winter or Summer bloodlines that you have samples of. In addition, do you have any Redcap blood or flesh?”

If we are trading with SM, we need to ask Amen,

”This morning I encountered a couple of entities described as Ashfreaks. Ca you tell me what they are most commonly known as in the supernatural community, and if there is anything useful you can tell me about them or there magic without harming me in the next 15 minutes.”

We should then ask SB if he's puzzled out anything more about them since we encountered them.

We should review and memorise the other recovered files, before returning them to the Russians.

>What, if anything, should I attempt to order from SM for the meal I'm hosting?

Nothing. You shouldn't even meet with him at all. He's shown that he's too busy to deal with us today. He will recognise we have a deadline and so we will get a less good deal.

>If ordering from SM, what secret am I telling him in payment of Hillevi's aid, and what do I offer for the food I request?

This should wait. If we make the mistake of visiting him, tell him the secret that Einrik doesn’t like puns and that makes us enjoy telling them to him even more.

Before trading with him, if we do so, we need to convince ourselves (M7 style) that Amen can safely provide all we need, and we're just going to SM to prevent us running down the mansion's inventory. This will hopefully reduce the amount he will take advantage of us if he can tell we're on a deadline.

Start by saying,

”I hope that I didn't disturb you when I rang earlier, I've had a busy day as well, and I've learned a couple of things you may like to hear.”

Do not apologise, you have nothing to apologise for.

“I wouldn't want to waste your time, so why don't you tell me what you're interested to hear about, and I can see if I can accommodate you. There's a small possibility I may even have something you will find novel. Let us start with my first adventure this morning. Is there anything you would like to hear about that and what fell onto the street and then through the sewers underneath?”

Then, let him ask you questions, and sell each answer in turn. Any questions about the contents of the building should be addressed in terms of what passed through the sewers, including about the Ashfreaks and Blackbeard. If he doesn't ask, you should also mention,

“I also came into temporary possession of some information that was being held on two members of the magically active criminal industry here in Istanbul by a 3rd party shortly after then. Would you be interested to learn there names?”

If he agrees, sell first the names, and then the contents of the files. We should make sure that both here and above that we specifically negotiate what we get for each answer.

We should then move onto what happened in the Triad warehouse. Prompts include:

”Do you know the Triads invited me to stay, would you like to know why?”

Answer: “The Triads were warned that enemies approach, and feared that they may not be victorious without aid.”

“But that doesn't answer why I stayed with Reapers coming, does it now?”

Answer: ”The Triads warning was “jammed”, and they didn't know whether the Yakuza's Ogre Clan/Golden Demon Gods, or the Reapers were due to attack. Frankly, I was hoping for the second.”

Then we can describe who did what in the battle, and work it around so we're asked what Lo Fang was doing, as we haven't mentioned him fighting. Then we can say,

”Lo Fang had taken a less visible, but still apparently critical role, managing the fate of the souls of the fallen Triads...”

We can then describe precisely what we detected with our soul sight.

If we do trade additional things, on top of the mornings events., we need to make sure we get the AA-12's drum upgraded to be bottomless, and get a silencer charmed to suppresses the flash and uses SM-style ventriloquism to redirect the sound of gunfire into the sky above you.

To pay for this, we should get Smet's punt gun and its ammo, and have Amen bring us any other items that are magical or associated with magical beings. As we know Smets had rune inscribed ammo for the punt gun, it stands to reason that whilst acquiring his gun collection Smets may have picked up bayonets, gun cases, and ammo. None of this should have been given to SM. We should asses all of these items with our Einheir derived sense for magical items, and select some to sell.

We have some training saved up, and we may want to make use of it soon. Whilst there are several things we may want to buy, I think goblin archery has the most immediate bang for the buck, at a 1:1 conversion rate.

”I'm sure you can tell, just by looking at me, that it would be a waste of your time and mine for you or your kin to teach me how to actually hold and shoot a bow, as I can learn the basics of that on my own. Instead, I ask that you teach me what I can do better justice to, when and where one should shoot, the subtler of art of knowing when the time, place, and target combine to make it the perfect moment to take a shot, and where to aim it so that it strikes where the target will be, not where they are.”

We should also enquire as to whether he would be able to copy a set of memories and possibly the related skulll segregated from a soul behind a barrier of Einrik's make, and safely implant them into our mind without damaging them or us, defusing any traps left by their original bearer to prevent such a thing in the process. If so, what would he charge for such a thing, and would the current bearer of the memories notice or be affected by such an act. We can say that if they were able to do such a thing, we may have much more to teach them about the art of the gun. Also, it would provide us a great opportunity to seriously surprise someone with our rapid improvement in skill – again. We also recognise that this may give SM the opportunity to see Einrik's handiwork in mental manipulation, perhaps that would interest them?

>If I can't get in contact with the Sometimes merchant, is there any other source I would like to pursue for preparing to hose the two Red Caps?

Amen

>Who, if anyone, should join Sake, Shadowbro and I in meeting 'Ricky' and 'Lucy' while I host them as guests?

No one.
>>
No. 368274 ID: a8dcd9

>How should I prepare for the Red Caps, and should I meet them in the upstairs part of the house, or in some basement section?
Basement section that's locked off from the rest, i'd say. The Red Caps... aren't currently safe from and for the rest of the house. We should also mention to Amen that inviting the Red Caps in our basement doesn't imply they have Guest Right in the rest of the Mansion.

>What, if anything, should I attempt to order from SM for the meal I'm hosting?
There is a possibility that SM didn't answer because he got info we were wrong on Chugainov, or some such thing. In such a case, and he challenges us with it, we could offer our apology and tell them we can have his blood-mage lieutnant, Jidkova, kill herself and attempt to kill Chugainov- for free.

Things that we have to sell, in potential order increasing importance:
1. Files on Baki and Endman (knowledge within).
2. Selling the Punt Gun and the Magical Arrows from Gunners (point out where they come from, and the fact the bow was cursed).
3. Lo Fang playing with life and death in the Triad docks, as well as what we observed of the Triad capabilities.
4. We can remotely kill Chugainov's pet blood mage as well as have her try to kill Chugainov himself as well as search for any info she might possess. If SM is looking for a particular one, we would be willing to negociate further for that. ( Ask Amen, in real time, if he can still do that before talking about this, and upon confirmation of the deal order him to do 'but make sure no children are harmed in the process').
5. Reapers' gun exploding at the slightest tweaks- including shadow magic “teleporting” component out. Effective way to 'safely' deal with them.
6. Savoy selling his firstborn son in order to get the Arm which we ate with “Amen”'s blood. To a Devil or a Demon.
7. Making all our deal, including Meats and Strikes deals, until permanent death.
8. Our Splinter Intent trick.
I'd prefer not to sell SM Reaper guns component OR Reaper charm/Soul/Blood, as it may be too dangerous.

We should make it obvious that each subsequent sell is bigger (or at least we believe so) that the preceding one, this way they'll be willing to sell us more lest we stop mid-way. This means trying to haggle or get a 'sense' of how much he is willing to give for each step.
Foods related things we may want to buy:

1. More Cookbooks that human or people near-human like us can use for making meal we can eat.
2. LOTS of meats, vegetables and spices for all the kinds of dishes we can make
3. Some Shadow-type food to help our Soul's shadow regenerate faster (please chime in here SB, don't want to buy this if you don't need it).
4. Make it that our weekly rotating delivery of Phoenix/Erinyes/Vampweretroll are now all every weeks.
Other things we may want to buy are lessons on Magical Weapon forging, Item enchanting, General Magical Sensing. I'd propose something like 30 hrs per week total, distributed in any ratios. General Magical Sensing is very important because as Armas is going to becomes so good with Spiritual sensing, he might let go of any ability to sense Magic in a more general way, and having wider sense might really help us, especially when it comes to our Item sense. I am also tempted to buy a charm that could grant us a unlimited space for storing magical meat in stasis (and hopefully food we cooked).

As for the meal itself, WE MUST MAKE SURE AMEN DOESN'T SERVE HIS OWN BLOOD/FLESH/MEAT, OUR BLOOD/FLESH/MEAT, RED CAPS MEAT/BLOOD/FLESH OR WINTER-ASPECTED FOOD THAT COULD ASPECT OUR BLOODLINE. If Red Caps want to eat Red Caps, that's another matter, though.

>If ordering from SM, what secret am I telling him in payment of Hillevi's aid, and what do I offer for the food I request?
Any of the following, preferably in the following order if it's not accepted: Armas is one of the world's best whistler, Einrik dislikes puns, Lo Fang likes to gloat in the middle of a fight he assumes won, Armas just took the next step into understanding his lessons on stealth.

>If I can't get in contact with the Sometimes merchant, is there any other source I would like to pursue for preparing to hose the two Red Caps?
Amen, as suggested. Lo fang might, but he is probably too expensive.

>Who, if anyone, should join Sake, Shadowbro and I in meeting 'Ricky' and 'Lucy' while I host them as guests?
Amen, probably no one else until we know both Red Caps and others better.
>>
No. 368284 ID: 7cd444

>>368236
Upvoting, especially about not contacting Sometimes Merchant. We don't need to get more sidetracked with Wayward Wednesday about to finish, and we don't need to get food from SM.

>>368266
>“Without giving me a complete inventory,”... “pending orders deciding their fate.” 

I would prefer a few changes; to something like the following:
“When the Red Caps arrive, bring to <where we decide to host them> a quantity of non-human meat from the mansion's stores that contains thrice the magical energy contained within my own body, selected so that it has no chance of aspecting the third component of my winter bloodline node, and would have no more harmful side effects to the Redcaps or I than Kelpie Crisps could have on me. It may not contain any of your own blood, flesh, magic, or its workings. This meat cannot be of any being that if it were known we were eating would result in comment being made or action taken within the supernatural community, or would offend the Redcaps in any way, or is one of the intruders we have ordered to be taken captive pending orders deciding their fate.”

For now, SUST to making any deals with SM (although when we do, upvoting your AA-12 upgrades) especially anything that doesn't have to do with buying food.

>>368274
>We should also mention to Amen that inviting the Red Caps in our basement doesn't imply they have Guest Right in the rest of the Mansion. 
I'm quite sure that is does imply they have guestright, but instead of that, tell Amen that they don't count as guests with respect to our orders on receiving orders from guests.

Again, SUST on dealing with SM at this point.




>How should I prepare for the Red Caps, and should I meet them in the upstairs part of the house, or in some basement section? 
Give Amen the above order. Only if he answers that he is unable, (due to a lack of meat, or the meat breaking some of the conditions) go to/call SM.

Change clothes – apparently Amen likes making clothes for us, so we may as well let him continue, with the proviso that he warns us when he will not have enough material for ten (or some other particular number, it doesn't really matter what) more suits. Have him make a suit of the same style as earlier today, but red, and without the orange tie.

Be prepared to greet the Red Caps at the front door (or wherever they entered the mansion from previously, I don't recall). Have Amen there waiting with a large goblet of blood from the cellar for each of us. Welcome them, and then have Amen lead you all into the newly created underground area for the food.

>What, if anything, should I attempt to order from SM for the meal I'm hosting? 
Nothing, unless Amen says the mansion doesn't have enough (which I doubt).

>If ordering from SM, what secret am I telling him in payment of Hillevi's aid, and what do I offer for the food I request? 
Einrik's dislike of puns. You can't tell him one about yourself, as then it wouldn't fit the parameters of the payment with regards to the person wanting it kept secret.

>If I can't get in contact with the Sometimes merchant, is there any other source I would like to pursue for preparing to hose the two Red Caps? 
Amen should really be the go-to, in this case, rather than SM. If we don't need to buy something, why do it?

>Who, if anyone, should join Sake, Shadowbro and I in meeting 'Ricky' and 'Lucy' while I host them as guests?
Amen, although he doesn't really need to be there since we can give him orders from anywhere.
>>
No. 368296 ID: ac6c03

>>368274
Upvoting all of this with the addition of inquiring about purchasing the previously mentioned projectile redirection charm from SM.
>>
No. 368311 ID: 6546f8

>>368274
Upvoting this.
>>
No. 368315 ID: f8aa66
File 132236145488.jpg - (415.70KB , 2318x1700 , HomeSweetSewer4.jpg )
368315

Was giving landscapes a try, tried doing SM's sewers. Thought it might be worth something for if we end up doing the nevernever training.

>>368272
If we DO go the SM route, a few qualifiers. Obviously, we would be blitzing through the Baki and Endman files and not giving SM the physical dossiers, and I'd prefer to only sell this knowledge if Baki and Endman are Yakuza, Nazi or free agent. By the same token, I don't want to give out info on Rocco or Lo Fang's capabilities, just because it seems like poor form.
4. Should be phrased as us soon performing a blood magic-based strike against Chugainov's second and hopefully taking info from her mind. We're telling SM ahead of time as a courtesy, in case he feels like now passing along any knowledge or blackmail to his contacts before it is moot, and yes, if there's anything he would like us to seek specifically during the attack.
5. Seems quite useful. Even Savoy's mother might be after him for this one; royals are picky about first borns, particularly first born sons.
6. This could be great, or worthless; it all depends on if the goblins understand guns well enough after our lessons (we imparted gun-use, not maintenance or how to disable them).
8. Rather not sell the Splintered Intent, in case we ever need to fight these guys.

I agree with not selling Reaper gear until we've had a chance to try our hand, and it wouldn't hurt to ensure the wording on these deals is 'until our soul dies' or something. I wonder if SM knows that the other four Fingers of the Mafia are after Savoy, while we have the names of his men in the Nazi and Yakuza organizations? That's a little old news... but you never do know.

In return... besides enough meat to satisfy the redcaps (a bloodline practitioner, or an equivalent number of souled/magical people and animals), perhaps we could add some nevernever-grown grains and fruits to our weekly shipment? Hesperidia and Cereal Nymph-grown stuff, maybe? Or are blink dogs potentially on the menu?

And as always, I'd like to ask for safe passage similar to ours for our men, or a working mental map of the sewers in our head, or something along those lines.

We don't need to buy more hours, we'll soon be doing a massive nevernever-training to finish the entire goblin clan at once, and we'll be stocked with enough tradable hours to last us months. For that matter, we could do that now, if we dropped in and SM was home.

>>368284
Why would we give them food MORE valuable than what they came for? This is a tithe to ensure they don't EAT US. Ricky might be impressed with that generosity, but Lucy approves of caution and restraint.

>Secret
Reveal unto the Sometimes Merchant our secret Trait, which we speak of to no one! We are an exceptional whistler.
>>
No. 368319 ID: 81f32a

>Amen was ordered earlier to create a dining room downstairs, inaccessible to the other gusts. You should host them there.

Keep in mind that we ordered to design it in a way that would suit Redacaps.
In other words we have absolutely no idea what to expect. The rooms could be filled with rotten guts, screaming faces, windows which look into the dark abyss, etc. Amen, if he can, will deliberately make it in such a way that it will leave some kind of harm to us (mental scarring included).

Anyway, avoid venturing into unknown places.

>If I can't get in contact with the Sometimes merchant, is there any other source I would like to pursue for preparing to hose the two Red Caps?

We have the full cookbook now. We can ask Amen again if we have necessary ingredients to prepare meals from it. If he gives several suggestions, ask him which one would the Redcaps like the most.

>If ordering from SM, what secret am I telling him in payment of Hillevi's aid
Any secret would do, right? Even some minor secrets that were shared in childhood (ie. Amy loves Mark, do not tell anybody!)?
If so, then try to remember something like that, something that doesn't have much value as our usual information. This could be something personal or even something about your family.
>>
No. 368334 ID: 37f4c4

>>368274
UPVOTAN. But add in the secrecy deal to #4: He or his clan must not tell others that they got this info from us, nor can they imply it hard enough others can reach that conclusion until our perma-soul death. Yes, I am aware this decreases the value by a shitton, but damn, this info is serious as fuck. Russians won't be happy at all when the guy in charge of the anti-magical-community army suddenly dies/loses control, plus his supposedly 'perfect' Blood master pet. Not good at all.

The cookbooks...they aren't really that high-priority. 1 or 2 would be enough. Try to squeeze the most you can out of the meats, remember, we have NO food left for the week, and got 18 Russians+Hillevi+Us+Our bros to feed. And it's still WEDNESDAY. Serious as fuck problem here. Ugh, so much shit to do, so little time~
>>
No. 368350 ID: d97a61

>>368236
The moment I set foot within the house I speak in Te Reo.
"Amen, have you finished the new accommodations I requested? Answer this and the following questions in Te Reo."
>[Amen]"This one has performed that task, master."
This time I avoid even blinking as Amen is abruptly there, mere feet from my side.
"Good, good-and how much total blood do you have on hand in this house?"
>[Amen]"What unit of measurement would master prefer to employ?"
"Since it seems thematically appropriate particularly with how the prior master likely viewed such reserves-how about by the barrel?"
>[Amen]"There are multiple variants of 'barrel' as a unit of measurement-"
"A fifty gallon barrel, then."
>[Amen]"Then This one must note a total of eighteen thousand, four hundred twelve barrels worth in this one's care, rounding down. "
Holy crap that's a lot of blood.
"How many independent donors?"
>[Amen]"All said and done, blood from one one hundred thirty three thousand, nine hundred eighty two individuals have been noted in the reserves."
Again, holy crap.
"How many of those individuals are currently alive?"
>[Amen]"Less than two hundred, the specific number being uncertain due to some of the living taking occlusion-based countermeasures to ensure privacy."
"How much of the blood is from non-human sources, and what are the predominant inhuman sources?"
>[Amen]"An appreciable fraction of the total blood is inhuman-it's primarily Shellycoat, Imp, Sahaguin and Sprite blood. This one must note the most magically charged of the blood, the top 2%, as it were, is all harvested from humans."
"So how much of the blood is from Practitioners?"
>[Amen]"Eight percent of the total human blood."
"How much of that practitioner blood is Winter aspected, and able to influence my still incomplete bloodline?"
>[Amen]"A tenth of the practitioner blood."
>>368266
I rub my chin as Hillevi rather comically begins to pout at me immediately gibbering away in a language she doesn't understand the moment I walk in the door, the day after I 'helped' her triple the number of languages she speaks. Her irritation is candy to me.
" Without giving me a complete inventory, bring to me a quantity of non-human meat from the house reserves that contains thrice the magical energy contained within my own body, selected so that it has no chance of aspecting the third component of my winter bloodline node, is no more than three times as energy dense as myself, and would have no more side effects to the Redcaps or I than Kelpie Crisps could have or me."
>[Amen]"Stringent requirements, but this one can-"
"I'm not finished. It may not contain any of your own blood, flesh, magic, or its workings. This meat cannot be of any being that if it were known we were eating would result in comment being made or action taken within the supernatural community, or would offend the Redcaps in any way, or is one of the intruders we have ordered to be taken captive pending orders deciding their fate.
Something that looks dangerously close to a mocking frown flits across Amen's face.
>[Amen]"Then master's request cannot be honored, as nothing meets all the criteria master presented. This one is most apologetic about this. Perhaps master would wish to allow this one to use its own flesh, or perhaps allow abominable consumables?"
That small smirk on it's face belies Amen's words.
I rub my chin as I consider what to do from here.
"If the 'thrice the magical energy' portion of that request was dropped, how would the most magically imbued foodstuffs stack up against my own body's magical imbuements?"
>[Amen]"The best this one could offer would vary between one third and two fifths of master's magical energy, depending on the particular section of meat used. This one notes some seventy pounds of this particular meat is within the house's larder."
That.... that's crap.
>[Iron Trick]"Are you truly so spoiled, so self-assured of your entitlement, that you are disappointed with all the, from your perspective at least, free goodies? Impressive, that."
I ignore Trick's comment as I try to stay productive in my conversation.
" Give me a list of Winter or Summer bloodlines that you have samples of. In addition, do you have any Redcap blood or flesh?"
>[Amen]"This one does have the flesh of Dunters within the house stock-as to bloodlines, this one possesses varients of summer aspected heat manipulation, and winter aspected ice and wind manipulation. No blood within either stock is from a compounded line, or indeed from an established family that is still active."
Which likely translates to 'worthless insofar as filling my winter slot' goes. Not really surprised there, that would have been.... disturbingly easy.
" This morning I encountered a couple of entities described as Ashfreaks. Can you tell me what they are most commonly known as in the supernatural community, as well as any pertinent information you possess that will not harm me.
>[Amen]"...Ash freaks? This one is not familiar with the term."
"Okay, maybe you don't know the name, but the whole 'sores over the hearts of victims, creatures of what looked like physical shadow' that has to ring some bells doesn't it?"
>[Amen]"This one must regrettably inform master it is entirely ignorant of the existence of such creatures's existence, and as an extension of that, their capabilities and inclination."
I'd find that easier to accept if Amen didn't look so damnably smug.

>>368274
>>368296
>>368311
>>368334
I attempt to call SM again-and again, the line actually rings once, twice, thrice-and disconnects, no voice mail set up for me to leave a message. ....The one time could have been an outlier event, but twice in a row? I wonder what SM's doing right now that I can't contact him-
>[PPP Trait activated]
Or maybe I either pissed him off enough he doesn't want to talk to me, or he's even plotting something to my detriment.
>"Please focus on the meal you're going to host shortly."
Well. Right now what's pertinent is that the house stocks aren't as glorious as I'd thought-
>[Sake]"[code]Unsurprising, as you expected them to match or exceed what one may expect in a well-to-do dragon's home which was a rather staggering amount of hubris-[/u]"
-I'll have to make do with what's on hand.
"Amen, if you exclude all foods and bloods that I could personally benefit from the consumption of, how much of the top five percent of flesh and blood, respectively, is available for serving to the Red Caps?"
>[Amen]"This one must request clarity on 'benefit' to master."
"Consumables that would positively contribute to me beyond the flat magical energy they carry."
>[Amen]"This one must admit to having some two hundred eighty pounds of meat, and thirty two barrels of blood that meet master's presented criteria."
"In your experience, how much of a Red Cap's appetite is oriented around blood, versus flesh-or is that somethign you can approximate?"
>[Amen]"This request can most certainly be met. Red Caps derive roughly ninety percent of their sustenance from blood, via osmosis through their 'hats'"
Thirty two barrels, that'd be sixteen hundred gallons... okay, maybe I'll serve only half of the meat to start-keep the ratio in line, and serve more if they ask. I'm already resigning myself to the fact I'll have to host them multiple times as I don't have anything 'safe' to offer that could pay off my debt in one meal.
"Then prepare all thirty two barrels within the room for easy tapping, and have the meats on hand and ready to serve. I'd also-"
>[Amen]"This one must note the guests in question have arrived at our lower entrance-shall I let them in?"
Already? It's only... six forty two. The sun's largely set, so I can't complain about them being early...
"Convey a message you'll be at the entryway to let them in shortly-first, move the food as requested, and guide me to the new accommodations."
Amen bows before beginning to walk. As I follow him, I call out to Hillevi in Finnish.
>"Do me a favor and don't let anyone go downstairs until I come back, okay? I have a meeting."
>[Hillevi][In Finnish]"What? Oooo... okay. No one goes downstairs. I can do that."

The trip into the labrynthian basement is... peculiar. I could have sworn at several points descending the stairs we passed through a space that overlapped with where we already tread, but at no point does anything look familiar. Doors are minimalistic, and hewn from the same stone as the steps and walls, nearly indistinguishable from that which they are set in. Eventually Amen opens a door for me-

I see a room that's taken the shape of a massive disc, the walls lacking corners and the ground kept clear, rough rather than smooth. Thankfully, there is a table set up in the middle, anchored to the floor above what at first glance looks to be a wide-brimmed hole. Upon the table are piles of skin and meat, organ and marrow, while one side of the room is lined with barrels. From the ceiling dangle hundreds of chains, each dotted with several metal hooks. Beneath each length of chain there is a dimple in the floor, with a thinly cut trough leading to a central depression large enough to house a barrel. On the far side of the room I dimly recognize another door-as Amen opens it, no longer at my side. As he steps aside, I see the diminutive forms of Ricky and Lucy entering, Ricky looking around with amiable starry eyed glee, Lucy cautiously watching Amen. As his eyes widen, there is a crunch of stone as Ricky goes from standing by the far door to indulgently sniffing at the barrels of blood.
>[Ricky]"Oh my oh my, that does smell like a tasty mélange-"
>[Lucy]"But one not as... delectable as our hosts own flesh would be. Is this really supposed to be how he repays us?"
>[Ricky]"Oh lay off him, he looks like he's had quite the day, and there's plenty of perfectly acceptable food-why complain?"








What do I say to the Red Caps?
What do I discuss with them?
Are there any other things I want to do with the Red Caps besides feed them while making small talk?
What's my best guess on why I can't contact SM?
>>
No. 368419 ID: a8dcd9

>What do I say to the Red Caps?
“This is but the first meal i'll enjoy with you” As even if they somehow attack us and Amen bind them, we'll enjoy eating them, “and I can guarantee i'll do my utmost to make any others richer”. “I hope your own hunt went well, and that you did manage to get one of those swords” check with your item sense if you can feel anything.

>What do I discuss with them?
Ask them what Redcaps are, and what kind of life they live. Probe them for 'stories' on what they did. They obviously use blood as fuel, but is their magic solely blood magic? Does it comprise Soul too, hence why they were interested in potent souls? Or can they only benefit from souls through the remnants within the blood? Then, we may want to talk about our experiences hunting humans- spin a tale of how we hunted Sami Shamans, as well as Einherjar. Then, when they are pleased, try to get info on the undergrounds- who live there, besides Wyld Goblins and Dragons? Are there actual societies? If so, are there wars/conflicts, or maybe Duels/Arenas? After all, this underground does seem to go back to Byzantium. This could be interesting, not only for Hillevi, but also because some Einherjar might be there- do ask them if that's the case.

>Are there any other things I want to do with the Red Caps besides feed them while making small talk?
Sure, ask them what they know of magic, martial arts- and maybe we could make trades to learn things.

>What's my best guess on why I can't contact SM?
He was busy. Even if SM was somehow off with us because of bad news concerning Chugainov, or because he learnt of the Red Caps, or because somehow our Strikes stopped and he learned of it, those things would NOT make him ignore us, given we ower him a secret, and training. Also, if he thoughts he could squeeze us, he would. SM isn't short-sighted enough to ignore us when he can gets things from us. If there is something we can be mostly sure of with SM, is that he will want to squeeze people, and he doesn't need to hide when he has all the cards in hand. Making Meats so expensive as to be quasi-unaffordable for the Red Caps was easily within his capability, and most likely within his preferences -if he does know of it, which is less than certain.
>>
No. 368425 ID: 2964e1

>>368350
>What do I say to the Red Caps?
"Welcome. As Lucy alludes to, I hope that this is but the first of many meals we will have the pleasure of sharing."

>What do I discuss with them?
1) How we hope they appreciate the décor.
2) How their hunt went, both for the other survivor of the fall, and for his magical weaponry.
3) We can talk about the general events happening on the surface of Istanbul, and we can prompt them to talk about the under-sewers.
4) ”I imagine you've done a little digging around on me, although I won't promise to either confirm or deny, I'd be interested to hear what you've discovered.”
5) ”I have to admit I'm impressed with your speed. I know my body isn't even up to anything but the barest echo of yours, so I can only applaud you skill? As Lucy, you soon hungry, perhaps you, Ricky, would like to show off a little.” Now, we can't perceive anything like fast enough to catch what's going on, but both Sake and ShadowBro are capable of accelerating their perceptions massively, so they may be able to see what they do.

The most important thing is that we're polite and that we don't close off future contact with them. Having them leave both happily and as quickly as possible seems optimal.

>Are there any other things I want to do with the Red Caps besides feed them while making small talk?
Hint that we would be happy to provide the venue for when we dine next. Don't offer to provide the food.

If they recovered any of BB's swords, we could ask for a small favour in return :

“You have demonstrated that you are both masters of blood magic and a dab hand at mental manipulation, and so I have a question for you, in confidence, or course. A rather rude ghost implanted a set of memories in an ensouled rifle of mine, segregated from the soul itself behind a barrier. Would you be capable of taking those memories and implanting them into my mind without effecting the soul or the rifle or harming me, and preferably without the soul in the rifle noticing, whilst disarming any traps left in the memories to prevent such a tras?”[/i]

If they say yes, verbally ask Amen if he can hide both the Red Caps and what they are doing from Silja without effecting her, the rifle she's in, the Redcaps, us, or any other guest in the mansion.

If both agree, go and collect Silja, and make small talk along the way.

>What's my best guess on why I can't contact SM?
He's a combination of busy and irritated with us as a result of the last conversation we had with him. Quite possibly, he's discovered about our meeting with the Red Caps in some fashion (SM has a great information network, and Amen spoke to him after he knew they were coming, amongst other possibilities), and didn't want to support us meeting them.

Note that we need to ask Amen after the dinner, using words how it is that when we asked before he could provide four courses of equivalent magical energy to ourselves when we spoke to him earlier, but he is now not able to provide one that meets our requirement.

We also need to order him to place the Dunter and Summer Bloodline blood to one side, and he is to keep it preserved unused and unadulterated.

After then, we need to start reviewing and analysing how the day went, and then catch up on all the things we should have done, like meditation, that we haven't got around to.
>>
No. 368426 ID: f8aa66

"My apologies, but I didn't have anything of equivalent value on hand. But my word IS important to me. I was hoping that we could have these little get-togethers occasionally, until I have paid back my debt in increments?" And then maybe hint that you'd like to continue our association after that.

Segue into the Blackbeard hunt from there - if they got BB, our debt to them is SIGNIFICANTLY diminished.

>>368425
I don't think we should say anything about 'our speed is only the barest echo of yours'. Self-depreciation works with some guys, but with these guys it might make us seem like prey.

Something like 'Do you often make it up out of the undersewers' and then use that to segue into talk about the undersewers, maybe the hobgob arenas.

I wouldn't mind finding out what the redcaps think of the goblins. We hang with SM all the time, but knowing what your enemies say about you can be valuable.
>>
No. 368456 ID: d97a61

>>368419
>>368425
>>368426
"Welcome. As Lucy alludes to, I hope that this is but the first of many meals we will have the pleasure of sharing-and I can guarantee i'll do my utmost to further meals even more enjoyable”.
Both Ricky and Lucy seet themselves with a barrel at their side whilst they tear lustily into the food.
>[Ricky]"Will you now? I don't scent the musk of deceit around you, splendid-isn't he such a nice lad Lucy, making an offer like that?"
>[Lucy]"This meal does not meet the standards of fulfilling our prior arrangement, so it is only natural he makes such an agreement."
"As she said-I deserve no thanks for this offer, it's merely a settling of debt. I hope your own hunt went well, and that you did manage to get one of those swords."
I ask mostly for appearances as I don't feel any magic items on them-
Ricky smiles, that too-wide mouth filled with serrated teeth looking less unnerving every time I see it.
>[Ricky]"Actually we did have a bit of luck there even if the prey himself slipped away-a cracked sword from those southern folk, what were they called again-"
>[Lucy]"The Romans. It was a gladius with a decidedly useful form of magic."
>[Ricky]"Yes-a weapon that causes any wound it makes to bleed freely no matter what the user does until the wound is healed-marvelous! I had to merge it with my tail to keep it functional, but really, not a bad find!"
>[Lucy]"Do not think this mitigates your debt, we would have found the sword anyway-"
>[Ricky]"Leave it be Lucy."
Again, Lucy settles down at Ricky's urging, her attention returning to the pile of food before her.
"So, I hope the decor's to your liking."
>[Ricky]"It is indeed-tell me, how did you know the den configuration most fellow Dunter use?"
>[MM,MMMMM Trait auto-activated]
"To be honest my butler knew, not I: I actually know relatively little about your kind, and was wondering if you could help rectify the situation-a bit of light table conversation, as it were."
Ricky laughs at that, wiping a sleeve at his bloody maw as it contorts back into a cherubic smile.
>[Ricky]"Yes, why not, some words for food, how could I refuse? Well, you must of course know we are a decidedly hungry and thirsty folk-personally I contend that since we originated in the same place as the Irish, we developed a similar level of thirst to match them! Bone, organ, skin-all is a fair meal to us. More important than our hunger though-is the delight in harvesting such food. Do not get us wrong, gracious host: We do truly appreciate the meal you offer, the meal you have offered, and the meals you will offer. Similarly, the amount of blood you're offering is quite happily recieved. All the same, it is our wont to be more... personally involved in acquiring sustenance where possible, if you catch my drift."
"I believe I do-the term 'thrill of the hunt' would seem apt here."
>[Ricky]"Exactly, exactly! ...Ah, you really do remind me of old Sawney."
"I'll take that as a compliment. I don't suppose you'd be interested in swapping tails of memorable events?"
>[Lucy]"Perhaps when we trust you more."
Ricky looks ready to laugh off Lucy's resistance, but a glance her way stifles his joviality as he sheepishly changes topics.
>[Ricky]"Maybe we could talk about something else?"
"Fair enough, how about this: My gut says you guys use blood magic, which seems rather straightforward-but I'm not too sure on what the other thing you use is. Might be soul, but-"
>[Lucy]"Wrong."
>[Ricky]"Only partly though: We do indeed manipulate blood, as you guessed, but's it's flesh that is the other pillar of what we do, not soul."
"Fascinating. You know there's a bit of a conundrum I've faced I could use your input on, as fellow hunters: How do you isolate a person in the middle of a crowd to go after them?"
>[Ricky]"Yes, the city problem: You aren't the only one to face such an obstacle."
"Well how do you get around it?"
>[Ricky]"Frankly our approach probably would not work for you: We play upon our childish appearance, convince someone we're a child in need, lure them away-it's certainly not fool proof, but it's a workable enough framework, eh?"
"Hm-true enough, it's workable, just not for me."
>[Ricky]"You're largely human-at least enough you can lie, can't you? Why not just tell them what they want to hear?"
"I rather carefully guard the value of my word: I'd argue the ability to lie is more a burden than a blessing, in most cases."
>[Ricky]"Oh? Huh, I had thought if the ability existed one would be only too happy to use it-I know I would. Seems I missed something."
"While certainly, it could make things easier in the short run, once word got out that one's word was not trustable-"
>[Ricky]"I'm not sure I understa-"
>[Lucy]"He's being prudent. It makes sense."
>[Ricky]"If you insist."
"Do you get to do much hunting down in the undersewers?"
>[Ricky]"More or less. The Turkish Dragons are of course in charge of the under sewer, but they mostly watch the arenas or bazaars-they places where money or blood or both flow freely. Most of the rest of the under sewers-well, that's fair game. And with out bellies not so close to running on empty, and a new trick for my tail, well-things are looking up."
"Happy to hear it. You mentioned an arena-dragon controlled?"
>[Ricky]"Depends on the arena. Most are dragon controlled, though the Hobgoblins have an independant arena under the city, as do... oh, what are those Africans again, Lucy?"
>[Lucy]"Olitiau."
>[Ricky]"That's right-so, both groups have their own settlements built around a multipurpose arena and penitentiary facility / slave market."
"Would you be amenable to playing tour guide for me to one or both of these places some day?"
>[Ricky]"How could I say no to a host like you, eh?"
"The compliment's flattering. Any existing disputes I should know about?"
>[Ricky]"Hm. Well, the Hobgoblins and the Wyld Goblins do NOT get along in the slightest, but there's no outright hostilities. The Olitiau have a real grudge against the Dragons but can't do anything, all the other groups are too small to matter in the eyes of the Dragons, and the Dragons themselves don't seem to care overmuch about the intergroup machinations. Course, this only applies to the Under sewers-there's still the Earth's Bones sector."
He notes the blank look in my eye and continues.
>[Ricky]"Think of the underground as a deliciously multilayered meat pie. The first level is the sewers as currently used by the humans, and includes the few active transportation systems you have. Beneath that is the Under Sewers, where the Dragons rule, and impose edicts on the Goblins and others as they deem necessary. Beneath that is the Earth's Bones, a catch-all term for all the areas so secluded the...more monstrous of our brethren can dwell."
>[Lucy]"By our brethren, he means other magically formed beings like us."
"Hm-intereasting. Back to the arena: Have you witnessed Einher fighting in any of them?"
>[Ricky]"Odin's boys? Certainly, though there isn't always one there. A bit of a hit or miss thing, you know?"
"Yes-they can be quite flighty, can't they?"]
>[Ricky]"EXACTLY! No one else gets it when I describe them as being like birds, so quick to startle and take flight... well, anyway: I must say this is an enjoyable meal: While it doesn't outright bother us, our dining habits frequently preclude us having someone to share dining discussion with."
"And I'm happy to provide such a service to you. I imagine you've done a little digging around on me, although I won't promise to either confirm or deny, I'd be interested to hear what you've discovered.”
Initially Lucy's violently shaking her head-but at Ricky's admanant gaze, she finally relents.
>[Lucy]"Some amongst the Olitiau owed us a favor, and investigated you. It was not long ago that you were very much so human-"
>[Ricky]"Lucy's prone to question your swift... transition, but I just see it as proof you're an open-minded progressive-and more importantly, a hungry one."
"Personally, I prefer the term 'magically inclined transhumanist."
>[Ricky]"Transhuman? Now where have I... ah yes. I believe there was a book about that some time ago? I know a past meal that was an avid reader had something that mentioned that term."
"Simply put, I don't think 'being human' is the same thing as 'having the same body as defined as human' or 'conforming to the social impetuses of general human populace'."
Ricky's smile looks... gentler, strange for a moment.
>[Ricky]"Well, if that is how you view it. I can't deny it makes you a decidedly enjoyable conversationalist."
"Well, while I may have words, you clearly have footwork. I have to admit I'm impressed with your speed, the both of you. I don't suppose there's any chance a human could learn some dregs of what makes you so mobile?"
>[Ricky]"Actually there is-in fact, we've taught people before, Sawney Bean among them."
>[Lucy]"Though if you truly wished to become familiar with Dunter Footwork, we would have to demand a deal be worked out, as the information is too valuable to simply give away."
>[Ricky]"Lucy does have the right of it here though: We could not teach if we aren't being compensated: Resources are scarce enough we couldn't afford it."
It's at this point I notice the Red Caps have ravenously torn through nearly half the food on the table, and ten barrels are already knocked over, already drained into those endlessly absorbent, oversized hats of theirs.






Where should the conversation go from here?
What else should I talk with the Red Caps about?
Is there any sort of deal I want to try and work out, or propose so the Red Caps can consider it?
LAST CALL: Anything else I want to do today? It's night time, and Armas is tired as fuck from a busy day. This will limit what he can do.
>>
No. 368460 ID: bdb886

>We're sneaky
>We're ambushy
>They can make us even faster and increase our options for ambush and sneak

What if we offered them the blood of the Doonongaes?
>>
No. 368463 ID: f8aa66

"Understandable." Pause. "You said your trick with the child-like body worked 'enough'. I recently discovered that my butler can craft illusion charms. I'll need to look into it further, but I just might have something interesting to offer the next time we meet."

Other topics; have they heard of any humans setting up shop down there? Triad, Yaks, Mafia, Nazis, other?

We could also offer knowledge about the above-ground for similar knowledge of the undersewer. They obviously read, and if Ricky was bored enough to read a book on transhumanism, they might be starved (heh) for new material. There's all sorts of novels (The Legend of Shawney Bean, The Flesh Eaters, The Bloody Man) and movies (Wes Craven's 1977 The Hills Have Eyes, Evil Breed: The Legend of Samhain) and music (punk rock or metal, natch) that portray Sawney Bean, maybe they'd be interested in that.

> Anything else?
Nah. Sake has been catching naps here and there though, so we could turn him loose on Istanbul if he wanted. Don't piss off the Triad or Ito's gym, try to limit the 'fun' around the house, otherwise, have a good time.

If SB is recovered enough, we could sleep in a dark room and he could go wander Istanbul himself.

Sake and Shadowbro- off on a whirlwind adventure!
>>
No. 368468 ID: 252e1b

"I couldn't help but notice Lucy eying my communication device. It occurred to me that you may have seen examples like it without having learned how they operate."

"There are numerous gadgets that have been invented recently. Many of them mundanely accomplish tasks that one would otherwise need magic for. Long range communication, some sorts of energy manipulation, mass production techniques, food preservation, and other things. I'm not an expert, but I do have a passing familiarity with much of it. Certainly enough to be able to teach you how to use most of the mundane artifacts you find or claim."

"As a caveat to that, I'm engaged in another contract that restricts my ability to teach the use of modern weapons. Though most mundane weapons wouldn't be a threat to you anyway, seeing how fast you are. I can think of only a handful that might pose a problem."

"In any case, the offer stands: I'll teach you how to make use of modern devices, in exchange for your training in Dunter Footwork."

I'd like Armas to check his e-mail before bed, and order the odds and ends that the house needs to accommodate so many people comfortably (by phone or by internet, doesn't make a lick of difference to me). He should split the orders up though, to avoid any one store having a good idea of how many people he is hosting.

Once the Redcaps have gone on their way and we've got a private moment, I'd like to call Amen in and ask the following questions (in Te Reo!):

"Amen, why have you not changed your clothes recently? You're still in that, admittedly styling, orange suit."

At that point he'll remind us that we left him with an order to wear that, and we can say, "Oh. Then from now on, until I explicitly order otherwise, I expect to see you dressed stylishly and appropriately for whatever task you're undertaking, and to include elements of the shade of orange I favor in your clothes."

That done, I want to then say:

"I am to be allowed to see the hypothetical captured intruders. Guide me to them."

I want to look at what we can use to lure in the devil.
>>
No. 368481 ID: a8dcd9

>Where should the conversation go from here?
Food. They are aware how new we are to Cannibalism, so it is obvious they may to “Guide/corrupt” us for free. As such, asking them what kind of food as what proprieties is beneficial. Is there 'food' that restore mental acuity? 'Food' that enhances the senses? 'food' that gives odd gifts they have found useful?

>What else should I talk with the Red Caps about?
Their magic is flesh based- what do they do with it? Straight speed/strength enhancement? What does FLESH magic actually does? Especially for cannibals?

>Is there any sort of deal I want to try and work out, or propose so the Red Caps can consider it?
>>368468
Making that trade seems like a good idea to me, as we did ask a LOT of questions without venturing much.

>LAST CALL: Anything else I want to do today? It's night time, and Armas is tired as fuck from a busy day. This will limit what he can do.
When it is time to fall asleep, Armas should meditate a bit upon the days, and the various discovery/improvement he has made to solidify them. It doesn't matter if we fall asleep while we do so either, but thinking about our splinter intent trick, our discovery of our soul sense having a short range and 'memory' of who we saw recently in the triad fight, of Camella's and Ito's soul- their feel of having LIVED, and the possibiity the more powerful HUMAN souls are/look that way- the way freeing our chakras made us able to use them freely, Ego-less, high and low stance.... those are things to remember. Also, thinking about our mistakes and failures (prancing around with a carpet of blood we still haven't checked belonged to BB, for instance) might be useful.

>At that point he'll remind us that we left him with an order to wear that, and we can say, "Oh. Then from now on, until I explicitly order otherwise, I expect to see you dressed stylishly and appropriately for whatever task you're undertaking, and to include elements of the shade of orange I favor in your clothes."
As long as it doesn't produce a mind breaking or magical effect we know nothing about, sure. (and explaining that effect shouldn't make us insane, either).

>"I am to be allowed to see the hypothetical captured intruders. Guide me to them."
Same modifier, not looking forward to passing through the cellar to get there. Don't want it to be dangerous.

>What to plan for tomorrow.
WAKE UP EARLY. While a lot of what to do tomorrow can be solidified then, Armas should always wake up early. We also generally lack food now, so we should make time tomorrow to go to the sewers in person. Also, asking Amen to make a “High-class, stylish dress that is not a Ballerina dress but would make one think about it, that is completely nonmagical and harmless to the wearer”, don't look at it while it's done (so Armas can say he never saw it before), and have SB bring it to Camella's night table if he feels up to it. If not, well, we'll find a way to deliver it with the necessary panache.
>>
No. 368486 ID: 6546f8

Ask what was the best meal they ever had, if they agree to answer say how our greatest meal was Gleb Romanov heart, if they don't know who he is explain that he is a imperial bloodline user.
>>
No. 368487 ID: 81f32a

>Where should the conversation go from here?

-I am rather interested how Blackbeard got away.
Speaking of BB can we now use the blood which we risked our life for to fuck him up, huh? I mean, several people suggested to do that as the first thing when we got back. Having Amen locate him/incapacitate/kill him through his blood or something like that.

-Another topic for discussion. They mentioned someone called Sawney. Can they tell us more about him?

-What would the price be to visit the Arenas/Market with them playing as our guides there and back?

-Learning about the Olitiau would also be pretty sweet.

>Is there any sort of deal I want to try and work out, or propose so the Red Caps can consider it?
I am not sure but I think we should just ask them what they what for teaching us their footwork. Or ask them what Sawney paid for the tutelage.

>LAST CALL: Anything else I want to do today?
Aside from Blackbeard's blood nothing. Lets sleep and have this crazy day over with.
>>
No. 368492 ID: 3fd4fb

>>368456
>Where should the conversation go from here?
A serious point has come up and should be addressed.

"Unless I'm quite mistaken, you think I'm wrong about what makes someone human. Or perhaps not 'think'- perhaps you know that my assertion was incorrect, and have assessed transhumanism as a deluded philosophy used by those slowly leaving their humanity behind to convince themselves that they're not doing just that."

Smile. "If you have answers I don't on this topic, they would be much appreciated. I've been walking down this road without a map for some time, and unless I miss my guess it's one you've seen others take more than once."

Hopefully, we will learn something rather important about the essential nature of humanity and how our own increasingly large changes make us fit into it. The important things to remember are not to be fazed or shocked in the least by whatever we hear because we don't want to show that kind of emotion in front of the Red Caps, and to maintain a stance of generally being willing to pay what prices are necessary for power here, because I'm really getting the sense that Ricky is responding positively to our apparent willingness to march the road to being an inhuman creature of all-consuming hunger and magical power.

If they do tell us that what is human is based on 'having the same body as defined as human' or 'conforming to the social impetuses of general human populace', then be aware that what those are can change! Social mores change all the time, and with the accelerating pace of technology people are altering their own abilities and bodies are like. Transhumanism as an individual philosophy might be wrong, because it involves a single human moving away from the essential concept of what humanity is- but transhumanism as a mass philosophy means widening that essential concept to include more. If humanity is based on something like that, then humanity is simply whatever someone believes humans to be, and we of all people should be keenly aware of the fact that people can believe whatever they need to believe.

If they dodge the question, well then, we can move on with the conversation and investigate this line of thought elsewhere.

>What else should I talk with the Red Caps about?
>Is there any sort of deal I want to try and work out, or propose so the Red Caps can consider it?
Mention that we essentially kill things professionally- and as they've mentioned the thrill of the hunt, well, we might occasionally come across things that they would be interested in. If would care to give us some way to contact them, there might be occasional opportunities to work together or simply drop them tips, should they desire it. No obligation implied, of course. Presumably they don't have any problems operating above ground, since they mentioned their lure tactics which would presumably work best there?

>LAST CALL: Anything else I want to do today?
When we finish here, go upstairs and thank Hillevi for helping out upon our request. In Finnish so that no one else can understand, explain to her that we would appreciate her not speaking of it, but we're willing to tell her what was going on if she wants to know. Since presumably she'll be eager to hear about it, explain that we had arranged a meeting with a pair of Red Caps as part of settling accounts- a minor favor owed- and it would have likely gone very poorly to have anyone else present. I'm interested in her reaction to knowing what we were treating with- will she be shocked that we would deal with something like that, impressed that we can do so at all, something else? Getting her assessment of Red Caps in general would also be good, seeing as she's far more versed in this sort of thing than we are.

Then ask her how things went at Ito's after we left; make sure Camella was all right after having her collarbone broken, and that Hillevi felt comfortable enough instructing people in the spear even though she's probably never tried to be a teacher before. Ask what she thought of Ito and Camella; if her assessment of Camella is positive, mention that we're hoping that Camella can provide her with a somewhat more thorough understanding of the modern way of warfare than we personally can offer; she should learn from the best, and there are few better than Camella at what she does.

Then get some sleep.


>>368463
>I recently discovered that my butler can craft illusion charms. I'll need to look into it further, but I just might have something interesting to offer the next time we meet."
SUST to this wording; it needs avoid strongly implying that we basically don't know what Amen can do. That is a wholly unnecessary show of weakness.

>>368468
>As a caveat to that, I'm engaged in another contract that restricts my ability to teach the use of modern weapons.
SUST to sharing this information. They have no need of it and we gain nothing from giving it away. Phrase our offer so that we don't have to mention it.

>>368476
>Their magic is flesh based- what do they do with it? Straight speed/strength enhancement? What does FLESH magic actually does? Especially for cannibals?
This is a reasonable line of inquiry- though to avoid making it seem like we're just pushing for their abilities, we might mention that we've been looking for routes to personal enhancement. It would probably be possible to use powerful self-imaging combined with our automatically perfecting form to change our shape or physical characteristics; learning a certain amount about flesh manipulation might let us do so safely, reducing the risk of accidentally mucking something up and trapping ourselves in a horribly mutilated body that doesn't function correctly at all. It would be best to shoot for small improvements here, but it's worth looking into- after learning their footwork, of course.
>>
No. 368503 ID: 3947e9

Ask them if there are vampires, werewolves, hags, or other human eaters down there.

Ask amen via SLOW telepathy if he can track BB from the blood you took. A little night visit by you and the redcaps the night he lost his arm would be just perfect. As tired as you are, he is worse off. And I crave binding his soul for a little interrogation about his bank accounts. However it might be too far away to do anything tonight. We must take great precautions as it is probably full of defensive charms. He might have hired guards too, I doubt he would trust humans, and can probably afford fae types like elves who are bound to their word.

He might actually be in a magic hospital instead of his home, paying for a new arm, so do not charge in guns blazing. But locating such a source of healing magic would be good. If we can confirm it is his home, then the location of his home base would be worth a lot if we sell it. And we can bring in a strike team different then the redcaps. Heck we could have our allies attacking him around the clock by giving them his location every few hours.

Actually, if we could confirm it is his home we can have amen paralyze him via his blood and then bring him to the mansion alive via the sewers for interrogation. When we done draining his accounts and secrets, sell him off alive to some of the more vengeful of those who put bounties on him.

>>368468
SUST, Especially the stuff to the redcaps is phrased condescending as hell.

>>368463
upvote, especially the part about offering them books.

>>368460
SUST, We can offer that when we actually have it, and assuming we decide not to use it on other things.

Armas should go to sleep. There is lots to do still but it can wait for tomorrow morning.
>>
No. 368513 ID: 2964e1

>Where should the conversation go from here?
What else do Red Caps value beyond blood and flesh.
>What else should I talk with the Red Caps about?

”You have demonstrated that you are both masters of blood magic and a dab hand at mental manipulation, and so I have a question for you, in confidence, or course. A rather rude ghost implanted a set of memories in an ensouled rifle of mine, segregated from the soul itself behind a barrier. Would you be capable of taking those memories and implanting them into my mind without effecting the soul or the rifle or harming me, and preferably without the soul in the rifle noticing, whilst disarming any traps left in the memories to prevent such a process suceeding?”

>Is there any sort of deal I want to try and work out, or propose so the Red Caps can consider it?
A way to get in touch to arragne our next meal.

>LAST CALL: Anything else I want to do today?
When they leave, see if SB can observe them.

Before you go to sleep, you have a lot to think about whilst it's still fresh.

We need to perform an in-depth review of the days events. The first cut should be with Hillevi (if she's still up), asking her to review Camella and her bout, and then Camella and our bout. We should then go on to perform a more in depth review of both that and the rest of the day with out Bros. Particular attention should be paid to what Lo Fang was doing with souls in the warehouse, what choices we made, why we made them, and whether we could have made better ones during the entire Reaper battle, and what we can learn from Camella, both her physical Jukenjitsu style and from what she was doing with her soul. On the latter, SB may have some hints on how you can see the physical world without eyes.

We also need to meditate for an hour on our chakra.

We should also tell Amen not to forget any detail on how the Red Caps/Dunters moved.

We should wake up early tomorrow, set an alarm for 6 am on your phone.
>>
No. 368515 ID: d97a61

>>368492
There's certainly more to discuss-
But first, I have to address something irregular I noted. That smile after my blurb about humanity....
"Unless I'm quite mistaken, you think I'm wrong about what makes someone human. Or perhaps not 'think'- perhaps you know that my assertion was incorrect, and have assessed transhumanism as a deluded philosophy used by those slowly leaving their humanity behind to convince themselves that they're not doing just that."
As I smile, I notice Lucy's ever reproachful glare fracture into uncertainty while Ricky smiles all the wider.
"If you have answers I don't on this topic, they would be much appreciated. I've been walking down this road without a map for some time, and unless I miss my guess it's one you've seen others take more than once."
Ricky once more wipes his gore-covered mouth on his sleeve before slowly clapping, his movements expansive, that titanic soul I sense feeling positively tickled pink.
>[Ricky]"Well done-THAT'S a question old Sawney never asked, and one he really, really should have. Other humans may tell you things about your soul's destination, this god or that's 'plan' for what humans should be-I'll put it to you more pragmatically. Being human means being able to lie. Humans, Dragons, and some rare gods-that's it, in the department of creatures that can tell purposeful falsehoods. And if you lose your humanity, you'll lose that trump card humans can play."
"How, then, would I lose my humanity?"
>[Ricky]"Well that's a tricky question. Easiest way to think of it, is to consider Humanity a concept, rather than a hard-set ideal. Every living thing defined as 'human' contributes to that shared mental image, and shapes it. Fall too far outside that image's confines-be it having a body defined as human, having a societally acceptable 'human' mindset, what have you-and you'll find yourself losing the fun parts of being human-the complete free will, the lying, that sense of ease other humans have around you-all of it. And yes, plenty of power can be had by straying outside of that ideal-but things are lost, all the same. Most we meet like you are too blinded by greed to see it-though I admit, I don't really mind either approach you take."
"So humanities something more than just having a soul and defined consciousness, being born of human parents, all that?"
>[Ricky]"It'd be more accurate to say Humanities ONLY that-sure, other things factor in to it, but ultimately it all boils down to whether or not another human defines you as human, not some arbitrary scale."
I sigh.
"That... sounds a good bit more complicated than I'd hoped would be the case."
>[Ricky]"Indeed. Transhumanism-yes, if one follows such a path, they really will transition away from being human, heh."
I sigh even as internally I barely avoid panicking as I wonder just how much of my humanity I have left.
"It's never as simple as it looks, is it?"
>[Ricky]"Rarely, friend. Rarely."
I... am going to need to think long and hard, about my manifold plans to take more and more magic into my body. There has to be a point where I cross a threshold... and things can't be undone.
>"I... wish, for once, I did indeed have the same organs and glands you have-as I wish I could be impacted viscerally by this news, rather than just intellectually. It is worth remembering."
>[Iron Trick]"Humanities an easy thing to cast aside-not sure I know of any that've taken the mantle back up after doing so, though."

Christ what was I thinking, trying to apply a transhumanistic approach to magic when I didn't know the first thing about it.

I hide the rather heavy considerations I'm having as I try to keep the conversation moving.
"...Well. Food for thought as that may be, I think there's something more... practical for us to discuss."
>[Ricky]"Is that a fact?"
"Yes: My profession. As it happens, I am often paid money to kill things-a modern sell-sword, if you will."
>[Ricky]"A fine profession, if I do say so-but what of it?"
"Well I run into threats of all sorts in my line of work-and I wondered if you'd like to be contacted when I learn of some particular lethal morsel I'd think you interested in."
>[Lucy]"Provide an example of such a creature."
"Well, the first one that comes to mind would be a Doonongaes-poison can be a bit tricky to deal with."
>[Lucy]"You'd offer us poisoned flesh?"
"I'd be happy to help remove impurities in such a meal as best I could if you brought it to me-but that was more an example of the threat level I could throw at you-could even be greater."
>[Ricky]"While that certainly sounds interesting-how would you contact us, leaving a note on the table here and hoping he stop by soon enough for it to matter?"
>>368468
"...Hear me out on this, but do you know what cell phones are?"
>[Lucy]"We've had occassion to use human communication devices by the name of 'phone' before."
>[Ricky]"That's right-how long ago was that love?"
>[Lucy]"Thirty seven years."
>[Ricky]"Yes, that's right-what about them, though?"
"I couldn't help but notice Lucy eying my communication device earlier. It occurred to me that you may have seen examples like it without having learned how they operate."
>[Ricky]"Ah yes, that little box you held-what IS it?"
"There are numerous gadgets that have been invented recently. Many of them mundanely accomplish tasks that one would otherwise need magic for. Long range communication, some sorts of energy manipulation, mass production techniques, food preservation, and other things. I'm not an expert, but I do have a passing familiarity with much of it. Certainly enough to be able to teach you how to use most of the mundane artifacts you find or claim."
>[Ricky]"Nice as that offer is, you were talking about... sell-phones?"
"Yes, that's right...."

I spend the next twenty minutes explaining how phones work, and how to use a modern smart phone, at least as far as placing a call, checking one's contacts, and sending text messages. I explain how people pay for this service, and so phones they 'find' will likely only work for a limited time until the account is deactivated. While Ricky looks more than a little mystified at the entire concept, Lucy's adamantly focusing on what I say, and clearly intends to take the impromptu lesson to heart. I think I can count on her kicking Ricky into coming here again, if they find more tech they'd like appraised.

>>368460
"...Actually, back to the Doonongaes. How would you like the blood of such a creature?"
>[Ricky]If it was purified of poison, we'd like it very much indeed, I can tell you that."
"Enough it might be of import, insofar as learning what a human can of your footwork?"
>[Ricky]"Quite set on getting more lively feet, eh? ....Tell you what, you provide the beast's blood, and, say, one thousand barrels of blood-which can be as low grade of blood as you want-I could promise you a perfect environment to learn what you want, and the time you need to learn it. How does that strike you?"
"Strikes me as intriguing-though I think I'll have to actually get the Doonongaes blood first."
>[Ricky]"That you might, lad-HA!"

>>368463
I speak up again after noting the Red Cap's three quarters done with the food and blood alike-their hats still somehow not dripping a single drop as they get impossibly wet.
"Another thing, actually."
>[Ricky]"Hm?"
"You said your trick with the child-like body worked 'enough'. I just so happen to have a butler versed in crafting illusory charms. I'll need to look into it further, but I just might have something interesting to offer the next time we meet."
Lucy's expression is... hard to pin down, but it's SOMETHING, I know that much.
>[Lucy]"You'd offer us the work of the mi-"
>[Ricky]"You know, I think that sounds pretty enjoyable too-in fact, I'm pretty confident if you threw that in, you'd get some tutoring on Dunter footwork from not just me, but my mate, as well-a two for one deal, as it were. Pretty nice, right?"
"Indeed it is. ...You didn't mention any humans down in the undersewers, now that I think on it: Do none live down there?"
>[Ricky]"Oh, sure enough some do, but at best you'll find them as merchants, most commonly as junk collectors, too. Blighters are magicless, one and all-and usually taste terrible. Quite a pity. Why?"
"Call it morbid curiosity. So no dedicated groups, or any such thing?"
>[Ricky]"Well we've heard some rumblings about humans setting up shop somewhere down in the Earth's Bones not too long ago-but all we've heard is rumor."

>>368481
"Rumors only huh? Well thanks for telling me. You know, I have to ask: What foods are... best, or most advantageous to consume, I suppose, for a cannibal?"
>[Ricky]"Ah, checking if there's some special organs that are particularly useful to consume, something like that?"
"Something like that."
>[Ricky]"I have good news and bad news. The bad news is there is no one specific thing like that. The good news is that's because every PART of your fellow man is potent and of worth to you. That's the great part about cannibalism."
"Huh. and your magic-it's flesh and blood, but how-"
>[Lucy]"Only true friends, Comrades till death could be trusted with the secrets of our craft-you must know the risk it poses to one self, to reveal their workings like that."
She didn't say no-I'm surprised. Maybe I'll learn more from the Red Caps sooner than I thought I would.

>>368487
There's more I'd like to ask-but the Red Caps have finished their hour-long meal at last, in spite of my unending barrage of questions. They both insist they have other arrangements they cannot drop, and are already running late-something Ricky stresses he doesn't blame me for, they enjoyed the conversation. After we make our farewells, I make my way upstairs and profoundly thank Hillevi in Finnish for keeping my meeting uneventful-and am a bit surprised when she rejects my offer to learn more about what the meeting entailed.

So it is that, after bidding an early night to my housemates, I head to the master chamber, where I indulge Sake's request to go out and have a 'night on the town' while indulging in some mild trolling-an outing SB seems all to happy to observe. So it is that my brothers leave me in the dark-as I focus inwards, considering all I've learned today. Splintered intent's power with shotguns... how to meld my existing knowledge of armed fighting together to fight more ably, switching between high and low stances... using both hidden feints and the goblinic Ego-less state to confound spiritually perceptive foes... open, presumably unnassigned chakras.. the Red Cap's comments on humanity, and how easy it is to lose it... there's much to ponder.

[DISCONTINUITY]

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6th, 2011
FUNDS: $97,212.97
CASH: $4,270.00
SHADOW PATIENCE: 100%

I open my eyes, still feeling tired.

Jesus fuck that was a long day.

It's several hours before dawn-not sure of the specific time, best guess somewhere around three AM. I can hear some faint rhythmic noises down the hall, but otherwise the house is completely silent.

Today is... so far, pretty much uncommitted. As is the next day-and the day after that. It's a liberating feeling.






So what's my plan for the day?
If I get a massive pile of different plans, be aware I can't follow every suggestion, and will have to omit some. Nothing new, just a reminder.
>>
No. 368569 ID: 2964e1

Sorry it's so longer, but we were told we should script haggling, which takes ages

>>368515
We should also tell Amen not to forget any detail on how the Red Caps/Dunters moved. Call him now, and then speak to him verbally.

What time is it?

You have a lot to think about whilst it's still fresh. Given we're loosing track of time, we should set the alarm for our phone to go off every half hour, except for when meditating, when we should set it for an hour when we start.

We need to perform an in-depth review of yesterday's events with our Bros, when they're back. Particular attention should be paid to what Lo Fang was doing with souls in the warehouse, what choices we made, why we made them, and whether we could have made better ones during the entire Reaper battle, and what we can learn from Camella, both her physical Jukenjitsu style and from what she was doing with her soul.

On Camella's spiritual senses, SB may have some hints on how one can see the physical world without eyes, and it did seem oddly familiar. Perhaps something, either about what she was doing, or the way we were seeing it, triggered a memory of something we've forgotten. SB reviewed our life time memories recently, looking fro inconsistencies. Is there anything there, the could have some possible relation however minor, to either martial arts or to being able to sense things that we wouldn't normally be able to do so in our childhood or earlier career.

We should also ask Sake and SB what if anything they observed of the Red Caps foot work. We can then ask Amen if he can create holograms of the Red Caps, slowed down so they appear to move at mundane human walking pace, without effecting anything else save for the illusion made of light. We can then repeatedly examine this from all angles.

We should run through a few minutes of exercises, seeing if we can integrate anything we observed Camella do with out broader fighting technique, particularly to tighten up our Jukenjitsu, as she was using that in our spar.

Later, we should talk to Hillevi, asking her to review Camella and her bout, and then Camella and our bout.

Before then we need to meditate for an hour on our chakra, and consider what we know about it and our bloodlines. We observed how Ito's energy was flowing from soul to chakra to blood to flesh. Perhaps it would be possible to close the loop by directing our summer bloodline to consume the excess power it represents in order to return it to our soul, whilst it's not being used for anything else. In order to begin understanding things like this we should do all the experiments we considered when we first opened our chakra, such as meditating on each of them in turn whilst we eat magical meat, whilst we are observed, whilst we heal using just our summer bloodline and using our combined winter/summer technique, etc - to which we can add directly examining them with our spiritual senses as we do so.

We should get Smet's punt gun and its ammo, and have Amen bring us any other items in the mansion that are magical or any gun related object associated with magical beings. As we know Smets had rune inscribed ammo for the punt gun, it stands to reason that whilst acquiring his gun collection Smets may have picked up bayonets, gun cases, and ammo. None of this should have been given to SM. We should asses all of these items with our Einheir derived sense for magical items, and select some to sell.

There are also some questions we should ask Amen that may inform our investigations:
>>/questdis/356237

After then, we need to go to the sewers to deal with SM. If he's there to meet us, open with.

>”I hope that I didn't disturb you when I rang earlier, I've had a busy day as well, and I've learned a couple of things you may like to hear.”

Do not apologise, you have nothing to apologise for. Through out the conversation, we should keep a light, even, slightly irreverent tone, and know that whether he chooses to purchase what we could tell him is no big deal to us, and we can profit either way.

>“I wouldn't want to waste your time, so why don't you tell me what you're interested to hear about, and I can see if I can accommodate you. There's a small possibility I may even have something you will find novel. Let us start with my first adventure this morning, I suspect you might like to hear about that and what fell onto the street and then through the sewers underneath. I suggest we confine our initial bargaining to a provisional agreement to supply magical hearts or living magical creatures that are approximately three times as energy dense as us that are not Winter aligned. That way, if some of my later proposals then require more than I have to offer then, we can net off some of what we have agreed upfront. Agreed?”

Then, let him ask you questions, and sell each answer in turn. Any questions about the contents of the building should be addressed in terms of what passed through the sewers, including about the Ashfreaks and Blackbeard. If he doesn't ask, you should also mention,

>“I also came into temporary possession of some information that was being held on two members of the magically active criminal industry here in Istanbul by a 3rd party shortly after then. Would you be interested to learn there names?”

If he agrees, sell first the names, and then the contents of the files. We should make sure that both here and above that we specifically negotiate what we get for each answer.

We should then move onto what happened in the Triad warehouse. Prompts include:
>”Do you know the Triads invited me to stay, would you like to know why?”
Answer: “The Triads were warned that enemies approach, and feared that they may not be victorious without aid.”
>“But that doesn't answer why I stayed with Reapers coming, does it now?”
Answer: ”The Triads warning was “jammed”, and they didn't know whether the Yakuza's Ogre Clan/Golden Demon Gods, or the Reapers were due to attack. Frankly, I was hoping for the second.”

Then we can describe who did what in the battle, and work it around so we're asked what Lo Fang was doing, as we haven't mentioned him fighting. Then we can say,

>”Lo Fang had taken a less visible, but still apparently critical role, managing the battle field and extracting what information he could about the tactics that were used, along with providing the charms that played such a part in the triads tactics.”

We can then sell information on both what the charms we saw in action were, how they were used, and what his students capabilities were.

Depending on how many magical things we identified in Smets' mansion earlier, we may have some more things to trade. We need to make sure we get the AA-12's drum upgraded to be bottomless, and get a silencer charmed to suppresses the flash and uses SM-style ventriloquism to redirect the sound of gunfire into the sky above you.

We can also sell our knowledge of Smet's deal with the devil:
>”You know, I have come into another piece of information that you could use to do a mutual enemy a severe disservice. You may know of it, and tell me know if you do, but I would offer you, his name for nothing?”
If he says yes, they go on to say,
>“As you may have predicted, it is Savoy, and this knowledge should at worst harm and at best destroy him, although much of the degree of harm is at your discretion?”
If he is interested in buying then say,
>I hope that in return for that potential capacity I have given to you, you would do me the same favour. Would you be able to copy a set of memories and possibly the related skills segregated from a soul bound to an object, segregated behind a barrier of Einrik Valkonen's make, and safely implant them into our mind without damaging them or us, defusing any traps left by their original bearer to prevent such a thing in the process, without the current bearer of the memories noticing or being affected by such an act. If you can, I may have a little more to teach about the art of the gun.
If he agrees the price, say:
>”The price for his inhuman arm was his first-born child and heir to his bloodline. Your possession of his balls must put him in a particular pickle. I'm sure I do not need to make any further comment”

We have some training saved up, and we may want to make use of it soon. Whilst there are several things we may want to buy, I think goblin archery has the most immediate bang for the buck, at a 1:1 conversion rate.

>”I'm sure you can tell, just by looking at me, that it would be a waste of your time and mine for you or your kin to teach me how to actually hold and shoot a bow, for I can learn the basics of that on my own. Instead, I ask that you teach me what I can do better justice to, when and where one should shoot, the subtler of art of knowing when the time, place, and target combine to make it the perfect moment to take a shot, and where to aim it so that it strikes where the target will be, not where they are.”

After this, we should say:
>”Onto more long term business opportunities now, perhaps? “
If he assents:
>”How are the arrangements for the auction going?”
and then, when he answers:
>”I would also like to ask, about a few special purchases in confidence, if that is acceptable? I make not presumption that they would have them on hand, or even would choose to procure them if not.”
If he agrees, go onto say:
> I am curious about your opening price range for procuring a droplet of living blood from a Winter Border-manipulating bloodline, from the weakest, most limited, up to any Royal or Imperial families that exist, the same for a non-Sami general soul manipulator, and the same for any angelic blood. This is, for the moment, purely hypothetical, as I have made no decisions, but I'm sure you can see that I may have more to trade with you if I filled my final Winter node in such a fashion.”
>>
No. 368570 ID: 81f32a

>I open my eyes, still feeling tired.
>It's several hours before dawn-not sure of the specific time, best guess somewhere around three AM.

Go back to sleep and have about 6-8 hours of total rest. The day was pretty damn long and Armas' needs his rest no matter how much shit we have to do and trainings we can take. Sure, his body heals much, much faster than any normal human but he needs his mental rest too.

>So what's my plan for the day?

So.... are we going to use BB blood against him or not? Or has he been completely forgotten?
That was an amazing trump card that we recovered and depending on the circumstances we could have killed him as soon as we got home by ordering Amen to fuck him up. Why has this been ignored? Is getting rid of one of the biggest enemies in such a "cheap" and anticlimatic way somehow bad? Yeah, we are not going to get an epic, hard as nails fight but I am completely okay with that. Not every damn battle has to be 3 weeks long.
I am afraid we missed our window of opportunity already but still, we need to know.
Order Amen to use BB blood to: locate him and kill him or incapacitate him. Then we will go and collect his body or whatever (though I know it will never be this easy). At least order Amen to confirm if it is indeed BB blood.

-Read and memorize the files we recovered
-Destroy our own file
-Ask Amen to remove the "stench" of Redcaps from us (it seems every supernatural being can smell all the details from people) but not before asserting that it will be safe. Wouldn't want the Wyld Goblins smelling us.
-Contact SM to sell EVERYTHING, also ask him why he was unavailable. One of the things we should buy is a safe NN timeless space that we can use to train, where we can take anyone we want to train/teach us (so that we can take Lo Fang, Hafaz, etc there to spare time... if they agree of course).... I guess buying it for the next 3 months would suffice for now.
-We have completely ignored the Mammom Device auction we had set up. We need to conclude it sooner since we could get some nice powerup from it. Anyway, ask SM about the auction.
-Arrange training with Lo Fang, spend as much as possible training today.
-If Lo Fang is unavailable then have Hafaz train us his martial style and/or Ito's Chakra training.
-Also, contact the Chakra Master again.
>>
No. 368608 ID: f8aa66

Rhythmic thumping, eh? Investigation is called for! But sneaky sneaky; many activities one gets up to in the dark hours are a private sort of thing (and I don't just include bodily functions in this).

As for plans, I'll list them in order of what I consider importance.
1) I'd like to reserve lunch with Arkvad if he's available. Bring a few pints of that Valkonen mead, we have 2 gallons, right? Check in, see what's new, but make sure to inquire if there's been any movement on that H&H job, and that shortly we'll have 18 very competent ex-military types that may desire jobs.

2) Ask Camella for either unarmed or shooting practice. Frame it as 'seemed only right to give you the opportunity to whip my ass in something where I don't have the commanding edge in experience'.

3) And give Rocco at least a call to let him know we're back in town. We've been dark for too long, he may have forgotten about us. Let him know we're still setting up, but shortly we should be back in the freelance game, and not just us. Ask him if he has any problems that need to be solved creatively. He was how we got Camella's counterfeit visa and he may be able to furnish an invitation to the Mongolian wizard, just as an example of things of use to us he can do.

Also see if we can get any word on Savoy and the Fingers of the Mafia.

4) Grenades! All shapes, sizes and colors! Wonderful grenades! Just, like, a big old bag of grenades. Take the guitar case and have 'em fill it up.

5) Google Sawney Bean, ye daft bastard.

Also, 6 days until the Devil shows up (did we ever find out if Amen could hide a booby-trap in the hand we're going to give him?), and 5 weeks until Cornelius kills us and frames Doony for it.

Personally, I'd rather stockpile more info before talking to SM again, but if we go that route, I'll repeat what I said in >>368315. Savoy, great info. Reaper gun, maybe great, maybe crap. But save the Splintered Intent trick as our ace in the hole. And if we do meet up with SM, do it physically; it seems somehow respectful, and we can do the nevernever training now, if he's up for it.
>>
No. 368612 ID: 80cf5d

>I sigh even as internally I barely avoid panicking as I wonder just how much of my humanity I have left.
No reason to panic yet. Deceptive truthfulness should also be about appearing truthful enough that people doubt less your rare pivotal lies, after all. Get on working with that.

>So what's my plan for the day?
Well, first thing to do is check if SB is with Armas. It's 3 am, so it should be Shadowy pretty much everywhere, and it's possible SB is using his newly-trained abilities to chill-out (read: prank the hell out of people). Given the time, we have a few hours of Alone time. Begin by half an hour of stretching our body. Then an hour of the long unused dances our Mother tried to teach us and we weren't really flexible enough to do. While doing those, we should focus on our soul, think bad to how we got unnaturaly strong while sparring with Camella, and, most importantly, think of how those crazy dances could be incorporated further into our fighting style- we might have used some of it with LINE before, but now that we are much more flexible, know Kas Pin with its subterfuge and pressure point attacks, as well as goblin stealth and Ego-Less, there should be something more there. Also, think back on how you aligned your chakras to stealth the first time, and try to use your soul to maximize your delving within shadows. Then, Finish reading the files on Rocco, Baki, Endman.

A bit before 5am, go see Sometimes Merchant in the sewers. We have no food left to feed over 20 people, and while we can buy mundane food, there is no reason to if we can make longer terms deal with our Goblin contact. Hopefully SB is with you, and he may tell us if he wants Shadow-type food, as well as a rundown on his current capacity Maybe in Disc? . If we manage to meet SM, this is what we could sell, in order of increasing value:
+A rundown on Reapers attacking the triad, Lammy killing one, us Killing one and immobilizing another. SUST on talking about the more edgy bits of magic Lo Fang did, but examples of the enhancement charms used by lo fang, as well as shields and wards on warehouse, could be commented on.
+Files on Baki and Endman (knowledge within).
+Selling the Punt Gun and the Magical Arrows from Gunners (point out where they come from, and the fact the bow was cursed).
+We can remotely kill Chugainov's pet blood mage as well as have her try to kill Chugainov himself as well as search for any info she might possess. If SM is looking for a particular one, we would be willing to negociate further for that. ( Ask Amen, in real time, if he can still do that before talking about this, and upon confirmation of the deal order him to do 'but make sure no children are harmed in the process').
+Savoy selling his firstborn son in order to get the Arm which we ate with “Amen”'s blood. To a Devil or a Demon.

Things we might get for that is Making all our previous meats deal until permanent soul death, Getting magical vegetables, spices, and meats of mid-quality but lots of quantity, preferably ones that we have receipes for. For the Secret, Let's preferable say Armas is one of the world's best whistler, or if we cant Einrik dislikes puns, or Lo Fang likes to gloat when a battle is assumed won, or Armas has just taken the first step into understanding further the stealth Arts taught by the goblin. If SM is not here, no worry- this just means he is REALLY busy, as there is no reason for SM not to squeeze us if he can. Also, when haggling, we should try and be clear the next thing we sell will be bigger in order to maximize the sales.

The goal here is to have enough food when back to be able to cook everyday, and Armas should return to the mansion and go about cooking a breakfast for twenty or so, if possible SB try to bring some to Camella's night-table if she is sleeping, or somewhere else if she isn't. Also, we should think about asking Amen to make a “High-class, stylish dress that is not a Ballerina dress but would make one think about it, that is completely nonmagical and harmless to the wearer”, not look at it while it's done (so Armas can say he never saw it before), and have SB bring it to Camella too. If SB can't do that, we could find another way to bring it with Panache.

Then We should see who is awake to share our breakfast with, and get on with the main part of the day.

>Sparring.
If we spar, it should be done first with a Russian of middling ability in Hand to Hand while we are blindfolded, with our goals being to try and put together the correlations between spirit and body, as well as practice when it comes to Ego-less where we eschew completely our consideration of the other, as it is something we are only able to do with utter concentration, and may not be possible against multiple enemies until it becomes a habit.
Then, the same should be done against three Russians: The goal, there, should be to try and create confusion amongst them as much as possible, to learn how to always make enemies break each other's field of visions, as well as control the battlefied. We should do that in a room with as much shadow as possible at first.

>I'd like to reserve lunch with Arkvad if he's available. Bring a few pints of that Valkonen mead, we have 2 gallons, right? Check in, see what's new, but make sure to inquire if there's been any movement on that H&H job, and that shortly we'll have 18 very competent ex-military types that may desire jobs.
Let's call him and see when he is available, but no need to rush that meeting.

>give Rocco at least a call to let him know we're back in town. We've been dark for too long, he may have forgotten about us. Let him know we're still setting up, but shortly we should be back in the freelance game, and not just us. Ask him if he has any problems that need to be solved creatively. He was how we got Camella's counterfeit visa and he may be able to furnish an invitation to the Mongolian wizard, just as an example of things of use to us he can do.
Let him know we learned someone was spying on us and managed to recover the Armas files, and we also saw there was a file for Rocco too. Then give him examples of how thorough the Armas file was, without any damning specifics.

> Grenades! All shapes, sizes and colors! Wonderful grenades! Just, like, a big old bag of grenades. Take the guitar case and have 'em fill it up.
YES

>Destroy our own file
SUST on possibly alienating Russians- especially as it's very likely they already read them.

>-Contact SM to sell EVERYTHING, also ask him why he was unavailable. One of the things we should buy is a safe NN timeless space that we can use to train, where we can take anyone we want to train/teach us (so that we can take Lo Fang, Hafaz, etc there to spare time... if they agree of course).... I guess buying it for the next 3 months would suffice for now.
SUST on EVERYTHING, and on what to buy.

>Also, contact the Chakra Master again.
Contact Einrik's contact, yes.
>>
No. 368640 ID: 31bd58

Then let them read it and THEN destroy it. Though remove the parts which could implicate us in murder of the policeman.

what's wrong with renting NN space to have instant tranings and practice?
>>
No. 368650 ID: 252e1b

I don't want to deal with Sometimes Merchant today, I don't want to do anything with the punt gun and all that shit, I don't want to go sparring until later in the day (like tonight, for the secret spars Ito holds).

You know what I want to do? I want to know what's making that noise.

"Amen! Who is making that noise? And why are you still dressed in that suit? It's rad, but you haven't changed clothes since I've come back."
>>
No. 368663 ID: d97a61

>>368608
>>368650
"Mra, *bleck* Amen!"
>[Amen]"Yes master?"
"Who is making that noise? And why are you still dressed in that suit? It's rad, but you haven't changed clothes since I've come back."
>[Amen]"This one was told to wear this attire, and given no directive to change."
"...Huh. So what's making that noise?"
>[Amen]"Boris-he has restless leg syndrome, and is decidedly... regular in his manifestation."
...Alright then.

>>368569
..So what time is it then? I guessed three am, but I've been getting a bit wonky with time any way. Best to check. Put a number to time, get my bearings. As I'm groping for my watch once more in my dark room, I start to tumble that idea round and round within my mind. I'm losing my mooring to time's flow, it feels like at times-heh-but why not give myself a beacon, a way to get back on course? Tick tock, a clock, I set a time and have it chime-

I shake the sleep out of my head, take a moment to do a minute's worth of stretching-

My hands fall about the cool metal of my discarded wristwatch, and I check it's digital screen. Three ten in the morning. So I wasn't too far off, then. Okay. Watch in hand, squinting at the screen in the darkling room I press buttons and change values-soon enough, a soft chime's set to go off on the edge of human hearing, a hi pitched whine to cue me to a half-hour's passage. I got this sound clip months ago because my hearing's got a pretty broad range, and a good number of people can't even hear the setting I chose. Should work well enough for this. So... chunks of time, thirty minutes apiece, forty eight in a day... I can work with it. After confirming to myself that Sake and SB are both still out and about, I decide to occupy myself-and set to some morning meditation, in the hopes I'll glean something useful from dedicated study and focus on my chakras. An hour rolls by as I bear witness to the infinitely complex flow, the energy from my still inscrutable soul flow, dispersing and reforming into seven branches, woven into my chakras. From the soul the spiritual energy is further processed, the luster of existence giving way to the stark glow of power. That magical potential then flows into my blood along hundreds of ever-shifting paths, continually re-establishing a precarious equilibrium as the magic... ripples, outward from my veins, saturating my body. It's in the study of this that I learn a lesson.

It's about half an hour in, raptly studying this flow of spiritual energy that I feel comfortable enough to attempt something very small, very minor. I absentmindedly glance to my side, where Iron Trick still sits in its holster, before I proceed.

My reason's pretty solid (I hope) on this. My Summer line is based around the act of consuming. Since the food I eat gets absorbed and the way I gained the bloodline, it seems probable it can consume me, in absence of nutrition. I know it can consume magic, that's been confirmed. I'm saturating my body with spiritual energy, which is synonymous with raw magic. Top it all off with having the ability to manipulate souls, untested or no-and this seems such a no-brainer I give it a shot. It's just one little tweak.

Half an hour in to my chakra observation, I attempt to get my Summer bloodline to consume the Winter bloodline-derived spiritual energy in my flesh. The soul-sculpting attempt goes as smoothly as I'd hoped, everything's going well-

And that's when it feels like my nerves catch on fire while someone's boiling my flesh and pulverizing my muscles, a multilayered mélange of exquisite agony that sees me dropping insensate to the ground. Had not the connections immediately burned themselves out in the process, I may have been trapped in pain vast enough to swallow a mind whole, unable to rouse myself enough to undo the bindings myself... I shiver at the thought as my head fiercely aches.

The watch chimed.

From there I was more cautious, and simply let the energy flow. But I learned something there:
Self guided experimentation is not the wisest of decisions when it comes to magic, where it can be avoided. The rest of my observations make me more aware of how energy flows through my chakras, but nothing more-and I'm fine with that, in lieu of more almost-mind-wiped-on-pain scenarios that I don't need to mention to Sake or Shadowbro or anybody. Officially did not happen, I will just coincidentally be taking a more... prudent approach.

>>368570
Armas is not a masterful, or even accomplished, memorizer. To memorize dozens of pages of intel per file would take him more than a full day, absolute bare minimum. Also what part of Lo Fang telling you to check in advance before waltzing in for training, and giving clear cut timeframes, did you not get? Because so far as I see looks like you just want to waltz in and get training, rather than schedule it like he told you to.
...Something resurfaces in my mind, and I call Amen without delay. I dimly note the thumping to have stopped some time ago.
>[Amen]"Master?"
"You still have that blood presumed from the individual called Blackbeard, correct?"
>[Amen]"This one does."
"I want you to attempt to locate, and kill or incapacitate him."
>[Amen]"This one is entirely blocked from manipulating this blood's owner, interestingly. It is a magical method this one is curiously not familiar with."
"Not even locate him?"
>[Amen]"This one assures master that, so far as blood goes, this no longer has any connection to the one that shed it-perhaps it never had it would be more appropriate. This one would be most curious to see more samples, as it were."

A little after four, my brothers still out... I indulge a whim, and seek out Hafaz' room. After rousing him by means of staring intently at him until he awakes in shivers in a manner I find delightfully delicious, I drag the initially grumpy man out of bed and down to the foyer-for some sparring.

>[Hafaz]"..So why are we doing this?"
"Simple. You made a comment a while back that's stuck in my mind. As it happens, I'd like to learn Gyaketsuote-as something tells me that story was very much so true."
Hafaz stares at me for a while, shedding the creakiness of sleep before he goes into some stretches of his own for a few heartbeats, slaps his chest a few times to help finish the waking process-and assume a fighting stance.
>[Hafaz]"If that's what you want. I don't have any reason not to teach you, and this'll make it easier to justify leaving early if we have to. So pay attention."
I leer at Hafaz straight in the eye, looking forward to showing him how much more capable I've become.

So it is that for the next five minutes, Hafaz kicks the crap out of me as he tells me how he does it.

I'm faster than him, I'm pretty sure. I'm stronger, I'm more durable, and I would lay money on having more stamina than him. No matter how closely I look at his soul, I see no hint of magic beyond some bare-bones chakra use-so I know I beat him on perception as well. All the same, he takes me apart. It's his damned offense, which I just can't seem to catch up to the rhythm of or escape from. There's... a serious disconnect between what I see him do, and what happens-what's worse, SOMETIMES there isn't any disconnect at all, with no indication which it will be. As I'm constantly reeling, his words wash over me.

>[Hafaz]"It's all down to eye contact, actually. There's... a bridging of souls in the act. It's minor, true. Not really good for much unless you had a dedicated bloodline or some crazy mojo going on. But it's always there-and once established, is easily maintained with even the barest of efforts. Think of it like a small, thin pipe-you can't fit much through it. So, you go for the most impact-which is by going for the least impact, physically at least. No attempts to blind foes, or lock muscles, or anything aggressive or overt-I doubt it'd even work. No, you... offer suggestions. You tell your foe of what attack comes next with your chakras-and you can lie. You see a foot coming high-perhaps it's thought of as low. You see a jab-maybe I thought that to hide a hook. It rather obviously takes focus to maintain-"
>[ GYAKETSUOTE CANNOT STACK WITH EGO-LESS MODE ]
>[Hafaz]"But on the whole I'd say it's worth getting used to. I'm betting the mindset necessary for this style will be... decidedly easy for you to pick up."
>[MMMMMMM Trait auto-activated]
>[DDDDD Trait activated]
>[RDRRR Trait activated]
I try not to smile as I swallow blood from my cut cheek, savoring the flavor.
"Yes, perhaps I can get used to such a mind set."

Ten minutes pass and while I can't say I can use it yet, I at least viscerally get the mechanics behind the style-and I'm not getting completely thrashed. ...Whew, that 'catching them when they make eye contact' part is a pain to deal with-he kept the link going the whole time, no matter where I looked, all off that first glance. Definitely worth looking into.
>[Hafaz]"Okay, you got some 'secret night training' or whatever the hell motivated you to ask for this now. I'm going back to sleep-and I'm locking the door."
"You know that won't stop Amen."
>[Hafaz]"You.... really go out of your way to make people comfortable, don't you?"
"I try I try-but thanks for your help all the same."
Hafaz scratches his head as he walks off.
>[Hafaz]"Yeah yeah."

>[ARMAS CAN NOW SELF-TRAIN IN GYAKETSUOTE, OR GET TRAINING FROM HAFAZ]

With my whim indulged, I decide on a different course of action-calling SM.
....The fucker's still not picking up. That's half a day right there. The hell's going on?

Ah well. I'll occupy myself asking Amen a few questions. Surely that isn't a poor way to spend my time.

I speak in Te Reo.
"Amen"
>[Amen]"Yes, yes yes?"
"As you know, I can detect the attention that people pay to me using senses inherent to my soul, and I have observed a mundane human use such senses to be able to determine someone's posture and actions without being able to physically see them. List all the various latent spiritual senses that mundane humans can detect."
>[Amen]"...None. Mundane humans cannot detect latent spiritual senses."
In the same terms as you described your own abilities, tell me what you currently knows about which styles of magic my bloodlines currently support, and what each of the alternatives for the third aspect of our winter bloodline would enable me to support.
>[Amen]"Firstly, this one must inform master that if master continues to slur, irrelevant of intoxication this one will be required to not take orders for a minimum of one hour. Secondly, this one is not certain the question is understood: Master's Summer line is flesh manipulation, master's winter line is soul manipulation-that is that. Or did master mean internal versus external? Master must know the winter line affects both, while the summer line's internalized only."
I roll my tongue about in my mouth, wishing I wasn't butchering my questions with ill-practiced Te Reo.
You mentioned earlier that soul manipulation abilities should make aligning chakra like breathing, but, as pearl divers demonstrate, there's breathing and breathing. Give the top advantages and disadvantages that you expect a Shaolin chakra master would consider my winter bloodline to give. I am also interested in any interactions between my summer bloodline and chakra use, so if you can describe any potential synergies, and their downsides you are aware of between them, or between the paired use of my bloodline and chakra, tell me now, unless the knowledge would harm me.
>[Amen]"This one must answer the latter first: Master has already been harmed by that knowledge. Opposed courts cannot mix-and master's chakras are now part of master's Winter Line. There is no arbitrary wiggle room within this-it is inviolate magical law. To master's former demand, this one would assume the 'restore to life on death' the most important part of the bloodline."
"You know I meant in regards to my chakras."
>[Amen]"This one knows no such thing. This one has been forbidden from reading implicit meaning from orders-so there is nothing that can be done. Master must be clear on what is desired to attain it. Though in regards to master's chakras, they are simply larger and connected to more power than chakras normally are, as most bloodline users do not both overmuch with chakra use. Ultimately, things a chakra master would already be expected to have."

...I probably should have thought those questions through better. Or worked on my phrasing. Or something. On the plus side, only Amen knows it.
"Don't mention this conversation to anyone for any reason without my personal, explicit permission to do so."
>[Amen]"Understood."

>>368612
....Right, that's enough.

I put on some shoes, head outside and descend into the sewers in the pre-dawn gloom.

"Sometimes Merchant? Helloo-"
>[Goblin]"Another time, perhaps-I'm the only one here, and I cannot help you."
I don't even both trying to look for the goblin.
"Where is everyone?"
>[Goblin]"Would you like to trade for the information?"
At the goblin's rates? No thanks.
"Perhaps I shall buy it from the Merchant I usually deal with at a later date."
>[Goblin]"Yes, perhaps. Go then, friend."
"Wait, you can't sell food?"
>[Goblin]"Only knowledge of mine own, can I sell-no more."
"...I see."

As I finish ascending the ladder and sliding the grate back in place I ponder this. The whole goblin population of the sewers save one-out and about? What the hell are they up to?

Well fuck it.

I grab the first two awake Russians I find in the house-specifically, Vlad and Boris-and get them to attack me while I'm blind folded. Going off of just soul-sensing is... hard, to say the least. I'm pretty damned used to seeing-and soul sensing doesn't tell me crap about the terrain. Similarly, no matter what I do I can't seem to slip into Ego-Less state with them-I guess they feel too... alien? Maybe being so familiar with how Camella fights played into my ability to employ the state against her. Either way, while I definitely think I tightened up the precision of my soul sensing and how to interpret the specifics of spiritual Attention, I don't think I could claim myself able to fight blind any time soon.


>[ARMAS CAN NOW SELF-TRAIN IN SPIRITUAL ATTENTION SENSING, OR GET TRAINING ASSISTANCE FROM VARIABLE NUMBERS OF RUSSIANS]

I do some more stretching and meditation until about five thirty (the watch going off for the fourth time so far since it first triggered at three thirty), when my brothers finally return, both tired but gleeful. I eventually get their attention, and set into the discussion I've been waiting to have with them.

"Okay-big question time here: What the hell was Lo Fang doing with those souls?"
>"Right those boxes. No idea: does it matter?"
>[Sake]"Of course it matters! If Lo Fang's breaking the ban on unwilling spirit manipulation, we could be in trouble just for knowing this even if we sought out the local Ruling Dragon right now! This is a huge issue!"
>"I suppose the shadowfiends are not quite as... invested in the ban as you, then."
"So: Bad for Lo Fang if it gets out then."
>[Sake]"Immensely bad. I sincerely doubt he even considered Armas had spiritual perceptions to ply-I doubt you would even have been invited had he known."
"Huh. So this is blackmail worthy."
>[Sake]"If he knew you knew, I think he'd put a rather immense amount of effort into either insuring you stay loyal to him alone, or killing you. Or both."
"Fun times. Well, suppose it's good I didn't get the chance to talk to SM yet then-I'd TOTALLY have sold the info without ever considering that."
>"....What have you been doing while we're away?"
"The usual. So, what about the battle, how do-"
>"Not really feeling a debriefing style pow-wow. Sake and I can talk as fast as we want, as long as we want-and even the reapers were an issue we could give plenty of time to planning for, in the heat of battle. If you have specific questions, fine, but otherwise-this is kind of a waste of our time, if not yours."
"You just got back from dicking around."
>"How much time have you had to spend dicking around brother of mine?"
"Fine, we can put that aside for now-what about Camella? Any thoughts on how she did what she did?"
>"Curiously, none whatsoever. I had thought there would be similarities, as I also see without eyes-but everything was wrong. I diligently studied her soul as best I could, but it just didn't make sense to me. Even spent the night pondering it with Sake, the best we came up with is an old fireside tale Sake recalls."
>[Sake]"It's one of those 'long ago' tales, and has been such as long as I've existed. Speaks of blind warriors that saw with their souls, but unlike most spiritual perception tricks, their new sense couldn't be negated or deactivated. All I heard was the one tale, and most of it's... sadly, forgotten, but I do remember this: They were supposed to have come from the east. I'm betting the people the story is about were Chinese, rather than Japanese."
"A place to look, I suppose. Nothing else though?"
>"Nothing."
"Huh. Last thing here for discussion time: Your take on the Red Cap footwork? You've seen a bit by now, right?"
>"...Yes, I have. In fact, I'd say while I've only briefly seen it, having both times be in complete shadow really helped my observations. They... move complexly. On one layer, it's brute physical power, speed and durability, enhanced beyond it's limits by something akin to chakra manipulation, but... not... chakra manipulation. Then there's these rhythmic pulses of spiritual energy that accompany each impact of foot to ground. On top of all that is some sort of space warping magic that I haven't been able to make anything out about. So far, they're still a decided mystery."
>[Sake]"I admit to being curious about their offer to learn their footwork-just what could you do with it, I wonder."

We progress to less productive topics like what hijinks they pulled over the night, but I beg off shortly after the bell chimes for six, noting Hillevi to be up. I'm initially all set to ask her how she thought her bout with Camella went-but at the mere mention of her name Hillevi's eyes narrow. ...What the hell happened after I left the gym?

You know what: I don't need to know.

Fine, she doesn't like Camella. Since I was going to call Camella and try to swing shooting practice, I'll... not bring Hillevi. Instead, I set a little homework project for her that seems to rather neatly get her out of her funk: She has to convince as many of the house guests as she can to spar with her, heal them if she injures them-but attempt to go as long as possible only incapacitating, not harming them. She sees it as a fun social event and exercise in restraint: I see it as making her safer to be around. Hopefully I'm not missing any house guests when I get back.

Camella, early riser that she is, picks up promptly when I call, and is very much so available to meet at Gun World's range and do some shooting. Initially I was set to use the storage bin on the docks-but Camella offers to pick up the ammo and lane rental fees, so I can't complain. Even Silja's happy, in a way at least, to go-seems she realizes she needs something to take her mind off what's weighing on her. ...I wrap her in some silk strips to obscure her... decidedly notable appearance, and make my way to Gun Word, calling Arkvad to schedule a luncheon, hoping to put in a goodly number of hours shooting first. Next, I call Rocco's number, and speak with a man who sounds surprised to hear from me. I intimate we have business to discuss, and he asks me to call him back when I can think of a good time to meet about it. I mull this over the rest of the way to Gun World-

Where I resign myself to being emasculated.

I know I'm not that good of a shot, at least not in the circles I run. I also know Camella, by contrast, is a good shot. I understand that. ...I thought I understood that. Yet somehow, watching he slot bullet after bullet through the same hole she already shot at twice the range I'm getting reliable forehead shots on the slowly moving targets, it seems...


I didn't know.

She doesn't say anything. No disparaging remarks. Just a gentle guiding hand, poignant commentary, and in all some insightful instruction.

....With a shit eating grin painting her face the whole time, damn her.

I couldn't say how many shots get fired, between those I sneak with Silja when I'm sure no one will pay any attention to my overlong, oddly wrapped rifle, Old Lonesome, the lone Mateba, and the Buntline. Easily in the thousands, all said and done. All I know-is that my watch chimed eight times while I was at the range-

And emasculated or no, I think I could become a better shooter with Camella's help. ...So long as I can tolerate that infuriating smirk. I check the time, already knowing it's past ten but before ten thirty, and say my thanks and goodbyes alike before once more heading home, dropping off Silja, picking out a suit (This time a deep blue with periwinkle striping, the fabric purposefully rough cotton, with a black silk shirt and a neon orange tie. I stare in the mirror for a moment, contemplating my beard whilst I arm myself with the buntline and Old Lonesome, before heading out to meet the family friend.

It's a bit after eleven when I'm shaking hands with Arkvad, thanking him for the complement on my attire as I sit down with the man in black himself, his trademark black suit, black shirt and silver tie.







So what is it I'm talking with Arkvad about?
What do I do with the rest of the day?
It's great so many of you want to get so much done, but not much will get done if everyone's calling for a bunch of different things all at the same time. How about only mentioning things you think need to be done with the twelve hours or so left in this day? SM plans may be premature until you can actually verify contact's been re-established.
>>
No. 368664 ID: bdb886

I'm worried about that lack of contact with SM. Not that he's ignoring us, or whatever, but...

>Face off with powerful PMC, noted to be the most portent human one
>Hear about some possible human activity in the Earth's Bones
>Suddenly, SM and most of his tribe is GONE.

Maybe point 1 and 2-3 aren't connected, but something truly bothers me about the last two.
If no one seconds the above section, please entirely disregard it.

Give Hillevi some time to have fun, and go see the town. Be aware at all times, though. Here's an interesting little game: see if you can pass through crowds with soul sense alone to guide you. This might also let you spot interesting souls. Maybe we should visit the dropped building site, if only from a distance?

Lastly, we need to fix the lone Mateba. We also need to buy more DOOOOOOOOOOM rounds. Oh, and check on the auction for the Tool.
>>
No. 368734 ID: 80cf5d

>>368672
We just left Camella. We might go to Ito's tonight, but going back and forth because 'one last little question' make us look like idiots. Armas isn't Columbo, and SUST on bullshit about soul eyes when she had non, as well as trying to obviously clinging at excuses for hurting her in a spar. We did, we messed up, and the only thing we can do is make sure it won't happen again (involuntarily). Also, SUST on talking to Amen mentally.

>So what is it I'm talking with Arkvad about?

Ask him if he doesn't mind going pleasure before business, as the business might take a while. Observe his soul a bit while talking to him- this man is an old family friend, and should be remembered. If we aren't in a secure location and there are other people around, try to compare the difference on what you sense about a soul of someone we KNOW and a soul of a perfect stranger.

Now, downplay the harder to believe stuff Armas witnessed or did- after all, you don't want Arkvad to disbelieve you when it comes to business. Talk about how you accepted a job from Russian military at gunpoint and had to run away when finished, how the General sent people to kill you but you talked your way out of danger, how we saved a couple of children from encantado who asked to be taken to a friendly Clan, and put we managed to establish decent relationship with that clan. On that matter, give hi the name and telephone/contact of Einrik's chakra master, and ask him if he knows anything about this guy we were told could teach us.

When you have a good feel about Arkvad's Soul, try to think about this morning's practice with Hafaz- don't go and experiment about putting impressions/emotions/etc in Arkvad (NOT something to experiment on a friend), but er instead try to grab that 'eye are the window to the soul' part, and how Hafaz told us 'it can bridge souls'. Looking into Harkvad's eyes could help us gain a greater understanding of Arkvad's soul, and maybe that would guide us a bit when it comes to dialog choices.

Then, begin talking business, after making sure we are in a secure location: tell him how you came to see a friend at the dock this morning, and were asked to help out the Triad during a TitanCorp Reaper attack. Tell him you managed to get a hold of some Reaper Rifle components, but your mere was broken in return. “I'd be very grateful if you knew of a way to repair it, or knew people who might know- I don't fancy mom learning about this.” Then begin the negociation for Reaper Rifle components. What we want there is clearly greater access in H&H, greater trust, as well as jobs.

>What do I do with the rest of the day?
Cal Einrik's chakra master contact. He/She probably won't be the kind to have free time whenever, so we have to begin the negotiations early. Then go back home, and ask SB/Sake to go into our sealed eye with us. We want to see what's been done with it, and Talking to Whaitiri is a must.

Once there, ask SB if he has anything to tell us about his lessons from the shadowfiends or Goblins that he didn't want to speak about in front of Amen- even if we have to forget it when we leave, maybe we have a differing viewpoint (the so called flesh and blood one) that might help. Also, talk about contacting Whaitiri through the spirit mere, not only to tell her we have begun step to repair the material one, but to also ask her whether she had any advice on how we could bind and give her the Doonegaes' soul we will soon have to kill. Also, beg her old knowledge from the Maori that might be lost, and any proper rites we should do when paying her tributes. If she is pleased by our questions, do try to find more about our summer Bloodline. When talking about the Doonegaes, make sure to mention he ate people after feeling in order to recover, which seems awfully similar to how we have seen our own power working.

If we decide to do some more sparring, I want to try to improve our spiritual sensing but adding a few details: Before the fight with three or so Russians, talk to them for a few minutes each while looking them in the eye and trying to understand them. It might greatly help.
>>
No. 368747 ID: 252e1b

>[Amen]"This one assures master that, so far as blood goes, this no longer has any connection to the one that shed it-perhaps it never had it would be more appropriate. This one would be most curious to see more samples, as it were."

Of course. Synthetic blood. Just the thing someone in the know would use. Expensive to maintain, but if the user was planning on going into a fight he could cycle out all his own blood for the synthetic stuff. It would be well worth the effort and expense for the extra protection from blood magic, and as a bonus would give the user the ability to customize the amount of oxygen his blood could hold. Plus, when he went back home, the user could cycle back in his stored blood so that the disruption to his immune system would be minimal. Well, we've got another way to track down Blackbeard now.

Time to look into biotech companies that are making whole blood substitutes. Maybe Arkvad's heard of something like that.

>>368663

>What do I do with the rest of the day?
Let's make an appointment with Arkvad to show him the Reaper parts. Preferably in H&H's offices, since they'll be secure and he'll be comfortable there. If we can do that sometime today that would be great.

Let's rent a car for the day, and start looking for another car to buy. We're going to need a personal vehicle and transportation for the Russians as well.

Let's go back to the old apartment and return the library books. We forgot about those, we should just turn them in and pay the fine. We'll also be able to collect our mail and stuff from the apartment.

Let's review the files the Russians pulled, and have Shadowbro memorize them. He should be able to do that without any trouble, he's got a far better memory than Armas does. Once we have a list of witnesses to work with we'll be able to discredit them.

Let's look for jobs and check our e-mail: we need a revenue stream. Our savings won't last long with all the expenses we're going to rack up.

Let's stop by Garbage Pete's and see if he's got anything magical again. We lucked out before with Frakenstein.

>So what is it I'm talking with Arkvad about?

We want to talk to Arkvad about stuff he'll be interested in. So, family, friends, guns, whiskey, and adventure!

As long as it doesn't irritate Arkvad, we should speak Finnish while we're here. No sense in not using the language, and it's an extra layer of security.

"I didn't get a chance to meet my cousins, unfortunately. I got word about Camella getting hurt and I decided to cut my trip a little short."

"Yeah, Camella got injured, pretty seriously too. My friends and sensei kept an eye on her while I was away. Luckily her medic was a real wizard and got her fixed up. She's mobile again and can still kick my butt."

"I did phone my kin when I got back though. And I made sure to speak with Osto too, about his fighting. I don't know if hearing from a guy he's never met in person will help him, but one can hope."

"My whole trip, from start to finish, was pretty crazy. You're not going to believe half of it, I'm sure. I barely believe it, and I survived it. First off, you heard about that industrial disaster or whatever in Pobadino?"

"Yeah, that's not what really happened."

"I ended up getting roped into it. We, and by we I mean myself and the mercenary that tried to kill me earlier that week, the one posing as Mr. Locke-"

"What? No, he's fine, he had been mislead about the job from the start and surrendered as soon as he realized he'd been had; I have no argument with him. Anyway, look, we strayed a little too close to the cordon and the Russian military spotted our hunting gear. They thought we were strange, and we explained what we were. They took us right to the man running the operation. You've heard of General Chugainov? He left us few options but to agree to go poke around for him. I think he was hoping he'd learn something before we were killed."

"Pobadino was horrible. I've seen some awful shit in the military, and more out of it, and Pobadino ranks high on the 'what the fuck' scale. There was this mind-altering mist covering the whole town, invisible things wandering around, blood everywhere, suicides in some of the buildings we checked- basically, an incredibly creepy place. All the inhabitants had apparently disappeared. We wandered deeper in and eventually found an old drunk. A mad drunk, one could even say. His name was Grigori."

"I thought you would know the moniker. He was irresponsible and childish enough to turn the town invisible to get them out of his face, to turn them mute so that he didn't have to listen to them, and to drop the mist on them, so that they too could enjoy being inebriated. They lived like that for days. I could not convince anyone involved to listen to reason. The best I could do was to convince the drunk to come with me, so that I could limit the amount of damage he could do in an irresponsible fit over not being given booze. Needless to say, I ended up buying him thousands of dollars worth of alcohol."

"Though his actions in Pobadino were unconscionable, I'm glad he was with me when we were on the ferry. You did hear about that ferry that sank?"

"Well, I know that it was no accident. We were there, and detected Encantado. A male and a female, out to steal practicioner children before a monster took the ferry to be the centerpiece of a slave auction. We foiled the Encantado -which, shapeshifting aside, are not any tougher than a human, really- but the slaver proved to be too much. Grigori was not willing to fight it, and we were both wounded. So Grigori took me, my friend, and the children, to a safe haven the children knew. And then he took his leave, as he was no friend of the family the children wanted to flee to. There was precious little I could do about that, since I was so injured I was barely conscious."

"Being another practicioner household, they had access to good medical attention, and as my friend and I had saved the children they considered us to be friends. I could go into greater detail about them, but I'd prefer to just introduce you to one of them a little later. Their younger daughter is my Ward for the year."

"I stayed with them for much of my trip, and had some adventures on their house grounds. When I was recovered, both from my injury aboard the ferry, and the injuries I sustained in the course of my other adventures, we went to visit Simo Häyhä's grave. You won't believe the story about that, not at all. You'll call me a liar, full of shit, and my story an attempt to trick you. And were I in your shoes, I would do the same. It is an incredible story, possibly a non-credible story. I will simply have to save it until I have my evidence and witnesses together with me. Until then!"

"As a consolation, I will make the wait easier for you with whiskey. Good stuff I brought back from Finland. I can drop it off at your home later, if you like. So you have heard about most of my trip to Finland and in it."

"The trip back was somewhat more eventful than I would have liked, too, but there are elements of business wrapped up in it and I would prefer be able to show you some very interesting things I acquired when I tell you about it. I think it best to talk about it in person, in a secure location. If you want, I could nip home and meet you in your office?"
>>
No. 368749 ID: a5fd37

>What do I talk about with arkvard
Start by asking to go somewhere secure, he would be pleased to see you initiate it.

Start by catching up. What has he been up to while you were gone, how things are going, etc. Focus on family.

Tell him about your trip, the shit you ran into and why you needed a vacation from your vacation (in secure place!). Not every little detail of course... skirt around the stuff he would find offensive or that must remain a secret.

One of the things you should be sure to mention is that one of the new powers you acquired is a copy of the einheric weapon sense and what it does. So if he comes across something he needs help in identifying...

>What do I do with the rest of the day?
First go back to the mansion and have some private conversations as below. Note that all amen conversation should be done using words, not fast telepathy. Fast telepathy should only ever be used during combat or when facing a potential hostile.
>Sake says Lo Fang did something super taboo
Ok, sake needs to clarify some stuff here. We are in trouble for just knowing he did that if we go to a ruling dragon with the info? (and more if we do not? We really need to ward the fuck out of our mind! So far amen is our mental watchdog but I want layers of defense).
What exactly is so bad about it, what are the penalties, who is known to do so.
Is what armas did to the reaper soul the same as what lo fang is doing?

>BB blood protected in a way amen cannot penetrate
Sounds like super expensive wards, seems like that really is BB's blood then. Unless it came from a random guy who is dead and maybe had his soul destroyed in the process of turning into an ash freak. Do ask amen if that effect could come from the person being dead and their soul modified. Or if it is really some sort of ward. Regardless order amen to attempt to locate the owner of that blood on a regular basis and inform you if and when he succeeds

>Amen can make charms
Since amen can craft charms that confer a false identity, armas should get one that can be switched off, or to several different forms of generic Turkish men and women. Useful for both witnesses and cameras (wait, they do fool cameras right? we should ask). Don't spread the knowledge around, but when you go out to do a covert mission with some russians you can all wear a discard-able charm that hides your identity.
Ask amen if they can also alter fingerprints and destroy all shed biological matter (blood, skin, hair)

>Amen is currently doing whatever he pleases to prisoners.
We told amen to capture the next intruder for us unharmed. Use the same wording only this time for all future intruders.

>Guy who helped silja wants to talk to her
I vote we say yes... but how do we contact him? Try doing so in a private place outside the mansion. Go to where you trained the goblins in firearms and ask

>Redcaps stolen phones would only last until disconnect
They should just learn to buy, activate, and recharge with minute cards prepaid phones using stolen cash.

>Goblins all gone
I bet they are performing some sort of military operation... say, with the guns from smets collection and the training you provided. Or maybe were attacked by another group. Or maybe are performing some magical ceremony of sorts...
I am inclined to go ask if they would like to hire us to assist but wouldn't they have contacted us already if they wanted our help?

>Night at Ito's
At night go back to Ito's for the magic sparring.

Make sure to meet camella there. She needs a few things clarified:
1. Ask what she knows about seeing with the soul. Her training at being attacked while blindfolded suggests she does. What you know is that all humans have the ability to perceive with their soul alone, an atrophied ability most are not even aware of. Sake said there are myths and legends of blind monks who saw the world through their soul alone and whose perception were impossible to deceive or negate.
2. Specify your bloodline allowed you to clearly souls and you could tell she was tracking and sensing you with her soul, not her mundane senses.
3. Explain to her each of the ways in which you hid yourself from her soul perception so that she herself can figure out ways to counter them.

Top it all off with some more sparring, as you practice more ego-less while she tests her methods of overcoming that.
As an ally it behooves you both if she can develop counters for such techniques as you are most likely not the only one who has them and not the only one who might use them against her.
Make it an unarmed spar this time, it will further help with learning your new combination style.

If she brings up not knowing your own strength clarify that it was due to overcoming a mental block mid combat and applying your chakra for the first time to boost strength.
>>
No. 368751 ID: 81f32a

-Call Lo Fang and ARRANGE for a training, the sooner it is, the better.
-Just read the files we recovered when/if we get back home. (Yeah, it was stupid to expect Armas to memorize them but he could have at least read them)

My guess about the Goblins is that they are doing something important after we destroyed that building in downtowm. Whatever organization that was, it was something BIG and as soon as it was out of the way, someone had to fill the void. SM took the opportunity by its balls and is actively working to improve the Wyld Goblin tribe's influence and power, that is why, even though he can practically travel through time, he just cannot spare a single instant for us.
...At least that's the best I could come up with. I actually wouldn't mind trading info with the replacement goblin just to know what's up.

Speaking of Goblins. We need to train them in firearms.
>>
No. 368760 ID: f8aa66

>>368672
We just spent several hours with Camella. She presumably has other things to do with her day. A fine plan for tomorrow, but it can wait until then.

>>368664
We have no idea how potent the DOOM ammo even is; we've never used it. We do need to fix the other mateba if we want to use those rounds to their fullest extent.

>Arkvad
Basically, what's the business world been up to for the last month? Sounded like he was having fun last night; if mandatory drinking contests are usually part of interacting with one's bosses, then why are we getting shot at instead of downing shots, again?

If asked about the Oslo family: We talked to them over the phone, but something came up and we couldn't meet. Magical bullshit (which does indeed cover 'I would have had to fight my cousin to the death').

Has he been hanging out with Camella (If so, we may have to eat his heart to gain his vast charisma)? On the other hand, if he asks how long we've been back in Istanbul, we can razz him slightly, tell him that we went to see Camella first (she is, after all, a lot prettier than you, Arkvad).

Eventually we segue into business (maybe by saying "Well, I'm sure you'd like to bill this as a business lunch, soooo...") and ask about a possible H&H contract. We'd need something with irregular hours, or that we could cycle russians through (to prevent combat fatigue and such) in between jobs. I rather favor the 'take on, say, 10 at a time in guard positions while the other half work contract jobs for the other groups', myself. A pity H&H is the kind of company that would want to see our russians' passports or work visas.

After the Arkvad talk, I'd still like to google Sawney Bean, buy a basketful of grenades, and maybe figure out a good ritual for Whaitiri to go with our proposed altar.

Oh, and check back in at our apartment (check for bombs first, maybe?), make sure nobody's killed Cookie Lady while we were gone (or there will be bloody, bloody vengeance).
>>
No. 368814 ID: 3fd4fb

>>368663
>And emasculated or no, I think I could become a better shooter with Camella's help. ...So long as I can tolerate that infuriating smirk.
We shouldn't feel emasculated nor infuriated; that's ridiculous. There are three big reasons for this: Firstly, she is going to take those beautiful combat skills and put them to work for us before long, so her being so much better than us is great because it means we'll have a super-competent minion. Secondly, we are going to acquire those skills from her, either by learning the conventional way or by figuring out how to effectively copy/paste them from her mind; thus once again the better she is the better for us. Thirdly, excellence in this sort of thing is all she has- while we'll be ripping people's souls out with a glance before too long, we've bargained with gods and demons, and we consider having limbs blown off a passing annoyance. She can have her area of excellence; ours is far more impressive and she will almost certainly never be able to compare.

Let her enjoy her greater skills in combat. It's no skin off our nose to indulge her feelings of superiority if it makes her happy, and we'll get more out of her that way. We can act frustrated if she seems to like that, since it will please her, but actually feeling that way is silly. Take this rationale, know it to be true, and make all foolish and ill-considered emotions go away.

>So what is it I'm talking with Arkvad about?
Several important topics to cover:
-What he's been up to over the past month
-If he was able to track down the heirs of the actual Locke and Havoc
-What we were up to over the past month, in brief; avoid anything sensitive
-Otso having magical abilities; this is something that we definitely need to talk to Arkvad about because he is in a much better position to offer the kid support and his family advice than we are
-The fact that some Reapers were in town yesterday, and as it happens we've somehow ended up with some parts of their guns; would H&H be interested? Hopefully the goodwill from this will help cover the other things we're about to ask.
-Getting H&H to repair our damaged Mateba
-Getting any information we can from him on the Wyld Goblins
-Getting any information we can from him on what the building that blew up yesterday was
-Getting H&H to help us repair the mere, if possible

That should take a while. Make sure we pay since we promised to do so. Do not claim to have killed a Reaper, and certainly don't say that we were working for the Triads- those are details that Arkvad doesn't need and probably doesn't even want. In fact, avoid any kind of sensitive information unless he specifically asks about it- we can tell him more complete stories later and my impression of our relationship is that while we trust him it's understood on both sides that there are points of business which should not be pried into without cause.

>What do I do with the rest of the day?
Call the Triads- but not necessarily just to arrange instruction from Lo Fang (which we should not insist on happening soon, as he's obviously got some problems). The Triads here just suffered a huge blow in that Reaper attack, and are doubtless short on personnel and perhaps looking weak to the other groups. That means that they've almost certainly got work for a couple magical powerhouses and twenty ex-military. Very likely it would be the sort of critical work that pays quite well.

We haven't told them yet that we have a team working for us, and while Matvey implied that they might refuse any given job we can probably convince them into helping out. No telling exactly what the Triads might need- maybe supplemental guard work, maybe fending off other expected attacks, maybe acting as a preemptive strike force against one of their other enemies who they think are preparing to move against them- but we can probably provide regardless, and there's little doubt that they can pay.


On Amen and illusion charms, outfitting our entire company with false appearances would be great. It has to be done cautiously, though- learn the following:
-If the charms mimic the appearance of specific people (perhaps those whose blood is used); we must avoid imitating anyone famous, criminal, or preferably alive in the last two centuries
-If the charms will or might cause or risk harm to the user in any way
-If the charms will defeat electronic surveillance (if in doubt, get someone with a digital camera and test it ourselves)
-Any other questions we can think of that might involve Amen trying to rig anything he creates for us in order to fuck us


Take Hillevi out and teach her how to use a debit card. If possible, after she has money guide her in acquiring a secure cell phone like we have and teach her how to use it, so that she can enter the world of modern communications with the rest of us.

Also find out how she felt about teaching at the dojo and her assessment of the place overall. Avoid the topic of Camella as necessary, but Hillevi is normally really awkward in social situations and if she was handling herself well as a teacher it could be a decent way to try and segue her into being more comfortable and confident in social situations generally. This is important for us to know as the one trying to guide her development and she doesn't get to dodge it with a scowl and apparent dislike of someone tangentially involved.


Investigate our old apartment. We're probably behind on rent, the place might be bugged or rigged by our enemies to explode (but probably not well enough to trump Shadowbro), and we left a few things there. If it's not obviously compromised, we can keep renting the place as a secondary bolt-hole, I suppose, though that will involve eventually rigging it up with some kind of defenses. We can afford a few hundred bucks to put of the final decision on whether to keep it or not, anyway.

Chat with Silja for a while. Don't worry about the guy's note and bringing him up to her just yet; we should spend at least a few days trying to reaffirm our bond with her before bringing him into it, even if we do decide to let them chat.

Don't worry about the Goblins for now. They're obviously involved in something big, possibly as a result of the destruction of that building; if getting rid of it was such a huge thing that Sometimes Merchant was willing to call our last favor fulfilled over it- and favors from us are rising in value all the time- then the building was vital to someone and it's not too surprising that there's serious fallout ongoing from its destruction. Give it a day or three before trying to bug them again; if he's still not around at that point we can purchase an estimate of when he'll be available once more.

I would prefer to do some sparring against the Russians while trying to perfect our ego-less combat and soul-vision rather than returning to Ito's immediately. When we do go back to Ito's, our priority should be getting a handle on what he can teach us of chakras before anything else- we are a hazard to ourself and others if we keep trying to draw on them for boosts but only intermittently succeed. Sparring with Camella in our current state would be reckless and frankly rude.
>>
No. 368851 ID: 3af16b

We should find out what Silja's favorite sorts of stories are. Then we should give her blood eyes and start teaching her how to read (she was blind before, she would never have learned how). Maybe we can show her TV. Anyway, she needs to know how to read. Maybe our mystery friend is a better teacher than we are.

>>368849

I think that mentioning the first leg of the trip is fine, in the abbreviated form, in Finnish. Armas behaved very well for it, and Arkvad may have heard of Armas being officially wanted in Russia (as in, beyond any extra-judicial wetwork the general may have ordered).

Anyone who may be watching us will already know what went on (we sold most of this information to the Goblins). Casual listeners will be defeated by speaking Finnish. On the off-chance a Finnish speaker is there, the story sounds so fantastic that it can be spun as a plot to a book or something if we're asked.

We should talk to Arkvad about the Reaper gun parts in a professional manner. Going to his company's offices and showing the parts while negotiating a deal for them is perfect. H&H will have fixed their internal security problems, they've had over a month now to track down how the infiltration occurred in the first place.
>>
No. 368854 ID: 2964e1

SUST of talking to Arkvad in a public place about anything we don't want the world to know.

Also SUST on mentioning the Reaper gun parts. Whilst Arkvad is trustworthy, we know that H&H's internal security isn't good enough to trust the company with sensitive information. The Smets debacle demonstrates that. In any case, we don't want to give away or sell the parts, we want to perform a joint project to reverse engineer them. Although we shouldn't mention it

>>368734
SUST on telling Arkvad about the children or the Chuginov in an insecure location.

What we should talk to him about is our Einheir cousin, and, without explaining why, say that it is very important we never meet.

What we should also say is that we're getting serious about wanting to improve our shooting. We'd like to spend some time on the range with him to see if he has any tips, and we're also interested if he's heard if there are any special shooting techniques, just as there are special guns. If so, we'd be interested to be introduced to any users of such a style he knows.

When we're in a secure location, we should also mention that we may be able to act as a middleman to the Wyld goblins, as they may be interested in purchasing magical guns and ammunition.

If we're going to investigate Maori rituals, the oho rangi, the calling of thunder, seems the best bet, as that's a ritual performed at deaths and involves a sacrifice to invoke a thunder storm. It may be worth ringing our mother to enquire if she knows how to perform it.
>>
No. 368888 ID: 8c18ca

>>368747
>Not talking business until we get to show him the reaper gun componnets so making another appointment for that in a secure location that isn't Smet's house.
Do we know we don't have them? If we don't, could SB actually try and teleport them back to us? (if we are in the light, we might just need to move around a tiny bit).

>Simo Hähyä
"I'll just say this though- you might want to think about adding another Saint to your favorite patrons soon".

>>368749
>Telling details about our bloodline.
In as little details as possible please.

>> 368814
>We shouldn't feel emasculated nor infuriated
Pretty much. Armas should know better by now than thinking the women in his line of work are less than twice as gifted as him when it comes to their specialties. All those sexy skills.

>certainly don't say that we were working for the Triads- those are details that Arkvad doesn't need and probably doesn't even want.
Good point. Upvote.

>Take Hillevi out and teach her how to use a debit card.
We should do that on a day when we take her outside from the start. Do ask her if she wants a tour of the city tomorrow as well as learning how to use DC, though.

>I would prefer to do some sparring against the Russians while trying to perfect our ego-less combat and soul-vision rather than returning to Ito's immediately.
Don't forget to talk to them while looking them in the eyes before the fight- it could be important to know if that bridging the soul business could help us cut the time needed to understand one well enough for soulless, if that theory is correct.

>Sparring with Camella in our current state would be reckless and frankly rude.
Why ? What current state ? Sparring with her on unnarmed combat shouldn't be rude in any ways, especially the night, as it has more... relaxed... rules.

>Teach Silja how to read
Something to do on the longer term, yes.


Now, we did say to Arkvad we'll pick up the tab next time, so let's do that. We also asked Arkvad to set up a meeting about the Locke and Havoc estate, and we should enquire about the process. Likewise, H&H should be able to help us repair the matebas. When coming back to Smets, think about buy a big cake for Hillevi- with her restricted youth shopping chances, it's doubtful she had much cake at all.
>>
No. 368893 ID: 81f32a

I think it is important that we tell him that we strongly suspect that Otso is an Einher.

Also, I had an idea where and how Camella got her omni-directional soul-eyes. We can be almost sure that she did not have that ability before because we used our stealth on her to troll here (the time when we cooked her a meal and pretended to sleep). She was specifically searching for us at the time (we were standing right behind her) and couldn't find us, if she had those soul-eyes at the time then I am willing to bet she would have at least felt us.
We know that she got a Mongolian replacement for her leg which was grafted by a wizard (I think it was a wizard).
Sake told us tales about "Blind Warriors" and that they exclusively came from the East, places like China and such.
I do not think it is far-fetched that the leg she got, came from such an individual and explains why it (theoretically) will cost us 5,000,000 $ also explains why she didn't get a leg that looks like it is hers.

>>368854
If talking in public such a problem, lets invite Arkvad to our Mansion.

Incidentally:
"Hey, remember that guy who cheated me out on that one deal and how me and several others went to have a "serious talk" with him to show the error of his ways afterwards? Well, his place of residence belong to me now."
Cue troll-face

>Let's rent a car for the day, and start looking for another car to buy. We're going to need a personal vehicle and transportation for the Russians as well.
Okay, this is the third time I am suggesting this and I don't see why it gets ignored all the time since it is just question-answer situation which can be resolved in just under a minute:
Ask Amen if Smets had any vehicles. If there is a garage on our Mansion Grounds. If there are cars on our mansion grounds. If we can use them. If it is safe to use them.
The previous times I suggested this, we were in the house and there wouldn't have been any damage done by telepathic conversation.... Actually, lets use SAFE method but before employing it make sure to take up a "thinking man" position so that you don't look like a space-case spat.



Since pretty much everything has been suggested by others, I'll just upvote the bits I like:

>Then, begin talking business, after making sure we are in a secure location: tell him how you came to see a friend at the dock this morning, and were asked to help out the Triad during a TitanCorp Reaper attack. Tell him you managed to get a hold of some Reaper Rifle components, but your mere was broken in return. “I'd be very grateful if you knew of a way to repair it, or knew people who might know- I don't fancy mom learning about this.” Then begin the negociation for Reaper Rifle components. What we want there is clearly greater access in H&H, greater trust, as well as jobs.

>Let's make an appointment with Arkvad to show him the Reaper parts. Preferably in H&H's offices, since they'll be secure and he'll be comfortable there. If we can do that sometime today that would be great.

Second with the caveat on top: make sure that any replicas they manage to make from Reapers tech will be entitled to us or at least we will get permission to buy them.

>Cal Einrik's chakra master contact. He/She probably won't be the kind to have free time whenever, so we have to begin the negotiations early.

Second

>If we decide to do some more sparring, I want to try to improve our spiritual sensing but adding a few details: Before the fight with three or so Russians, talk to them for a few minutes each while looking them in the eye and trying to understand them. It might greatly help.

Second.

>Let's go back to the old apartment and return the library books. We forgot about those, we should just turn them in and pay the fine. We'll also be able to collect our mail and stuff from the apartment.
Second.
But employ stealth and turn up our senses to 11. Also, we need to officially move out of it since we do need to pay 2000$/month rent

>Let's look for jobs and check our e-mail: we need a revenue stream. Our savings won't last long with all the expenses we're going to rack up.
Second.

>Let's stop by Garbage Pete's and see if he's got anything magical again. We lucked out before with Frakenstein.

Second.

>Start by asking to go somewhere secure, he would be pleased to see you initiate it.

Second.

>One of the things you should be sure to mention is that one of the new powers you acquired is a copy of the einheric weapon sense and what it does. So if he comes across something he needs help in identifying...

Second.
Make sure he knows how well advanced our sense is.

>At night go back to Ito's for the magic sparring.
Second

>Make sure to meet camella there. She needs a few things clarified: [...]
Alright, if we are going to do that and basically remove all advantages we have on her and since this is Night training where we can use our magic, make sure to employ Instant Regeneration so that we never tire and any blows that she lands can be shrugged of (at least for a while), chakras, also use SB to enhance our speed and power (which we have never done before and I would like to see how it works).

>We shouldn't feel emasculated nor infuriated; that's ridiculous.[...]

Second.
The right mind-set is important after-all. Instead we should be in awe and strive to get to her level.

>>368814
>Several important topics to cover:
Second all points.

>In fact, avoid any kind of sensitive information unless he specifically asks about it-

Second.

>On Amen and illusion charms, outfitting our entire company with false appearances would be great. It has to be done cautiously, though- learn the following:
While glamour charms are great and all, I personally think that their survivability is more important at this point (at least till we make "The Heart of the Russians" project that was discussed in IRC). So ask Amen if he can make protection charms, how many he can make in a day and how many of his charms could a given person equip at same time without being harmed.


>Also find out how she felt about teaching at the dojo and her assessment of the place overall.

Second.

>I would prefer to do some sparring against the Russians while trying to perfect our ego-less combat and soul-vision rather than returning to Ito's immediately.
We can do this during the day and go to Ito for nightly, magical training.

>What we should also say is that we're getting serious about wanting to improve our shooting. We'd like to spend some time on the range with him to see if he has any tips, and we're also interested if he's heard if there are any special shooting techniques, just as there are special guns. If so, we'd be interested to be introduced to any users of such a style he knows.

Second.

>When we're in a secure location, we should also mention that we may be able to act as a middleman to the Wyld goblins, as they may be interested in purchasing magical guns and ammunition.

Second.
>>
No. 368918 ID: 252e1b

Please consider this post a post script to >>368747

>>368747
>I think it is important that we tell him that we strongly suspect that Otso is an Einher.

I simply must SUST this. We cannot lose our plausible deniablity when it comes to suspecting that someone in the family is an Einher. It's ok if we're unsure who, but we can't can't can't risk guessing (especially not if we're correct) unless we're prepared to go off and kill them. And that's not something I want to do.

>If talking in public such a problem, lets invite Arkvad to our Mansion.

I have to SUST this too. I thought it was self-evident and obvious, but until we have 1) secured a contract with the Russians and 2) secured the blessings of either the Zosimos dynasty or the wereclan, we should not be advertising that we are the new owners of that mansion, not even to Arkvad (for his own safety, since he's squishy and very much non-magical). Until we have a clan we're formally a member of, we're still not much more than an interesting weirdo to the big players in Turkey.
>>
No. 368963 ID: d97a61

>>368747
>>368814
...This is a bit of a rarity. Time with an old friend, one I trust (to an extent) that's happy to hear me whip up a tale and best of all, hasn't been one for particularly probing questions. Boon for me or no, I still want to talk to Arkvad about stuff he'll be interested in. So, family, friends, guns, whiskey, and adventure it is!

As long as it doesn't irritate Arkvad, we should speak Finnish while we're here. No sense in not using the language, and it's an extra layer of security.
"Do you mind if we converse in Finnish?"
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"But of course-picked up a newfound respect for the tongue on your trip, did you?"
"I most certainly did. Thank you again for putting up with my whining as a child when I did not wish to learn from you or my father on the subject."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Don't thank me-I'm the one who got an endless supply of embarrassing family stories about you out of the mix-I just had to be patient enough for you to grow up-hah!"
At that point a waiter arrives, Arkvad orders a whiskey sour while I get an ale to whet our whistles as we ramble.
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"So, how were they doing?"
"I didn't get a chance to meet my cousins, unfortunately. I got word about Camella getting hurt and I decided to cut my trip a little short."
>[Akrvad][In Finnish]"Yes, a... practically new limb and all. She was taking it quite well when last we spoke a few days ago-how is she?"
"Luckily her medic was a real wizard and got her fixed up. She's mobile again and can still kick my butt."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"I don't doubt it. I spoke with that tiny fellow Ito about it-we both think her equilibrioception and proprioception are the likes of which you frequently hear referenced as 'once in a generation'. Add to that some innate sense for keeping track of moving objects once outside her visual range, oh yes and to top it off she's a decidedly faster learner than a certain other martially minded individual I know-but back to the family: did you speak with them, at least?"
"I did phone my kin when I got back, yes. And I made sure to speak with Osto too, about his fighting. I don't know if hearing from a guy he's never met in person will help him, but one can hope."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"I may have noted Otsu listening in when I called old Jyrkki, and might have phrased my description of you in a way to make the kid inclined to respect you. Nice job keeping my faith from being misplaced. Alright, pleasantries aside-you were gone a month, didn't even meet the family-so what did you do?"
"My whole trip, from start to finish, was pretty crazy. You're not going to believe half of it, I'm sure. I barely believe it, and I survived it. First off, you heard about that industrial disaster or whatever in Pobadino?"
Arkvad's easy smile fades.
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"...The official story was a sinkhole opening that released dense, poisonous gas and suffocated the town."
"Yeah, that's not what really happened."
Arkvad simply watches me, waiting for me to continue.
"I ended up getting roped into it. We, and by we I mean myself and the mercenary that tried to kill me earlier that week, the one posing as Mr. Locke-"
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"A man who tried to kill you is alive?"
"What? Yeah, he's fine, he had been mislead about the job from the start and surrendered as soon as he realized he'd been had; I have no argument with him. Anyway, look, we strayed a little too close to the cordon and the Russian military spotted our hunting gear. They thought we were strange, and we explained what we were. They took us right to the man running the operation, actually. You've heard of General Chugainov? He left us few options but to agree to go poke around for him. I think he was hoping he'd learn something before we were killed."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"I've... read reports on the man, and how he operates-he was there?"
"Pobadino was horrible. I've seen some awful shit in the military, and more out of it, and Pobadino ranks high on the 'what the fuck' scale. There was this mind-altering mist covering the whole town, invisible things wandering around, blood everywhere, suicides in some of the buildings we checked- basically, an incredibly creepy place. All the inhabitants had apparently disappeared. We wandered deeper in and eventually found an old drunk. A mad drunk, one could even say. His name was Grigori."
Arkvad's weathered face goes stark white.
"I thought you would know the moniker. He was irresponsible and childish enough to turn the town invisible to get them out of his face, to turn them mute so that he didn't have to listen to them, and to drop the mist on them, so that they too could enjoy being inebriated. They lived like that for days. I could not convince anyone involved to listen to reason. The best I could do was to convince the drunk to come with me, so that I could limit the amount of damage he could do in an irresponsible fit over not being given booze. Needless to say, I ended up buying him thousands of dollars worth of alcohol."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"You.... travelled with the Mad Drunk? That's... decidedly bold. Some would call it rash, or even foolish."
"I WOULD agree with you-but the story goes on. Though his actions in Pobadino were unconscionable, I'm glad he was with me when we were on the ferry. You did hear about that ferry that sank?"
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"So if it wasn't oceanic debris compromising the hull and a criminally neglected radio and engine leading to it sinking..."
"[i]Well, I know that it was no accident. We were there, and detected Encantado. A male and a female, out to steal practitioner children before a monster took the ferry to be the centerpiece of a slave auction.
"
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"...A group of Encantado? And being that public about it?"
"It gets stranger. We foiled the Encantado -which, shapeshifting aside, are not any tougher than a human, really- but the slaver proved to be too much. Grigori was not willing to fight it, and we were both wounded. So Grigori took me, my friend, and the children, to a safe haven the children knew. And then he took his leave, as he was no friend of the family the children wanted to flee to. There was precious little I could do about that, since I was so injured I was barely conscious."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"...Oh, I think I know what family you're going to say, but I don't want to jinx it. Go on, I suppose."
"Being another practitioner household, they had access to good medical attention, and as my friend and I had saved the children they considered us to be friends. I could go into greater detail about them, but I'd prefer to just introduce you to one of them a little later. Their younger daughter is my Ward for the year."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Fine, we can revisit that topic-but first, answer me this much: Surname start with a 'V'?"
I simply smile.
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Of course it was them. Go on."
"I stayed with them for much of my trip, and had some adventures on their house grounds. When I was recovered, both from my injury aboard the ferry, and the injuries I sustained in the course of my other adventures, we went to visit Simo Häyhä's grave. You won't believe the story about that, not at all. You'll call me a liar, full of shit, and my story an attempt to trick you. And were I in your shoes, I would do the same. It is an incredible story, possibly a non-credible story. I will simply have to save it until I have my evidence and witnesses together with me."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"I will put that down to idle jest for the moment, then."
"As a consolation, I will make the wait easier for you with whiskey. Good stuff I brought back from Finland. I can drop it off at your home later, if you like. So you have heard about most of my trip to Finland and in it."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Other than the massive amount of events you have glossed over at.. that particular families household."
"Yes, other than that. The trip back was somewhat more eventful than I would have liked, too, but there are elements of business wrapped up in it and I would prefer be able to show you some very interesting things I acquired when I tell you about it. I think it best to talk about it in person, in a secure location. If you want, I could nip home and meet you in your office?"

We pause again as the waiter returns, bringing our drinks-as well as two platters of crab and oysters before excusing himself.

>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"I took the liberty of ordering some things while I waited. Surely there are things we can discuss in the here and now while we dine."
"I suppose there is at that. So, how have things been?"
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Well enough. I ended up closing the largest deal of last quarter in my entire division, and have been enjoying the fruits of that labor."
"That so? Great to hear. Happen to find time to track down Locke or Havoc's heirs?"
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Yes and no. Turns out Havoc didn't have any verifiable next of kin. Locke, on the other hand, does-but, well...."
"Well what?"
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"It's a four year old kid, currently with foster parents."
"Hm."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Let me know when you decide how you want to proceed on that."
"Of course. Actually, back to Otsu... things seem a bit interesting there."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Go on."
"Seems he's got some magic going on-I'm not absolutely certain which, but sounded like a new bloodline. So far as I can tell, I'm the only one that's puzzled it out yet."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Then I'll have to take this information and handle it with care. Hm... probably wisest to not go the normal route through the parents. Let me know if the two of you communicate further-you had mentioned speaking with him in a positive manner."
"Of course. All the same, let me know if you think of anything, yourself."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Of course."

Arkvad looks down at the empty plates between us as I finish off the last crab leg.
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"You... eat rather swiftly."
"Maybe."
I drain my beer in one long pull.
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Alright, I get the point."
Arkvad finishes his Whiskey sour, and after I pick up the tab, he's off to his house-and I'm off to grab a pair of bags filled with Whiskey for the old man from the mansion. I also grab the mere fragments and the Reaper gun parts, having to jump through hoops because of some less than stellar wording. I move expeditiously, and manage to beat Arkvad to his own house. Admittedly, he is rather fond of sedated paces, so it wasn't exactly hard to do so. He unlocks the door after chuckling at my presence, and we head inside. After he locks the door I only now note to be wood-paneled steel, he guides me to a smoking parlor and gesturing for me to take a seat. As he starts making appreciative murmers, inspecting the bag's contents, he says but six words.

>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Where do you want to start?"
"A good question. How about this: The Titancorp Reapers were in town yesterday."
Arkvad says nothing, merely plucking free on of the glass bottles to pour himself a small tumbler.
I start carefully laying out my prizes as I continue.
"Long story short, there was an altercation, and I walked away from it with some parts from a Reaper's gun. I don't suppose that might interest you."
Arkvad steeples his fingers as he regards me.
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Before I answer that, I need to give you some... history, on Titancorp and Holland & Holland. We've... approached them about the arms they produce for their operatives. Quite a few times, in fact-even insistently, one might say. After some.. altercations which I am contractually obligated to say nothing of, agreements were made, a peace established-but part of that was us being absolutely forbidden from reverse engineering their works. HOWEVER-should, say, you find out that their weapons are based on pre-existing weapon models, or in any way derived from existing implements, and brought us this information FIRST-then we could look at such parts in a way that the agreement would not be... broken."
"Some decidedly ambiguous phrasing-could this agreement be magical in nature?"
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"An insightful person would wonder about that."
"So if I want to sell these, I'd have some homework to do first."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"I can assure you the transaction's scale would be well worth the investment. ...Now, career-defining deals aside: Please don't tell me those are the pieces of the mere your mother gave you.
I resist the urge to get defensive.
"Like I said-exciting events. I have other options, but I'm really hoping you can tell me-"
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"That our company deals in the repair of unconventional but still magical weaponry? Not in all cases, but thankfully I know we've helped Maori warriors before, as well as others with stone implements. How long ago was this?"
"Yesterday."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Then it'd be for the best if you gave it to me now-I'll flag it as an express VIP job, and we can worry about payment later."
"While I do want to accept that and will, there's a caveat I wanted to throw in."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Yes?"
"Well as it happens, I heard of something a while back that sounded worthwhile, in a situation just like this. Granted, it's based on reasoning derived from old fairy tales. Still want to hear it?"
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"With trepidation, but yes."
"Well, there's all those stories about weapons forged from fallen stars, even mundane items with exoitc properties-and I heard about the Fukang meteorite. Am I crazy, or could that-"
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"It could-it more than could, it'd make the mere something more than what it was. The only problem is no one actively working at Holland and Holland has 'reforged' a stone implement with pallasite-but I can think of some ways to rectify it. ...In fact, I think we might be able to render it an Artifact if I can get in contact with the right people."
"I'm going to go out on a limb here, and say such services would come at a premium."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Expect to invest at least six hundred thousand in the process, and that's if I'm lucky. ...or, if you can finish your research on the reaper parts before H&H can finish repairing the mere, well then I'm certain the mere's work would somehow end up complementary."
I stroke my beard speculatively.
"Hm. Sounds like my kind of gamble. Just make sure whoever works on it knows I do still plan to contact the same goddess through the blade as before."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"A conduit too? Well, I don't think you'll be hurting for time to finish your research. Hopefully we can get someone to replace old Hans out of all this. So, was there any more?"
"Yeah-I've got a mateba with a bent barrel-"
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"We would be happy to help you with that just on the merits of the past contracts you've been involved in."
"Good to hear. There's two facets of information I'm looking for too, though."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Those being?"
"Any info H&H has on the Wyld Goblins of Istanbul-and what exactly that building in downtown the blew up was."
At this, Arkvad pauses as he takes a hearty swallow from the tumbler.
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Well, here's what we could do. I could probably get you approved to be a Hunter for us-contractor specializing in magical acquisitions-and then I could get you clearance for that info. But short of being directly affiliated with the company, I don't think I could accommodate your request, much as it pains me to say it."
"I don't need to commit on that yet, right?"
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Of course not."
"Then so long as you phone me with updates on the mere, I'd be happy to let you know farther along, if that works."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"It does indeed. Was there anything else?"
"I think that covers it."
>[Arkvad][In Finnish]"Well then I'll abuse my privileges as an old man and cantankerously kick you out-you have generated a rather sizable amount of work for me that I must attend to."
"Until next time, then."

As I leave Arkvad's house, the chime from my watch hardly startling at this point, I decide to place a call-to Lo Fang. He picks up after two rings.
>[Lo Fang]"I do hope you have something of import to discuss-I am rather busy at the moment."
"I'd like to think the services of a score plus of trained mercenaries versed in magical happenings would intrigue you."
>[Lo Fang]"Perhaps you do indeed have something of import to bring to the table. Do not take it as insult when I transfer you to Go Ping-he's recently been promoted, and is now in charge of contracting."
"Sure, though I am curious how your schedule looks for possible lessons."
>[Lo Fang]"Curious are you? Well, as I did mention I'm busy, but nevertheless did make an agreement-how about this: I shall offer double hours to you next week, if you leave me be this week. That should suffice."
Shortly enough-
>[Go Ping]"So let me see if I understand this properly: You, your ward, and between eighteen and twenty three 'aware' mercenaries are potentially at our disposal, but you need to be made aware of the mission's nature explicitly before hand to insure it matches the skill set of the group? Yes, I... think we can accommodate that. We could use a dozen people to serve as guards tomorrow night, actually. Same format as the guard duty you pulled for us once a few months back."
"I'm not promising without discussing it with them first, but I'm confident they'd agree."
>[Go Ping]"Excellent, I look forward to speaking with you again."

>[JOBS FOR RUSSIANS CAN NOW BE ARRANGED THROUGH GO PING]

>>368734
On returning to the mansion, I pull Hafaz aside, and ask if he'd mind playing translator as I call someone. Up for the challenge, shortly enough he's helped me establish to Einrik's contact who I was referred by, and that I wish to learn about Chakras. I then finally get her son's number, a man that thankfully speaks Turkish. I now have a working contact number for Einrik's recommended Chakra expert.
>>368749
So Sake.
>[Sake]"Hm?"
What exactly is it about what Lo Fang was doing that's so dangerous that even knowing it would fuck me? And who's known to do this?
>[Sake]"Firstly if there was someone known to do this, they'd already be dead-what with the 'this is a terrible thing to do and people kill you for it' part. The reason this is so bad is because even killing something does not conventionally harm it's soul-it just sends it to the next stage in its existence. To distort the soul itself though-that means indelibly altering a consicousness' fate for all of time."
So... what about what I did to the Reaper's soul?
>[Sake]"A different kind of taboo-one that you hopefully can keep hidden until you've resolved that charm issue. And yes, this is also one you can be killed for performing."
Wonderful.

>>368751
SB, can you work on reading and memorizing the files we got?
>"Certainly."
>>368760
I decide to indulge a bit of curiosity, and finally google 'Sawney', trying to figure out who the Red Caps are likening me to-
An incestuous Irish Cannibal bandit, okay then. Moving on.






....Moving on to what, though?
It's about two PM.
I've got plenty of ways I can self train, or have others assist in the training.
Camella's already spent more than four hours with me today, and I think I'd need a really great reason to convince her to spend more time on me today.
I could try pumping Amen for info on Rituals or charms.
Or I could do something entirely different.
I'd really appreciate it if you could offer less suggestions on divergent things to do this time around-maybe no more than five things (if you script your thing as '_______ and _________' that is TWO things). I'm not a fan of writing updates so long the page count's in the double digits, try to work with me here.
>>
No. 369021 ID: f8aa66

>An incestuous Irish Cannibal bandit, okay then. Moving on.
And just think, he wasn't just in bed with his own family, he was in bed (metaphorically, let's hope) with the redcaps. Neat.

We could go to Ito's Fight Club, but that kinda falls under the purview of 'Camella might break her foot off in our ass for bugging her'.

I say spend a quiet evening in; spend an hour or two going through all three files. I'd also like to know as much as possible about the brand of illusion charms Amen can create. Components required? Could we learn to create them ourselves if we felt the urge? Single-shot or renewable? How long does one use last? Can they be of anyone? Multiple people? Multiple people blended together to create a new face? Do they cover clothes and weapons, too? Sight illusion only, or do they cover other senses? Can we make an illusion to cover our soul or make it seem like someone else has our magnificently-bizarre soul? Would these take more juice, if possible? Do they drain power from somewhere, and if so, from where?

Oh, and ask Amen if he has a special title among the redcaps? I think Lucy was going to let something slip.

The morning will be the morning of the third day, yes? So Einrik's a potential caller, although I can't think what to talk to him about. I'd rather do the Rocco meeting thing (after perusing his file thoroughly) and give old Riker a call. Mention in a casual way that if Riker happened to know anyone in his neck of the woods that wanted a finger in Istanbul's pie (in an under-the-table sort of way), that we've found ourselves running a little club...

Also, we need vehicles, even if they aren't pretty. This walking is for the birds.
>>
No. 369022 ID: a5fd37

First we need to examine the reaper gun parts to see if they fall into the criteria specified to us by Arkvad. getting a 600,000$ job gratis and then also getting paid for the info is very awesome. We only get that discount if we give the info to him before the mere is finished. This is info, we can multi sell it with no loss. If it gets out though the reapers will come down on us harder then they already intend to...
Camella might be able to help us identify if these parts came from a known type of gun. Einrik will probably want to take a look at the magicks. The guy who sells doom bullets is an enigma, we know so little about him that I am not sure I trust him so I say skip him this time. The goblins we let study the parts non destructively. And they must not reveal us as their source for it. Then we give HH an answer and if the loophole works we set up a joint HH, Triads, and our representatives reverse engineering team. Representatives of "Wrong Laine PMC Corp". If we can rope him into it, Einrik would be best as our representative on that little study group. Or if the price is right, just Triads and HH. Triads might already have such parts and might pass entirely in which case we just sell it to HH. We will see.

We also need to look at SB's soul carefully and see if he got a copy of our soul bomb when we split up. Study it but do NOT Experiment with it until you know much more. We can bypass protections on it by us diffusing his and not in _any_ way wanting him to diffuse ours.

After that we should pitch the guard job to the russians as well. And ask amen if he can provide us and each and every russian with an untraceable illusion charm hiding their identity. Do tell them to have it off when going to first meet the people they intend to guard stuff from... Remember they shot Hilevi at first. But that was in a combat situation. We should also check up with H&H and Hafaz's contacts about jobs for the guys.

Amen is currently doing whatever he pleases to prisoners. We told amen to capture the next intruder for us unharmed. Use the same wording only this time for all future intruders. We also told him to transfer a single surviving prisoner to holding and not harm that prisoner further. Tell him to do so with all surviving prisoners using the same wording.

>Guy who helped silja wants to talk to her
I vote we say yes... but how do we contact him? Try doing so in a private place outside the mansion. Go to where you trained the goblins in firearms and ask

>Night at Ito's
At night go back to Ito's for the magic sparring.

Make sure to meet camella there. She needs a few things clarified:
1. Ask what she knows about seeing with the soul. Her training at being attacked while blindfolded suggests she does. What you know is that all humans have the ability to perceive with their soul alone, an atrophied ability most are not even aware of. Sake said there are myths and legends of blind monks who saw the world through their soul alone and whose perception were impossible to deceive or negate.
2. Specify your bloodline allowed you to clearly souls and you could tell she was tracking and sensing you with her soul, not her mundane senses.
3. Explain to her each of the ways in which you hid yourself from her soul perception so that she herself can figure out ways to counter them.

Top it all off with some more sparring, as you practice more ego-less while she tests her methods of overcoming that.
As an ally it behooves you both if she can develop counters for such techniques as you are most likely not the only one who has them and not the only one who might use them against her.
Make it an unarmed spar this time, it will further help with learning your new combination style.

If she brings up not knowing your own strength clarify that it was due to overcoming a mental block mid combat and applying your chakra for the first time to boost strength.
>>
No. 369059 ID: c6ce12

Before we go off on any errands we need to talk with the Russians about the job we just lined up on them and get their response to the offer. I'd give them a bit of a briefing on what to expect from our local brand of Triad in addition to the details on the job itself. I'm fairly certain they'll say yes, if only to check out what kind of jobs we're offering in order to make their final judgement on our job offer.

The information on Havoc and Locke is a bit disappointing, no real contacts to be had or rewards to be found, but I suppose we'll have to make due. Now there's the issue of the firearms we were set to give them, I was initially going to say something about seeing to the retrieval of at least Havoc's but then I realized we never actually handed them off to anyone, only contacted Arkvad to get into contact with them. So we should request Amen to take them out from where he hid them and use our new Item Sense to find out what we have. I'll reserve judgement on what to do with them until after we appraise them, but off hand I'd say we should take Havoc's to do with as we wish and then see if we can have H&H arrange for Locke's firearm to be held for him.

Spending some quiet time reading actually sounds fairly decent right now. Cutting back on the dossier reading might be wise though, Armas is not exactly quick and Shadowbro has taken the burden of memorizing all the them himself. We can skim, see what kind of information is in each while perhaps acquiring familiarity with Rocco's file but anything more could potentially be redundant. Some time scanning our email and reading might be interesting, Armas either seems to have forgotten about it or we haven't actually gotten anything in a while, which is odd. Round everything out by picking out a couple recipes from the translated cookbook that our deliveries can make, one or two new recipes at least.

We also should make a stop to our favorite explosives dealer when we get the chance, first checking with the Russians in case they would like anything. I can't count the number of times we've encountered as situation where we were just wishing we had a flash bang or a grenade on hand. I hear he was involved in one of the Camella versus Blackbeard debacles as well, might be interesting to get his take on the whole situation. I'd avoid mentioning we know either party though, he might not want to associate with us depending on how much damage they did to his shop.

When we get back home we should try to do more Spiritual Attention Sensing training with the Russians, hopefully Hillevi hasn't exhausted the lot of them by the time we reach this point in the day.

I'd say avoid Ito's tonight. Tomorrow is much more preferable for us because the Russians will be able to contact us if something goes wrong on the job and we'll be in an environment where we'll actually be able to do more than offer advice. That and Camella both lives and works there, going tonight might risk having her get a little too annoyed with us.
>>
No. 369087 ID: 3fd4fb

>>368963
>....Moving on to what, though?
First order of business, ensure that the job arranged with the Triads goes smoothly. More generally, we need to make arrangements for actually running a mercenary company before we expect our mercenary company to carry out its first mission, which demands certain necessities- it's a big job which one can expect to consume most of the rest of the day.

We've got to outline standard procedure for how we as the head of this company are going to run things- both things the company in general needs to have happen to remain healthy and how we'll remain in control and well-informed without needing to micromanage every little thing. While not all of them are absolutely critical or relevant to this mission, of particular concern are the following points:
1) We need the money to flow from employers to us to our troops. The easiest way to accomplish this is that clients deposit all fees into our (company) bank account electronically as a lump sum and we disburse payment to each of our men from there by whatever means are appropriate. Make sure that our minions are never paid individually by the client.
2) We (the company) need to be on the floor of mission planning from the start. Don't just let the client dictate the force deployments they want and we send them in no questions asked; we learn mission objectives, basic circumstances, and expected opposition if any; from there we (meaning Armas+relevant advisers) make our own assessment of the forces the company needs to provide to successfully complete the mission in accordance with client requirements and negotiate the cost of hiring those forces. It's taking a much more aggressive bargaining stance than when we were an independent operator, but we have more people to look after than ourself now- we've got a responsibility to ensure both that client objectives are achieved and that as few of our forces as possible get killed or injured. Side note, remember that we need our clients to stay happy so we also can't afford to be a dick.
3) We must have solid, secure lines of communication with our forces in the field. There are several options for this, but the most practical (aside from using Amen, which is hazardous to rely upon) is likely to simply get a handful of additional securely encrypted cell phones and issue them to key personnel as company assets. Then have mission leaders call to check in before their missions start, after their missions are complete, and if anything highly unexpected happens or goes wrong during their mission. We can upgrade from mere encrypted phones into more powerful communications options later.
4) We must be able to keep a low profile whenever possible. That means that inconspicuous appearances, integrated transport assets to let us transport weapons unobserved, ways to get into and out of our base/mansion without being observed- are all highly desirable.
5) We must provide our forces with reliable equipment whenever possible; depending upon employers is great for a lone operator but not acceptable for a company. That means arranging regular arms shipments, not merely spot-purchasing things as we need them (although we'll do that too, of course).

The upshot of all this:
-After we explain the Triad guard job to the Russians and get them to agree to take it, we call Go Ping, confirm that we're in, and discuss expected or potential threats and the according necessary personnel and equipment- presumably his estimated dozen military types with automatic weapons will be in accordance with the expected threat, but it can't hurt to confirm and establish a pattern. Set prices once that's done; we commanded a price of $4,500 for an evening of this sort of guard duty when we had no reputation to speak of and no one reliable vouching for us, as I recall, so $5k per person we provide would be my guess at a reasonable bill for this mission.
-Then we go buy six or so encrypted cell phones and make sure that our most important people- Hillevi, Matvey, Hafaz, any other key Russians (by Matvey's recommendation)- all have them for communication. Our current cell phone service has been extremely accommodating when we've asked them for assistance, likely because we're giving them tons of money, so if we ask them what options they have available for upgrading to a corporate system or adding additional lines to our account I would expect them to help us get things sorted rather quickly.
-Send a couple Russians to locate and purchase vehicles usable for transporting significant numbers of them and their weapons inconspicuously about the city. Give them a budget and tell them to do solid and not go crazy; send someone who knows cars, if possible.
-We have a number of options for armaments; we can try to use independent operators for our purchasing, try for an arms deal with the Triads or Mafia, or even potentially purchase weaponry/ammunition legally, through Gun World or perhaps H&H (probably a supplier of choice for specialty ammo). Our knowledge of independents is imperfect, but Hafaz might know more; for that matter, Camella might as well though we shouldn't bother her at the moment. We don't have to make a decision now, but talk the matter over with Matvey, Hafaz, and Shadowbro.

Second order of business, we need to check up on our public profile- we've been running around doing illegal things and have little confirmation that went unseen. Fortunately, we now have people who will hopefully have been doing this for us- if the Russians are savvy operators (and they are) at least a couple of them will have been closely following the news. Learn what the public fallout is and what the official stories are regarding the building explosion, the fight on the docks, and any other significant altercations which have happened recently that we might not be already aware of. Make sure we find if any of us were publicly identified, visible in common videos or clips, or otherwise taken note of in any way. If none of the Russians are following this kind of news already, mention to some of them that we'll need to keep someone on top of that in the future and at least one of them will likely jump on the duty. As another part of checking up on our profile, be sure to see if anyone is back to observing the mansion- ask the Russians and Amen if they've picked up on anything, and get our own personal assessment of Attention focused on the area and the feel of the souls sending out that Attention if applicable. Be aware that electronic surveillance may not be detected using these methods, so they're hardly foolproof; we'll need to look into some method of detecting and defeating that in the future.


And... I have more things, but I think that's five things (by certain measures) and the above is already fairly substantial.
>>
No. 369100 ID: 2964e1

1) First things first - the Russians haven't signed on to work with us yet, so we can't sell their services. We may need to ring Go Ping back to make our apologies.

What we should do though, is ask them to give us an idiots guide to operational and post-operational security. Tell them to assume we know nothing at all about the subject, and have in fact never heard of the terms before.

2) We should do some training this afternoon, but it should be directed, and based on what we recently saw. First thing we should do is properly review what we saw of Camella's Jukenjitsu technique with SB, and see if there is anything of her technique we can use. We should also ask him to review what he saw of Camella's shooting, and do the same. If we have time this afternoon, then we should also look into doing some shooting with the Russians to consolidate anything you learned from Camella this morning.

However, we need to recognise that ultimately, the melee martial arts we're learning are only a hobby, not something we ever want to have to rely on in combat thanks to our squishiness. We can't waste too much time on them, as we should be focusing on never being reduced to melee, not marginally reducing the degree to which we get destroyed.

3) We should also ask SB and Sake to describe to us the actual details of the Dunters' footwork, and get Amen, if we can do so without effecting anything else in the mansion or loosing his memory of it, repeatedly play back a slowed down illusionary recording of their motion. For now, we shouldn't try to replicate it, just get an understanding of how they move their feet.

4) To help develop our spiritual perception, we should ask the following question to Amen. In mundane humans, which of these has or can have a spiritual component:
i) Knowing when you're alone or not in a room or building, even if neither you nor any potential others is otherwise aware of each other.
ii) Knowing when a loved one is alive, dead, or in danger.
Iii) Deja vu.
iv) The sensation someone is thinking about you
v) The feeling that an onlooker is hostile.

After receiving the answers, we should acknowledge to ourselves that we have been sensing anything that Amen has said to be spiritual all along (M7), even if only very faintly.

5) We also need to think back to our goblin stealth training, asking SB to remind us of anything we've forgotten, and consider the Ego-less stealth style. Our training with the goblins didn't include any melee combat at all, it was all about remaining unseen by multiple strangers simultaneously, which means mostly against observers at range, certainly beyond arms length. We should therefore practice using the Ego-less style, of dodging attention unconsciously whilst our higher mind does other things, as we were taught it. We can start this whilst we go home, by applying those lessons to the other people on the streets.

>>369022
SUST on telling Camella anything. We've cultivated the air of a man of mystery to her, we're not going to throw it away.

Also SUST on getting Amen to make illusion charms for us. Generally, we should never have Amen actively do anything if we have any possible alternative, and we don't need to charms that much.

If SB does let us examine his soul, then we should carefully examine it, trying to find his half of our summer bloodline and the divine graft from Whaitiri. If he could eat a shadow whilst we watch, we may learn something.

>>368663
Looking back, why did Armas attempt to link his summer bloodline to his winter one? That was not suggested at all. What I proposed was this:

>Before then we need to meditate for an hour on our chakra, and consider what we know about it and our bloodlines. We observed how Ito's energy was flowing from soul to chakra to blood to flesh. Perhaps it would be possible to close the loop by directing our summer bloodline to consume the excess power it represents in order to return it to our soul, whilst it's not being used for anything else. In order to begin understanding things like this we should do all the experiments we considered when we first opened our chakra, such as meditating on each of them in turn whilst we eat magical meat, whilst we are observed, whilst we heal using just our summer bloodline and using our combined winter/summer technique, etc - to which we can add directly examining them with our spiritual senses as we do so.

Nowhere in there does it say to do anything directly to our bloodlines we've not done before, just to consider what we know, speculate about what would be possible, and then perform a series of passive observations 'to begin understanding' how things that we can already safely do work. As I didn't see Armas perform any of the experiments that were specified as the first steps, I'm unclear as to why he jumped straight towards doing something that it was not suggested he do at all.

>>
No. 369105 ID: f48141

Is there any way Lo Fang has an agreement that would make his soul manipulation OK? Like all his Triad minions have sworn a magical vow to serve Lo Fang by any means possible, even beyond death?

How about going looking for jobs in other places? Like get some footholds. Get a throwaway phone and some drop boxes and subtly advertise on the internet. Maybe put some ad into a newspaper about a mystical troubleshooter (agency) for hire?

You could also look into buying some mundane weaponry. Not necessarily more guns, but things like explosives, grenades, flashbangs, gas, gas masks and a flare gun to enable some incredible shadow tricks. Maybe some trolling kit as well like itching powder.
>>
No. 369129 ID: f6106a

>>369087
Seconding this, but that's a low price. Remember Armas was keeping his military history a secret at that point, and these guys weren't average soldiers. That said, as this is likely one part evaluation on the part of the triads, we might in this instance go a little low, but then we need to make it clear that's what we're doing. Maybe frame is it as a one time discount for Go Ping, since he's been cool.

>>369022
Yeah, no telling Camella that stuff. Why do people keep forgetting, or outright ignoring the fact that we function best when noone knows how we're doing what we do, because it's pretty easy to counter or avoid our tricks if people know how they're done. You don't see any of our allies handing out their weaknesses to us and helping us to learn to exploit them, do you? That's because that's a stupid thing to do.
>>
No. 369156 ID: 81f32a

Lets talk with the Russians and arrange for the job that Tridas offered.
ALTHOUGH, please don't be a retard and accept the job BEFORE we settle on the payment. I noticed that Lo Ping didn't tell how much we would be paid. Also, come to agreement with the Russians about the cut.
I think that at least Hillevi or Armas should come along for the job.

>I could try pumping Amen for info on Rituals or charms.
lets also pump him for info on charm crafting.

First tell him to notify you if the question we ask is forbidden.

Ask him if he can learn us charm crafting. Ask if the learning process will be a memory graft and if he can teach us in more "traditional" way. Ask him if memory graft will be harmful for us and how long do we have before recuperation.
Ask him what kind of charms he can teach us. Before he answers, make sure that if the list is too long, to order him to generalize the answer and that it should be done in 5 minutes without compressing the info (ie. normal speech tone and speed).
Ask what the 10 best charms he can teach us based on his knowledge about us (which ones will be the most useful)
Ask him if he can teach us to make protective charms (general, arrow, etc)
Ask him if he can teach us to make glamour charms
[I assume that everything he can teach us, he can make himself but just in case:] Ask him if he can make the charms he can teach us himself. If he can't, ask him which of the charms that he can teach us he cannot make.

The ask him what kind of charms he can make using only renewable materials from mansion stock.
Ask him what kind of charms he can make using the materials he has on hand and the approximate amount of charms he can make. If the list is too long, tell him to give the 20 most powerful/valuable charms.

Ask him how long will it take him to produce said charms.


Also, NONE of the aforementioned charms can be made using materials and techniques that are considered taboo in magical community (ie. you can get killed if anyone knows). None of the charms can have a taboo function.

If he says that he cannot do something concering any of these questions, ask him if he can tell us the reason. (it could be that he just doesn't have the knowledge, that he is forbidden by the bindings or that previous orders/bindings will make him kill us)


Ask him if he can research the reaper gun parts without altering them in any way and determine if they have connection to existing weapons.

Notice that I actually didn't order him to do anything yet just getting information before actually ordering to do something. (knowing is half the battle, etc, etc)

>I've got plenty of ways I can self train, or have others assist in the training.

I say for the rest of the day we stay at home and train.
Train Gyaketsuote by sparring with Russians. Also try to teach it to the Russians.
Train spiritual attention-sensing with Russians assistance.

Spend 8 hours on this: 4 hours on Gyaketsuote and 4 hours on Attention sensing. Don't push the Russians too much, they don't have the same regeneration as you do. Don't have them all train at once, have a group working out with you while the rest do other things, then change them up.

I bet there is a bitching, big training room somewhere on the mansion grounds. If there isn't one, we should consider ordering Amen to make one that is similar to Ito's gym.

So it should be 10PM after all this.
take a nap. That's right, go to sleep for 2-4 hours.
After that we can go for a magical night training at Ito's.
>>
No. 369186 ID: 1e6a71

We should also start checking/questioning the reaper's soul that we have.

Also, if it wasn't done already, order Amen to not fuck with the Reaper in anyway unless we tells him to.
>>
No. 369220 ID: 3f0d2e

>>369087
Total Upvote

>>369059
Upvote except for GOING ON ERRANDS. I say it's better to take Boris and Mavtvey apart, and ask Mavtvey to recommend someone to go get Bullets/Grenades, and sends Boris to buy food, especially vegetables. This is extremely important because 25 people are staying here.We should try to limit how much time we spend outside, especially when we can use the excuse of “getting them acclimated to the city”. Also, maybe ask Hafaz to get one of his men to show them the various gun shops.

>Training with Russians
I want to train our spiritual senses further, and if the Russians get tired then train with Hafaz for GYAKETSUOTE. Before training with three or so russians blind-style, we should first talk to each of them for a few minutes while looking them in the eye. Curious as to whether it gives a boost in 'knowing' the person.

>Reaper Homework
When we get to talk to Mavtvey, we should ask him if we could talk about all the guns expert in his groups. We should try to have them research If the reaper gun componnent are based on pre-existing weapon models, or in any way derived from existing implements.

>Amen
If we talk to Amen, a few questions are important. He seemed to understand how our Summer bloodline work, at least in part, so more questions about this might help us. “Amen, eating magical meat is one way to regenerate my summer bloodline. Tell me if there are kinds of meats, both in species and in where in the body they come from, that are actually better than others for various different task.” “Amen, Would one kind of meat be exceedingly effective for healing or preventing mental damage?” “Amen, so far all the abilities I can use solely with my summer bloodline seems to be passive apart from eating powerful magical animals or humans. Tell me of five different ways, if possible, that would not cause permanent damage that I could use to use it actively that would be regarded as powerful by other bloodline users but wouldn't grant me things I already possess, with at least three of those ways not being Taboo if possible, as well as name their positive and negative traits and specifications in less than an hour of normal time oral dialog?” All this should of course be used in normal human oral dialog with the usual caveats for Amen to not answer if he would be forced to kill us if he has to.
>>
No. 369498 ID: d97a61
 

>>369022
Before I really get into the doing, I start inspecting. Sure, I might not be a hard case gun nut, but I know a pretty good bit. Well, let's start with the magazines. ...Well, long rounds, that's for sure. Caliber's not marked, but I'd guess it somewhere around ten, eleven millimeters-but a whopping fifty five, sixty millimeters long, now that I take a real good look at it. Bullets are heaftier than what I load Keihäs with, that's for sure. What's interesting though, is what I notice beyond the rounds being caseless: Unless I'm flat out blind, those holes on the bullet's ass are damned similar to what I saw on the back of Gyrojet bullets at an Afghani gun show a while back. Okay, rocket rifle bullets in an automatic fire weapon. ...The sheer weight of this bullet suggests to me it's designed for armor piercing (what I saw them do doesn't hurt my opinion) , possibly even a complicated housing mechanism.
>"I believe there is silver within the bullets. I can't speak for the rest of the material composition, but silver, at least, is something I can recognize."
Okay... well, rocket propelled bullets-that sounds like some pre-existing tech. Abandoned sure-or so I thought-but it's out there. What else...

I push the maybe armor piercing, maybe explosive, definitely silvered bullet back into the magazine, place it's capacity at forty such rounds with a staggered stacking method. Lacking the curves of a banana clip, it's almost squat, and has an air of functionality to it. The other salvaged magazine is identical, no discernible difference in the ammunition that I can detect by eye.
>[Iron Trick]"I detect nothing."
>"No difference so far as I see."
>[Sake]"Technology's not my strong suit."
Beyond that though, the salvaged mechanics are too scattered and esoteric for me to properly decipher, regrettably. Still, I have a start-and I believe that the Sometimes Merchant would be an excellent next step-once I can reach him, at least. ...Granted, I'm not entirely sure how capable they'll be, since this seems mechanical rather than magical (I'm sure as shit not sensing any magic), but it is worth the attempt, I should think.

Oh yes-
Amen?
>[Amen]"This one is listening."
You recall the wording I used on how to safely store prisoners unharmed, mind body or soul?
>[Amen]"This one recalls directives such as those."
Those now apply to all intruders.
>[Amen]"...This one hears and obeys."

>>369059
Next, I give my stealth a bit of a brush-up as I ghost my way up to the third floor with nary a soul seeing my movement, flashy attire or no. Once there, I have Amen get Locke and Havoc's weapons, each stored in the house safely, quietly since I contacted Arkvad about them a month ago. Amen presents me with a caplock pistol and a flintlock blunderbuss. Now, let's see what I feel...
Well, the blunderbuss has got something to do with wind. No doubt there. Feels... like a storm? A pillar? It's a bit hard to pin down.
>[Sake]"As the resident Air manipulation expert-I can confirm this weapon to employ cyclones of hardened wind-effectively a directed air-blade-storm. The only problem is I don't see... what it uses as ammunition."
Neither do I.

The pistol, however-feels like inevitability. Poison. Harm. There seems to already be a round within it-and I feel something not unlike the Doom rounds, once of Mammon, now of my own command. Okay, that means there's spellwork stored within the round, as well as the gun. A preloaded, single shot MD-lite, then? Having trouble making out just what the bullet does, but it feels... entropic. Like decay, desiccation, rot and sickness.
>"Seems related to poison-though there's something oddly... fluid, about that shot. Not sure what exactly."
These... seem like rather complex items.

After a minute spent inspecting them, confusion gives way to clarity.

-Seems Havoc's Blunderbuss condenses packets of spiritual energy, either from chakra use, soul manipulation, or barring either, straight from the source, to fuel invisible, devastating wind-based attacks. A room-clearing, single shot type weapon.
-Locke's Pistol, on the other hand, is a more insidious weapon. Seems it slowly grows and nurtures ammunition as a manifestation of negative emotion from the bearer-and if what's in there's any indication, someone mighty pissed off had been saving up for a while now. These bullets seem to... rot everything, physical, magical, mental-everything is eroded, undone in some way-so long as the bullet's power can still be spent. Sake stresses how this is a finite weapon, and in no way a 'be all, end all weapon'.

I'll need to do something with those-when there's an appropriate moment. For now-
>>369087
>[MM,MMMMM Trait auto-activated]
It's time to address the whole 'people working for me' thing. My account with Oyak Securities is fairly respectable right now-and all it takes is a twenty minute phone call, and I have a privately linked business account that accrues no interest but has a rather handy feature: Next time I'm in the bank I can pick up a master card, and two dozen 'employee' cards. With a bit of... creative wheedling and mention of booming business making the branch manager too greedy to say no, I end up getting access to an online service so I can 'pay' the employee cards a specific percentage of incoming funds. This way I can give out the business account number to clients, and handle the rest from there. For now, I set the automated dispersal to each employee card, to be 25% of the deposit value divided by the number of active 'employee' cards. I can worry about hazard pay and potential bonuses beyond that-for now, this should be good. thirty minutes after I finish opening the account, I end the call by sweet talking my way into getting the bank to send an employee to my door (with Amen being sternly lectured to simply inform me when they arrive and let me receive the package, not them) with the Parent and Employee cards-and I get them to leave the account with zero balance until the first expected 'job', which should go through tomorrow.

>[NEW FINANCIAL STATE: COMPANY ACCOUNT]

That done, I occupy myself calling back Go Ping, and getting some more information on the job he's looking to have done.

-Seems it's a five hour guard job, from eleven AM to four AM. Location's the Docks.
-They're hoping they can leave all forms of protection to our men.
-Guards are for overseeing the offloading of cargo from a ship.
-There is no expectation the ship will be pursued.
-Part of our pay is to keep us disinterested in inspecting the cargo or otherwise asking questions.
-As before, there is a reasonable risk that drug addicts may attempt to claim part of the shipment-we are to prevent this from occurring.
-There is a chance that the Yakuza may attempt to claim the shipment themselves-if this occurs Lo Fang does have backup ready to be deployed, but our men would still be expected to defend and assist as necessary.
-Barring outside influence, the offloading should take only four of the five hours.
-If for some reason four AM rolls around and the job is not done, they are to stay until the situation is resolved.
-If any of the cargo (stored fluids) are lost or destroyed while under our protection, their cost will be deducted from our pay.
-No restriction on equipment to use-though high ordinance and flamethrowers are discouraged.

>[WLG Trait activated]
>[WTN Trait activated]
>[MM,MMMMM Trait auto-activated]

Ten minutes of haggling that leaves me the closest I've ever been to hearing Go Ping's feathers get ruffled, and I've negotiated a sweet deal: 5k a head for ten Russians (who will be getting the Gatmalite to serve as the group's 'just in case' protection), coming out to a toasty fifty thousand dollars for a night's work, with the price doubling for future guard duty upon satisfactory performance. The only catch is no pay until the job, that being the shipment being successfully offloaded, is completed. I hang up, thanking Go Ping-and notice I had a missed call while I was setting up my business account. ...Huh, it's Rocco Armani. No shit. Wonder what he wants. ...No voicemail? Fuck it, I'll call him back then.

He picks up on the fifth ring.
>[Rocco]"Mr. Laine?"
"That'd be me. You tried to call me?"
>[Rocco]"How.... private are you?"
"I've got an encrypted satellite phone in my hand-you tell me."
>[Rocco]"..Good. I'll be blunt: Our mutual friend that we helped get some papers, assistence with an identity? We could... use the services you said they could provide."
...This is... this is TOO good.
"Protective, or aggressive orientation for services?"
>[Rocco]"Aggressive. Need some extra oomph for a visit to the new kids on the block."
"Would those be the carmakers or the cartoon enthusiasts?"
>[Rocco]"Hm, th.. The carmakers, actually."
"As it happens, I could do you one better-how do eight guns sound?"
>[Rocco]"Suspiciously good. Why-and how?"
"She was not the first I've approached about joint business ventures. Recruiting has been going rather well."
>[WLG Trait activated]
>[WTN Trait activated]
>[MM,MMMMM Trait auto-activated]
I almost feel bad for Rocco. It's probably thanks to how he met me, but I think he's intimidated by me and is trying (and failing) to hide it. I manage to get 6k a head for three hours of work-but the plans to clear out a newly claimed apartment complex on the outskirts that's been identified as a new ammo dump for the germans. It's expected to be moderately dangerous-and there's no pay for dead men-but those who go will be going with two dozen Mafia, one of them a bloodline user. Intel suggests that even if they're unusually well defended, they should be outnumbered two to one with the eight extra. For this job, suppressed weaponry is preferred-and thankfully, Rocco is amenable to providing silencers that fit the AN-94 for the team I'll send-and I made sure they won't get shafted and get stuck pulling point. Again, pay will be on completion of the job-but this one's for tonight, rather than tomorrow night. Forty eight thousand one night, fifty thousand the next...

There's a reason Mammon's been interested in me-and it's why now there's no way I WON'T convince the Russians to do these jobs.

Lastly I call-my phone company, and explain that I have gone into private business, and am looking to expand. Happy to help a customer that throws his money around, I eventually end up spending three thousand dollars on a package set of a dozen encrypted phones-not exactly the best on the market, but damned near indestructible, and able to squeeze a signal out of rather inhospitable surroundings. I'm finishing getting the phones overnight shipped to the mansion when Amen informs me someone's at the door.

Five minutes later the phones are on the way, and I have my newly acquired cards-from which I swiftly pocket the parent card. Well-I think I'm about ready to make my pitch. I adjust my tie, straighten my collar, and place a folded gold kerchief in my pocket before proceeding back down the stairs, and gather up everyone in the house. So it is that I frankly lay out how it is: That I have jobs for every one of the Russians. That I have an account set up for them so they can readily access their pay-and use it however they see fit, whenever they see fit. How on each job, they'll be able to bring the Gatmalite custom monster-but to tell me if they run it dry. How they'll shortly have encrypted communication devices for future jobs. I don't even need to mention the usefulness of having Hillevi at home base to provide healing support. I'll admit I don't try to make some amazing persuasive speech-and oddly, it seems I don't need to. Those among their number who had been the hard cases, resisted the notion of working for me, finally give way-and after I explain the two jobs, the Russians start discussing amongst themselves who will go on which mission-seems Gloom's going to be the leader of the assault team, while Matvey heads up the guard group. It takes five rather rowdy minutes, but they resolve who goes where, and turn back to me for further instructions.

For the moment, I ask them to start figuring out what kinds of new legal and illegal equipment they'd like, and what kinds of nondescript vehicles they'd want for moving around in an urban environment in numbers and bringing heavy ordnance. Vlad assures me they will be prepared by tomorrow, even as I recall he's one of the ones going on the assault team-which, now that I look at the clock, is supposed to meet Rocco's men on sight in six hours. ...Location's an hour away by foot, and right now the Russians don't have anything that can't fit under a long coat (and I still have my guitar case to hide the Gatmalite). After making sure the Russians going have directionsand those with phones have memorized my number in case something crops up, I move on to my next concern: The news from yesterday. The collapse of a downtown building, gunfire, and damned near world war three fought at the docks both war for the front page across quite a few sites. There ARE pictures, yes-but every single one that shows what could be a Russian is so indistinct no software could dreg up a face. Hillevi and I seem to happily be absent from documentation-though in one blog someone mentions (without any links, irritatingly) that a couple people insisted a 'man in red' appeared before things went to shit. Seems both events were chalked up to terrorism-but interestingly, to different groups. Al Qaeda for one-and the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group for the other? What?

Well, no skin off my nose. I'm not documented, and there's nothing even hinting at the authorities knowing who the fuck we are. Good enough for now.

>>369100
That's not how Ego-Less style works
>>369156
>>369220
While Gloom's group starts to get ready to go, already looking up maps of the area they'll be working in as they check their weapons, I take one last moment to assure myself they will go out in nondescript but professional attire when it's time-with their vests on underneath, of course. That done-I turn to the Triad group, who have a whole lot of nothing to do tonight.

I take off my coat and remove slacks, socks, shirt and tie, happy I've added the undershirt / spandex shorts underwear combo to my normal attire-I have sparring clothes anywhere I go, now.
"Alright-so who'd like the chance to kick the crap out of me?"
A lesser man would be disheartened by how fast hands shoot up and grins spread.

Thankfully I'm far too egotistical to even consider if I could be that man. Soon enough I'm doing two things: After establishing clear eye contact with each Russian beforehand, I fight the whole group of ten, systematically trying (and failing) to practice Gyaketsuote while I rely on my goblinic training and Soul sensing to stay confoundingly hard to pin down. While I don't get the pummeling I implied, I also don't get in much in the way of solid hits, my windows of opportunity too small, my foes too experienced. While I'm more limber and easily more evasive than any of them, and I'm flourishing in the hectic snarl of a fight with many participants-it's just not enough.

For nearly an hour, that's all it really is. I keep trying to trigger Gyaketsuote, I keep hitting like normal. Finally, when half of the Russians sit out, catching their breath-Hafaz and his friends jump in to fill the gap. Shortly enough Hafaz is making things... interesting by sticking to me like glue as he taunts me.
>[Hafaz]"Oh? No sudden mastery of an art you've just started to learn? No surpassing the normal folk in a single bound? I'm growing positively disenchanted here, boss."
I dodge his first punch (A jab hidden within what looked like a haymaker) but he catches me with a low kick that looked like a knee to the gut. For a frantic moment, my stability's gone to shit, and my evasion stalls out.

Shaya, Hadar and two Russians are only too happy to capitalize on the opening-and I finally do get a solid beating. On the plus side I could tell where the blows where coming from even when I couldn't see them-progress, I suppose.

It's half an hour later that I finally catch one of the Russians with Gyaketsuote, the man taking a strong right straight to the chest. I hear bone crack beneath my fist and wince in sympathy for Ahmed-and again get my tempo fouled up by Hafaz for the umpteenth time since he joined the fray. I've since become intimately familiar with how... effective Hafaz is at sapping combat effectiveness when he's challenging a lone foe with a group. Hafaz has cycled back out of the pool of fighters I face, Hillevi now joining the fray with Ahmed healed. For some reason, it's a whole mess easier to get the Gyaketsuote mojo going with her-but it's equally less effective, as her increased size means the comperatively small changes I can make in my attacks aren't enough for it to really matter either way for her. Still, her presence on the field means I get to hammer the basic feel of the technique into my skull by brute force, all while in a pretty decent simulation of live combat, with foes all around me.

...A bit surprisingly-
>"To you, perhaps."
Hafaz still tears me apart with a group at his back, improved success rate with Gyaketsuote or no. He makes this abundantly clear within the first five minutes of his return. So I switch gears, with an average success rate around 40%, and instead focus on the quality of the trick. With Gloom's group gone, our only audience is Hillevi, Sake and the five Russians catching a break while I work to expand my range. A punch that landed three inches away from where the brain said it should becomes four inches off. Then five. An hour crawls by and it's Hafaz and co's turn to revisit the battlefield, sweat rolling off me in waves, enhanced stamina or no-but I feel it. This will be the time I-

-Yet again get curb stomped by Hafaz. The man's smart enough to prioritize keeping an eye on me over hitting me or even helping his fellow combatants-and that lets him keep up well enough he can throw out attacks with regularity. If I don't give him my undivided attention, my ability to avoid his deceptive strikes plummets. A simple, brutal trap, one that catches me for the third time in this set of round robin spars.

But this time around, I manage to land a solid blow on Hafaz.

It was just the one. But it was no stroke of luck-I could feel it, the magic lining up just right as I struck-and feel that while I doubt I could teach any lessons on it, I'm starting to get Hafaz's preferred martial style. Finally, after nearly five hours, I call it quits.

And consider what I discussed with my shadow, and through him Sake, throughout the entire spar.

-First thing we discussed was Camella. We picked and prodded at our shared memories-and couldn't find a damned thing of use. Sure, she moved more economically than me-but her body's shaped differently, and I can't outright copy her economy of motion over such differences-especially when the differences aren't particularly visible.
-Camella's shooting was even less useful to watch. While she did an admirable job going back over the basics as necessary even as she discussed the esoteric, her own shooting seemed... cavalier. Like she didn't even need to try. And yet there was no magic involved. I couldn't even say if her soul's 'sight' was focused on the targets or not, since there were no actual spiritual features to observe, just a radiating, palpable sense.
-Sake and SB both pitch the Red Cap footwork to me, relative to what each one prioritizes. Sake espouses the virtues of being so swift to change direction that the wind would shift far more than normal about me-something he could easily manipulate, and use as a basis for remotely casting Wind Manipulation magic from my body in pulses. Sake is unable to comment on the actual mechanics as at no point has sake ever witnessed it in action Not there to meet them underground, and they haven't used it in your presence since As a counterpoint to Sake's notion that learning the footwork would make it easier for me to ply Sake's power as a shield or sword (or both), SB talks of attention-and the fundamental shift in how it can be slipped, if I could move with such seeming randomness. All of it leads to saying that ultimately, there's fuckall I can deduce about the style's mechanics from one dude that's only sorta me seeing it for an instant exactly once.

I consider asking Amen some questions-

>[Take a nap]
But fuck it all, I'm tired as hell, and the Russians start their job in... an hour. Need to make sure I'm awake for that, just in case.

So I do just that-I take a shower, and I take a nap.

And it's fucking amazing.

I wake up half an hour into it thanks to the shrill chime of my watch-and have no trouble falling back asleep, still exhausted.

I roll out of bed, fatigued or no, the second time I awake to a high pitched sound. Okay... the Russians should be starting their job any minute now, and amongst those who went, three have phones and my number memorized in case shit happens.









What do I amuse myself with while they do their thing?
Please not Armas is unusually tired, possibly related to an earlier chakra experiment gone awry. Less demanding tasks will be given more weight-but also keep in mind it's well past when any reputable business has shut for the day.
>>
No. 369500 ID: f70e5e

ask amen if he has any special title among the red caps, and if he has any notable reputation among them. judging by how Ricky and Lucy reacted to being offered charms made by him there is some history there.
>>
No. 369503 ID: 21a619

Say "I won a math debate" ten times fast.
>>
No. 369504 ID: d97a61

>>369498
[Sorry, to clarify, the Mafia/Russian group should outnumber the German group two to one, in the Mafia job being undertaken right now.]
>>
No. 369506 ID: f6106a

Recall that when you first left for the trip, Amen said he knew of the Mubarek Clan and would be contacting their witch with an offer to use his skills and abilities. Also remember that he claimed to have access to contacts within' the Zosimus dynasty at that moment too. And how we didn't know of the Mubarek Clan and their Witch matron after the trip and had no contacts with the Zosimus Dynasty after.

I figure the Witch made a deal, or Amen determined the wording of the order vague enough that she could give him orders, and insured knowledge of her and the clan was wiped from his mind or at least unable to tell anyone about it. Now, Cornelius could have simply informed his Dynasty that Amen had traded owners so his contacts dried up, but then the wording he used strongly implied he never had contacts, but Smets did. Seems likely he's unable to talk about them, or had his mind wiped of them. So then I'd say there's a good possibility that the Witch managed to use Amen against his contacts, either through setting them up or more direct methods.

Not much to do about this, but being aware of it could be useful to patching up some holes in his orders. For one, an order to Amen that he is not to make or facilitate any deals without first requesting and receiving consent from you. Second that the Witch in fact does not have authorization to give him orders. Third, in addition to not telling anyone information relating to you, he is not to graft the knowledge onto anyone or transfer it to others in anyway, including through the manipulation of any agents or contacts he has.
>>
No. 369523 ID: 448d82

Take some time for more relaxing activities, like considering all that has happened.

Thinking how Whaitiri is strangely related to guns, idle thought.
Talk to Silja, read a cookbook. Look up myths and rumours on the internet aswell as animals stories, might come across something interesting. Basically loaf about and think about things. Consider(THIS MEANS THINK NOT ACT)the possiblity of playing a prank on Amen that won't get you killed, recall that it was taken aback the first time you suggested the orange suit.

[A perpective switch to the Russians would be awesome right now, as Armas is unlikely to be doing whitehot action]
>>
No. 369540 ID: 2964e1

>>369506
>I figure the Witch made a deal, or Amen determined the wording of the order vague enough that she could give him orders, and insured knowledge of her and the clan was wiped from his mind or at least unable to tell anyone about it.

It shouldn't have been vague enough for any order to happen. We need to order Amen to recount any information he has on his contacts with the Witch or her clan, or with the Zoisimus, based on what he knows, any memories within his sphere of influence that he can access without harming us or a guest.

We should also examine the punt gun.

>”Sake is unable to comment on the actual mechanics as at no point has sake ever witnessed it in action Not there to meet them underground, and they haven't used it in your presence since.”

No. He witnessed it in use when they came to dinner.

>As his eyes widen, there is a crunch of stone as Ricky goes from standing by the far door to indulgently sniffing at the barrels of blood.



Whilst we wait for the Russians to dial in, we should get Amen, if we can do so without effecting anything else in the mansion or his memory of it, to repeatedly play back a slowed down illusionary recording of when Ricky initially went for the blood. For now, we shouldn't even try to replicate it, just get an understanding of how they move their feet.

We should also ask SB and Sake if they can pull off Gyaketsuote. There are two different uses of it. The first is that you and your Bros can maintain the communication channel initiated by looking each other in the eye open continually, and rather than lying to each other, simply tell the truth. That way, you will become superhumanly co-ordinated in combat, as you will always know what the other intends to do next. The second possibility is to have Sake and SB use Gyaketsuote on your behalf on enemies, to multiply the effects of the bluff.

We should ask Amen:

"Give me the list of all the magical items you can detect, are aware of, or any information you can access suggests is within your sphere of influence that the direct knowledge of the existence of won't hurt me. Tell we how many magical items fall into the later category."

We also have an opportunity to gain favour from Whaitiri. First, we need to prepare Amen, in English:

"Amen, when I give the command, you are to answer the goddess Whaitiri's questions. You should base your responses on any knowledge or skill that you can access within your sphere of influence save mine or my guests' minds, and you can not perform any experiments or otherwise act to gain new knowledge. You are to do nothing save impart information, which itself can have no intrinsic ability to harm the listener or distort their decision making abilities."

After checking with Sake that he still has his shadow of the mere, we should suggest he beseeches the goddess, with something like this.

"Oh great and bountiful goddess, this humble supplicant begs leave to put your servant's servant, the Slayer of Ramses, at your disposal to answer any questions or explain any subject you may wish to inquire on. I can only ask forgiveness for how little a sacrifice this is, for though the creature is doubtless a serpent, its knowledge and skills are great."

With the mere that she invested some of her scant power in broken, we need to keep her sweet, and this seems a fine way to placate her.

If she takes up this offer, then when she has finished, we may want SB to intercede with her again. After the experiment with the Summer Bloodline failed before, we might as well go straight to the source.

"Oh great goddess, I hope my small offering has taken the edge off your intellectual hunger, for I fear that, in my ignorance, I have not served you as well I might. I am shamed, for I do not understand how best to use the gifts you so magnanimously gave, proper exploitation of my Summer bloodline and the tiniest fragment of your divine soul you bestowed are beyond me. In your wisdom and mercy, I beseech you, grant me this understanding and teaching so I may know how to bring better meat to your table."

After this, we can ask SB what he thinks about checking in on the Russians in person. Given our past dealings with mafiosi, it might be sensible for him to sneak after them so he can act as backup if it all goes tits up.
>>
No. 369544 ID: f8aa66

Still tired? I guess a 5-hour beating wasn't the best thing to do after messing with our chakras. We could go bug Hillevi, but it'll keep until morning; I dunno if she'd do anything for tiredness, anyway.

Go get a sandwich and relax by the fire with those files, please (wear a smoking jacket: http://www.markwenzel.com/smoking_jacket.jpg). No need to memorize them, just the broad outline. How capable is Rocco? Who does Endman work for? How high up in the Yakuza is Baki (and does his name mean 'explode' or 'eat'? Japanese isn't my strong point)?

Failing that, I'd still like to revisit illusion charms with Amen (>>369021).

Failing that, make a mental note to move knowledge of Reapertech through our ring of associates. Camella gets a look at the gun, Einrik gets a look at the charms. Tells us what they know. Then continue outwards if we still don't know enough; Hafaz and co. for the guns, Goblins pay to get a look at the charms.

Oh, and would it be too mother-hennish to have SB and Sake go out and have fun- in the same general area as what's going down with the mafia and nazis?
>>
No. 369551 ID: 8cbced

Yalk with Silja. Things of interest could be about a cousin of ours who is in trouble and how we don't know how to reach him, how a kid had his dad killed by an enemy of ours and how we have an heirloom of his- but an extrmely dangerous one, and so on.

Talk to Amen in face to face real dialog, as he mentionned knowing about our summer bloodline:
“Amen, eating magical meat is one way to regenerate my summer bloodline. Tell me if there are kinds of meats, both in species and in where in the body they come from, that are actually better than others for various different task.” “Amen, Would one kind of meat be exceedingly effective for healing or preventing mental damage?” “Amen, so far all the abilities I can use solely with my summer bloodline seems to be passive apart from eating powerful magical animals or humans. Tell me of five different ways, if possible, that would not cause permanent damage that I could use to use it actively that would be regarded as powerful by other bloodline users but wouldn't grant me things I already possess, with at least three of those ways not being Taboo if possible, as well as name their positive and negative traits and specifications in less than an hour of normal time oral dialog?” All this should of course be used in normal human oral dialog with the usual caveats for Amen to not answer if he would be forced to kill us if he has to.

Then think back on how you broke your mom's mere, and how we better hope she never learns of this. Maybe we should look up more on maori's, to show her we don't under-value her gift to us. Same, we might think about those crazy dances our mom taught us, and try to do them again. We have a link to a Maori goddess in our soul, and our mom won't be happy if we don't show proper respect to her heritage.
>>
No. 369553 ID: 81f32a

>Please not Armas is unusually tired, possibly related to an earlier chakra experiment gone awry. Less demanding tasks will be given more weight-but also keep in mind it's well past when any reputable business has shut for the day.

Like asking questions, right? You don't even need to get of the bed to do that. In fact just lie down on the couch or something and bombard Amen with bunch of questions (although do it after seeing of the Russians on their mission).

These questions please >>369156


>Russians going on the job.
I was hoping we could send a force multiplier with them, preferably having Armas be there himself. Seeing that he cannot do that, maybe we can ask Hillevi if she wants to acompany them? Though she wont get paid (I doubt she cares about the money).... or better yet, send Sake and Sadowbro (since the sun has set and there are shadows everywhere, SB should be able to move everywhere, right?). I do not want to lose anyone, they'll act as safety nets.


Get enough rest for the next day. Sleep at least 6 hours, better 8

>>369540

>"Oh great and bountiful goddess, this humble supplicant begs leave to put your servant's servant[..] I can only ask forgiveness for how little a sacrifice this is[..]
>"Oh great goddess, I hope my small offering has taken the edge off your intellectual hunger, for I fear that, in my ignorance, I have not served you as well I might. [..]I beseech you[..]

Hahahahaha.
No.

... I mean, the suggestions are good but do not have Armas talk like a lowly slave licking mud of mastes boots. While he shouldn't be his usual arrogant, self-sure, cocky, trolly cunt when addressing her, lowering him to that is just not how Armas rolls.
He should be professionally respectful.

>>369523
>[A perpective switch to the Russians would be awesome right now, as Armas is unlikely to be doing whitehot action]
No.... No, no. Hell no.
One of the things that makes GfH better that GQ is the lack of those damn, constant Perspective Shifts.
Sure, it was awesome at the beginning but then they started to roll out and never stop. Ever. Mordre became secondary, tertiary and then background character over the time. It was fucking confusing and the worst of all, Bob stopped answering (self)questions addressed to the playing character (ie. what do you think of Mordre, how do you like your life now, etc, etc).

Do not make this another convoluted Perspective shift mess....
Well, I doubt Bob would do that anyway, seeing how he has to deal with half a dozen PC's but still....


A timeskip or whatever would be better. It is taking several real-life weeks just to advance single day in quest. A little bit faster pacing wouldn't hurt.
>>
No. 369564 ID: 2964e1

>>369553
>... I mean, the suggestions are good but do not have Armas talk like a lowly slave licking mud of mastes boots. While he shouldn't be his usual arrogant, self-sure, cocky, trolly cunt when addressing her, lowering him to that is just not how Armas rolls.
>He should be professionally respectful.

He tried that last time, and did major damage to his relationship to Whaitiri. In her weakened state, she demands that those she considers her servants give her complete obeisance, probably because her confidence has been shaken. That's why we need SB to talk to her on our behalf, because we screwed up the relationship. We shouldn't discuss further here, but take it to disc or IRC.

More usefully, if we ask Amen questions, we can enquire what all the reasons he is aware of or thinks are over 50% likely that we are so unusually tired.

We should also spend some time passively meditating on our chakra, comparing their current state to how they were this morning whn we first examined them.
>>
No. 369614 ID: 3fd4fb

Read through all of the recovered files thoroughly.

Chat casually with Silja for a while. That is important to do regularly for her emotional health.

Ask Amen what principle his illusion charms function on. Also learn the following:
-If the charms mimic the appearance of specific people (perhaps those whose blood is used); if we use these we must avoid imitating anyone famous, criminal, or preferably alive in the last two centuries
-If the charms will or might cause or risk harm to the user in any way
-If the charms will defeat electronic surveillance (if in doubt, we can get someone with a digital camera and test it ourselves later, but don't order him to make one now)
-What resources are required to create them


SUST to any suggestion which will require a distracting level of focus from us during the operation. Mostly, that means anything that will make our awareness go internal or cause us to zone out. We cannot afford to not answer our phone if we get a call on their very first mission. We can do all that shit after we know that everything is over and resolved successfully.

>>369503
SUST also to this, because apparently no one else has and while Armas has a terrible sense of humor he isn't that juvenile.
>>
No. 369638 ID: d97a61

Corrected due to paying for the wrong job
>>369500
Still fatigued and rubbing sleep out of my eyes, I ask Amen a question, knowing he'll hear it.
"Amen, do you have any titles amongst the Red Cap population?"
>[Amen]"Some that this one recalls, yes. This one recalls being titled Athair Fola several times, as well as Comhlacht Weaver. This one was also briefly called Ollphéist Ifreann."
Huh.
>>369506
"Oh yes, and from now on, you must get explicit permission from me to make any deals with any parties from here on out."
I feel... something, briefly radiate from Amen.
>[Amen]"This one hears and obeys."

>>369503
Maybe after Armas actually wins a math debate. Or he's drunk.

>>369523
>>369551
Phone close at hand, I spend another half hour talking with Silja-this time, she seems fully content to tell me about the Armas I am not, the mundane member of the Valkonen family. I learn some things about him-his fascination with insects, but only those that could not fly, and his slowly acquired collection of dried beetles bartered for from traders. She reminisces how he'd let her run her fingers over their shells, learning their aquiline shapes by heart. She talks of his dislike of horses from a time one nearly kicked him as a child. She speaks of his love of woodworking, his dislike of splitting firewood, his love of cooking yet bland opinion of food itself. She paints for me a picture of a complex, happy man that brought joy to her otherwise lonely world-and I begin to really get why she so adamantly refused to even consider I wasn't him at first. ...Now, if only I could broach the subject of her death to her again, I might puzzle out a few things-but I won't push, not here, not now. It's enough that she's back to 'normal'.

>>369540
Noting Sake draping himself over a book case:
"...Hey, Sake."
>[Sake]"What?[code]" "You're full of shit." >[Sake]"[code]You will have to explain."
"You did see their footwork. When Ricky dashed to the barrel."
>[Sake]"As it happens, I do not have preternaturally swift senses-so like you, all I 'saw' was a blur."
"...Eh, you still saw it."
>[Sake]"Not in a meaningful manner."
"Fine. Oh-Amen? Can you provide Sake with a slowed down view of Ricky's movements, again without incurring any harm?"
>[Amen]"This one can."
"Do so then. Let me know if you figure anything out, Sake."
I have Amen bring me the Punt gun, and run my magic senses over it. ....Well, I'm already certain there's no way I can use this: The gun seems to convert recoil into direct physical harm to the user's body-and it generates ammunition from pulling iron from the user's blood. That's... just not going to work for a human to use. Sure, fires a hornet's nest worth of massive metal spikes-but still.

Continuing to keep my phone in hand, I ask Amen a few more questions as I stretch, pleased I'm already feeling fresh(er) from the beating I took earlier.
"Are you familiar with Hafaz' fighting style, Gyaketsuote?"
>[Amen]"This one had not heard of it before, but has now observed it's use, and feels moderately familiar with it's function. Why?"
"Could my brothers use it?"
>[Amen]"Master's brothers should not be able to. It's restricted to working with a human body as an origin point, so far as this one sees. Perhaps your shadow soul could use it within the Dark, but not in the physical realm."
"So, no way you can think of they could assist me in it's use?"
>[Amen]"Short of harmonizing all three of your souls so you could benefit from their conjoined will boosting your bluff, no."
"I see. Give me the list of all the magical items you can detect, are aware of, or any information you can access suggests is within your sphere of influence that the direct knowledge of won't hurt me. Tell we how many magical items fall into the latter category."
>[Amen]"Per existing orders, this one must seek clarity: Would this list except magic items master is already aware of?"
"Yes."
>[Amen]"Then there are none. This one notes this one's prior master was fond of acquiring such items only for the purposes of selling them, with the exception of the collection master already sold off to the goblins."
Damn.
-I set off in a new direction. I speak with my shadow for a while, explaining how I want to get back in touch with Whaitiri. I explain some speaking points I'd planned, choice of diction-and he scoffs at me.
>"....Really? You acknowledge my shadowmere's likely still around-which it is-and that it could be used to contact Whaitiri. You even acknoweledge that a wise plan would be to contact her, and re-establish proper communication. ....And you didn't consider if I, a copy split off from the very same mind and soul that came up with all that, hadn't also considered it-maybe already started acting on it? Did I take all the mental acuity and intuitive reasoning when we were separated? Also, to practice your preferred style of vernacular, eat shit if you think I'll be that obsequious. Though I will admit, approaching her about Amen is a.... bold move, and one I reluctantly agree with. You talk with Amen while I warm her to the idea."
Okay, yeah, that was totally a 'controlling asshole' move there. Moving on.
"Amen, when I give the command, you are to answer the goddess Whaitiri's questions. You should base your responses on any knowledge or skill that you can access within your sphere of influence save mine or my guests' minds, and you cannot perform any experiments or otherwise act to gain new knowledge. You are to do nothing save impart information, which itself can have no intrinsic ability to harm the listener or distort their decision making abilities."
>[Amen]"This one is incapable of Worship or Belief generation: How is this one to contact Whaitiri?"
SB?
>"I'll give him permission to use my shadowmere as a conduit-I'll handle the wording, just tell him."
"My brother will handle the method of contact. Now is my order understood?"
>[Amen]"Completely."
>"..And we're ready on this end."
"Then Amen, I command you to answer Whaitiri's questions as I outlined."
>[Amen]"This one shall obey."
>"..Yeah, she's liking the sound of this. Well, this should keep me busy, acting as middle man."

>>369544
...Well, still no call. That's good, nothing's going wrong then. I head out to the smoking room after putting on a purple cashmere smoking jacket from my closet, set up camp beside the fireplace (as ever, merrily crackling) with a sandwich thrown together in the kitchen as I start browsing the files the Russians claimed.
Let's see:
-Rocco's file shows he... is actually a stealth based bloodline user. Hadn't expected that. It's an Autumn line, and it skews perception. It's uncompounded, and is only two generations old. Thus far, there's no evidence of him using it here in Istanbul-though the file notes it is an ability notorious hard to detect, or even concretely define. All the paper notes on it's function beyond it's perceptual foundation is that it's similar to a chinese ability that's rough translation is 'Forgotten Grandfather'- a style that is not discussed in the file.
-I learn Rocco's actually similarly rather skilled in Chakra use-though his skill is completely specialized to body reinforcement. There's pictures of him knocking over cars like they're empty trash cans, and breaking through a brick wall bare handed. So, single, stealth-based bloodline, and chakra use very similar to Ito's-but on a body that's at it's base quite a bit stronger and more sturdy than Ito's.
-Seems Rocco's inherited Castelleti's gun collection-but that collection is not listed in this file.
-Beyond that, it's mostly information that doesn't at face value look worthwhile.

Some few minutes later, as I ponder what to do with this information, I get a call that I immediately answer.

>[Lev][In Russian]"Lev here. Downed, Feodor patched me up, Lyubov got me outside. I'm safe. No other injuries, no surprises. Lyubov's rejoining the rest. I'm in a safe place. End of report."
"We'll get you properly patched up when you get back-are you in imminent danger from blood loss?"
>[Lev][In Russian]"Feodor took care of it."
"Excellent."
The call ends-well, an injury handled as safely as could be expected-can't complain.

After a moment waiting to see if there will be a followup call-I resume reading.

-Walt Endman is a German smuggler, one who's been in Istanbul for a while. He deals in arms, and is listed as once having been a member of the Paladin Group. That, coupled with the notice that several presumed German gangsters have begun staying at some of his residences suggests he is indeed related to Savoy's German friends.
-There's no evidence of Walt being magically capable-but it does note he rather compulsively carries two magical items. One is a charm that artificially makes his soul identical to that of a bloodline user's-the second is a derringer wrought of metal reclaimed from an as of yet unidentified Artifact. The Derringer has thus far killed everything it has been fired at with one bullet.
-The File also notes him to have a gambling habit, and that he gambles nearly every day, listing two casinos in the area he is fond of visiting.
-Baki Yamada is a mid-ranking Yakuza agent who runs a business as a popular masseuse and tatooist. He is noted as being considered a master of unarmed combat, and has a bloodline that amplifies his chakras, allowing him to fight with far more brute force than most chakra users, noting him having ripped through armor-plated vehicles like they were tissue, as well as having a fondness for beating supernatural foes to death. Thus far he has not been linked directly to any illegal actions in Istanbul, and has lived here for three years.
-Prior to that, his last known Yakuza job saw him purportedly exterminating an entire Tong den single handedly.
-It is noted the man is a fond of vegan foods, and makes a point of working in local soup kitchens ever Sunday, as well as giving free candy to the children of his clients. Thus far, no ulterior motive for either set of behaviors has been identified.
-The rest of each file doesn't seem all that interesting, so I leave it be.

>>369553
...With no further call, I get Amen in the room to answer a few more questions as midnight approaches.
"Amen, I've been wondering: Can you teach me how to make charms?"
>[Amen]"Regrettably, this one has been explicitly ordered to not instruct any individual, even a master, in how to craft any form of magical item. This one is still capable of crafting such items itself, but this one's work cannot persist outside of the house grounds without an order otherwise from master."
Damn. That.... that kind of kills my line of questioning, since all of it was based off the assumption he could teach me. ...Something feels a bit off here, but that could easily just be me being tired.

>>369614
"Okay-back to those Illusion charms you mentioned you could craft. Do the charms mimic the appearance of specific people?"
>[Amen]"They do."
"Do you have blood in the house' stock that is not derived from a known criminal, celebrity, or anyone who has been alive within the last... century?"
>[Amen]"This one does not."
"Fifty years then?"
>[Amen]"This one could honor such a requested crafting restriction as those dead at least fifty years, lacking a known criminal background and lacking any celebrity status."
"Good. Whenever you do make the charms, only use blood fitting this criteria."
>[Amen]"This one obeys."
"Next, do the charms carry any risk of harming the wearer in any way?"
>[Amen]"Only if the user's body contained less spiritual potential than that contained within the drops of blood contributed to the charm."
"Will that be an issue if you are restricted to non-magical blood?"
>[Amen]"No."
"Can the charms defeat electronic surveillance?"
>[Amen]"No. Further, this one knows of no illusory magics that can best such technical safeguards."
"So for these charms, what resources are required?"
>[Amen]"The blood of the face desired. The blood of the one that shall own the charm. Two ounces of gold, one quarter ounce palladium, and one foxes fang, per charm. These ingredients will need to be acquired, as the house stock does not have them."

Hm.

As I'm considering this, I get another call-one I answer readily. It's gloom, with a report.
-The mission was achieved, the supply point captured, the possessing force neutralized.
-Seems none of the Russians died. Cool stuff. Also seems Lyubov impressed the Mafia bloodline user-a flesh manipulator named Angelo-by detecting a flank attack before the trap was sprung.
-Dmitri similarly impressed by significantly reducing friendly casualties with discerning application of thermal goggles and shots placed through less-than-sturdy walls.
-Iosef... didn't actually do much, as his choice to set up outside with the Gatmalite left him twiddling his thumbs, as the weapon lacked a suppressor, and the fighting didn't spill outside of the apartment complex. There is, of course, a chance his presence acted as a deterrent to any Germans contemplating flight, but there is no way to be sure.
-Zhenya didn't have a stand out performance-but she did manage to pick up four different German pistols, a new start to her collection.

Well. All in all, seems the job went well-and after logging on, I see a tidy deposit's been made in my new business account. Things went well enough, it seems.


After asking Hillevi to offer Lev healing on his return, I verify they do not need assistance returning discreetly-and head off to bed, intent on getting a full eight hours of sleep, hoping it will pull this fatigued fugue off of me.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7th, 2011
PERSONAL FUNDS: $97,212.97
BUSINESS FUNDS: (+48,000-25%) $36,000.00
CASH: $1,255.75
SHADOW PATIENCE: 90%

...Ah, I actually don't feel tired now.

I note that it's eight hours later, a bit before eight AM. ...Man, it felt good to sleep like the dead. After getting dressed in a double breasted dark orange satin leisure suit, with a subdued reflective patterning to make the shirt shimmer irridescently in the right light. I eschew a tie and finish off my attire with some slip on King Cobra skin loafers, before ambling down the stairs to the first floor. Seems everyone's awake-and I see that Lev appears completely uninjured. Excellent. Seems I also caught Hafaz and co getting ready to head out the door.








So what is it I should do today?
>>
No. 369649 ID: bdb886

Maybe we should ask Zhenya if we can check her guns for any magical leanings? We can detect magic in weapons, IIRC, and it never hurts to be thourough. She keeps them, of course, the practice would be good alone.

Chat with Silja. Casually. Maybe take her out shooting, or something. Get some magic blood and show her something cool in the city, if you can.

Research the gun parts, ask the Russians for input.

Can we contact Big? I kinda miss him.

Try and contact SM again, ask him about the other day. Maybe probe for a way to safely sell the info on our soul-smuggling friend. There HAS to be a way.
>>
No. 369699 ID: 2964e1

Proposals for the day:

Thank Hafaz for what he showed you, and invite him to get in touch again soon.

Use the alarm clock on your phone to vibrate at hourly intervals throughout the day, and put it in your pocket.

Get changed into something which doesn't restrict mobility and draw attention like the leisure suit. it would simply be uncomfortable to mediate whilst wearing it, for example.

Spend a couple of hours meditating feeling our chakras, and sensing the energy flow, is it smooth, or turbulent? If there is turbulence, does it form any patterns? What happened to our eye effected our chakras, now we can directly perceive chakra, what effect can we see using that? As we can't directly perceive our soul yet, examining our chakra and the spiritual energy flowing through them is the closest thing we can get to what is happening to it.

Ask Amen to set up a sound insulated shooting range on an unused floor, without damaging anyone's belongings or them. Then spend a couple of hours shooting with the Russians who weren't up late.

When SB says that he has finished interceding between Amen and Whaitiri, we should ask him what he can tell us of what Whaitiri learned, and what she taught him about how our shared summer bloodline and divine graft works.

I would recommend that we spend no more than an hour of time on physical sparring today, as we have more important things to focus on. When we do spar, what we should concentrate on is a team spar, with say, 4 or 5 people on each team. We should try to use our newly gained knowledge of Gyaketsuote in the service of truth rather than lies. Instead of forming a link with our enemies and deceiving them about what we will do next, we should form a link with our allies and tell them the truth, so that we become far more co-ordinated as we automatically take account of how they plan to attack and where their vulnerabilities are. If we get this working, we should then try entering into ego-less mode against the opposing teams, not consciously thinking about them, whilst devoting our conscious focus to maintaining and improving the links with our allies. Given that using the Ego-less style when sparring with Camella actually made it possible/easier to concentrate on other stimuli, such as the sound of her clothes moving, whilst our unconscious mind was doing the moment-to-moment fighting, this may actually make it even easier to maintain the Gyaketsuote link with our allies. The idea isn't to stack Ego-less and Gyaketsuote, but to use them in parallel against different targets.

Now, today we should really start thinking about the possibilities inherent in Gyaketsuote. Whilst it is useful in physical combat, the principles should be applicable socially. It opens a communication channel between you and the people who your eyes meet, which you can use to channel false information to them about your future actions. This can obviously be used when bargaining, whenever you're manipulating something, as it allows you to deceive them via a medium that they do not even realise exists to be sceptical of. For example, when bargaining, you can deceive them about what price you will ultimately accept, or wrong foot them about what the next offer you make should be, or even what argument or position you will take next is, so they prepare for the wrong response. You can also do things like make them think you are about to interrupt, when you're not, or vice versa, or send the suggestion that this actually is our final offer coming up, etc.

To intensely practice this, we should change into more typical clothes you've seen normal Turkish people wear, and then go down to one of the major bazaars. Whilst there, we should look into buying a large amounts of good quality cloth, negotiating with one of the food stalls for deliveries of food to the mansion every day sufficient for 20 people, but sourced from a wide variety of sources. These larger scale contracts should give us plenty of leeway for haggling, but we should also bargain for some cheaper objects. If we can find somewhere that sells paintball guns, we should try buying 20 of them, along with plenty of ammo.

Whilst we walk around the market, we should also practice integrating Gyaketsuote with the standard goblin stealth, focused on avoiding people in the crowd who've already spotted you, so you can re-establish stealth. The best way to start doing this is to very quickly catch their eye, and then send the impression that you're going to move one way, and then quickly move somewhere else as you detect their Intention to move their Attention shift as you suggest.

It might be interesting to bring Hillevi along. She can watch and learn, if she likes, and just get used to being amidst the sound and fury of a big city. We can also teach her how to use a debit card. let her choose some of the fabric we buy - we can have Amen make it into clothes for her later.

Using a secure line, we should ask Go Ping for any intelligence they have on potential mafia strike groups, such as the Ogre Clan or the Golden Demon Gods, what the protocols are to get backup if a major threat like them or the Doonegeas turns up. We should then brief the Russians on anything we find out.

Encourage Hillevi to ring her family back in Finland on their land line to let them know she has arrived safely. When she's off the phone with them, speak to Big about how his training is going, and, if you learn one of Liab Olmai's shamans is there teaching him, ask to speak to him. You want to give them the opportunity for them to redeem their obligation to mentor you in spirit-manipulation techniques, and drop it into conversation that this includes what they should have learned from the elders of Stallon's clan that they captured. They also have the chance to redeem, the favour they offered. Note that Stallon's enormous eyes were shattered by Einrik's blows, and liberally distributed over the landscape. As they'll dissolve on their own anyway, if they could spare several large pieces of the stronger fragments, particularly any that formed longer shards a foot or so long, we would consider that a fair trade. The eyes, were, after all, meters long in each dimension (the size of a car each), so they have plenty. It should be clear to them that without us choosing their side in the battle, they may not have any of it, so we don't need to bring it up.
>>
No. 369702 ID: f6106a

Amen can not instruct us in charm making. He should however be able to implant the knowledge directly into us. Whether we decide to do that or not, we should be aware this is what seemed off.

>>369649
Downvoting trying to contact SM. Seeming desperate isn't smart, and he'll pick up trying to find a safeway to sell information that could get a ruling dragon after us. Worse yet, he knows we have Sami, so he might think it's us not Lo Fang. And we did do it with the Reaper, while the Triads might be willing souls for Lo Fang.
>>
No. 369703 ID: e8ac38

Well, you feel rested, so that's good. Call out for Amen. Ask him if we have the ingredients necessary to make a breakfast from the goblin cookbooks, with the requirement that it won't fill our winter bloodline, harm us, or show a taint on soul, body or mind for those eating it (including hillevi if we want to eat with her). Ask Amen to make a High Class dress just slightly reminiscent of a Ballerina dress that would fit Camella (give him her sizes for fitting and ONLY that), as it could come in handy. Check to see if all the Russians are in good state, and ask Sake if he doesn't mind rubbing himself against them or Hillevi or Armas. Ramidreju healing seems highly potent, and it might be a good idea to get into the habit of checking if it can heal stuff we had no idea were there- after all, if he uses energy, that means he healed something.

I really want to have Armas practicing those crazy dances of his mother for a couple of hours this morning, as it will help to get more into that 'Maori Angle', whether it is for keeping in our mom's good grace after breaking the mere, or simply for Whaitiri or ourself. While doing that, ask SB if he has already asked Whaitiri about the Doonegaes and his healing ability- it did seem eerily reminiscent to ours, after all. Does he think she will be interested in help us bind its soul if we give it to her? Then, Ask SB if Whaitiri has already learned something from Amen. If she has, it might be a good time to go into our eye and call her there. Maybe that giving her the soul of the Doonegaes, as well as those lessons, could be enough for her to agree to teach us a bit about our own bloodline. If we can do that, it might be worth spending quite a few hours today doing so.

Other things to do would include getting a thorough report on what happened in the Mafia job, as well as asking Hafaz how one would go and who would be bribable to get the Russsians Turk identity, as well as making ou PMC legal.

>>369649 (Shot)
SUST on Selling KoS stuff about Lo fang unless we want to kill him. Also, I do not want to contact SM all the time- he'll most likely contact us soon.

>>369679 (Alratan)
>Get changed into something which doesn't restrict mobility and draw attention like the leisure suit. it would simply be uncomfortable to mediate whilst wearing it, for example.
Leisure suits were explicitly made for not restricting mobility and being comfortable. No problem with meditating there, and Armas/SB/Sake love them. SUST.

>Spend a couple of hours meditating feeling our chakras, and sensing the energy flow, is it smooth, or turbulent? If there is turbulence, does it form any patterns? What happened to our eye effected our chakras, now we can directly perceive chakra, what effect can we see using that?
If you want to meditate, try to instead focus on what you felt while sparring Camella, that outburst of strength when you broke her staff. While we might not be able to see our own soul directly yet, it doesn't mean can't feel part of it, so trying to 'feel' it for a couple hour while either thinking back on the various time our soul was hurt/changed as well as trying to emulate what we did against Camella, or else simply examining our Chakras and trying to feel the soul beyond might be a much better way to spend time.

>Social with Gyaketsuote.
Don't forget the obvious one: the flaw in our ability to manipulate words is that no matter what we say, someone who REFUSE to believe us is quasi-immune to our silver tongue. However, it might be possible to enhance our deceptions or lies by making them believe 'this is the truth'. After all, we can LIE with Gyaketsuote, and this is may be more effective than small tricks for haggling.

>Going into a Bazaar.
SUST on buying clothes, though I approve of taking Hillevi for a Istanbul tour, as well as trying to get Haggling experience. Do NOT forget to teach Hillevi how to use a Debit card. Also take her to some nice place with cakes and food type she doesn't know.

>Threatening Go Ping/Laib Olmai to 'get info'
Yeah, no. Trying to get Go Ping to slowly send us against Yakuzas and THEN asking for those info could work, but not just flat out asking I think. Laib Olmai won't be able to teach us on the phone, though if you want to try to convince Davkon to come to Istanbul and also bring some fragments, sure.
>>
No. 369722 ID: f8aa66

We could ask Hafaz if he has any contacts in Istanbul's newest group (yakuza). If not, a trip to the masseuse may be in order...

>>369702
I believe between 'cannot teach anyone magic item-making' and 'cannot teach in any way but orally', and the fact we can't copy most of his blood-based charms anyway, Amen has forced us to rely on him for all magic item crafting.

I still had more questions about the illusion charms- does the illusion only affect sight? Does it affect clothing too, or just the body? Can they be built and then just await the drop of blood to activate (i.e. can Amen teach us to activate them on the go?)? Do the charms have a magic 'charge' and when empty need to be recharged (that is, are they a one-shot item like arrow charms, or is it permanent?)? If they burn out, how long does that take? They're really fairly cheap in the grand scheme of things; if they're permanent, we should start getting the stuff together. We could just hit up the Istanbul Gold Exchange or even our bank, but the Grand Bazaar would be more fun.

It does seem like Silja's thing, so maybe we could rig up a way for her blade to 'see' out? Having a bloody blade on our person sticking out of swathes of fabric would be odd, I guess. We'll also need a lot of cash, so keep an eye out for pickpockets (if we find any that seem REALLY clever, we could try to recruit them as an informant).

Who would want to come? I dunno if Hillevi wouldn't get bored, even if it is interesting. Camella's never shown any interest in this sort of thing (doesn't mean she doesn't have it), and Arkvad is probably working for a living. Oh, a thought- Einrik might just enjoy it, if he's got time.

>>369699
If we're going shopping, fabric is fine - but make sure to hit up other places of interest in the Grand Bazaar.

For gold, either the Kalpakçilar Caddesi (the Bazaar's main street; translated to 'Hatmaker's Street' but these days there are more jewelery merchants than hatters) or Gold Seller's Alley (kind of a poor man's stock market over by the traditional swordsmiths - there really is some of everything here). Turks love things made of gold, and since the lira is so unstable they often invest in it. 22-carat unadorned gold bangles are the staple if we go to the jewelers; its how some families still keep their savings. We can also get palladium pieces there. The Gold Sellers are an interesting group. Nobody there needs written deals or contracts or licenses, their word of honor is enough. Sound like anybody we know? Though they don't seem to like pretentious people, so Armas may be out of luck; at the least, we'd need to wear something a little closer to normal (as cool as the leisure suit is, these guys go to work in leather jackets and jeans, wool caps, stuff like that; I know it's not Armas's style, but patterning yourself after your business partner can be crucial). Third option is the pawn shops up past the Bedesteni Sokak. In any case, remember we're going to be buying in bulk, and in cash, and there's very definitely other places we can go to get our merch in the Bazaar- that should give us some wriggle room with haggling.

While we're here, why not check out the Sahaflar, the book market? One of the best places to find old and rare books. Who knows what might turn up?

After that... just wander. Take it in. Listen to four thousand shop owners and tens or hundreds of thousands of customers haggling back and forth. There's carpets (Yörük at #16, among many other stores), leather wares (Koc Leather, for example), purses and handbags (Pako, #87). Silversmiths in the Kalcilar Han. Make a game of it; go into a shop and engage the owner in conversation see if you can escape without buying anything while they try to sell you brass like it was gold.

The Chalabi family (#6 Sandal Bedesten Sokak) has been in business for a dozen generations, selling antiques, Ottoman silver, painted trays and so on; very high end stuff, and nothing like you're looking for. But the way I see it, Armas is more like the 'used carpet hawker' type of bargainer with his Won't Say No. He could stand to absorb a little class and more subtle haggling practice for when he's got to chat with vampire scions and dragons and so on.

Make a day of it. Get lunch at the Kardesler restaraunt (turkish cuisine), get some turkish coffee at the Sark Kahvesi (oriental coffee shop). Have fun.

We can trawl for jobs and kill people and deal with devils tomorrow.
>>
No. 369726 ID: b83c65

That Letter, the one that mentioned talking to Silja when we're not having a day off like we have today. I think we should bring it up today with her, just to see what she thinks.
>>
No. 369769 ID: 81f32a

>Damn. That.... that kind of kills my line of questioning, since all of it was based off the assumption he could teach me.
Eh.... not really.
Look:
>The ask him what kind of charms he can make using only renewable materials from mansion stock.
>Ask him what kind of charms he can make using the materials he has on hand and the approximate amount of charms he can make. If the list is too long, tell him to give the 20 most powerful/valuable charms.
>Ask him how long will it take him to produce said charms.

Also:
ask him if he can make protection charms, what kind, and the materials required.
ask him the 5 charms he can make using only widespread/common materials. Charms that use materials that are legal and easy to acquire and are not too expensive.
Like before, ask him how long it will take to make them and that none of them are taboo in any way.


>So what is it I should do today?
We should ask SB how the question-answer with Amen&Whaitiri went and if he can tell us what Whaitiri asked and what the answers were.

If SM contacts us, don't forget to ask about the MD aution among other things we want to discuss with him.

>>369722
Seconding the Grand Bazaar thing just because how much thought it is given. Especially the part with Haggling experience. We should totally do it, even if we end up buying something anyway.
And yeah, take Hillevi with us.
Armas could use some downtime.

Hey, and maybe we could bring up the topic what happened between Camella and Hillevi? I am curious about that.
>>
No. 369908 ID: 3fd4fb

A critically important thing that we need to do today, before we do anything else: Talk with our brothers. Our relationship with both of them is not at all what it should be- Shadowbro hardly wants to speak with us because we're so often a step behind him in thought patterns and controlling in what we say, and we've almost completely failed in our fraternal responsibilities to Sake; we might have gotten him a body, but we've been focused so much on business, with all the trolling that we promised him falling by the wayside. Even our best stuff, like dropping a building on Blackbeard, has been almost incidental. And half the time we practically order both of them around; we might be in charge but there's really no need to be abrasive about it. We're not being a good brother here. We need to understand and support our brothers if we're going to expect them to wholeheartedly support us.

So apologize for this. Don't expect them to say anything other than "yes, you're a dick", because that's the sort of thing they'll probably say.

To Shadowbro: "Look, I know that we're the same soul and to a certain extent the same mind. But you're a pretty shady guy when it comes to what you know and what you're thinking, and we both know that with divergent capabilities comes divergent thought patterns- all the more so when you've got more time to think subjectively than me. And I've come up with useful ideas often enough that I don't think I can just shut up about them without us collectively diminishing our effectiveness. So if I'm trying to tell you something you already know, or you're pretty certain you can follow my thoughts to their end, just interrupt and say 'got this' or something and I'll let you take it from there, all right? And maybe spend two or three minutes a day giving me the highlights of what you've been up to, so stuff like the Whaitiri thing doesn't seem original to me. I don't even know what you spend all your time doing- you should know better than anyone how easily that starts to kick off my paranoia. Trust is hard."

To Sake: "All right, I've been pretty much holding you back here, I know. It's been all business, almost all the time; not at all what it should be. It's seemed to me like so much is important and dangerous and needs to be taken seriously, but thinking about it I realize that's so much hot air. I've been weaseling out of my word to a weasel in the name of being a stodgy bastard who gets shit done. That needs to stop; it's only going to make my life excessively stressful. As long as you remind me to keep having fun, and do your best to help keep me pointed in the right direction, I promise to avoid acting like a stodgy workaholic bastard. My word on it. We cool?"

Lastly, now that the trivial business is out of the way- we need to get back to what is really important in life: Trolling.

Discuss our abilities, and those of Sake and Shadowbro. Shadowbro now has training in all kinds of Dark things- what can he do with them? Teleportation tricks are amongst the greatest of trolling tools, obviously; if nothing else there's the classic gag of repeatedly moving an object to the original location after someone moves it in order to fuck with people. Or does he have enough mastery to change the clothes someone is wearing yet- Camella in a bikini is still on the to-do list. But there must be far more available to him than that. And Sake- that man is built for trolling. Wind powers can let him imitate sounds, since that's vibrating air, correct? If he's precise enough to do instruments, we can literally play the world's smallest violin at people. If he's precise enough to do voices, we can have awesome mimicry jokes, both on unknowing parties and mocking people who know about it by saying things in their voice. And combining their powers, presumably like they were doing last night... it is a goddamn shame we missed that, because there must have been some brilliantly hilarious shit going on. Request stories. Request ideas for how to use our own powers, because soul and eating honestly don't lend themselves intuitively to trolling; we are a sad man because of this. Bring up the possibility of having Amen make a dozen illusion charms of us to troll people by being everywhere, possibly by distributing to our minions and combining with Armas-face headmasks. Spend a lot of time discussing this; come up with a lot of ideas which might require some level of cooperation, and make sure we've got quick ways to reference them ("the violin trick", "do her voice", etc.) so that we can quickly use them on short notice in a cooperative fashion.

Consider this turning over a new leaf. We need to return to our roots, to what's important. So bring our brothers around with us, and go by these rules for the day:
-Practice trolling, all the time. Any of the brothers can call a troll at any time as a bonding exercise, and the other two will support them in that. As a point of sanity it should be agreed in advance that no trolls which will likely result in serious harmful or expensive repercussions to the brothers should be engaged in, but aside from that it's open season.
-Do not speak to anyone at all unless we can include a pun in what we're saying to them. It doesn't have to be a good pun, since we're not really in practice, but we'd better have one in there. Continue this relentlessly as we conduct our normal activities; take suggestions from our brothers for specific wordings if we're too terrible at it. Shit, Shadowbro is always telling us how brilliant he is, let's get some quick-minded jests up in this.
-If we are in a public area at any point, do not leave it until we've somehow orchestrated a large-scale troll. Something like switching all the menus for two restaurants would qualify, or rearranging all the clothing racks in a store, or pouring perfume/stink in an air conditioner, whatever. Do be wary of security cameras, though. Damn things.
-Do not spend more than an hour without orchestrating some kind of troll on someone. Anyone. None of that "five hours of continuous combat training" crap, unless we're delighting in writing dirty limericks on our hapless opponents with superior combat abilities or something similarly amusing.
-Every other stranger we talk to we should attempt to con trollishly in some fashion. We can talk like nobody's business- we can do the usual boring tricks, but also get ambitious here. Convince cashiers that we're returning items we just pulled off the shelves in front of them, try to make random people think that other random people are celebrities, spread wild rumors for the hell of it, flirt with women just to mess with their boyfriends, make new friends and convince them of impossible things, like that we're a government secret agent and it's vitally important that they do something-or-other which involves trolling a third party.
-Talk to our brothers all the time. Trolling is a serious skill that needs serious development; while laughing over any given joke, we need to speculate on how we could improve them. If we want to really claim the title of Master Troll, and we do, then we must groom ourselves to become the master.



SUST to contacting Sometimes Merchant. Give him another 24 hours before we check on him again.
>>
No. 369948 ID: d97a61
File 132307173281.jpg - (389.05KB , 550x807 , Practitioner 2.jpg )
369948

>>369649
>>369699
>>369703
>>369722
I wave to Hafaz, again thanking him for his assistance so far while inviting them to return whenever they want, as he leaves with a parting comment of looking for work. He mouths the account number, with a smile that (hopefully) is meant to say I should be getting a deposit via them soon. I smile at that, thinking of how well things are go... no, not going to be optimistic about it, so.... back to productivity. Or at least, after I get my phone set to do a reminder of it's own-this one the ticking of an overly loud clock, once per hour. Two chimes in a tick, one tick per hour. Hopefully the double-layered system will help me see more results from my little hobby experiment at making myself more time aware. One can only hope.

The simple things taken care of, I internally address Amen in a brief indulgence in mental communication.
Amen, about those charms you can make-does the illusion only affect sight?
>[Amen]"More accurately, the charms affect one's perception of the individual on a conceptual level. A mimetic virus of sorts, if that helps master understand."
Does it affect clothing too, or just the body?
>[Amen]"Only the body itself-inclusive of tattoos and wounds, but not of jewelry or the like."
Can they be built and then just await the drop of blood to activat?
>[Amen]"This one notes their activation cannot be delayed once the construction process has begun without breaking the charm's spell matrices."
Do the charms have a magic 'charge' and when empty need to be recharged?
>[Amen]"This one supposes a physical charm shell could be re-used some three times at the most-but, but but this one also must note that the charms, once over-recharged will crumble into entropic ash, useless for any function at all."
How are they recharged?
>[Amen]"The same way they are initially activated: With blood, just as before."
If they burn out, how long does that take?
>[Amen]"This one would estimate a charm's functional range varying between a week to two months, depending on the sanguine qualities of the core magicks."
Hm. Thank you Amen.
>[Amen]"...."

With the Russians busy showing Hillevi how the big screen TV works, indeed explaining what TV is, I sidle past Zhenya, noting not a whit of magic in the four guns I see sitting before her. Well, at least now I know. Next thing, I'm sitting down, M28-30 across my lap, chatting with Silja more as I keep half an eye on the big screen as it flickers from news to sports to entertainments before Hillevi's wondering eyes. I talk with Silja about her past yet again-this time, she recounts for me her memories of her hometown, the place she'd lived her whole life, it's smells, it's sounds and feel, the quiet, briskly warm feel of the place. I feel I understand her better now.


After half an hour of that-I find myself thinking of the gun parts from the Reaper tech. I find myself fiddling with part of a loading mechanism as I consider my 'homework' project-
Only to have Vlad ask if the piece I'm holding is from an H&K G11. Rather immediately, Zhenya disagrees, commenting it looks much more like the loading mechanism of the Armtech C30R. Long story short, thirty minutes later, a thorough wiki and gun forum crawl later, and no one's sure who, if anyone, is right-but I file both concept gun's names away, as potential leads into the origins of the rifle I seek to replicate. What's more pertinent is that one of the more complicated parts ends up looking quite a bit like something else we chanced upon only thanks to Gloom's fondness for trawling databases of all sorts-the Voere VEC-91 pistol. After some particularly careful comparison, we decide to label this find confirmed, rather than suspected like the two concept rifle comparisons. Quite frankly, most of those interested in my little puzzle seem baffled at the concept of electronically fired caseless rocket propelled bullets-and there's still a trio of big pieces that no one can figure out that are clearly electrical in function. So there's even more to figure out here-if only we can think where to look.

From there, I call SM-to actually get in contact with him. A bit surprised it was actually successful, I nevertheless trade him the secret that Einrik dislikes puns, before being told, politely but firmly, that barring a genuine pressing need, he'll have to ask me to wait until tomorrow after dawn. He's unflinchingly clear about his commitment to the position, so I don't bother trying to argue it. I briefly confirm we're still on for me dumping my information about modern war to get a lump sum of hours to use on whatever I want-and that I could get the Mammon auction going as soon as tomorrow at noon. Good stuff to know. I end up getting an incoming call as SM's begging off to leave, so I give him what he wants as I pick up... Einrik's call. Seems he'll be back in Istanbul in a little under two hours. After some talking, we decide to meet in a public neutral ground-the bazaar. With a meetup scheduled, I take a few minutes to look up interesting places to stop in the area while I'm there.

Soon enough the Russians start heading out in small groups to explore the city, while Hillevi stays glued to the news, entranced with the telivision. ...Which is good.

Because right now I'm... actually feeling guilty. Strange as it is, I'm... ashamed. Embarassed-I'm worried. All because of the mere. Not because I broke it-certainly, it bothers me, but it doesn't WORRY-no, what does is the knowledge of what my mother would do to me if she found out about this. Grown man or no, she'd kill me, plain and simple. ...More than that, I let her down. Six years old or no, I promised her I'd take good care of it. And I failed.
>[MM,MMMMM Trait auto-activated]
So it is that I come up with a rather convoluted plan, transferring my onus to feel shame over the act into shame felt doing some... rather silly dances she used to have me do when I was a child. And while my plan is successful, ridding me of that worrisome feel-I gain a new point to consider. The Dance, briefly done or no-rather distinctly felt of martial origin. Over the next half hour I test this notion before feeling certain: There's an ulterior purpose to this dance that my childish mind couldn't grasp before. Unable to learn much of concrete definition with my limited recollection of the action, I instead spend most of the next hour looking inward, inspecting my chakras. I set off with two goals: To determine whether my chakra's energy flow feels calm or turbulent, and to define the outline and shape of my soul as best I can, in spite of my inability to directly observe it. On both fronts I make progress, determining my soul to be innately turbulent-possibly because my body is more Summer oriented than Winter, and comes into conflict with the Winter-augmented chakra energy. I detect no way this turbulence harms me-neither do my brothers. Concerning my soul, I still can't see it, but I'd say I have a better sense of its size and a solid... inkling of shape.

That done, I decide to start planning out some experimentation with Hafaz's style-to be shot down by both brothers. I admit that this time they're more polite about it-but both insist I build a sufficient foundation with the style in the manner it's known to work, before attempting to experiment. They note they could probably help with the experimentation, but absolutely will refuse if we attempt to do so before we're as proficient as Hafaz, at a bare minimum. I am informed that I am only one third of the way there, roughly. Eventually, I begrudgingly accept their restriction, and decide to table to the plans for the moment. ...Guess I should get more family with the very thing I'm going to wildly experiment with BEFORE experimenting.

>>369908
It's actually a good thing they shot me down while I was still a bit vexed about some early abrasive behavior. We end up talking about it-and come to the root of the matter in a fairly short time: Simply put, both of them were promised trolling and shenanigans-and neither are getting it with me, having to go out and find it on their own. Given I myself like hijinks, I can't fault their concerns-so I try to address them by speaking to each brother.

To one:
"Shadowbro, I know that we're the same soul and to a certain extent the same mind. But you're a pretty shady guy keeping me in the dark when it comes to what you know and what you're thinking, and we both know that with divergent capabilities comes divergent thought patterns- all the more so when you've got more time to think subjectively than me. And I've come up with useful ideas often enough that I don't think I can just shut up about them without us collectively diminishing our effectiveness. So if I'm trying to tell you something you already know, or you're pretty certain you can follow my thoughts to their end, just interrupt and say 'got this' or something and I'll let you take it from there, all right? And maybe spend two or three minutes a day giving me the highlights of what you've been up to, so stuff like the Whaitiri thing doesn't seem original to me. I don't even know what you spend all your time doing- you should know better than anyone how easily that starts to kick off my paranoia. Trust is hard."
>"...I will take your advice under consideration, though be aware I won't bore you with the intricacies of Dark-based politics and power struggles-they're a mess one's best not involved in. I'll explain what I can do, and catch you up on my actions tonight-you know the place. Turns out some info doesn't like to be shared under the light-and that's no exaggeration."
To the other:
"All right, I've been pretty much holding you back here, I know. It's been all business, almost all the time; not at all what it should be. It's seemed to me like so much is important and dangerous and needs to be taken seriously, but thinking about it I realize that's so much hot air-I have to have some fun while I'm doing this or someday I'm just not going to want to do it at all. I've been weaseling out of my word to a weasel in the name of being a stodgy bastard who gets shit done. That needs to stop; it's only going to make my life excessively stressful. As long as you remind me to keep having fun, and do your best to help keep me pointed in the right direction, I promise to avoid acting like a stodgy workaholic bastard. My word on it. We cool?"
>[Sake]"Absolutely-and I feel quite confident that I could be most amenable to... your special brand of experimentation once we have the promised Kame-osa."
After the big bits of smoothing things over with my brothers and reminding myself of who we are, I chat with my brothers about trolling options: moving objects back to where they started when no one's looking, underwear removal or addition by remote, world's smallest violin being made literal with wind manipulation.... We decide to endlessly trip assholes as spotted, simply because we can. Sake insists on being allowed to throw cats onto rooftops, and after assuring us he'll cause them no actual harm, and only do so on rooftops the cats could climb back down from-and is allowed, with the knowledge the privilege could be revoked if he goes bonkers with it.

Some rather much needed soul searching done, I head out to meet with Einrik at the Bazaar, happily bearing witness to confused citygoers as drinks move at cafes, bicyclists in crosswalks simply fall on their ass while trying to ride, and a gratuitous amount of skirts magically fly up on sudden gusts of wind. I'm not linked to the events, but a few younger boys seem to realize there's a 'wave' going through town that flips skirts-and doggedly do their best to track it, never realizing it's me. It's entertaining to watch, and I can feel the contentment rolling off my brothers.

Einrik, in his ever-tidy looking glamor, bowler hat impeccably centered, meets me as I'm looking at some fabric, tapping me on the shoulder without me expecting it thanks to his uncannily attention-less soul. He ends up helping me capitulate on a few rolls of satin and cashmere, and it's not too long before I've got enough cloth to ensure Amen can make me wholly mundane clothing-as well as enough to cover the Russians, albeit with less costly fabrics. I end up spending $3,960 after some rather dogged haggling. After that, Einrik persuades me to visit Hatmaker street first when I start making a beeline for Gold Seller alley. I don't see any deals that stand out to me, nor do I sense any magic in the hub-bub, so soon enough we're off to Gold Seller's alley anyway. Once there we're recieved rather coldly at first, but Einrik comes to the rescue, getting recognized by a vender that swiftly spreads word of us being good customers, eccentricities or no. I drop most of my trollish pretense while haggling at Einrik's suggestion, and end up walking away with a much lighter wallet-but five ounces of gold, enough to get a start with the charms. Lastly, we sweep back through the bazaar, and I secure weekly shipments from a fruit stand, a produce vender, a butcher, a seafood peddler and a baker. It comes out to $1175 per week for the lot-but I can be sure that even with a party a week, I could keep myself, Sake, Hillevi and all the Russians fed purely on gourmet mundane food. The deliveries will be twice weekly, the first delivery will be double sized, and I'll get to finish out the week's deliveries if I cancel midweek-not too shabby.

After a brief break, where Einrik and I grab a stein of ale each and talk about Hillevi. He laughs when I mention her fascination with telivision, and is decidedly unperturbed at my performance so far. Seeming to hit upon a recurring thought, Einrik suggests going to a different place-Sahaflar. I don't recall the name from my brief search beforehand, and Einrik informs me the place deals in old books-and that he's found a couple magical tomes there before.

I'm salivating at the thought.

It takes Einrik no time at all to get me to the book bazaar in the early afternoon. Dimly lit corridoors, books stacked from floor to ceiling, row after endless row, miniature mazes tucked into this sprawling monument to capitalism. After absorbing a solid sense of the atmosphere, I occupy myself straining my magical senses, wondering if I'll detect anything-

And I get a hit.

As I stiffen, I see Einrik favoring me with one of his fastidious smiles before inclining his head as if to urge me onward. Following a dizzy path through the walls of books, I eventually find-

A man in a simple stiff-collared, long black leather coat, sporting a weathered, yellow-banded black tophat and a simple, off-white cane in one hand, an open book in the other. I immediately recognize that the book he holds in his hands is magic-but beyond that, I can't say why or how.

What I can say is that the moment we approached, the man became aware of us.

And as he became aware of us-so to did I spy his soul.

Where a simple ball of memories and ambitions should lie, I see a skull made of sand, forever dissolving and reforming, a quintessence of dessication and withered endurance, a testament to harsh prices to see eternity-and a grave warning to those that would tread down the neverending path.

>[Strange man][In Turkish]"Well well-Einrik Valkonen, I have not seen you for some time. You seem to have found a new friend?"
>[Einrik][In Turkish]"Abdul Ghanem, you know we are both forbidden from quarreling now."
>[Abdul Ghanem][In Turkish]"I did not think I offered a threat to breach that agreement, unless you think my mere presence sufficient threat. ...Do I scare you that much, boy?"
>[Einrik][In Turkish]"You inspire... pity, Abdul. When will you ever leave your small world?"
>[Abdul Ghanem][In Turkish]"Careful, or perhaps I will be gambling on whether Markku would leave his seclusion for a son's peril."
Thier... decidedly heated 'polite' exchange abating, Abdul turns my weigh as his soul starts to slide out of percievability.
>[Abdul Ghanem][In Turkish]"I do believe I've still not heard the name of this... plebian you found. Who is it you've chosen to involve in your schemes this time?"


It's at this point I realize I'm going to have to introduce myself with the limited information I currently have.... okay, so......









What am I going to say?
Do I have any goals or theories concerning this guy?
PERSONAL FUNDS: $87,077.97
>>
No. 369963 ID: e8ac38

>What am I going to say?
“Name's Armas. I must admit Einrik's schemes definitely involve me, but do not think for a second that while I may be inexperienced, I am but an unwilling pawn that does not scheme back”

>Do I have any goals or theories concerning this guy?
My gut's feeling is that he was somewhat of a transhumanist, someone who held on to life through sheer will- but lost most of what 'life' actually meant to him. If I am right our goal should be to rile him up enough to get answers to questions about 'what is being human' from the viewpoint of someone who went too far. He seems testy enough that riling him up might make him go into full battle-mode though, so be wary of that? Do we have Iron Trick with us? If so, it might be worth a shot to be self-deprecating in our thoughts about our current path and thinking to trick ourself out of such a fate- IT did mention being self deprecating might make him tell us about his advanced tricks.

Other things to do while we are out would include buying some pre-paid mobile card for ease of use for Ricky and Lucy, as that may really help to contact them (even though being in the under-sewers means phone don't work). We might want to try to meet the red caps tonight and see if we can sell them the punt gun and Amen Illusory charm, as well as blood, in exchange for learning their footwork.

Ask SB if he has already asked Whaitiri about the Doonegaes and his healing ability- it did seem eerily reminiscent to ours, after all, and knowing how we could use that could be crucial. Does he think she will be interested in helping us bind its soul if we then give it to her? Then, Ask if Whaitiri has already learned something from Amen. If she has, it might be a good time to go into our eye and call her there. Maybe that giving her the soul of the Doonegaes, as well as those lessons, could be enough for her to agree to teach us a bit about our own bloodline.
>>
No. 369964 ID: f70e5e

I think we should introduce ourselves as an aspiring mercenary, and we should of course be polite. He has probably gone toe to toe with Einrik and is alive so we can assume he is well above our weight class. So we should show him respect, if for no other reason than he could probably kill us with minimal effort.

Up-voting the trolling so long as we keep it mostly harmless and spread out enough to not really ruin anyone's day, It’s important to take time to enjoy the simple things in life. Though avoiding playing pranks on anything tied to the supernatural without good reason would be wise, one never knows what something might be friends with.
>>
No. 369999 ID: f48141

Ask for Einrik to introduce you. Don't be too forward. We learned from the dragon.

I believe the name Abdul Ghanem loosely translates to "Servant of the Prosperous" which is odd, since it might be a name taken up later. Perhaps this guy is a merchant or dealer of sorts.

This might also be Einrik's roundabout way of sorting out a official position in Istanbul if Abdul Ghanem is a powerful man. Try to figure out what he does and if he has any tips for operating and dealing with magical matters in Istanbul.
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No. 370000 ID: f6106a

I'm guessing a royal or imperial(he called us a plebian) autumn bloodline from this guy, or perhaps some form of undead. He's not hiding his soul, which means he's probably not in the same class as the Devil we met, or at least he's not proficient in general soul magic. Given that Einrik is deathless, and his vulnerabilities are then mind and soul, and Einrik can stand up to him despite being much more experienced and based on the book also very scholarly, it's very unlikely he specializes in some form of offensive soul magic. If anyform of it is his preferred thing, it'd be very limited in focus I'd bet, so that seems unlikely. Now since Einrik has an Eldritch horror in his head, I'm guessing his much more vulnerable to mind fuckery then is normal, so Einrik standing up to him means mind is definitely not his area of expertise.

All in all, he's probably a flesh manipulator of some sort, perhaps with some self focused soul or mind magics as well. Might have the other things I listed before, but they're almost certainly be lesser fields for him. If I had to guess specifics, he probably turns things to dust or sand, possibly by draining the life straight out of them, which may sustain his life. Oh, and he also isn't as perceptive as Einrik, as we haven't started hiding our soul and he can't tell we have an Imperial bloodline(again, he called us a plebian). Might not have recognized how unique our soul is either, though i think his pause before plebian was him taking notice of that.

>>369963
>“Name's Armas. I must admit Einrik's schemes definitely involve me, but do not think for a second that while I may be inexperienced, I am but an unwilling pawn that does not scheme back”

I am against that SO hard. Part of that is essentially speaking for Einrik, it's casual rather then formal, and it involves shooting back at him. Seriously, SUST HARD.

"Armas Laine, friend of the Valkonens and mercenary by trade. Pleasure to meet you"
Be polite and avoid conflict, but don't mirror Einrik's demeanor. He's looking at him with pity, we should look at him with friendly warmth. While I think it's likely Einrik might step in to help if something happened, he's making idle threats to Einrik and implying Markku is the only reason he's not going to follow through. Markku is not Armas' dad though, but he is protective of Friend's of the family so we probably have some wiggle room. See where the conversation goes, and perhaps ask if the book he's reading is interesting.
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No. 370039 ID: 81f32a

>Do I have any goals or theories concerning this guy?
I am going to bet he is an immortal, or has had extremely long life. It just feels that way.

Also, he is probably someone not to mess with in any way. From that short banter it seems like he is pretty confident that he can harm or maybe even kill Einrik. He knows who Valkonen are and I doubt he would make subtle threads if he couldn't live up to them.
Also, it seems Einrik and this guy have fought before, seeing how he is still alive is evidence enough to not fuck with this guy.

We can perceive his soul probably because he wants us to perceive it.


Anyway, be polite and professional before trying anything more brazen... at least till we learn more about him.
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No. 370073 ID: 2964e1

>>369963
>>370000
SUST on mentioning our name. Instead try, this:
”I prefer to consider myself the schem-er, rather than a schem-ee, although I'm sure that I can occasionally find it in my heart to let my good friend Einrik think he's the man with the plan. Would be terribly cold of me not to, and I can't let my friendship with him decay away to dust. It would be far too much work to remake.

>Do I have any goals or theories concerning this guy?
Well, he has an unusual soul, but he addressed us as a plebian. That suggests he can't perceive souls, as if he is a NN inhabitant he should have seen we were human, and probably that we have an Imperial Bloodline, and if he is not, he should have seen that our soul looks like that of an alien NN creature, neither of which is obviously plebian.

Einrik told us this about his family:

>Next there's the Arabian immigrant family Ghanem Clan, who specialize in manipulating wind and earth together-sandstorm specialists, he terms them. Einrik knows them fairly well, as they encourage their members to roam the world and gather experiences in life-it also turns out his name is known to the Ghanem family-what's more, they are based in Istanbul. However, the Aksoy family, which he notes to be much larger, has a blood feud with the Ghanem clan-so he'd recommend caution if he plans to approach either.

As Sake is with us or close by (flipped skirts from before), he may be able to sense something about the man's magic, as it is related to wind manipulation. Hopefully he volunteers something, if not, then brief him about what Einrik told you about the family before, and ask him what he thinks we should do.

The goal is to make him slightly intrigued and slightly wary, but not too much. If we make friends it may mean war with the Aksoy, who are Autumn aspected decay specialists. In light of his families' blood enemies' nature, it's interesting that his soul takes the form of skull that repeatedly dissolves, which seems like the motif they would have. It's too soon for any degree of certainty at all, but it's just on the edge of plausibility that he's either been cursed by them, interacted with them a lot and somehow been affected by their magic in some other way, or most unlikely of all, is actually the result of some doomed (or forced) union between an Askoy and a Ghanem. Do not work on the basis that any of these are true, but it would be interesting if it were so. Certainly not something to mention now, but Einrik may find the coincidence either interesting or amusing if we mention it after we've left this guy.

Note that his soul fades from view as he focuses on us. Recall that Lammy's soul faded from view after rapidly inflating when he Raged, so it might be that this guy's soul is powerful enough to be right on the edge of our perception, and has just tipped over the edge of our perception as more of his energy is “aimed” at his direction.

If SB is watching, “push” that thought at him if you can, and see if he has any comments. SB also has significantly better magical senses than you so even though our item sense has failed to detect the nature of the magic in the book, he may be able to pick up something of the magic of the man or item. Ask him what his thoughts on, and what his vote on what we should do is? Finally, do we notice anything that could be the magical threat detection senses that Amen mentioned?

>>369948
>gratuitous amount of skirts magically fly up on sudden gusts of wind.
When we've finished laughing, we should have a think about the number of women that never did anything to harm us who are going to be looking forward to a beating from their fathers, brothers, and husbands for immodesty when they get home for the sake of a moment's tawdry pleasure. Istanbul has a large conservative religious minority who will severely punish their female family members for such things, paired with a notorious domestic violence problem even amongst secular Turks. Beatings may not be the end of it, we probably pushed some of them another step on the path of becoming more and more like virtual prisoners in their own homes. If we're going to gratuitously hurt people who've done nothing to deserve it, could we at least have the decency to make some actual profit from it, rather than simply indulging our own and our brothers' sadism. Say, trolling misers by stealing from them, perhaps.
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No. 370081 ID: 2964e1
File 132312717462.png - (196.47KB , 396x595 , Sand skull2.png )
370081

>>370073
We should also keep a close eye on his soul as/if it fades from our perceptions. Can we consider anything else happening to it, any speeding up or slowng down of the dissolution/reforming, any change to its shape or colour, etc.

I'm reasonably pleased with this one, as I didn't start with a picture or model of a real skull.
>>
No. 370112 ID: f8aa66

>>369964
If we think we can get away with it, why NOT troll supernaturals? We can be the trolling equivalent of big-game hunters.

>Theories?
A sandy skull... Deathless? Sworn to some dark desert god? Mummy? Who knows. If I had to guess: he's Einrik's counterpart in a different, rivaling bloodline (the oldest son and inheritor) and the two rub each other the wrong way. That 'plebian'... kinda sounds like he's a magical blood-purist; people without 78 generations behind them don't even get to talk to this guy.

I'd say we might not want to appear as strongly allied with Einrik ("Einrik who?" *looks at Einrik curiously*) - we don't want this guy to think we can be used to get back at him without breaking truce. Or Einrik himself was surprised by how well we lie to ourself; we could M7 up and allow our conversation to hint at dissatisfaction, see if this guy tries to recruit or turn us. Just for curiosity's sake, of course ("Einrik, oh, man - terrified of weasels. Huge weak spot."). The smart thing might even be to pretend ignorance of magic entirely.

But Einrik must have wanted us to meet this guy. Maybe its an object lesson (do not delve too deep - no, seriously Armas, stop laughing). Maybe it's to throw us into high-end magic shit and see if we sink or swim, like with the dragons. Anyway, it's more Armas's style to look the supernatural in the eye and shake its hand, so we should do that instead. Try and mimic their restrained, needling speech rather than Armas's usual brand of antagonism.

But since I'm not very good with that, here's a list of some sarcasm we may employ.

"For Markku to do that he would need to feel worried for his son's safety. Perhaps your noble self would oblige this plebian and explain why this would be so? It is, after all, only polite to give one's name first when asking another his."

To Einrik, gush: "You've chosen me? I'm... I'm so honored to be picked as a pawn by the illustrious Valkonens." Wipe away a tear. "If only my mother was still around today to be properly impressed."

To Ghanem, gush: "Abdul Ghanem? Of the Arabian Ghanems? Sir, this... this is such an unlooked-for honor. I'm simply delighted, inutterably delighted to make the acquaintance of such rarefied - nay, august! - company. Could I possibly shake your hand? I can think of nothing more that would put the capper on this day - nay, this entire month." If he obliges: "I may never wash this hand again." Feel free to genuflect or kneel in the middle of the bookstore, like an applicant addressing a king.

For goals, I'd like to get Ghanem's impression of Einrik. They say you can learn a lot about a man by the quality of his enemies.
>>
No. 370131 ID: d97a61
 

>>369963
Yes, Trick is with Armas, and so is Old Lonesome on the holdout rig (right arm) and the Mateba-the two magical pistols being on opposed sides of Armas' chest. Doom rounds were brought, but the six brought were not loaded.
I think about giving my name in my intro-only to have a mental pileup as simultaneous to me second guessing the notion, Sake, Trick and Shadowbro alike scream objections into my skull. Thankfully I'm quite used to this, and I doubt even a shadow crossed my face-heh. Well, while my brother's have pulled me into a moment of accelerated though by conversing with me-I've got some comparative time to think about this. Okay, guy's really giving me the vibe of a transhumanist, and my gut's not liking the feel of him at all. ...That's as far as my initial planning gets, as yet again I get distracted by a new thought.
So SB, have you asked Whaitiri about the similarities between the Doonongae's regeneration and mine?
>"I have actually-the answer's less interesting than you might expect. Doonongaes use Divine, Summer aspected Flesh manipulation as their natural magic-does that sound familiar?"
So chalk it up to source similarity, then.
>"Precisely."
You think she'll go for the Doonongaes soul-binding still?
>"Debatable. She is capricious, fickle as you know-I can only say she has thus far been consistent in alluding to such as being in the future without any outright oaths. There has thus far been no safe way to press the issue, so that is where things lie."
Hm. And the Amen lessons?
>"It... is good I've kept myself busy with the Dark in the past-had I not I might have been unable to keep up. Even now the exchange is... prolific. The phrasing is excessively convoluted but I'm making notes, of a sort, of the bits I glean that seem relevant to our bloodline. I'm preparing a packet-expect that tonight, as well. Just remember to ask."
So she's still learning?
>"Absolutely. Her method is imprecise because we have to work around Amen's idiosyncrasies, but it piles up."
Think she'll be amenable to teaching us soon?
>"Hard to say right now. We're closer, at least."
...Well, that settles curiosities itch.

>>369999 Four of a kind Bonus
>>370000 Four of a kind Bonus
Okay, the name-that... works out to 'Servant of the Prosperous' (Hooray artificially imposed polylinguism!). Might be less a name, more a title-something that can be passed on. His soul doesn't... feel Royal. Though since I don't have much a frame of reference at all, I can't be certain. There's... something, though, that feels... separate from his soul. It's not a physical item on him-indeed, I don't detect any magical items on his person-but... an air, a sense of... duty? Purpose? ...Yeah, I'm going to go with the first assumption of 'not real name, but a title'. ....Huh, that would seem to imply I could detect someone using a Title, rather than their Name, with my soul perception. Wish I knew how to do so manually-assuming I'm even interpreting this correctly. Okay, man that is, or at least was at a previous point, in Einrik's league-which most likely puts him out of mine until I actually work out what I can do. Is using a Title, rather than a name.

>>370073 PALENDROMIC BONUS
>>370081 Fanart Bonus
-Which is why I don't exit the moment of accelerated thought immediately, even after confirming my brother's agreed with my assessment thus far, a bystander in my peripheral still mid-way through blinking. Instead, I think back to an earlier conversation with Einrik-where he already told me about the one before us-or at least, the family he's from. Ghanem-an Arabian bloodline currently based in Istanbul. Hybrid bloodline users, specializing in sandstorm and other desert related phenomena, and their replication in variable scales. Einrik even noted how he knew them-I hadn't picked up that relationships were strained in any way, but I do recall the clan encouraging memebers to travel the world to hone their skills.... what else... a bigger clan in Turkey, the Aksoy, fued with them. ...Right, that was about it, as I recall. But if this man's a member of the Ghanem family, how does that explain the feel of a title being used? I confer with my brothers about this-and after some fierce pondering, it is Sake that hits upon an idea.
>[Sake]Perhaps it is indeed this 'Abdul Ghanem' that we speak to-but that is not what stands before us, I think."
>"So... what, a possession?
>[RRRRR Trait activated] All accrued bonuses applied
You all know how Restrictions work-what are the odds he's using his name's literal meaning to work highly specialized mind or remote flesh manipulation?
>"There's ways with the Dark..."
>[Sake]"Tattoos and sacrifices as well-"
>[Iron Trick]"Something that is found in many fields-a way to add one single magical trick to one's repetoire with direct body modification. ...Color me impressed, but I think you've correctly identified a rather well-hidden case of obscure mind manipulation derived from wind manipulation-vibrations sent into the body to create harmonies with a projected consciousness. It could be different, true-but Wind has always worked well with Tricks, and always will. A lesson to take to heart."
>[Sake]"...The semi-passive rhythmic Wind manipulation about his body does seem like it doesn't have any visible purpose, maybe it's related to what's going on?"
>"Which means we could shut him out of the body with your help?"
>[Sake]"Depends on the method-at the least, it would severely degrade the connection quality."

Ho ho-so it's not even him. I can use that.

>>369964
>>370112
"For Markku to do that he would need to feel worried for his son's safety. Perhaps your noble self would oblige this plebian and explain why this would be so? It is, after all, only polite to give one's name first when asking another his."
>[Abdul Ghanem][In Turkish]"You've heard my name spoken, I need not waste the breath-and watch your tongue, whelp."
I pretend to miss his responce while turning to Einrik to warmly address him with heavily servility, pushed to the point of near insult.
"You've chosen me? I'm... I'm so honored to be picked as a pawn by the illustrious Valkonens."
I lift my left eye's Lurk cover long enough to provide a convenient tear to wipe away dramatically.
"If only my mother was still around today to be properly impressed."
With that I turn back to Abdul and pretend to gush, not putting all that much effort into selling the image.
"Abdul Ghanem? Of the Arabian Ghanems? Sir, this... this is such an unlooked-for honor. I'm simply delighted, inutterably delighted to make the acquaintance of such rarefied - nay, august! - company. Could I possibly shake your hand? I can think of nothing more that would put the capper on this day - nay, this entire month."
I smile my special smile as Einrik visibly looks worried while spiritually looking like nothing more than the picture of smugness. Through my curled lips, glaring from beneath a seemingly lazily lidded eye, I go on.
>[MM,MMMMM Trait auto-activated.]
"...No, I suppose I couldn't, could I? Perhaps it is simply a difference of culture, but I am not used to being addressed so through a pawn-I would feel more comfortable, I think, if you were saying such... assertive things in person. Or is that not rude in this locale?"
This is rich-the guy may be used to holding the cards, but he's clearly not used to having the rug pulled out from under him. He flounders, insofar as only managing:
>[Abdul Ghanem][In Turkish]"..What was that, boy?"
"I requested that, if you wish to speak on equal terms, then it would seem fair to be here in person, rather than, say, using your Name to control someone and meet us like this-yes we stumbled on you, but it would then only seem fair to be less... overt, when caught in such a situation."
My smile only grows as Einrik's smugness gains a very distinct predatory gleam, swiftly beginning to drip with bloodlust.
>[Einrik][In Turkish]"Oh my Abdul-I do hope that is a willing host you are using."
Abdul says nothing, moving as if to leave-when Einrik's arm graces the bookshelf before him., barring his path.
>[Einrik][In Turkish]"Would you mind answering my question?"
Abdul, composure recovered, stares down Einrik through the borrowed body.
>[Abdul][In Turkish]"I am not obligated to answer to you, Valkonen. You have no authority here. I do."

It's clear it was meant to be a threat-it's equally clear Abdul was expecting a... different result than Einrik softly cackling, sounding like a sputtering trash compactor muffled by a thin wall as his ruined eyes widen.
>[Einrik][In Turkish]"You've only seen me using my families style-I urge you to give me excuse to show you my own. You'll lose your host, there will be no way my actions can be taken as at fault, and no matter what you've lost something-and I'll come for you. I will chase you, hound you, and pull you out no matter where you hide. I will freeze you, break you, I'll shatter your soul and drag you screaming into death's embrace, no matter where you go or what you do I will find you and end you if you do not answer the question."
It's at this point I decide my best move would likely be.... not cutting in. It would be rude-and that just won't do.
>"Interesting developments, to say the least."
>[Sake]"Makes me think of home and the inter-clan plotting, actually Einrik's... approach reminds me of... never mind."

For a second, it almost looks like Abdul's going to call Einrik on it, possessed form or no-then he turns to face me as he speaks.
>[Abdul][In Turkish]"...So you found a Wind manipulator-and not a terrible one, either. In answer to your question, dear Einrik, I did indeed get permission-this is a personal servant of mine. If you insist on it you can accompany us to my estate and ask him yourself-but if you're that distrustful, I'll have to ask you to make a wager over the event."
Einrik seems... disappointed. His soul's claws are sheathed, as the brilliance fades back to tranquility step by step.
>[Einrik][In Turkish]"I don't doubt your lackey will back your story."
It's now-the moment's come.
>[GG Trait activated]
>[WTN Trait activated
>[RRRRR Trait activated]
>[MM,MMMMM Trait auto-activated.]
"So then you wouldn't mind if, when others asked us about meeting the illustrious Abdul Ghanem, we clarified it was through such means as this?"
>[Abdul][In Turkish]"While I have done nothing against any Accord... I would all the same prefer this to be-"
"Handled discreetly-kept close to the heart, perhaps?"
>[Abdul][In Turkish]"Exactly, you seem to unde-"
"Of course, someone of your caliber would be aware such services do come at a premium."
My smile grows wide enough I can feel muscles threatening to tear as overcharged tissues and a nigh-manic glee in my manipulation lead to a euphoria fueled leer.
Abdul Ghanem, a man that can tame someone's body with his name, a master of sandstorms and the withering powers of the Desert, a man that's stood on Einrik's level-
Takes a short step back.
My smile grows wider as a few muscles finally begin to give at the added amusement.
>"Delightful"

As Abdul stalls out, Einrik cuts in.
>[Einrik][In Turkish]"My fine friend is right, of course-you are quite well known, and many would be interested in your actions. It will require a great deal of effort and mental focus to ensure we avoid spreading this information."
What makes this so great is Sake and SB know and I'm pretty sure Abdul hasn't noticed either of them for what they are-having attributed Sake's powers to me unless that was a ruse.

Finally-
>[Abdul][In Turkish]"....Fine. What is it that you'd want from me to do as I ask in this matter and be... honorably discreet gentleman?"
That is a deliciously different tune to hear. Ah, the wondrous powers of observation.







What do I ask for from Santa dearest?
Dude's not Amen, he's just a member of a connected locally based Clan with around one hundred clan members, plus about a thousand retainers of various function. He's not the Clan head, and their embroiled with the feud with Aksoy, so resources are not nearly as plentiful as they could be in more peaceful times. Not saying don't squeeze him, but don't go completely batshit here, please.
>>
No. 370137 ID: a7b5b4

Cash is good. Cash is useful. Cash is something you need more of. Try and feel out how much he might be willing to part with by way of suggesting you may suffer acute memory loss if your hands come into contact with enough currency, that'll make him put out the first offer and you can work upward from there. Wouldn't expect more than a quarter to half of his available funds to be initially mentioned, so there'll probably be room to work around somewhat.

Also, if he ends up getting the book, have him loan it to you for oh, two weeks to a month, plenty of time to browse through and copy interesting bits therein.
>>
No. 370138 ID: bdb886

Hm hm hm.

Man, it's been a while since we had a present.

I think a free magic tome will be pay enough. Information is the best. And if he thinks he can troll us with an ancient language, well, good for him.

Either that, or some weekly wage for it. ten thousand a week? Five thousand a week? Twenty five hundred a week?

Maybe we could have a gun expert in his clan take a look at the parts we have and offer his opinion.
>>
No. 370201 ID: f6106a

Well, if we're extorting him, let's put more pressure on him. Make it clear just how valuable the information could be for us. But also to remind yourself you're bargaining for secrecy here. Let's do it the gobbo way. To willingly restrict a resource you've come into, especially if that resource is information, is a hefty price to pay, and he's going to need to match it.

"Well, I have to say I'm a little disappointed. I know some goblins who are going to be so very sad to hear I don't have a story for them"

"Now, I'm not going to speak for what Einrik wants, but to ensure I don't speak a word of your trick, well, there's few resources with the versatility of money."

Make sure we specifically say it's not speaking a word of it to anyone who doesn't already know and that we're only making a deal for ourselves. Aiming for a flat sum here, not monthly payments. And then once we're done haggling and have officially agreed to the deal...

"Ah, such a shame I can't speak of this. The goblins will simply have to make due with a letter."

Now, if he wants to cover Armas informing others too, not just speaking of it to others, well that's a different agreement. Start communing with Sake, asking about possible effects for passive wind manipulation charms designed to prevent ranged attacks. Perhaps swirling a small volume of air right where arrows/bullets are trying to pass to throw them to the side, condensing air in pockets to throw off trajectory for similar effects, ect ect. And work in how sand could potentially add to that. And also how difficult he thinks those effects are to do/work into a charm, so we can appropriately haggle.

"If you'd like to make a second deal, I'm all ears. There are certainly other things I could use. Charm making can get a bit tedious after all, and there's some trinkets I could use"

From here start describing what you Sake, and probably Shadowbro have come up with. Looking for at least eighteen charms, but settling for a target number is for less cunning people. Once you reach an agreement on price, but before you finalize the deal

"Ah, and that book if you please"

And from here, since you are getting flat payments, not monthly or the like, Sake and Shadowbro are still free to sell the information as they please, since we only made a deal for us to stay silent.
>>
No. 370215 ID: 448d82

Just cashing in my vote here;

I like physical goods more than cash, as goods can be sold for cash.

Also we need to keep this guy unnerved, but not push him over the edge, so in the name of that we should be careful not to lessen the effect or persona we are displaying, so if going for cash, we should be careful not to seem too base, we could as a tactic ask for gems or other valuables, but then settle for cash in the end. Also appearing human as well as our current unnerving self is good.

Awesome update Bob, and well done, other posters.
>>
No. 370233 ID: 9c3646

>>370201

thats such a dick thing to do. go for it! just like mr laine.

people need to remember this guy seems to be einrik's enemy and probably will want to get rid of us no matter what even if it's not directly. by going with monthly payments we give him more incentive to so he ends up paying less.
>>
No. 370243 ID: 9c3646

>>370138

SUST! A magic tome we know nothing about is not worth a secret we could sell to Somtimes Merchant. And that gun is a secret of our own. Do not give him that information freely.

SUST on any attempt to take a monthly payment. Like the guy above said it means he has reason to get us killed.

I'm not actually for taking anything from this guy. I'd prefer to sell the secret but not through Sake or our Shadow. But I'm obviously outvoted, so at least trying to stop the stupid stuff.
>>
No. 370265 ID: 2964e1

>>370131
Remember that he has committed no crime, so he's probably in no particular danger here. Most likely all you're blackmailing him with is revealing one of his tactical advantages, and so negating it.

I think that we shouldn't be so crass as to ask for money or objects, that just indicates that we're poor, living up to his plebeian insult. Instead, we should ask for introductions:

"I think it would only be fair for you to give what you demanded, introductions. I'm sure that you know many of the supernatural merchants and information brokers of the city,and I'm sure that through your good offices you could arrange for me to meet the best of them on favourable terms. Of course, I'd be very disappointed if I found they weren't the best, or that they somehow gained the wrong impression of me. We wouldn't want them to ever gain any suspicion we were anything but the best of friends, now would we...

This way, he'll have to introduce us to his social and professional circle and pretend he likes and respects us, which we can then play up to with apparent complete sincerity, whilst infuriating him in the process.
>>
No. 370267 ID: 3947e9

>>370265
Great idea alratan. upvoted in full...

Since he is buying both our silences, we should ask Einrik what HE wants too...

>Book
Sure, its there, and it might be interesting. It might also be useless. Do not get this

>Work
Asking him for work is asking to be sent into deadly traps, and aids him too much considering he is einrik's enemy. Not to mention he will find our secrets in the process. If anything we could assign him a job to do. But we must be careful not to reveal info about ourselves in the process.

>Forbidden to fight
Are they now... I doubt dragons and wizards give a fuck. So who forbade them? I think the key is in markku having destroyed all enemies of the clan. I bet their families on actually on ok terms. Markku must have forbidden Einrik from fighting him, while his clan leader (father perhaps?) forbade him from fighting Einrik. When we discuss things with einrik it is important to confirm or refute that.

>Money
I am actually ok with that. Regular payments of money sounds good, but just how much is it worth it to him... Also, how much money we can get depends on how wealthy he is. Unless he is exceptionally rich it is not going to be worth it. If we get money, it should be deposited into a brand new account, he should "hire" us as a "consultant" to keep things legal but we wont actually do any work for him.
Overall it is better to get introductions.

Confer with einrik, ask everything einrik knows about the guy. What does he do, what does his clan do, how rich are they, what kind of special resources they have, why they hate each other, etc. Simply put, we need more info about what our target has before we decide what we demand he give us. We should ask him what the book is about and similar questions about what he does and what he can offer, and have einrik act as a truth detector.

We want payment that is not too high as to risk him outing himself or trying to kill us (and consequences be damned). Make sure he knows you will take precautions against assassination attempts. Remember he didn't commit a crime, we discovered a layer of his defenses against assassins, that is all. If we get too greedy we get nothing.

"A mistake people in my situation often make is to demand far too much. This causes the whole thing to explode in their face. Outrageous single payments always invite even more outrageous payments. Unreasonable demands makes people do desperate things..."

>>370138
SUST!
Showing the gun parts to people we don't trust is bad. showing them to an enemy of einrik we are blackmailing? that's worse. At least go to the guy we buy doom ammo from or the triads or mafia.
If we show it to him he would actually have a greater leverage on us then we do him, he would blackmail us to keep quiet about him and pay him to not go to Titancorp with knowledge that someone is trying to reverse engineer their weapons.

For that matter, we should be very guarded with our personal info around him to avoid counter blackmail.
>>
No. 370322 ID: 3fd4fb

I wonder, if we can perceive Abdul's soul... where is the soul of the person he's possessing? Has it been moved, or is it merely suppressed somehow, overshadowed by the possession? Sake would probably be able to tell us more about the mechanics of this sort of thing; mental note to request that he do so when we're next conversing on it.

Do not ask for anything over time, or any long-term agreement. It will engender more ill will than a single lump payment. And asking for money seems pointless unless we can somehow get hundreds of thousands of dollars out of this guy, which seems unlikely if his family is strapped for resources.

What we should be going for here is information- lists of contacts, organizations, historical activities, profiles of people (I imagine he particularly wouldn't mind giving us all kinds of information on his enemies), and his permission to use his name as reference when meeting people. The reason that this is the best thing to go for is that it costs him almost nothing- not only does he not lose much in terms of resources, he doesn't have to justify the expenditure of those resources to his family. That means that we can push for vast quantities of data, because the relative cost to him on a per-item basis is very low. Not only that, but it's the sort of thing that can be passed off as helping out a friend if he is cornered and asked about it, rather than obviously paying someone off with valuables that his family much needs. And we can almost certainly sell at least some of the information that he gives us to the goblins at a huge markup; they'll know most of it already, but surely there will be a few gems they don't know and if nothing else the information that what we've got came from the Ghanem files will be worth something.

Parting words for Abdul after our bit of extortion is done: "One last thing- it would be most kind of you to speak well of us to others in the future, when opportunities arise. Of such things are good relations between honorable gentlemen maintained, and agreements firmly remembered. Good day, Abdul."

After Abdul has left, mental fistbump with the bros; this was an awesome example of spectacular teamwork in action paying serious dividends. Then request that Sake check for any nasty wind tricks that he's using to keep an eye or ear on us and if we're clean speak to Einrik. "Hunt him down and shatter his soul no matter where he goes? Nasty threats, though I'm not complaining about the results. Was that just because of whatever history you two have- which I would appreciate hearing about- or was there something more to it?"

Since presumably we'll be wandering around after this, when we're somewhere secure talk to Einrik about Camella. "There's someone I'd like to introduce you to here in Istanbul- a friend of mine with a rather nasty problem. She popped out of the ground one day with no knowledge of magic, last remembering fighting in Mongolia- and when we looked into her background, she'd never existed. It looks like there's a completely different version of her running around. My best guess was that she was from some kind of parallel world, alternate reality, something like that, but that's a wild guess; I know fuck-all about the actual mechanics behind this sort of thing. You've got way more reliable knowledge- and I seem to recall hearing something about you going to Mongolia about the time that she appeared, so you've probably got more information on that, too. I don't suppose you can tell me exactly what's happening there? I haven't wanted to ask around about it in case that would bring her the wrong sort of attention."


>>370201
SUST to the mention of goblins. It tips him off to one of our affiliates in Istanbul, basically giving him information on us for free- and a guide on who he might turn to for purchasing information on us. Worse, we have no idea what agreements an established clan like his might have with the goblins, meaning that the threat might fall completely flat and make us look the fool.

SUST also to the speaking/writing quibble; there are situations in which we might get away with playing on specific words like that, but this isn't one of them. Look at what's already been said in the bargain- our wordage has already made it clear that he's paying for our complete discretion. We will have to come up with other ways to push the deal unless we want to risk pushing him too far.

>>370287
SUST on even considering bringing mental alteration of us into this. Hell no. We are pushing here, not giving concessions, and letting him in our head is a huge concession.
>>
No. 370336 ID: f8aa66

If I thought there was ANY way we could get him to teach us his trick of possession by Wind, I'd ask for that in a heartbeat. Can't be used on the unwilling without legal repercussions, but it'd be another layer of obfuscation in the net I'd like to weave with the illusion charms and Armas-face masks. Any one of our russians could be us at any given moment (well, Sake, anyway)! So cool.

Maybe Sake can reverse engineer it based on what little he's seen (he has the edge in knowing both standard possession and Wind manipulation, and we know it involves using a tie made via the Name) but I kinda doubt it.

If we go for money, we could use the turn of phrase: "A plebian such as myself has plebian concerns, my lord. Money will do."

If Einrik tells us he's impressed or something, credit where it's due. Shadowbro, Armas and Sake separate, each take a bow.

While we're here at the Bazaar, I wouldn't mind picking up an interesting tome for Jagda, and since we need to hit the jewelers anyway (I dunno where else we'd get palladium; then we just need fox teeth, and you can get those at various novelty stores in necklaces or on hats for like 30 bucks), here's something else to think on. Turkish jewelry has traditionally been concerned with protecting people against the Evil Eye. Old-school protection charms, basically. And you've got to figure SOMEONE on Hatmaker street has got the authentic stuff. Look for Hamsa jewelry done the old fashioned way- typically will look like a stylized eye in the palm of a downward-facing three-fingered hand, or like a stylized bell shape with a design in the center. The seller may not even realize what they're turning out if it's the traditional way to do things that their father's father et cetera et cetera.

When you go to get your rashion of palladium, see if anything like that 'pings' your sense.
>>
No. 370353 ID: 110f6a

(SUSTED by IronyBot prior to Edit)

DON'T TALK TO AMEN, HE MIGHT NOTICE.
>>370201
I am liking this, but I think that he would notice something like “speak”. However, you can use that. Begin, before talking, by asking Sake to make a barely perceptible wind aroudn you on a weird frequency if possible, and SB to memorize everything that's going on and be ready to give us back the memory of it. When you say “speak” later on (the rules should be done after haggling, so that we have the wind for a long time), if he notice it, try to direct him to modifying our memories of what we learned. The goal here is to make him think about his own wind-based mind abilities to ensure we won't know anything. If he is really slow in thinking about it, things like “Well, asking that I don't reveal that information to others seems like a safe to do it” and look pleased at our suggestion and so on to make him think of other ways. If he asks to memory wipe us, make sure he ONLY memory-wipe this conversation, and doesn't put in anything that could change or control us in any way. Einrik enforcing a Deal should make that possible, as well as mentioning Einrik can detect such tempering. I am sure SB is also capable of unleashing Amen on the guy if it tourns sour. Now, I he chooses to memory wipe us, or if chooses to make a binding to make us not reveal the information, Sake should drop the wind effect (and if there is memory wipe, SB gives us back the memory). Then, say “Well, disappointing that that someone who uses wind-based mind magic tricks can't recognize someone else's own tricks. This really is for your own good to notice your own deficiency. Let's haggle again, shall we?” With an emphasis to make him think we either have already revealed this to a subordinate back home (and in this case, we must make sure any further bindings don't mention people that are currently here but just orders for this subordinate to NOT reveal about it- which he will obey) or else that we ourself we used a delayed wind-based mind magic trick to get a copy of the memory back.

The big problem with this plan is of course letting someone in our own mind, and we have to make sure the only thing he CAN do it memory-wipe of this particular event, not anything deeper. Also, einrik would still have the memory, so unsure on how that would go.

Now, as to the haggling proper, it all depends on what we see our future relationship be. As he doesn't know our name, and has the completely wrong power set in mind, I DON'T want him to know who we are. That means we must make sure to imply that we are not from around here and not staying long. This actually could be a good opportunity if we want to to ally with his enemy family against his, though I wouldn't go that far until we know more.

For now, we want contacts, that book of his (if even just to annoy him and sell it after), as well as information. Sample phrases when we haggle:
“Well, I had the 'pleasure' to meet a clan of soul manipulators recently, and I was literally back-stabbed by some of their abilities. If you had any magic tomes that could help me prepare better and learn more of what we can expect, I would consider it a good beginning.”
“Being relatively new to the magical community of Turkey and Istanbul, tell me what magical providers one can find around here and give me their contacts as well as do not turn them against me, be it for basic needs, magical ingredients, or even the more esoteric. ” When haggling for those, try to gather what kind of providers he knows of by misderictions, and get input from Sake and SB on what we could use.
“Oh, I almost forgot about the more basic needs one has. I suppose one still needs material wealth: Get me diamonds, silver, gold, gems.” Then haggle for getting as much as we can.
“This looks like a nice book. As you want to keep me from selling what I know of that ability of yours, it is only fair I also keep you from reading it.”

I don't want to go monthly payments, not only because it may make him want to look on who we are as well as giving him a way to track us, but also because it would make it harder to get a BIG immediate payment. After all, if he thinks this will be over right now, he may give more. Also, it will make it easier to choose to sell the info to SM if he leaves out loopholes.

>Remember that he has committed no crime, so he's probably in no particular danger here. Most likely all you're blackmailing him with is revealing one of his tactical advantages, and so negating it.
Keep in mind the Ghanem are in a blood Feud with a stronger Family right now, so this may be more dangerous than it looks for him to be negated like that.
>>
No. 370382 ID: d97a61
File 132323626883.jpg - (617.32KB , 2880x1919 , Abdul hates you so fucking much.jpg )
370382

>>370138
>>370201
>>370215
>>370233
>>370267
>>370336
"Well, I have to say I'm a little disappointed. I know some goblins who are going to be so very sad to hear I don't have a story for them. Einrik, this gentleman is, after all, your acquaintance-did you have any particular wants?"
>[Einrik][In Turkish]"In this instance, I am... happy to bow to your superior skill at extortion. Have at it."
"Why thank you-Now, I'm not going to speak for what Einrik wants just in case he changes his mind while I talk, but to ensure I don't speak a word of your trick, to... keep my mouth shut on the matter, well, there's few resources with the versatility of money."
>[Abdul][In Turkish]"You are that-"
"As titled by you, a plebian such as myself has plebian concerns, Abdul. Now, will money speak, or shall I?"
Abdul eyes me for a while longer, the swelling hatred practically oozing off the possessed body, before he pulls a thick stack of Turkish lira from his pocket, slapping it down in my hand. I continue to say nothing, my rictus smile and still upraised hand eventually earning me a disgusted grunt-and more importantly, another stack of bills. Deciding not to push it when I still have so much more to ask, I lower my hand as I move on.
"Ah, such a shame I can't speak of this. The goblins will simply have to make due with a letter."
I couldn't be happier with his reaction-his eyes flicker, his nostrils flare and his body stiffens-yeah, that is NOT an outcome he wants in the slightest, and if he didn't before, he HATES me for that bit of wordplay. Not like that wouldn't have been inevitable, with how this conversation's gone so far.
-Say, Sake, be a sounding board for this idea: Wind manipulation activated charms that are based off their family style. Possible?
>[Sake]"Not entirely. Since he's human and can lie, there's so many ways this could go wrong with his current disposition I'd strongly discourage it. It also does not help that I've never had chance to work with such charms before-so our expertise in their manipulation would be decidedly lacking. It would be far wiser to work on consolidating that which we already have."
Well, I'll have to live with that and find a new focus then. Still, won't hurt to check-
"If you'd like to make a second deal, I'm all ears. There are certainly other things I could use. Charm making can get a bit tedious after all, and there's some trinkets I could use-but then, I wonder if you have such things to offer."
>[Abdul][In Turkish]"....Let me cut to the end of your little game, then: Were I to give you a magic weapon set, wherein the magic was contained in the metal, and could certify it wasn't cursed, would you swear to refrain from any method of spreading the bit of information that's the subject of our negotiation? Not 'won't speak of it' or 'won't write about it' or pantomiming or any such nonsense-you will keep the information to yourself. Completely."
Yeah fuck charms if I can get magic weapons out of this-hell even if I can't use them free bonuses for future use on the Russians-this'll make it way easier to build up capital.
"Well I would have to see the items in question first."
From within his voluminous robes comes an aged, well-oiled box that is slowly pushed open. For a moment my eye strains to make sense of what it sees, the boxes contents clearly from a much larger receptacle than the journal-sized container before me-yet the discrepancy hardly holds my attention once I actually see what's inside.
Four beautifully worked .44 revolvers-one of them with a barrel long enough I'd call it twin to Trick, with a bull wrought in gold on the chamber's side. I look on to the other pieces-a bear with a coat thick enough to last any winter.... a moose picking at a thinning autumn tree.... an eagle swooping down between freshly blooming ground cover-which leaves the Bull as summer, then. Four guns, four animals, four scenes-and four seasons. I can't say if I realized this on my own, or if it was my passive item sensing that guided my intuition-but I now know that each of these guns will suppress the magic of the court they are affiliated with, just as Taste suppresses regeneration.
It's at this point that things are going a bit too well-and there's a hiccup.
>[Abdul][In Turkish]"So, covetous plebian, are you interested in what I offer? Will this be enough to by the both of your silence literal and metaphorical in perpetuity on this subject? Or is your drool just for show?"
A quick glance shows Einrik... doesn't seem to give two shits. Okay then.
"It will do, I suppose."
Abdul hands me the deceptively small case as he moves to shut it-I wedge a finger in the case keeping it open as I grab his arm. The look of unbridled outrage and fury that paints his face is priceless-but only because I know he's not going to attack me with Einrik right there.
"And that book if you please"
>[Abdul][In Turkish]"You sold your silence already, you-"
"You wished the information we learned stifled-it would seem only equitable to stifle your own research-for the sake of fairness, of course."
With a snarl that threatens to rip lips from gums painting his host body, Abdul lets go of the book-and I still don't let him go.
>>370265
"One more thing seems needed to balance the scales. I think it would only be fair for you to give what you demanded: Introductions. I'm sure that you know many of the supernatural merchants and information brokers of the city, and I'm sure that through your good offices you could arrange for me to meet the best of them on favorable terms. Of course, I'd be very disappointed if I found they weren't the best, or that they somehow gained the wrong impression of me. We wouldn't want them to ever gain any suspicion we were anything but the best of friends, now would we..."
>[Abdul][In Turkish]"Are you so mad as to think I'd do all of that just to keep this a secret?"
Fuck it, let's go for broke.
"Won't you?"
So it is we enter a tense stand off-my manic smile against his hateful scowl, with Einrik gloating in the background. Finally, after half a minute's passed-it's Abdul that breaks away as he hands me a card.
>[Abdul][In Turkish]"...Call this number when you want... introductions. And pray that once I've rendered my final service, we never see one another again."
>[Einrik][In Turkish]"Yes yes some more empty threats-leave, little man, we both know your words are wind."

A minute after he's left, once Sake's assured me no Wind magic is active in the area, Einrik steps over, plucking one of the two stacks of lira from my hands.
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"Why thank you for picking up my tab for the next few purchases-I appreciate it."
>>370322
My smile relaxes into something far less... extraordinary as I mull over some facets of my spiritual perception whilst I talk.
"Think nothing of it. Though... 'Hunt him down and shatter his soul no matter where he goes?' Nasty threats, though I'm not complaining about the results. Was that just because of whatever history you two have- which I would appreciate hearing about- or was there something more to it?"
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"The... what was th-Cliff Notes, that was it-the cliff notes version of it is that after I was graciously accepted as guest by some individuals without much to their name, Abdul murdered them all, and sent their purposefully desecrated bones to me, complete with blood pudding and sausage from a source I believe you can guess at. Not because he had any grudge against them-just because he thought I should be chastised, and was wroth I could not be personally reached."
"That... that's actually fucked up."
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"I haven't even mentioned the people who took me in were a church that cared for orphans."
"Please tell me that's a joke and he's not-"
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"A Bond movie villian or some such? He pretty much is-the only difference is with that is cunning, resources and personal power alike all actually get used-and he does not care much for gloating before killing someone."
"I suppose that makes him ineligible as a Bond villian. ...So, he hadn't bought this book yet, had he?"
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"It seems you will in fact have to purchase it yes-though this merchant isn't magically aware, so it should not be grievously expensive."
"In that case, a perfect time to pick up something for Jagda, then..."

After perusing the shelves further, wandering in search of another hidden gem, I eventually give up and grab an old tome that's practically rotting apart-hopefully the implied age'll make it an interesting item. I bring both of my selections, Abdul's magical tome of unknown origins and contents as well as the decrepit tome, and pay with Abdul's money. From there, I start looking for the last two things I'll need for Amen's experiments: Palladium, and fox's teeth. Einrik assists me in my search, and eventually we find everything we need-and I've still got around $9000 left of Abdul's payout.

Excellent.

It's while we're doing our last sweep of the market, making sure nothing of genuine note has slipped by us, when I bring up a topic that I haven't thought of in a while.
"There's someone I'd like to introduce you to here in Istanbul- a friend of mine with a rather nasty problem."
>[Einrik][In English]"Oh?"
"She popped out of the ground one day with no knowledge of magic, last remembering fighting in Mongolia- and when we looked into her background, she'd never existed."
>[Einrik][In English]"Fascinating-a Slider, then?"
"Likely. It looks like there's a completely different version of her running around. My best guess was that she was from some kind of parallel world, alternate reality, something like that, but that's a wild guess; I know fuck-all about the actual mechanics behind this sort of thing."
>[Einrik][In English]"Yes, she certainly sounds like a D.S., a Dimensional Slider."
"See, this is why I brought it up: You've got way more reliable knowledge- and I seem to recall hearing something about you going to Mongolia about the time that she appeared, so you've probably got more information on that, too."
>[Einrik][In English]"I was in Mongolia recently, but I don't recall anything that I could connect to someone slipping through dimensions like that."
"A shame. Still, I don't suppose you can tell me exactly what's happening there? I haven't wanted to ask around about it in case that would bring her the wrong sort of attention."
>[Einrik][In English]"An understandable and laudable exercise of prudent caution. Now would seem an excellent time to point out that such events as those that produce Dimensional Sliders-which your friend very much so sounds to be-is so vast that only three-well, four, technically-things can cause it. One would be direct interference of an upper tier Deity-but something like this represents a rather massive investment of power-so it's a rarity. Second option's pretty straight forward: 'Wizard did it'. Bastards have no real... limits to their powers other than what they themselves dream up, and that seems to inevitably lead to them losing track of the little things like whether they SHOULD do something, rather than COULD do it. Probably the most likely explanation, as all it'd take is one of them being bored-and poof, there you go. Third option would be a Never Never strike-so again, Wizardly energy, just without the Wizard."
"What about the fourth?"
>[Einrik][In English]"...Yes, well, it's the least likely of the lot, but: Eldritch energies could be responsible, like those produced by my little friend here. Sure, they got booted right on out of existence way back when-but some managed to stay, or claw their way back. Could be the reason, I suppose, unlikely or no. I'd really have to meet the woman to tell you more."

PERSONAL FUNDS: $96,077.97

I look at my watch-it's nearly five, two minutes from my next set of alarms. ...I COULD just do that right now, take him to Camella. Hell, it'd be a great excuse to get right back into some gun training with her, and really reinforce yesterday's lesson while I'm there. Or... I could put this off until later, and head home to micromanage the Russians. Hm.












So what AM I going to do?
>>
No. 370387 ID: bdb886

I think Camella would be more than happy to meet someone who could tell her of her issue. Is our professor friend on the way?

Note to self - when you get home, have Amen set up a 'safe room' for reading the book, if he can. Sort of like a sterile room for operating on a human being, but magically focused, so that we only have to worry about whatever bad juju is in there. This is just for when you get home. I'm sure someone else can word it better...

As for the other tome, you'll want to deliver that ASAP, as it will degrade the more you move about.
>>
No. 370388 ID: f31dfc

Those... are very nice guns. As long as we can figure out what court our foe uses, we have a handy little weapon to deal with them.

Still, we managed to score a small treasure trove of stuff here and trolled the daylights out of Mr. Fancypants McWindbag. That's a win in my books.

As for what to do, we should probably go to our russian friends first. Always wise to offer support even if they have experience. Besides, we have no plans for dinner right now correct? That would be a good time to have Einrick and Camella to chat and the atmosphere may help move things a bit more smoothly.

Also as a VERY trollish side thought, he did buy our silence, but what about Sake's and shadowbro's? Might be handy to know if the guy pulls something.
>>
No. 370394 ID: f6106a

"Hey Einrik, just realized I hadn't told you this. What would you say if I told you I've been hit three times by Nevernever Gates before I met you, and had previously sold the rights to harvest further gates directed at me, having gotten confirmation on several more, at least four or five I think, being grabbed by that party, all starting shortly after my first bloodline emerged."

Aside from that, we should introduce Einrik to Camella, and the sooner the better. Let him know about her spar with Hillevi and how his sister seemed to respond to that. Oh, and ask Einrik if he'd be willing to examine some magi-tech gun bits to see if he can tell if it's based on previous designs, as well as some interlinked time shenanigan charms. The gun bits might have something in common with non-gun things that could give us a starting place to look. Maybe an engineer or something. And I think he'd find the time-charm interesting.

Speaking of the Reaper Guns, gyrojet rounds have issues. Self propelled means crosswinds tend to screw them over, and they only reach maximum velocity close to fifty yards from clearance which gives it poor impact performance at closer range, which exacerbates the crosswind issue to boot. Railguns' issues tend to be the power they require having to come from larger equipment, technical precision required for them to work, and the required length of the rail to get the rounds speed up to snuff, and a more minor issue is that magnetizing the round can potentially screw with it's ability to penetrate, the round slowing down too much on impact leading to less then appropriate results for the caliber. Now, combining the two probably helps alleviate some of those issues for both. Rail helps acceleration meaning it hits top speed sooner, being at top speed helps diminish the crosswind problem, sustained force likewise diminishes the issue of magnetism, the gyrojet providing most of the initial momentum meaning shorter rail, and less power required which also makes the required technical precision easier to achieve as well as less magnetized bullets. Sounds like a good match. Crosswind would still cause some issues, but with Reapers being probably the best of the best before the time charms? I think they can account. And that's made so much easier by their other systems. Oh yes, it gets better. The previously noted Voere uses Electronic firing, which uses electric currents to trigger the charge, meaning there's significantly less delay in firing from when the trigger is pulled. This also means the gun can fire multiple bullets stacked in a single barrel. Combined with the minimal recoil of a rail gun firing Gyrojet rounds? Who knows how many bullets these things could place in a single spot. Oh, and there's still more. Using "caseless ammunition"(in the case of gyrojet ammo it'd probably be self contained casing sealed with something that would sublimate due to the heat of the fuel used) and a modified version(it's gas operated normally) of the feeding system of the Heckler & Koch G11, it could fire salvos of these stacks at a time.

Tossing all this into one gun would probably be fucking difficult as hell, sealing being the first issue that comes to mind when combining stacked ammunition with caseless ammo. But the Reapers have a reputation, and they manage those damned time charms and we know they like to play with electricity due to those gauntlets.
>>
No. 370416 ID: 48e332

>I look at my watch-it's nearly five, two minutes from my next set of alarms. ...I COULD just do that right now, take him to Camella. Hell, it'd be a great excuse to get right back into some gun training with her, and really reinforce yesterday's lesson while I'm there. Or... I could put this off until later, and head home to micromanage the Russians. Hm.
There is lots of lessons that needs to be reinforced, and getting a lesson from Camella while she is also meeting Einrik for the first time ought to be difficult, as she seemed really interested in meeting him, just not glimpsing him while playing Armas' babysitter. So propose we call Camella, and tell her Einrik is in town, and she is invited to Dinner (MAKE SURE BOTH CAMELLA AND EINRIK ARE GUESTS AT OUR HOUSE. USE REAL TIME COMMUNICATIONS). Also ask her if she might be free for some gun practice tomorrow morning, early. After all, we must reinforce those lessons before getting those 50+ hours training the goblins, as that is sure to disjoint our practice recollection.

Now, there are things we can ask Einrik on the way back home:
+“Well Einrik, I have a soul manipulation bloodline- both internal and external so far. What does that mean exactly for my chakra abilities? When sparring against Camella two days ago I unaligned from stealth them and somehow got a boost to my offense with them still unaligned. Does this means things like chakra alignment and chakra nodes are now useless to me as I have direct soul contact? Or are chakra nodes still important as long as I don't have direct knowledge of bloodline work and only use Chakra abilities?”
+“Ghanem Abdul... When I first saw him, I couldn't see his soul, but then when he noticed the both of us, I could see it clearly. And then, when his attention shifted to me solely, I felt it...slide. At first it would make me think his soul is just too potent, but then I was still able to detect that he was using some kind of magic similar to a restriction based on his Name or Title, and his trick being what it is, it got me thinking: It's possible I thought about it the wrong way around, and that in fact I couldn't see his soul was because of that trick. His attention, however, was truly his- and carried enough of a flavor for me to analyze. When his full attention shifted to me, this 'sliding' wasn't about him being too hidden or potent, but about me 'seeing' a metaphorical representation. What do you think?”
+”Another thing... the way you talked about him, it doesn’t seem i can trust him to hold his word when it comes to his contact- there will probably be some kind of trouble if i use it right now. Or is he the kind that feel extremely honor-bound?”
+“Well... it appears Doonegaes use Divine flesh magic as their base. Like me. Do you happen to know of anything that I could do to... benefit.. from his death for my own magic?”

When we get back home, we should see if the Russians have time for a 'light' dinner before some of them have to go to the docks, and if Camella's coming we should present Einrik to her. They might want to speak alone for a bit, so let's deal with things that could interest them: ask SB if he has any way to 'refresh' our memories of those silly dances pur mother used to make us do. After all, he does share memories with us of that time, and he doesn't have our flesh and blood limitations. If Camella and Einrik have time, show them what those were- and ask them if our instinct about them being martial is correct. Also ask them if their superior knowledge and ability of unarmed combat sees us doing something wrong, and compare what they say to our memories- great to have friends who aren’t as bad as us. Practice a bit with those, and, when we feel Camella and Einrik wants to be private, go and see our men after telling Einrik there is something that might interest him when he has finished talking.

As yesterday, get into a big spar of Armas against everyone. Concentrate on trying to incorporating those 'dances' if possible, however painful and bruising it at first may be. Continue your soul sensing and Gyaketsuote practice while fighting. When Einrik comes, tell him we are trying to train into using our stealth and attention sense to deal with large numbers of enemies as well as playing them against each others. When he thinks he has a good grasp on our method, change the rules: you will fight WITH your men against Hillevi and Einrik, with the goal being for Einrik to practice what he saw, and Armas to take Hafaz place into 'leading' a group against a single stronger opponents (only Hillevi unless we get Hard confirmation using Gyaketsuote against Einrik isn’t suicidal). After all, Armas must practice both sides of the coin. Continue on for quite a few hours.

Before going to sleep, get Einrik to teach us about Chakra if he can, or at least show us what kind of things he can do, and try to emulate him. When you meditate before going to sleep, don't forget to try to precise our mental image of our soul, and this time try to identify the various components: the unfinished winter bloodline mainly and what else we can sense, though we should be EXTREMELY wary of NOT touching the summer bloodline in any way.
>>
No. 370456 ID: 81f32a

>...I COULD just do that right now, take him to Camella. Hell, it'd be a great excuse to get right back into some gun training with her, and really reinforce yesterday's lesson while I'm there.
Sure, why not? We don't have anything urgent planned for today and extra gun lessons from the master are always a plus. Whenever we go visit Camella at Ito's or ask her to come over, make sure to phone her well in advance (speaking of phones, give one of the encrypted phones to Camella as a gift, her's is just a normal one). Since we have touched the topic of Camella sliding, tell Einrik all the relevant information you can think of: everything that Camella told you about the incident, that she was eaten by a Mongolian Deathworm, how she appeared right in your backyard, how many days she trekked through the sewers, how SM hinted that the Wyld Hunt in Mongolia was somehow linked to the event, what we managed to learn and our own theories. All of this will be useful for him when trying to solve this mystery and will save him the time when he talks with Camella.
Ask Einrik why he needs a Cause to kill Abdul. From what I hear he insulted Valkonens pretty heavily with what he did, so why the restraints?
I admit, I'd like Einrik to visit our Mansion and finally meet and recognize what we meant by our "butler". It is obvious that when we tried to warn them before, they pretty much brushed it of thinking it is no big deal (just like they underestimated Ogrimmir). On the other hand, I hope he doesn't freak out too much that his sister is going to be living under the same roof as that thing.
>>
No. 370470 ID: 110f6a

>We knowArmas has Summer Soul Magic and must learn how to use it!
Do we? We know eating regenator heart helped out our soul healing, but we also knows soul heals by themselves, so it might just be an 'accelerated' kind of thing, and not a 'regeneration'. Asking SB/Sake or Einrik about it might be interesting, but we don't 'know' it is anything beyond flesh magic influencing the soul.Everything points to us NOT having soul magic so far, so SUST on any mention or thought of us having some. Asking SB, Sake or Einrik, when we have the time, if he can explain what happened to hasten our soul recovery and how Flesh magic could influence the soul is possible, but let's NOT say we have 'Soul Magic'. Also, let's keep in mind that our summer bloodline is Divinely aspected, and as such might not follow the conventional rules for Flesh magic.

>The Dojo.
If we go to the Dojo, we must be aware that Camella might want to talk to Einrik for a while before doing anything else, so catch Ito, tell him what happened during the spar with Camella and how your chakras are still unaligned even though we were 'stronger'. Also, tell him Einrik himself is a capable chakra user, if he wants to talk shop (it might also help us separate Camella from Einrik and maybe actually have pity on the sucky shooter that we are). If Camella is still in deep talk with Einrik and can't help us for shooting practice immediately, there is no reason not to spend time doing what is suggested in >>370416 , but instead of just asking Camella/Einrik for insight on Silly Dances, ask Ito too (don't forget to ask SB if he could refresh those memories please). Also, we might also do that suggested plan for Silly Dance/Soul Sensing/Gyaketsuote, but instead of practicing with our men, practice with people at the Dojo (don't forget to look them in the eyes first!). Before leaving the Dojo, breach the topic of getting Chakra tuition for our PMC. Let's continue this day's haggling a bit!
>>
No. 370504 ID: 3fd4fb

>>370382
There is an important point here which I believe may involve a typo:
>-Seems it's a five hour guard job, from eleven AM to four AM. Location's the Docks.
>-If for some reason four AM rolls around and the job is not done, they are to stay until the situation is resolved.
This job is meant to be from 2300-0400, correct? Meaning it's in the middle of the night.

If that is so, consider that we should really plan on being awake during the five-hour period when our men might call and need backup. We don't need to micromanage them, but as a responsible leader we do need to be on call. We've now been up for an entire day already and will need to be alert for that period, so we should plan on sleeping some now and waking up some time before their job starts.

Sunset should be around 5 PM in Istanbul at this time of year, meaning that it's already dark. If we go home now, we can catch some rest until ten or so, which should give us a chance to have our planned meeting with Shadowbro during that period. We call Camella before we go to sleep and ask her to come by Smets' at eleven or so, at which point we can have productive conversations involving her, Einrik, dimensional travel, Reaper gun parts, Reaper charms, etc. etc.

>>370394
>talking to Einrik about being a gate magnet
SUST unless we are in a completely secure location. Camella's issue shouldn't have been talked about in public, either. What good is being paranoid if we still talk about our most sensitive personal issues in the middle of the damn market?
>>
No. 370517 ID: f8aa66

>>370401
> Micromanaging Russians
Didn't we say we were going to stop doing that? It's time for the baby bird black ops team to leave the nest. They have our number if they need their hand held, and it's a show of respect in their competence to not be one of those bosses who looks over their collective shoulder all the time.

Einrik and Camella: let's do it.

"If you aren't teaching a class or something Camella, how would you feel about hitting the shooting range for a bit - you two can feel smug together - and then getting a bite to eat? And maybe later, there's something I'd like each of you to take a look at." (Einrik, the Reaper charms. Camella, the Reapertech parts).

I'm torn between taking them somewhere nice (If asked where we got money, smile angelically and say that Armas Laine Securities is even as we speak working hard for our paycheck), or somewhere cheaper but cozier, like that bar Hafaz mentioned.

Dinner conversation:
If Camella asks if we've been getting in trouble or similar: "Well, we did anger a powerful member of one of the local bloodline clans. Why? Well, that would probably be because of the blackmail. Well, he was an asshole." Pretend virtue: "Some people need to be taught a lesson, Camella."

Ask Einrik if he has plans around Turkey? We figure we'll need a week or two to set up everything for dealing with Doony.

Steer the conversation towards past battles (mostly for undersewer-mapping purposes, if we can manage it). Ask Einrik if he knows much about what lies under Istanbul? We know something of the sewers and undersewers, but we only know the name of the Earth's Bones, and nothing below that.
An aside to Camella: "Your trip down below just sounds more impressive the more I learn about what lives down there. Sounds like the kumite from hell. Mas Oyama would be impressed."
Random thought: "Speaking of, was God of Fist just a catchy nickname for Oyama, or...?"
>>
No. 370670 ID: 330636

The top priority for the day needs to be getting a fuller explanation of the Accords we just heard mentioned. I doubt ignorance of the law is any excuse, and now we're gaining soul based powers we need to understand the rules about using them.

We have a phone, so we can make our excuses and ring the Russians on the way to the dojo. Brief them on the Golden Demon Gods and the Oni clan, and advise them to retreat immediately if encountered.

On the way to the dojo, we should also talk to Einrik about Winter energy manipulation in general. He is vastly more knowledgeable about this than us, so if he explains some of the basic principles there may be something we can apply to our bloodline.

Whilst there, we can can mention we're interested in how Camella recommends fighting Hafaz.

The below conversations with SB should happen at normal speed, whilst Camella and Einrik are talking. We can try to perform some katas Ego-less, whilst our conscious mind holds the conversation.

At some point in the day we should talk to SB about our Summer bloodline. Amen chose to describe it as flesh, but this may not be a complete description. Despite what he said, we know that it was connected to our in the regenerate from the many injuries to our soul we've suffered, so it must have some interaction with the soul.

On top of this, by eating hearts and the associated bits of soul, we know that SB also did the same, when we were supplying him soul energy through our chakra, and little else, despite him not having flesh at all, so at least for him the bloodline seems to be expressing itself differently, or he's using some part of it's power we're neglecting – what with him eating shadows and the like possibly being connected to that, or it's mostly useless to him, which seems unlikely.

We've also benefited from drinking blood rather than eating flesh in the past, and we managed to eat part of Whaitiri, so it seems that in a variety of ways it's broader than just flesh.

We need to keep in mind that we have a divine graft and a Summer Bloodline. We don't know the degree to which they're the same, but they may be at least partially distinct, and we may be able to do different things with them. We were told by Einrik that divine magic doesn't follow the usual principles by which the draconic derived bloodline magics follow, so what we can do with the graft may also not follow the usual rules. Our summer bloodline, being divine in origin, may also be rather unusual.

In conclusion we need to know what the scope of our summer magic is in order for SB to know what is relevant. It's almost certain that he's considered and investigated this, so it would be interesting to know what he's discovered. Hopefully, what SB is implicitly learning about how Whaitiri can use her powers may teach us how to use our divine graft in a similar fashion, but that still leaves the related bloodline (which may or may not be different).

This isn't the only thing we need to speak to SB about. We've just exploited our spiritual senses to find out about someone else's closely guarded secret. We don't want them to do the same to us. We've also seen that attacks that target souls exist, as when Dirt Snake was attacked and transmitted the damage back to Big Crazy. It seems that SB has found a partial solution – he's shifted his part of our soul into the Dark, rather than keeping it in his shadow “body” in the physical world, whilst retaining his ability to control that body. We should ask him to think about ways he can achieve something similar, perhaps keeping our soul hidden behind the wards around our metal eye in the Closed Space there, and controlling our body via our chakras, for instance. This could be something building from the ego-less style, or totally different. Remember to ask him for help, not order him. In this, as many other things, his knowledge far exceeds his own. Given Sake's knowledge of posession, he may have something he'd like to contribute as well.

When that's done we can ask SB if he wants to arrange for a session with Einrik. SB's learned a lot recently from the goblin shadow masters, and that may have given him some insights that allow him to profit from talking over Winter energy manipulation with him.

>>370416
Upvote asking SB if he can refresh our memories on the dances.

>>370394
SUST on mentioning anything about the NN gates
>>
No. 370695 ID: 81f32a

Isn't it in our own best interests that Einrik improves his style and becomes head of Valkonen family? Ask him if he is interested in Dunter footwork, the basics of which we could teach him in near future. If Goblin stealth that we taught him was useful, I bet dunter footwork would be too. When we finally introduce him to Amen, make the same deal that we just did with Whatiri (letting Einrik ask questions to Amen)... don't ask to be paid for that or anything.
Tell Einrik about the NN strikes.
>>
No. 370826 ID: c6ce12

>>370504
I'll toss an upvote on this, particularly the point about being available.

>>370670
SUSTing this for a similar reasons.
>>
No. 370836 ID: b818eb

Whatever you do, get some trolling in on the way there.
>>
No. 370843 ID: d97a61

>>370394
>>370504
I think I'm just going to list jobs in military time relative to the time zone the jobs occur in from now on. Hopefully will avoid such errors.
>>370695
"Hey Einrik, can you initiate a mental dialogue between us?"
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"That's right, you can't reach out to other minds freely, can you? Why do you wish it?"
"It's secure right?"
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"Short of a Compounded Mind manipulator being in the area and avoiding detection by either of us while shadowing us and keeping passive scans going, no-and that one exceptions a statistically negligable threat."
"Works for me. Can you start it up?"
>[Einrik][In Armas' Mind]"Fine, I'll honor your request-what is it that needs to be kept so secret?"
Just realized I hadn't told you this. What would you say if I told you I've been hit three times by Nevernever Gates before I met you, and had previously sold the rights to harvest further gates directed at me, having gotten confirmation on several more, at least four or five I think, being grabbed by that party, all starting shortly after my first bloodline emerged.

At my side, Einrik stops walking, spending a full second standing there blankly until he turns to inspect a merchant's wares to his side.

>[Einrik][In Armas' Mind]"...Don't tell anyone else about this."
I figured it's not something to discu-
>[Einrik][In Armas' Mind]"You don't understand-though how could you? There are exactly three categories a mortal can fall into that would let them be subjected to such a statistical anomaly, and all of them prove to be of distressing interest to the powers that be. I am knowledgeable about only two of the explanations. One is being a... living explosive, an unwitting suicide bomber, rendered as such by a Wizard, top-ranking God, or one of the Court's Rulers, king or queen. The other I'm informed about-is when a Dragon mates with a human with a bloodline, they can... encode rather complex orders into the bloodline that will trigger at a later point."
...And the third?
>[Einrik][In Armas' Mind]"I've got so little confirmed information I'd rather not mislead you."
Einrik-
>[Einrik][In Armas' Mind]"Fine, don't hold me accountable if this is wrong: The third option... is to have been altered as a fetus by those with bloodlines related to time and/or fate-prophets, seers, those sort of individuals. Since you... sold this anomaly, the majority of the danger it foretold for your future has hopefully been averted-"

Einrik turns back to me after feigning a loss of interest in the bauble he halfheartedly inspected.
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"Still... a precarious predicament. Please do let me know if it changes."
"Of course."

We walk in silence for a time as I passively note SB and Sake amusing themselves moving wares when the vender isn't looking with the aid of their respective talents. During the silent, companionable walk, I get to thinking-not about the mind-bending information Einrik just dumped on me-I'll give that shit more time to stew before I really get to pondering it-but about the Reaper guns. Last I recall... gyrojet rounds have issues. Self propelled means crosswinds tend to screw them over, and they only reach maximum velocity close to fifty yards from clearance-or was it fifty feet? Think I'll need to check Wikipedia when I get back. Anyway, such a flaw gives it poor impact performance at closer range, which exacerbates the crosswind issue to boot. On the other end of the spectrum, railguns' issues tend to be the power they require having to come from larger equipment, technical precision required for them to work, and the required length of the rail to get the rounds speed up to snuff-and a more minor issue is that magnetizing the round can potentially screw with it's ability to penetrate, the round slowing down too much on impact leading to less than appropriate results for the caliber.

Now, combining the two probably helps alleviate some of those issues for both-would kind of have to, since I KNOW the Reapers I encountered fired at targets both closer than fifty feet, and had devastating levels of penetration. Rail helps acceleration meaning it hits top speed sooner, being at top speed helps diminish the crosswind problem, sustained force likewise diminishes the issue of magnetism, the gyrojet providing most of the initial momentum meaning shorter rail, and less power required which also makes the required technical precision easier to achieve as well as less magnetized bullets. ...Convoluted, sure, but sounds like a good match. Crosswind would still cause some issues, but with Reapers being probably the best of the best before the time charms? I think they can account. And that's made so much easier by their other systems. The previously noted Voere uses electronic firing, which uses electric currents to trigger the charge, meaning there's significantly less delay in firing from when the trigger is pulled-wonder if the primary reason for it was to properly capitalize on their accelerated reactions. This also means the gun can fire multiple bullets stacked in a single barrel-though I didn't see any evidence of stacked rounds in the magazine-maybe some way to slot them into a row within the barrel, rather than have them pre-stacked? Combined with the minimal recoil of a rail gun firing Gyrojet rounds? Who knows how many bullets these things could place in a single spot. Oh yeah, and there's still more. Using "caseless ammunition"(in the case of gyrojet ammo it'd probably be self contained casing sealed with something that would sublimate due to the heat of the fuel used) and a modified version(it's gas operated normally) of the feeding system of the Heckler & Koch G11, it could fire salvos of these stacks at a time. Sure, tossing all this into one gun would probably be fucking difficult as hell, sealing being the first issue that comes to mind when combining stacked ammunition with caseless ammo. But the Reapers have a reputation, and they manage those damned time charms and we know they like to play with electricity due to those gauntlets.

[Armas now has RUDIMENTARY FINDINGS about the Reaper gun. More information remains to be found!]

>[Sake]"I've had our brother playing translator as you mused-and I still have no idea what you were just pondering, beyond that it was about those gun parts."
Well, I imagine there's plenty you know that just doesn't click for me.
>[Sake]"True enough. It's just... rare, to see you take a puzzle, and merely simplify it rather than attempt a cobbled together solution."
>"It inspires hope that you might be able to act rationally, silly as the thought is."
Yeah, love you chucklefucks too.

>>370387
>>370388
What 'support' are you thinking of Armas providing? Since it's not written here, should I assume emotional? Financial? Do you want Armas to go with them? What?
>>370416
"So-shall we go and get you introduced to Camella?"
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"It does seem the appropriate next step given what you mentioned concerning her."
"Excellent-I had a few more questions we could discuss on the way."
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"This doesn't surprise me. Go on."
"Well Einrik, I have a soul manipulation bloodline- both internal an-"
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"I am in fact aware of this yes-you do recall how I see, I hope."
"What does that mean exactly for my chakra abilities?"
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"That's a rather broad question-be more specific."
"When sparring against Camella two days ago I unaligned from stealth them and somehow got a boost to my offense with them still unaligned. Does this means things like chakra alignment and chakra nodes are now useless to me as I have direct soul contact? Or-"
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"That really is a dangerous habit of yours, to pose questions as if they can be answered exclusively in an either or fashion. Regardless, it means nothing of the sort-Chakras never become irrelevant, as they are the soul's means of diffusing spiritual energy into the body-more broadly, they are how one converts energy of the soul into more applicable energies. A Dragon has Chakras-I use my Chakras to a degree, a Soul Master uses their chakras-everything but gods use Chakras where it comes to using their soul's energy directly, even Wizards. And I must stress that this is completely separate from using the power of one's bloodlines where such bloodlines are NOT based around Soul manipulation."
"I see. Next question: Ghanem Abdul... When I first saw him, I couldn't see his soul, but then when he noticed the both of us, I could see it clearly. And then, when his attention shifted to me solely, I felt it...slide. At first it would make me think his soul is just too potent, but then I was still able to detect that he was using some kind of magic similar to a restriction based on his Name or Title, and his trick being what it is, it got me thinking: It's possible I thought about it the wrong way around, and that in fact I couldn't see his soul was because of that trick. His attention, however, was truly his- and carried enough of a flavor for me to analyze. When his full attention shifted to me, this 'sliding' wasn't about him being too hidden or potent, but about me 'seeing' a metaphorical representation. What do you think? "
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"I think you already know the answer and are using the question as an excuse to show off your spiritual perception prowess in an attempt to preen. Color me unimpressed."
"You can be a real killjoy, you know that?"
>[Einrik][In Armas' Mind]"Now now-I take joy in the act of killing where what I kill is my spiritual superior: That'd make me a Joykill(er), not a Killjoy. Please be more accurate when labeling me."
"Another thing... the way you talked about him, it doesn’t seem i can trust him to hold his word when it comes to his contact- there will probably be some kind of trouble if i use it right now. Or is he the kind that feel extremely honor-bound?
>[Einrik][In Finnish]I suppose the easiest way to describe him.. would be as follows. He is particularly reticent to break his word-largely because the Clan head has a standing rule that he will excommunicate any family member that lies while representing the clan. So you have that working for you. Similarly, he is fond of attacking unsuspecting foes-so realistically, when he does try to get even will be quite a ways off, once he feels confident you aren't expecting it. The good news is you are safe, at least for the moment."
I see. New topic... it appears Doonongaes use Divine flesh magic as their base. Like me. Do you happen to know of anything that I could do to... benefit.. from his death for my own magic?
>[Einrik][In Finnish]Oh sure, even though I specialize in Mortal magics with a side of Elder forces, I of course am quite knowledgeable about the esoteric uses of Divine energy and-wait no, no I'm not. Ask someone that actually focuses on that field of magic if you want a meaningful answer."
"Killjoy."
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"As I said, it's 'Joykill'. Please try to get it right."
"We'll see."

Soon enough we're at the Mansion-where Amen stops us at the door.
>[Amen]"This one must note the one accompanying master should not be allowed to enter without being... corrected."
"What now? What's wrong with him?"
>[Amen]"Elder things are not allowed within the household-that includes what this one detects in master's friend's skull. This one knows them dangerous, and offers to-"
>[Einrik][In English]"So... you're 'Amen', huh? That's cute, thinking I'll let you do anything to me."
>[Amen]"Master, this one begs that master assists master's friend in reconsidering for his own safety-"
>[Einrik][In English]"I'd rather turn around, go back to Finland, miss out on seeing my sister AND break my given word to aid Armas than let you so much as touch me."
"You heard the man Amen-let him in and leave him unmolested and unaltered. That includes his skull friend."
>[Amen]"Master is making a mistake-"
>[Einrik][In English]"Yeah, you can do misleading commentary some other time. No patience for that from something like you."
"Pretty sure I gave you an order, Amen."

Amen says nothing-and steps aside.

That.... was strange.

Einrik rather immediately heads off to speak with his sister as I take a quick moment to speak with the Russians, and check to see if they know of the two groups in the Yakuza I learned of the other day-turns out they are. A brief glance inside the book I pilfered from Abdul shows that-surprise of surprises, it's in a text I can't read. ...Looks a bit similar to the Goblin Cookbook's Sumerian, actually, but I'm pretty sure it's not precisely that. Probably will need Jagda's help on this-or some other linguist. After that I bring Camella over to Einrik, and while she eyes him askance, she seems interested enough in talking with a perceived 'expert' about her biggest question: Why she's here. As she sits down with Einrik for what promises to be a decidedly involved conversation...

I take a nap.

It's the logical thing to do: I'm still not feeling my best, it should qualify for me talking with my bro-
>"Indeed it will."
And it'll leave me fresh and alert when I'm on call for the Russians.

So that's what I do-I take a nap. Yet again, that blissful surrender to sleep is glorious.

[DISCONTINUITY]

I awake... in a place that never was.

Surrounded by madness the likes of which Dali and Giger alike wished they had a hand in, sweeping columns shaped like spines, gargoyles that fall square in the middle of the Uncanny Valley, yawning crevasses, shadowed ceilings-all dark, foreboding, and inspiring a visceral sense of unease. Amongst the alien decor, though, I recognize the familiar: Dark woods, orange lacqured outlines, clocks or all shapes and sizes grafted to every possible surface, every one of them ticking to it's own beat.

In the center of it all... stands my shadow, his smile past his shoulders and only loosely curled.

>"So you decided to stop in early. Very well. There is much to talk about-and I shall leave it to you to ask me the questions you find genuinely important, for a new... issue has absorbed my own focus rather completely."
"That so?"

My shadow merely smiles, his reflective black suit, cut like an undertaker's solemn garb, shifts over unseen shadowflesh as he gestures at a wall, it's blank surface swirling before it resolves into an image. On it I see... the image of Amen's blood, the dim memory yet left to me from our struggle within my eye. It's chained in solidified shadow-and rages against it's bindings.

>"I shall skip the patently obvious parts of the situation: The composite being of Amen and Sisuthros' blood compiled with Whaitiri and Sake's power has been altered... yet again. Where once all that was left was a mindless shell, as intended-now there exists a mortal mind. A Reaper's mind. It seems during his brief stay here, that mercenary chose to terminally mutilate his soul-and force fed a chunk of his mind to the mindless beast. This rather predictably has created an issue-and one Sake and I both are not well equipped to solve."
"That's... very interesting, and I will most certainly ponder it with you-but first help me out, I'm having trouble with some childhood memories-"
>"The dances your... our... mother made us perform. ...Yes, I can invigorate your recollection-but I must insist this be addressed first."
"Hmm.... so what exactly is the problem?"
>"The problem is what had been reduced to power without will is now power guided by the most insidious will of all: man's. And the particular man in question is one most dedicated to seeing bad things happen to us. I can keep this... creature bound, but it leaves me but a shadow, if you will, of my power available for physical use. It's presence in effect negates all I learned from the goblins, in terms of practical application. The mind cannot be wiped or altered by Sake or I-and I doubt it would be different for you. I propose you find a trustable expert to provide help-and nominate Einrik. In theory he should be able to ply his rough approach to memory manipulation to forcibly scour away this being's ego, and return it to a mindless state. What do you say to the plan?"
"I say I came here expecting to get answers from you, not the other way around."
"And I shall happily answer your questions-after we have committed to a solution for this issue."
At his words a grandfather clock hewn of stonelike bone shakes the entire demesne, it's powerful gong feeling like the herald of the world's end.

...Okay then:









So what do I think we should do about this?
And what am I going to ask Shadowbro?
>>
No. 370851 ID: bdb886

Bro's right. This shit needs taken care of, and Einrik's our best bet. I should have known that storing the soul here was a baaaaad idea.

Note to self: Don't do that again.
>>
No. 370884 ID: 448d82
File 132343769240.png - (320.42KB , 1000x1000 , Amenfragreaper.png )
370884

In response to SB.

"I would wait... do we really want Einrik's elderchild dealing with a fragment of Amen? Amen showed disordinant interest in Einrik's forehead fetus"

SUSTing letting Einrik deal with it (UNLESS THERE IS NO OTHER OPTION), I'm not letting his headbabby near an Amen fragment.

Plan A;
If we are wiping it's mind, SM is more than competant there, and since it isn't info it'll cost less.

The expensive part would be to have him NEVER TELL ANYONE EVER. Less expensive would be to get SB memory manipulation training.

So with SB or SM we could try talking to it. the tact we could take would be that it is not Amen or the Reaper, draw it's mind to being a new existance. tell it that it doesn't have to be bound, all it has to do is be calm and then it can show it's rage to the world under our direction. If we can make it submissive awesome but it'll probably not work so have SB or SM wipe it if things are getting too critical.

RUN THIS PLAN BY SB AND SAKE FIRST.

Plan B
Plan Divine Help;
Og version; We call Og while here in the eye, we'd have to give something up, but he'd probably be able to deal with it. We could give extra service or something.

Rabbit version;
This could go well or poorly. It'd need a gamble for one thing. So we contact Rabbit via Jitnage'gnei Gesgmaplgigwa'teget, we have a mad gamble making the Amen fragment bend to our will, our life/sanity is the stakes? Need to be careful, trickster types can be touchy, could just fix it or make things worse for the lulz, Rabbit seems to like Gambles and gamblers though.

Odin version;
No we are not offically enemies, yes we could call him, problem is how do we make it worth his while? Odin has experiance in deal with rage beings so he could help.

Run these by SB and Sake too.

Plan C;
Let Einrik do it. For Elder Horror related reasons I do not want this to happen, remember how bad things would have happened if it had seen the note, guess what that means. WHAT EINRIK SEES IT SEES. Amoung other things. This is the LAST RESORT plan in my opinion.

Light Joke to SB "I suppose I couldn't just talk it down eh? [nervous laughter]"
>>
No. 370890 ID: 48e332

SUSTing letting Einrik do it unless we don’t have a choice- not sure his baby foetus being in contact with such a thing is remotely safe.

>So what do I think we should do about this?
“Before going any further, does either you or Sake are certain about what this means for the current ownership of Sisuthros' blood? Because if me leaving this demi-plane with my memory of this means Amen will instantly consider the reaper its sole master, it greatly limit our avenues of actions- or at least our time table.” SB could certainly contact Einrik while we are sleeping within the eye still, but it WOULD mean we have to deal with it before waking up unless we modify Armas' memory, and that would severly limit the ways Armas could look into it.
>I carefully lay out the mere's handle and each of the shards on top of a small end table, likewise placing the reaper charm set and gun parts next to it.
>"Don't let anyone, including yourself, touch or otherwise interact with any of these items beyond nonphysical observation. If someone does not wish to comply, call me and I'll give you further instructions."
>[Amen]"Of course."
>"The blood from these rags and the soul that was added to my eye today-I wish both to be stored here, in this room, with the charm set. Do we have any reliquaries, phylacteries or spiritual wells that could make this happen?" >[Amen]"If this one can direct master's attention this way-"
>I glance to my right-and see the once-bloodstained rags now spotless, a delicate glass vial with silver lines traced over it's surface now sitting next to the charms, alongside.... what looks vaguely like an overlarge chrysalis half the size of my palm. Now that I look at it, I can perceive the soul I claimed less than an hour ago dimly flitting about within. ...Damn, but Amen can be sly enacting things.
This could mean that Amen may or may not interact with the reaper's soul- However, he can still observe it, and maybe 'take orders' in some weird fashion.

Now, as to ACTUALLY taking care of the problem, there are three powerful gods we can try to contact within our eye that may know something about this: We never met Rabbit, but It may be worth while to call Iron Trick like we once Called Whaitiri via the mere: Our link with Iron Trick may be enough to call him here, and he may choose to help us calling Rabbit. The best thing to do for calling him here is to imagine him here, remember all we know about him, and say his True Name: Jitnage'gnei Gesgmaplgigwa'teget (We might need to call him thrice) .This is actually my preferred way to deal with this problem, as it doesn't involve calling a God we may probably go against in the future: we may have decent relationship with Abloec Woosencraft Hysbryd-Gwarcheidwad but it's pretty likely we will end up at odds with Odin sooner or later, and have him learn too much about us may not help. However, we are actively helping Rabbit by using his Contract Artifact, and we could make a decent case to get him to help us. Even if we can't, he has less reasons to be antagonistic to us. Ogrimir would be the last Godly option (Whaitiri seems to lack control) but while we can contact him as he owes SB training, SB didn't want his wintrish training for at least another month, and I would prefer not to always run beg Ogrimir's help when we have a difficult problem. Rabbit is also court neutral, which truly helps.

Now, as to how we can bargain for their help:
“Jitnage'gnei Gesgmaplgigwa'teget...ok, this IS a awesome name. Making sure anyone who calls on you is aware of how great you are, huh? I can appreciate this.” Show him the blood composite, he should easily be able to see the problem, and guess at our motive. Given the Buntline's shape, it is likely Rabbit, a Neutral God, may actually be really pleased if we sell him the four pistols we finagling from Abdul Ghanem. This may actually be more than enough to buy his help, so maybe a bit of quick talk about us using his Contract Artifact as well as only selling a coupe of the guns will be enough to be taught of Jitnage'gnei Gesgmaplgigwa'teget's different tricks from the master himself.

There is actually four different things at least that Rabbit might ‘give’ us if we Haggle sufficiently well, and all should be discussed previously with SB and Sake:
+ Dealing with the Reaper’s mind in the blood (either by teaching or doing it himself).
+ Teaching us the Advanced tricks of Jitnage'gnei Gesgmaplgigwa'teget (what they are and how to use them).
+ We know gods can grant bloodlines, and Iron trick possess some kind of incredible stealth that is viable against even Dragons and Devils. Even Amen couldn’t know how the Buntlines worked once we possessed it. This is a important line of enquiry, if it is soul based.
+ The ‘World in the eye’ trick, as in being able to see the whole world through our demi-plane in the eye with zoom features and everything. It would need to be properly restricted, but could be an incredible, incredible asset.

>And what am I going to ask Shadowbro?
Well, this all depends on how much time we have. Anyway, SB said he was fully occupied by the blood composite- does this mean that he had to give up helping Whaitiri learn from Amen? We should have that ‘invigorating’ of the memory of our mother’s dances. Now, i want to discuss Our mind slowing down, and how we could try to counter that effect. I was thinking of a charm from SM, given the reapers had similar charms, but does he have a better idea?
>Three ways to attract NN gates.
Ok, this is well done. There are hints as to all three ways being applicable, so the one who did that hid well: Our memory adjustment were done just as we got to aduthood, which may have been a product of our ‘talent’ increasing too early because of our foetus being changed (and then being reverted), The two courts having representatives could be a product of a Soul Bomb, and Ogrimir having a lessened interest in us after we sold the NN gates could be a hint as to the last possibilities. We must talk about this to SB and Sake.
>>
No. 370903 ID: 55d45f

The problem with getting outside help, is that wasn't what Armas did to manipulate the reaper's soul into his eye against an Accord of some sort? Which means if that information got out, Armas would be dead before he knew what hit him?
>>
No. 370923 ID: 3947e9

We are going to have to do this in house.
Armas has bound a reaper soul which is a "ruling dragon kills you" offense and the memories we want erased implicate us in it. Anyone who handles these memories to erase them would be able to see it and we will be fucked.

We could use the mammon device sale to learn memory manipulation that is suitable for us to use. Armas sami powers allow memory manipulation of some sort. We should also see if einrik methods could be imparted on us (and then experimented on a few thngs before we go against this beast).

Ideally we want armas, sake, and SB each working concurrently with their own brand of memory manip to purge this thing.

Memory manip will also help us in other ways... laib training? get a copy.
Capture BB soul? copy memories.
Capture any prisoner? copy memories
Resurrect someone? remove memories.
Simo Haya shooting memories in silja? Copy memories (she needs a copy too).

For long term confinement, we should practice soul binding more, get really good at it, and then soul bind this thing (that is, in the future, not now! when we have had practice and when it is memory-less).
>>
No. 370932 ID: 3fd4fb

>mucking about in our eye
We rely on Einrik for a hell of a lot. If possible, I would much prefer to have him teach us how to use our powers to lobotomize the soul critter ourselves (or otherwise solve the problem) rather than have him come into our eye and do it for us. If he can't teach us or give us solid advice on the matter then I suppose we could have him do it... but anyone who gets a good enough look at the blood to understand what it is can potentially be a risk of Amen coming loose. That number should be minimized if at all possible.

Most of our other potential options for dealing with this suck- leaving it bound leaves too much power bound up with it, Ogrimir already took a question putting this guy in here in the first place, goblins we REALLY don't want to know exactly where the tool needed to command Amen dwells, Whaitiri probably can't or won't help, and anyone else we don't have good enough relations with to even consider risking letting this information out. Given that we're already trusting Einrik with 95% of our secrets and life, we might as well kick that up to 98% if he can't tell us how to handle our shit ourselves.

>We called Camella over and she's talking to Einrik while we sleep
Argh! Think of all the precious invaluable information they are transmitting to one another while we do not hear it. I wanted to not have Camella come over until after our nap so as to ensure that we heard everything they said to one another. Maybe Sake's eavesdropping for us. Or we can order Amen to quote their conversation for us so that we can remain well-informed and be certain we didn't miss anything. We could even have him do voices to catch their tones and such. Or hand puppets. Do not order him to do this while there is any risk of someone else hearing or seeing it because that would make us look creepy; people will stop talking about sensitive things in our mansion if they know that we can get playback of anything in here.

>Shadowbro topics
Topics to cover with Shadowbro after making a decision on the Amen blood bit:
-The memory packet full of flesh magics that he wanted to give us.
-Are there things that he wants that we should be looking to acquire? Thus far training in memory alteration and shadow magic are on our list- but that's basically just saying "the things we've seen him do". Surely there's more.
-Does he have any particularly awesome new tricks, once he's no longer stuck using power on this thing?
-Can we take a look at his soul?
-What is the Dark like? Are there dangers that might attack us from that direction? Benefits we might be able to draw from it? He mentioned politics, so presumably he's found people to talk to; what motivates those people? He said he didn't want to get into the details of exactly what's going on, so we don't need details, but a general overview so that we're not totally uninformed would be nice.
-He was able to take the shadow-version of the mere and still has it; when it gets repaired as a more powerful item, will he be able to upgrade his shadow-mere to match? If he can't do so personally, does he have suggestions as to how we might work towards that goal, assuming he wants to? Or to get him other weapons or equipment?
-How does he feel like he compares in power and competence to beings of the Dark, or amongst shadow practitioners, these days? Does he have ideas on what can we do to boost his power, aside from getting him more training and eating delicious foods to keep the Summer energy flowing?
-Related to the above, I'm specifically thinking about Cornelius Zosimus and his entire clan of presumed shadow manipulator vampires. Once we move forward with the Doonongaes we'll have to deal with him and it would be much preferable not to do so from a position of vulnerability.
-Since this soul was able to cause such huge problems in our eye, but our eye is still an awesome spiritual storage space, does he think we could somehow seal away the Amen-creature in here to make it more difficult to find or touch for anything that we shove in here? It's our spiritual realm so I would hope that we'd be able to shape it to our liking. Ideally we could put many things in here without having them all effectively end up in the same room and able to chat. Maybe if all else fails, we could look into finding some kind of guardian spirit for the demiplane and have it live here to keep anything else we stick here in line?

He did say to stick mostly to important questions, but... it burns his power to talk to him when we're not in a place like this, and here it seems like we're on a tight schedule. When will we ever be able to shoot the shit with our shadowbro?
>>
No. 370934 ID: f8aa66

We have a dearth of acquaintances with true soul magic, and of those, Einrik is definitely our most well-trusted (of course, when your other choices are Lo Fang and Amen...).

Hopefully we'll get to watch him work this time. On the upside, this could work out well for us with what part of the Reaper soul we have left. It could be confused, missing pieces of itself; we might actually be able to convince it of something now without resorting to torture.

My only questions to SB are, in a general sense, what's Whaitiri learning, and what did Shadowbro learn (from goblins)? And maybe see if he has a shopping list for the real world.

After this, once Einrik leaves, we should quiz Amen on what it knows of the Elder being in Einrik's head and, in broad terms, what dangers it presents to him specifically and us, unless its one of those things where knowing information invites damage or attention from things we'd rather not (sort of a King in Yellow phenomenon). Yes, it was probably Amen just trying to get his sticky fingers into Einrik's soul... but. Einrik is incredibly knowledgeable, but he does not know everything. Best
>>
No. 370946 ID: 81f32a

>>370890
>Jitnage'gnei Gesgmaplgigwa'teget
I am pretty sure that's Iron Trick's name, not the Old Man Rabbit's

>And what am I going to ask Shadowbro?
SB promised he would tell us what he has been up to all this time and tell us about his abilities. I want to hear that, with as much of information as possible. While the Dark politics might not really interest us, I would still want to hear the rudimentary basics of it, just to get the general picture.

>>370903
Exactly what I was thinking about.
Einrik might be open about a lot of things but is he open about us violating such an important law? We should be careful before revealing that we bound an unwilling soul.
>>
No. 371040 ID: eb2252

We need to ask SB and Sake if they're completely sure that it is safe for us to leave this space with knowledge that we are not the mind in command of Sisithuros' blood. Also, at the moment only us and Whaitiri know what is inside our eye, do we really want anyone else knowing we have access to a Closed Space.

We should also ask what other solutions they've dismissed, so we don't waster their time on them. For example, would slowly carving pieces off the blood construct and eating them over the course of weeks allow us to safely diminish its power and shatter its will?

>>370670
If we do have time to speak to SB, these are the topics I want to discuss.
>>
No. 371111 ID: 110f6a

>After this, once Einrik leaves, we should quiz Amen on what it knows of the Elder being in Einrik's head and, in broad
SUST unless we spend a LOT of time thinking of a phrasing that will NOT garner its attention on the world, nor damage us or Einrik in any way.
>>370946
>I am pretty sure that's Iron Trick's name, not the Old Man Rabbit's
Yes, i am proposing calling Iron trick in order for him to provide a way to establish contact with Rabbit. It might work, as Gods can be summoned directly within our Eye and Iron Trick might have some ways to help us do that.
Likewise, Odin could be called via Abloec Woosencraft Hysbryd-Gwarcheidwad, but it's not something i truly advocate as we would have to play on the Odin/Ogrimmir competition and going after a potential new employer like that is iffy when we are working for a Rival already.
It's different for Rabbit, as he isn't Winter, and us having a Contract Artifact of his means he already can influence the world somewhat through our actions (as in, we are already 'serving' him).
Of course, Calling Ogrimir should be pretty easy, as he owes SB wintrish teaching and we can use that excuse.
>Einrik might be open about a lot of things but is he open about us violating such an important law? We should be careful before revealing that we bound an unwilling soul.
Well, we just bound it, didn't do anything to it- but, YES, he might not be open to it. Especially as that would make him our De Facto accomplice even if he isn't actually personally against such practice.

>>370932
>We called Camella over and she's talking to Einrik while we sleep
Actually, she was already at the house, us finding her here was just 'obvious'. Armas didn't think finding someone we may not have invited at our house there was a big deal at all, somehow.
>Shadowbro topics
Upvoting all of this.

Adding a topic for discussion: Is the main part of the Reaper's soul we put in the Chrysalis faded then? Because that may mean the Reaper Charms are already either Broken, or close to. As such, we might want to decide to sell them before it's too late, as we definitely won't be able to do anything if it's going to break in a few hours. Selling Soul/Charms/blood to Rabbit/Ogrimir might be possible depending on how they take those kinds of things.

>We should also ask what other solutions they've dismissed, so we don't waster their time on them.
Upvote
>>
No. 371150 ID: d97a61

>>370884
[FANART BONUS]
>>370890
Okay, okay-throwing out ideas here, but what about the Sometimes Merchant?
My soul's twin unfurls his smile, contemplatively cocking that shadowed mass that passes for a head as he carefully considers the concept-before shaking his head.
>"No, I think that impossible. Even in the Dark, that goblin is known for getting what he wants-and the consensus I've found is that trusting it with truly vital information is a mistake one should avoid at all costs. I think that, feasible as a means to solve the problem as it may be, it would create unacceptably larger problems down the line."
Even if we get some nicely worded agreement to prevent the information's spread?
>"I frankly doubt we could afford a perfectly inescapable one-and short of that what's the point?"]
Okay-what about summoning Ogrimir?
>"If you mean wasting an Einher questi-"
I don't.
>"Then I think it... unlikely. Currently, I haven't managed sophisticated enough control of this space to allow multi-Divine access beyond to those with brotherhood like Sake-so with Whaitiri already having staked a claim here, I don't think Ogrimir could be summoned safely."
What kind of risks do you forsee down that path?
>"The potential collapse of this budding spiritual demiplane."
Well that throws that out. What about Rabbit?
>"...Well, I know very little of the god, with the same being true for our brother Sake. You're the one that has... strangely incomplete memories of the being and it's Artifact. Do you know how to contact him?"
One second-Wonder if I can contact it from here- Jitnage'gnei Gesgmaplgigwa'teget, Jitnage'gnei Gesgmaplgigwa'teget, Jitnage'gnei Gesgmaplgigwa'teget--Hey, hello!.
>"What are you doing?"
Just hold on a second-OY, TRICK, COME ON!
>[Iron Trick]"It was not necessary to shout. I think it impossible to think Rabbit would be discreet if involved-one way or another the secrets from your mind would be put to use, insofar as what would be passively observed while providing the service you desire-which I must note I'm confident he could provide."
That comment-just in my mind, no sense of presence, no intrusion-simply a new thought, patently alien. The feel is... strange.

Hm... another one I can't keep secure. With the whole 'incredibly taboo' thing I did on a whim to be dealt with, I think I'll have to veto that one myself. Okay, what about an outside of the box approach? Odin, or one of the Norse gods? With Abloec to play intro man, I might be able to get in one good terms with one of them-and they'd have to have the mojo and skill to pull this off. And the stories suggested they'd be more okay than most working with someone like me.
>"It... seems possible, but would likely be very time consuming to safely secure. If at all possible, I'd like to get this dealt with now."
Hm... then, what other options do I have besides Einrik...
Wait hold on. Will me knowing that the Reaper's mind is now merged with the Sisuthros-Amen-Sakebits-Whaitiri clusterfuck over there cause problems when I'm outside here?
>"With Amen? No, he'll need to confirm it himself. It took some doing, but I found some in the Dark aware of Amen that divulged a few sparse details about past bindings. And no, I can't think of any more that's relevant-I've only recently gotten them to talk at all."
Hm... hey, Iron Trick, you still there?
>[Iron Trick]"The path you opened for me still exists, yes. What is it?"
What's your take on how to solve this?
>[Iron Trick]"For that, I'll have to refer you to a rare memory to persist of a past master-and her actions. A singularly skilled Spirit Binder, had a whole flock of Spirit animals, a one-woman army if you will. Well, she ended up with this... spirit. Real nasty one-hard to even remember it right. She bound it simply because she couldn't kill it-and had done so in a way that was against all sorts of sacred traditions and laws. I don't remember how she did it, or how she found it-but she turned the beast into an engine-it scoured the mind, and the evidence of unwilling binding-as the spirit slowly warped into an energy conduit."
A bound spirit turned into an engine scours it of binding evidence?
>"What? Where did you learn that?"
Artifact's commentary-super special bearer only stuff, I'm not even sure I should be telling you this.
>"Enthralling antics-but if that's true, it... widens our options considerably."
>[Iron Trick]"...You actually gave me credit. I had not.. bet on that. I suppose I'll have to pay up then: I'll explain to you something you might be most interested in: My function, when my Primary Gamble is activated, completely shifts if the gun is fired upon the user-but for only two of the shots. While the one you first witnessed, you'd be crushed as normal. With the Soul Scale, however, you'd have a fate worse than death, locked perpetually in an neverending stalemate against your own soul, unable to win or lose. That may sound bad-but it's merely the counterbalance to the third. The arguably most lethal normal attack, the Darkening, is fully capable of acting as the core of a bloodline-that is, the bullet, once fired, will be able to interact with the shooter in such a way to stimulate the growth of a Divinely based bloodline-internally focused, and built around Soul Manipulation. As it is court neutral, I believe this, which would impose a Bloodline based on stealth and perceptual manipulation achieved through the medium of the spirit, is 'up your alley.'"
...Are you going to bet on me giving you credit again?
>[Iron Trick]"I am quite certain I shouldn't tell you."
How about ideas for what to do with an engine in a sealed eye?
>[Iron Trick]"If you need help coming up with how to use a considerable amount of self sustaining energy in an area that's only observable to entities you brothers allow in-then I have grossly misjudged you."
>>370923
...Wait, new idea here: What about doing it ourselves-the memory correction, I mean? Scouring the mind and leaving it an obedient entity you don't need to suppress.
>"How do you propose we learn to do this?"
The auction would seem a way-or just getting the training from the goblins.
>"The goblins aren't an option. Those that taught me of shadow proved their specialities lay in other fields than shadow manipulation workarounds to achieve mind manipulation. Similarly, their chakra-based stealth arts don't have a soul magic work around-neither you or I have an open bloodline slot, unless you want to ruin the impending synergy of a three-soul-base Composite winter line. And I don't know that it'd be safe to try and secure that at the auction-though I suppose some sort of magic item capable of granting it's user mind manipulation could potentially be obtained. ...I suppose I could hold out until the auction, if you went this route."
...
>>370851
>>370932
>>370946
>>370959
....Well shit, you aren't leaving me all that many options. So what, you want Einrik to solve this?
>"While the... auction approach sounds viable, it would be my preference, yes. Why?"
I have misgivings about letting that thing in his skull-
>"-Near the thing in your skull? Why, because of Amen? Please don't tell me that right after I've complemented your mental acuity you actually chose to trust that monster's words, have you?"
Not at all-but by the same token, Amen can't lie, and-
>"Prove it."
...What?
>"Prove Amen can't lie."
Why would I have to do that?
>"Consider what we know CAN lie-specifically, humans, wizards and dragons. Only the first two are relevant here-as what is Amen made out of? Hate-"
-Held together by the minds and souls of his summoners after he consumed them.
>"Making Amen, in at least some sense, human."
And thus theoretically fully capable of lying.
>"Precisely."
Okay, how does that explain his obedience to orders?
>"Falsehood and adherence to a soul binding at two entirely seperate things-a human can be forced into actions by a soul binding without losing their ability to decieve. Why should it be any different for him?"
I.... am going to need a second opinion on this.
>"Perhaps more than just a second-after all, this situation has considerable gravity well beyond that of our current shared predicament with this gestalt soul in your eye-and both of us are known to be somewhat paranoid."
Trick-you want to weigh in on this?
>[Iron Trick]"I cannot confirm or deny your soul brother's findings-but the logic involved holds up: In theory Amen is fully capable of lying, even while it's bound to follow orders."
...Okay, lets say you're right, and Amen can lie: How do we know what are actually past orders Amen must follow, and what's just bullshit?
>"I think we'd need external input on that: I can continue to pursue contacts in the Dark that know something of the creature's nature and history, I'm confident Sake would be amenable to seeking out other low grade divine creatures to question, and you could seek information through the Zosimus clan: We have our standing wager with their sire, and they already hold interest for being Vampires inclined towards shadow magic."
Whew-always more on the plate, huh?
>"It seems a distinct byproduct of attempting to enforce upwards mobility on one's status."
Okay-so, back to Einrik as a possible solution: So you suggest there isn't a danger of allowing that... thing of Einrik's access to our own little monstrosity?
>"No, I don't. Einrik's been able to control the thing himself quite ably, and if it would create issue in this scenario, it would logically have created a similar issue when he grafted Kas Pin understanding to your mind. No issue cropped up then-and so I expect no issue now. And if there was one, I similarly feel confident Einrik would tell us of the possible risk. Odd as it may be, I'm relying less on his friendship with us and more his dedication to see experiments go as far as they can, to insure our mental and spiritual safety."
...Fine. So, either Einrik, here and now, or tomorrow, when I'm focusing on the auction.
>"Of the options you presented, they seem the most functional."
All right, we narrowed it down to two-so, can I actually ask you my questions now?
>"By all means."
Well first I'm interested in the Flesh Manipulation magic you've been ferrying between Amen and Whaitiri.
>"Yes, that: The information's most readily absorbed when you are genuinely not conscious, so I will implant the knowledge when you are transitioning from our conversation back to wakefullness. While they have discussed a great deal, only a fraction is directly pertinent to you-and of that only a fraction was sufficiently discussed there are no... gaps, in the magical theory from my perspective. What I can give you, is the most basic of non-regenerative flesh manipulation, that being manually activated tissue alteration. 1: Temporarily converting the smooth muscle around organs into a more shock and impact resistant material, better suited to the types of harm that one encounters with supernatural foes. 2: Briefly converting skeletal muscle between different types-say to improve stamina when brute force isn't needed, or irk out more power when longevity is not required. 3: Lastly, a reinforcement of the heart, to allow the... masochistic to push their bodies farther past their limits without cardiac arrest or rupture. In all, none of these changes you will become capable of will be permanent-all will need to be actively maintained while you are outside of your 'default' state. Further, the changes elicited this way would be comparable to low-grade chakra manipulation. The point, however, is that they are the most fundamental and basic of non-healing oriented Flesh manipulation tricks available-and they should, in theory at least, stack with actual chakra reinforcement. And that is where the problems arise: You have demonstrated that your Summer and Winter lines, unsurprisingly, cannot safely directly interact with one another. So you'll need to assign your chakras in some manner that does not directly vent them into your flesh, such as this 'open' state of yours with it's increased rate of magical saturation, or Ito's direct body reinforcement. But as is, an attempt to use any of the tricks you'll learn will be... painful, to say the least, in your current state. Also I must stress that these tricks do consume energy at a considerable rate while being sustained. My best estimate would be... perhaps two minutes of sustaining a 'complete' transformation in all areas."
...Huh. The bad interaction with Winter sucks, but isn't really unexpected. Will the energy I've already saturated myself with impact this?
>"It shouldn't. After an hour or so in your flesh, it loses out to the ownership of your Summer Bloodline. I suppose I should clarify that one: Your Summer line 'owns' your flesh as a Flesh manipulation based bloodline, and your Winter line, soul manipulation based, 'owns' your chakras as the manifestation of your soul. Both control specific physical areas of your body-but one's a metaphysical zone that... well, I'll keep my as of yet amateurish theories about chakras to myself until I have something remotely like proof. Suffice to say, your Winter chakras can exist safely within your Summer body, provided both are not activated at the same time. ...This gets a bit more confusing as it seems metaphysical or conceptual uses of chakras ARE safe even with active use of the Summer line. Really, I look forward to Lo Fang's lessons, as I'm sure we can come up with more than a few questions-or for Einrik's contact."
No kidding. How'd you learn all this?
>"Again, the Dark, contacts, the goblin training helping my standing-that sort of thing. More importantly, I have chakras too, as a reflection of a human soul and wholly independent of the purely shadow-based beings of the Dark. I've made it a side project to research their function as possible-and found some things that would be applicable to you. It only seemed fair to share."
Okay... so how about you then-what have you learned to do?
>"In short, I can create audible sound from any shadow I touch, I can now safely come free from you and wander to my own content, I have vastly improved stamina for touching physical objects, and could be considered an intangible replica of you, readily able to effect the environment as much as I want. I've learned how to move through any large shadow instantly from one edge to the other. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight without contact with a shadow will tire me, but it will no longer threaten to unmake me within minutes-I could survive hours now. I've learned how to define a range of thirty meters around myself as a potential field of shadow Ownership, and freely teleport things within it-with similarly improved stamina. Magical items-NOT Artifacts-should now be far easier and less taxing to teleport. Similarly, I can now safely teleport you without killing you-but it requires a full second-a half second to harmonize you with the Dark for safe transport, and a half-second to de-harmonize you back to full physicality. It's slower than inorganic transport, but for a good half of that period you're physically intangible. And to make this clear, I can only move you when you are within thirty meter range. All of this though, relies on my energy not being bound up like this."
Well, since you're giving me a hefty little packed of concepts, explanations and practical application alike-what would you say is 'your wishlist'?
>"Honestly? Something that could create light in some way-but in the Dark, rather than the physical world. I'm not sure such a thing exists, but if you ever saw it I'd thoroughly enjoy it's acquisition. If you could get me more shadows to claim as my own-a way to spread out-it would directly increase my maximum potential magical stamina, in addition to giving me additional forms to work through. I think the goblins could provide this-but I'm also reasonably certain they would charge absolutely ludicrous prices for services-far beyond their norm."
No kidding? Hm, I'll have to look into that. What about memory alteration?
>"If you actually find someone that can teach a Shadow manipulation based workaround to Mind manipulation, absolutely I'd appreciate it."
His smile curls back up as he begins to pace... right on up one of the spine pillars as if strolling aimlessly through a park.
Hm. Speaking of magical potential-mind if I take a look at your soul?
>"I'd prefer to not do that while the Reaper's psyche is intact-I am not able to discern the full breadth of the mind and knowledge now bestowed on that chimeric soul-so perhaps at a later date. ...Hm, what to do with such a strange engine..."
You know, I really have to ask: What is the Dark like?
>"A broad question, but I'll try to give you a sufficient overview. Think of a place... where 'place' isn't a concept. There is no here, no there-everywhere, everything is you. With 'you' potentially being untold billions of divergent entities. So you define 'you' as something you can handle-one could say the world of the Dark grows as one's understanding and competence with Shadow manipulation and mental fortitude increase. Thankfully, even the powerful are rarely mentally profound enough to actually track each individual facet of their definition of the Dark, their self that is legion. So the young and weak if... discreet, can have a reasonably safe early life. The shadowmancer and the goblinic training certainly didn't hurt."
Are there dangers that might attack us from that direction?
>"Attack you? Frankly not without slaying me first-my very existence gives you protection, as no threat from the dark [i]can approach you without moving right through my existence in the Dark. Me though-well, so long as we don't piss off some really talented shadowmancers that take grudges seriously, we should be fine-assuming I don't have to bind this thing anymore.
Benefits we might be able to draw from it?
>"To a degree. Once I can start getting lesser-to my position, at least-shadowfiends indebted to me or in actual service, I could call in external support-but that's still a long way off, as I need to make sure I don't disturb any genuinely larger power's standing in my own climb. The Dark is almost exclusively populated by those who live off grudges and old hatred. Making no waves is the key-and I'm fine with the slow approach."
You mentioned politics, so presumably You've found people to talk to; what motivates those people?
>"What always motivates? Power, one's 'face', control, the maintenance of that sense you're living some sort of personal ideal. In the Dark, it amounts to having your own... 'Shade', a group, a cabal, a collection of subservient shadows, an alliance to increase each individual's survivability in the volatile dark under a centralized leadership. ...I'm honestly going to be quite busy even once freed up, as I've rapidly become too.. competent to be wholly alone, so I need to start making headway on establishing my own Shade, however meager. And before you offer-no, I'd prefer no assistance on this-it would tinge my entire career, if I needed 'physical' help, odd as that may sound."
So-you still have the shadow of the mere, unbroken: You think there's any chance it could evolve with the mere's reforging?
>"Hard to say. I believe if the mere's transformation involved sufficient magical power, and I could be present in some form, I might be able to re-slave the shadow to the new mere. I'll need to do some checking, but the theory seems sound."
Hm. Any other equipment you're looking for?
>"Yes actually. The shadow of a Mauser C96-the specific variant really doesn't matter, but there's a trick I procured that's rather... specialized and I'm most curious to try it out. If successful it would open up more than a few options for me."
Why specifically that gun's shadow?
>"It's a well known enough gun it had sufficient 'shadow' of Belief attached to it for any form of spellwork to catch it-and the crafter of this particular trick I learned chose this gun, over the others with enough shadow Belief, like the Colt SAA variants, the Mosin Nagant line, the AK-47, what have you.
Hm. Another thing to look for then, a C96's shadow. So... on the topic of your Shade as you termed it-how do you feel you stand against your peers in the Dark?
>"[i]A difficult question to answer because of how divergent different shadow manipulation methods can be in function and matchup. I think I'll answer as if this was a set of ten school grades, with each grade getting ranked in percentiles by their overall performance. With me so far?
"
Yeah-graduation from grade to grade and excellence relative to peers as scales to judge by. So?
>"So, if the meanest dreg in the Dark is in the bottom percentile of grade 1, and the most powerful beings I've heard of and thus far been entirely unable to perceive are in grade 10 in the 95th percentile, then I would say I have advanced my grade 1 standing from the bottom rung as one of the dregs myself initially to the 70th percentile-maybe as high as the 80th if I get some more time to refine and merge my existing understanding of Shadow manipulation and everything works as I hope it does. ...Incidentally, this would be with me only halfway to advancing to grade 2-I'm still lacking gross power those above me have."
So how do you think you'd measure up the the Zosimus clan?[/i]"
>"Against Cornelius I'd cease to exist-that much I know. But from what I've heard and found, the Zosimus clan as a whole is not overwhelmingly powerful-and there are quite a few of it's members I think I could outclass if not binding this beast. Say, the bottom fifth or quarter of the clan members-those with no spawn of their own, only a Ghoul or two, ones like that. We'd still be considered weak by the upper crust-but no more so than a sizable portion of their clan. And if we can get access to their teachings, I can guarantee that standing would improve."
My shadow reaches the ceiling, slowly meandering about a chandelier made of broken clocks still ticking, glowing as if about to melt held together with human bone. The chained abomination continues to struggle and rage without flagging, muffled by its bindings.
So-say we get the creature lobotomized. Until we can do the whole 'engine conversion' thing or some other proper spiritual reconfiguration, what do you think we should do for keeping the creature hidden? This eye is after all rather awesome for providing a private demiplane.
>"I think I can keep it... obscured, if we can successfully pacify it."
My soul brother's smile unravels, turning into an upside down frown with him on the ceiling-a decidedly disconcerting thing to observe.
>"With the time I'll need to safely implant the Flesh manipulation knowledge into you, we're running short on discussion time: Armas, I ask you as your self-made twin, to decide how to solve this issue I have before our would-be employees finish their mission."
I promise.
>"Good. Because I need to get to work-and you can't be conscious for it."
My brother raises his hand-

[DISCONTINUITY]

I awake in a start, the clock by my side displaying 10:50 PM, ten minutes before the job starts. My head... only mildly tingles as I recall what feel like old memories-packed with practical applications of basic Flesh manipulation magic.

[ARMAS CAN NOW: HARDEN HEART, HARDEN ORGANS specifically non-cardial organs save the brain, and SWITCH MUSCLE TYPES ]

I go downstairs-to find Camella still talking with Einrik, Hillevi positively radiating a prickly feel as she watches more television in a huff. As I descend the stairs, I realize I didn't even think about the fact I didn't call Camella over, she was already here-and wonder who invited her. Probably Hafaz or one of them-they have guest right and she knows them. Hm. Wonder how I should address 'guests inviting further guests'. It worked out this time, but what if someone sends an infiltrator that way? Things could get messy.

I put that aside as I plop down in an armchair in the smoking room, phone at hand, and begin to muse over my shadow's plight:









How should it be solved, with Einrik's assistance, or purchased through the auction?
Those with Russian soldiers going on the Triad mission, if you have not already posted a one sentence blurb of how you want them to do please do so. Further, if you wish it, you can roll up to three d100 dice, so long as you specify a specific unusual action they're attempting that the roll is for.
>>
No. 371176 ID: f6106a

Amen gets an order. "I order you to tell me in complete honesty whether you're capable of lying when you have not been specifically ordered to tell the truth."

Anyway, let's use Einrik's help. It's free. Auction, not so much.

Think to Shadowbro if he thinks it's viable to split some of Sisuthros blood from the Amen construct thing and give some to each of the brothers? Perhaps asking Einrik to help with that, as we don't want Amen getting free. Having Romanov and being unable to use it is slightly annoying.
>>
No. 371177 ID: 3947e9

SB's logic has won me over. Lets get einrik to do this.

Then get camella to take a look at reaper gun parts as we really need it done ASAP.

And we need to ask arkvard if we can be there for the reforging of the mere so that SB can have his shadowmere upgraded as well. Also we had all these other ideas about reforging it that need to be added.
>>
No. 371185 ID: 81f32a

>How should it be solved, with Einrik's assistance, or purchased through the auction?
Lets go Einrik route. At least that way we wont have to pay anything (probably) and that suits our greedy self just fine.
Though perhaps this should be done outside the mansion grounds so that Amen and baby-chtulu don't fuck things up? Or, in complete opposite direction, we could include Amen in this venture BUT we will have to ask Einrik to articulate orders and think of any loopholes that could come up. SB, IT and Sake thoughts and input will be valuable too. We should take this slowly and prepare/think for several hours before taking action.
Would this route enable the perpetual spirit engine though? Might want to ask Einrik or SB that

Speaking of the Auction. Tell Einrik when we will be holding it and that he is invited there. Maybe he'll want to be at a gathering of supernaturals for his own personal needs.

>Probably Hafaz or one of them-they have guest right and she knows them. Hm. Wonder how I should address 'guests inviting further guests'. It worked out this time, but what if someone sends an infiltrator that way? Things could get messy.
Yeah.... we are giving too much leeway for our Guests. Letting them order Amen in anyway was a mistake imo
>>
No. 371186 ID: 448d82

Well my vote is auction or anything other than Einrik, it isn't so much Einrik with his headbabby being in Armas' head is the problem as it is Headbabby being so close to the neoAmen fragment. I am also in the direction of the Blank engine idea, so run that story Trick told us by Einrik, see what he has.

On other matters Ask Iron Trick if there is a diffent gamble we can do with the prime abilities, or if there is a way to make Darkening the only choice for a time, perhaps via a bullet or something?
>>
No. 371290 ID: f8aa66

Hm, Hillevi is less blue than green when Camella's around. Not necessarily bad from the position of her understanding her host has other duties (which sometimes includes new hotness) but this could be a problem in the short-term; make sure to include her when you can, or to be particularly effusive in our praise or thanks when she does something impressive.

On Amenblood monster (which shall hereby be referred to as Frank, short for Our Little Frankenstein's Monster): I think Einrik is the right mix of availability and competency for this job. Sound him out.

"Sorry Camella, can I borrow Einrik for a bit? Turns out one of my spur-of-the-moment decisions the other day had unlooked-for repercussions. Shocking, I know."

Lay it out for him. We have an Amen-Sisuthros- kinda-construct thing in a private demiplane with our shadow, our weaselbro, and also a goddess. A human soul that doesn't like us very much got in, fed himself to our little Frankenstein monster, and now... well, he's kind of like Amen in miniature. In our eye.

He can see why this is of concern for us.

I believe we can tell him this because Amen needs to check on the status of the Sisuthros blood for himself regardless of what we know or don't know, right? If not, axe this whole thing.

Hate to ask another favor while he's in the midst of DOING us a favor by being here, but we'd owe him one. Surely we'll be in a position to help him out with something or another one of these days.

Also, while we're kicking around, we could get Amen started on the illusion charms. One Armas-face illusion and one of the blandest, most uninteresting human in our blood stocks would be a good start.
>>
No. 371374 ID: cb0cc3

>>371150
>Iron Trick's information
There are two interesting bits here: What he said, and what he implied about himself. Iron Trick is, apparently, involved in some kind of gambling- a wager which our actions determined the result and benefited from. Where there is one there are likely more- it's not impossible that Iron Trick is constantly betting on us and there are many potential things to get out of him.

>Wonder how I should address 'guests inviting further guests'. It worked out this time, but what if someone sends an infiltrator that way? Things could get messy.
By realizing that guests currently have way too much latitude in what they can order Amen to do. We need to dial them back- rescind permission for them to do anything but order him to pass messages to us or other guests freely, accomplish tasks which the average mundane hotel staff could accomplish for their guests, or issue other commands that we choose to grant them on an individual or collective basis in the future; questions for Amen are to be ignored or referred to us if the guest requests it, and tasks are to be referred to us for approval.

At some point we will need Amen to recite for us all orders issued by all guests so that we can review it for horrible problems, but that can wait for when we're alone and have nothing better to do.

>Camella still talking with Einrik
Don't try to drag Einrik away, but stroll on over and ask how things are. "Camella, good to see you- sorry I'm late, important meeting." If she says that we were asleep, declare the two often interchangeable with a teasing air. "How's things talking with someone who actually knows most of what I've ever pretended to know? Come up with anything interesting? Catch me up, please."

Proceed to learn things if possible. Hopefully we'll get some background on what Einik's told her. If not, we'll learn it later. When that conversation is done: "If you've got some spare time, Camella, I have a bit of a puzzle I think you'd be interested in. Care to take a look?" Show her the Reaper gun parts, and explain that they all came from a single gun but we're pretty sure they're largely derived from various existing weapons; mention the parts we've found so far and our conclusions based upon the observed firing characteristics of the weapons in question.

Before Camella leaves give her the still-beating heart that we tore from the chest of a creature that was trying to kill us. Pretty sure we have one lying around, and that was the plan.

After we've dealt with some Camella stuff, Einrik time. "Hey, Einrik. Prepare to have your willingness to be helpful abused: I would appreciate your help dealing with a certain problem." Explain the situation in our head briefly, preferably well out of the hearing of anyone else here. Or of Amen, for the paranoid. Also bring up the matter of Reaper charms; bring up that they're delicate and full of anti-tampering stuff but he can take a look at them if he wants, so long as he doesn't break them. We'd appreciate knowing if he can get anything out of them. Note that if he- or anyone- asks, we can honestly say we didn't put that soul in that jar.

Don't actually go back to our spiritual demiplane or otherwise cease to be able to perceive the real world until after the Russians' mission is over. We need to stay conscious until then.

Speaking of the Russians' mission: Consider that Lo Fang is probably competent enough to keep waves of junkies from needing to be warded off with assault rifles upon the arrival of every drug shipment he gets. Consider also that he's got a soul magnet room. Is it perhaps possible that he's deliberately getting the suicidal addicts killed in order to imprison their souls, unnoticed by others, and use them for some unknown purpose? This also fits with his shipments coming in at night, when the sun wouldn't be out to disperse any of the deceased souls.

When we're done with immediate concerns, go poke our ward. "Hey, Hillevi. Enjoying your venture into the world of television?" Await response. "A word of warning on that; they call it the 'idiot box' for a reason. Staring at a television is no good way to spend time; almost everything on there is some variety of bullshit, and they make more faster than it can be watched. For you there's some value in learning more about modern culture and mundane history, but you'd probably be better off getting a computer and learning to use that. At least that's a tool as well as an entertainment device."
>>
No. 371384 ID: 110f6a

>>371150
“Iron Trick, What you told me about the Darkening derived bloodline- does that mean Rabbit is court neutral? I am asking because if he is, I might try to sell to him the four pistols I just got. Do you think I could arrange to sell them to him without him knowing my other secrets, and that I could get in exchange a way to choose the primary abilities I shoot (for the darkening derived bloodline as well as for fights), help to synchronize my bloodline as it finalize and maybe tuition on how to use it?”
“Would draining the ego from the composite make me unable to turn it into a engine?” This one should be asked both of IT, SB, Sake, and Einrik once he is apprised of the situation.

If using Einrik does not make Armas unable to turn the composite into a engine, well, I say go for it. We could then sell the pistols to Rabbit to FINALLY get our bloodline done. If Rabbit could help the synchronization or blood dominance when the bloodline is being done, we should think about what else than the pistols we could sell to him, as it may be worth it. If he is willing to buy information, there is no reason we can't sell to him some of the choicest morsels we already sold to SM. He also likes tricks, and the splintered intent could be a possibility, as it would show a kindred spirit. However, if we do sell that, we should think about limiting WHEN he can act on the information.

Has SB refreshed our dances recollections? If not, ask him to do it. Then show those dances to Einrik, and get his opinion on them.

>and they should, in theory at least, stack with actual chakra reinforcement. And that is where the problems arise: You have demonstrated that your Summer and Winter lines, unsurprisingly, cannot safely directly interact with one another. So you'll need to assign your chakras in some manner that does not directly vent them into your flesh, such as this 'open' state of yours with it's increased rate of magical saturation, or Ito's direct body reinforcement. But as is, an attempt to use any of the tricks you'll learn will be... painful, to say the least, in your current state.
Worrying. This possibly means we can't use our passive healing at all, and might even block our hybrid regeneration technique. Inquire about it to SB, Sake, Iron Trick. OTOH, we haven't been rolling on the floor begging for the pain to stop since two days ago, so our passive healing is probably fine.

While talking about the Spirit Engine, there is a important point: if it contains the Blood that gives us ownership of Amen still, couldn't we share ownership of it with Sake and SB? In that case, we sould just need to show it to Amen with careful wording, and he will be forced to acknowledge SB and Sake as masters even if we die, as long as the demi-plane hasn't collapsed and the soul engine hasn't changed hand.

While we are waiting for the Russians' jobs to be over, let's spar some more with the ones presently here.

>>371374
UPVOTE
This bit, I think, is particularly relevant:
>Mahtigwess greets the keen-eyed bearer of it's trinketwho is sadly not a smoker-pity, pityand asks if the student of Mahtigwess' Iron Trick would be willing to wager a sliver of his soul on a trick so grand as to fool reality?Yes yes this one's mind looks promising indeed, so trick-some and ambitiousThis offer must be answered-what does the bearer choose?he's obviously going to accept look at the greed in his heart, the wallowing in risk he revels in .
It's highly possible Iron Trick sees himself as our teacher, of sort.
>>
No. 371436 ID: 330636

If we talk to Einrik about this, we should do so after ordering Amen not to perceive anything that occurs in the room we hold the discussion in, and block the events that occur in the room by being perceived by anything else. Talk to him about the magical engine proposal when he comes into the eye.

In future, guests don't get to invite other guests, ever.

Currently, the Summer Flesh Manipulation seems pretty much worthless, given how short a time it can be sustained for due to its energy consumption rate. As we need to save our Summer Energy for healing, and can only recover it by eating, it doesn't seem worth using. We need to investigate some more what we can do with this, but in order to do so we need to redeploy our chakra. Now, if we recall how we unassigned them when fighting Camella, we could try redoing what we did before. When we assigned our chakras to our memories of our goblin stealth, we actually did it ourselves, after having Amen give us the knowledge of how to do so. Can we similarly reassign our chakra to another set of memories, perhaps the memories of first exploring and then broadening our soul sense to incorporate attention. After we have done this, we can try out the sensation of using each of the tricks that SB showed us for a couple of seconds each, learning what it feels like to do so. We should also try to get used to directly controlling the flow of summer energy in this fashion. When we've done, we should take a walk around and examine the Russians, and then unassign our chakras again.

We need to keep in mind that we have a divine graft and a Summer Bloodline, and we should raise this with SB. Has he had any joy learning more about them? We don't know the degree to which they're the same, but they may be at least partially distinct, and we may be able to do different things with them. We were told by Einrik that divine magic doesn't follow the usual principles by which the draconic derived bloodline magics follow, so what we can do with the graft may also not follow the usual rules. Our summer bloodline, being divine in origin, may also be rather unusual.

In conclusion we need to know what the scope of our summer magic is in order for SB to know what is relevant. It's almost certain that he's considered and investigated this, so it would be interesting to know what he's discovered. Hopefully, what SB is implicitly learning about how Whaitiri can use her powers may teach us how to use our divine graft in a similar fashion, but that still leaves the related bloodline (which may or may not be different).

This isn't the only thing we need to speak to SB about. We've just exploited our spiritual senses to find out about someone else's closely guarded secret. We don't want them to do the same to us. We've also seen that attacks that target souls exist, as when Dirt Snake was attacked and transmitted the damage back to Big Crazy. It seems that SB has found a partial solution – he's shifted his part of our soul into the Dark, rather than keeping it in his shadow “body” in the physical world, whilst retaining his ability to control that body. We should ask him to think about ways he can achieve something similar, perhaps keeping our soul hidden behind the wards around our metal eye in the Closed Space there, and controlling our body via our chakras, for instance. This could be something building from the ego-less style, or totally different. Remember to ask him for help, not order him. In this, as many other things, his knowledge far exceeds his own. Given Sake's knowledge of posession, he may have something he'd like to contribute as well.

For the Russians, we should lend them the magical AVT we have.

For Gloom, he should set up in a good location to ambush attackers once they've arrived with thermal goggles and a silenced, sub-sonic gun. His job is to ambush them from behind if they attack, making it seem as if there are more forces than just him doing so.
>>
No. 371495 ID: d97a61

>>371177
>>371185
>>371290
>>371374
Nothing for it-Einrik can get done to...morrow morning, right after the guard job's done. Gives me time to discuss the situation with him-and is by far the fastest, cheapest approach. Helps it means trusting a guy who's already got quite a few damning secrets about me with yet another-at this point what difference does it make?
You hear my SB?
>"Yes-so, Einrik. I shall... have to prepare. Though if he can get started tonight, I would prefer it. This... state of power without the ability to use it is rather dangerous for me.
I'll see what I can do.

I rub my chin as I consider the scene before me. Hillevi... looks jealous of Camella. Or at the least, something about her demeanor as well as her soul suggest she's filled with envy towards her-but I can't quite finger why. She doesn't seem nearly so enamored with me as she was at the start-meeting other people has clearly helped in that-so I don't think it's jealousy over her claiming my time. Maybe it's the way the fight went-she feels she should have made a better showing against a 'regular' human? I'll need to keep an eye on that, I think.

"Sorry Camella, can I borrow Einrik for a bit? Turns out one of my spur-of-the-moment decisions the other day had unlooked-for repercussions. Shocking, I know."
Camella's laughter cuts off as she turns a deprecating glance my way.
>[Camella]"It's not surprising-you get yourself into trouble so easily. 'Rik, would you help our poor host?[/i]"
>[Einrik]"How could I not? If you'll excuse me."

Einrik and I walk away, Hillevi continuing to pointedly ignore Camella in our wake as Amen provides a soundproofed room, and departs after I order him to forget anything perceived from within the room while both Einrik and I are inside. So warded from my fickle servant's ears, I explain my problem-a complicated multi-magic hybrid, the dregs of many past not-so-calculated risks, dwelling in my eye. A vengeful human spirit tearing itself apart to place its memories in the hulk, the chaos it seek to bring about within my own soul. He listens in silence, face betraying not a whit of judgment, even as I explain the plane's accessible to my brothers and I-and frequently a certain Summer goddess I'd like to stay in the good graces of. How I need a discreet bit of assistance stripping the memories back out of the spirit. How the memories have information that would frankly be dangerous to know, and I'd rather not add more to his plate than he needs. So the memories need to be stripped, the magical entity lobotomized without the memories being observed. Oh yes, and the mind manipulation should leave the entity able to serve as a power source once converted at some later date. Nothing too specific, really.
Einrik does not disappoint. With a hearty chuckle he nods his head.
>[Einrik]"Yes, I could do such a thing-and the fact YOU are acknowledging it's danger is enough to quash any personal curiosity in what's going on. So long as... ah, and your Soul Shadow's commented he can invite me in, and his magical theory for allowing my psyche in seems sound. May I?"
"Go ahead."
For a half second Einrik simply stands there, his glamour's head cocked as if listening to some far-off sound. He then blinks hurriedly, and purses his lips before responding, for all the world looking like a child in a candy store.
>[Einrik]"..Yes, I can indeed do what you need with the aid of my own little monster. The memories I scour away won't be accessible, I hope you understand."
"I've come to grips with that yes."
>[Einrik]"..Okay-I'm going to keep conversing with your brother, and only bring my guy into the mix once we've got a solid plan. Your brother's expressed a decided concern over exposure of an Amen derived being to my own.. fellow. I'm inclined to minimize that contact."
I check my phone, happy it still gets reception.
"Have at it."

For thirty minutes, Einrik sits still, a serene statue on the floor before me, looking so much smaller than he really is. I feel nothing as this happens, having already verified with SB that whilst the beast must still be changed, I myself can't easily slip into the realm without considerable prodding. As such, for half an hour I decide to see just how flexible I am, getting really into a series of stretches. While I do this, I consider what I learned, not just from my brothers, but from my used revolver. So, Trick bets on me? I wonder-with that blurb when I first used it, is that enough evidence for me to safely assume it... HAS to gamble? That it's some core function?
>"I've never perceived the being you speak of, but your memories would suggest such a conclusion is accurate, unless you've been mislead."
It's something to seriously consider.

Finally, Einrik speaks.

>[Einrik]"..We are ready. It should take one quarter second real time."
SB, you approve?
>"It meets our needs. I approve."
"Okay Einrik-do it."

There is... a feeling like an itch far deeper in my skull than I've ever thought possible-a fleeting feeling that vanishes like a twinkle of moonlight, fragile and effervescent as it's grip on my mind relaxes before it ever set in. The feeling is strange, and I instinctually recognize I'm never going to forget the sensation.

With that, two things happen. The first, is that Einrik stands back up, smiling tidily, as always.

The second is that the entire room darkens perceptably as my shadow... steps away from me, looking like a man set free.
>"...Excellent. Hah, done within an hour of waking up-not bad."
Nice.

That done, I immediately set into a separate concern I'd like to bring up with Einrik-namely, my increasingly believed theory that those strange Maori dances I did as a child with my mother were something... more. With SB having honed my memories, I more smoothly and accurately run through the motions I was taught, as an eight foot tall, heavily scarred man wearing the guise of a tidy banker watches on with a judging glare. I'm interrupted midway through by a phone call-
>[Matvey][In Russian]"Report: Initial wave forty minutes in. Igor, Grisha and Ivan handled them. Those tools left from last night's job helped. No casualties."
"I see-keep me informed."
With that the call's over, the update given. I get back to my demonstrations-and shortly enough am receiving Einrik's commentary.
>[Einrik]"I can't be sure, but that looks a great deal like... a picture book of Chinese arts. Here I see the hand and arm movements of an acupuncturist or a tattooist-there I see the footwork of Chi Gong. Honestly, it's a large sampling of different forms of wushu-but all reworked to some degree. Some sort of polynesian reinvention? You said your mother's side is from the Maori people of New Zealand, right? I wonder... well, suffice to say, I'd be interested in tagging along if you choose to go on a trip to that particular Island. Whatever it is she taught you, it looks like that which it was derived from is rather solid stuff."
"Really? Sounds like this really is worth investigating then, if it's got you curious."
>[Einrik]"I can't be certain, but I see things that suggest the style you were indirectly taught about has Chakra manipulation methods-and some of those hand movements looked.. rather similar to Dim Mak. I've made it a point to always investigate things related to 'Touch of Death'. For you-what isn't useful about a completely reworked martial style built off some of the oldest, most researched mortal martial studies to be found?"
"Well when you put it like that... still, thanks for the input, and the assist."
>[Einrik]"Of course-the level of disclosure you offer me in conjunction with your approach to magical experimentation is more than enough for me to... invest in your well being as necessary. In a way, the thanks are not needed."

We exit the room just before midnight-with my shadow ambling back over to me like an indulgent cat.

An earlier agreement coming to mind, my eyes light up with mischievous mirth as SB happily teleports a particular piece of flesh from my minifridge in the nearby kitchen to my hand. So it is that I walk back up to Camella, smiling as she turns my way-and present her with a still beating necrotic heart.

"So, I said I'd get you a souvenir-and though a tasty morsel would be best. Here. Just hold it for a moment. Get used to how it's still beating before you put it in your mouth. When you eat it, it's like a strange sashimi, if you've ever had that. Think of it like a different sort of tartar."
I proceed to give her my most winning smile.

She, rather predictably, does not take the offering particularly well. Thankfully, with Hillevi and Einrik here, she doesn't try to murder me. ...Yet. I'll call that a win.

As we all settle down on the couch, the clock shows midnight's upon us-as I get to considering a rather interesting thought. Lo Fang is competent-ruthlessly so, so far as I've seen. Yet he reliably has problems with junkies attacking his supplies? That would normally be something a rather.. lax boss would have to deal with. I could be completely off-but that seems like it'd have to be related to his... soul boxes, or whatever he's got going on, for it to make sense. Nothing I can do about it now-just yet another suspicion about the machinations of my employers, nothing new. As I excuse myself for a moment from the couch-

>>371176
I speak to Amen in Te Reo.
"Amen, I order you to tell me in complete honesty whether you're capable of lying when you have not been specifically ordered to tell the truth."
>[Amen]"This one is indeed capable of such. This one also observes no prior masters restricted this one to blanket honesty-and wonders if master has any idea why that might be."
...Yeah, not giving him any standing truthfulness orders until I can get some... security.

Once I'm back at the couch-I lean down by Hillevi to make a comment in Finnish.
" Hey, Hillevi. Enjoying your venture into the world of television?"
>[Hillevi][In Finnish]"It is... interesting."
"A word of warning on that; they call it the 'idiot box' for a reason. Staring at a television is no good way to spend time; almost everything on there is some variety of bullshit, and they make more faster than it can be watched. For you there's some value in learning more about modern culture and mundane history, but you'd probably be better off getting a computer and learning to use that. At least that's a tool as well as an entertainment device."
>[Hillevi][In Finnish]"I've.. seen those computers on the television, I think. That is what you gave the Riihivuori children, is it not?"
"Yup. I'd be happy to teach you how to use one.""
She smiles at me-for once, not blushing as she thanks me. With Hillevi now far less grouchy in demeanor, and Einrik wrapped back up with his conversation with Camella-

>>371436
After another few hours I excuse myself again-this time to work over my chakras, sitting alone in a quiet room. Before, when they were first assigned to stealth purposes that ultimately became a... feeding tube, of sorts, for my soul shadow-I was the one to assign them. All I did was orient them around memories. I should be able to do that now, right? Like, say, my memories of percieving souls, that should-
>"No don't!-"
Just like before, all it took was my internal focus on my chakras, and mental focus on the concepts-and the chakras flowed. So far as chakra reassignments go, the transition was swift, smooth, and easy.

The problem is that all that energy went to my eye, built around the start of my soul sensing-sight. ...The eye suffused with Summer energy from my opposed bloodline.

I don't even have time to cry out as my right eye violently ruptures, molten puss and ooze gushing from the ruined socket. I try to regenerate through the haze of pain-and find myself blocked. In a blind panic I do the only thing I can think-I clear the ruin of my eye from my socket, and try again. I nearly collapse with relief when it works. Sight is restored to me in a handful of seconds, showing me a putrid pile of rotting ooze on the floor before me. Blinking gunk and jelly out of my newly formed eye, I raise my gaze upwards-

[ SUMMER BLOODLINE ENERGY LOSS ]

To see Camella standing in the doorway, staring at me with wide eyes.

>[Camella]"I... was... going to ask where you left the remote. Arm-"
"Oh yes-I put it on the table around the corner, in the foyer-my mistake."
>[Camella]"Armas what the hell did you just do?"
"Magic. Obviously not as good of magic as I'd hoped."

She looks ready to say more-

When my phone rings-3:15AM, the job's nearly done.

>[Matvey]"Final report. Job's done early. Things got hairy for a bit. A group in gold, four in number, showed up. Identified by allies as Golden Death Gods. Matvey spotted them, knocked one prone but got trapped in a shadow. ...Not too happy that happened, bit rattled by it. Gloom and Nikifor were caught in some sort of wind manipulation-both have blood in their coughs, but their lungs seem intact now-no immediate risk, and they can ambulate well enough. Titus was actually spared any harm, still busy nonlethally incapacitating members of the last junkie raid. Grisha, Ivan, the rest and I all were still defending the truck-when another four of the invaders showed up at the same time as the Triad boss-Lo Fang. He... fought them off. Alone. Unarmed. I still don't know how he did it, and I was watching from twenty feet away. Commentary aside, we kept the cargo safe until he arrived, so the job was successfully preserved. He's saying we can head back now. No one's hurt enough they can't walk, so we'll be back in under an hour. ...Yeah, he also wants to talk with you."
The voice on the line is changed.
>[Lo Fang]"I commend you on your provided services-your men did not flinch in the face of a superior force, and held the line. They protected my assets until proper forces could be brought to bear. Regrettably they escaped, but should be sufficiently chastised I need not fear any imminent attacks from their number. You shall find a bonus with your pay for services rendered-and may wish to consider coming in some time yourself-there's a certain sword I'd like acquired, and believe you could provide assistance."
"My schedule's pretty busy-but I'll make time for you. Expect me."
>[Lo Fang]"Of course, Mr. Lane."
After that, I exchange a few more words with Matvey, and hang up. ...So, the Golden Death Gods. Eight of them. Eight bloodline-bearing, spartanly selected, highly competent, magic armor bearing, magic weapon using warriors-and all eight were repulsed-by Lo Fang alone. I do believe my respect for the man has climbed just a bit.

So... it's early in the morning, and I could go for a nap of a few hours-and a shower to get the literal eye gunk off my face. My comrades have finished their initial two jobs, I'm pretty free on commitments-so it looks like I can start worrying about just Doony and the Auction now as my biggest concerns. ...Still, let's check how my accounts over at Oyak are doing-ho ho, not a bad bonus.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8th, 2011
PERSONAL FUNDS: $96,077.97
BUSINESS FUNDS: (+50,000-25% +$10,000 BONUS) $83,500.00
CASH: $1,255.75
SHADOW PATIENCE: 100%




So:
The Russians should be due back from the job in an hour or so: Should I make a point of being here when they return?
Do I think Hillevi's healing assistance will be sufficient, or should I see about getting Sake to help them with their wounds?
And beyond those immediate concerns-what do I do with the day? Please try not to go nuts, plenty of pursuits could incur a user prompt, so don't script out Armas' day too far ahead. In particular, don't try to plan anything after either getting the Auction going, or contact the Zosimus clan.
>>
No. 371532 ID: bdb886

Be there for the Russians.

Hillevi should be sufficient. More practice for her, I guess.

>And beyond those immediate concerns-what do I do with the day?
So we know where we'll fight the Doon? Maybe we should scout out some locations if we haven't already.
>>
No. 371547 ID: f8aa66

Okay, twice we've tried, and twice we've harmed ourselves. NO MORE SOLO CHAKRA PRACTICE.

The Russians held off the Golden Death Gods? Act suitably impressed - hell, BE suitably impressed - and maybe a 50% bonus for a job that turned into quite a bit more is in order.

I think Hillevi will suffice on healing, myself.

Anyway, we've had some fun these last few days. Time to take care of some business about approaching deadlines.

1) When is Ogrimir's week? We need to let our allies know we're going to be scarce that week, and not to expect us.

2) Check with Amen if a Doonongaes is likely to be able to see or sense through the illusion charm we got. If has killer hearing/vibration sense and magic-sensing, at the very least. If not, what would be needed to make a illusion charm that would not be detectable?

Then get to work producing an Armas-charm like that. The plan I have is to have Lammy wear it when we call Doony out, act as us - while we, the russians (hired), Camella, and Hillevi settle down at some distance for some target practice with the GatMalite, AVT, Summer Season gun, Trick - every piece of firepower we can beg, borrow or steal. If we're unmoving, even Doony shouldn't be able to pick us up - or else maybe Sake and SB can help muffle us.

Have a russian or we ourselves run on down to our grenade guy - grenades of every stripe, and mines to mine the meeting place. Landmines, bouncing betties, I dunno. Whatever's in stock.

3) Is Amen ready for the meeting with the Devil in 2-3 days? Live person bound and gagged somewhere, fed and watered? Are there ways to hide a nasty trick built into the hand we plan on gifting him with, even from a being of this Devil's power (near dragon status), or do we have to play this straight with no tricks? I don't mean making the Devil disappear or anything (his people must know he's here, if the Devil's any smart at all), just something to give us a deadman's switch if we need it.

Also, I think our continuous failures with chakra show we're not ready for something as dangerous as Borders. See if Johan couldn't cook up a magic bullet to work with Trick for that bloodline-finisher Trick told us about.
>>
No. 371570 ID: f6106a

Ask Camella and Einrik if they're willing to look at the Reaper gun parts. Explain what we've picked up so far, and also that we're trying to pinpoint not just what and how it does things, but what it's design is based off of.

>>371547
Upvoting this.

Downvoting any and all chakra experiments anyone posts. We've got four possible teachers for that.
>>
No. 371636 ID: b818eb

Okay, first things first, talk to SB. He was going to tell us not to do the soul sight thing before but then shut up, I want to know if it's because 'welp, it happened and he has hopefully learned how to think before acting' or did our realignment mess with somn else. Just check up on him.

Hang around for when the Russians get back, they did a good job, congratulate them personally and get Sake to help. These gold guys did somn to Gloom and Nikifor, make sure it isn't more than it seems. Also call up a 24hour store is one exists around here and stock up on the Vodka.

Ask Amen if he has lied to you before, what did he lie about and for what reason. He is to answer this with complete honesty as long as knowing the information will not harm Armas in any way other than the vague premise of 'knowing too much will cause harm to master'. Word that more naturally and make it a bit harder to weasel out of.

Have Amen give that book you got a once over to determine if the contents will harm by knowing, if it's one of those cursed books.(I don't remember if he is just not allowed to read or not allowed to learn from books. If he can't read it, he should at least be able to detect harmful magic on it). If that doesn't work out, your item sensing with your new /sight/ should give you a preliminary buffer. Ask Einrik to take a look at it too. If it seems legit, call up your translator friend and work out a new deal.

Don't do anymore chakra testing until you get a teacher. And if you do go to see Lo Fang, change back from soul sensing format first to 'open' or even better would be 'stealth' like you had last time he saw you. I want to give him no reason to suspect you can see his boxes.

Now that your eye matter is settled, give this a gander. Currently, we are not using the eye for much except storage of the blood/amen/part human soul thing. I have come up with an idea that would allow us to make good use of the demiplane.
Put in it, the world.
Not the physical world, but an image of it, real time. This will allow you to survey any part of the world you want to as if you were actually there. Plus something for SB to do when bored. You know a few people that could help you get this done and with a bit of digging I'm sure you could find more.
1)Rabbit. though contacting him is..eh and who knows if he would help the way you want anyway
2)Ogrimir. We know the man gets shit done, only thing I see as a problem is cost, but call him up anyway.
3)The Norse Pantheon. Most of these could handle this and we can try and go through Abolec to set it up.
4)The Laib Olamai Shaman.
In any case, if you have the time, try exploring these options for contact and giving you an edge. Try to keep what you really want on the down low though, don't want people to know that a man with a 'million mile stare' is out there.

Finally, spend some time doing whatever your Bros want to do that they need...human help with. Probably not much.
>>
No. 371672 ID: 3fd4fb

>>371495
Speaking with Camella is important. We have things to say to her regarding several topics.
"Sorry about the interruption. Anyway, I'm pretty much playing with magical superpowers without a manual, these days, so stuff like that happens when things go wrong. The results are sometimes amazing, though. Was Einrik able to tell you much about your situation? The two of you seem to be getting on quite well; moved to pet names already." Converse on this as appropriate.

"If you've got some spare time, Camella, I have a bit of a puzzle I think you'd be interested in. Care to take a look?" Show her the Reaper gun parts, and explain that they all came from a single gun but we're pretty sure they're largely derived from various existing weapons; mention the parts we've found so far and our conclusions based upon the observed firing characteristics of the weapons in question. Get as much information as we can, bounce thoughts off her and/or any Russians around for a while to try and develop a better working theory of this.

Modify Amen's orders regarding guests as per >>371374, and get him to recite a complete list of people currently on our guest list. This is kind of important.

Ensure that the nasty rotted eye-matter that we just lost is destroyed. Leaving parts of our body lying around is just asking for trouble.

Check out Shadowbro's soul if we can. Check out our own soul as well if we can get a decent look at it.

>The Russians
Definitely be here upon their return. Make sure they get adequately healed and get a full after-action report in person from Matvey and anyone else inclined to chime in. Details about their assessment of the enemies and allies present would be great. Divide up the entirety of Lo Fang's bonus cash amongst the team; it was them that earned it.

>healing
Let Hillevi handle it; she'll probably appreciate feeling productive and she's got energy to burn. If anything is particularly nasty or she says she's having trouble with it call Sake in and ask him to help out, though.

>The day
Once it's a decent hour, we should call the demonologist guy and ask his fees for a consultation regarding a specific devil of interest to us (specifically, the Finnish one who will be dropping by shortly). If they're not totally unreasonable we should definitely see him and learn some stuff before that devil shows up.

The Russians were going to prepare gear request lists for us, as well as vehicle notes and general feedback outlining what they feel they need from the company for support in their operations. Those should be ready by now- acquire and read them. We will need to start putting those company funds to good use before too long; can't have our men running out of ammo or similar.

After that, Sometimes Merchant is available for meeting- and we've got quite a bit to talk to him about. Enough that I would like to take a whole update to argue about exactly what to say and sell to him, if possible, as well as to kick off and get details on the auction.
>>
No. 371696 ID: c6ce12

>The Russians should be due back from the job in an hour or so: Should I make a point of being here when they return?
I would support waiting to see them back and congratulating them on a job well done, it wouldn't hurt morale to present them with a little bonus in person too.

>Do I think Hillevi's healing assistance will be sufficient, or should I see about getting Sake to help them with their wounds?
Hillevi is perfectly capable of healing the injured, but I'd like to have them looked at by users of the areas of magic they faced just to be sure there will be no lasting damage or latent malignant effects. These weren't just your average Joe schmo Yakuza members after all, they were Golden Death Gods, bloodline users with magical weapons, armor, and the skill to use them, it's best to err on the side of caution. Have Shadowbro cast a glance Matvey's way and Sake can take a look at Gloom and Nikifor, that's all it should take really, neither should even need to expend any energy.

>And beyond those immediate concerns-what do I do with the day?
With the hour we have before the Russians return we should spend some time doing some research, specifically into what else we can contribute to the Mere, what we can do to make it more than it was. We have already hit upon the Fukang meteor and confirmed it's effectiveness as a component to reforge the Mere. Now all that needs to be done is to follow the line of thought to it's logical conclusion and look for related objects that could be integrated into it. A couple keyword searches into the meteor structures, classification, and any notable impacts should lead him everywhere he needs to go. What we he should eventually find after enough searching through a half dozen irregular meteorites with odd compositions on a handful of popular science websites is the interesting case of the Orgueil meteorite and the presolar grains contained within it. From the presolar grains Armas can jump to other interesting structures found in meteorites like for instance Lonsdaleite or ones suspected to have been left through similar events like Carbonado, I personally prefer the latter if it comes down to it.

Then we need to consider what would be the best way to tie all these pieces together into one cohesive whole and it only seems fitting the thing to do that should be elements from it's origins, symbols and words of power. I would begin searching through searching through databases on the mythology of New Zealand, websites dedicated to the revival of the Maori culture and language, and websites for New Zealand based museums. An important symbol he'll find is the Hei-Tiki, a depiction of the first man who was thought to come from the stars. In addition this research Armas should see if his recently reinvigorated memories sparked anything else, perhaps the echos of chants he heard as a child, chants he should recognize as important parts of the Maori mythology that he studied in the past. In particular there are chants for warriors departing for battle. It shouldn't matter if he's at all hazy on the exact wording, there are entire collections of karakia available online he can check himself against.

Finally we need to call Arkvad and actually report our findings to him and see if he can get it to work. We're also still mulling over the job offer.

I will also preemptively SUST any attempts at unsupervised Chakra experimentation, in fact he should just put our Winter bloodline and chakras out of mind for a short while. The earlier experimentation that resulted with us on the floor has screwed with us enough as is, the eyeball situation just now probably exacerbated the problems it caused.

>>371547
This deserves a general upvote. I heavily support contacting Johan, carefully detailing that there's a particular effect we need to get out an a divine artifact revolver. We may also want to send someone out to Gun World, see if they carry any Mauser C96's, the M1930 Mauser variant in particular for Shadowbro.

>>371570
In addition to asking Einrik about the parts ask him how his contact with the Sometimes Merchant and the Wyld Goblins of Istanbul is treating his family. We did offer the Sometimes Merchant and his people a gracious introduction to them after all, one we have yet to collect payment for, it would be nice to get an honest estimation of how beneficial the exchange has been so far.

>>371636
An upvote for this as well, particularly portion about ensuring that book we intend to have Jagda translate is actually safe. And I approve of the world eye idea in general, might be a bit premature but at least it's out there.

>>371644
No selling off any of the guns we took from Abdul.

A SUST on proposing any sort of joint effort involving Lo Fang and the Reaper gun parts.

Also Camella has a "real" leg. The only thing that was off when we saw it was that it wasn't her natural skin tone. I'm pretty sure she wouldn't be willing to saw off that leg just to rectify that.
>>
No. 371705 ID: ac262f

>>371547
Upvotan this man.

Though with regards to the soul for the devil, make sure that the prisoner isn't a person we want alive.

Also when we talked to the devil we never promised to make him a hand that wouldn't have a trap... perhaps making it so that the hand cannot (physically or metahorically) be "raised against us" would be a good idea.

Also Bear in mine that Amen may well lose what tiny amounts of humanity he has if ordered not to lie, if the red caps are right.

Get working on finding a way to shoot your self with darkening, a different gamble with Irontrick may be in order.., see if SB, Sake or Einrik have any ideas.
Also not going to Trust Armas let alone posters with borders!

Also get making food, the victorious russians must be fed after they are healed!
>>
No. 371774 ID: 81f32a

>Nearly 200k$ of DOSH to use as we see fit

Oh, I know what you could do with that. Namely, send some of it to your piss-poor parents, YOU UNGRATEFUL, PIECE OF SHIT OF A SON! What? You think making single call in months just before the end of Christmas to your mother is enough? What kind of an a-hole are you to forget your parents struggles? They always have been poor people and in this economy I doubt they can make their ends meet, while you are here, having the fucking time of your life, living in luxury mansion, eating gourmet food and generally having good old time (and yes, getting into life or death situations is part of "having fun" because if Armas didn't enjoy that, why would he do it?). Just send them 20,000$ dollars or something. I bet that for them that would be God-send. I doubt they both make more than 25k a year.
Just in case we are extremely paranoid about leaving money-trail to our parents we could have Amen make untraceable transaction, he is quite good with lawyering and money-related things, but I implore to get second opinion on the phrased order from at least SB before committing to this. And then we can call from our encrypted phone and tell them we sent some money.
[Yeah, I know it may be risky but ever since we learned that Amras' family is dirt-fucking-poor it has been bothering me a lot. We should send them money once in a while to ease the strain of their existence but not so much that they are financially secured enough to visit us in Turkey to see our "business" for themselves, at least not till we open our restaurant (or any other legitimate front)]

>>371672
>Enough that I would like to take a whole update to argue about exactly what to say and sell to him, if possible, as well as to kick off and get details on the auction.
Seconding this, we should get an update (or a half) specifically for this, so that we can prepare better (and perhaps try some actual haggling?).

>>371644
>Before the auction you need to meet again with lo fang.
I am reasonably sure Lo Fang told us he is busy this week so contacting him in unwise. Also, we don't NEED to hold the auction today or in coming days, we can postpone it for weeks if we want to (right? I am sure that the Auction has been on "ready" status for more than two weeks now. I remember we asked about it while we were in Finland and it was ready back then)

>[Einrik]"Of course-the level of disclosure you offer me in conjunction with your approach to magical experimentation is more than enough for me to... invest in your well being as necessary. In a way, the thanks are not needed."
Really?
If He values our insane experiments that much, lets tell him about the recent two chakra experiments that blew up in our face. Sure, he will laugh at us for such recklessness but at least we will give him new insights and knowledge and helping Einrik in any way is always a plus.

>>371696
>We may also want to send someone out to Gun World, see if they carry any Mauser C96's, the M1930 Mauser variant in particular for Shadowbro.
Why not ask Arkvad if he can get us a regular Mauser? Heck, we don't even need it for long (I think) so we could just borrow it.

>Do I think Hillevi's healing assistance will be sufficient, or should I see about getting Sake to help them with their wounds?
Sake. Let him go over them just in case. Hillevi's healing is just not as good as Sake's is.
>>
No. 371775 ID: e20337

We should talk about the Spirit Engine to SB, Sake, IT and Einrik: if it contains the Blood that gives us ownership of Amen still, couldn't we share ownership of it with Sake and SB? In that case, we would just need to show it to Amen with careful wording, and he will be forced to acknowledge SB and Sake as masters even if we die, as long as the demi-plane hasn't collapsed and the soul engine hasn't changed hand.
While we are still talking to Einrik, ask him if he can tell us whether our incomplete bloodline is decaying, and how much. Einrik could also tell us what he saw of our hybrid regeneration: Tell him we tried to align our chakras to our soul sensing, but it made our eye explode because of summer/winter contact. However, we could regenerate just fine.
Likewise, we should inquire if Gambler gods in general and Rabbit in particular have a standing policy against using luck enhancement to edge our chances when it comes to their gambles. Maybe also ask IT if someone already did that, and what was Rabbit’s reaction and if it succeeded. Also, Ask how they think we could secure practice to get the Primary working a few times. Being able to see what Darkening actually is might help a great deal if we want to have a bullet or some such built that can 'choose' it.

>>371696
>>371672
>>371570
>>371547
Upvoting those. Particularly the parts about checking more info about the mere and how we can improve it, finding the gun SB wants the shadow of, as well as making sure Amen has been ordered not to make it possible for guests to extend guests-rights to other people. We should also ask him who exactly currently has geusts right for the house.
Any orders to Amen to tell us things should obviously begin with "If telling me would necessisate you to kill me or would render me utterly insane, do not answer this question. Otherwise, I order to answer me this question truthfully:"

>>371719
Restricting the summer bloodline doesn't make it any weaker within the body, in fact it could be the opposite. Maybe we should think about what we are doing MEANS before experimenting on subject we have been told, repeatedly, is fuckass dangerous.

>>371644
>Before the auction you need to meet again with lo fang.
SUST on meeting lo fang before we are ready right now. We have seen what he is messing with, and making sure we don't register as someone with soul sight is IMPORTANT.
>As far as borders being unsafe... we have NEVER experimented on ourselves in a field we were TOLD was unsafe such as the soulbinding we learned from Big Crazy.
What? the last handful of post were all about telling us NOT to experiment with our chakra, and we just did. We WERE told it was unsafe. Armas had a constant policy of experimenting with stuff that recklessly- this is one reason Einrik is such a good sport with us. Borders isn't safe to even sense someone, much less experiment with.
>>
No. 371839 ID: 330636

First, go to bed and get some sleep. Remember that the business account is for business, and not spending money – so don't.

Top priority tomorrow is getting an update on the Accords that Mr Ghanem mentioned. Armas really should know all about this after he spent days learning about supernatural etiquette and politics when staying with the Valkonens, but checking shouldn't hurt.

Tomorrow morning, when we awake, we should do some more practice with the Russians, both in soul sensing and gyaketsuote. Neither of these require us spending any time in melee though. As soon as we can, we should pick up some decent paintball guns, and practice soul sensing and catching the eye of opponents who are shooting, not punching. This exercise should also help us work with them as a team in combat, From what we've learned of the misapplication of our soul sight, we may want to try a different exercise as well, one designed to get past this. We should blindfold ourselves and wear noise cancelling ear phones, and then first have the Russians walk along the corridor outside the room, with the door closed, at irregular intervals. We can then call out when we think they are passing. Every five minutes, they should tell us how many we got right, and how many we got wrong. Later, when we can do that,, they should pass in groups and we should then call out how many are in each group. Later again, we should try to identify who is in each group.

We've also learned we have two big problems.

The first, and more minor, is that there's something very wrong with the way we use our spiritual perception. We know, and the memories in question include the realisation, that it has nothing at all to do with physical sight or our physical eyes. Why then did we automatically concentrate the energy there, when we know doing so is wrong?

Secondly, our summer bloodline seems incompatible with chakra manipulation within our body. I hate to imagine what would happen if we die and our Winter Romanov bloodline attempts to rebuild our summer aligned body. This would suggest that it has reached the end of the road. Whilst it was a useful crutch getting to this point, we know have Romanov, Sake, Hillevi, and possible SB in future for healing. We should investigate whether we can Restrict the bloodline so that it only channels energy to Whaitiri, and facilitates contact with her, and has no other effect on our body save acting as a medium through which she (a neutral goddess) can give us boons. It's a serious step, but the risk of exploding when Resurrecting is too serious, and we could eat a bullet any moment. As of now, our Summer Bloodline may be a serious, active liability. Top priority needs to be getting rid of the danger.

On top of this. Lo Fang, a bloodline-less chakra user, repulsed eight bloodline users with artifacts. We have a bloodline that would enhance chakra use if it wasn't crippled. That should tell us something.

More generally when Go Ping rings to discuss the mission outcome (which he really has to), we should pass him on to Matevy to do that, and ask him to suggest to Go Ping we would like to speak to Lo Fang afterwards. If Lo Fang rings we should propose to him that we plan a joint operation against the Golden Demon Gods, now we know they're in town, as the best defence is a good offence.

>>371547
SUST giving the Devil what he wants in terms of life or souls, although we should have that backup. Instead, give these orders to Amen:

First Order: Amen is not to allow anyone save us or our brothers to learn of the following orders or events associated with them, save the notification to us in the fourth order. He is not permitted to forget or reinterpret these orders himself in any fashion.

Second order: if any being with significant lightning manipulation magic enters the mansion, excluding Whaitiri and my brothers, Amen is not to be capable of perceiving any evidence of, and is not to recognise, their identity or their precise species, nor is he allowed to communicate with them or perceive their communications.

Third Order: any such being defined in the Second Order, is to be immediately disabled and rendered into such a state that SB can kill them with his shadow of our mere without any of their power being removed or made in any way inaccessible, and without making that execution and subsequent feeding of Whaitiri damage SB, his mere copy, or the goddess in any way. They are to be kept in this state, alive but unable to act in any way, until either one of my brothers or myself kills them, or I command you to release them.

Fourth Order: If such a being is captured you, you are immediately to truthfully inform me, if I am in the mansion with the full details the previous orders allow you to give, or if I am out of the mansion, that there is something at the mansion requiring my urgent attention.

Fifth Order: Nothing in the above orders or process can damage Whaitiri, us, our brothers, any guest, any of the aforementioned's possession, or the TitanCorp Reaper's bound soul.

Sixth Order: All these orders are to remain in effect until I order you otherwise.

>>371636
SUST on the world thing. If we can see out, what can see in? Us being able to follow his Attention back to his own soul may be how we caught the Ghanem.

>>371705
SUST both making food and the Darkening. Instead, ask Einrik what he can see when he looks at you gun now, and has it changed? Also, invite them into the kitchen and get share in the process of making a meal with them.

>>371775
SUST on anything to do with the engine or Amen whilst we are inside the house.

SUST on anything to do with Darkening mentioned. Instead ask IT whether his primary gamble of shooting another is decided when or before that bullet leaves the barrel or when it would hit.

>>371774
Upvote sending our parents money. Have it wired, from our private bank. Also, ring our parents today and discuss with our father having tried to remember the funny dances our mother tried to teach us. Suggest he mentions it to her after the call, as we think we got more out of them than we ever did when we were little. Don't mention the money on the call. Call at a sensible hour for them to be up, i.e., not now.
>>
No. 371882 ID: 252e1b

>>371839

Of the first batch of ideas there, everything before SUSTing the stuff about the Devil, only the bit about "more gyaketsuote practice" has merit. I think an hour of it is fine if Armas can either practice on his own, or with a partner who is already up.

The "practice detecting shooter intent" isn't bad, but it's something Armas should not approach half-cocked. Armas should sit down with Camella, Einrik, Hillevi, and a copy of the goblin training notes and design an obstacle course with plenty of places for shooters to operate from to help the user practice detection. Based on their expertise and Armas' knowledge about detecting attention, this could be a powerful training tool for Armas and his friends. If we do this, we should get started before Camella's classes start (she's an instructor after all), when we still have a chance to get input from all three of the parties.

I'm SUSTing the rest of the first half on the basis that it is stuff that can wait for later, once the bloodline is finished at a minimum. Thinking about it now is a waste of time better spent doing anything else.

The second half of >>371839 I am SUSTing for being filled with monkey trap commands to Amen. You completely lost my attention and my ability to slog through your writing in the first half, and Amen commands require a huge amount of attention by every reader if we're not going to fuck Armas over giving them. Sorry, but if we fuck up a binding on him we're dead.

>>371636
Armas should not act at all on the world-eye idea today. He should just muse about it while he is on the crapper.

>>371644
SUST on telling Amen to not alter memories. Learning anything requires altering memories. You need to word it precisely and there's too much room to fuck up in the general outline you got there.

SUSTing asking Lo Fang about a borders user, that gives him way too much information. He's already figured out quite a bit and will be able to see more when we show up.

We SHOULD meet Lo Fang in the morning though.

I'm SUSTing the rest of >>371644 because it's too long. It's stupid to have so much in here, when most of it belongs in discussion.

>>371495
My contribution to the "things to do today" list:

0) When Einrik isn't looking, sneak the gravy bowl and other items from the Valkonen household into his bags.
1) Gyaketsuote practice. Nothing wrong with a little cardio in the morning.
2) Attention Sensing course design fundamentals over breakfast. Get the heavy hitters and any interested Russians involved in the discussion.
3) Ask Einrik which two of the 4 Seasons guns he wants. He may just let us have them, but half of the guns are rightfully his. The contact reference too, I suppose, though he probably doesn't need it. Whatever he decides, abide by it.
4) Meet with Lo Fang as others have mentioned (call ahead and ask if he'd like to meet Hillevi too). Ask him or Go Ping if they have a Mandarin teacher they would recommend.
5) Get a car. Armas needs wheels, and Hillevi can help him pick out something practical for her to learn to drive in. Get vans for the Russians too.
6) Get a computer for Hillevi, a couple of games (Total War series would be up her alley I suspect) and get Pimsleur's Mandarin for her as a starting point. Armas should get a copy for himself too.
7) Ask Hillevi to make a list of things she's heard about in the region that she wants to see. We'll make an effort to add items from it to what we do during the months ahead.

That's it, that's enough of a list from one guy.
>>
No. 372021 ID: 3947e9

The reaper mutilated its own soul to get you. Examine his soul chrysalis and see what changed about his soul.

Discuss soul containment with SB and sake, we need to prevent such a reoccurance in the future. Preparing compartmentalized soul prisons in the shadow or eye that will isolate an imprisoned soul is a must. (I would rather work something out with them then ask amen).

We NEED to see (BUT DO NOT TOUCH!) SB's soul. Who knows, he might even have some sort of soul bomb in it for reasons not at all related to you. If he does have one DO NOT TOUCH nor mention it. We will figure things out later.

Ask einrik to take a quick look at the book we recovered. Would it be safe for our university friend to look at?

Ask einrik for input about his theories about your use of hybrid summer and winter healing. Also ask him if he would care to observe it more often.

Ask sake if he is able to regrow camella a brand new leg instead of her prosthesis.

>Chakra blew up eye
1. Armas chakra and soul are winter aligned. Armas Body is summer aligned. Don't mix the two willy nilly. Ask chakra teachers about possible workarounds ASAP.
2. Could this be used for a "touch of death" attack where, by touching someone, you push your winter chakra (useful vs summer enemies) or maybe use fleshcrafting to saturate them with summer energy first?
3. Armas has had Amen open his chakras to master level. Combined with a large soul strength (what with all that magic we are getting) and sami giving soul manipulation this gives him massive amounts of power and raw ability to control without any actual skill and knowledge. This makes chakra self teaching very dangerous compared to your average student with closed chakras and very little power to hurt himself with.
>>
No. 372040 ID: 3cd46d

>>371882
SUST getting a car - we should just take random taxis, it's safer.

SUST meeting Lo Fang. He's already said that he's too busy this week and will meet us next.

We may want to discuss our hybrid healing with Einrik, and ask him if he can tell how much Summer and Winter Energy we currently have. Ask him how he would go about learning more about how the two can be used together.

Get some shooting practice in with Camella.
>>
No. 372065 ID: 21a619

>>372021
Also make sure to DO NOT TOUCH any souls.
It wasn't clear enough because Armas is a stupid motherfucker.
>>
No. 372132 ID: 421737

>>371882

So we can SUST people for being windbags? I wish I'd known earlier.

Upvoting talking to Lo Fang about what he wants to talk about. Armas said he would make time to talk to Lo Fang, so he should.

>>372040

I think he doesn't have time to do a big teaching session, but giving the details of a job won't take that long.

>>371495
>The Russians should be due back from the job in an hour or so: Should I make a point of being here when they return?

Yeah, have something ready for them to eat.

>Do I think Hillevi's healing assistance will be sufficient, or should I see about getting Sake to help them with their wounds?

Is Hillevi's awake and willing to help them, that's fine. If she's not, wake up Sake.

>And beyond those immediate concerns-what do I do with the day?

There is a lot already here. I think the only thi9ng to add would be to make an appointment to meet Einrik's chakra teacher.
>>
No. 372283 ID: d97a61

>>371532
>>372021
>>371570
>>372065
Okay, first things first-I need to stay in the house as I'd really like to be here when the Russians return-that's easy enough. I've also got this new info about dangerous shit the Reaper's soul did while I stored it in my eye. What's left of its soul is sitting on a table two floors above me. I can perceive souls. With all that said, I'd say it's about time to take another peek at that bugger-only this time, I'm going to add the extra special, super awesome rule of 'under no circumstances will I attempt anything but passive observation'. Sure, it'll probably mean being less certain about what I've detected-but if I can avoid any further organ rupture or full body pain locks-I'd call that a worthwhile trade. That should... theoretically mitigate the problems that usually crop up when I indulge my curiosity. Maybe. Hopefully. ...Well, I've finished walking up the stairs after excusing myself from the late night / early morning movie marathon / strange conversation Hillevi, Camella and Einrik had gotten into-which had devolved into 'Camella asking about my self-reported antics at their abode, and getting other, more humerous takes on events.' She particularly seemed to enjoy hearing how a magic vermin managed to mess me up more than the majority of things I encountered on the trip.

I put those less than glowing tales about my antics aside-as I focus on the carefully wrought glass jar before me. Okay, NO active sensing, or anything that could lead to me deciding it'd be okay to experiment. So.... what do we have here:

-Okay.... I think I can identify where the ripped out chunk of soul came from. It's gotta be the bit near the peak, it's the only place that actually looks different... the positioning, and the soul's shape post-rip actually make me think of an egg. So... removing a piece of higher thought processing came from the top of the soul, and what was left tried to... what, repair the damage? Is that why the 'wound' closed up, and the sphere started looking more like an egg? The edges of the... rip, I suppose, don't look like their closing up-maybe it's some sort of, I don't know, spiritual 'pressure' that made to start to close up about the hole? Certainly doesn't seem like any legitimate recovery's taking place.
-Other than the shift from sphere to egg shape, the soul's.... less bright? This I'm not too sure about, as I didn't really measure luster concretely before-but I feel pretty confident it's... dimmer, now. I can't tell if that's a one-off thing because the soul's mind got ripped out, or if it's proof the soul's decaying now that it's incomplete.
-Okay, let's see.... looks like there might be something inside the soul, rather than legitimately a part of it. Kinda has the look of a vat of tar with something inside of it-some strange bulges here than there, that sort of thing. With passive sensing I can't make heads or tails of what's causing the bulges-and so I leave it be for now.

Well. That was... actually informative. I just need to do a little research to confirm what my observations mean, that's all. I sigh as I cup my chin, pondering how Chakra use has become so... hazardous for me. Sure, I got my chakras opened up as widely as a master's. And sure, I got my chakras hooked up to a bloodline, so not only are they court-aspected, but they've got more juice, on top of over-wide chakras. All said and done, this amounts to replacing a tricycle with a motorcycle-and still needing to learn how to drive. A mistake now will lead to a far larger crash than before. I hate saying it, but I... wish I was much weaker with chakras. At least then I could experiment at home. As is though, I think I've been hit in the face (and the eye) with it enough to grasp I shouldn't try chakra experimentation on my own until I know a whole lot more. Even the vague idea I've got about how to externalize and weaponize opposed court magic via chakra and flesh manipulation will have to be tabled-I have no way to safely verify the plan's veracity. Same sadly seems to apply to my powerset in general: While it's inevitably going to be a particularly peculiar arrangement I end up with, no matter how this falls out, the point remains I can save myself a huge amount of hassle by learning anything I have reason to think related, all in the hopes of stumbling upon relevant learnings. Sure, it's not as efficient as I'd like-but it's about the best I can hope for now, and clearly proven superior to self-experimentation.
>"Incidentally yes, I stopped speaking because it was too late to stop you, and for once I thought it unnecessary to add a beration to your action-the organ failure seemed chastisement enough."

Well, that taken care of, I head back downstairs, again hearing Camella's laughter as Einrik relates yet another tale of his own misadventures with a distinctively blithe approach to the mortal threat and embarrassment he frequently faced, painting himself as nothing more than a particularly fight-happy Charlie Chaplin wandering the globe, tripping over important people's feet and either punching them in the nose or getting kicked in the ass-through his face. As I amble up, Einrik breaks off his current tale, wherein he is facing a pair of Babylonian Mushashu and barely scraping by, preparing to collapse the entire temple and several million tons of sand on the things and call it a day.
"I won't say I hate to interrupt-but there is something I could use your input on, if even for a minute. Care eyeballing some gunparts?"
As neither Camella nor Einrik has any objections, I've got them looking at the Reaper parts, even offering their thoughts before four AM can roll around.
>[Camella]"Okay, I'm pretty sure I don't need to mention the bullets-"
"Caseless, electronically fired, gyrojet-derived rounds, yup, already got that."
>[Einrik]"Hm-there's a trace of magic that once was about these pieces, but it feels more like an imprint from being near a magical item, than having previously been magical components themselves. Now, I'm no expert on guns-but this part here-"
Einrik indicates the primary lump we couldn't figure out earlier.
>[Einrik]"What is it? The coils make me think some sort of electromagnet, but I was under the impression no infantry weapon had such implements."
"This happens to come from a source that laughs at such conventional wisdom."
>[Camella]"Hold on, this loading mechanism, is this-"
"The H&K G11 and the Armtech C30R-take your pick which one it's primarily derived off of."
Camella looks at me with something very nearly like respect.
>[Camella]"So it's the electromagnet you need help with? Well, if you say it's a wonder gun-why not a rail gun? I'm no engineer but this certainly looks like a series of electromagnets you could have lined up with a barrel-unless this is one long rifle I'd have to assume the design to be bullpup, but otherwise the theory seems to hold just fine."
I again eye the forearm-and-change long, slender metal tubes replete with wiring
"There is the battery for the electronic firing. No real reason to think they couldn't both run off it-well, excepting-Einrik, you sure you haven't read any magic from that battery?"
>[Einrik]"I am certain."
"Well, there's always the chance this is some sort of 'next big thing in energy' type batteries-could explain providing so much juice-I certainly don't recognize the battery type, at least."
>[Camella]"Hold on-this is starting to sound like you took this from a Flash Gordon villian's chamber, or some other sort of mad scientist group."
"That... doesn't sound so far off from what I know of them. Secretive bastards, make Blackwater look like boy scouts, special tech, some crazy magic-that sort of thing."
>[Camella]"Okay-wow, that's... that's a bit disturbing to hear, but fine. So, speaking of mad scientist types-uh, anything stopping it from being some sort of micro-reactor, or otherwise tot-sized bit of nuclear energy? I mean, that's a really common theme for these things, isn't it? And it is supposed to be largely feasible tech-just like infantry scale rail guns."
That... is a really good question.
Amen, can you detect radiation?
>[Amen]"This one can, master, master master."
Okay-and the battery that is part of the reaper gun bits I have-is it radioactive?
>[Amen]"Indeed it is."
Shiiitokay, how radioactive is it-and I command you to answer me truthfully.
>[Amen]"The energy storing device master references emits point zero two three gray units per hour."
Two and change rads... that's... actually pretty safe, if I remember my conversions right. But more importantly-
"You know, now that you mention it I have to agree-I think this might be something more than just a straight up battery-getting some low-level radiation readings from it. So-some space age personnel-sized rail gun and accompanying generator tech too-man, this is turning out to be a barrel of fun. -You know what, this explains the explosion."
>"It does-the battery was claimed from a backpack mount-so both of the oversized explosions could be tied to a reactor still in a functioning rifle."
>[Camella]"What explosion?"
>[Sake]"I had really been wondering about that-there was a magical trigger to the explosion, but no magical amplifier, and I couldn't figure out why it was so potent."
"And now we know they have what, nuclear dead man's switches in their guns?"
>"Most likely."
>[Camella]"They double as a means to prevent capture of their tech when an agent falls?"
"Yup. Was a real pain getting these bits, I can tell you."

From there it's a bit more small talk, as Einrik raises then shoots down the idea they could be storing Elder fragments in the reactors as energy supplements, and no new sources are identified.

>>371547
>>371705
As they get back to their impromptu all-nighter chat, both of them mind-bogglingly eschewing the aide of coffee-I have Amen confirm a few worries for me.
So-truthfully could the Doonongaes pierce the illusion of the charm you said you could offer me?
>[Amen]"That would be most impossible-this one knows of no Doonongaes competent in actual spelldetection, rather than skilled at enhanced mundane perception."
Okay, another check-be honest, are we ready, offer wise, for the Finnish devil?
>[Amen]"A suitable substitution is available and being kept in good condition."
>>371636
Okay-another thing. Two things, actually: One, I order you to honestly tell me if you have lied to me.
>[Amen]"This one has. This one also notes it quite interesting this one's already bound to not divulge truthful information in the general, but only the individual and specific-that is, any attempt to gain mass clarity would bring an order into direct conflict with past bindings."
...Ah-huh. Also-the book I came home with-is there any way you can detect the tome capable of harming someone? If you detect any such spellwork, I order you to truthfully report it to me.
>[Amen]"The tome's focus does seem based on decay magic-but there is no evidence of it possessing the ability to perform automated magic, or otherwise alter a reader."
So-book should be safe for Jagda to look at-good.
Alright-oh, and Amen-Other than Camella, have my guests invited any other new guests?
>[Amen]"No, this one has accepted no other new guests."
Okay-new rule: Any attempts by guests of this house to invite further guests must get approved by me before it will be recognized.
>[Amen]"This one will see to it such a rule is enforced."
Ah-and I order you to destroy all the material I expelled with my most recent chakra experimentation, in such a manner no being would be able to acquire or use the material against me.
>[Amen]"This one hears and obeys."

>>371672
I sit down amongst them, inadvertently breaking the flow of conversation.
"Sorry about the interruption. Anyway, about what you saw earlier Camella?"
>[Camella]"Wha-oh, oh. Yes?"
"I'm pretty much playing with magical superpowers without a manual, these days, so stuff like that happens when things go wrong. The results are sometimes amazing, though. Was Einrik able to tell you much about your situation? The two of you seem to be getting on quite well; moved to pet names already."
>[Camella]"Yes, actually. He thinks my home is a place where magic was much less... overt than it is here-and that compared to it's past exposure, my soul's.... bloated? Super-saturated? What was the term you used?"
>[Einrik]"Statistically impossibly optimally energized and universally imbued with magic to your maximum potential at all points in time-that is what I said of the state of your soul, in regards to passive Never Never energy and its impact therein. Which is now becoming doubly true for your body, as the wholly magically wrought limb you now possess acts as a sieve to filter ambient magic that cannot be absorbed by the soul into your flesh. The end result will be that you eventually acclimatize to the higher levels of magic."
>[Camella]"Right, that. And until then you said that extra magic stabilizes me as a..."
>[Einrik]"As multidimensional anchor and the living key to the Slider event that brought you here."
>[Camella]"So basically, he thinks that so long as I can keep my body and soul in that big mouthful state, the really great energy state or whatever he called it-then I still have a chance to go home."
>[Einrik]"I also was able to estimate that she would naturally build a tolerance within the next three months, at her current rate of saturation."
>[Camella]"Sadly, he hasn't been able to think of any ways to keep me from building a tolerance-most attempts to do so would actually accelerate the rate I build a resistance."
"So you actually have a chance to go home?"
>[Camella]"I'm not being starry eyed about it-I know it's a small window of opportunity, and even while present is monstrously hard to properly take advantage of. But it's more than I had-and it's a start."
From there the conversation drifts about-but it's good to here Camella actually sounding hopeful about her future-I think it's the first time I've ever heard her be like that. Eventually I grab my laptop as Camella urges Einrik back into 'story time'.

>>371696
Well-I know I'm waiting for the Russians to get back at this point-no real doubt about it really. So, might as well fill that remaining half hour or so-

With some googling.

I already hit upon the Fukang meteor and confirmed it's effectiveness as a component to reforge the Mere. Now all that needs to be done is to follow the line of thought to its logical conclusion and look for related objects that could be integrated into it-so far as I've seen, more magic sources usually is better, and if it's not I'm pretty sure Arkvad or H&H's crew would stop me. A couple keyword searches into the meteor structures, classification, and any notable impacts leads me on a merry journey through old scientific articles and news clippings, eventually finding (after searching through a half dozen complex reports thoroughly enough my eye is starting to itch) irregular meteorites with odd compositions on a handful of popular science websites. Most are merely interesting to look at-but one case frequently brought up grabs my eye: the case of the Orgueil meteorite and the presolar grains contained within it. Dust that predates the solar system that is itself largely comprised of crystal material? Yeah, that seems worth adding. From the presolar grains I jump to other interesting structures found in meteorites, liking Lonsdaleite and Carbonado as diamond derivatives whose creation involves planetary-scale events. So I make up a little list-a Lonsdaleite, Carbonado and the Orgueil meteorite, as new 'requests' for my mere.

I'm not done there thought: now I need to consider what would be the best way to tie all these pieces together into one cohesive whole-and it only seems fitting to use the symbology and mythology tied to the elements from it's origins, symbols and words of power. I begin searching through searching through databases on the mythology of New Zealand, websites dedicated to the revival of the Maori culture and language, and websites for New Zealand based museums. More of these sights are found by internet search than by recollection than my mother would like-but then since I'm not telling her I broke the mere it's a moot point. An important symbol I find is the Hei-Tiki, a depiction of the first man, who was thought to come from the stars. Starman, and three different types of stuff taken straight from space? Seems like they'd mix well together. Lastly, I follow up on the... the almost memory that's bugging me-and start perusing maori battle chants. Eventually I hit on one that sounds positively lovecraftian-and feels like the perfect way to tie it all together. So after waiting for a proper break, I show my little list to Einrik, and explain what I'm shooting for. He laughs as he replies.
>[Einrik]"Yes, yes I think-hah, I think this will work quite well together. Difficult to get everything involved-in fact, I don't doubt that this would lead to a truly impressive price tag-but the end result should be an artifact most rare-you may even be so luck as to have an Elder-tainted Artifact-rather hard to pull off with something that's already Divinely inclined, but I find myself entirely too confident it will work given what you plan to do. ...Remind me to help you get an advisor once you start seriously funding personal research, okay?"
"I make no promises."
Either way-I send my new suggestions off in an email to Arkvad-also noting it'd be beneficial to their company to acquire the rights to do research based off a few old abandoned weapon lines-specifically some from Hechler and Koch, Armtech, MB Associates and even Voere. I don't say it outright, but it should be clear to him they'll be needed for the planned reaper weapon research work around. Well, I should check for replies to that later-I doubt he'll just ignore it.

>>371774
Just checking, but you do know what a business account is, right? Specifically, how money from such an account can't actually be used any which way you want, as ultimately how you use it is relevant to the business that earned it-specifically your goons. The personal account thought-have at it.
That done-I find myself blindsided by familial guilt-my parents couldn't afford to put me through college, and with how the economy's been I doubt they've been living easily back home in the states-and here I am, smoothly sailing through the expansion of a lucrative personal practice into a start-up. I resolve to send them-each of them-twenty thousand dollars. I call the contact I got from Oyak Securities when I expanded to the business account-and it seems the amount of business I've had so far with them merits someone that will wake up this time of morning. Turns out it's easy to get the money sent discreetly-so that my parents can't even get their own banks to tell them who sent it. Good-I'm horrible at taking praise from them, and now if I just don't mention it, it could just become an unspoken favor performed, nothing more.

All in all, the arrangements take me ten minutes-plus three, as I order Hillevi a laptop, complete with digital copies of Europa Universalis III, the Total War series and the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series. When that gets here-well, I'll have to worry about teaching her how to properly use the internet and such when the time comes.

PERSONAL FUNDS: -$20,000x2+$1,000 $55,077.97

I'm in the middle of actually calling them, using the time difference to give them an early evening call just as the Russians return-I manage to verify none are so wounded Hillevi can't help before mom picks up. I speak in Te Reo.
"Hey-yeah, hey, good to hear you too mom. ...haha, yeah, I'm actually trying my hand at the tongue-yeah, my grammar got a bit better. Yes-yes, work's still going well. ...Yeah, you could say business has been booming. ...Oh, dad's eczema's clearing up again? That's good to hear. ...Hm? No, I think my Christmas presents to you guys just got delayed-or maybe you're not looking in the right place. -No, I'm not going to tell you where, that defeats the purpose!"
After five more minutes of general banter, while watching Hillevi work her way through the wounded-
"-And you tell her she's completely okay to use me as a boogeyman to scare her kids if they won't behave. ...Listen, I was actually hoping to talk to you about something a bit unorthodox..."
So it is I explain how I recently tried those old 'dances' of hers after putting in some real effort to pick up martial skill post-military. She says nothing as I lay out Einrik's musings for her-and then-
"What? Your father taught you them? ...Yeah, can't really ask Gramps if he's dead. ...Uncle knows, but he doesn't have leave coming up anytime soon, and is really hard to reach. ...Really, you think going to New Zealand would be my best bet? ...North island, got it-'I'll know when I'm in the right place?' What kind of cryptic... no, no, it's fine-if I get to be ambiguous you do too. ...Yeah, it is pretty early here. ...Okay mom, I promise I'll get some sleep. Tell dad hi for me, okay? ..Yeah, love you too."
I file away a cultural lead for future reference as I turn to Matvey. His report's not that different from the one I got over the phone: The Golden Death Gods appeared after four waves of junkies, and plowed through the Russians and the Triads there at the time-had Lo Fang not shown up, Matvey is confident they'd be dead. Still, the display on Lo Fang's part has increased the respect the men have for the Triads-though Iosef in particular, even as he continues to get over his jitters from an earlier shadow attack-noting he thought, comments that he saw no difference in the professionalism of each group, Mafia and Triad alike-with what I know now about Rocco, this doesn't surprise me.
>>371839
With everyone healed, and with the full report given, it's about four thirty AM when I head to bed for a catnap-a little recharge before the new day. I set my alarm for two hours....

[DISCONTINUITY]

With sunlight now a much more credible threat for actually brightening the skies, I take ten minutes to stretch, listening to Sake report on some fun he and Shadowbro had while I slept-and start gathering up willing Russians from about the house, soon enough entering the first-floor display room that's increasingly being used as a training dojo. Fifteen soldiers spend the next three hours working on just two things with me, that have different functions depending on perspective. From their perspective, they got more practice at fighting foes that have 'pre-reactive' reflexes, as well as fighting those supernaturally gifted in the realm of stealth and subterfuge. On my end, I get more time to hone my budding knowledge of Gyaketsuote, grinding my success rate up a few more percentage points, and finally noticing the increase in soul perception sensitivity I enjoy when I use my Ego-less state on someone for the first time. I originally thought to suggest we do this with paintballs-but after SB psychically slapped me upside the head for trying to experiment without having built a solid foundation yet AGAIN I kept my mouth shut-the training was again martially oriented, one-against-many sparring-and I found it a simultaneously exhausting and exhilarating way to 'start' the day.

>>371882
>>372132
Calling off the training not at the third hour mark precisely but at SB's notice he's successfully transported those few bits of errant... 'appropriated' Valkonen goods into Einrik's pack-and safely OUT of my possession. Predictably, I'm not the only hungry one at this point-and I use the late breakfast as an excuse to talk with the Russians, Einrik, Hillevi and Camella about the possibility of building a course to promote Attention Sensing. So far nothing's nailed down-but I've got the Russians on board with the idea, which was the important part. I also am pleased to note Einrik turns down my offer to give him tow of the four guns I won from Abdul-hey, I made the offer, he didn't want it: No way they aren't 100% mine now.

From here, I make two calls: The first is to Johan, feeling out whether he could do something for me about getting a specific function out of an Artifact that he can't get detailed info on-turns out he's pretty confident he could help-if the price is right.

The second-and arguably far more important call-is where I speak with Lo Fang. As is oft the case, he avoids any sort of pleasantries-and jumps right into the job: A rather curious proposal to say the least. He wants me to steal the Sword of Goujian from the Hubei Provincial Museum in China. He notes that the museum is well-warded against magic, so the theft itself will have to be mundane. The most important part though, is that the museum officials must recover a fake Lo Fang will provide, and end with the conclusion they stopped a failed heist attempt, rather than that the sword was actually taken: Successfully preventing the museum from being aware a robbery actually took place is actually more important than getting the sword itself. This is a hard job, with irritating rules to it-further, I'd have to go the whole way to China to pursue it. That said.....

Lo Fang is offering three milion dollars for the job.
>[Lo Fang]"Well Mr. Laine? I do admit the details of the job are irregular, but I believe the compensation covers such... 'oddness'. And I must stress this again: If the museum does become aware the sword was stolen, even if you successfully transport it to me, I will not pay you, as the job will not have been successfully completed: Do I make myself clear?"







1: What do I say: Do I try to haggle up from three million for stealing a famous historical relic from a well-known, well-guarded (mundanely and magically) museum while tricking the museum into thinking it was a failed robbery attempt-and making sure they believe it?
The job's pretty demanding of creativity from the one to take it-should I try to barter for assistence of some sort from Lo Fang (be it Chinese passports, falsified credentials, letters or reference, etc.)?
2: Do I try get Lo Fang or some of his Disciples to commit to a training session this weekend, and if so when and for how long?
3: Do I call Jagda and offer him the magic book to translate, or should I try to get a more concrete assessment of the text first?
4: Arkvad's going to call me pretty soon-when he does, what do I have to tell him about my findings on the Reaper gun? Do I think there's still more for me to learn there?
5: What should Armas do with his late morning / noon time?
Attached is Amen's proposed outfit for Armas today: if it is disagreeable, please propose an alternative.
>>
No. 372284 ID: d97a61

>>372283
[EDIT: ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPONENTS TO REAPER GUN ARE RELATED TO COIL/GAUSS GUNS, NOT RAIL GUNS. FORGIVE MY NERD ERROR.]
>>
No. 372285 ID: d97a61
File 132385192455.jpg - (132.53KB , 400x1111 , Armas Outfit 1.jpg )
372285

Picture that was supposed to be attached. Seems after solving my computer virus troubles my brain up and phoned in the rest of my internet activities.
>>
No. 372287 ID: f6106a

Yeah, no more roadtrips until' our eventual New Zealand one. Armas needs to stop accepting every single side-quest that pops up.

Jagda does not get the magic book. Abdul had the book, and may very well be able to track it down. You know, the guy who murdered a church orphanage and sent their desecrated bits to Einrik as well as food made from them? Handing the book off to a mundane professor with a family is really stupid.
>>
No. 372303 ID: 1c2c42

>1: What do I say: Do I try to haggle up from three million for stealing a famous historical relic from a well-known, well-guarded (mundanely and magically) museum while tricking the museum into thinking it was a failed robbery attempt-and making sure they believe it?
>The job's pretty demanding of creativity from the one to take it-should I try to barter for assistence of some sort from Lo Fang (be it Chinese passports, falsified credentials, letters or reference, etc.)?
Refuse the job unless it can be done in a couple of weeks at the earliest. We just came back from a long trip and while 3 millions would REALLY help kickstart our PMC, we just don't have the time to not focus on things in Istanbul right now- too much shit to do. If we end up agree to the job, we must get at least a million upfront, as it is a dedication of time and ressources we could use elsewhere. We will also need a way to quickly acquire learning mandarin, as well as a global overview of the magical politics in the region we are going in.

>2:Do I try get Lo Fang or some of his Disciples to commit to a training session this weekend, and if so when and for how long?
We are saturday. Tdoay will be full as all shit, again, so i'll propose meeting some of lo Fang's disciples tomorrow morning. After all, doubling next week's training is just moving this week's there, so if Lo Fang can't teach us it would be only fair of him to send us a couple of Disicples to talk to us. Given I want to have a practice with Ito for Chakra and Camella for Shooting first, I would say middle of afternoon sunday until later evening.

>3: Do I call Jagda and offer him the magic book to translate, or should I try to get a more concrete assessment of the text first?
Do not give the book to Jagda. Crazy guy who kills people for fun had it- he could have a way to track it, and we don't want Jagda's kida to be in trouble.

>4: Arkvad's going to call me pretty soon-when he does, what do I have to tell him about my findings on the Reaper gun? Do I think there's still more for me to learn there?
Yes, there definitely IS more to learn. There is a few points we are quite iffy about, and while Arkvad might think this is enough of a start, it shouldn't be enough to IMPRESS him- and we need to do that.

>5: What should Armas do with his late morning / noon time?
If we go see SM, DO NOT TRAIN THE GOBLINS. Our Bloodline seems to be decaying, and training the goblins for 50+ hrs in the nevernever is sure to make it decay more. I honestly would like to Train a handful of hours with Camella at the shooting Range first, because once we go see SM things will get hectic. Things to sell to SM:
+A rundown on Reapers attacking the triad, Lammy killing one, us Killing one and immobilizing another. SUST on talking about the more edgy bits of magic Lo Fang did, but examples of the enhancement charms used by lo fang, as well as shields and wards on warehouse, could be commented on.
+Files on Baki and Endman (knowledge within). This should be done in such a way that we are clearly telling him the LIMITS of the information wherethin- after all, while SM might not be that interested in the info itself, he might be interested by knowing what is not in the files. Likewise, telling him there was no mention, in the files about us, about the Mammon's auction, could be of interest.
+Selling the Magical Arrows from Gunners (point out where they come from, and the fact the bow was cursed), as well as maybe the Hate Gun- we could find something equivalent as potent for Locke, but this is clerly not the safe type of device. OTOH, tell SM we might be able to obtain more bullets rapidly for him if he wants to wait a bit.
+We can remotely kill Chugainov's pet blood mage as well as have her try to kill Chugainov himself as well as search for any info she might possess. If SM is looking for a particular one, we would be willing to negociate further for that. ( Ask Amen to answer us truthfully, in real time, if he can still do that before talking about this, and upon confirmation of the deal order him to do 'but make sure no children are harmed in the process').
+Savoy selling his firstborn son in order to get the Arm which we ate with “Amen”'s blood. To a Devil or a Demon.

In exchange for this, maybe we should get some extra-powerful-luck restricted to all things related to bullets for a VERY short time, but if we go that route to get Darkening, we MUST enquire first from Einrik/Sake/SB/IT if Rabbit could have standing policies against that type of thing, as well as if getting Luck for the bullet deciding which of three primary we get might take luck away from the completion of our bloodline. Another option is to get a charm to protect us against mental damage from thinking too swiftly. This should of course be worded in such a way that it doesn't freeze our ability to think or develop either.
>>
No. 372304 ID: bdb886

>>372287
Definitely agreed on both counts. We're staying in Istanbul until:
1) THE DOON IS DEAD
and
2) THE DEAL IS DONE WITH THE DEVIL

Until then? we get ready for those events.

We should ask Lo if the job is time-sensitive, though. We are a sneaky motherfucker. If it's not, we could see about learning more about avoiding mundane surveillance tech like cameras and laser tripwires and other fun stuff, since I'm pretty sure we can't detect someone's awareness of us through tech.
>>
No. 372311 ID: 448d82

1: Musuem Job.
It is to our great regret but we must reject the offer, if we have all our business done and the job is still open, we'll do it.

3: Do I call Jagda and offer him the magic book to translate, or should I try to get a more concrete assessment of the text first?
Get a more concrete assessment, a book of decay sounds dangerous, what if reading some of it out loud causes stuff to decay?

5: What should Armas do with his late morning / noon time?
Not sure wether to do this before or after meeting SM, but go(in non-flashy clothes you twat) to Garbage Pete's look about for any rare magicial finds. Also try to get some grenades, flashbangs and those guns SB was looking for, might have them at Gun World if they aren't at pete's.

>>372303
Fine with all of this but;
SUSTING selling the hate gun, the wind gun is ours due to there not being any live claimants, as per our word however, the hate gun has to go to the child, we'll hold on to it until he is older though.

Also a matter of great importance, WE NEED TO SEE THE PRISONER AMEN HAS READY, might be somebody we are better off not killing.

Also Sell the splintered intent trick.
And that's all I got :/
>>
No. 372333 ID: a7b5b4
File 132389734906.jpg - (7.04KB , 163x309 , zoot suit.jpg )
372333

>1: What do I say: Do I try to haggle up from three million for stealing a famous historical relic from a well-known, well-guarded (mundanely and magically) museum while tricking the museum into thinking it was a failed robbery attempt-and making sure they believe it?

Nope. You've got enough shit on your plate as it is. The reward might be tempting but you don't know the layout of the place or have any useful intelligence about the mundane or arcane security measures in place, plus you'd be stuck in fucking china with no reinforcements if things get fucked up. And to my recollection you don't have any security experts on hand. Too much of a risk, let it pass. Gotta know your limits man. Something like this is best left until you've got a bigger talent pool to draw from, likewise wider personal knowledge base.


>2: Do I try get Lo Fang or some of his Disciples to commit to a training session this weekend, and if so when and for how long?

Negative on that. You're turning down his job offer, might be a bit rude to ask that right after. And you did say you'd let him be for a week or so and he'd give you extra time after. (Unless that's already gone past and my recollection has failed.)


>3: Do I call Jagda and offer him the magic book to translate, or should I try to get a more concrete assessment of the text first?

Err on the side of caution and get some further analysis done. If it's clean, no harm done and you'll still have probably learned something through the inspection process.


>4: Arkvad's going to call me pretty soon-when he does, what do I have to tell him about my findings on the Reaper gun? Do I think there's still more for me to learn there?

If the thing's got atomic components, go wiki around in that general area. Particularly, check into beryllium isotopes, there might be something of interest to be found there that helps illuminate how such a compact system might be made.

>5: What should Armas do with his late morning / noon time?

Take a walk around the streets with some of the Russian crew to promote further familiarity with the local environs and so forth. Wouldn't hurt to point out some points of interest either, no would introducing them to some of your older suppliers like Garbage Pete or Bagatur Yilmaz. Yilmaz being the more important of the two due to having quantities of things that go boom available, but you never know if there's another unexpected gem to be found with Pete either. And if nothing else, cheap and disposable weaponry is never a bad thing to have close at hand, should the occasion arise.

Also, pic is a possible clothing option for Armas. Sadly, however, I couldn't find it in a larger size.
>>
No. 372342 ID: 37f4c4

Don't forget to buy the C96 for SB from Arkvad. No, in fact, you should buy 2 of them. I'm sure that with whatever trick SB's planning to do, the result would be incredibly awesome, and doubling that awesome is always better.
Also, SUST on selling Splintered Intent trick. Sure, the gobbos might know of ways to counter charms, ours might be known already, but thing is, we don't want more people to know that we can counter it, or how we're doing it. It's a bad idea and you should feel bad.
Upvoting Al's plan, but SUSTing the "having the mere reforged into a sickle/hook" part. I know it's just an idle thought, but I think conserving it as a mere shape is just better. It's pretty big too, machete-sized.
Hmmm, anything else...upvoting Arkeus' plan too.
>>
No. 372354 ID: 3fd4fb

>1: What do I say: Do I try to haggle up from three million for stealing a famous historical relic from a well-known, well-guarded (mundanely and magically) museum while tricking the museum into thinking it was a failed robbery attempt-and making sure they believe it?
>The job's pretty demanding of creativity from the one to take it-should I try to barter for assistence of some sort from Lo Fang (be it Chinese passports, falsified credentials, letters or reference, etc.)?
"You are clear, Lo Fang. Unfortunately there are several pressing matters here in Istanbul which demand my presence for the moment. How soon do you need the sword?" From there, if he's willing to wait a while but would prefer sooner rather than later, we might be able to haggle our way into getting more money for doing the job on schedule- but at least two weeks from now. "Of course, sooner is always better. The earliest time I'm fairly certain I'll be free to leave is about a month from now- but time is money; if you're paying for timeliness I could probably shave that down a bit."

We should also ask for whatever additional information or help he can give us, or additional pay if he can't: "A job like this demands careful attention to detail; I'll need to do a lot of background research and preparation even before I leave. I'll need to arrange to get in and out of the country, move around inside it, probably learn Chinese or get a translator, get maps of the museum and surrounding area with the precise location of the target, learn exactly what wards and defenses are in place magically or physically that might pick up on me and my tricks. Find out any guards or guardians and what they know- and who is likely come calling if they sound an alarm once they realize a theft is being attempted, and how long it'll take for them to get there. Once I've got all that, I'll have to make arrangements to evade most or all of them, as well as whatever else comes up. And of course it would be sloppy to not have a reliable way to conceal the fake beforehand or genuine article afterward from most forms of detection. All that's quite a bit of a tab to pick up before I even do the job. I can do this right, but doing things right can get expensive." Spread out those statements as necessary to haggle properly, depending upon how Lo Fang seems to be reacting. Additional cash is great; help with any of the items we mention would be great as well. Assistance is preferred over cash, really, because every time we work our connections in support of this job we'll be risking an information leak. Of course, if he's not responding well we can abort the haggle.

>2: Do I try get Lo Fang or some of his Disciples to commit to a training session this weekend, and if so when and for how long?
Mention it, but don't press the issue; he asked us to delay until next week on this but if we don't need him personally he might be more flexible. Tomorrow evening for a few hours would be good. Side note, Lo Fang's personal time is worth at least five times as much as his disciples', should it come up.

>3: Do I call Jagda and offer him the magic book to translate, or should I try to get a more concrete assessment of the text first?
Send him photographs of the first few pages, along with a note that the book has some kind of decay magic in it but you don't think it should affect a reader, admit that there's a very dangerous man who might be looking for it, and get his response. If he's worried about the danger we could probably take pictures (or have a minion take pictures) of every single page and just send him those electronically instead of sending him the actual tome, which would likely be much more dangerous for him.

>4: Arkvad's going to call me pretty soon-when he does, what do I have to tell him about my findings on the Reaper gun? Do I think there's still more for me to learn there?
Give him the models we've determined are related or very likely to be related to the gun in question. Inquire if a diagram of how the parts fit together and into the complete weapon would be of any benefit to him; we're not sure on the wording of the contract, but Shadowbro can probably whip up a basic schematic from memory without too much trouble. Also ask when we can drop off the Matebas for repair, and for a copy of whatever contract H&H's Hunters use; he offered us that job but didn't say much about what it would consist of in terms of obligation and recompense, and we're involved in a number of activities which might actively conflict with many employers' ways of doing things. Mention our need for a C96; inquire with Shadowbro beforehand if we should be looking to get special properties on it or if his purposes won't need it. Finally, bring up our desire to be present when the mere is reforged if at all possible- and mention that we'll be attempting to arrange some further enhancement for the weapon through the goddess in question if he and his experts think it's feasible, and we'll be conferring with another knowledgeable party as to what other substances would be useful to incorporate. Get his timetable for all this- are we talking days, weeks, months for the reforging?

There's definitely more to learn on the parts before we hand them over. For one thing, we haven't done much of a job of identifying the battery or coil designs, and we don't have references of any kind for the ammunition beyond the broad categories of "caseless", "electronic firing", and . Those aren't exactly within our usual areas of expertise, but if we hand everything over now H&H won't have anywhere to start with their re-engineering of those aspects of the weapon; that would make it a bitch and a half to get anywhere with their efforts. We've got to get them starting points for every single part we possess.

>5: What should Armas do with his late morning / noon time?
A couple short things to speak to others about, then it's time to bargain with Sometimes Merchant.

First, ask Iron Trick about tilting the odds of a gamble in our favor through acquiring more luck. Would Rabbit mind- or even notice? Would it work with his functionality- don't see why it wouldn't, since luck is something every gambler wants and uses, but it can't hurt to know. Bring up the matter with Sake and Shadowbro as well in case they have other thoughts.

>Amen has lied and has a 'suitable substitution'
Order him to truthfully and explicitly specify what his past lies to us were and what he aimed to achieve through each of them. His substitution may be something/someone which will fuck us over somehow; get its Name and be shown it, well away from where anyone else might see what horrors we're considering.

Finally, why have we still not removed our blanket orders for certain of our guests to be able to order all kinds of things? That is only going to fuck us, and we built an end clause right into the command- they "are to be obeyed in absence of conflicting orders from myself". It would be trivially simple to issue a standing conflicting order. While we're at it, get a truthful answer for who invited Camella onto the premises and declared her a guest.

>ways to keep Camella from building a tolerance
Move her into space. No magic up there, right? Admittedly, there's not a lot else there either and going into space isn't exactly a trivial matter, but it would probably work. Inquire with Einrik. If it's possible, we've got a couple months to decide if it's also desirable and make it work in the absence of an actual solution.


For Sometimes Merchant... I think there's a discussion thread/IRC argument to be had over exactly what we're planning to sell and why. We have some incredibly valuable stuff but it is not without risk, and we have several rather valuable things that we could really, really use and he can provide. Will post more on this is the discussion thread, but for now just don't do bulk training because it'll fuck up our bloodline, and learn how they've arranged for the auction to go before kicking it off- we might want to make preparations depending upon exactly what the goblins have set up.
>>
No. 372372 ID: 3947e9

Amen admitted to having lied to you.
Amen is currently teaching whaitiri flesh manip, SB is listening and giving you memories derived from that.
We did NOT remember to order amen to NOT lie to whaitiri.

1. Ask amen if he lied to whaitiri, if so, how many times. (he could have erased his own recollection of lying to her though)
2. Amend the existing order to teach whaitiri "Amen, I am amending your teaching order, in addition to the previous orders you are also not allowed to lie while imparting knowledge".
3. Inform (well, ask SB to) whaitiri, suggest she reask the questions she asked thus far and then when she gets a different answer, ask him what purpose the lie would have served. This can teach some pretty advanced knowledge traps.
4. Do not use the knowledge you yourself have gained until it has been rechecked.

>Lo fang
Tell lo fang that, at the moment, you have binding obligations that require you to remain in istanbul. You are only able to attempt to get the sword if it can wait for some time.
>>
No. 372374 ID: 330636

>>372311
>Also Sell the splintered intent trick.
SUST

>1: What do I say: Do I try to haggle up from three million for stealing a famous historical relic from a well-known, well-guarded (mundanely and magically) museum while tricking the museum into thinking it was a failed robbery attempt-and making sure they believe it?
Ask what the timeline on the job is. As he knows, we have some commitments in Isntabul this season, but if we can wait until the end of next... Say that whilst you are of course, interested in the $3 million, we'd want to make the most of our trip to China. Introductions and suggestions for where to go would make this much easier...
>The job's pretty demanding of creativity from the one to take it-should I try to barter for assistence of some sort from Lo Fang (be it Chinese passports, falsified credentials, letters or reference, etc.)?
At the very least we need to know all he knows of the security.
>2: Do I try get Lo Fang or some of his Disciples to commit to a training session this weekend, and if so when and for how long?
No. Lo Fang already asked us to delay until next week, and offered double hours if we did so.
>3: Do I call Jagda and offer him the magic book to translate, or should I try to get a more concrete assessment of the text first?
Ask Einrik his thoughts first.
>4: Arkvad's going to call me pretty soon-when he does, what do I have to tell him about my findings on the Reaper gun? Do I think there's still more for me to learn there?
Everything we know. There is certainly still more to learn. For example, we've not even tried having one of the gyrojet rounds dismantled under controlled conditions to investigate if there is any payload inside, we haven't had the rocket fuel (presumably solid?) run through a mass spectrometer, NMR machine, and infra red spectroscope yet to identify it (you can easily bribe a chemistry student at one of the universities to do it on the sly), we haven't taken an x-ray of the electrical parts to identify internal components, and we haven't even tried mounting one of the rockets on a bench and then setting it off with an electrical circuit so we can measure it's thrust, performance and trajectory when not electrically accelerated. An advantage that you should recognise of the coil gun initial launch is that starting at high speed also makes it more accurate if there is any aerodynamic stabilisation in use, either grooves, the general shape of the round, or pop out fins such as are used in FRAG-12 rounds. We should investigate what aerodynamic shapes have been trialled for ammunition. If we look on wikipedia we should rapidly discover Busemann's Biplane (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busemann%27s_Biplane), which suggests a way to possibly improve the design, if it's not already used. A projectile with that cross section does not create shockwaves in the air, so it looses significantly less energy and has greater range, and also does not create a sonic boom when moving supersonically. If the rounds were modified to use this design, firing the gun would be almost completely silent, as the initial acceleration from the coil gun is silent, unlike normal explosive propellant, and the projectile itself doesn't create a noise.

On the electrical parts and the nuclear generator. In order not to cook the user, the gun has to have incredible efficiency. Now, given its size, and because you don't want to have a heavy spinning turbine in a gun, as it would make it really challenging to move and aim, and the conservation of angular momentum would cause precession that would pull the gun away from where you moved it, it has to be using a thermoelectric generator to directly convert the reactor heat into a usable form. These can theoretically have very high efficiency, but currently ones are only about 10/15%, so either they are somehow using magic to enhance it, or they're sitting on a world changing development in semi-conductor technology. I would rather suspect magic must be involved, either to increase efficiency or to somehow cancel out the waste heat or dump it somewhere else.
>5: What should Armas do with his late morning noon time?

We need the mere fixed by the time the devil visits. Fortunately, we already know someone who can repair it...

* To the Maori, the craft of carving bone is one and the same as that of carving jade, an art known as koru.
* According to her legend, Whaitiri carved her mortal husband a barbed bone hook for him to catch food to feed her with, and later taught him how to do the same - he used what she taught to make hooks infused with magic (tapu).
* Given the above two facts, Whaitiri should have the skill to repair the mere, and her main myth shows her as willing to make tools designed to feed her.
* If we phrase it right, we should be able to convince her to grant H&H boons using her skill in return for appropriate "sacrifices". She's low on power, so if we pitch in a sufficiently respectful fashion, she may be willing to enter what is essentially a commercial relationship, even though it would never be described in those terms.
* As Whaitiri is known as a flesh manipulator, we may want to keep a link to bone. In keeping with the age theme, and to link to the stone we're already including, we should try finding a fossil to use. In the interests of making it all as magical as possible, then we should have a search for any plausible candidates. We should consider buying opal fossil dinosaur teeth (which are for sale, http://www.opalauctions.com/auctions/opalized-fossil/item-116053). Virtually all of these come from Australia, a region where one of the type of Dreamtime creatures the Aborigine believed had to be placated was apparently the Burrunjor, which is basically a dinosaur, from the descriptions. A major source of good Australian fossils is Lightning Ridge, which was sacred to the local Maori, who believed a ring of fire descended from the sky there, spitting out opals, so it may be magically significant. If we have the choice, although we can't be too picky, we may want to try for phantom opals (http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.254190552.jpg), which look like they have a ghostly shape floating inside them, which might have some magical significance. It's also relevant that all opals were magically significant to Aborigine tradition.
* We may also want to consider using some opalised wood (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imND-is0jBk), as well, from another Maori sacred site. Flinders Range is probably best, as the local Adnyamathanha people thought that opal desposits were sacred sites that only initiates could visit, and they had a legend that the opals there come from when a young god was hunting a kangaroo and struck the ground with their club, which transmuted the club into an opal. That kind of legend, of the opals being the remnants of a god's weapon, and the opals actually starting off as wood would be very useful
* As a side note, as a call back to the myth of Whaitiri making her husband a hook, we should strongly consider having the mere reforged into a sickle/hook which is one of the Kas Pin weapons, which with a life-times memory graft we're probably significantly better at using than the mere, and is piercing, for SotG. A sickle also has strong metaphorical/mythical associations, both with cutting things down for food, and as a ritual magical tool – druids cutting mistletoe, for example.
* When the artifact is made, we should incorporate Restrictions into its very fabric, honing and strengthening it in the process. We should Restrict it so that it can only be used by people with dual bloodlines that at least one fits the category of Imperial, Divine, and Summer (Royal if we can get that**), and also that require the wielder to have been given Whaitiri's irrevocable permission to use it. If we go with Darkening, we could Restrict it to be used only by people with an Imperial Divine Winter Bloodline and a Royal or Imperial Divine Summer Bloodline. We'd have to make sure it would only use the artifact slot of one of the bloodlines though.

We should discuss this with SB. He's the person who can talk to Whaitiri at the moment, and may have a better idea of her capabilities from acting as the intermediary between her and Amen. We may well need to buy some magical creatures from SM and sacrifice them to her just beforehand to give her the power boost to do this. We should also run all the ideas about what to do with the mere, not just those above, particularly the Restrictions, with Einrik. If we get Whaitiri involved, then, given the immense age of things like the Carbonado diamonds, then his familiarity with the Elder-thing in his forehead may give him some insight into the type of spell matricies that might work well, which SB can pass onto her.

From the same myth, there are apparently some sacred incantations you should say before offering human flesh to the gods - we may want to ask our mother if she knows them.

For the mere, we may want to consider having it contain both Carbonado, quite possibly forged 3.8 billion years ago in the pyre that marked the death of a super-massive star and lonsdaleite from the ALPHA77283 meteorite, as unlike other examples of the material, the lonsdaleite has an extraterrestrial origin (http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v291/n5814/abs/291396a0.html). The other option for the lonsdaleite is to try to find a brand new meteorite that produces it on landing, for the contrast between it being freshly created and the immense age of the 3.8 billion year old carbonado.

**We can ask SB if anything he's transmitting from Amen to Whaitiri or vice versa gives any clues to upgrading our Summer Bloodline to Royal status.
>>
No. 372378 ID: 81f32a

Bob, I think you committed a vital bit information which would help to decide this offer. We need to know when we are supposed to do the job. Is there a deadline or can we do it whenever we want? If there is one, when is it? Do we have several months time to prepare? If we have about 2 months of free time, then we should take the job. We have too much shit on our platter right now that needs to be dealt with, Doony and the devil being not the only things. Besides, I'd like Armas to have serious Chakra training for about a month. Another thing, we need to know Chinese. Now, Amen can graft Chinese language to us but it will be outdated, but it is better than nothing. I propose that when it is safe to make another memory graft, we ask Amen to imprint his Chinese knowledge and then spend about a week or two of intense (at least 8 hours a day) Chinese language tuition. All of this must be done without the Lo Fang/Triads knowing, just like with the Mafia it pays to keep them ignorant that we know their language.

Anyway some things that need to be done before we can take on the job:
Doonongeas
devil
Auction
At least a month of Chakra training
The Heart of Russians project that was discussed in IRC
Complete the week of being Ogrimmir agent in Istanbul
Convincing Camella to join our PMC as a vice-president/right hand (someone needs to operate all that shit while we're out)

Of course, there are a lot of other things but I think those are most important (at the moment). So if we have a lot of time before we need to complete the job then we should take the job.

>Do I try to haggle up from three million for stealing a famous historical relic from a well-known, well-guarded (mundanely and magically) museum while tricking the museum into thinking it was a failed robbery attempt-and making sure they believe it?
Oh, most definitely. I am sure that Lo Fang knows we like to bargain (especially after we haggled with Lo Ping) and will try to sweeten the deal as much as humanly possible, he probably knows we are greedy too. He also probably knows that we know that he knows. My point is that the amount he offered us is lower than he is willing to pay us. I'd say improving the offer by 500k would be a great success.

>The job's pretty demanding of creativity from the one to take it-should I try to barter for assistence of some sort from Lo Fang (be it Chinese passports, falsified credentials, letters or reference, etc.)?
This is actually more important than getting better offer, imo.
We need to get as much as information on that museum Lo Fang can provide us. What kind of magical defenses it has. Can we use our magic equipment inside the building or not? Floor-plans. Mundane defenses (cameras, sound/pressure detection, laser detection, etc).
Having a Chinese passport would be fine. We could acquire an illusion charm or glamour that makes us look like a Chinese man.
Some sort of contacts in China would be useful too, Triads or otherwise.

>2: Do I try get Lo Fang or some of his Disciples to commit to a training session this weekend, and if so when and for how long?
Lo Fang told us he is busy this week. The week is not yet over. Lets not agitate the man by bothering him with the same shit again and again. If we want Chakra training, we need to go to Ito and have him train us first. This is important because we do not want to waste super advanced training that Lo Fang can provide us on fundamental basic stuff, which can be taught by other sources. Then we should get training from Einriks contact for a bit more advanced shit. After that we could try to have Lo Fang's Disciples train us. And only after all of that should we go and get Lo Fang's training. If we can squeeze that all in this weekend plus the next entire week than it will be golden:
-Saturaday (today) and Sunday at Ito's
-Start of the week (one or two training sessions) at Einrik's contact
-Middle of the week with the Disciples
-And the weekend with Lo Fang.
If this plan is agreeable then we should make appointments right now, we can't just barge in and demand training without notifying in advance.

>4: Arkvad's going to call me pretty soon-when he does, what do I have to tell him about my findings on the Reaper gun? Do I think there's still more for me to learn there?
If Arkvad thinks that all that we learned is enough for them to research those parts, do we need to bother researching more? Just ask him if he needs more info.
If we need more info, why not give the Russians some homework? They aren't busy right now, so have all 18 of them research and learn as much as possible about that gun. Some actual lengthy research would get results, I am sure, Armas just doesn't have the time to spend dozen of hours before the computer screen and whatnot. Just make sure they don't mess with the part and don't take them anywhere.

>Attached is Amen's proposed outfit for Armas today: if it is disagreeable, please propose an alternative.
Yes, the outfit is lovely.

While we are talking with Lo Fang ask him if he is interested in magical hearts. (it was said in Disc that he will buy the phoenix heart for a good price)


>>[Einrik]"Hm-there's a trace of magic that once was about these pieces, but it feels more like an imprint from being near a magical item, than having previously been magical components themselves.
This makes me think that the weapons or some parts of them were made on a magical press/manufacturing machine

>>372287
>Jagda does not get the magic book. Abdul had the book, and may very well be able to track it down. You know, the guy who murdered a church orphanage and sent their desecrated bits to Einrik as well as food made from them? Handing the book off to a mundane professor with a family is really stupid.
Second.
Still don't understand why we bother to involve him with all this. The cookbook was different, back then we didn't have contacts and resources to translate it, nowadays we can have Amen memory graft the language (provided it is safe) for quick translation or we can ask Einrik for help. Sure, the professor refused to give the translation unless we proved him it was not a prank but after we showed the evidence why involve him further (unless he wants to himself)?

>>372303
>If we end up agree to the job, we must get at least a million upfront
Good idea. A million might be too much though, I'd say at least half of that.

>Things to sell to SM:
+The information we got from Armin. About Savoys allies withing Yakuza and the nazis.
+Sell the Sindis shards if we have any left (which are still losing their magical power every day)
>+Savoy selling his firstborn son in order to get the Arm which we ate with “Amen”'s blood. To a Devil or a Demon.
I'm sure SM will come to this conclusion himself but still just in case we should tell him that if he still has all those part we gave him, he could artificially produce a male heir from Savoys remains and then prohibit the devil getting his price forcing it to claim the debt from Savoy himself, but since Savoy doesn't have the arm anymore to return, he will be in deep shit when that devil comes a-knocking'.

>In exchange for this, maybe we should get some extra-powerful-luck restricted to all things related to bullets for a VERY short time, but if we go that route to get Darkening, we MUST enquire first from Einrik/Sake/SB/IT if Rabbit could have standing policies against that type of thing, as well as if getting Luck for the bullet deciding which of three primary we get might take luck away from the completion of our bloodline.
No. Like someone said in Disc thread, perhaps we should first decide what we want before making choices in this matter?

>>372354
>Finally, bring up our desire to be present when the mere is reforged if at all possible
Second.

>Finally, why have we still not removed our blanket orders for certain of our guests to be able to order all kinds of things? That is only going to fuck us, and we built an end clause right into the command- they "are to be obeyed in absence of conflicting orders from myself". It would be trivially simple to issue a standing conflicting order. While we're at it, get a truthful answer for who invited Camella onto the premises and declared her a guest.
This. Why is everyone ignoring the fact that more than a score of people can order around Amen? Why did we give them permission to order him in the first place? So that he can do "butlery duties"? Fuck that, if they want a can of beer, they better haul their ass to the fridge to get it. It is just worth the risk.

>Move her into space. No magic up there, right? Admittedly, there's not a lot else there either and going into space isn't exactly a trivial matter, but it would probably work.
We could move her with the help of Amen to Thermosphere. Remember, Amen's powers are not restricted vertically.

>>372358
>We need the mere fixed by the time the devil visits.
Can it be done in such a short time? The devil is going to visit pretty soon, right?

>From the same myth, there are apparently some sacred incantations you should say before offering human flesh to the gods - we may want to ask our mother if she knows them.
Actually we don't. We don't want to ask our mother about human sacrifice rituals at all.

>5: What should Armas do with his late morning / noon time?
If you find free time between different tasks chat with Silja. Just general chat. Maybe we can finally convince her to let us drop of our blood on her bayonet so that she can see out in the world again?
It would be also funny if Camella catches us talking with her.
>[Camella]"Wha- Who are you talking to, Armas?"
>"I'm talking with my rifle" in matter of the fact way.
>>
No. 372403 ID: 1c2c42

Ok, theoretical ONLY discussions to have:
1:We should talk about the Spirit Engine to SB, Sake, IT and Einrik: if it contains the Blood that gives us ownership of Amen still, couldn't we share ownership of it with Sake and SB? In that case, we would just need to show it to Amen with careful wording, and he will be forced to acknowledge SB and Sake as masters even if we die, as long as the demi-plane hasn't collapsed and the soul engine hasn't changed hand.
2: Be careful on that one, as we must control our thoughts. However, asking SB and Sake and IT what they think About Einrik's possibility about prophecy type people changing us. After all, Ogrimir DOES appear much less interested in us since we sold the rights to Strikes.

>>372354 Ironybot
>Order him to truthfully and explicitly specify what his past lies to us were and what he aimed to achieve through each of them. His substitution may be something/someone which will fuck us over somehow; get its Name and be shown it, well away from where anyone else might see what horrors we're considering.
Didn't Amen tell us it will enter in conflict with previous orders to ask specific questions about the lies?
When we are in the topic of Amen lying, we haven't made a iron-clad order for Amen to not lies to Whaitri's questions. Inform Whaitiri of that, and deccide with SB whether we should do one. I think we should. Whaitiri could use the knoweldge of the what lies he used (by re-asking the questions) to actually understand more about Amen. Likewise, also Ask Amen to truthfully answer about how our chakras were opened: “did you open my chakras with only your energy, or with some of your own stuck inside me?"

>>Dkay
>+Savoy selling his firstborn son in order to get the Arm which we ate with “Amen”'s blood. To a Devil or a Demon.
>I'm sure SM will come to this conclusion himself but still just in case we should tell him that if he still has all those part we gave him, he could artificially produce a male heir from Savoys remains and then prohibit the devil getting his price forcing it to claim the debt from Savoy himself, but since Savoy doesn't have the arm anymore to return, he will be in deep shit when that devil comes a-knocking'.
Urgh, can't believe I forgot about Verifying with Amen if this isn't a lie either. DO SO.

>>Alratan
>* If we phrase it right, we should be able to convince her to grant H&H boons using her skill in return for appropriate "sacrifices". She's low on power, so if we pitch in a sufficiently respectful fashion, she may be willing to enter what is essentially a commercial relationship, even though it would never be described in those terms.
As long as we make it clear that even if HH does not pay her directly in acceptable sacrifices, we will secure them for her.
>* As a side note, as a call back to the myth, we should strongly consider having the mere reforged into a sickle/hook which is one of the Kas Pin weapons, and is piercing, for SotG.
SUST. Mom won't be happy.
>* When the artifact is made, we should incorporate Restrictions into its very fabric, honing and strengthening it in the process. We should Restrict it so that it can only be used by people with dual bloodlines that at least one fits the category of Imperial, Divine, and Summer (Royal if we can get that**), and also that require the wielder to have been given Whaitiri's irrevocable permission to use it. If we go with Darkening, we could Restrict it to be used only by people with an Imperial Divine Winter Bloodline and a Royal or Imperial Divine Summer Bloodline. We'd have to make sure it would only use the artifact slot of one of the bloodlines though.
With AT least Dual bloodlines, not 'With Dual Bloodlines”. We don't know what the future brings. Also, First talk to Sake/SB/Einrik whether it's possible at all to use a restriction about another bloodline that the one used to interface? With artifact. If it can't, we'd have to settle for Divine/Royal (Savoy's blood would need to be activated to turn our summer bloodline Royal first, and we MUST know whether it's still possible? Discuss it. Same for if our Summer Bloodline is actually divine, and not just 'Divinely Tainted').

>>372397
SUST on meeting lo fang before we finalize bloodline and found a way to hide our bloodlines from him. Or at least about meeting him when we have so much other shit we are already planning to do, and he doesn't want to teach us.
>>
No. 372408 ID: f8aa66

I dig the outfit, bob. Armas is a fancy lad.

Jagda should be okay with the book, these guys are wind practitioners, not mind wizards. Still, we could broach it with Einrik just in case.

Guys, this is three million dollars for, maybe, a week's worth of work. And requires sneakiness. We can do sneaky. We're GOOD at sneaky. I say we do it right after the Doony and Devil business is completed, whch should be soon. Why do we need chakra training or any such thing for a mundane theft?

Lo Fang said that the museum must 'recover' his fake. Does this imply he wants us to stage a fake robbery, get caught, and release the fake back to them? Or are we given carte-blanche to be as sneaky as we desire here? And obviously we're aiming to be completely discreet, but there's no such thing as a foolproof plan - people are always building a better fool. If it WAS discovered, is there anyone in particular Lo Fang would like framed...? Anyone outside the country, preferably.

Also, we would request a native guide if Lo Fang can spare one (because of course we don't speak Chinese). Preferably a woman in her early 30s (a similar phenotype to Chen Chun: head of relics) or an older gentleman in his 50s (similar phenotype to Wan Quanwen: deputy director)? Also, if we should direct our questions about when Long Wang, Diao, Go Ping and maybe even Lammy would be available to break bread together. We needs to get moving on that Doony thing, and if we aren't going to be a controlling asshole, they should get their in-put.

If they can meet today, that's great. Would it be too gauche to meet them at a take-out Chinese place?

Diao was the one with all the grenades, right? Explain you've done some checking up, and the reason her thermobarics were less than impressive was because our mutual problem's regeneration is Summer-aligned. We've got something (well, several somethings) that we think will deal with the regen, but he's still likely to be hard to damage in the first place. Beg the expert's wisdom on grenades and mines to use (or have her pick them up herself).

For the rest, bring the Armas-charm (Amen did create one, right?) and show it off to Lammy, explaining that we'd like him front and center- as us. We have an 'in' with a local supernatural spy network that can track our enemy down, and he's very proud. We thought to give him a letter of challenge or some such to get him to the killing ground - but our penmanship is atrocious (hint, hint, help).

We'd like to concentrate fire on the head and heart (to leave something left for Owner), but they've all fought Doony once more than we have, right? Did anyone notice any especial weak points? Besides a general weakness to cold, which we should have covered (in the form of our deadly ward).

I also wouldn't mind setting up a meeting with Rocco. We've only met the guy once and briefly at that, I'd like to get to know him a bit. And see if he has any more jobs for the russians/Hafaz coming down the pipe. If we leave the country for a week, we'd need to ensure they have shit to do. A week of bored russians in our house would be... not good.

And with either Rocco or the Triad, I'd like to broach the subject of acquiring a letter of introduction to Dorjpalam - we want to be paid to remove that thorn in his side (that we are already going to kill for our own reasons).

And can we get Amen started on creating one of those teleportable bags we discussed? I'd like a bag restricted to transporting only blood and Amen's blood-based charms back and forth. That's got to be among the easier ones for him to create, right? But think about it; we kill a man, swipe his blood, Amen back at the mansion puts the finishing touches on a blood-charm and shoots it back to us, BAM! We take his place in a matter of like a few minutes.

Also, also, business account: company cars are a business expense. And maybe for Doony ... we could call it a seminar on Summer regen? A teamwork building exercise (I could probably quote statistics on surviving deadly situations on morale and esprit de corps if I had to)?
>>
No. 372443 ID: 252e1b

>1: What do I say?

I think we should take the museum job. We need the cash, and it's not an obviously hard mission besides the difficulties in being a laowai.

The blade just needs to be recovered which means we can frame some asshole up for it and provide tips about where the blade ended up. That's M7 stuff, and easy for Armas.

This job is basically perfect for Armas', Shadowbro's, and Sake's skill sets.

Point out that you'll need someone you can consult about mundane security systems. You're not an expert. Ask if he wants anyone specifically implicated in the recovery of the false blade (if he can knock an enemy down a couple of pegs all to the better, right?). Remember Lo Fang likes to pay bonuses for work he likes. You should focus your "haggling" not on getting more base pay, but on finding out what he'd pay bonuses for.

>2: training session this weekend?

No

>3: Do I call Jagda and offer him the magic book to translate, or should I try to get a more concrete assessment of the text first?

Ask if he wants a crack at it. Describe it, and tell him how you got it. Warn him not to talk about it since you sniped it from a practicioner with a poor temper. Have Sake or one of the Russians play courier when he accepts.

>4: Arkvad's going to call me pretty soon-when he does, what do I have to tell him about my findings on the Reaper gun? Do I think there's still more for me to learn there?

There's plenty more, as said by the others, but go on and discretely pass along what you know now, and what you plan to do next with the spectrography and all that other science shit.

>5: What should Armas do with his late morning / noon time?

"Amen, I'm tired of looking at that suit. It's rad, but it's time for a change. I'm amending the order that you wear the orange suit next time I see you to, "I want you to be wearing whatever outfit is appropriate for the task you're performing, with the limitation that the garment must have no inherently harmful effects on people who see it, touch it, or are otherwise in proximity to it. And it must include some element that's in the orange color I favor."
>>
No. 372474 ID: f0c578

"Whatever outfit is appropriate"?
What the hell does that even mean? No. Don't give such open-worded orders, it just calls us to be fucked over. If you have specific outfit in mind, then sure- go ahead.
>>
No. 372524 ID: ffec01

>>372443
>I think we should take the museum job. We need the cash, and it's not an obviously hard mission besides the difficulties in being a laowai.
>The blade just needs to be recovered which means we can frame some asshole up for it and provide tips about where the blade ended up. That's M7 stuff, and easy for Armas.
>This job is basically perfect for Armas', Shadowbro's, and Sake's skill sets.

So. Is Armas skilled in non-goblin stealth? Because Armas relies on goblin stealth. Goblin stealth requires reading the perceptions of others - and cameras do not perceive things, they relay things. Armas cannot goblin stealth mundane tech.

Furthermore, since the museum is sheilded against magical intrusion, Sake and Shadowbrow do not apply. Both rely entirely on magic (It could be argued, as a being of the Dark, that SB IS magical, indeed) so they do not apply to the situation. In the slightest.

Finally, the job description asked that we make it so it appears no theft took place. Blaming it on a patsy is what we need to not do.

In short: SUST. Read the post, next time.
>>
No. 372605 ID: 252e1b

>>372524

This ain't the place to argue your bullshit, so I've made a post in questdis.

>>/questdis/357041

I addressed your complaints there. Also, I insulted you, so look forward to that.
>>
No. 372743 ID: d97a61

>>372287
>>372304
I make a mental note to prioritize a trip to New Zealand over other planned ventures-such as, say, a long term mission to China. That also doesn't change my need to deal with a massive auction, finish hunting down the Doonongaes, complete my literal deal with a devil, and put in my week's service to Ogrimir. Oh, that's while getting my new very illegal company up and running, my quintessentially irregularly acquired employees comfortable, be Warder to Hillevi-yeah, I'm not even done counting up all the shit I have to do, and I've convinced myself.

"You are clear, Lo Fang. Unfortunately there are several pressing matters here in Istanbul which demand my presence for the moment. How soon do you need the sword?"
>[Lo Fang]"I'd hardly be so freely discussing the details of a hypothetical deal if I was not on a very open ended timeframe. Still-how long do you anticipate being... unavailable?"
"For a long-term mission? Probably a month-though I know well the value of time, and if you really needed me soon I could probably shave that down a fair bit-would be-"
>[Lo Fang]"Expensive, yes when is it not."
"Though if you want, we could iron out the foundations of such a deal now."
>[Lo Fang]"As it happens I have time, Mr. Laine. Do go on."
"A job like this demands careful attention to detail; I'll need to do a lot of background research and preparation even before I leave."
>[Lo Fang]"As it happens that's considered within the already generous offer of payment."
"I'll need to arrange to get in and out of the country, move around inside it, probably learn Chinese or get a translator, get maps of the museum and surrounding area with the precise location of the target, learn exactly what wards and defenses are in place magically or physically that might pick up on me and my tricks."
>[Lo Fang]"On that end, I do indeed have a contact back home who will be able to provide just such analysis of the museum for you, as well as acting as your guide, your discreet accommodations and translator as needed. He is well versed in chakra manipulation, and particularly skilled in sensory augmentation-I find it unlikely you will have questions about the museum spellwork he could not answer in some meaningfull way."
"Good to know that's included-but there is, of course, more. I'll need to find any guards or guardians and learn what they know / how they operate - and who is likely come calling if they sound an alarm once they realize a theft is being attempted, oh yes and how long it'll take for them to get there."
>[Lo Fang]"Said contact happens to be good friends with several of those that observe the museum-and when preparing to act, the contact will be able to provide a current report on who and what could be... problematic to the mission."
"That... might do. Once I've got all that, I'll have to make arrangements to evade most or all of them, as well as whatever else comes up. And of course it would be sloppy to not have a reliable way to conceal the fake beforehand or genuine article afterward from most forms of detection. Even with what you're covering all that's quite a bit of a tab to pick up before I even do the job. I can do this right, but doing things right can get expensive."
>[Lo Fang]"Yes, the obscurement of the fake beforehand and the genuine article afterwards is indeed a challenge, Mr. Laine. Particularly because a Dragon given special permission to work above ground is on the museum's board-so whatever wards you use will need to be well crafted indeed. We have a solution of sorts, which you are free to make use of-but doing so will mean forfeiting a sixth of the pay. It is a case that will register as holding a Cursed magic item, no matter what object is placed inside of it. As the item I want you to collect is not magically active, it should be sufficiently different to pass muster-though of course, a truly curious mind would question why you carry such a Cursed item. If you do not wish to talk you way out of things, you may wish to provide a solution of your own."
Hm. He killed the vast majority of my concerns about preparation-and is okay with holding off on the job for now. Great.
"I'll need to get back to you on this: You've given me quite a bit of new information to consider."
>[Lo Fang]"Of course, Mr. Laine. Do call when you know more about your schedule."
"Actually, one other thing I'd like to bring up now, if you have the time."
>[Lo Fang]"Time still remains to me-go ahead."
"To our arrangement per... tutoring, I was curious if your disciples are also on offer."
>[Lo Fang]"That's right, you are not exactly skilled yourself, where chakras are concerned... yes, feel free to make use of either Meng Yun Li Zhou or Jet Fang-Both are required to stay at the docks, and could be made available-but would ultimately not be part of our arrangement for me to provide tutorship. They'd need compensation for their time."
"Exactly so-like having me on the clock as a guardian to your wares, gratis while I'm there being trained. Anything crops up, I'm yours to use same as anyone else at the docks."
>[Lo Fang]"Had you not been useful in dealing with that earlier problem, I might be forced to laugh at such an offer. Nevertheless... very well, Mr. Laine. Your offer is accepted. Call Ping when you wish training, and tell him who you'd like to learn from. In a word, Yun is about precision, Li is about efficiency and Fang is about Flexibility. That should sum up their differences adequately. ...And while enjoyable, it seems I am out of free time. Until we talk again, Mr. Laine."
-Soon enough-
>[Go Ping]"Mr. Laine, it was mentioned you had something to talk to me about."
"Yeah-I want to schedule a training session with a Disciple tomorrow-does the morning work?"
>[Go Ping]"Perfectly-all of us are up at four thirty, and could begin lessons as early as five."
"Let's start at six-a six hour solid block sounds perfect."
>[Go Ping]"Very well. We will have food on site, should you need breakfast or lunch, before or after, respectively."
"Good to know. So... I decide who I'm training with-"
>[Go Ping]"Tomorrow, when you get here. Morning is an ideal time for lessons, as few others are similarly available."
"Perfect. See you then, Ping."

[ TRIAD 'SWORD OF GUOJIAN' JOB PUT ON HOLD ]

>>372303
>>372311
>>372333
>>372354
>>372374
Access to the internet or no, remember Armas' past. Specifically, a US public high school grad that was largely a lazy shit through his military career.
Okay, let's see-
Trick, there any ways I can... tilt odds in my favor?
>[Iron Trick]"Oh, just because I gamble means I have to know about Luck Magic, does it? Well as it happens, I just know general hearsay-none of my prior masters sought out such stuff, and Old Man Rabbit never saw fit to give me such knowledge. The practical portion of luck magic... you'll have to look elsewhere for it."
So-so would Rabbit care if I tilted the odds where your use is concerned?
>[Iron Trick]"Mind? He'd encourage it. Just be aware he only approves of SUCCESSFUL cheaters in games of chance-if you try to skew the odds and still lose out, you will lose BIG, in his book. Clear on that?"
Clear. SB, Sake-Luck magic, know anything?
>"I know someone that has claimed to know such magic, but I'm not at all disposed to get such information from them just now."
>[Sake]"Back home in Japan I knew a few that practiced it-but all of them are still back home, last I checked. Personally, I don't really know squat about it-sad, I know, as one of my brotherly abilities involves luck-derived tripping."
>"You also have a vessel body built around luck."
>[Sake]"...Suffice to say, I could probably learn more, but I still don't know anyone in this city-magically, I mean. No local Ice Women or Oni or such to pal about with. So I'm a bit stymied for how to start."
Something ELSE for me to look into then-or maybe I could snag it from Abdul with the contacts he owes me. Who knows.

The morning flowing along steadily, I move next to properly collecting my notes-both on the Mere, and on the Reaper gun. The models we've determined are related or very likely to be related to the gun in question... all noted, carefully detailed. I spend half an hour trying to convert SB's admittedly incomplete mental image of the gun's internal working and arrangement into an actual blueprint-it's not particularly pretty or overly detailed, but it gives a solid framework-and it seems we were right, the gun's design is bullpup. Good to know. Okay, the schematics I identified, the rough blueprint from SB's recollection... I mean, I guess if I was legitimately one of those scientist types and had a college degree or was a bookish sort I might know how to cobble together some way of getting more data-maybe those mass spectrometers I hear about on the news, what have you. Point is though-that's not who I am, and I lack both the resources and the knowledge base to properly get such data. Best I can hope for is to get someone to do the work for me-and I have no idea who to ask. The most I've ever done is basic hand loading and some admittedly modest gun maintenance: Fun as the idea is, of seeing me using an NMY machine or an infra red spectroscope, maybe even a wind tunnel... well, fun as it is, it's still not realistic.

What I can do though, I take one of the bullets and stick it in a vice... then trigger it. Electronic firing isn't exactly COMPLETELY new to me, and I remember a bit of fun we had with a concept weapon a while back-particularly with touching off rounds for shits and giggles over beers. stripping a wire, shortly enough I've got it going-huh, seems the rocket... initially pulses. Looked like it did... two pulses? Three? Before stabilizing as static thrust. The rockets last for a little over two seconds-and peter out. Just to be sure, I secure a second round-and get the same results. This time I concretely note there are THREE pulses as the rocket initially fires, not two. The thrust again lasts two seconds and change-best guess, I'd say it's 2.5 seconds of thrust. The rockets don't wane, and dwindle-they abruptly stop, going from full to nothing in an instant. I wonder how it does that. I pick up a third round, comparing the three-and finally notice an incredibly fine set of spiraled grooves running along the bullet's length-stabilizers for flight, I'd bet. I add the rudimentary rocket thrust analysis, the details of it's irregular firing, and the observations about individual round contouring. In all, my report's still just a page-but it's got a fair bit of information so far.

Okay... atomic theory and all that may be a bit muzzy for me, fine, but how about general energy dynamics? This probably nuclear reactor/battery thing we have here: I see no system for cooling the device, which, combined with it's size and theoretical energy output, makes me think this has to be one of those things that converts heat to energy... what was it-
>"Thermo-"
Thermoelectric, right. Pretty sure I've seen articles saying we aren't doing too well on practical applications of the technology. So why would this be different?
>"I would like to note actual radiation drastically distorts proper detection of magical frameworks of any sort. This boils down to: Either they have found an energy 'holy grail' in terms of semiconductor efficiency, or they have found a way to supplement the gap with magic. Frankly, I'm more inclined to believe Einrik's earlier theory-that they are using direct magical constructs to augment the reactor's function. Sadly, the only way I can think of to be sure... would be to just... capture... a Reaper, and check their gun."
Hah, yeah, I'll get right on that. So... probably magically supplemented or... adding both potential explanations to the report. Well.... it's certainly not as detailed and comprehensive as I'd like, but it's probably the best a luddite such as myself can do at the moment.

It's ten minutes later, when I'm touching up the report, that my phone rings-it's Arkvad. I send the document as I pick up.
"Hey there, I trust you saw my little blurb?"
>[AS]"Indeed I did. I hope you aren't calling that your report, though."
"Nope-check your inbox again."
>[AS]"...Ah. A moment."
I can hear Arkvad murmering and muttering to himself as he peruses what I sent.
>[AS]"This... should suffice to cover your weapon's repair."
"Yeah. About that: I'd also like one of my Matebas repaired-barrel's bent."
>[AS]"Bring me the piece whenever you want, and I'll get it repaired gratis."
"Excellent. Actually, on the mere front, I had some ideas I wanted to run by you."
>[AS]"Go ahead."
"Well for one-it's a Maori weapon, a Maori stone weapon, and as it happens the same art for carving bone is used for carving stone."
>[AS]"It's called... Koru, isn't it?"
"Precisely. Well, as it happens, I've been talking with a Maori goddess through the aid of that mere-and she happens to be known for being good at bone carving. She's also not that high up in the grand scheme of things-very few worshippers, all that."
>[AS]"What exactly are you proposing here?"
"I'll get to that. So, she can work bone, and she can work stone-stone being most important, since that's what the Mere is. Thing is though, mere's broken-so she can't do anything through it-no medium to work through."
>[AS]"Sure, a bit limiting."
"Right. So since the mere's getting new material added to it anyway, I came up with a way to further tweak the recipe-and make the crafting easier for you guys. Simply put, use fossilized bone - 'stone' bone, as it were - to create a temporary medium for Whaitiri to act through, and have her assist in the recrafting. And if this one-off works well, hey, maybe you've got a great backup stone and bone worker in your rolodex. Should make it easier to properly replace Hans, right?"
>[AS]"...Please tell me you've thought of how to make this 'one off' as impressive as possible. Nothing short of an amazing work would get the board to look at a God as an employee-they remember what happened when they tried to.. well, anyway. Ideas?"
"Of course. For the fossil, I'm thinking something from Australia-I'm thinking carnivorous dinosaur teeth from Lightning Ridge."
>[AS]"...The bones being opalised should make it easier to harmonize with the Pallasite, and the diamond-derived presolar grains. And I suppose the negative portions of the magic imbued in such material would be subsumed by the rest of the magical energy in the item... okay, that shouldn't be hard to arrange-I know a guy down there, should be able to get some choice pieces. Please tell me that's not all-this will at best impress: No jaws will hit the floor."
"Oh I'm not done yet. ...Though I do have to ask, those myths about a ring of fire descending over Lightning Ridge-"
>[AS]"Pre-historic presumably draconic duel. The blow-back from it is what... created the effect described. Participants unknown. It is the best source for magically active opalised bone-indeed, all opalised bone-in the market."
"Huh. Well anyway-I was thinking of some... extra opalised material. Specifically, from back in New Zealand: Flinder's Range."
>[AS]"I don't think we've ever worked with a group vending materials from such a place."
"Really? I'd figured it would be in hot demand, since the place is locally revered, and the opalized wood's supposed to be from when a young god smashed his club in the ground."
>[AS]"...Yes, I just double checked, we haven't even sent a survey team out that way. Strange."
"Well the Adnyamathanha people who live nearby consider the land sacred-maybe that's why?"
>[AS]"We've established plenty of business with such 'sacred' locations... All right, I've put in an express ticket to get the place appraised. Anything else?"
"Well, I'm liking what I see about Lonsdaleite and Carbonado-but I haven't found anything that shouts 'this stuff'd be magic' to me. Am I right at least that they'd improve the end result?"
>[AS]"Well, stonework isn't exactly my focus, but to my understanding yes. I'll keep an eye out for magical examples, but otherwise I'll just see about acquiring some."
"Okay, and at this point I actually am out of things to add. Oh yeah, you guys carry shadows?"
>[AS]"We do."
"I'm in the market for a C96 Mauser's shadow."
>[AS]"I shall keep an eye out for such. ..Well that should be fine-if everything you've suggested works as it should, I have little doubt you and your Goddess will impress. Now... I have a meeting I'm shortly going to be late to, so unless you had something more-"
"Well I was curious about what exactly being a Hunter for H&H entails, but I can ask another time. Oh, and I would really like to be present for the reforging."
>[AS]"I'll see what I can do-and I shall be ready-though keep in mind with all of this you're project's going to take at the very least a month."
"I am prepared for that."
"Good day, Armas."
*CLICK*

A quick glance at the clock shows it's not quite eleven yet. Okay....

I take a couple pictures with my phone, one of the Decay Tome's cover, and of it's first five pages of print-after checking with SB, Sake and Einrik, respectively, and finding no reason to think magic could bleed through in this case, I send the pictures to Jagda from a disposable email, eliminating the chance someone watching my own email would know of the sending. I explain in the email why I think the book may be dangerous-and ask if he thinks the risks are too much, or if he's still interested. While I'm waiting on his response... I guess I should make time to get this book properly analyzed at some point. Yet another duty to add to the list.

I decide I'm NOT trading with the Goblins until I've gotten my bloodline completed-but that doesn't mean I can't talk to them. Won't do it JUST yet-having a whole mess of contention about just WHAT to sell them, and what to buy-and I'll need to plan when the Auction will take place. Not looking forward to that headache. So for now-I call on Amen. Specifically, to have him show me the 'offering' being kept ready for the Finnish Devil. I expected to find some sort of trick-but sure enough Amen leads me to a slack-jawed vagrant, nearly comatose on the ground-I can feel his soul, still intact within his body-but it feels... too light. Well, it's a human, with a soul-and it fits the devil's requirements. Guess that'll do.

A bit shy of noon, as we're finishing lunch, I snag Matvey, Vlad and Zhenya-and explain that we're going on a little outing-a chance for them to acquaint themselves with local black market arms dealers-specifically, an explosives vendor and someone who provides excellent disposable guns. They seem interested-and so I spend the next hour and a half leading them to each merchant, and making introductions. I find myself IMMENSELY happy I didn't try to do this with Camella, as it turns out she, Hafaz and the rest actually nearly burnt down Yilmaz' place when they tried to kill Blackbeard while I was away. Fun stuff-and for now, it doesn't have any impact on me. We head back to base, Zhenya and Vlad both carrying some discreet purchases, while my mind's possessed by an obsession... with the Reaper gun.

So it is that after returning home I spend a solid hour trying to figure out the specifics of how the microreactor could work. End result? My hatred of particle and nuclear physics intensifies. My renewed hatred also makes me very inclined to find a legitimate egghead to do upper level math and analysis for me-this is NOT my forte.

So it is that at two forty PM-I call the Sometimes Merchant.
>[SM]"Ah, you called-excellent. Are you ready to set your auction's time and date? We merely need that to proceed-the pocket dimension it will happen within is already prepared. Or is this in regards to... other business?"








WHEN do I set the auction's date and time for?
So, WHAT info am I going to sell to SM?
WHAT am I going to try and get back for it?
Assuming I DON'T want to do the auction this afternoon, what should I do with the rest of my day?
Seems to be quite a bit of contention about what to sell to SM-maybe you all could agree to be conservative in what you sell, and worry about the more dangerous information later? Or not. Also I would really appreciate it if you toned down the length of posts-I've brought this up before, and the problem hasn't been addressed.
>>
No. 372828 ID: 3fd4fb

Excessive post length incoming. I am so sorry.

>>372743
>WHEN do I set the auction's date and time for?
Tomorrow at midnight- that is, just over thirty-three hours from now. That should give us plenty of time to get our bloodline set and our immediate affairs in order.

>So, WHAT info am I going to sell to SM?
Sell the information that Savoy paid his prospective firstborn son and inheritor of his Bloodline in exchange for the demon arm which we later consumed. Get the Name of the demon involved from Amen if he has it and sell that, as well; if he doesn't have a Name then get an unambiguous reference to its identity. Confirm the truthfulness of this information before sale so that we know we're not selling bad data.

Sell the information contained in the files we recovered on Baki and Endman, and the fact that it was all the information contained in those files. We should keep the physical files, but Sometimes Merchant can look at them if he wishes to buy the opportunity.

Sell the information that Amen is currently in the possession of numerous drops of blood from Zinaida Jidkova, and her identity and rank if Sometimes Merchant doesn't recognize the name- including that she is a blood manipulator used to keep the Russian military's magical division's strings on a vast number of people. Subsequently, sell the rights to give Amen orders specifically regarding accessing Jidkova through that of her blood which he currently possesses, with the caveats that we are given lists of all orders issued to Amen and any of his responses transcribed in a language which we speak, that he will issue no orders which reveal or identify either ourselves or Amen's identity directly or indirectly, and that fifty percent of the value of anything Sometimes Merchant acquires through this deal, directly or indirectly, will be credited to us. The exact percentage there is negotiable, but the point is that if he gets massive profits from this (and he will) we should also get massive profits from it. This is an incredibly valuable item to sell given its potential to give the goblins a huge number of new information channels, a data dump from Jidkova's head, and string-pulling in the Russian military. Jidkova's knowledge, which Amen can presumably access, can also likely be used to immediately confirm whether Chugainov is in fact a pedophile and thereby enable the immediate resolution of that Bargain. Once again, before attempting this sale we should confirm with Amen that he still has Jidkova's blood and can access her through it, demanding truthful answers; if we don't confirm this we may look like a total fool.

Sell the magic arrows from Gunnar if we still have those and they are in fact magic. They're not doing anything for us.

Backtrack to the tale of our encounter with Blackbeard and sell the fact that we were able to shoot through more than one of his charms at once along with his reaction; sell the knowledge that we used a mental trick to do it, a copy of our memories of using the trick if he wishes it, and our instruction in teaching others to use the trick successfully if he wishes that.

Sell that three Reapers attacked the Triads at the time that we asked the goblins to guide Hillevi to the docks; that Labombard slew one and that the other two were slain through the collective efforts of the others present; that the Triads made extensive use of charms, including golems, wall reinforcement, and jumping zombies; a basic description of all the Reapers' powers, weapons, and methods that we witnessed including their guns, self-destructs, gauntlet, and mercury shit, along with Lo Fang's description of their charms and the purpose of each as far as he knew. Avoid mention of the Triads' specific losses, imply that we were much less responsible for the deaths of the two Triads that we helped kill than we actually were, and definitely avoid mention of anything soul-related and remotely fishy.

Sell the chance to inspect (but not keep or modify) the gun parts acquired from the Reapers' weapons, and the information that we gave to H&H through Arkvad, with the caveat that they not pass this information on to anyone else for a minimum of two months. That should give us plenty of time to finish the H&H deal and give H&H a decent start on their engineering projects.

DO NOT sell, reveal, or even mention the existence of the Reaper charms. Because of the involvement of a soul in that and the sensitivity of that information, we can't afford to risk revealing it to Sometimes Merchant.

>WHAT am I going to try and get back for it?
In descending order of priority:

First, secure the use of a timeless nevernever pocket for a craftsman we hire at some point in the near future, with no observation of what the man is doing for the duration. The duration should be at least a couple weeks- we'll need to get the specifics from the craftsman in question after we know that it's possible and we have one secured.

Second, we need a large amount of luck, restricted and focused specifically towards the finalization of our bloodline- when we get our third bloodline component and the three combine, we need the final result to be as good as possible, with the bloodline strong, the composite working well together, and the three bloodlines well balanced in power. Get as much luck as he thinks could reasonably be considered useful towards that purpose, and if there are other methods he can suggest by which we might tilt the final result in our favor strongly consider buying those as well.

Third, get a charm to prevent damage from accelerated mental communication.

Fourth, get additional magical meats delivered; throw in magic vegetables, fruits, spices- anything needed for anything in that cookbook.

If we somehow got all of the above and still have more value to spare, the goblins do deal in cash, right?

As a final note, we need to convince Sometimes Merchant that none of our standing deals expire upon our death, but rather only upon the final death of our soul, the end of our existence, or whatever else means that we can use Romanov left and right and the goods will keep coming. That is a huge haggle that someone else needs to artfully write up because it's damned late and I'm tired.

>Assuming I DON'T want to do the auction this afternoon, what should I do with the rest of my day?
Proceed to Johan and negotiate for the crafting of a Darkening-specific bullet for Iron Trick, to be done immediately inside our purchased nevernever pocket. Also ask him to tell us whatever he can about the Finnish devil that will be dropping by shortly, based upon our observations of it; we can of course pay for the consultation. Offer additional subjective time in the pocket to defray some of the cost- surely some extra time to do whatever he wishes in there would have significant value to him, and we've negotiated that he and his methods will be entirely unobserved. Hopefully we'll be able to barter down the cost significantly- depending upon the relative values of nevernever time to Johan and the goblins, we might actually be able to get him a great deal of subjective time in exchange for getting the bullet we need made for free. That would be optimal, of course; I doubt it'll happen and we'll have to make up the difference with cash.

When all that is done and we have the bullet, go somewhere safe and shielded, then get directions from Iron Trick on how to use it to create our bloodline. Use the Darkening bullet and the goblins' luck, and get the third part of our Winter bloodline.

I am reluctant to plan farther ahead than that.
>>
No. 372831 ID: f6106a

>>372828
Upvoting, but

>Sell the magic arrows from Gunnar if we still have those and they are in fact magic. They're not doing anything for us.

They weren't magic, the bow was and it imparted some magic on what it fired. That said, maybe we grabbed some of the arrows it had fired? Those might have some magic left in them that might make them somewhat valuable to SM, what with being IIRC metal arrows of substantial size.

>As a final note, we need to convince Sometimes Merchant that none of our standing deals expire upon our death, but rather only upon the final death of our soul, the end of our existence, or whatever else means that we can use Romanov left and right and the goods will keep coming. That is a huge haggle that someone else needs to artfully write up because it's damned late and I'm tired.

Some points to hit during the negotiation for this.

1) The deal for the strikes is worded similarly, and thus we could, once we find a way to hold onto Amen, kill ourself, come back, and sell the strikes to someone else. This would be dickish, but from our perspective, so would him canceling our deals if we died and came back via Romanov.

2)If Armas comes back to life, it could be argued his life has not technically ended, it was merely stalled or skipped at some point.
>>
No. 372832 ID: 9c3646

>>372828 sounds good however Armas should ensure Einrik is there to see his bloodline be completed.
>>
No. 372834 ID: 1c2c42

>>372828
Upvote EVERYTHING, but FIRST ORDER AMEN NOT TO USE JIDKOVA'S BLOOD OF YOURSELF OR YOUR MEN. Thisis crucial, as SM could obtain a passive recursive surveillance on us. Let's finish this bloodline.
>>
No. 372839 ID: 21a619

>>372828
>Sell the chance to inspect (but not keep or modify) the gun parts acquired from the Reapers' weapons
Kinda pointless due to SM knowing nothing about modern tech. He will however be very interested in the H&H deal with the Reapers if he is unaware of it. Mortal business dealing with mundane tech and all.

Also as what it would take to learn that ventriloquism technique. We've been meaning to learn that for a long time.

Other then that it sounds pretty swell to me.

>>372831
>>372832
>>372834
These all sound good to me.
>>
No. 372840 ID: d292f2

>>372828
Upvote.

The second item on our list is by far the most expensive. Acquiring the luck to the maximum reasonable benefit for ourselves should be prioritized above getting the third or fourth items, just in case we aren't bringing enough to the table for everything.
>>
No. 372842 ID: 448d82

>>372828
Upvote with These amendments/extras
>>372831
>>372832
>>372834
>>372839
>>372840

If by some bizzare chance we still haven't hit the roof of what we can buy with the info after all that, do recall SB wanted some shadows apart from the guns.
>>
No. 372851 ID: 3ea1d4

>>372828
Upvote.
>>
No. 372859 ID: 9c3646

>We haven't decided to get Darkening yet
asshat this is the vote for darkening

>>372828
UPVOTE MUTHAFUCKA!

>>372857
Shut up stupid crappy-ass talky bits!
>>
No. 372881 ID: a733a6
File 132407021693.jpg - (36.33KB , 493x439 , 1.jpg )
372881

Here is Armas having shot himself and SB so that he is ready to activate the primary function of Iron Trick. I tried to make Armas clothes resemble those in >>372285 . I hope this instructive image will help Armas get a well synchronized bloodline.

>>372823
Upvote. If what is offered is not enough for the nevernever pocket and the luck, also offer to sell the rituals that Amen taught Armas (but first check if Amen lied about the rituals).
>>
No. 372903 ID: f8aa66

>>372828
Offering Jidkova to the gobbos might be potentially dangerous to those whose blood she's worked with (us and the russians, among others) - don't we also need that info to provide Chugainov's downfall?

Yet another 'no' to selling Splintered Intent. That info will keep indefinitely, in case we ever need a big goblin favor further down the line. Plus, if the goblins ever betray us (Armas, never thought I'd say this, but sometimes you aren't paranoid enough).

I'm okay with selling the Reaper info (stats, abilities, general overview), because fuck those guys. But not selling info on our allies (and not only because Lo Fang would beat us like a drum).

And why would we sell the Reaper tech? We're not done unravelling it, and an exclusivity contract with H&H (where we insist on only going through Arkvad to do this deal) would get Arkvad made partner, at LEAST.

Auction in 30 hours? Wouldn't that put us right around the time we'd be dealing with the Devil? For that matter, if the Devil's in Istanbul... think Devils and Demon Princes keep in touch?

On rewards for info:
I still want those we designate (the PMC) to be left in peace on goblin turf as long as they offer no violence (not Friend, just... neutrality?)

Also, rather than the charm to protect thoughts from telepathy degradation (we have one in our house, hooked up to the Reaper set), I'd like a charm that clouds the nature of other charms - kinda like the Reaper charm set, but rather than just being 20 different charms in close proximity creating the effect, rather its random magical white noise or something. It'd be a third layer of obfuscation on whoever uses it (a fourth, with Darkening).

And maybe we could get another freebie (frequent customer discount?) like the cookbook, this time on old Ottoman recipes? We want the Owner to think we're serious about what we do, and we KNOW the local supernaturals enjoy it.

Random thought: Humanities and sciences traditionally dont have a lot of overlap, but maybe Jagda knows someone who could sit on the information (under threat of Reaper attack).
>>
No. 372911 ID: 3947e9

>>372828
Upvoted with exceptions

>Schedule for tomorrow
We should not schedule it until after we finish our bloodline, as who knows what will come up. What if a botched sync puts us in a coma? He is making you luck charms for finishing the bloodline, so he obviously knows you are finishing it. Without telling him details of the bloodline just say you will schedule it right after finishing your bloodline to be as soon as possible. If all goes well probably tomorrow, you will let him know.
If we finish it today and nothing goes wrong, then call SM again and THEN schedule it for tomorrow.

>Jidkova
SUST on anything to do with her. Plan with her is:
Step 1. Proove general is a pedo
Step 2. Sell info for a lot, including being taken off of russia's shitlist. (If the info is worth millions now it will be worth only a few hundreds if he is already dead; and if info proves wrong jidkova is our only way to assassinate him)
Step 3. Use her to assasinate him, steal stuff, and get her info to goblins.
Using her prematurely risks that.

>Reaper fight & Triad info
On principle we should not sell the secrets of our employers if we want to remain employable. Lo fang is also a powerful person to make an enemy of.
So sell the info on the reapers. But do not sell the triad's capabilities.
He knows already about the fight cause he led hilevi there, we are just selling enemy powerset info.
Of particular note in the reaper info is the flaws we found in their strategy and the great effectiveness a shadow fiend traps were.

We should see if we can get some gold from them to help pay the fee of Johan the bullet maker, since we are a bit short on cash.
>>
No. 372913 ID: 252e1b

>>372828
>As a final note, we need to convince Sometimes Merchant that none of our standing deals expire upon our death, but rather only upon the final death of our soul, the end of our existence, or whatever else means that we can use Romanov left and right and the goods will keep coming. That is a huge haggle that someone else needs to artfully write up because it's damned late and I'm tired.

"Can you indulge me a little, and listen to something that's important to me? Call it a chance to hear a client's thoughts on an important issue for the price of having to comment."

"During my trip to Finland I learned a little about how human souls can Ascend. Nothing new to you, I'm sure, but it clued me in to how while a body may fall into ruin the soul is the most important part for humans."

"It got me thinking on the idea of what it is to be a human at all. There's a line somewhere dividing humans from ascended beings like angels, and another between a man, and a monster that was once a man."

"Part of how I have approached the problem of defining what is that line between human and not, was to look at death. There are completely mundane techniques for stopping a man's heart entirely and leaving his body in a corpse-like state for tens of minutes, even up to an hour with proper preparation. But, we humans don't define that corpse-like corpus as being actually dead. We call it clinically dead. It isn't until well after the meat has been brought back up to room temperature and outside help removed that a patient becomes a corpse. There are tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, of people who have been clinically dead and resuscitated successfully. They were never considered actually dead though, because the clinical death didn't last. All the rites and paperwork associated with being dead were avoided, all their contracts and agreements still in effect, all their property still theirs, because we humans don't treat a clinical death as the death.

"I think it comes down to machines, expertise, and the power of human Belief that men and woman can come back from cardiopulmonary failure all contributing to the idea that a person is only dead dead once his body and soul are too badly damaged to recover.

"And I know that it's possible to shuffle souls around. Possessions, implants into flesh golems, what-have-you are all esoteric to a mundane human but ultimately just another way to not be dead after suffering grievous damage. There's plenty of popular culture references to such; I'll gladly lend you a copy of the films Ghost Dad, and Ghost for instance. That's not to mention older stories of the same, and the most important element: the ascension requirement."

"A human soul can't ascend until it has divested itself of identity-critical memories. Personality defining elements that make a man a particular individual. Once the soul has changed enough, lost just enough, it moves on. But right up until the last element is lost, the soul could conceivably come back. The ghost could be made man again with appropriate magic and technology. So, as far as I can tell, the only death that actually matters is the death of the spirit. Either destruction of the soul, reintegration into the NeverNever of a soul, or Ascension are the ways of making sure a death is the real deal. Anything less than that isn't an actual death, but a grievous injury."

"I'd like to hear your comments on it, even if it's as simple as "you talk too much." But, for what it's worth, it's an important topic to me. I'd be grateful to hear your thoughts about this."

And here is where he'll either agree that our line of reasoning is correct, or he'll say "you talk too much" or he'll argue something a little different. But we've got a lot of evidence in our favor for the definition of what human, and human death, are.

If he agrees, we've won. That's it, he's just agreed to the goalposts for what "death" to a human is.

Simultaniously, this sets Armas up to come to a solid conclusion of the "what is man" transhumanity issue he walked right into earlier. His ability to come back from the dead doesn't, in and of itself, make him not a human, and he gets a clearer idea of just what he is, weird soul and all.
>>
No. 372941 ID: f8aa66

A few thoughts on milking the Reaper info for all it's worth. "Feel free to interrupt if your network has heard this before, Merchant. But I had a fair bit of information on an altercation that occurred on the docks a few days past: Titancorp has taken the field against the Istanbul Triad- and failed.

"Three Reapers met their end on the docks. One at the hands of yours truly (SB being technically us), one slain by the Disciples, and one hunted down by Lo Fang's pet mercenary, Labombard."

Then we can go a couple different ways, depending on what SM seems to respond to. Take it point by point, each bit building the picture of the Reaper.

What we divined of their tactics: the two strafing the fortification on the first attack run, then settling in to batter down the door while the third shadowed the other two as a sniper. Also include how they only made Time their bitch during the strafing movement, spending the majority of their time with their feet planted. Also their startling proficiency with hand-to-hand and the ability to redirect attacks from even expert enemies.

What we divined of their charms: linked to lifeforce or soul and the rest of the set, overlapping charms of Time-control and a suite of nine charms to make surviving such Time-compression easier.

Also, remember how the Reapers' arrival was presaged by Sake describing the Luck in the area tilting on us? Can't claim anything for certain on that, but it sounds apropros to the topic at hand.

And then their armaments: an overview of the guns in a general way- most especially that potential weakness to shadow. The gauntlet- I doubt the goblins know what a tazer is, but 'wood burned to cinders, metal to boiling, bullets atomized on contact' speaks for itself. The quicksilver metal that capped his torn-off arm that could ALSO deflect bullets. The sacramental wines and holy spirits they had on hand, the grenades they never got to use, and that damn Fleshfire bomb.

If we get to sell all that to SM, it must count for a lot- considering how incredibly freaking deadly these guys are, and how often people must end up dead before they know what the fuck killed them, bloodline users would be lining up around the block to find anything resembling a weak-point.
>>
No. 372960 ID: 3fd4fb

>>372828
Addenda to this, with actual dialogue this time around. Avoid making useless statements- everything we say should either transmit information or be an attempt to convince Sometimes Merchant to pay us more/buy more. In order to maximize our profit from this, we should be setting forth each purchasable item first and continually attempting to get Sometimes Merchant to agree that we've given him enough to pay for it before moving on to the next desired item- and the next possible item for sale. Shuffle our statements around as appropriate to reflect how the haggle goes.

>Purchase of nevernever pocket
"Other business first, I think. A craftsman of my acquaintance has a rather large project before him- a time-consuming one. To hasten its completion I wish for you to provide a nevernever pocket in which he can labor effectively, but in which no time will pass in the real world and he will not need rest nor sleep. This is available, I trust?" (of course it is) "Glad to hear it. Out of respect for his skill, of course, he should not be observed while working. I'll let you know the required duration after speaking with him and learning exactly how much time he will require." (anticipated reply citing price) "Of course it will cost- but I think you'll find that what I have to sell will more than cover it."

>Savoy (check truthfulness/quantity of data with Amen first)
"I have some additional information related to Savoy which you may wish for." "The price he paid for the demonic arm which he later lost in conflict with me was his prospective firstborn son and inheritor of his Bloodline. I can also offer the identity of the demon from which he purchased it." (pass Amen info along)

"A rather useful bit of information, that, yes? Particularly given certain of our prior dealings and Savoy's current status. Enough, I think, to cover the craftman's period of labor in your care." (if he cites concerns about indeterminate time for the job, frown) "You have told me before that time is a small thing. What matter the difference between a seeming week or year, to you? There is little distinction."

"The next item I need is good luck. Very specific luck- restricted and focused towards the upcoming completion of my Winter bloodline, set to activate for that purpose only. You know of the ritual I used already- I have some level of concern over the final result and wish to take whatever steps are possible to ensure that things go well. The luck should ensure, as much as possible, that the three powers which form my composite bloodline meld well with one another, to one another's benefit instead of detriment. It should attempt to ensure that their powers are strong and well-balanced with one another instead of having one part of the bloodline crushed beneath another. Is this possible?" (yes but expensive) "Most worthwhile things cost. I believe it will be covered shortly- as much luck as you reasonably think will be of benefit to me for this purpose. If you have other suggestions as to how to ensure a good result for my bloodline's finalization, they would be appreciated- I assume that, as they will doubtless involve further purchases, the ideas themselves will not cost me."

>Baki and Endman files
"To begin paying, then- you doubtless recall the recent collapse of a certain structure- you commented that I was holding back; there are some additional details which I am now prepared to sell. Do you wish for them?" (presume yes) "Certain files escaped the collapse and have now come into my possession, although far more did not escape the collapse. The information within them is available for sale- the complete files themselves you can review but I wish to keep." Give him the Baki and Endman files for his perusal.

>Splintered Intent
"That is the lesser point of interest, however. My encounter with Blackbeard was ill-described- I omitted a key detail which I believe of very significant value. Specifically, I was able to attack him through multiple arrow charms simultaneously." (anticipated request for details) "I used no magic at all to accomplish this feat- my weapon was magical but had no bearing on this effect. Further, I believe that I can pass on my means of doing this to others, with sufficient tutelage- which itself has some value, I think. Do you wish to purchase that, to occur at a mutually agreed-upon convenient time?" (whatever he wants) "A simple description of the trick is also available." (if yes) "It is a matter of strong mental conviction that a single action can trigger multiple individual attacks. I used a shotgun, but the trick should be equally applicable to other devices." "A copy of my memories of using it is also available, if you wish it."

"That is an ability of rather significant value, is it not? One easily spread and used amongst anyone who might face Arrow Charms- at a rather massive potential profit to you and yours, should you begin marketing it, or to no small advantage in battle against unsuspecting opponents if you should hold it close. That purchased potential is more than enough to cover the luck I requested."

"There is another thing I desire- a charm or item which prevents a very specific type of damage; that which is inflicted through the use of accelerated thought and communication. You can provide this?"

>Triad fight
"And of course I can pay further. You are doubtless aware that the Triads were fighting on the docks recently. I can provide a significant amount of information related to that battle, should you wish it." (presumed acceptance) (use >>372941 data, basic description of Reaper powers and weaknesses, plus any Triad deployments which a normal human would have been able to see if they were watching the docks from outside) "Following the Reapers' deaths, one through the actions of Labombard and the other two through the combined efforts of the others present including myself, their few surviving effects were given out as rewards. Lo Fang was kind enough to give a partial analysis of the Reaper charms to me." Share his description of their function.

>gun parts
"But parts from the guns were my spoils." (this sentence is true; they weren't ALL of our spoils, but we're not making that assertion.) "They are very nearly unique, and I have made some significant efforts at examining them- would you care to see what I have uncovered? It may only be a partial analysis, but Titancorp keeps their designs very close- even I can think of numerous potential buyers for this information. On that note, I would ask that you not share or sell this particular bit of information for a period of two months after I show it to you; I have other Bargains to conduct with it and I would not be preempted." If he wants our word that we won't go mass-marketing or something, that's fine. Show the blueprints we made and the information we have on the gun, but of course he only gets to see since most of the information we have is reserved for H&H. Don't mention H&H to him, though, since he might sell Titancorp the knowledge that H&H is trying to wriggle around their agreement.

"That information is rare and coveted, I believe- and should be enough to cover the cost of the protective enchantment I requested several times over if used properly; a tidy profit for you already and a more than fair Bargain."

>Jidkova
(confirm truthfully that Amen has Jidkova's blood and can use it to do things to her/get information from her
"But there is yet more, and perhaps amongst my most valuable offers. Are you familiar with the Russian officer, Zinaida Jidkova?" (and then figure out something with the already-substantial description in >>372828; I'm running out of energy for dialogue-writing here...)


>>372913
If our rambling workaround about death doesn't work out to get Sometimes Merchant to agree that we're not dead until there's nothing left that could possibly come calling.
"There's only so much ambiguity in our Bargain, Sometimes Merchant, and if you recall the wording I think you'll find it relatively clear. 'To the end of your days', you said- if I'm still able to see the days pass, our Bargain stands."

He'll bring up the 'till the end of your life' wording at this point, probably, at which point we can make a couple more arguments. "Yes, that was also said- and what of it? That hardly goes against what I've said- for when has life actually ended instead of merely pausing for a while? That something is not currently present, or progressing forward, is no true evidence that it's over- a job can still be completed no matter the pauses or difficulties encountered during it, even if all the work is undone when it is nearly finished. Likewise with life; until there is no possibility of the same being returning to finish what they once started the end of the life in question cannot be definitively confirmed- and Bargains dependent upon that life yet stand."

If he continues to argue, we do have this final fallback- "Do you truly wish to continue to press this point, Sometimes Merchant? For I recall another key wording in our Bargains- 'I offer all future ones that come directly to my flesh or soul, for the rest of my natural life', and your reply, 'each impending Gate attempt from the Nevernever that you offer us'. That I offered you. Do you truly wish to argue that my natural life is one whit shorter than you must? I say that my natural life has only truly ended when I can no longer continue to maintain my existence in any form which either lives or might at some point resume living; anything less must be taken as merely a temporary setback that has not truly ended it. I will debate this further with you if you wish, but what applies to one Bargain must perforce apply to the other- and I believe that the addition of the word 'natural' places one side under somewhat stricter requirements."

After that all I've got is circularly arguing semantics until he gives in. Hardly perfect but hopefully it'll pull us through.
>>
No. 372964 ID: 1c2c42
File 132409939971.png - (378.72KB , 400x640 , GnRjt.png )
372964

Dialog samples:

“I remember well your delight in Savoy's many 'misfortunes' when I was last in Istanbul, So I thought this parcel of information might be most pleasant news to you: Savoy paid his prospective firstborn son and inheritor of his Bloodline for the Arm I ate.”
“As it happens, I happen to have on hand some files about mortals here in Istanbul that might delimit the knoweldge of a certain organization on those specific people it talks about. One is a Yakuza Masseuse, and another is a German smuggler who possess a gun wrought of an artifact. Care to know more?”
“I seem to remember you wanting items that were used by magically oriented mortals, and I have a few special Arrows that were used by a mortal Einher with a cursed bow.”
“The morning after my return in Istanbul, I met Blackbeard, as you recall. He... seemed to heavily favor charms, so I used a little trick I had in mind from some time, a trick I strongly believe NO ONE else knows about: if you turn your mind just the RIGHT way, if you have a potently focused mind, you can envision each and every pellet of a Shotgun's load to be considered as a different attack. It worked beautifully. Do you wish to know that tale in more detail?”
“A bit after that blackbeard meeting, I had to meet with a friend of mine, Lambombard, at the dock- there he asked for a favor, helping him guard them against different possible enemies: Two different yakuza groups or a group of TitanCorp Reapers. I had the misfortune to fight against the latter ones. They might have had no magic in themselves, but nothing else was mundane about them. Two of them were a bait, a strikeforce that attacked the dock directly with incredibly potent guns and charms that, amongst other things, sped their time of action. A third was on the look out, prepared to snipe either labombard, lo fang, or a 'guest' should they try to deal with the two Reapers.” Continue on that vein, trying to describe the Reapers and their abilities in as much detail as possible.

For Johann:

“I procured a couple of weeks of NeverNever Pocket time where you will be undisturbed and unobserved on your work. Given it should take less time to do my bullet, you should have some time to do other work you have for other clients. I think it should shave the price in half, shouldn't it?”

>>372960
UPVOTE
Also, add something to the effect of “And I am certain you can see the value in rectifying current arrow charms' weakness and selling that rectification.” when talking about Arrow charms.
>>
No. 372979 ID: d97a61
 

>>372828
>>372831
>>372832
>>372834
>>372839
>>372840
>>372842
>>372851
>>372859
>>372881
Well then
Okay-so, mental checklist, what am I going to sell:
1-Savoy selling his firstborn to a devil for an arm (the one I ate), that's definitely up for sale. ...Say-
Amen, you couldn't name the devil that Savoy traded his first born to before-fine, so now I order you to truthfully give me a moniker the devil might be identified by.
>[Amen]"This one notes the devil in question was sometimes known in the mortal tongue as 'Thirster for Envious Plots and Betrayals'. The name should be semi-unique to it.
Right-so, also that the devil went by T.E.P.B. Okay. Next...
2-My complete recollection of the files on Baki and Endman-and the fact I still have such files, and free permission to read and examine but not claim said files-arrangements to visit the house and read them when SM chooses to, for example.
3-I can sell the information Amen's got an in with Jidkova and can completely control-
Hey Amen, you still have Jidkova's blood right? And I order you to answer honestly.
>[Amen]"This one does."
Whew. Okay-
3-I can sell SM the info that I have Chugainov's aide compromised, and, so long as I arrange wording so Amen and SM alike aren't left with the ability to manipulate mine, the Russians or Big's blood through Jidkova, I can sell access. With such a safety like the caveats that we are given lists of all orders issued to Amen and any of his responses transcribed in a language which I can read, that he will issue no orders which reveal or identify either my own or Amen's identity directly or indirectly, and that fifty percent of the value of anything Sometimes Merchant acquires through this deal, directly or indirectly, will be credited to me. The exact percentage there is negotiable, but the point is that if he gets massive profits from this (and he will) we should also get massive profits from it. This'll also let SM have a perfect candidate for settling if my earlier sale of information-that being Chugainov's indiscretions, then I'll get the full pay for that as part of this deal-a handy arrangement.
4-I can finally sell off those few arrows of Gunner's complete with proper explanation of what they are, who owned them, etc. Realistically not worth much most likely-but hey, no reason to keep them.
5-I can sell a two-for-one: the more accurate accounting of my encounter with Blackbeard, the Splintered Intent trick I used, it's nature, and the rights to a copy of the memories of using the trick. I really do want to keep the secret under my control-but it's worth more in trade than it is as an ace in the hole.
6-I can sell a doctored accounting of what went down at the docks on Wednesday. That three Titancorp Reapers attacked. That Labombard took care of one himself, the other two accounted for via general group efforts. That this took place at the time I asked for Hillevi to get a guide to bring her through the sewers. I can even include that the Triads made extensive use of charms, including golems, wall reinforcement, and jumping zombies; a basic description of all the Reapers' powers, weapons, and methods that we witnessed including their guns, self-destructs, gauntlet, and mercury shit, along with Lo Fang's description of their charms and the purpose of each as far as he knew. All said and done it's a pretty heft tale even edited for Triad secrets. Sure, I probably could get something really nice for the right words about Lo Fang's presumed soul antics-but there's no real profit for me in doing so. For now-I'll keep their secrets, even when I could turn them into my own wealth and power.
7-I can also sell a copy of my current report on the Reaper gun parts, as well as the rights to inspect the actual objects-sure, the Goblins don't seem particularly technologically oriented, but knowing it's what the Reapers use might pique their interest.

It's a good thing I've got seven juicy ranges of information to sell-because I want a whole hell of a lot. I know no matter what Johann says, if he CAN do something for me about Trick and the possibility of eating the Darkening shot, he'll need time to do it-and I want this shit done sooner, than later. So I want about a month's worth of NN pocket 'time' for use-as well as the rules that no one can observe the going's on within. That should appeal to Johan's reclusive nature, and beat down any potential objections on his part. And the loss of zero time for his existing deadlines could probably help me sway the price of services. But an NN pocket's only the start of what I want. I also... want luck. I've... been spoken to by SB-I get that general, universal luck doesn't really exist in a magical sense-but directed luck does. And since I want luck for making a shot go as well as I want it to-that I want luck to make the resultant bloodline more stably balanced, luck of gun and blood-I'm hoping it's specific and directed enough SM can help me out. I've got a feeling he can. Now, those two are by far the most important things on my list, it goes on: A charm for preventing/resisting harm from repeat use of accelerated mental communication. Enough magical foodstuffs that any given week I could make something from any page of the Goblin cookbook. And if I'm somehow still due something-well, cash will work. I've heard goblins are fond of gold....

Okay, plans are in order.
>>372913
I only now realize I was in an accelerated mental state the whole while I organized my thoughts.
"Can you indulge me a little, and listen to something that's important to me? Call it a chance to hear a client's thoughts on an important issue for the price of having to comment."
A voice coming not from my phone but from my ass-
>[SM]"Do go ahead, but I hope the matter isn't completely trivial."
I can work with indifferent acceptance.
"During my trip to Finland I learned a little about how human souls can Ascend. Nothing new to you, I'm sure, but it clued me in to how while a body may fall into ruin the soul is the most important part for humans."
This time the voice comes from the receiver, and is decidedly more businesslike.
>[SM]"...Go on."
"It got me thinking on the idea of what it is to be a human at all. There's a line somewhere dividing humans from ascended beings like angels, and another between a man, and a monster that was once a man."
>[SM]"Correct on both counts."
"Part of how I have approached the problem of defining what is that line between human and not, was to look at death. There are completely mundane techniques for stopping a man's heart entirely and leaving his body in a corpse-like state for tens of minutes, even up to an hour with proper preparation. But, we humans don't define that corpse-like corpus as being actually dead. We call it clinically dead. It isn't until well after the meat has been brought back up to room temperature and outside help removed that a patient becomes a corpse. There are tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, of people who have been clinically dead and resuscitated successfully. They were never considered actually dead though, because the clinical death didn't last. All the rites and paperwork associated with being dead were avoided, all their contracts and agreements still in effect, all their property still theirs, because we humans don't treat a clinical death as the death. "
>[SM]"A point of contention few mortals seem to grasp when looking at magic-it's so normal for them to have 'death' be defined in such a nebulous way as this. So, what did you see when you looked not just to magic, but your very race?"
"I think it comes down to machines, expertise, and the power of human Belief that men and woman can come back from heart failure all contributing to the idea that a person is only dead dead once his body and soul are too badly damaged to recover.
>[SM]"Mm."
"And I know that it's possible to shuffle souls around. Possessions, implants into flesh golems, what-have-you are all esoteric to a mundane human but ultimately just another way to not be dead after suffering grievous damage. There's plenty of popular culture references to such; I'll gladly lend you a copy of the films Ghost Dad, and Ghost for instance. That's not to mention older stories of the same, and the most important element: the ascension requirement."
>[SM]"I'm curious to see where you've gone with this."
"A human soul can't ascend until it has divested itself of identity-critical memories. Personality defining elements that make a man a particular individual. Once the soul has changed enough, lost just enough, it moves on. But right up until the last element is lost, the soul could conceivably come back. The ghost could be made man again with appropriate magic and technology. So, as far as I can tell, the only death that actually matters is the death of the spirit. Either destruction of the soul, reintegration into the NeverNever of a soul, or Ascension are the ways of making sure a death is the real deal. Anything less than that isn't an actual death, but a grievous injury. Those injuries can make actual death very likely, certainly-but it's merely a change in statistics, not certainty. Or so goes my thoughts."
The phone lays silent.
"I'd like to hear your comments on it, even if it's as simple as "you talk too much." But, for what it's worth, it's an important topic to me. I'd be grateful to hear your thoughts about this."
>[SM]"Well-first, I must congratulate your eclectically labyrinthine reasoning with what I am reasonably certain where very limited amounts of data. To your supposition-I'd say your line of reasoning is largely accurate-but that the question is not one where 'largely' is adequately precise enough to matter. For example, while you properly addressed hearts and their unsimple relation to death's definition-you didn't address minds. It is my understanding the term 'brain dead' exists in medicine, and that the cessation of brain activity is the death of the organic mind-with that, the mortal's life could not be considered able to continue, as anything more would make the entity, in some way, immortal. So, while the last, and most terrible of ends may still lay farther down the path for the soul, the core of the entity-the 'mortal' died when it's brain died. That, as it happens, is my interpretation.
Not... what I was hoping for. He danced about giving me what I needed-but I can work with this, I think. It's less dangerous conditions than I thought I had-so it's a start. ..Still, I can't give up now.
"So then, say a human's soul is brought back into it's body before it can move on-within instants of seperation, complete with a repaired form. The soul has not had enough time to change, has it?"
>[SM]"If you are speaking of minutes or less-then no, it could not, not without considerable circumstances."
"And if the bodies restored to it's original form-that human is alive, is it not?"
>[SM]"Indeed it is. But the point remains that for a time, this was not so-it became dead, after having been alive."
...Dammit. I know there's something to my reasoning, but it looks like this isn't going to work. Figures it wouldn't be that easy.

So it is that I sell it to him-all seven topics, all seven parcels of information and limited, conditional rights. The selling and the wording take time-but neither of us offer complaints over the crawling pace of concretely laying things out. Soon enough, I've hit the end of my list if things to sell-and it's time for what I want.
>>372960
"Where to start-Other business first, I think. A craftsman of my acquaintance has a rather large project before him- a time-consuming one. To hasten its completion I wish for you to provide a Never Never pocket in which he can labor effectively, but in which no time will pass in the real world and he will not need rest nor sleep. This is available, I trust? Oh, I'll also need weekly deliveries of food, enough I could replicate any recipe in that book you gave me."
>[SM]"Of course."
"Glad to hear it. Out of respect for his skill, of course, he should not be observed while working. I'll let you know the required duration after speaking with him and learning exactly how much time he will require."
>[SM]"You are aware, I trust, that easily provided or no, including the time pocket will make the cost-"
"Of course it will cost- but I'd like to think you're profiting quite nicely from what I've offered."
>[SM]"This is truth. So, a pocket, for use on a single project that cannot be known. How much time could this take up?"
"A maximum of a month-with the chance to use the leftover time, if any, myself."
>[SM]"Done. You have more to ask for, I think."
"The next item I need is good luck."
>[SM]"You will have to clarify."
"I need very specific, directed luck- restricted and focused towards the upcoming completion of my Winter bloodline, set to activate for that purpose only. You know of the ritual I used already- I have some level of concern over the final result and wish to take whatever steps are possible to ensure that things go well. The luck should ensure, as much as possible, that the three powers which form my composite bloodline meld well with one another, to one another's benefit instead of detriment. It should attempt to ensure that their powers are strong and well-balanced with one another instead of having one part of the bloodline crushed beneath another. Is this possible?"
>[SM]"Entirely possible-and particularly pricy. I hope you intend this the conclusion of your request."
>[WTN Trait activated]
"Well, if you'll recall that Splintered Intent trick-that is an ability of rather significant value, is it not? One easily spread and used amongst anyone who might face Arrow Charms- at a rather massive potential profit to you and yours, should you begin marketing it, or to no small advantage in battle against unsuspecting opponents if you should hold it close. That purchased potential is more than enough to cover the luck I requested."
>[SM]"Let us say, then, that it is covered-that is also the most potent secret you sold, and your other request is rather demanding of your other offers."
"Well just hear me out. There is another thing I desire- a charm or item which prevents a very specific type of damage; that which is inflicted through the use of accelerated thought and communication. You can provide this?"
>[SM]"A Mind Reinforcement Charm? Yes, such a thing could be provided-and at this point, you are threatening to exceed what you are owed, even counting the assumption Jidkova can be used to verify your observation about Chugainov."
Of course, I don't just let it drop. There's half an hour of polite but vicious haggling-but SM just does not budge. I do get a consolation in knowing The food I now have set to come to the house would be enough to feed a hundred hungry people for a week. I hardly need worry about food now. Rather than upset the already pretty sweet deal I have going, I leave it be-but revisit my early topic, the subject of death.
"You know... there's only so much ambiguity in our Bargain, Sometimes Merchant, and if you recall the wording I think you'll find it relatively clear. 'To the end of your days', you said- if I'm still able to see the days pass, our Bargain stands."
>[SM]"As you likewise recall, the term 'till the end of your life' was also used."
"Yes, that was also said- and what of it? That hardly goes against what I've said- for when has life actually ended instead of merely pausing for a while? That something is not currently present, or progressing forward, is no true evidence that it's over- a job can still be completed no matter the pauses or difficulties encountered during it, even if all the work is undone when it is nearly finished. Likewise with life; until there is no possibility of the same being returning to finish what they once started the end of the life in question cannot be definitively confirmed- and Bargains dependent upon that life yet stand."
>[SM]"While this... does strengthen your earlier argument, it does nothign to shake my faith in the brain as a defining trait to one's state, living or dead. If the brain has died, even if you do live to see the end of the day, you could not be considered as human as you were at the day's start."
All right-time to press a bit more-a final swing, I suppose.
"Do you truly wish to continue to press this point, Sometimes Merchant? For I recall another key wording in our Bargains- 'I offer all future ones that come directly to my flesh or soul, for the rest of my natural life', and your reply, 'each impending Gate attempt from the Nevernever that you offer us'. That I offered you. Do you truly wish to argue that my natural life is one whit shorter than you must? I say that my natural life has only truly ended when I can no longer continue to maintain my existence in any form which either lives or might at some point resume living; anything less must be taken as merely a temporary setback that has not truly ended it. I will debate this further with you if you wish, but what applies to one Bargain must perforce apply to the other- and I believe that the addition of the word 'natural' places one side under somewhat stricter requirements."
>[SM]"...Hoh, not a bad bit of argument, that. I think it deserves a reward: freely gifted information. As it happens-we investigated your... propensity for Gate events. And found there was indeed a source to your soul, something quantifiable. And as it happens-that source has torn itself apart, as if running out a preset timer. So you have nothing to threaten us with: we've already gained all that your particular circumstances could contribute to us."
...Shit.
>[SM]"That done-when do you want to do the auction? I note several interested parties may grow less interested if they must continue waiting for much longer."
"Tomorrow night, at the turn of midnight is what I'm thinking. When's the latest I could reschedule?"
>[SM]"Six hours prior to it. Any later than that would create... issue."
"Okay-let's say tomorrow at midnight, and hope nothing changes."
>[SM]"As you wish. Be well, Mr. Laine. Should plans not change, I shall contact you three hours before the auction's start with instructions on where to go. Once the auction starts, you will be free to nominate potential methods of payment. Think on them, Mr. Laine."
*CLICK*

So it is that I finish a genuinely MASSIVE deal with SM, set a tentative date for my long-overdue auction....


And force my hand on what I'm doing next. Even though I just spent the last hour and change haggling and bartering with a literal deal monster, I'm already heading out to see Johan, my attire for once looking to actually survive the whole day, a rarity since returning to Istanbul. En route I call him, making sure he's available-and grumpy as his responses may be, he's in his workshop, open for business. When I get there, it takes me all of two minutes to get him to discard the original dismissive demeanor he had to me. I dodge around his question about the repurposed doom bullet performance, and instead systematically describe as much about Trick as I can seem to make stick in his head-a time consuming task of it's own, but Johan patiently wades through it, slowly latching onto detail after detail. I finish by explaining that I'm looking for a round to force one of three options to be made-and explain which options I do NOT wish available to the bullet, adding my possession of an NN time pocket for him to work in as a near-afterthought. Unshaken dispute my insouciant and cavalier approach, Johan meticulously pulls out an old leatherbound journal, carefully navigates to a specific page, and punches numbers into a calculator for a handful of moments, referencing against a hand-written table. Finally, he looks up, and utters but three words.
>[JS]"Hundred thousand."

It's almost five-and I'm growing very, very tired of deal-making today, profitable and vital as the deals may be.









What should I do?
Unless you REALLY need to use the time for something else, this might be an excellent evening to do more training-and maybe even make a late-night visit to Ito's after hours spars. Just saying.
>>
No. 372990 ID: f1f7e1

Do not visit Ito. You are a good enough martial artist now, and you need to consolidate Camella's shooting training, which you haven't done. Chakra training needs to wait until you can actually practice it.

Instead, now you have food supply's coming in, you should practice/train your hybrid healing with Einrik observing, and you watching your own chakra as a proxy for your soul. Having created it instinctively is fine, now you need to train to consciously understand it.
>>
No. 373023 ID: 330636

>>372990
Upvote, except if we're finishing the bloodline today or tomorrow, then we would want to have full winter energy, and not expend it on the hybrid healing.

We should talk to Einrik and explain our plan to him, and say that although we know it's a cheeky thing to ask, if he would like to see our bloodline completed very soon, and see our interesting artifact used in an unusual mode, then could he temporarily lend us the $100K. We're sorry for asking, but we know he may have better things to do than hang around Istanbul, and we might as well get it done sooner rather than later.

We should also ask Einrik if he can think of anything we can do that would maximise our bloodline - have Hillevi pour Winter energy aspected to divinity into us, perform the ritual in a room chilled to well below freezing, have a neutral goddess directly intervene to bless the process, anything? Of course, we're not saying any of this will work, but we have one shot at this, so we should investigate the options.
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No. 373058 ID: 1c2c42

Bob, did we buy mind reinforcement charm? i really have trouble telling from the wording, and #GolemQuest is semi-split on this
>>372990
>>373023
Double posting? Anyway, while we might ask for what DIFFERENCES there are in our hybrid healing to before the bloodline was finished, if we finish that bloodline now we should be able to see our soul just fine, so no need for Einrik for that particular bit. OTOH, he might be better suited than us to see what's happening to our summer energy. SB and sake should look, too.
Also, Sparring at Ito's is important for not only melee, as Chakra is the basis for how we'll learn our bloodline. Also, relations and all that jazz.

>Johann Strauss Haggling
To JS: "Well, how long would that take you on normal time of uninterrupted work?" (he should tell you a bit more than one week) "then Me lending you a NeverNever pocket for two weeks is a ample enough bonus- it means you can get a five day head-start on your OTHER works. 40k $"
While we can pay a lot from the business account, as this is the kind of deal that is important for the company, the goal here is not to get beneath 50k in either account. Worse come to worse, Einrik should have no problem lending us money for the opportunity to SEE that bloodline being finished in such a way.

>What should I do?
Get back home once you got the Bullet, and prepare yourself to get that bloodline. Even if it might help Camella pierce our upcoming soul stealth, Trolling Camella if she is still at our house by having her witness us using a gun in our mouth might be fun. Then EAT, and practice a handful of hours on Gyaketsuote+ Spiritual sensing with the Russians. Then, Head to Ito.

>>373046
>As for Johann... there's a couple possibilities, but I bet he's always in the market for new materials and contacts, and his primary interest is in demonology. Have him meet the Finnish Devil. Our stock should rise accordingly.
If it comes down to it, offering him to 'look' but not modify our season guns should be more than enough to make this free.
>>
No. 373072 ID: d97a61

>>373058
You did purchase it, but it will be hand delivered when SM comes over to inspect the files / gun parts or the auction occurs, whichever is first.
>>
No. 373120 ID: 3fd4fb

>>372979
>What should I do?
"Of course. I should note that the nevernever time pocket I mentioned is available for quite a bit of subjective time, more than I would expect this to take- and I have a binding guarantee that your work in there will go entirely unobserved. They do say that time is money- would you be interested in spending somewhat more time in the pocket than required for this job alone, in exchange for having the price of this bullet defrayed? Surely you have a myriad of projects which would benefit from being completed in an instant from the world's perspective." Push this as we can- depending upon the usual price of nevernever pocket rental, which we don't know, this might well be worth the cost of the entire bullet or might only be worth a fraction of it.

"There is one other matter of business I wished to discuss; I am seeking details on a specific devil. If I give you a description, would you be able to tell me its identity, nature, affiliations, habits- any useful facts? As a consultation." If we've gotten the entire cost of the bullet covered by our nevernever pocket time, then push to have this covered as well. Otherwise inquire as to his consultation fees; we can afford to spend up to five or six thousand on getting accurate information about the Finnish devil, I think.

When our dealings are done, get the bullet. "Just load the bullet and shoot, nothing else required?" (answer) "Excellent. A pleasure dealing with you, Mr. Straus. The money should be wired to you soon."

Then go home. Get Sometimes Merchant anything we owe him and what he owes us from our Bargain. Consult briefly with Einrik if he can think of anything beneficial to do before we do the final aspecting of our bloodline, take any steps he recommends, confirm the exact procedure here with Iron Trick, if Camella is around ensure that she witnesses the process through the use of the line "Hey Camella, hold my beer and watch this," and shoot ourselves with Darkening to finish off our Winter bloodline.

Drop off the bent Mateba at Arkvad's before setting in to other activities. Sooner given to him is sooner repaired.

By the time all this is done it should already be dark- so Ito's will be open for night sparring, and perhaps even more importantly, for chakra training. We really, really need to get a solid handle on at least the basics of our chakras and doing so under the guidance of someone trained is essential. Stay at his place until ten or eleven, then go to sleep planning to get up in enough time to be slightly early to our training with the Triads tomorrow.
>>
No. 373152 ID: 81f32a

Go have chakra training with Ito. I don't get it why we are jumping to more advanced teachers before learning fundamental stuff from basic teacher.

When we get home (or through telepathy if you fell like it) ask amen:
"Amen, what are the 5 most expensive pieces of art [paintings, sculptures, etc] we have on mansion grounds and their approximate cost.
What are the most expensive pieces of furniture we have on mansion grounds? [furniture can be damn expensive, entire bedroom sets can cost well over 40,000$]. Can those things be reliably sold?

Amen, when I asked you the state of ownership of the mansion several weeks ago, you said that at that time I was between "owning it and not owning it", where I didn't actually own it but no one could legally remove me from the mansions grounds. Can you now put me in that state again indefinitely, so that I do not have to pay transition fees, bills and taxes but cannot be removed from the grounds?"


>[JS]"Hundred thousand."
If even after the haggling the man doesn't bulge can we buy it on credit? Like paying 30K$ and the rest in the span of 3 months. We could even leave something as a deposit (maybe one of the Court Revolvers?)
>>
No. 373160 ID: f8aa66

Johan... there's a couple possibilities, but I bet he's always in the market for new materials and contacts, and his primary interest is in demonology. Have him meet the Finnish Devil. Our stock should rise accordingly.

Enough thinkings! It is time to hit things with our fists, not with our brain!

Our guys and Camella could stand to have a course in how shadows can move, considering we're going to be meeting Cornelius again soon, and maybe getting involved in vampire politics.

Plus we could make overtures to Disco Iskandar, Dinosaur Girl and the Bookish Brawler. Those guys all sound pretty fun- Book Guy is like a more dangerous Jagda. We could take him to the Saflahar and set him loose among the magical tomes. Saurian girl has her own circumstances and is obviously not wholly human - but friendly enough. Disco Iskandar... don't really know enough about him to say yet, but he must be incredibly flexible if he does break-dancing, capoeira and who knows what else. We have more than enough on our plate, or I'd say we two could learn a thing or three from each other.

Depending on where their interests lie and how flexible their morals are, we may be looking at potential recruits and minions- I mean, allies. Allies is what I meant.

I'd also like to integrate our unarmed styles like we did our Spear of the Ghost stuff. We could pitch it to Camella as "You're welcome to kick my ass in something I don't have long years of experience over you with." On that subject:

Armas is an indifferent but long-time student of LINE. LINE is a straightforward, business-like, nasty martial art designed for killing/breaking people. There's only a few dozen moves taught, and pretty much all those are expected to lead to a foot stomp or kick once the enemy is down, or otherwise beating their shit in. The creator of the style himself described it as a style to “Get them on the ground, stamp on their head.” A good base on which to build with the more esoteric stuff we've learned. Little use of footwork, a few grapples, and none for ground pounding as far as I know; that's covered more in MCMAP.

He took his Krav Maga training fairly seriously, even if he's a newbie. Krav Maga shares its brutal nature with LINE, but is more complex and takes longer to master, and also includes grapples with its strikes. Counters are a particular specialty of the style, either barely dodging then retaliating, or interrupting an enemy's attack before they get up enough momentum to be dangerous.

We had one or two classes on Combat Sambo. As such, it's mostly on this list for completeness. Sambo comes from jujitsu and folk wrestling, and as such involves a fair amount of grapples and 'taking it to the mat' which might fold into the sparse Krav Maga and LINE grappling techniques.

Unarmed kas pin is a lot like the armed variant; low stance, tricky hand movements to distract or obscure the true attack. Plus it includes pressure point techniques which will fold nicely into Dim Mak's touch of death if we ever get around to learning it.

Gyaketsuote is definitely its own category, and as such the eye bridge trick should work with any of these others once we know enough of it.

So how do they connect? Kas Pin was made for use in shitty conditions like being in swamps, LINE was made for working in low-light conditions, smoke, and gas (also, if the person using it is under 'extreme mental and physical fatigue' or, say, wearing 120 pounds of gear). Armas's study of grapples are not all-inclusive and he didn't learn enough of them; they'd mainly serve as a way for Armas to recognize grapples being performed and escape them before being locked in with his extreme flexibility, rather than initiating grapples himself. Hafaz's gyaketsuote is at its best when working with a group, while LINE was created with asymmetric odds in mind; on the other hand, in a duel Kas Pin's deceptiveness should combo well with gyaketsuote.

Armas will probably specialize in fist striking with his feet on the ground for rapid movement and direction shifts over kicks. This will leave the option open for pressure points, too. When he does use kicks, they'll be Krav Maga and Kas Pin's efficient, low risk kicks; no fancy roundhouses or 520 degree kicks or the like. When he fights unarmed, I figure he'll get into an extremely close range and use his superior reactions to avoid/counter blows and grapples. This will also help the enemy briefly lose sight of us like we tried to do in the fight with Camella, which will be particularly nasty with Darkening.
>>
No. 373163 ID: 1c2c42

>>373160
Nice ideas, upvote if we fight.
>>373152
SUST except for using Ito and Disciples as chakra teachers before the advanced stuff of Einrik's contact/Lo Fang. Especially HARD SUST on giving revolvers and mental communication before mental charm is handed over. We might show a revolver if we need, but NO handing over. Also, selling furniture takes a LOT of time, and we'll get money without that.

Other ideas for Haggling with Johan is helping him gather stuff if he needs ingredients quickly, though i doubt it. However, mentioning we have access to rare magical animal bits might arouse his curiosity.
>>
No. 373192 ID: 252e1b

>>372979

"A hundred thousand's in the ballpark for what I expected you to quote me. What're we looking at here time-wise for the job? A week or two?"

"Great. I actually reserved a month's worth of subjective time in that bubble. If the price is right, I'd be happy to let you have the rest of the subjective month to do your other work. You'd be able to spend the time you save on a vacation or something. Or, heck, you could take the vacation in the bubble. No one would be able to interrupt you, at least. I don't care either way; the domain holder I'm renting from agreed that any time not used for crafting is mine to spend as I will, so it's no problem."
>>
No. 373239 ID: d97a61

rolled 16, 62, 48, 55 = 181

>>373192
>>373120
"A hundred thousand's in the ballpark for what I expected you to quote me. What're we looking at here time-wise for the job, if you worked on just it alone? A week or two?"
>[JS]"Ten, nine, eleven days. One of those."
"Great. I actually reserved a month's worth of subjective time in that bubble. If the price is right, I'd be happy to let you have the rest of the subjective month to do your other work. You'd be able to spend the time you save on a vacation or something. Or, heck, you could take the vacation in the bubble. No one would be able to interrupt you, at least. I don't care either way; the domain holder I'm renting from agreed that any time not used for crafting is mine to spend as I will, so it's no problem."
Johan says nothing for a moment-and I urge him further.
>[MM,MMMMM Trait auto-activated]
"I know you're in high demand-so think about it. A chance to take a real, legitimate break, because you caught up on your work. No clients hounding you, because you're ahead of schedule. How often can you do that?"
The elderly, innately disapproving looking man cocks an eyebrow at me like the trigger of a gun.
>[JST]"Who is providing the pocket?"
"Under contract, Goblins."
>[JS]"Wyld, then. Hm. Their word is good."
"So, what do you say to a two week plus vacation? Worth anything to you?"
>[JS]"...If you will give word, mention to no one-"
>"Don't worry I'm listening."
>[JS]"Then... your bullet, free, for the chance to rest in peace. To breathe easy."
Oh fuck yeah I'm going for THAT.
I offer my hand, the old man taking it easily, looking me square in the eye.
"Well-if you're available right now, then-"
>[JS]"Two minutes. Need things."
So I wait as the old man moves with purpose, packing a small tool case while picking up another, apparently pre-packed one covered in runes. Almost precisely two minutes after he spoke, he nods to me. We walk out the door, and I see the area around the manhole in this alleyway is quite clean, the cover grime-free, and anchored with an easily swung open latch. ...Well well. Johan goes down the ladder-
-Johan comes back up the ladder, his beard longer, his hair more unkempt, looking a bit paler-but far, far more relaxed, more at ease. Yeah, I'd say I got in his good graces with that offer.

Johan walks up to me, and carefully hands me a silk-swaddled bullet, it's shell looking like some strange combination of glass and opal, the inside darkling fitfully as if to rebel against the light without.
>[JS]"Can't do gravity. Can't interact with soul scales. If only thee options-then it has to be one you want. A way to cheat a gambler's Artifact, freely given."
The old man coughs, as if his temporally displaced seclusion made his throat wither. I recall my own sense of discomfort speaking again after first training for a long time with the Goblins. I also note this may be the most he's said in a single go to me. Yup, definitely got on his good side, real firmly with this. Now to finish this right-

>>373120
With a warm smile, I graciously accept the round.
"Just load the bullet and shoot, nothing else required?"
Johan nods.
"Excellent-exactly what I needed. Well, I hope you had a pleasant time. I actually had one more matter to discuss with you, if you're amenable."
>[JS]"What?"
"I am seaking details on a specific Devil- If I give you a description, would you be able to tell me its identity, nature, affiliations, habits- any useful facts?
>[JS]"Maybe. Describe."
So it is I describe the one-handed Finnish devil, the mannerisms I identified, it's physical form, it's presumed power, everything I've got-save the nature of it's relation to me. Johan rubs his chin fitfully before answering.
>[JS]"Lightning Devil. Strong. Less.... chaotic than most. More than that? Have to see it myself, or know it's Name."
I incline my head.
"It has been a wonderfully productive visit, Mr. Strauss. Thank you for, heh, the time."

Could be my imagination, but as I walked away-I think he smiled, just a bit.

I make my way back home, bulling Trick free as I return, emptying every round and loading the single new one as I round up the Reaper gun parts and dossiers for the Goblins. Once more I beg off providing them the training en masse I promised-but let them observe files and parts and walk away with a brooch-like charm designed to work so long as it's secured to the person or their attire, to grant resilience to the side effects of accelerated thought-and a delicately carved bone totem, granting five seconds of outstanding luck in the realm of bloodline harmonization, stabilization and synergy. I return, having given nothing for what I gained, to the first floor-going on up to the third, to replace the files and parts in their rightful storage, before securing the obsidian, silver-rimmed brooch to my lurk eyepatch, and walking out to the common area, thumbing the bone totem. I note Camella and Hillevi stiltedly conversing under Einrik's gaze, more than a few of the Russians out in the den periodically glancing over with knowing grins. I swing by the fridge, pulling out a beer and taking a log swig before ambling over. Camella and Einrik look up first at my approach.
>[Camella]"You.... look too happy. What happened?"
"What happened? A deal went... differently than I expected, I suppose. Hey, can you hold this beer for a sec?"
Camella reaches for my beer, looking at my warily-and missing the bone totem I snap in the handoff.

Five seconds is plenty of time.
I smile.
"Watch this."
Camella's eyes widen in alarm a good half second before the gun's barrel enters my mouth. I pull the trigger before I can hesitate and let some silly little irrationality spoil this grade AAA Luck I've so briefly got.

The hammer slams down, and I learn a few things.

First-don't have your teeth so close to the barrel, I'm going to have to regrow five incisors now.
Second-either Darkening doesn't create an actual physical bullet, or that luck rendered it intangible-I feel like I inhaled vapors that kicked like a mule, not like I just ate a bullet. But as... intriguing as these corporeal sensations are-it's the internal ones that fascinate me. That third and final slot, blankly and boldly left open on my soul, the one who's shape I know yet cannot gaze upon-is finally filled. And as it does, energy pulses through my flesh, my soul's reshaping echoing in my flesh as tremors and chills, a quickening of the heart, a restless excitement.

So it is, that I combine-
All rolls, while still capped at 100, now gain a +75 luck bonus from the goblins-and only a three or below would lose the bonus.
[First Roll]
The external soul-sculpting power of the Sami-
[Second Roll]
The internal soul-dominating Romanov Line-
[Third Roll]
And the divine magic of a god's Trickery based on the soul-
[Fourth Roll]

Then what is it that I get?
>"What you 'get' is a transition phase as the bloodline settles. Should be up and operational tomorrow."
That's... that's it? I was kind of...
>"Expecting more glam and such? To my understanding Rabbit was fond of subtle workings where possible. Incidentally, inadvertant slip into accelerated thought or no-you may want to speak to Camella."

The name forces my attention back outwards, away from my coalescing Winter Bloodline-as I smile disarmingly at Camella with broken teeth. She does not disappoint, and recovers... aggressively, her eyes beginning to glisten.
>[Camella]"What kind of... of horrible person would even think that's funny!?"
"Well, I have a 'Killer' sense of humor!'
Her horrified look turns more murderous-so I begin to explain the joke.
"Look, the punchline is the inversion of expectations. The bullet didn't hurt me, although it did finish me, ha-hey."
She continues to look more filly with fury.
"Come now, Camella. You've seen me shot my mouth off hundreds of times. At least this time it was loaded!"
Abruptly Camella moves.

And LOOK AT THAT, I get a chance to train against Camella in an unarmed spar. I wasn't expecting that. ...Okay, yeah I kinda was expecting that. What I didn't expect... was her demolishing me. Gyaketsuote? Couldn't get it up in time. Egoless, focused on clothing combat? Didn't even phase her. Dodging with some of SB's help and all my Goblinic training? Nope, she relentless follows after me. It's ten minutes in before I finally stop being subjected to such a brutal, unending barrage-and she stalks off in a hiss, even as I idly wipe some blood from my mouth, licking my thumb clean.

"Well, that went about as expected."
>"Yup."
>[Sake]"Why can't all humans be like you."
Because not all people can handle being me.
>"I do not believe that is true the way you think it to be true."
Hey now, no raining on my parade.

I look at the clock-it's half past five.

>>372990
>>373023
>>373058
>>373152
>>373160
And I say... it's time to go see Ito. I'm finally eliminating some of my high-priority projects, and can actually start doing the things I want to do-like, say, indulging in some general bullshit with a chill old guy, getting in some fights where I'm the overpowered one, not my foes, and actually expanding my chakra ken.
>[Sake]"...That is a glorious phrase in english. Chakra... ken? Cha-kraken?
My mind now filled with bickering brothers, I incline my head at Einrik and walk to another room as the Russians laugh. I speak in Finnish to the giant.
"Say, mind telling me what you think of how this works?"
I exert my hybridized healing, my teeth repairing (oddly, more than five teeth needed repairing, I wonder why) as bruises fade.
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"Curiously, no. The mechanism by which you mix opposed court magic, the 'meat' of what you do... does not seem interpretable. Irritating, but there it is."
"Damn. Well, thanks anyway."
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"Of course. Now-when are you next heading to this 'Ito' individual's gym?"
I switch back to English as we return to the main rooms.
"It's funny you should ask-hold on."
I round up the Russians.
"So-planning to head to Ito's tonight. Who's down for some sparring that may end up including a little bit of magic?"
Gloom's interested again-and the towering shithouse of a man Vlad seems equally interested beneath his prodigiously bushy brows, at such odds with Gloom's hairless visage. The quiet Satai surprises me by stepping forward alongside the more brash Grisha, Titus and Lyubov join Matvey in expressing an inclination to go, and soon enough I set out with a seven at my back, Einrik likewise departing, Hillevi at his side, saying he'll show her some interesting parts of the city, per her request.

Before we leave though-I have to do something about this torn up attire-I wonder....
"Amen, repair my clothing."
There is a.. breeze that travels over my whole body.
>[Amen]"Done."
I look down-my suit fully pristine upon me, outlined floral print vest, dashing bow tie and colorful socks and all. ...WHEW, dodged a bullet there!
>"No you didn't, that was the point."
Careful or I might say you're funny.

So it is we head out, arriving at Ito's as night's pall falls over the city. Interestingly enough-hey, Camella's here. Guess that's where she stalked off to. Ah... not turning around, that'd be lame... so, I think I'm just... gonna steal Ito.... and train... with him. It takes me a bit of finangling-but I end up dumping the Russians on Camella as sparring partners while I kidnap the little old man and head off to the back room. Once there, and the door shut-I lay it out for him: I want to learn what he knows about chakras, as much as possible, as fast as possible-not so much for power, so much as to have even the slightest idea what I'm doing, as I can no longer afford to NOT use them, poorly understood or no. Ito says nothing at my unexpected candor-before simply sitting down, and telling me to change. Without even so much as a ruffle, Ito accepts my irregular reason, and so it is from six to ten, he does his very best to ignore his personal sense of proper order for training, and tries to just hammer every nuance of the one chakra ability he knows in my head. First, he starts by manually running my chakras from 'open' to 'Body Reinforcement', which unsurprisingly are quite similar, both involving saturating the flesh with magic. From there, he acts as a guide while I attempt the same motions-and seems surprised when I don't fumble. For my part, I wonder why he didn't teach me this way before-it's... it's easy to pick up like this. Two hours in, and he's observing as I wholly switch from 'Open' of 'Body Reinforcement' and back to 'Open' again and again, each time offering advice on a single facet of my transition he thinks most in need of correction. First it's endless little details to tighten up my form-getting rid of my 'sloppyness' as he calls it. Then there's a few dozen tweaks to functionality, for a more stable, sustainable imbuement of one's form. I might get irritated at never being good enough, but each change is pretty easy, and I cruise through them. There's a score or so tweaks to how I adapt the power given my purpose-more focus on legs, spine, diaphragm, lungs and heart when running, more support to arms and back with striking, etc. So many little things, many of which I'd probably figure out on my own with use-but I don't complain, and I keep shifting. Midway through the third hour, he finally switches back to comments on form, grace and precision, still quite perturbed at my lack of finesse-and rattles off a grocery list of ever more changes to make. By the end, I'm not sure I could personally tell the difference, form-wise, between my transition in and out of Chakra Reinforcement and Ito's, and he doesn't seem to have anything more to complain about-even though he looks more than a little bit troubled. Knowing I won't get anywhere if I push for answers, I leave him be-and we both re-enter the main room to see what Camella's been up to with the rest of the attendees.

[ Armas has a new trait: Chakra Cadet (Lv2). Armas has started the journey of unraveling the mysteries of chakra, and while his current knowledge base is quite sparse, he aims to correct that. ]

Outside is bedlam. Iskander, the only one of the three students present this night, is laughing as he clings to Camella's arm-while Matvey and Vlad, both looking like men that already died, resolutely try to keep her locked in place. Grisha, with the look of a starved man about to eat, throws a punch I'm pretty sure isn't being held back-

Camella dodges it so finely I'm fairly certain I'll see some minor friction burns on her cheek afterwards, getting the fist to threaten Iskander enough he springs free, then using the freed arm to extract herself from the duo trying to keep her down. All around her, groaning students and Russians struggle to rise. At my side, Ito sighs.
>[Ito]"...Well, a good thing I do not seek students with fragile egos. Many lessons to be learned from losing to a mightier force."

From there, the last of the normal students finally leave, those few that stuck around to pay their respects to their diminuitive teacher, and eventually the Gym's just down to Ito, Camella, Iskander and a middle aged woman I don't recognize, one that arrived after I went off for my private training. After nodding to one another, the woman and Iskander stand, bow-and begin to fight.

It's here where I am finally faced with the difference of Ito's normal lessons to his thus far underwhelming 'Night Class'

The woman moves with speed I easily identify as inhuman-and the moment she begins exerting herself, it's like an obscuring fog lifts from her soul-and my gut identifies her far before my mind: She is a vampire, a newer one if I'm not mistaken-I see fragmented memories of an attack in what looks like modern day Istanbul, a pair of fangs flashing, orbiting her spirit like a ring... like a shackle. Even more interesting, her soul looks more.... visible, more clearly displayed than most. I couldn't say why.

Interesting as Ito's student roster may be, the fight is entertainment all it's own. Iskander, cocky, laid-back kid or no, does surprisingly well against the faster, stronger and far more obdurate foe. He dodges rather than blocks, he redirects force rather than opposing it-he works not to challenge the foe, but to make the foe battle themselves with their own strength as his body flows like water. Or at least, that's clearly what he's shooting for: Three times in ten minutes he gets caught and unceremoniously tossed against a wall, laughing as he gets back up. After his fourth mistake, Camella, now seeming... decidedly calmer, takes some time to suggest different ways to approach combat with Vampires, as the kid gets back in the game. I listen as Matvey is told by Ito that he knows a person who runs an agency for 'orphan' weres and vampires, those that got turned without someone to guide them, and don't want to give up their humanity-as it turns out, plenty of them want self defense tutoring, and could use a job that works around their new condition-like, say, training assistent in anti-vampire combat techniques. Turns out Iskander's family is quite wealthy, and are what ultimately got the Night Classes started-with Iskander himself present every night. The Russians ask to try their hand-and surprise Iskander and the Vampire alike by reliably being able to overwhelm the more powerful opponent with even one comrade at their side, demonstrating excellent group tactics.

With this first taste of the Night Lessons, I head home-and get some rest while the Russians go to drink.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 9th, 2011
PERSONAL FUNDS: $96,082.91
BUSINESS FUNDS:$83,500.00
CASH: $1,255.75
SHADOW PATIENCE: 90%

I wake up at five, and get to the important stuff first.

>"No, bloodline's still 'setting', all you can do is use the chakras like last night. Be patient."
That settled, I go through my morning rituals and head out early after seeing Hillevi's still asleep, leaving a message with Boris, the only one currently up, that I'll be back around noon. So it is, in a simple iridescent, prize-fighter-esque orange leisure suit over a spandex undershirt and sports shorts, that I make my way to the docks, making a game out of how close I can get to people without them noticing me, for all my eye-catching garishness.

It's ten minutes till when I arrive at the docks-with Go Ping waiting for me.

>[Go Ping]"Friend Armas. Good to see you. I trust you've determined who you'd wish to learn from?"

That's.... a good question. There's three disciples I could choose to spend six hours learning chakra from, with each one being particularly focused around a specific aspect of chakra manipulation.

There's Meng Yun, who is obsessed with precision of chakra manipulation. There's Li Zhou, who thinks the most important thing being efficient with the energy of one's chakras, and there's Jet Fang, who holds flexibility of chakra use as king. So the question is:








Of the three, who do I feel like spending six hours learning from?
Once noon rolls around, what am I going to do with my time until the midnight auction?
>>
No. 373252 ID: 40e0e1

Precision.
Ito keeps telling us how shitty our finess is, I hope this will remedy that.
>>
No. 373260 ID: d97a61

>>373239
[ ...And that should be FUNDS: 56,082.91, since you sent 40k home. ]
>>
No. 373284 ID: eee1a0

Ok, you don't seem to be in danger of running out of energy, just wasting a ton. So for now, work on that precision like Ito wanted. Though I think that problem was due to energy flux due to bloodline stabilization.
>>
No. 373298 ID: 81f32a
File 132420736305.jpg - (108.43KB , 510x580 , Greatest trick in the world.jpg )
373298

>Ok, each giid fanart gives +1 on sync.
>Given we have 91, it's possible to get to 100. Let's DO IT.

Alright...
This good enough?
>>
No. 373305 ID: ae26ba

Meng Yun
>>
No. 373325 ID: f8aa66

I still want to find a time when Long Wang, Diao, Go Ping and maybe even Lammy would be available to break bread together. We needs to get moving on that Doony thing, and if we aren't going to be a controlling asshole, they should get their in-put.

If they can meet today, that's great. Would it be too gauche to meet them at a take-out Chinese place?

Diao was the one with all the grenades, right? Explain you've done some checking up, and the reason her thermobarics were less than impressive was because our mutual problem's regeneration is Summer-aligned. We've got something (well, several somethings) that we think will deal with the regen, but he's still likely to be hard to damage in the first place. Beg the expert's wisdom on grenades and mines to use (or have her pick them up herself). There's so many types and styles I'm spoilt for choice; Off-route or buried underground, pressure sensitive or infrared sensor or fiber optic? Gun had a point in that we'd probably want anti-tank ordinance to deal with the fish monster, but other than that is free game.

For the rest, bring the Armas-charm (Amen did create one, right?) and show it off to Lammy, explaining that we'd like him front and center- as us. We have an 'in' with a local supernatural spy network that can track our enemy down, and he's very proud. We thought to give him a letter of challenge or some such to get him to the killing ground - but our penmanship is atrocious (hint, hint, help).

And we need a good location we can blow the fuck out of. On the edge of Istanbul preferrably - maybe even just off the Bosphorus since Doony will feel safer that way (he doesn't know about Einrik). And we need a way to transport the incredibly poisonous carcass, too.

We'd like to concentrate fire on the head and heart (to leave something left for Owner), but they've all fought Doony once more than we have, right? Did anyone notice any especial weak points? Besides a general weakness to cold, which we should have covered (in the form of our deadly ward). Also, we should put some thought into paying these guys for their trouble; we're looking to get paid for Doony's corpse, they're just in it for revenge.

As an alternative, I wouldn't mind setting up a meeting with Rocco. We've only met the guy once and briefly at that, I'd like to get to know him a bit. See what's up with the Hand of the Mafia these days; the Russians still could use passports and paperwork concerning a new identity; also I think we could scare up some work for ourselves by telling him about what Armin told us. A Yakuza and a Nazi with connections to Savoy? I think he'd pay decently to either get them out of the way or in his power.

And with either Rocco or the Triad, I'd like to broach the subject of acquiring a letter of introduction to Dorjpalam - we want to be paid to remove that thorn in his side (that we are already going to kill for our own reasons).

We could also consider suggesting Camella try to acquire an audience with him; she met him once before, right? The best way for her to get home is through the intercession of a wizard; if she ever wanted to come back to our world or didn't want Dorjpalam to know how to get to hers, she'd need this in the form of a wizard contract. Tell her this, stand back and watch her Determinator her way to a solution.
>>
No. 373327 ID: 44766a

Meng Yun
>>
No. 373332 ID: f8aa66
File 132423065122.jpg - (183.45KB , 1700x2318 , SheOnlyHurtsMeWhenIDeserveIt.jpg )
373332

"It's okay officer, I know she didn't mean nothing by it. Sometimes I just need correcting, that's all."
>>
No. 373333 ID: 330636
File 132423066244.png - (161.61KB , 700x487 , Armas Soul v5.png )
373333

Before doing anything, make your apologies and ring Einrik, and ask if there's any conceivable way that working with the Winter aspected soul energy that flows through your chakra whilst your bloodline is still reforming could have a negative influence on the final result. Unless he can conclusively rule out any chance of an impact, ask for whatever lessons you do today to be purely focused on passive observation, demonstrations, and understanding the principles, not on any active chakra manipulation on your part. This is what we did when we started our goblin training, and seemed to stand us in good stead.

On what we need to learn, Li Zhou is the best bet. So far, we've been a bull in a China shop, throwing too much energy around. We need to learn to use the minimum required for the task at hand, and to control the flow of energy. He should be able to teach you to do so. If you have to invest one unit of energy into a part of your body to perform a piece of chakra manipulation, at 10% efficiency you'd have to shove 10 units in there and hope that it both fits and the nine you're wasting just fade away without doing anything. If we have 50%, there would only be 1 additional unit of energy excess in there, so there is less that can go wrong.

The intention here is that the dotted lines represent the bones that are strengthening and buffering the three bloodlines in anticipation of their merger, the three colours the three sources we've taken to base our bloodline on, and the distortion the process of combining to form our new, unique bloodline. In the middle the colours are combining as the bloodlines become one, and the bones are dotted, as they are no longer needed in the same way as they were before. Of course, they may still have a part to play in the final form, but this is only a representation of the intermediate stage. Armas is still human, so there is still the outline of what he is – for now.

We have a literally once in a lifetime opportunity here, and we shouldn't throw it away on training something we can do at any time. We should sit and quietly meditate for the rest of the day passively feeling the knock on effects to our chakras and indirectly feeling the effects on our soul as our bloodline stabilises. We should recall all that SM and Einrik said about our bloodline as it was after we performed Ogrimmir's ritual, and after we ate the first two hearts. See if there are fluctuations in the energy flow through your chakra that might reflect the movements of the non-energy generating bones you know you have, and see if you can sense the flavour of the energy that passes through you changing as parts of your bloodline initially aspected by different sources swirl around and then merge.

Afterwards, we also have to, have to get changed into some new clothes we go out and buy before the auction. There are so many ways that Amen can screw us here, from giving the clothes the magical signature of the skin of a bidder, to writing insults in polarisation or dyes outside the visual spectrum aimed at bidders who can see them, to simply weaving the cloth into patterns that irritate the eyes of people with supernaturally acute senses. He may well not have done any of these, yet, but one day he may. Don't give him the opportunity.

Later on, if we have time before the auction, we should ask SB if he wants us to ask Einrik to see if he can implant the sensory records of what could be observed through the Elder-Fetus in him, as Kas Pin was implanted into us. SB can analyse them in accelerated time with Sake, and together they may have some unique insight that Einrik would miss. Although the name may be coincidental, it's just about possible, given how Iron Trick does engage in shadow based tricks, that Darkening may have some connection to the Dark, and SB may be uniquely placed to comment. Given how us using Darkening to form part of the seed for our's leaves SB's Winter Bloodline as the only non-divine one of the four on our shared soul, we wouldn't want him to feel left out. Maybe he can learn something of use in that area?

If we raise this subject with SB, it gives us a good opportunity to raise something else. He's clearly interested in unusual shadow based tricks, as demonstrated by asking us to investigate Shadow Mental Magic. Has he examined the principles behind how the shadow manipulation of the Buntline works. He's seen it in action several times, and we can demonstrate it on a victim from the cellar (although not the one intended for the devil) if he wants. We bow to his superior knowledge on how such a thing would work, but has he considered the possibility that a similar, if not the same effect could be auto-hypnotically induced by making the target's shadow incohesive, perhaps with a touch of illusion, which itself could perhaps be produced with the right kind of shadow manipulation, given even mortals can create shadow theatre.
>>
No. 373337 ID: f6106a

Li Zhou for efficiency, since Bob said only experience will keep us from blowing ourselves up. Efficiency is good starting point, since you can learn to be precise and flexible in inefficient ways. I don't want to later get instruction in efficiency to find out we have to rework everything else we learned to take advantage of it.

For what we should do later, I say we spend some time with Hillevi. She's had very little to do since we came here, and we haven't really shown her anything. She's still pretty locked up in a magic mansion, which has got to be annoying her since she was so excited to leave the Valkonen Estate. Start with some sparring, and apologize during the spar, not before or after.

"I really have to apologize for how busy I've been since getting back. This is your first time out and about and I'm supposed to be be introducing you to the world at large. I should of at least warned you I was going back to a big pile of stuff I hadn't finished before my trip, and I'm really sorry for that. I'll try and do better about that from now on, but don't be afraid to ask where I'm off to or if it'd be okay for you to come, alright?"

Try and mix the different bits of conversation in at the right times to throw her off balance during the spar. We've seen how she tends to react to our apologies, stuttering and getting embarrassed. Armas is a talker, and yet for some reason he hasn't started to work that into his fighting.

Afterwords, head out to town with her. Get her a computer, take her to a shooting range so she can see different guns(and types of ammo), and then take her to play Lazer Tag in the Istanbul Cevahir Shoping Mall where you can show her stnadard fire arms tactics. Then take her around the mall, showing her things like music stores, fast food places, and other more modern stores. Then head home for dinner.
>>
No. 373339 ID: 3fbacc

Meng Yun
>>
No. 373355 ID: b4c516

>From there, he
acts as a guide while I attempt the same motions-
and seems surprised when I don't fumble. For
my part, I wonder why he didn't teach me this
way before-it's... it's easy to pick up like this.

Make sure that this training you are trained yhe best way YOU learn, and not trough the method that the teacher is used to. These are, after all, personal trainings and the teachers should specialize for their students, not vice versa
>>
No. 373373 ID: 1c2c42

>Of the three, who do I feel like spending six hours learning from?
>There's Meng Yun, who is obsessed with precision of chakra manipulation.
Precision guy. We need to be able to focus our chakra precisely enough not to trigger our summer owned body all the time, as well as look good to Ito. He always complain after grace and precision, after all. Before going away, we should talk a bit to Go Ping, make sure he is ready and have ways to resist poisons “I am fairly certain I have a way to cure someone of even the most potent of poisons, but it still is better to not get poisoned in the first place”. Also, ask him to show us his way of resisting it, whether it be a chakra manipulation technique or simply a charm.

>Once noon rolls around, what am I going to do with my time until the midnight auction?
It depends on whether our Bloodline has stabilized or not. I'd actually prefer to spend a handful of hours shooting stuff with Camella. If we do that However, we should have Amen tell Boris around 10am to prepare a lunch for two from the Goblin cookbook- one that sounds good as an apology. After all, she still has no clue Armas shooting himself was anything more than being a troll. We should hint at there being more to it, and let her discover it by herself. Get that lunch with Camella, then spend a handful of hours or so shooting. Maybe we should then take Hillevi for a tour of the city later, as she was a bit neglected. Alternatively, we could just mediate for a few hours while trying to get a feel for what's happening if our bloodline hasn't stabilized yet. If it has, Either go back to Ito for more chakra training and talking about what we learned this morning as we told him we would tell him of other teachers, so telling him everything we learned is a must, and he should be able to teach us some more from that, or else train in melee with russians for our gyaketsuote and spirit sensing. If we meditate to sense our soul as the bloodline is stabilizing, it should be ONLY passive scans.

>I still want to find a time when Long Wang, Diao, Go Ping and maybe even Lammy would be available to break bread together. We needs to get moving on that Doony thing, and if we aren't going to be a controlling asshole, they should get their in-put.
>If they can meet today, that's great. Would it be too gauche to meet them at a take-out Chinese place?
If you want to meet them, let's NOT do it to a chinese restaurant, but instead have Boris cook us a big meal while we are training with the disciple. As such, we could show off our superb hosting skills.

>We could also consider suggesting Camella try to acquire an audience with him; she met him once before, right? The best way for her to get home is through the intercession of a wizard; if she ever wanted to come back to our world or didn't want Dorjpalam to know how to get to hers, she'd need this in the form of a wizard contract. Tell her this, stand back and watch her Determinator her way to a solution.
SUST on telling Camella that she might have to sell her life to get what she wants- if we want her to do it that way, there is no reason not to check the facts first, and discuss options instead of 'tell her this'. I strongly doubt Camella is the type of gal to go for a contract.
>>
No. 373385 ID: 330636
File 132424688237.png - (128.71KB , 1200x697 , Iron Trick v2.png )
373385

Iron Trick forcibly evolving Armas with his shot, resulting in his new self emerging from the smoke at the end, faintly glowing blew, as Rabbit looks on and watches how the chips will fall.

Oh, and if the imagine on this isn't appropriate:
>>373333
Please consider this one:
>>/questdis/357176
>>
No. 373422 ID: c6ce12
File 132425825873.png - (198.34KB , 1655x888 , No Color.png )
373422

>>373239
I'll vote Meng Yun for precision.

And here's another shoulder Ito fan art.
>>
No. 373432 ID: 252e1b
File 132426202879.gif - (39.00KB , 800x600 , You Horrible Person.gif )
373432

>>373239
>Of the three, who do I feel like spending six hours learning from?

I'll vote Meng Yun for precision also. Don't forget to tell Meng about what Ito's taught you so far.

>Once noon rolls around, what am I going to do with my time until the midnight auction?

Play with Hillevi. Go take her somewhere fun (for her, which I suppose would be like the Istanbul Military Museum).

"Hey, want to go see a local museum? I haven't had a chance to check it out myself, but I figure a little local culture can't be a bad thing. We'll see the sights, go get something to eat, and then come back home for a little shut-eye. I've got an auction to be at tonight; you're welcome to come along for that too."

>>373355
Ito's teaching style didn't really change. Armas changed. That's why Ito was a little grumpy at the end of the session, Armas was learning way faster than Ito had ever seen him learn. That's got to be disconcerting, to see a student pick up the most critical parts of your style in the span of a few hours.

>>373325
>bring the Armas-charm (Amen did create one, right?)

He didn't, we need fox teeth for them still.
>>
No. 373436 ID: 3fd4fb

Everyone likes limericks, right? Even terrible ones.
Come look upon Armas, that bastard
Sought power through bargains and gambles
Cheated dozens of ways
Shot himself in the face
And laughed loud as his soul was mastered


Also, please do recall banked fanarts in >>372964 and >>372881.


>>373239
>Of the three, who do I feel like spending six hours learning from?
Meng Yun is our instructor of choice for the moment, but ask to be introduced around before starting if possible. We didn't have much of a chance to meet the Triads last time we were here, but if we're going to spend much time learning from them- and we are- then it's to our benefit to be able to recognize and chat amicably with all of them. We will also wish to learn the basic Triad defense plan or at least how we fit into it, since we promised Lo Fang that we would be available to assist in the event of an attack; not needing to get specific orders on exactly what we'd need to do if an alarm is sounded (or similar) could help a lot if a sudden combat situation starts up. Best to make it clear that we intend to live up to our half of the Bargain, after all.

>Once noon rolls around, what am I going to do with my time until the midnight auction?
If possible, catch Einrik. Hillevi can listen in too if she feels like it, but other random people should not be present for this discussion. Shadowbro and Sake might also wish to chime in when it comes to discussing items and phrasing for our requests.
"Did I tell you that I'm auctioning off Mammon's Device tonight at midnight?" (response) "Yeah, I wanted to get rid of it and was going on vacation, so I asked the goblins to facilitate the sale to highest bidder. I haven't got a lot of solid information on exactly who is showing up, but my impression is that I should be able to get almost whatever I want. Sound about right to you for this kind of situation?" (response) "I have a few ideas, but I'd like a review of their feasibility- and your assessment of their relative value in a situation like this. If possible, I'd also like to hedge the things I'm asking for about with details that make it look like I'm planning something- a powerful ritual, maybe- using several or all of them, so your take on how to manage that successfully without increasing their worth so much that I get less stuff would be great. You're much better informed than I am when it comes to how that sort of thing works."

Ideas to bring up:
-The deaths of mortal einherjar. We need to phrase this in a way that doesn't get our cousin killed, and if we can get bodies or hearts out of it that would be great. Since more is better, specifying an apparently-significant number (ex. seven, thirteen) might be good.
-The blood or body parts of of a variety of powerful and significant creatures. A dragon, a queen, an angel, an elder being of some kind. Random restrictions can again apply here- age of the queen's lineage, territory of the dragon, type of angel. Cite concerns about the danger of asking for draconic or elder body parts politically.
-Spirits that we might be able to bind to ourself or our stuff, or otherwise make good use of- a chaotic prophecy spirit would be great, because seeing the future even a little is awesome and we've got an affinity for it. If we could somehow mix in a hope spirit with it there could probably be powerful synergy there; likewise with a fear spirit, though that seems likely to make us even more paranoid than we already are.
-Shadow(s) of a wendigo or amarok, for Shadowbro. Both have a cold affinity, and the former has a cannibalism affinity while the other has a darkness affinity. Should work very well with him.
-Eyes from a seer. Blindness of the seer optional. I'm pretty sure that we could come up with a very good use for these, particularly as Whaitiri seems to be blind at the moment. Probably looks like something important when combined with the prophecy spirit; in fact, we might be able to actually combine the two for extra awesome.
-A kapala. If a semidivine cannibal can't make excellent use of a ritual tool carved from a human skull that's a legacy of human sacrifice traditions, who can? Either one unused by anyone else or one that's been used for something desirable before would be best.
-A live Lurk. It seems like you can make pretty much anything unnoticeable by slapping some Lurk skin on it; if this is true, we can keep a Lurk in the basement and Amen can handle providing us with an ample supply of magically unnoticeable gear. For a mercenary company planning to run around the city with guns, that could be priceless.

>>373325
>find a time when Long Wang, Diao, Go Ping and maybe even Lammy would be available
Arrange this meeting sure, but it should not be today and it should be done in a secure location- which means the mansion, unless they can provide a location entirely warded against sound escaping. Doonongaes can hear crazy amounts of stuff so taking basic precautions is only sensible. Since we've got a fair number of things to do in the next couple days, I'm thinking Thursday would be a decent time to schedule a planning and strategy meeting.

>>373333
>SB ... Shadow Mental Magic ... the Buntline
This is an excellent topic to bring up- Shadowbro should have had plenty of opportunities to see the shadow pin in action, and at least once we actually used the Buntline to blast out part of Gleb's shadow. While Shadowbro might not be able to observe the cause of this, he can definitely get a good look at the effect, and based upon what Iron Trick told us when we were fighting Gleb part of what he does acts much like a very strong hypnotic suggestion. It might at least give a hint as to how to approach shadow mental magic, or lead to other interesting tricks. Of course, he's probably already thought of this and tried to take action on it but at least mentioning the topic so that he can confirm that won't hurt.

>>373337
>Then take her around the mall, showing her things like music stores
Hillevi has never been immersed in modern music! We will need to regulate what she is exposed to carefully, lest she be corrupted by horrible crap.

>>373432
>Play with Hillevi. Go take her somewhere fun (for her, which I suppose would be like the Istanbul Military Museum).
Could be a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Since that won't take all day/evening, spend our other spare time before the auction teaching her the mysteries of cell phones, computers, debit cards, and cars. She should have one of our encrypted company cell phones already, but if she doesn't have a computer take her to a store and buy her one- a durable laptop for travel, preferably. Cars... actually we might not be equipped to handle that right now, but if an opportunity presents itself seize it.
>>
No. 373437 ID: 37f4c4
File 132426482624.jpg - (306.48KB , 2248x1574 , killersenseofhumor.jpg )
373437

Fanart is Armas after getting his shit beaten in by Camella.Black-eye and bruises came out goofy :<

Voting for Meng Yun (Precision) too.
Upvoting all these goddamned plans, because I'm too lazy to read them. Besides, anything I can think of right now has been already covered by the others.
>>
No. 373442 ID: 81f32a
File 132426778956.jpg - (141.51KB , 780x880 , WHY SO SERIOUS CAMMELA.jpg )
373442

Call Einrik's contact and arrange for training in few days, so that we have had trainings from all the prospective teachers before we go to Lo Fang.
>>
No. 373451 ID: 81f32a
File 132427397766.jpg - (125.16KB , 500x666 , BEHOLD my ancient oriental martial arts.jpg )
373451

just posting this quick one just in case.
>>
No. 373462 ID: eee1a0
File 132427569742.png - (203.59KB , 500x500 , Armas_bloodline.png )
373462

Yeeaaaa, this image is supposed to represent the melding of the bloodlines, turmoil in the soul and the chakras. Also the spiritual significance of his eye and eating.

I suppose this is the trance version of Armas's soul while seen on drugs and pre-mind shattering from comprehending something that does not exist wholly in the right dimensions. Luckily Darkening has not fully set in or you wouldn't see shit or see somthing worse.
Something Eldritch.

Also Orange.
>>
No. 373496 ID: d97a61

>>373333 Four of a kind bonus
Before I even answer, I realize I need to call Einrik and-
>"Hold on a moment. Why would a largely stabilized, completed composite bloodline be threatened by active Chakra use, when an incomplete, far less stable bloodline was perfectly fine with it?"
Yeah but we don't know for certain, that's th-
>"Perhaps this should be looked at another way: While you may be well equipped to see souls, I am equipped to see magic. In every percievable facet, your bloodline and soul, as well as the connection between the two-all of it is more durable, established and resilient. There is absolutely no logical reason to think this a potential threat-so why bother calling?"
...I'm confused, weren't you cautioning me about being too reckless and not checking enough?
>"Do you really equate attempting to make up new uses for Chakra energy with little to no understanding of the system at all-multiple times-to using comparatively stronger knowledge and that handy tool Riker's such a fan of: Occam's razor. So I ask you: why WOULD it pose a danger in any way?"
Well....
>"Yes?"
Okay I got nothing. But that does not mean I should do this training when I could be meditating on my soul, learning what's going on-
>"...Since this is rather critical material we discuss, I am trying to put aside my shared inclination for impishness for the sake of productivity-and more importantly, communal safety. Armas, can you yet look upon your own soul?"
I try to turn my focus inward, my Spiritual Attention-immediately averted against my will, same as always.
No, but I can still view it's outline, and chakras.
>"Right-well, consider how I am outside of your... form of time, and I have had quite a comparatively long time to look upon you, albeit with different senses. Do you know what I've detected about your chakras? No change, whatsoever. Can you say they have felt even the slightest bit different throughout this whole process?"
Well no, but the change could be gradual, and my soul's shape could have changed-
>"Then look upon your soul's outline now, you tell me: has it shifted?"
I'm... not actually sure, since it's shape is ever-shifting and particularly difficult to conceptualize, especially lacking the ability to actually look at it.
>"Your chakra's then-have they changed even one iota as you've maintained your reinforcement?"
No.
>"Switch to open, even back to feeding me if you like-is there anything different?"
So you contend, that based on limited data, we should eschew the very possibility of learning from this?
>"Einrik's already got rather comprehensive collections of data on the incubation, as well as the bloodline completion itself. Anything you might be able to determine from swifting optimistically through your own soul for nuanced differences, he would catch. Or do you think you can exceed his sensory ability?"
I did identify Abdul-
>"True enough-but I think you'll have to agree he can still sense more than you, in spite of that outlier incident."
Not sure I like just... leaving something so personal to others.
>"That's because you still feel confident that, untrained in the field or no, you could be of competent service-I believe this is hubris, and it is better left to comparative professionals."
The green ruff to my orange suit that Go Ping is so pointedly NOT looking at chimes in at this point.
>[Sake]"Don't forget you already arranged to use this time for this purpose-so you're probably not getting a 'rescheduling', I would think. Or do you think Lo Fang would be that magnanimous?"
Fine, fine!

Plus side: Since I have this brooch, I didn't even feel a twinge-and just a day or two ago this many back to back transitions to accelerated thought would have given me one mighty cerebral twinge.

Well, since it seems I don't really need to worry about my bloodline right now, even if I thought I did-

>>373252
>>373284
>>373305
>>373325
Nope. Needs blood of person who will wear the amulet-and if you want Labombard to have one, you need his blood.
>>373327
>>373339
>>373355
>>373373 Palendromic Bonus
>>373422
>>373432
"Meng Yun, I think-mind doing the introductions?"
>[Go Ping]"I planned to. If you will follow me? He's overseeing the dock's restoration."
So it is I follow the ever unruffled Triad out back, where the sound of hammers and saws creates a constant, chaotic din. So it is a find a mustachioed man, his impressive lip shrubbery completely overpowering the wispy, lackluster soul patch he's growing in. It's clear he's hoping to one day have long, strokable bear and mustache tufts-but he's still far too early on in the process. Nevertheless, the man who's gangly and taller than Go Ping has a carefully controlled stance as he watches the workers-and I still cannot percieve his soul. Go Ping introduces us.
>[Go Ping]"Well then, Mr. Laine, as you may have deduced this is Meng Yun, one of our valued members, who has agreed to attempt to teach you about chakra manipulation today."
"Excellent. I know I could do with learning some precision."
>[Meng Yun]"...You have trained in chakras before?"
At this point Go Ping bows, taking his leave to attend to his duties while I respond.
"Somewhat. I've learned from a man who's craft is largely mundane. As it is, I only really know two orientations for my chakra, and how to transition between them and an open state."
>[Meng Yun]"What are the formats of the orientations you know?"
"One for stealth, one for reinforcement."
>[Meng Yun]"Mm. The reinforcement you currently use-this is it?"
I guess he's perceptive too then. Not surprising.
"It is."
>[Meng Yun]"It is lazy, oafish, wasteful. Open your chakras, and re-enter it. Use less power."
"Aaaah.. how, do I use less power?"
>[Meng Yun]"You can sense your own chakra output, can you not?"
"I can."
"So simply stop supplying energy sooner."
Not certain I understand, I try to use less power-and fail to re-enter Reinforcement, supplying too little energy for the transition. Oddly, Meng Yun seems pleased.
>[Meng Yun]"Well, you stopped it sooner-just too soon. If it doesn't work because you cut off the power too soon, try again. The first thing we shall focus on, is helping you learn when you no longer need to put in power-it's continuing to fuel beyond full capacity that is the primary mistake of beginners learning chakra use."
"That would seem to suggest the possibility of overexerting yourself."
>[Meng Yun]"Try again. ...Again. Again.... Better. ..Yes, that is normally true. However-good, you completed the transition-but you stopped supplying power too late, be crisper in your finish-you have wasted enough energy I would be at least somewhat winded already-and I can't feel the slightest shift in your magical stamina. I would wager this actually makes it even harder to manage your power-as you don't have fatigue as a meaningful form of feedback. It's a curious challenge-close, you shaved it a little too finely that time, loosen your focus just a hair... yes, again.... again... you're getting closer to that edge....can you feel it? The point where your chakras lock to the new orientation?"
"I can detect it-but I'm still not sure I'm detecting it when it occurs, rather than after the fact."
>[Meng Yun]"Good. Acknowledge your failings. Only use what you know-suspect you know nothing, even if you feel you should know everything. Never feel safe, never be idle-always watch your own form, check it for holes, refresh yourself on how each style you learn starts and ends. Learn it's timing-no, too slow!"
So it goes for an entire hour, as Meng Yun mercilessly has me switching from open, to oriented, to open again, using chakra in the most basic of methods. Frankly, I feel underwhelmed, having anticipated new moves, flashy techniques. Instead, he helps me go from dimly, dully feeling my chakras shift to confidently noting an orientation shift's completion. The change isn't much-I've shaved, maybe, a tenth of a second off of how long I have to focus on changing my chakra orientation. Sure, it adds up, and that matters, as does my increased... comfort at using Reinforcement, the focus of the first phase of practice. But my real prize here-is I start to feel a little less like my fingers are covered in butter while I'm trying to work my chakras. Recognizing I'm getting comfortable-Mang Yun changes it up.
>[Meng Yun]"Now-I want you to only reinforce your body when necessary. Do not use it as a passive defense-but a reactive one. Now-prepare yourself."
Meng Yun, the whole time standing nigh-motionless, finally swings his weapons of choice-a pair of metal rods-up from being posts to lean on. ...I'm not sure-
Reacting on the shifting Attention radiating from his soul, I slip into my goblinic training, using erratic movements the moment he acts to step towards and past him as he swings-
Or so was the plan-one of his rods catches me in the hip, twirling me about-as the second rod slams into my gut. I fall on my ass with a forced exhalation."
>[Meng Yun]"You did not even attempt to use reinforcement-and while your footwork was unexpected, you saw the end result: It is wisest to be able to defend on a moment's notice-and the form of Reinforcement you have learned will function well enough for that. So-stand, please, and ward your body only when I strike."
This time, I'm ready-but Meng Yun breaks off before even reaching me with his next attack.
>[Meng Yun]"...Too soon. Commendable as your observation may be, you are being to... tense. Calm your mind, hone your focus, and be more patient before using your chakra. ...Now, again.

The next fifty or so times, I mostly flip flop between activating it so early Meng Yun simply stops, or I try too hard to wait and get hit unprotected. It's once I hit my hundredth attempted that I start to semi-reliably time it well enough Meng Yun doesn't just stop out of disappointment. Two hours after my training started, it's a rare occurrence he has time to stop after I begin reinforcement, even if I'm still a bit slow at times. After a long discussion with Sake and SB, I manage to stop getting caught unprotected as my timing slowly gets better. Forty minutes into the third hour, Meng Yun stops offering rebukes and corrections, and lowers his weapons to his sides.
>[Meng Yun]"I shall not say your timing is adequate by any true standard-but you at least understand the concept of proper timing. That is the core you will build on, as you gain proper control over your chakras. Now... we are going to once more increase the amount of energy you push into your chakras while they are oriented."
"I take it that this will end up not being wasteful as it was before."
>[Meng Yun]"Correct. This time, your goal is to not just add back in power-but to get that power properly used. You are to increase the energy supply to your Reinforcement and use that to manually adjust the intensity of your Reinforcement. To assist in creating proper feedback, I will imbue my own strikes with chakra specifically to pierce Reinforcement. Your goal is to find the minimum amount of additional extra energy to put in to prevent my blows from causing you discomfort. Do you understand?"
"I do."
>[Meng Yun]"then we begin."
Forget my early optimism-the third part of Meng Yun's lessons is flat out brutal. The entire first hour is largely spent nearly shitting my pants as I feel his attacks break right through my completely unboosted Reinforcement as I fail to properly augment my chakra use. Again and again, Meng Yun tries to guide me-and finally it clicks, four hours into the training, and the energy that I was just uselessly pushing towards my flesh starts getting worked in-and I feel my movements slow as joints stiffen up. This does nothing to dissuade me from exulting in my first successful negation of Meng Yun's altered attacks. It takes another full hour of focus on it, but I start getting my ability to 'boost' reinforcement about as well timed as my activation of Reinforcement natural state. So long as I'm not trying to think about it too hard, it seems to go alright-but the last hour becomes a personal hell, as Meng Yun adds one final caveat that sees me wasting more chakra energy than the first five hours combined.
>[Meng Yun]"Good-now, I shall vary the force that I imbue each blow with-you shall attempt to only use the minimum amount of energy to block the attack completely."
An entire hour, and I can't say I succeeded except by blind luck and sheer repetition on a few, rare occasions. Trying to judge the power invested in the blow just by watching it takes more perceptiveness than I have, SB can't be initiating accelerated mental communication to give his thoughts every time someone tries to throw a punch, and trying to manually assess how much energy to react with once the attack's hit and I can fully percieve it is mind-boggling. While I leave frustrated with the lesson's finale, Meng Yun looks oddly pleased-yet without a hint of gloating. I'm not sure why. I reflect on that after putting my leisure suit (and Sake-collar) back in place: why is Meng Yun smiling? It's about the lesson, obviously-but what?

I put that aside for now, as I find Go Ping having lunch, chatting with two other faces I recognize.
"Long Wang, Diao Yuan-how are you?"
>[Long Wang]"We do adequately, Mr. Laine. I see you seek to learn the way of the fist."
"I suppose you could say that. Actually-"
I grab an empty chair and take a seat.
"I wanted to talk about that little joint project of ours-regarding a certain poisonous fish?"
>[Diao Yuan]"What about it?"
"Well for one, found out it's healing is Summer-Aspected, and is probably why all the fire and heat we piled on it didn't do that much-we need to hit it with cold. Don't suppose you can get your hands on anything of that nature?"
>[Diao Yuan]"I... believe I can, yes."
"Excellent. What I'm really curious about-is where do we do it? I'm... not planning to be discreet about this."
>[Go Ping]"We had thought on eastern coast of the north end of the Bosphorus-between Anadulufeneri and Cayagzi would be appropriate. It is rather isolated, for it's proximity."
"Oh-already picked out a spot? Perfect, I don't suppose you can send me the coordinates? I assume there's no address."
>[Go Ping]"Of course-and you are indeed correct."
"Excellent. I also happen to have a bit of a problem of 'too many things to use to kill Doony to hold'. I don't suppose anyone minds being some extra hands?"
>[Long Wang]"I have consistently shown myself to have more skill in the use of firearms than interest in them-you likely have better weapons than I would ever personally own. It would be pragmatic for me to offer."
"Excellent-all right, let me make sure I have everyone's number here... good.. ...Have to ask, no one's worried about Doony hearing anything?"
"[Go Ping]"As has been noted, our boss is quite dedicated to keeping these grounds warded-and he has not neglected the see."
"Good to know. Okay, I'll be in touch-busy day!"

>>372881
>>372964
>>373298
>>373332
>>373333
>>373385
>>373422
>>373432
>>373442
>>373451
>>373462
[FANART COLLECTIVE BONUS: KNOWLEDGE BASE BOOST]
It's on my way out of the Triad compound, a little after noon, that I call Camella, hoping to get a luncheon going-but she doesn't even pick up. Okay, guess she's still pissed off about the whole 'kinda-sorta offing myself in front of her as a gag'. Not sure why. Oh well.
>[Sake]"...Was it just me, or did the Triads, or most of them at least, feel... less healthy?"
Didn't feel any different to me.
>"Nor I."
>[Sake]"Hm. Probably.... wait. The luck around you is getting.. a... bit-"
SB says something too-but I don't even hear it, as even without perceiving it, on some proto-conscious, sub-visceral way, I experience my bloodline finalizing itself-and find myself remembering new memories.


These are the things I now know.

>[ Winter Bloodline Innately understood mechanics, each classified as a tenent of his Winter Bloodline's core function(It is from this base that all he does will flow from.): ]
>1:--The Amorphous Soul-Armas' own soul can look however he wants it to look-and can be changed more easily than chakras re-assigned. At the drop of a hat, or even mid battle, Armas could attempt to change how others percieve his own soul. Even further-but more dangerously-it is almost exactly as easy to sculpt his own soul. It is a wonder if his innate curiosity will guide him to ever-more experiments without proper prior research-but if he can survive learning about his soul's traits, piling up experience at still dangerous internal soul-sculpting, Armas could spiritually become anyone... everyone.
>2:--The Reincarnate Prelate-Armas soul, so amorphously defined, can avoid being claimed by death should Armas' body fail. Each in-game week, Armas will regenerate ten 'lives' worth of energy, reflected as tenths of his winter energy pool. Armas' soul is not in danger of harm, no matter what happens to his body, unless one of the following two conditions are met: 1 the attack on Armas can directly harm souls or 2 he no longer has enough energy left to reincarnate. Once Amen's bindings are properly dealt with, nothing is left to stop Armas from using this ability. Keep in mind that until Armas can safely look at his own soul, it will be particularly hard to properly gauge how much Winter energy he has left.
>3:--The Lordly Imposition-Armas can exert his will on nearyby souls he can percieve, attempting remote soul manipulation. While disposed towards this ability, Armas' strength in it is not near so great as his own soul sculpting prowess. What's interesting is that no transmission medium is used-no 'weaving it into vibrations' or any such thing: The will of the user is simply tested against the resistiveness of the target.
>4:--The Chakratic Bloodline-Because Armas' chakras are tied up with an entire bloodline-specifically, one that is itself comprised of three seperate bloodlines, he has many times the energy of his contemporary chakra users-in general, once Armas becomes legitimately skilled with chakras, only similarly bloodline-linked Chakra users, Dragons, or upper tier courtly beings that possess an inclination for chakra manipulation would have a reasonable chance of overpowering him.
>5:--The Godling-The Divine energy of the final piece of his Winter Bloodline seems to resonate with the Divine material of his Summer Line, and that of his very soul. Armas has now been reclassified from 'Practitioner' to 'Godling'. Note this does not provide any intrinsic power to Armas-it's largely a reflection of his realized immortality. Nevertheless, being a Godling makes Divine Artifacts easier to manipulate, and Divine entities, in general, easier to interact with.

...Ow, my head. ...Or not ow? That feels like it should hurt. But it didn't hurt-I don't think, at least. I'm really perplexed and not sure at all about... ANYTHING about this-help me out here.
>"The memories seem to have been spawned by your own mind-rather harmless, if... strange."
And Godling? What the hell's that? I didn't even know for sure that was a thing-why do I now just up and 'know' I'm a Godling, and why?
>"That, I think, is because I know you are now a Godling-and prior to this, new what would make you one. I merely never told you. As your soul shadow, it does not seem unreasonable the information was imprinted as you did what you did."
...Okay. ...Shit, that's a whole mess of stuff to think on there, isn't it?
>"Indeed it is. I doubt you would be able to come up with much on the walk home, though."
True enough. For now-peace of mind it is.

After a return to the mansion and a hearty lunch (This time making a Minotaur Tartar, or as the book calls it, the Triple-Tar) I decide to spar with Hillevi, noting her back home and Einrik still out, along with two thirds of the Russians.

>>373337
Once again, it's a contest not of raw power-but of precision and control. I use the bout as a chance to try and continue Meng Yun's teachings, and Hillevi seems to pick up on it-all the while throwing me questioning glances to make sure it's okay, she decreases the amount she restrains herself, not just hitting harder, but moving more confidently. It makes for a refreshing change of challenge-but thankfully, once I start applying Ego-less combat to her along with the goblinic stealth, her comparative largeness is her undoing, and I again stay out of her reach. It is while dancing a hair's breadth ahead of her attacks that I do something she doesn't expect-I apologize.
"I really have to apologize for how busy I've been since getting back. This is your first time out and about and I'm supposed to be be introducing you to the world at large. I should of at least warned you I was going back to a big pile of stuff I hadn't finished before my trip, and I'm really sorry for that. I'll try and do better about that from now on, but don't be afraid to ask where I'm off to or if it'd be okay for you to come, alright?"
My candid admission catches her completely off guard, her cheeks coloring as I share with her-
Which is my cue to practice the most advanced part of Meng Yun's lessons-boosted Reinforcement. Specifically, so that I don't break my fingers as I use my grafted memories of Kas Pin-
-To slip through her opened defenses, and drive my fiercely held digits like spears, striking at Hillevi's nerves. Augmented, supersized or no, she's still human, so her nerves are still in the same place, right? Right?

Turns out I AM right, as I watch her arms fall limply at her sides, the limbs completely deadened, cut off from her perception-for the moment. Sure, after about five seconds she's got her arms moving again, and looks at me in mock-protest over my trick, finally starting to get used to my antics-and hey, I only broke one finger doing it-not bad!

>[Hillevi]"So-when are we going to look at the city, then?"
>>373436
"In a minute, actually-first, I need to call your brother. Listen in if you want."
With Hillevi inquisitively looking on, I get through to Einrik.
"Hey. Did I tell you that I'm auctioning off Mammon's Device tonight at midnight?"
>[Einrik]"No, you did not, as it happens. I suppose I can understand how something so trivial slipped your mind though."
"Yeah, I wanted to get rid of it and was going on vacation, so I asked the goblins to facilitate the sale to highest bidder. I haven't got a lot of solid information on exactly who is showing up, but my impression is that I should be able to get almost whatever I want. Sound about right to you for this kind of situation?"
>[Einrik]"Typically, Wyld Goblin Auctions involve the seller listing a wide range of possible payments-then picking the payment method he likes best of the offers made by the auction goers. So yes, I'd say you'd likely be able to do just that."
"I have a few ideas, but I'd like a review of their feasibility- and your assessment of their relative value in a situation like this. If possible, I'd also like to hedge the things I'm asking for about with details that make it look like I'm planning something- a powerful ritual, maybe- using several or all of them, so your take on how to manage that successfully without increasing their worth so much that I get less stuff would be great. You're much better informed than I am when it comes to how that sort of thing works."
>[Einrik]"I see. So what is it you plan to ask for, currently?"
So I tell him. How I want to get a bunch of Einher killed, so it counts as 'at my order' and I get to ask Og questions, but without endangering my cousin OR revealing I'm trying to protect him OR my contract with Og's nature. How I want some respectable bodyparts from an assortment of creature types, recalling that I'd heard some mention of enhancing one's existence-and how to do that without revealing I'm a cannibal, or creating a mess looking for Draconic or Elder material. Willing spirits for me to bind, sculpt, claim as Spirit animal, what have you-without getting on watch lists for taboo soul manipulation. Shadows of potent magical creatures for SB, without revealing I have a shadow soul. How to get a Kapala without getting anti-human sacrifice (and presumably anti-cannibalism) all over my ass. How to secure a living lurk I can keep and farm for flesh and meat-I tell him all my ideas-and he laughs.
>[Einrik]"Armas, I think you've already got a defense-for all of those to be negatively interpreted, you'd have to be the most ambitious of nefarious individuals-consider how many things you'd have to be doing. Really, the fact you have so many different requests should work-most will assume them mostly decoys, rather than all things you wouldn't mind having. You should be quite fine."
"...Good. Good. Okay then-thank's for the advice."
>[Einrik]"Not a problem. I should be back some time in the evening."
"All right, Hillevi and I are heading out, may or may not be in when you get back."
>[Einrik]"She's already seen the nearby military museums with me-just an FYI."
"Good lucking out-talk to you later."
Instead of the Istanbul Military Museum-which was totally my idea, but Einrik stole it before I thought it up because he's a jerk-
I take Hillevi to the mall, and start the arduous process of introducing her to modern electronics. For the sake of my own sanity, after the fact I choose to only remember that: After six hours at the mall, we headed back, and at that point Hillevi had a cell phone and a plan. Everything else, all the mind-numbing boredom and saint-like patience and the... none of it happened. Especially that part where we ran into Camella and she suggested to Hillevi that she look into Feminism while vindictively looking at me. Just... moving on with my day. Yup.

Well-it's evening. I have a fully completed set of bloodlines. I'm apparently now a Godling. Einrik likes my ideas for what to ask for in auction as is. Speaking of, I got a bit more than five hours till the event in question. Einrik's still not back-but Hafaz and co are here, along with most of the Russians that had headed out.

So.....








What do I do with these few hours before the big event?
>>
No. 373538 ID: f6106a

Well first off, here's a theory for how the memories of the bloodlines mechanics thing worked to run by Shadowbro. Perhaps it took the abilities Armas, loosely enough defined to include Shadowbro, knew his bloodline would have and granted knowledge of their base mechanics. Now, given that Bloodlines don't seem to do this normally, otherwise we probably would've gotten that sort of information on absorbing any of Sami/Darkening/Romanov or our Summer Bloodline. I'm going to guess that was part of the ritual we got from Og. Perhaps learning more abilities the bloodline has would give similar info-dumps, but probably not given that the ritual seems to be done.

As for what to do, perhaps practice changing how his soul looks. No experimenting with soul-sculpting, but making sure that when you show up for the auction people can't read you like a book. Ask Shadowbro on feedback for that, as well as Iron Trick. Hell, if you could make people see your soul as looking like a single neon orange tie, that'd be great.
>>
No. 373544 ID: ab8af1

We should ask Sake to go in detail about what he meant when he said that the triad members felt less healthy.
>>
No. 373545 ID: ae26ba

We should ask Einrik what he knows about Godlings.
>>
No. 373546 ID: 448d82

>>373538
Upvoting, we can,while doing that, talk to the russians, see how they are all doing, wasn't there one that got injured, Lev his name was? See how he is doing, and see what went down with the russians who went out.
Why yes I am that cheeky

If we have a bit of time, Armas, Sake and SB should go to a room and spar against each other like the brothers they are.
This;
>>373544
Can be done while sparring with bros.
>>
No. 373554 ID: 1c2c42

Call Rocco, we need more jobs for our PMC. Ask Hafaz if he has any other contacts we could get jobs from.

WARNING: I Will now AUTO-SUST any post with experimentation that isn't labelled as such in a obvious way.
>>373538
Not a bad idea. Here are my modificatons:
>EXPERIMENTATION:
Armas should look at any of the russians' soul, and make his look exactly the same (NO SOUL SCULPTING). He should then try to see his own soul- As he KNOWS what it should look like, he should be able to. Then, he should 'stop' making his soul look like the russian's, and try to 'see' how the soul change, how it takes its new shape (in order to 'see/guess' that shape). Remember this morning's precision's practice? Do it more and more slowly, and try to get as much of an idea of your soul as possible. When Armas hit a wall, he should then change Russian whose soul he imitates- after all, Armas' soul could 'snap back' in different ways, and as such using different people should provide different ways to get to have a better idea of our soul. Also, Hillevi having magic means she could be a choice target for that.
>/EXPERIMENTATION
I also upvote the orange necktie idea for now.

>>373544
>EXPERIMENTATION
I am sure Sake has been thinking about developing his own powers further, as well as understanding of the ones he got from his brother's before their case of Valkonnen to the face. However, tow things he said earlier this morning should grab Armas' attention: Sake can 'sense' the flow of luck, as well as illness. How 'fine' are those senses? Given Sake's difficulty about knowing whether the Triad are ill or not, maybe he should go into a hospital with a Russian to hide under, and try to 'sense' what ill people feel like, as well as make correlation between the type of illness and what he feels. He could, of course, do the same for 'luck' in a gambler's den, but Armas should try to steer sake into confirming whether the Triads are truly ill or not first. Could be any kind of attack, or just a case of badly cooked food, after all.
>/EXPERIMENTATION
If Sake is able to comfirm the Triad members were ill, and how, we should call Lo Fang.

Now, if Armas still has time, he should spar with the Russians for gyaketsuote and spirit sensing. However:
>EXPERIMENTATION:
Armas should ONLY use reinforcement when he is hit (unless against Hillevi) at first, and NOT when he hit people. He should then, when he feels comfortable enough, change things by putting a TINY bit of reinforcement when he attacks until he feels he knows how much he can use without hitting too hard. THEN, he should try to vary the amount of reinforcement he uses depending on the particular russian's resistance, for all of his hit to make the same exact amount of damage.
>/EXPERIMENTATION

SUSTING ANY UNLABELLED EXPERIMENTATION BELOW, SUSTING ANY SELF SOUL SCULPTING.
>>
No. 373555 ID: 81f32a

Work further on Meng Yung's lessons while the memory of them is still fresh. Have another big sparring session with our minions but this time instead of evading attacks focus more on blocking them and even taking them head-on by using the precise reinforcement that Meng Yung taught you. I guess the next level of this training would be reinforcing the exact area of your body where the hit will connect as opposed to reinforcing the whole thing, but I guess Armas is still too early for that.

If this training goes well enough, we could throw Gyaketsuote in the mix too, but try to focus on your chakra training first.

Have Iosef participate too
>>
No. 373556 ID: b83c65

Well, try get beaten up by your Russians.

Other then that, I'm going to suggest some non-newbloodline
>EXPERIMENTING
You know how to use your Chakra Reinforcement properly so try using your Stealth Chakras. Just enough not to be noticed. And move around the Russians and get a feel for how aware they are.
>/EXPERIMENTING
>>
No. 373601 ID: f8aa66

Meng Yun: smile without gloating? Armas.. does not.. understand?

If your white mage says people aren't well, I'm inclined to believe him. Drop Go Ping a message: 'Done anything stressful lately? Might be time for a check-up.' If its nothing, better we waste Ping's time than Lo Fang's.

Now might be the perfect time to call up Woosencraft. Before we try and put a bounty out on einherjar heads. Find out how it went with Armin. If Woosencraft didn't finish him, did he notice anything that might help us if he shows up again? In the interest of a common enemy, of course. Maybe Woosley would know how our job offer to Odin went - if yes, we probably won't want to serve up a steaming platter of einher hearts to Og.

Also worthy of contemplation: the argument we used on Sometimes Merchant could be applied to Amen breaking free on our death. Mind, body and soul, right? We made a good case for the body, our soul is safe and living within Shadowbro, so we just need to prove conclusively that people can come back from braindeath. If necessary, we can M7 ourselves into believing it.

There'd be no way to check if it would work until putting it to the test with our death, but it wouldn't hurt, right?
>>
No. 373616 ID: 3fd4fb

>>373496
>What do I do with these few hours before the big event?
>experiment
Try to learn how to use our amorphous soul's properties to make others perceive us differently- no sculpting, just perception changes. In particular, learning how to hide our Winter bloodline, how to look mundane, and how to hide our godling status would be very useful to know. Get Hillevi to assist with this and give you feedback on what she can sense; Sake and Shadowbro might also be able to help, and Einrik if he shows up again. No one else on hand really has the sensory abilities to be useful in practicing.

If we can get a sense of how those things work, move on to trying to make others think specific things about us by using our soul's appearance. Two basic things to try are making us appear not worthy of notice, as Einrik said that the Lurk bloodline does, and making us appear pants-shittingly terrifying, which should be very possible- remember the sensation that the Red Caps' souls provoked in us when we first saw them? Something like that; try to trick others into feeling profound and terrifying wrongness and the sense of crushing, irresistible power. I would advise sticking to our magically aware test group for experimenting with these as we might disturb the Russians somewhat, particularly with the second.
>/experiment

>>373554
>If Sake is able to comfirm the Triad members were ill, and how, we should call Lo Fang.
Support, but with modification: If Sake can determine that the Triad were ill after getting a little more experience with his detection abilities, even if he can't figure out how, we should call Go Ping. Tell him that he might want to have a careful check-up done on his health and that of his friends. Don't bother saying how we know or why- he knows we're a secretive bastard and shouldn't press, unlike Lo Fang.

>>373601
>Call up a certain Einher
Good call. Our goal here is to accomplish the task he requested of us and to establish positive relations with him. Do it in our mansion with no one else immediately present; order Amen to conceal his presence until called upon. Ideally we would also use our amorphous soul abilities to make our Winter bloodline look like it did when we first met him, to conceal our new abilities- but if we don't think we can manage that, then there is no need to try. We would have to conceal our godling status as well, assuming it's independently detectable, since we couldn't be a godling with a blank Winter line. If we don't think that we can morph our soul into the shape it was when we met him successfully, then don't bother trying- better to not attempt a deception than to try and fail. We don't know how keen his sensory powers are in any case.

We can hopefully summon him with nothing more than speech and focus. "Abloec Woosencraft Hysbryd-Gwarcheidwad, I invoke you as requested and invite you into my home to converse with me as a guest until your departure."

While speaking to him, be friendly and casual; our experience with einherjar shows that they generally respond well to practicality. We know he's highly perceptive, so don't try for any obvious weaselry in our words. Topics for discussion are our own introduction as Armas Laine, in case he hadn't discovered it on his own; what exactly happened with Armin the Craftsman and if he knows anything else about the guy; if he ran into/heard about Gleb Romanov, who we spoke with and seemed interested in our meeting with him; if he's heard anything about us (who knows what kind of grapevine is running in Valhalla). We might also bring up that we know of an einher who recently came into their powers and would appreciate getting any good advice to pass on to them from someone obviously vastly more experienced. Gelb's take on how to be successful as an Einher is not the only approach, at a guess, and our cousin can use all the advice he can get. If we get to talking amicably, finding out more information on einherjar and their related power structure would be nice. Do einherjar serve a specific god or the whole pantheon in general, what do they generally do after they die, are there different factions, how much communication is there usually between individual warriors and the presumed divine command and control types, that sort of thing. How he personally fits into all that.

If he brings up the matter of whether we were trying to kill him, say that we were not; we'd never actually used that function of the gun before and almost got ourselves killed as well. Destroying his body was a shamefully sloppy action on our part. If he gets suspicious and presses in spite of our dodge, admit that we were probably going to try something, but certainly not while Armin was trying to kill him and that Rage fragment was trying to murder us. One has to have priorities about this sort of thing.

If he asks about us, we are a mercenary, and a hunter as he named us in our first encounter. Relatively inexperienced, but determined to learn whatever we can and we feel we're doing quite well for ourselves thus far. Generally the attitude we should present is that we enjoy combat and adventure, are willing to take a wide variety of contracts for money, power, or information, and generally believe in being friendly with whomever we can. Fortunately all of this is basically true so it should be easy.

At the end of a hopefully amicable chat, bid him farewell and ensure that we know if we can contact him again if we want to talk- or who we should contact if we want to discuss more general matters, and how.


Make sure that we leave for the auction at least an hour in advance. As I don't believe we will have the time to do all that is recommended above and also indulge in other forms of training, SUST to any training which isn't focusing on our amorphous soul abilities.
>>
No. 373677 ID: d97a61

>>373538
>>373546
>>373555
Alright-that event behind me, let's reflect on what thus far has been the most important part of the day-the finalization of my bloodline. SB, Sake, looking for some input here.
>[Sake]"Our brother is listening as well."
Well first off, here's a theory for how the memories of the bloodlines mechanics thing : Perhaps it took the abilities 'I', loosely enough defined to include my brother the soul shadow, knew my bloodline would have, from the individual components, and granted knowledge of their base mechanics. Now, seems that Bloodlines don't do this normally, otherwise we probably would've gotten that sort of information on absorbing any of Sami/Darkening/Romanov or our Summer Bloodline. I'm going to guess that was part of the ritual we got from Og.
>[Sake]"Your brother can't refute your postulation-interesting."
>[Iron Trick]"Complete crock of shit though. You attribute to the specific ritual what was caused by the system itself-though really, not seeing the forest for the trees is a frequently recurring problem for you, isn't it?"
>>373544
MovingonSAKE, that comment earlier-about the triads. What made you make it?
>[Sake]"Hm? They felt... infirm. Unwell. As soon ask a fish how-"
How they swim yes yes-so it's what, passive sensory data?
>[Sake]"Call it 'ghost-goosbumps'. Something is wrong, and I get a sense this is the problem-that's what I've got."
..Huh. You are in a body that does the whole 'heal others' thing-and you yourself have limited restorative craft, do you not? I think I'm going to bring that up with Lo Fang or Go Ping or Meng Yun or whoever when next we speak.

For now though-time to make some phone calls. Ah, networking.
>>373554
>>373616
So it is I call up Rocco-and after a bit of a pow-wow where he commented on good work given, and I reported the comfort my guys had with the work, the usual semi-surreal small talk that sounds more corporate than it should giving way to a refresher: I'm still open for business, and happy to provide support as needed. Rocco doesn't say much for a few seconds after my offer, and I WISH I could get a look at his face, get a good sense of just what that pause meant-as is, he simply tells me that he appreciates the offer, but doesn't have anything definitive at the moment. He encourages to keep my phone on hand the next few days, as a parting bit of advice.

...That didn't go as well as I'd hoped. Okay-new direction: MORE TRAINING!
>[Sake]"I am to tell you, verbatim: 'really?'"
What-I need to get this shit in order, figure out how my power works. You trained all the fucking time SB-hell, you still train as far as I know.
>[Sake]"He was actually commenting on your enthusiasm. Which, admittedly, is childish froma a certain viewpoint-or impish, from another. I prefer the latter."
Too bad, finished my bloodline, I'm still so fucking chipper I'm going to be gung-ho about everything-TRAAAAAAINING TIIIIIIIIIIIIME!

So it is that I get to some home practice, hoping this doesn't horribly backfire. The Russians at the house, all fourteen of them, plus Hafaz' five, and Hillevi... a solid twenty people are approached about some more sparring-and none refuse-though I wonder how many are helping because they want to help, rather than they want to punch me in the face.
>[Iron Trick]"Can it not be both?
Moving on-I do quite a few things to make my training... interesting. I set it up so there's two teams, one with Hillevi in it, the other with Hafaz and co. Each team has ten members. I go up against a team for ten minutes-then the next. Repeat. What I plan to do during this-that's what makes it special.
-I plan to see if I can manipulate how my soul looks without doing soul sculpting, as seemed implied as possible when I heard of the Darkening pseudo-bloodline. I'm going to try to appear mundane-or so goes the plan.
-Echoing my morning lessons, I plan to only have Reinforcement active while I'm actively being struck-and NOT while striking. I except Hillevi from this rule. This is obviously going to impact how I fight-but if I can pull it off, it'd mean I'm familiar enough with my chakra orientation and it's control to guide it purely on spiritually derived sensory data.
-This time-less dodging, more blocking/enduring. If I've got so much chakra...chakratic? Chakratic stamina, then I might as well put it to use in practice.
-On the far end of appearing mundane, I want to see if I can create a... a sense around myself even the spiritually unattuned could perceive, a battle aura that dissuades would be challengers. Failing that, I'd like to see if I can simulate bloodlust, and make feints more easily sold.

It's a complex plan-and I get pummelled to hell and back over the next three hours seeing it completed. Seems Hafaz has been busy himself, as while they aren't nearly as good as him at it, Shaya and Yomi alike are now throwing out Gyaketsuote-and fighting mass numbers drastically reduces the ability to lock someone's eyes-since the next person I try to establish the link with breaks the last link. This wouldn't be so bad-if Hafaz wasn't getting assists each time he targeted me-doubling up on the illusory strikes pulverizes me as they completely circumvent my middling sense of timing-I find myself repeatedly too late more often than not with them-but am loathe to simply throw up my defenses sooner. Similarly, I have to stop myself from striking time and again, as my self-imposed ruleset means I can't trade blows, what with reinforcement being fullbody. Funnily, it's the group backing Hillevi that's far easier to fight-not because of her, but because the Russians aren't nearly as comfortable working in unison with her, with her wildly divergent combat skill set, than they are with their countrymen and fellow defectors. Unfortunately, she hits so hard I have to ramp up my defenses just to savely prevent breakages. Admittedly, her blows are... rather a high watch priority, and few get through-that still doesn't save me from collecting a few thousand impacts each hour as I stress test... myself. As to my goals and my performance on them:

-In a way, Hillevi was immensely helpful-her abundance of raw might means I have to treat her bare-handed attacks the same as I would chakratically imbued ones. Unlike Meng Yun though, each of her blows has a naturally variable strike force-and as they come interspersed with 'normal' attacks from her group members, I find myself straining just to stay afloat. As a result of all this, I feel I can amplify a chakra orientation more strongly than I could before.
-As I got chakratically winded, seemed it got a whole mess easier to keep myself from using excess power. I'm trying to keep the memory as solidly placed as I can-and feel I might have inadvertently become a bit more energy efficient.
-Now to the not-so-good parts: I didn't make much progress on my bloodline itself. Why? Because I identified early on that ANYTHING I try to do with my own soul ends up becoming an attempt at soul sculpting. Since I decided to hold off on actual soul sculpting until I learn more about it from people that actually have experience, I don't really accomplish anything. At least all that time was pumped into more chakra work.

While they might not be tired of it, I have them stop after three hours-and with the auction ticking closer, I attend to some other plans.

>>373556
Specifically-some personal lessons where my assistents don't know their part of the training. I spend the next half hour trying to translate what I learned within the realm of reinforcement to that of stealth. The going is cumbersome, but I end up getting the hang of varying the amount of energy I put into stealth attempts. Hopefully, such a trick could become useful.

>>373601
After Einrik returns, to be quickly hustled off by Iosef to settle an argument with Gloom, I find myself placing... a different kind of call, from the confines of my third floor room. After centering myself, I speak.
"Abloec Woosencraft Hysbryd-Gwarcheidwad, I invoke you as requested and invite you into my home to converse with me as a guest until your departure."
.....
I look behind me, just to be sure-nothing.
".... Abloec Woosencraft Hysbryd-Gwarcheidwad, I invite you to speak with me."
........
"Abloec Woosencraft Hysbryd-Gwarcheidwad, I-"
>[Abloec]"Well Finally you say my name enough you daft haftbreed!"
Before me stands a familiar soul, it's beard flowing, fluttering, even snapping like a scarf in a brisk wind.
>[Abloec]"So. See you've gotten yourself more than a taste of godliness. Fun."
"Well you know-plenty of people wanting me dead, not feeling like BEING dead-just exploring my options."
>[Abloec]"Exploring-HAH!"
"Now would seem the time to properly introduce myself, if that strikes you as odd: I am Armas Laine. Nice to meet you."
>[Abloec]"Yeah yeah-like I hadn't gotten your name yet? Old One Eye doesn't muck about."
"Some day I'll have to ask you about that."
>[Abloec]"Some day I'll have to pointedly ignore questions I can't answer."
"Ah-huh. So gotta ask-what happened to the guy you went after-Armin, that German?"
>[Abloec]"Bastard got away."
When he doesn't elaborate-
"Huh. Don't suppose you know much about him?"
>[Abloec]"People feed me information and point me in a direction-I don't really do the whole research thing."
"All right-you happen to know Gleb Romanov?"
>[Abloec]"Fat man Gleb? Of course I know the bugger-what about him?"
"Eh, I met him a while back, he seemed interested I knew you."
>[Abloec]"If that fat, lazy bastard'd only get around to dying and starting his real job I might know that... hah, so he's doing well, then?"
"Well, he died a bit-he got better though."
>[Abloec]"He has a tendency to do that."
"So just checking here-if I asked you what word on the grapevine in Valhalla about me was-"
>[Abloec]"I can tell you the opinion of fellow Einher that've heard of you, that's all. Think you're a wordy ponce, but all right-high praise from them, heh."
"I'll take their praise with gratitude. Actually, had a bit of a legitimate question for you."
>[Abloec]"So this isn't just a meet and greet after the fact, then? What is it?"
"I know a brand-spanking new Einher-kid's a teenager, and has no real idea what he's doing. I've been trying to get sagely words to pass on to him-but so far all I've gotten is Gleb's input. You wouldn't mind amending that, would you?"
>[Abloec]"A-course not! Gleb may be pretty knowledgeable about the flesh-but I know just as much about the soul, where Einher as concerned. For instance, did you know an Einher can enter the Spirit Einher state without dying or leaving their body?"
"I was not aware."
>[Abloec]"Well it's true-and all it takes is a willingness to stop your own heart and puppet your body-turned corpse. Gotten compared to vampires and zombies more than once when Einher have practiced it-but it doesn't violate any accords, and can be a REAL handy trick."
"That... is a one-way trick though, isn't it."
>[Abloec]"If they're an Einher then the thought of being even more beastly as a fighter should whet their appetite plenty."
"Any other advice?"
>[Abloec]"Yeah-The bloodline's a Divine Contract based, and works in both flesh and spirit alike. But it's the fact it's a seed, meant to grow into something more, that's more important than any abilities it grants at a given stage-more than a few of our brothers walked strange paths, and are quite different einher from the rest. Beyond that? Experiment, and do what feels natural."
From there, the conversation once more become simple small talk. I learn a bit about Einher-how funnily, there no longer is any need for worship in their ranks-and in fact more than a few athiests are in their ranks. He tells me that otherwise, no Einher holds rank over another in Valhalla, but that all must listen to the Valkyrie, the mouths that express oden and the other God's will. It's an interesting picture, one of freedom and restraint bound together different than I am used to-but I feel I'd be less lost, should I ever find myself in Valhalla, thanks to his words.

Our conversation ends with Abloec freely admitting he invited me to summon him just to shoot the shit with me-he had no message to impart, no agenda-beyond sharing some words and alleviating boredom. While laughing at the admission, the spirit fades away.

The next half hour or so I'm too restless to even accomplish anything-and it's when SM calls me that I finally get back into motion.
>[SM]"It is time. Please make your way to a sewer entrance, and bring your list with you."
"The list of enouraged bid formats / buyout offers? Sure, I can do that."
>[SM]"Learning about Wyld Goblin traditions from external sources? Interesting-but currently irrelevant. Know that you will only be visually percievable to the bidders-as none will actually be personally present at the auction. I thought that important to know."



Okay, here it is.

The auction, the selling of a Contract Artifact and.... and wait hold on. MD... Artifact. Trick-also Artifact. ....Mere makes three.
>[Iron Trick]"I will pre-emptively point out I know dick-all about demonic artifacts. Might need you to be released by the weapon's creator, might be selling it is just dandy."
>"I do not believe this will be an issue. You have not used it in some time, used it briefly while employing it, and the manner in which you are disposing of it could be construed as an offering to the demon god in question. You'll probably be fine."
I wish that sounded more reassuring.






SO: What are things I want to ask for, as individual or bundle payments for the MD?
>>
No. 373804 ID: f8aa66

Is it too late to RSVP with a +1? Einrik or Hillevi could be fun to take along.

So, how to break up our wish list?

Wishlist: Cannibal
- Three drops of blood taken fresh from a mortal queen of lineage old
- Two drops of blood taken from a dragon which controls no territory
- One drop of blood taken from an angel which serves the greater gods
-One drop of blood from an Elder being of the greater cosmos (?)
- 1 Kapala, unused in previous ritual
(Did I miss anything?)

Wishlist: Shadow
- 1 fragment of primal Fear
- spirit of Hope

Wishlist: Prophecy
- 1 spirit of Chaotic Prophecy
- Eyes of a blind seer, flesh and tendon of one which sees (for making into a bitchin' eyepatch which would presumably combo well with the Prophecy Spirit)

Wishlist: Ogrimir
- 7 hearts of einherjar at least 600 days into their powers, taken lawfully as spoils of victory

Wishlist: Shadowsoul
- 1 shadow of Wendigo (or that other thing), offered or sold
- 3 ensouled animals
>>
No. 373811 ID: cdbb0f

A wizard/witch contract perhaps? Could we ask for that?
More powerset is always good.
>>
No. 373812 ID: 3fd4fb

>>373677
>SO: What are things I want to ask for, as individual or bundle payments for the MD?

-The hearts of Mortal Einherjar taken as spoils of victory in combat, each of whom had their powers for at least three years and was slain to fulfill this price. Bid with quantity offered.
-One vial of blood from a queen whose Royal lineage can be traced back at least thirteen generations, the liver of a dragon, nine drops of blood from an angel once an ascended mortal, AND a single sliver of flesh from the heart of an elder being.
-Spirit Fragments, preferably of Fear, Hope, and/or Chaotic Prophecy, no more than one of each; bid with types and strengths offered.
-Shadow of a wendigo
-Shadow of an amarok
-Three eyes from mortal seers AND tongue from a divine prophet
-A kapala, masterfully crafted but unadorned and never before used
-A dream catcher
-A live Lurk
-A live White Stag, ensouled
-A live hummingbird, ensouled
-A live magic lynx, ensouled
-A marker for the services of a masterful blood mage for the duration of a single project to be specified later, the memory of which will be removed afterward
>>
No. 373814 ID: f6106a

>>373812
upvoting
>>
No. 373815 ID: f334ed

>>373812
This
>>
No. 373818 ID: 21a619

>>373812
This shit nigguh
>>
No. 373826 ID: 31f32d

>>373812
Mostly upvote with caveats

I am against blood/parts of royalty, angel, and dragon... Too high a risk of getting killed.
If you must, ask for blood giving willingly with you taking a binding magical oath to destroy it in a process that empowers yourself rather then using it against them.

Ask for full (and if possible discreet) tutelage from masters in various magical fields to be used by yourself or a person you designate. People should provide lists of the type of teachers they can provide for you to choose from.

Is it possible to make discreet requests such that all who did not provide a certain resource lose the memory of what was asked for? If yes we need to see if we can get more info and possibly training on romanov, darkening, sami, general soul crafting. As well as luck manipulation for sake.

Massive quantities OR quality of high tier magic meats. For a 10 year period. Ideally over 50 lbs a day of powerful stuff, with the option to upgrade/downgrade at your discretion as well as change the location of the deliveries. Some wait time between making a switch request and getting the new type is acceptable. The deliveries must continue to the last location you selected even if you die, such that your allies and next of kin may use them (or yourself if you came back but they don't need to know that).

Also, in addition to all the specific ideas you had, you are open to any offer that gives power that is:
1. Not dependent on replenishing from an outside source.
2. Not consumed in its use, and preferably can grow over time.
>>
No. 374019 ID: e691e2

Making a bigger post as it seems we have more time.
Do we have weapons with us? Grenades? Bullets? We never know what might happen. Ask Sake and SB to ponder if there is any OG question they want Armas to ask- no need for them to tell us NOW, but they should confer and decide on one or two they would really like by the time the auction is over.

>>373812
This list seems pretty good. However, some items on the list may be quite dangerous, and Einrik doesn't have a good track record when it comes to Dragon trying to kill us randomly. So let's check things first. Ask Sake, SB, IT if Dragons or Angels (or Gods for Angels) have a standing rule for killing anyone who even thinks about trading part of Dragon or Angel body. If the answer proves inconclusive, let's ask Amen to answer truthfully if Dragons tend to kill anyone who talked or traded dragon meat, or God/Angel did the same for Angel meat/Blood. No harm in being prepared.
Apart from that, upvote.

>>373826
>Massive quantities OR quality of high tier magic meats.
You are talking about getting stuff even Ruling Dragon might not have, and for life. Not only that, but most of the clients there won't trade stuff for life either, and there is already enough stuff in the list that may label us as a Cannibal. So, SUST.

>Is it possible to make discreet requests such that all who did not provide a certain resource lose the memory of what was asked for? If yes we need to see if we can get more info and possibly training on romanov, darkening, sami, general soul crafting. As well as luck manipulation for sake.
Bad wording, and let's NOT even hint at Romanov or Darkening. SUST talking about those part of our bloodline.
>>
No. 374070 ID: d97a61

My first, thought, the very first-is not about 'what to ask for'.

It's 'how can I twist this more my way?'

It is this thought that guides the first thing I say upon exiting the house and descending into the sewers-but only after motioning for Einrik to follow, recalling his earlier interest.
"Well, I find I have someone who wants to be a guest-an observer to the bidding, if you will. Can this be accommodated, Sometimes Merchant?"
In the gloom behind me, still without stirring my senses in the slightest, there is simply a voice that precedes a presence most familiar.
>[SM]"The Valkonen Heir? Only if he agrees to have his name attached, insofar as being noted as being present under the titling of 'guest of the vendor'."
>[Einrik]"That's agreeable, so long as you are, in fact, referencing Armas here, rather than yourself as intermediaries."
The voice now comes from two feet to my left, that familiar halo softly flickering into visibility above a softly worked, brushed bronze helm styled into an almost leonine visage, bearded and scowling in severity and imperiousness.
>[SM]"An interesting clarification-but of course that is only fair. Yes, your counter-conditions are acceptable. You will have the same presence as the bidder, in that you will gain visual data only, with all communication, audio or otherwise, being encoded and sent as mental communication."
>[Einrik]"I am familiar with your auction protocol. I wonder-how well do you know the Winter Goblins of the northlands?"
>[SM]"Are you willing to trade for such knowledge?"
>[Einrik]"The question wasn't really for my benefit. So, where do I go?"
SM shows no hesitation at Einrik's cryptic words, and at a gesture another, larger goblin appears to lead Einrik off. Now... it's just the halo-sporting goblin and we brothers.
>[SM]"So-in what categories do you wish people to bid?"
"The list right?"
>[SM]"Yes-for I feel confident you won't simply default to currency."
>>373812
>>373814
>>373815
>>373818
"Where to begin-let's start with spirit fragments-mostly looking for Hope, Fear and / or Prophecy, Chaotic oriented preferred."
>[SM]"Chaotic prophetic fragments are more easily obtained, and Fear Fragments vie with Rage for being the most prolific-so I expect some interesting bids there. Incidentally, I am offering explanations as fair trade for the implicit information you're giving me about your interests through your supplied list. And yes, I am obliged to inform you of this-and yes, this information I'm getting from you falls under any non-disclosure deals that cover information I receive from you."
"...Rehearsed speech much?"
>[SM]"Practice. What else?"
"The shadow of a Wendigo-or an Amarok-with the quality and history of it obviously being the big points."
>[SM]"Considering how many affiliates of the Dark petitioned to attend, this also seems likely to get a good response."
"Eyes, plural, from moral seers and at least one tongue from a divine prophet."
>[SM]"...As a personal note, if you ever want to sell why you request that, I would be happy to offer a premium. Beyond that, it is unlikely there will be many counterbids in that field, as not many traffic in such materials."
"The hearts of Mortal Einherjar taken as spoils of victory in combat, each of whom had their powers for at least three years and was slain to fulfill this price. Bid with quantity offered."
>[SM]"Quite a few bids can be had there-but there is a Norse representative of high standing, so the bidding may be quelled in that field."
"Hm. I'm in the market for a masterwork Kapala, never before used."
>[SM]"A highly specialized field but there may be a bid."
"Dream catchers, with their specific functionality being the focus."
>[SM]"Given two experts in the craft are in attendance, I think you may be hard pressed to make a choice. Well then, if you are ready-"
"Hold on I'm not done-I can accept more forms of payment."
>[SM]"Oh?"
"At least one centiliter of blood from a queen whose royal lineage can be traced back at least thirteen generations, the liver of a dragon-willingly given preferred, at least a milliliter of blood from an angelic entity that ascended from being mortal, and at least one gram of an Elder being's flesh. So, an offer in all four categories is needed for the bid-just wanted to clarify."
>[SM]"...Because of the stringency of your requirements, I find it doubtful anyone will wish to bid in that field, given how accessible other options are."
"Also got a bit of a laundry list of creatures I'm looking for, any of which I'll take in the form of a bid-looking for quality, not quantity: A live lurk, a live and ensouled white stag, hummingbird or Lynx, preferrably one that was magical before becoming ensouled.
>[SM]"Dealers in magical beasts are in attendance-there should be no problem with offers here."
"A marker for the services of a masterful blood mage for the duration of a single project to be specified later, the memory of which will be removed afterward."
>[SM]"Ho... I suspect you will get multiple bids on this particular option."
"Okay-THAT, is it."
For a moment the goblin stands still, cocking his head at me.
>[SM]"Interesting that you could make my curiosity as to why there are reports of Red Caps visiting your claimed abode so... arbitrary so easily. Though I suppose that is why you were named friend so easily-"
The voice now comes from inside my own mind, the inside of my skull buzzing.
>[SM]"You are just full of surprises."
The next words come from my right.
>[SM]"So-are you ready?"
"Yeah-so, where are we go-
[DISCONTINUITY]
-ing okay this isn't where we were."

I stand in the middle of a vast valley, it's walls obsidian, lit by an inner indigo light that seeps through the murky crystal fitfully. I feel... attention, vague and filled with static, emanating from the all around me. On all sides, the walls are perfecty smooth, stretching out for hundreds of feet-all the while curving up, and up-and as I crane my neck back I note I'm standing within a genuinely gargantuan crystal ball-

At the very center of which, floating more than fifty meters off the ground-is Mammon's Device, the fell pistol slowly twirling in place.
>[SM]"Well, everyone's here now-"
>"I made it, but Sake didn't get transported. Seems I only fit because we're still the same soul."
Words within my head-
>[SM]"Your soul shadow is most correct-"
The words now echo off the massive, glowing walls around us-
>[SM]"-NOW, prospective bidders, I welcome you one and all on behalf of the Turkish Wyld Goblins. All of you have been provided with the full list of prospective bid categories, and the means of tracking one another's offers. This bid, I must remind all attending, offers permeable attendence to bidders. Do what you must to get your affairs in order in the following null space pause, to a count of three."
The very feel of this place shifts, and seems to hum with a throbbing urgency.
>[SM]"One..."
The sense of attention I feel fluxuates madly, sometimes winking out entirely.
>[SM]"Two..."
The madness continues.
>[SM]"Three."
The hum abates, the realm 'normalizes', or at least reverts to what it was when I entered-

And with a flourish, SM presents me with a list, written in Turkish.
>[SM]"So did the bids reveal themselves: now whose bid claimed the prize?"
There is a sense of... formality to his words that lingers in the back of my mind as I peruse the sheet before me.

[THE LIST OF OFFERS FOR MAMMON'S DEVICE]
1: SPIRIT FRAGMENTS
>---1a: Offer from were tribe. Fear Spirit derived from soul of a vampire that terrorized large swathes of asia before being tricked into willingly offering up it's soul. Now an upper-mid Fear Fragment. In conjunction with this, a lesser Prophecy fragment that was touched by madness, and rendered highly chaotic-and secured against tainting it's surroundings.
----1b: Offer from vampire clan: two upper-mid Fear Fragments, harvested from the stretches of the Never Never that call out to dreamers, the home of nightmares.
>---1c: Offer from individual bidder: A mid-tier prophecy fragment, only mildly Chaos-oriented, that was once a Seer that ascended to Angelic status after being burned to death for witchcraft. Functions as a mid-greater fragment, where prophecies include fire or flame of any sort.

2: SHADOWS
----2a: Offer from Dark representative: Shadow of a Wendigo champion of Bakbakwallanooksiwae slain in battle against Fire Giants. Wendigo's Name is known, and is provided with the shadow.
>---2b: Offer from winter court: Shadow of an Amarok that currently serves as a personal guard to a Winter Fae Noble that feeds it nectar-the shadow is unable to be harmed, but otherwise is a normal Amarok, a horse-sized wolf.
----2c: Offer from private party: shadow of a vampirized wendigo and a vampirized amarok. The base creatures were not extraordinary-but their vampirism did alter them. It's also the only double bid in the category of shadows.

3: SEER/PROPHET PARTS
>---3a: Offer from vampire clan: two eyes from a singular greek seer, three tongues from roman prophets.

4: EINHERJAR HEARTS
----4a: Offer from a private individual: By far the largest offer at six hearts, all within my defined standards. The next best offer is only four, and there is nothing noted to set the hearts apart.

5: NO KAPALA BIDS

6: DREAM CATCHERS
>---6a: Offer from a private party: 'The Shield', a near-Artifact level Dream catcher that will capture any dream-based attacks on the user, and convert the power into spiritual nourishment for the owner automatically.
----6b: Offer from a were tribe: A set of twenty linked 'Peace' Dream Catchers, which both completely prevent owners from having anything but the most restful of sleep without dulling their alertness, and allow the shared owners to visit one another's dreams along safe connections between them.

7: NO QUEEN/DRAGON/ANGEL/ELDER OFFERS

8: LIVE GOODS
>---8a: Offer from a goblin party: A live lurk banished from its tribe after it stole the tribe leader's mate... multiple times... while he was in the room... and forced to willingly swear itself and its soul into the service of whoever its master is. Per the accords, its master can do whatever it wants to the creature outside of flat out destroying its soul.
----8b: Offer from a norse party: A white stag that gained its soul not just from being impossible to hunt for all those in the land it lived in-but also for willingly taunting the hunters by showing itself before losing them. Known to be a trickster, a taunter down to the soul. Took the efforts of a noted hunting group to safely capture it.
>---8c: Offer from private party: A hummingbird that built a nest in a major urban environment-fighting off crows and pest control, it maintained a home directly above the front doors of a local government official through uninmaginable torment. Eventually, the creature was captured only because the very house it was nesting on was destroyed. A soul revolving around absolute dedication to one's principles permeates the tiny creature, and promises to grant it much more staying power should it be rendered a spirit animal.

9: BLOOD SERVICES
----9a: Offer from a private party: While other offers were impressive in their own ways, this one completely dominated the field: This offer guarantees the services of a blood manipulator that has been the driver of many transnational blood rituals, the crafter of blood-oriented artifacts and has won a draw in a duel of blood magic with four clan sires alone. As I look through the impartial goblin assessments, I honestly don't know if I could come up with a request this one COULDN'T fulfill. Best part? Not only do they agree to a memory wipe, but they also freely offer to provide a Never Never pocket to privately complete whatever task it is I'm asking their blood mage to complete.

I'm looking through the list-when the ground shakes, as if thumped with a hammer the size of a house. Twenty feet to my left the obsidian cracks, falls into a brilliant pillar of purple light-as a body pops in, landing nimbly on its feet even as it carries a heavy chest.

It's Blackbeard.
>[SM]"You were not invited to this-"
>[Blackbeard]"Funny thing-the Ghanem family felt fine giving me their voucher-and that is within the Accords, to pass on an invite to a trusted friend, is it not?"
>[SM]"That does not excuse you forcibly entering-"
>[Blackbeard]"No one allowed me entry, citing it as being your orders, and you could not be disturbed. While they are not at fault for following orders, I cannot be held accountable for events your minions wrought."
>[SM]"...While that may be, I am under no obligation to provide a latecomer with the list of prospective bid areas."
>[Blackbeard]"No worries-I think I know what Armas wants. How does Savoy's Blood and current address, along with a set of fifteen disposable charms for warding off harm and three reusable ones? Oh yes-I also got a charm that renders the wearer immune to mind manipulation-don't suppose you'd want that?"
He opens the chest in his hands as he speaks. Within glitter a veritable treasure trove of carefully crafted metal charms-and a single, thick-walled glass vial filled with blood.
>[SM]"...He is allowed to make this offer. So, vendor-what is it that you wish to trade for?
Blackbeard grins confidently in front of me.

This is it. My biggest payout thus far in my magical career. I got a wealth of options-





So what do I pick?
I genuinely encourage you to get on IRC and ask clarifying questions if you have them, or ask in discussion, or such-please only put your final vote in thread.
>>
No. 374083 ID: cf49fc

>>374070
Okay, downvoting any attempts to say yes to Blackbeard, because he WILL try to fuck us and we have no guarantee it's not a death box.

I'm voting for the Flame Prophecy Fragment, or the Lurk With Poor Judgement.
>>
No. 374088 ID: 7c31d2

The hummingbird sounds awesome, I vote for it.
>>
No. 374092 ID: 51d399

First choice: Blood service
What this guy is offering is far too valuable to pass up. He brings expertise, a work area and willingness and means to forget to the table.

Second choice: Einherjar hearts.
These don't have that much value in themselves, but the questions from OG are useful.

Third: Seer parts
I myself don't really know why we wanted them in the first place, but the quality of the offered goods intrigues me.
>>
No. 374103 ID: 5aaf46

Blood mage

second choice: Einhetjar hearts
>>
No. 374106 ID: 200415

First Choice: Hummingbird
Second Choice: Hummingbird
Third Choice: I want my burd

If I have to have legitimate choices then the second is Einheir hearts and the third is the Blood Service.

Can our fancy soul senses and shadowbro detect anything untoward about BB's entrance? It sounded like he blasted his way in which is rather odd for the space-pocket weirdness we're occupying.
>>
No. 374117 ID: f8aa66

"Blackbeard, good to have confirmation you survived that last dust-up. Nice entrance, and you get bonus points for bringing me a fucking treasure chest full of swag.

"Tell me a little bit about these charms you're offering, will you? Are we talking the basic arrow charm and re-chargeable set?" Info-dump.

"The problem being is you just KNOW Savoy's clever enough to have defenses against blood-based attack, just like you do - yeah, I tried it - so that's not so very valuable to me.

And there's a particularly nice pair of spirits on offer from another fellow that I have my eye on, among other offers. So... it's a damn fine offer, mate, but this is literally the perfect weapon for a greedy bastard like you an me I'm offering here. Just scratching the surface nets you a piece of anti-tank artillery that fits in your jacket, and there's a lot more beyond that. Ante up or fold."

Basically, go with 1a Fear spirit+Chaotic Prophecy spirit combo. Fear induces fear and maybe even hallucinations in those we target, and has some middling facility with dreamwalking/nightmares (a la Freddy Kreuger). An excellent trolling tool. But wait, there's more! At no extra cost, 1 Chaotic Prophecy spirit.

Unless BB does increase his bid (which is already the top end in a defensive rig set-up; 15 arrow charms with three excellent and possibly unique charms that tie them all together, increase their scope, and decrease their likelihood to burn out. PLUS the location of a safehouse of Savoy and some blood for taste (mmm, that's a spicy meatball; daddy likes). He probably teleports in and out, but he DOES come back to it fairly regularly. You can't tell me that's not worth a bunch), then let's deal. If he's hesitant, selling him the idea of Mammon's Embrace would increase our bargaining power substantially; a guy like BB could almost certainly reverse-engineer it.
>>
No. 374119 ID: 9a0455

I'd prefer the hearts though, in the long, 6 Orgimmir questions is invaluable.

The bird is also not bad

Blood mage is good to, but it is only one use, so it is limited there.
>>
No. 374121 ID: deeb4b

Six hearts
>>
No. 374122 ID: bdb886

While torturing Savoy, or nulling his devil deal by making it impossible to have children (See: Amen's blood magic) is interesting, as is posing as him and RUINING his reputation even further, I'll have to agree that the Hummingbird is fucking awesome and go with that.

First: Bird
Second: BB
Third: Lurk
>>
No. 374123 ID: b2d68f

og question are super valuable. voting for those
>>
No. 374129 ID: a7b5b4

Say hi to Blackbeard, pirate style, and tell him that his offer is, sadly, out of the question.

"Ahoy thar! Expectin' many things in this parlay, I was, but 'tweren't amongst 'em to be findin' this scrofulous scallywag on deck! How be ye after the little bit o' scrape we were in? Now that be a mighty interestin' trove o' booty ye're bringin', but blast me to Davy Jones, 'tisn't what I were settin' me deadlights out on. Though it be a right temptin' ARRsenal o' baubles ye bring, I give me affy-davvy on that, I can't be seein' that blood to its right an' propers on this tour o' dooty, nor is knowin' where that eelspawn son of a marlin lives, considerin' his little tricksy nature. So me old salt, as much glitter an' shine as yer booty has, and by the powers it do sparkle to beat the sun, 'tis my solemn an' regretted dooty to inform ye that ye're outbid."

And as for choices...
First: Hummingbird
Second: Hearts
Third: Blood service
>>
No. 374132 ID: 252e1b

The lurk is funny as hell, and the stag is awesome, but the hummingbird is incredible.

>A soul revolving around absolute dedication to one's principles permeates the tiny creature, and promises to grant it much more staying power should it be rendered a spirit animal.

That translates into DISCIPLINE. What does Armas lack? DISCIPLINE! He's got the attention span of a gnat, so this hummingbird will help shore up one of Armas' worst personality traits. That, coupled with the speed boost from it being a fucking hummingbird make it PERFECT for Armas.

Bob said in IRC: "[As a spirit animal the hummingbird's dedication will apply to] defending that which you define as 'yours', when pursuing a contract or otherwise 're-acting' to something. Self-starting research would get no benefit unless [Armas] could incorporate it into the previously listed"

That's a one-of-a-kind hummingbird, and easily one of the very best offers on the table.

Also IRC chatz
(18:23:53)<Guile>the animals are awesome - but even though we'll prolly never get those exact animals again, we can get A lurk or A hummingbird
(18:23:59)<Guile>there's better out there
(18:24:47)<PMquestionstoBobhere>Better? That's actually THE best hummingbird, and one of the top four stags-and one of the top thirty lurks (that are currently alive)
(18:25:04)<PMquestionstoBobhere>Also Guile, the hummingbird was EVICTED by the house demo, NOT killed.
(18:26:32)<Guile>*house explodes* *hummingbird finally decides to leave*

>He opens the chest in his hands as he speaks. Within glitter a veritable treasure trove of carefully crafted metal charms-and a single, thick-walled glass vial filled with blood.

There's no need to antagonize Blackbeard here. We want to save making him angry for when we need him to make a mistake.

>>374129

YES! The pirate talk is perfect. It's silly and mildly mocking without being overtly insulting. It is very much Armas.
>>
No. 374134 ID: f70e5e

1st choice. the humming bird
2nd. the stag
3rd. anyone not blackbeard. if he gets it good odds we will get shot with it at some point.

>>374129
up-voting the pirate accent when talking to blackberd.
>>
No. 374141 ID: 421737

I can't believe you windbags are picking the hearts over the lurk. All the pranks we could pull!

I'm voting LURK and you can't stop me.

>"The hearts of Mortal Einherjar taken as spoils of victory in combat, each of whom had their powers for at least three years and was slain to fulfill this price. Bid with quantity offered."

There is a problem with the wording there.

>and was slain to fulfill this price.

is not the same as

"...for Soul-Swearing to slay any Einherjar you encounter... and to reward you with any information you desire from the fields of... anything but myself each time you slay an Einherjar."

Directly ordering a hit on Einherjar might count. Unfortunately a slaying to fulfill the price of a number of hearts isn't the same thing as a slaying to see that number of Einherjar dead at Armas' command. The former is a killing for the heart, not to kill the Einherjar. The latter is a killing to kill.
>>
No. 374148 ID: b83c65

TrollStag is a faithful compainion, a noble compainion, and someone who can troll at Shadowbro and Sake's level. However, he must have an S name. See if we can make sure of that.
>>
No. 374151 ID: 2809c7

>>374135
You have me convinced. I'm not going to throw my vote away on lurk, but I will not vote for the hearts.

The other leading item is the bird, so I'm throwing in for the hummingbird.
>>
No. 374162 ID: 421737

>>374141
I changed my mind, I don't want to "throw my vote away on lurk" either, so I am changing my vote from lurk to 8c, hummingbird.
>>
No. 374163 ID: 19ebef

Wait a second.
If they already have the hearts, doesn't that mean that they already killed the Einherjar in purpose to fullfill this request? So that should mean that those Einherjar have already been killed at our behest.

We don't need the hearts to recieve the answers from Og, we just need to play a part in slaying them (evrn ordering a hit should work). The hearts were just a cover.

Unless I am missing something, we already have 10 answers.

Anyway, lets take the Burd. Failinh that, the Blood Mage.
>>
No. 374168 ID: 048990

I agree with what's been said about the hummingbird. That's one awesome bird, and the idea of having a hummingbird spirit animal is too amusing to pass up. Failing that, the stag looks fun, or the Blood Mage.

First: Hummingbird
Second: Stag
Third: Blood service
>>
No. 374170 ID: 44766a

Voting for the Hummingbird
>>
No. 374230 ID: 3fd4fb

>>374070
>So what do I pick?
We pick... up the gauntlet that Blackbeard has thrown. This wasn't merely an offer from him to buy Mammon's Device, no. This was a challenge to social combat- from him to both us and Sometimes Merchant. And we might not be the world's best when it comes to physical throwdowns, but damned if we won't tear this fucker apart in a social engagement.

Our objectives in order of importance:
1. Look good before the observing crowd of important persons/beings, preferably giving away no information we don't need to and leaving them with an impressive show/the impression that we're highly competent
2. Ensure that we gain and Blackbeard loses the maximum number of assets
3. Arrange for his death or weakening in a manner which doesn't violate the Accords, if we can

I shouldn't even need to say this, but just in case- at no point should we attempt to lie. Lying is bad. Deceptive truthfulness all the way.

First, enter mental speed mode and communicate with Shadowbro. Sometimes Merchant demonstrated an ability to hear us when we do that- if he can also hear us when we're accelerated, then we can effectively chat with both Shadowbro and Sometimes Merchant faster than Blackbeard can blink- and preferably it won't be transmitted to any of the other auction participants, either. If possible, we can use this mental communication to arrange for a social 2v1 against Blackbeard, with us playing up how much we want what he has and pushing the negotiation, and Sometimes Merchant carefully facilitating/bringing up those rules of conduct here which are beneficial to our objectives. Both of us are highly skilled in social manipulation- working together and with near-instant, undetected communication which is entirely unknown to the other party, we should be able to play almost anyone like a fiddle. Even if he can't catch what we say while accelerated, even standard-speed communication should provide a fairly decisive advantage. The below should be carried out with the full (if silent) cooperation with Sometimes Merchant if possible, and adjusted on the fly as necessary to account for his input.

With Sometimes Merchant hopefully on our side, focus on Blackbeard. Phase one: Get something out of him before even really beginning our discussion. This is most easily accomplished by convincing him that we can't take his offer unless he gives Sometimes Merchant something; since Sometimes Merchant will know that he got the stuff by our efforts we'll be able to settle up with him for a reward reflecting our efforts later. Present ourselves to Blackbeard as intrigued by his offer. "Those are- your personal charm set?" Sound impressed. "That is definitely something I want. Are they-" pause for a moment and grimace faintly, like we've just remembered something. Dart eyes subtly towards Sometimes Merchant. "Unfortunately, technical status aside, accepting the offer of someone who violently flouted standard procedures here and offered no recompense when challenged for it would be an insult to the Turkish Wyld Goblins, and that is something I must not do." Stress the phrase 'must not' ever so slightly; we just don't want to do it, but hopefully we'll be able to make him think that we're bound by a Bargain of some sort and are actually unable to accept his offer. If he doesn't immediately move to the conclusion we want him to: "I am selling Mammon's Device, not Mammon's Device and an insult. I'm sorry we can't pursue this, but as things stand I personally won't consider your offer." If we have to get really blatant, "Pay restitution that the auctioneer agrees is proportionate to the damage done, and I'll be free to look at what you've got- and your offer moves close to the top, if your charms are what I suspect they are."

Hopefully that will go off well. Step two is to get information out of him as to exactly how his defenses work, and to negotiate a high bid. "Great. Now, those charms... what exactly do they do? I know you missed out on the other offers, but they went into somewhat more detail than you have- and charms vary widely in worth." Get details details details. Take a while on this, so we look like we seriously care. At some point, "You know, Savoy's blood and address are nice- but not actually worth as much to me as you seem to think. Not sure where you got the impression that I had serious need of them. What else have you got to make up the value?" And possibly, once we just need to keep greedily pushing, "I have to say, there's one thing that's still disappointing about your bid- where are the giant stacks of money? Aren't you absurdly rich?"

Step three, we try for a very nasty trick- we attempt to get Blackbeard to hand off his payment without explicitly getting Mammon's Device in return for them. If he lets his items leave his possession without explicitly being told that he's getting Mammon's Device in exchange for it, or having a guarantee that he will retain ownership and that others will inspect them only for a certain purpose, then fuck him and those items cease to be his. Aiming for this, once we've gotten details on the charms and haggled for a while over things to make it look genuine, grin like we're pleased. "I think we're in business. Our auctioneer can confirm that the charms are what you said, right? Affirming that bids are as claimed is part of the facilitator's role here, I believe." Possibly also mention counting money/etc., if that's been brought up. Get Sometimes Merchant to answer yes (because he can and it is his function), and then continue "Great. Give him the stuff, he'll inspect them, then if your bid's in order I'll accept it." (Hopefully his bid will not be in order, because after Sometimes Merchant claims it he will no longer be able to pay us with the items he claimed to be able to pay us with. If that fails, we will accept his bid, but not as the winning bid- only as a bid.) Make sure our body language emphasizes wanting his stuff at this point; we need to ensure that any read on us he gets picks up on how much we want the thing and it doesn't seem like we'd want to risk not getting them by running a con.

Phrasing and exact events are key here, as well as our understanding of the situation. Make sure that we've communicated the loopholes we intend to use to Sometimes Merchant, and accelerated-thought go over our wording with Shadowbro before we say things so that we can be certain we're not carelessly fucking up if possible. The last line in particular is risky, but is must sound just like we're making a solid deal- Blackbeard's no fool, and he's dealt with fae a lot before; we can expect him to be quite savvy about this sort of thing.

If our plan, though some miracle, goes off exactly as we want it to and we get all Blackbeard's loot for free- grin like nobody's business. Comment to the room at large that we would be glad to consider further dealings with the bidding parties, should they wish to contact us, then say the actual bid we accept- by number and letter rather than identifying what we're getting, so that Blackbeard doesn't know- and have the auction end before Blackbeard can figure out what the fuck just happened.

As we leave, see if Sometimes Merchant is able to track Blackbeard and maybe send the location where he comes back into Istanbul to Camella, possibly warping time or space somehow on his exit to ensure that she gets a good ambush on. It's uncertain what kind of shenanigans Blackbeard pulled in order to get into this auction, but he'll have to leave somehow and dropping information into the hands of unrelated parties which they may or may not act on is certainly something which Sometimes Merchant can't be held responsible for in the eyes of the Accords.

SUST any suggested interactions (or lack thereof) with Blackbeard which directly conflict with this plan.

I really hope the above is as coherent and effective as I would like it to be.
>>
No. 374241 ID: 200415
File 132454880393.jpg - (173.54KB , 1604x1080 , \'\'Artist\'s\'\' interpr.jpg )
374241

>>374230
Supporting this idea with the small caveat that if SB DOESN'T want us to screw BB in this manner, we shouldn't. Otherwise, commence trickery.
>>
No. 374254 ID: 1e3433

Can we not waste the Og questions or a job from a powerful blood mage or the Lurk or really any of the useful ones for a fucking Hummingbird? Please?
>>
No. 374265 ID: 11e1b6

hearts
>>
No. 374269 ID: 448d82

>>374230
Upvoting, this will be hilarity.

>>374245
I see your Sust, and raise you a point, BB's actions have hardly been resonable, also he is a mortal, most beings find mortals things to be messed about with, if BB hadn't the presence of thought to be a bidder in the usual manner, we can hardly be held to account for it. Also SM was NOT happy about the situation. Something for Armas to consider.

My vote is for;
2c: Vamp Wendigo and Amarok
Or
Let SB choose

regardless SB should be consulted.
Second vote being The einherar hearts
An Og Question would solve several outstanding problems we have, like AMEN, that being gets worse the longer we leave him. A humming bird won't be much use to us if we are dead or worse.
>>
No. 374273 ID: a1744c

Einherjar hearts
>>
No. 374279 ID: 5b429e

I vote for the hummingbird. We're getting the best hummingbird and hummingbirds are the best speed spirits. The hummingbird seems fitting to go with our Spear of the Ghost. Aside from that combine with SB speed boost and possibly red cap footwork.
>>374129
Upvoting the pirate speak.
Aside from that just don't go with BB cause we'll eat it to the face. Didn't SB say specifically we shouldn't acquire shadows for him?It would tinge his career or something. So er probably shouldn't go shadows either.
>>
No. 374281 ID: c3d365

I Would prioritize 1a, 2a and 8c, roughly in that order. The Einher hearts only if it is certain that their deaths will count towards Og questions.
----------
Regarding Blackbeard I would deny his offer. It's just something that would come back to haunt you. Giving a greed powered item to the greediest man known? Bad idea. However ask if you could arrange to trade for some of those items through other means at a later time. No hard feelings.
>>
No. 374282 ID: bb2b18

1St Choice: Einherjar Hearts.
2nd choice: Lurk.
>>
No. 374284 ID: 50adac

hearts
>>
No. 374286 ID: 3fd4fb

After due consideration, I would be content with the hummingbird spirit, the shadow of the Wendigo champion, and the six Einherjar hearts.

>>374230
Addenda and additional considerations on this- apologies for increasing its already substantial length, but my hope is that this will make the suggestion more usable/successful.

On the topic of Sometimes Merchant not wanting to do this- we have only a limited amount of information on the political dynamics here. My reading of it is that Sometimes Merchant's credibility as an auctioneer has been massively hurt by having Blackbeard show up like this, and he will therefore be 110% behind any attempt to visibly make Blackbeard's actions end poorly so that other people aren't tempted to pull the same kind of shit in the future. This might be an incorrect reading of his position, in which case we can abort or modify some of the plan as necessary to account for him based upon what he says. Fortunately we can talk with him in a manner which Blackbeard shouldn't be able to detect, allowing us to confirm what is and is not appropriate without alerting our mark.

Throughout, it's important that we keep Blackbeard thinking that our focus is dominated by two things: One, a desire for stuff, and two, a fear of getting screwed over. Use the first to constantly push for more stuff while keeping Blackbeard convinced that he has us hooked if he can just reel us in, and the second to push him into doing what we want if he grows resistant, by evincing apparent bindings, concerns, or paranoia that he is forced to assuage to move the deal forward.

Phase three is the most delicate part of the con, and it's there that we might run into the most trouble since he might not want to hand over the goods; if we do, push the fear bit increasingly hard to keep him from thinking of us as a clever-wording fae-type dealer. Potentially useful statements: "You think I'm going to trust just your word as to what those do, on something this important? You've got a vested interest in overselling their power to tempt me. And in selling me booby trapped goods or ones with weaknesses you haven't mentioned to try and screw me later, for that matter." If he says others would sense his lies, or something like that: "You could have anticipated that, and arranged for yourself to be mentally modified in advance to believe what you're saying." If he's particularly resistant, we can even pull out the paranoiac's ultimate trump card: "If that's how it is... then throw one other thing on your offer. I want a Soul Swear from you to never act against me and mine, directly or indirectly." He will of course object, but- "It's a big world out there and there are plenty of other people to fuck with to immense profit. Giving me a little peace of mind on this isn't so much to ask."

If Sometimes Merchant has total control over this realm, it doesn't violate the strictures of the auction, and feels like cooperating, he might be able to swap out the floating Mammon's Device with a replica using NN time shenanigans and leave us open to dramatically saying "And you... get that" while pointing at it or a similar line.

Quibbles about the wording of our stuff can potentially be met with very direct statements conditional upon Sometimes Merchant's actions, if we can get silent communication with him going. For example, we could say "The moment the auctioneer gives me confirmation that your charms are what you've said and have no nasty drawbacks, restrictions, or features unknown to me, I'll declare you the auction winner and Mammon's Device is yours." That's basically impossible to misinterpret- but it's also entirely conditional on Sometimes Merchant's actions, and we can silently Bargain with him to, say, give him a dollar in exchange for no one ever giving us that information while in the role of auctioneer.
>>
No. 374288 ID: ac9528

Einherjar Hearts.
>>
No. 374301 ID: fd1333

The six hearts.
>>
No. 374312 ID: 952834

Voting for the bird because exchanging a demonic artifact for hearts is ridiculous
>>
No. 374316 ID: dc0e3c

A hummingbird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
>>
No. 374318 ID: 252e1b

>>374230

Hey I already voted, but I like your plan up to step three. If we stop at step two (tricking Blackbeard into paying restitution) I'd be ok with it.

But we need to trick him while talking like a pirate.
>>
No. 374322 ID: 1291db

I vote we take Blackbeard's offer.
>>
No. 374324 ID: 198f12

Hearts
>>
No. 374326 ID: 305e7a

Bird
>>
No. 374327 ID: f6106a

First and only choice: 1a, Fear and prophesy spirit from the weres.

The fear one would be a level five combat trait from the start, and unlike Spirit Animals, Fragments can grow in power.
>>
No. 374328 ID: a054dd

The hummingbird seems like the best option
>>
No. 374331 ID: 8211e6

>>374327
Five trait from the start and grows? FUCK YEAH BITCHES!

Fragments from the weres WOOOO!
>>
No. 374333 ID: 2532ff

Motherfucking Cathy bugging me. Voting for Fragments from the Weres.

Also, you call me, leave a message saying to call back right away, and then you turn you phone off not five minutes later? Asshole!
>>
No. 374335 ID: bb3091

I vote for Blackbeards offer
>>
No. 374336 ID: e2bb0a

dynamic IP, I'm b2d68f changing vote to fragments since they can level with us.
>>
No. 374337 ID: d571c6

First Choice: 4a

Second Choice: 1a

Third Choice: 8a
>>
No. 374339 ID: 0d5620

Has the bearded one started writing an update? I hope not.

Voting for fear and chaotic prophesy fragments.
>>
No. 374351 ID: 272973

I am proxy. So is other guy. We are Chinese. China is the best!

Hummingbird is the best!
>>
No. 374353 ID: 31aeaa

Is Soviet Russia, Proxy posts by you! Soviet Proxy best Proxy.

Dead Einher is much best then stupid bird!
>>
No. 374358 ID: 330636

1a) The pair of fragments would synergise well with Armas existing powers.
>>
No. 374363 ID: 3947e9

switching to 1a, the fragments.

SUSTing any notion of openly scoffing or otherwise revealing info about ourselves and our motives. Just choose an option with a poker face.
>>
No. 374372 ID: 50f03f

I vote for trolling BB (if SM doesn't mind) then taking
>1a:. upper-mid Fear Fragment and lesser Prophecy fragment touched by madness

Additionally I would like to contact the current owners of the hummingbird. Maybe we can buy it from them at a later date. Ask SM for ways to contact them.
>>
No. 374374 ID: 20f16f

Voting for 1a: Offer from were tribe. Fear Spirit derived from soul of a vampire that terrorized large swathes of asia before being tricked into willingly offering up it's soul. Now an upper-mid Fear Fragment. In conjunction with this, a lesser Prophecy fragment that was touched by madness, and rendered highly chaotic-and secured against tainting it's surroundings.
>>
No. 374400 ID: cf49fc

>>374083
Changing to 1a or Hummingbird.

LURK WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART
>>
No. 374436 ID: 08be1e

>>374230
>>374286
Upvoting except I am voting for either of 1a and 8c.
>>
No. 374444 ID: f0cf28

>>374230
>>374286
>>374135
>>374230
Oh god this will be awesome. SM will owe us a small favor if done right, UPVOTAN
Also, voting for 1a.
>>
No. 374465 ID: 19ebef

19ebef Here. Posting from a phone with dynamic ip.

Just realised that hummingbird while awesome is a mundane animal, which means that if on later date we want another spirit animal but this time a magic animal (a hydra for example), we will have to give up the humming bird. Iirc Bob said that by getting a mythical spirit animal, the link to mundane gets burned or some jumbo like that and you cannot have mundane ones anymore.

So voting for Blood Mage or the fear fragments.
>>
No. 374480 ID: 63d7f1

Changing my vote to 8c
>>
No. 374481 ID: 32e092

>>374465
Word of Bob says you are mistaken.

As such, I vote 8c. Much as that Lurk is hilarious, and much as I'd like to have an Amarok, this one complements our current nature too well to turn down.
>>
No. 374482 ID: c6ce12

First Choice: Live Goods offer 8c

Second Choice: Shadows offer 2a
>>
No. 374484 ID: ac6c03

Throwing my hat into the ring, Voting for 8c.
>>
No. 374514 ID: e691e2

>>374230
>>374286
UPVOTING
Other ideas when we are confusing him is to have SB talking if he wants a different, more binding, wording. Also, we might think about making a separate deal with SM for this entertainment, and accepting SM's deal when BB ask for his deal to be accepted (maybe have Armas being deprived of all his senses but talking to SM, to make sure he can focus his whole attention on him). I do wonder if it would be possible to align our chakras to the concept of our M trait, or even some kind of amalgam of the concept of all our social traits. We'd have to check with SB first if it threatens to make our brain explode.

Changing my vote because after thinking more, we don't just want the auction item- we also want contacts. And i am kinda wary of norse guy wanting to kill us for Einherjar vengence, as well as not to thrilled who could be this 'private individual' we'd get it from.

1St Choice: 8c Basically, Fragments are maybe more powered (at least at first), but you can't really set them directly to the soul without having 'side effects', and Armas, if he set directly to the soul, can use inner self sculpting, which is RIDICULOSULY good.

Also, some more infro about mythics has come to light.
>>
No. 374672 ID: d97a61
File 132467488688.jpg - (1.76MB , 2074x1472 , Hummingbird.jpg )
374672

>>374230
>>374241
>>374269
>>374318
>>374400
>>374444
>>374514
I am tempted... to do many things. I could laugh in Blackbeard's face. I could mercilously mock him, flat out ignore him-but as interesting as all those options could be-I'm more inclined to try my hand at manipulating him. Not that I'm actually going to try on my own-no, I plan to have a bit of overwhelming force on my side.
SB, pay attention to this-Sometimes Merchant, hello? Testing testing, if you can hear this I think I know how we can both profit from Blackbeard's entry.
>[SM]"I already have-but do go on."
So it is I explain what I'm shooting for-a pretty simple thing, really, at least on the surface. SM rather obviously knows the rules of how his people conduct auctions inside and out-and can communicate with me discreetly by intermingling himself with my existing communication-all of which is accelerated mental communication on my part. So, we have the means to deliberate, discuss and delegate that is far more time efficient than Blackbeard can hope for, and hopefully have access to more collective knowledge (I'm really banking on SM here more than myself). The 'plan' itself is pretty damn simple: Look good before the observing crowd/give away minimal information before accepting winning bid, ensure we gain and Blackbeard loses a maximal amount of assets, and ideally wrap up by arranging his dead or some form of debilitating impairment which doesn't violate the accords.

SM's response to my plan? I'm not even sure how but he injects a mental image of his bronze helm into our communication realm-and shifts it to a laughing face.
>[SM]"Yes-yes, this one can accomodate.

>[ AS SEEN FROM A BIDDER'S PERSPECTIVE ]

>[The Possibly Human Seller]"Those are - hm, your personal charm set?"
He makes one of those disgusting human noises while smiling appreciatively
>[The Seller]"That is definitely an offer of interest to me. Are they-"
The Seller turns to the Wyld Goblin Auctioneer, their shared gaze conveying the sense of weighty words being shared for but a moment, before turning back to the Interloper with a slight grimace. What secrets do they trade?
>[The Seller]"Unfortunately, technical status aside, accepting the offer of someone who violently flouted standard procedures here even while ostensibly following the letter of the primary facets of the Accord all while offering no recompense when challenged for it would be an insult to the Turkish Wyld Goblins, and this is something I mus not do."
Hm. Possible prior contracts demanding certain behaviors? Not unusual. But this Seller looks less and less a human, stupid monkey face or no, if it knows enough about the Accords and how they pertain to the Auctioneers-or maybe that's a byproduct of whatever demands it not accept such an offer? Curious."
>[The Interloper, while gesturing expansively]"Come now Armas-
The Seller's name, or just a moniker? I'll use it either way.
>[The Interloper]"-we both know how much my charm set could benefit you. It did, after all, see me through a scrape or nine-in fact, I think you and yours are intimately familiar with a few of them. Besides, can you really say anything you got offered is worth more than what I brought?"
Is that true? Does the Seller, this 'Ar-Mas' value charms so highly when it did not even list such items for trade? The disinterested look on the Seller's face says otherwise.
>[Seller, Presumably 'Armas']"Blackbeard, I'm selling Mammon's Device, not Mammon's Device and an insult. I'm sorry we can't pursue this, but as things stand I will not consider your offer."
>[The Interloper that you suppose must be 'Blackbeard']"You'd really pass on this? We both know what the information on Savoy would mean to you."
Savoy? Heard that name before, where, where-royals, maybe? Summer Court as I recall. Interesting
>[The Auctioneer]"He would be obligated to pass on it-or do you assume people inclined to break magically binding agreements?"
Before the interloper can respond-
>[Armas]"Pay restitution that the auctioneer agrees is proportionate to the damage done, and I'll be free to look at what you've got- and your offer moves close to the top, if your charms are what I suspect they are. But until then-your offer effectively does not exist."
This, at least, the interloper doesn't have a quick response for. He simply looks back and forth between the Seller and the Auctioneer-before he pulls a heavy, flat-faced gold ring off his left hand and tosses it to the Auctioneer.
>[Blackbeard]"There-'restitution' unless you say a charm isn't a viable payment method."
The Auctioneer and the Seller share a look-and again, more seems to pass between them than that moment should allow.
>[Armas]"Great. Now, those charms... what exactly do they do? I know you missed out on the other offers, but they went into somewhat more detail than you have- and charms vary widely in worth."
>[Blackbeard]"You'd have me say it here?"
>[Armas]"Do you have a problem with that?"
>[Blackbeard]"Not if you don't. Fine. Like I said-fifteen charms. Dozen are conventional disposable ranged protective charms-Indian make. Remaining three are renewable charms. Two passively augment other charms-one upgrades all disposable ranged defensive charms to only be burned out by 'bullets blessed by luck and guided by skill' or 'magically invested bullets with magic invested outside of increased damage'. The other upgrades all disposable charm's effective range: ranged defensive also protect against melee and vice versa, fire protection protects against extreme temperatures, that sort of thing. Last charm is renewable but self contained: it's a charm with inbuilt instructions for ritual. With the user's blood, it can produce one 'charge' per six hours. The charm can hold twelve charges. Each charge offers 'instant recovery from non-instantly fatal harm' when expended. This charm counts as all charm types, for the purposes of upgrade-offering charms. There, what you wanted-an explanation in front of all those who bid."
>[Armas]"And nicely offered. You know, Savoy's blood and address are nice- but not actually worth as much to me as you seem to think. Not sure where you got the impression that I had serious need of them. What else have you got to make up the value?"
>[Blackbeard]"You really think I'll buy you don't care about Savoy?"
>[Armas]"It's not that he's completely without interest-it's just I have more relevant issues to contend with. Why care about that washout just now?"
The Savoy they keep speaking about has to have some notoriety in the modern mortal magical community, as the Interloper looks completely befuddled by this response. The seller keeps speaking.
>[Armas]"I have to say, there's one thing that's more disappointing than anything else about your bid- where are the giant stacks of money? Aren't you absurdly rich?"
Again, the intruder says nothing for a moment, gathering his thoughts. The seller does not give him time to finish, his beard positively curling in glee-and greed.
>[Armas]"Well, I'm sure we can work out the details..."
So it is that for five minutes, a hectic series of bartering transpires-where the interloper is eventually forced to put three rings not unlike the one he gave the auctioneer into the chest, explaining each one to be magically-oriented ranged defensive charms, fully within the scope of the augmentive charms he already offers. After plunking down the third ring the interloper seems to stand resolute, his confidence completely restored as he reads the obvious greed coming off the seller. ...Are our bids to be ignored for this fool's interference? ...Or does the good host have a game in mind?
"I think we're in business. Our auctioneer can confirm that the charms are what you said, right? Affirming that bids are as claimed is part of the facilitator's role here, I believe."
>[Auctioneer]"Per the binding agreements of function the Wyld Goblins operate under, this is so."
>[Armas]"Great. Give him the stuff, he'll inspect them, then if your bid's in order I'll accept it."
>[Blackbeard]"Certainly-if I get to inspect the Device while you inspect my offer. It is only fair."
>[Auctioneer]"That would only be accurate if you had not breached the auction space of your own volition, rather than securing conventional entry. Gifted rights to attend or no, such actions do downgrade you from 'implicit friend until the auction is concluded' to 'guest'. As such-no, your request need not be honored. You are entitled to demand satisfaction if the item bartered for is not what you were told it would be-but no rights cover you prior to the deal."
>[Armas]"You think I didn't already go through this with him? If you don't hand him the stuff, there's still no way I can consider your offer, recompense to the host or no."
The seller... he reminds me of a goblin himself. Is he a simulacrum of the goblin's design? I wonder.
>[Blackbeard]"I'll do it one at a time. Call me greedy and I'll thank you for it, but until the deal is closed I don't want to let much of this out of my grasp."
>Armas]"That's fine. Start with whichever you wish to give him first."
After a moment's hesitation, the interloper hands one of the disposable charms to the auctioneer, who briefly inspects it, nods, and hands it back. So it goes for the next six disposable charms-and even for the passive effect charm that widens fields of effect. On the offering of the Ritual charm, however-
>[Auctioneer]"Yes, this is authenticated-Svartelf make, I believe. This should do well."
>[Armas]"Really? That one's good?"
The seller smiles brightly at the interloper-and speaks in a strange dialect with a massive leer painting his face.
>>374129
>[Armas]"Expectin' many things in this parlay, I was, but 'tweren't amongst 'em to be findin' yon scrofulous scallywag lambasting the deals on deck! Now that be a mighty interestin' trove o' booty ye're bringin', but blast me to Davy Jones, 'tisn't what I were settin' me deadlights out on. Though it be a right temptin' ARRsenal o' baubles ye bring, scoundrel to scoundrel ye know how this deal is going. So me old salt, as much glitter an' shine as yer booty has, and by the powers it do sparkle to beat the sun, 'tis my solemn an' regretted dooty to inform ye that ye're outbid."
Switching back to conventional speech.
>[Armas]"On a related note thank you for the complementary charm-and good day sir."
With that there is a flash of heavy goblinic magic swirling about the auction space-and the black-bearded man, the wide-brimmed hat-sporting interloper, booty chest and all-is gone. The Auctioneer turns to the seller, and freely offers up the charm.
>[Auctioneer]"As promised, for services rendered."
The seller accepts it with the minimal amount of grace and poise.
>[Armas]"Excellent-now where was I? Oh yes, I was about to pick-"
>[ NOW BACK TO ARMAS' PERSPECTIVE ]


[ Due to prolific proxy use voting for Einher hearts, this option is exempted from the possible selections, and all votes for 4a will be ignored. Those of you who are posting for the first time now: you are strongly recommended to post at least a once per thread outside of votes to demonstrate you are unlikely to be a proxy. ]

>>374088Asellus
>>374106Lurker
>>374119Triad
>>374122Shot
>>374129Gunpowder
>>374132BUTTZ
>>374134new guy
>>3741512809c7
>>374162421737
>>374168048990
>>37417044766a
>>374279LightEcho
>>374286Ironybot
>>374312952834
>>374316dc0e3c
>>374326305e7a
>>374328a054dd
>>374480Price Is Magic
>>37448132e092
>>374482Grail
>>374484ac6c03
>>374514Arkeus
8c: Hummingbird

>>374117Guile
>>374281Evilp
>>374327TMIoverload
>>3743318211e6
>>374332Grail
>>374333ThatfinefellowThair
>>374336b2d68f
>>374337d571c6
>>374358Alratan
>>374363MrTT
>>374365Abeo
>>374372torac
>>374374Dart666
>>374400cf49fc
>>374394Price is Magic
>>374444DoubleU
>>37446519ebef
1a: Fear spirit/proph spirit

And votes for other things in minimal amounts.

[ Hummingbird wins! ]

"-The Hummingbird offer from a private party."
With that, Sometimes Merchant, who I think I just spoke with more in the last few moments than all our prior interactiosn combined, speaks in a booming voice.
>[SM]"So it is the seller has made his choice. I thank you all for attending."
As I rub a thumb over the front of the wheel-like medallion charm I 'acquired' from Blackbeard, hoping Ricky and Lucy find him where he was unceremoniously ejected into the Undersewers-
[ DISCONTINUITY ]
I stand in a new place.

I couldn't say what's more noticeable to me-that I'm down to exactly two sensible sources of attention-or that we're now in what looks like a medieval smoking lounge. In this room, no more than fifteen feet to a side, sits but three pieces of furniture-a simple wooden table covered in a tablecloth made-made... oh, made of human faces. ...Okay. ...Come on brain, move past this!-
-There are two chairs, both covered... in VELVET, okay, I can work with that-that sport rather notable faded bloodstains. Sharing the room with me are my everpresent shadow, the Merchant.....

And an old, dusky grey-indigo woman, her wrinkled skin and lean frame doing nothing to hide her force of will and drive. I start noting details about her even as she moves to sit at the table-white hair isn't lacking pigment like an albino's hair-it's actually legitimately colored an opaque, nearly iridescent alabaster. Her hands are larger than I expected, and the muscle definition in her palms and forearms, combined with her decidedly scarred fingertips, tells me she has a grip that could kill. He eyes are slitted like a cat's, and seem to oh-so faintly glow with a neon pink, replete with visible veins in the iris and cornea alike. He mouth, while currently shut, has lips that go the full way about her face to each of her ears-more massive at rest than my best smile. Final thing to note: She's wearing a kimono of some sort, or at least I think it is-I don't really know enough about exotic fashion to be certain, but the slightly tattered, well-worn gray garment definitely looks like it.
As SM moves up to the side of the table, I take a seat across from the strange woman-and wait.
>[SM]"So it is that the Seller finds the offer of a live, ensouled hummingbird adequate for his item. Shall you complete the transaction?"
"I will."
>[SM]"So it is the Seller reaffirms. Do you, the bidder, confirm that you have no qualms with this method of payment?"
>[Old Woman]"I have none."
Her voice sounds like charcoal falling down a waterfall made of tar, and grates on my ears."
>[SM]"Then let the trade be made."

The merchant holds forth both of his hands, both palms glowing. In a darkling flash of darkest shadow, each of his hands is filled-the one nearest the woman with the familiar sight of Mammon's Device-

While the hand nearest me proffers forth what at first look like a snow globe, filled with naught but a slender tree branch-and a tan-bodied hummingbird with a head covered in reflective metallic feathers that ripple through the colors of the sunset. The creature does not move or act in any way-all the same, glaring at the tiny bird I see it's soul plane as day-a diminuitive figure as proud as a lion with a perpetual chip on it's shoulder ready to face down the world itself in defense of what's his. On it's soul, tiny as it may be, I see the weight of experiences piled high, the death-defying struggles nearly every day of it's life-and it's eventual capture.... at the hands of the individual before me. I am broken out of my reverie by the merchant commenting further.
>[SM]"The Deal has been concluded-and the auction has now finished. This room is free for your use as long as you wish, is completely inaccessible from the outside once occupied, and can be left at any time exclusively by saying 'Our business has concluded.'"
Lending truth to his words-the goblin vanishes the moment he speaks.

>[Older woman]"So...."
I turn back to the woman who's bid I selected, now idly toying with the oversized pistol in her spindly grasp.
>[Older woman]"Why oh why does it feel like we have similar..."
Her mouth opens, to reveal warped molars for teeth, each one so angular they're effectively a four-pointed fang, jaw physics-breakingly wider than her face-
>[Older woman]"Tastes, oh Friend of Winter?"



I've made my call.
I fucked over Blackbeard and claimed his Ritual Charm.
I've got my bird.
Now here I sit in a room where no one can watch us, just me, my shadow... and the winning bidder.











What do we talk about?
Once I say 'our business is concluded' Do I have anything I absolutely have to do before I get some sleep? (It is past midnight)
>>
No. 374705 ID: f8aa66
 

Woo, Blackbeard is gonna be pissed. We need to figure out that charm real quick before he tracks us down and headshots us.

Smile back at the yama uba. For once, we don't have the creepiest smile in the room! "Perhaps we do, grandmother. Perhaps, at that. If I may ask, do you find yourself enjoying the world beyond your mountains?" Did SM ever intimate these guys were all local? We could ask how she's liking Istanbul, but if she's not local, that gives her a piece of information and makes us look slow.

What else to talk about, what else... in some iterations of the stories, the yama-uba is a human that became a kami. Now isn't THAT interesting info for Godling Armas? Also, depending on if she's wearing that kimono by choice... we do know a quite fantastic tailor. Not sure if Amen is up on japanese styles, but why not?

For the hummingbird... The hummingbird's courage and fortitude deserves respect, but there's just not really a classy or respectable way to take a soul and slave it to/merge it with your own. But we should still do it, and quickly. We could dress it up fancy, offering it a home in our soul, but it still is what it is.

Then test it out. Magical speed/acceleration, and protection from what the normal consequences of such speed would be on the human body, as far as I know. 'Turning on a dime' was also mentioned. Can we change vectors in midair or do our feet have to be planted? That sort of thing. Mess around with it. Does it burn calories like crazy, or magic, or bloodline fuel, or what? Can the hummingbird communicate like Dirt Snake can, after?
>>
No. 374720 ID: 448d82

On the Creepy Woman;
Clearly she has another offer for Armas or a favour she wishes done, she could have ended the deal the moment the humming was given to us and she got MD.

"My, my, Not just a Child of Winter, Milady But I am Armas, A speaker of words and eater of many things."
This tells her nothing she won't have guessed
Best to be polite, even to the monsterous.
From there, get her drawn into stories, we want to find more out about her.

Don't be specific and basically tell stories of a man who eats weapons and flesh alike, a speaker and consumer of words. Then after the smalltalk.
"Well, as pleasant as this has been, there must be some reason you wished to speak to me, I am always interested in deals, but if it is services you ask for, I am not without my cost, but I satisfy. Though of course it could have just been just simple curiousity on your part."
Not meantion of WHAT you satisfy.


When we get home, we offer freedom and safe roost to the humming bird, reason for this is to prepare it for becoming a spirit animal, a transition from sphere to Armas' soul is a bit much, but from armas' house to his soul? better.
So we need to communicate the bird, persuade it to become one with us. If we can't just talk to it anyway, get Amen to graft the language of birds to us.

It'll work better if the bird WANTS us to kill it and bind it to us, and Armas has the social traits for this too.
>>
No. 374722 ID: b83c65

>>374672
"Oh, more then likely. I do enjoy the finer things in life, a well cut suit and well perpared meal." Smile as wide as inhumanly possible.

Oh! Also remember to mention that we shot off Savoy's dick. That's important.
>>
No. 374725 ID: a7b5b4

Might be an idea to mention to Granny Nomnoms there that, if she's in need of specialized ammo for the doom gun, for a courtesy fee you can give her Johann's contact info.
>>
No. 374735 ID: f0cf28

>>374722
SUST on mentioning we shot off Savoy's Dick. She probably doesn't even know who Savoy is. (She is not the bidder who's perspective we briefly saw through)
Ask on what advantages she thinks the Hummingbird would provide if we...soul-bind it. Also, if she knows of any techniques that would allow it to remain bound to our soul even if our body dies
>>
No. 374760 ID: 3947e9

Look, what are we trying to do here?
Make a contact? She is obviously a hag that eats humans, probably children too. Most human eaters don't share armas' own... self imposed limitations.

Politeness is good but reckless handing over of info is not. Also SM is watching and his culture disapproves of that too.

Now, I am for admitting to share her tastes. That is handing over of information but not recklessly so. We should ask her if she represents anyone for future business potential. If she is a lone hag then the business potential drastically decreases, still might as well get her as a contact but need to know only.

Also, I want to know HOW she knew we share her tastes, considering our bloodline is completed and we should have awesome soul stealth now.
>>
No. 374798 ID: 8ebbb8

>What do we talk about?
Meeting another Cannibal, huh? And one who could be knoweldgeable about spirits. Well, Armas is as interested as ever into what is being human, so it could be a good time to talk about those matters- but when it comes to spirituality. What does differentiate a human soul from a Animal one, or from one such as herself?

We are interested also into binding this hummingbird directly to our soul as a spirit animal- is this the way she would recommend to get the most of its power? Is she looking into anything that someone with a more Human appearance can provide her? We do have quite the good relation with our contacts when it comes to things like demonic guns.

Also, she might know more about Devils than we do- they are not demons, but she could still know quit a bit, and they do trade in souls. Try to gather information as to what the devil want to do with souls without betraying our own lack of knoweldge.

>Once I say 'our business is concluded' Do I have anything I absolutely have to do before I get some sleep? (It is past midnight)
If Einrik is still awake, ask him if he could make sure to contact BC or laib olmai on how to bind our spirit animal directly to our soul as spp, as possible- we do remember BC telling us of a method that used the physical body as a way to dominate the soul, and we don't want our little hummingbird to be destroyed just because our body gets ruined. Also, it is likely that our winter line could interface better with inner soul manipulation that way.

Then, go to sleep. I want to wake up as early as possible and call Go Ping to schedule another training session.

>Charm
We should look into selling it. No telling what BB has done to it, and it's probably worth millions. I suggest selling it, and getting a few susbtantial stuff in exchange.
>>
No. 374928 ID: 51d399

>(It is past midnight)
If I read this correctly, this means that time is now passing. Don't stay too long. You got stuff to deal with.

>[Older woman]"Why oh why does it feel like we have similar..."
>"Tastes, oh Friend of Winter?"

"My diet features various exotic foods, it is highly probable that it intersects with your own at some point...and diverges at others."

Ok Armas, she is pretty obviously saying that she is a cannibal and is probably inviting you to eat some kids under the moonlight or some garbage while shooting stuff to hell...literally(the shooting stuff to hell part). So bear that in mind as you get into this deal.
You expressed concern about liking human flesh a bit too much, and I think it would be best to turn your...talents at eating to exotic, magical foods and turn away from 'humans'.

>anything to do before bed
Do a jig? Do a jig.
>>
No. 374933 ID: 20f16f

>>374798
This, especially the part about selling BB charm.
>>
No. 374963 ID: f8aa66

>>374928
Obviously, we're not going to offer or accept splitting a human (though if we were to do, Armas is the type to skip out on the check).

>>374933
We don't know this woman (?) from Adam. I'd rather 1) study the charm with all we can bring to bear (us, Shadowbro, etcetera); this also includes studying the Reaper-charms, why haven't we done this yet? It would be nice to have some direction for our goblin charm-training, this would be a start, 2) selling it is something we should keep on the table, but we could also keep it as a company resource. Yes, our regen makes it somewhat redundant, but keeping it would be for the same reason we're saving the GatMalite; having an ace in the hole for our people. Camella, on that charm? Would probably be able to take million dollar jobs - we're more varied and probably more knowledgable, but she can just beat her way to a solution.

>>374954
The Laib Olmai training seems do-able. Maybe we could get one here somehow, pay his ticket? Or given the soul thing, maybe they have dreamwalkers or astral projection among their talents. I imagine soul instruction over the phone would be... difficult. I'm willing to wait a little while to see if the Laib are amenable, let the little guy make his home in our mansion - although do note the lurk would have been mentally bound to loyalty, I do not believe the hummingbird was.

On the subject of inviting her to eat people at our house; the Redcaps are going to eat us out of house and home as it is, and we do not have an infinite stash, particularly of flesh. We got a nice stash of magical meat; but she is specified as a cannibal, and that is not human meat.

I don't recommend it, unless we think we can talk her into accepting an exciting new lifestyle choice, i.e. phasing out human for magical monster meat. Which, honestly, might be do-able. Cite that monsters are dangerous individually, but humans can call upon other humans, quite dangerous humans. And really, they're satisfying, but there's not as much variety. She could try it out with us for a pittance (a way to bind the bird to the soul? a lesson on divine magics for the new godling? whatever), and then we direct her to SM for a Deal of her own, like ours. SM could always do with repeat business, right?
>>
No. 374965 ID: 1a4459

For the Yama-uba, we should ask it:

>"Have you ever tasted a bullet of greed? One of Mammon's Knights served me one - a unique flavour, I found, and so I was wondering if you'd be in reviewing the experience as part of your purchase. I'm not asking for it of course, but was wondering if you'd care to discus the potential of my new friend here? Such souled creatures are so precious... It would be interesting to know his story, and be able to speak to him of it and other things."

We want to get it talking about soul binding techniques, but we should also discuss feasting. Perhaps, if things go well, mention that you've set up a little dining club at your home for those with aligned dining habits and courtly inclination. If she'd be interested in joining us, she'd be very welcome.

Can we perceive her soul, as we can her attention?

Afterwards, if we can speak to the hummingbird, we should.

>>374705
SUST on binding the hummingbird now. We don't know enough about spirit manipulation, and the Liab Olmai owe us tuition. We need to get that training so we'll know what we're doing, and what our options are.

In the interim, we can offer the hummingbird a secure nest. If we can talk to it, we can offer it a home that is virtually indestructible, the chance to dwell inside the soul of a godling that can resurrect if their body is slain. This may be the best chance to has for true security, and the chance of eternity. After all, hummingbirds only live for four years, and we can explain how the best fate for souls touched by magic (such as him) is to be unmade when the Nevernever reabsorb their magic. In place of that, we're giving him the chance of building a nest like no other in a shared Demiplane that responds to its inhabitants will. All we ask is that as it's new home will be rooted in our soul, it lends us its power to use in the outer world, and come to our aid if we need his aid to defend it. We will even swear to pursue avenues to allow his own effective power to grow, if he so wishes, (if that seems like a concern for him).

Now, we don't want to rush his decision too much - before forming such an alliance we want to consult experts to ensure both for us gain the most we can. Before then, what would he like to drink?

The intention here is to manipulate him with the unpleasant truth about the fate of souls and his own lifespan, and tempt him with the truth of what we offer, all underwritten by the reliability of our given word. Our rather neglected faculty with animals may even come into play here.
>>
No. 374982 ID: cb0cc3

>>374672
>I'm down to exactly two sensible sources of attention
If we can sense this woman's Attention, then we should be able to sense her soul... somewhere. Look for it but don't be obvious about it; firstly it's rude and secondly it admits inferiority to not be able to sense another's soul.

>What do we talk about?
First of course we answer with a smug smile, "Because we are both individuals of impeccable taste in more ways than one, or we would more than likely not be here." Don't go into the cannibalism thing in detail unless she really wants to push it and we can thus get on her good side.

We want this woman (or creature) as a contact in the future; if our read on the hummingbird's soul is true and she captured it personally, then it's more than likely that she has captured many other spirit animals as well, or has other things to offer. "My compliments on the quality of this hummingbird; truly an exceptional specimen. Do you deal in other such goods, or was this a unique acquisition?"

Since she'll probably bring up our own acquisition of Mammon's Device or profession in turn, this comment should work: "I deal mostly in combat and related matters, which can lead to a remarkable variety of acquisitions. Do you have an interest in any particular sort of good which I might bring to your attention? The item sold today was a rare find, of course, but I've come across a few other items of similar value from time to time."

Get a way of contacting her in the future if it seems like there's any possibility of making useful trades- if she's a dealer in decent numbers of live, ensouled animals we might potentially be able to import a whole bunch of spirit animals for our minions at some point, though likely of a lower quality than this one, of course. Even if she deals mostly in other things she's clearly got skillful talents- this is not an opportunity to be missed.

Find out how the hummingbird is preserved and any limitations of its containment. That's rather important to know. And a few details on the topic wouldn't go amiss.

If we can, delicately breach the topic of spirit binding methods without giving away that we're basically completely ignorant. If she's a specialist in this general field then it's likely that she's already got a fair bit of knowledge. One way to go about this would be inquiring as to if she knows any way to make best use of the hummingbird's soul; "I know some methods, but it would be a shame to use anything less than the best on so fine a specimen." Get methods for making a soul-based spirit bind rather than a body- or item- based one if we can, and advice on how to make the binding process comfortable for the hummingbird so that it will serve us willingly and be more useful to us. If the conversation goes well, we might even mention mythic animals and inquire as to if she knows anything about their creation. We can offer what knowledge we have of the Mammon Device's functionality in return, of course; how it works, the eating bullet function, the Death and Destruction bits its bullets use, and that Mammon will attempt to influence the user and establish a foothold in their mind.

>Once I say 'our business is concluded' Do I have anything I absolutely have to do before I get some sleep? (It is past midnight)
Nope.

>>374720
SUST to sharing even part of our Name unless we can get hers, even if it was already used in front of all bidders. Giving it to someone ourselves is an action of metaphysical significance.

>>374722
SUST to mentioning Savoy at all unless she brings him up. He is irrelevant to this business.
>>
No. 374997 ID: b83c65
 

You know, if it is after midnight, we need to let it all hang down and we need to chug-a-lug and shout. We should make sure we stimulate some action; And try to get a little satisfaction out of her. You know, gonna find out what it is all about.

After midnight, we're gonna let it all hang down.
>>
No. 374998 ID: d97a61

>>374705
I offer my own smile, freely given and without any attempt to rein it in or make it 'normal' looking-a simple, natural smile that makes the strange elder across from me lean oh so slightly back from.
"Perhaps we do, grandmother-you don't mind me calling you grandmother, do you?"
Her own macabre grin turns eerily kindly as she replies, immediately settling back into her prior posture.
>[Older Woman]"Many have called this old bag of bones grandmother over the years-it is no matter if one more calls me the same."
"Good to know, possible similarly inclined diner. If I may ask, do you find yourself enjoying the world beyond your mountains?"
>[Older Woman]"As enjoyable as peace and quiet can be, it is the lowlands that hold the best food and opportunities alike. I do not know that I could stay away."
Well, SM didn't say anything saying these buyers would be local, so-
"Have you been enjoying Istanbul?"
The leather-skinned figure purses her lips as she demurely cocks her head, eyes dancing in some far off memory. Watching the motion, her hair, her skin, her eyes and mouth-something about it makes me wonder-
>[Older Woman]"This is not the first time I've been to... this city. An old, old place. But enough, for the moment, of questions for me-this is decidedly asymmetrical, and I am loathe to exacerbate such... disbalances. What of you-what makes up the one called Armas, that found themselves possessing an Artifact of Mammon? What makes you you, child of winter, feaster, dealer?"
>>374720
"My, my-I suppose milady would have to think of me as a speaker of words and eater of many things."
>[Older Woman]"How Elvishly ambiguous. But surely you could give such a newfound business partner some inkling of what you do, could you not?"
....Ah. She's looking to see how likely future business is, isn't she. I'm also getting the feeling I've... heard of her, somehow. Okay-
"I assume this is the reason you wished to remain and continue speaking past the deal's completion."
>[Older Woman]"You understand-just so."
"Well, I'm always interested in deals, but I must specify I am not without cost, to employ."
On steepled fingers a lightly wattled chin is placed, brooding eyes gazing at me above a smile that would be flirtatious-if it was a sixth as large.
>[Older Woman]"Oh, a man of... negotiable affection? I find myself liking you more and more."
No mention yet of just what she might want from me.
>>374965
That's okay, there's things left unsaid on my end.
"As flattering as your words are, I do have some comments about your acquisition you may like to listen to."
>[Older Woman]"Oh?"
"Have you ever tasted a bullet of greed?"
>[Older Woman]"I've eaten quite a few bullets, I don't know that any were made of Greed, no."
"Well, per one of Mammon's Knights, you need to eat one straight from the barrel to do it, but the gun can do a bit more than just harm that which you point it at-such as grant the user a powerful, enhancing set of transient armor."
>[Older Woman]"Really now? I don't suppose you know the specifics on that?"
"Not a path I followed, so afraid not: That's why the general tip is gratis."
>[Older Woman]"So, likely I'd need Mammon's approval to use it-hmm."
She begins to tap her overly long, slender fingers on the face-covered tabletop.
"Bit of a question of my own right now."
>[Older Woman]"Perhaps I can help."
I proffer forth the orb containing branch and bird alike as I speak.
"Well, I've only made light attempts so far, but am I correct in that this bird is not reachable for communication within this sphere?"
The itching, nagging sensation I know the elderly figure continues to intensify as her brilliantly white hair shifts as her slitted eyes inspect my face.
>[Older Woman]"..Yes, he is quite unreachable. There was not much choice-any attempt to see a permeable barrier established about this one saw it erode the spell's structure until it shattered-a complete sealing was necessary."
I hold up the orb a bit higher, trying to kick my brain in gear-kami, that's Japanese for god, she said that probably on purpose, okay-what is she, I swear I-
And I remember.
"A most splendid beast, to demand such attention from a Yama Uba."
Her smile grows less kindly, more exuberant, bright-engaged. The fact it's nearly a foot side to side helps it's... impact.
>[Older Woman]"Good-so you know something of the place you found that Kamaitachi I feel about you. I expected as much-but it is good to confirm it."
>"She can sense your/our bond to Sake? Intriguing."
>>374984
"My thanks on the compliments-and my compliments, in turn, on the quality of this Hummingbird: truly an exceptional specimen. Do you deal in similar goods, or was this a unique acquisition?"
>[Old Woman]"The name 'Nikoyaka Youkai' has some following amongst gourmands of certain interests-but the bird was, business related or no, very much so a unique acquisition. As impressive as your own item was, and how content with the transaction I am, I cannot deny a certain sense of... loss. I do not think I shall ever see a bird like that one again."
"An ever-glowing review of the little one. Is it capable of communication?"
>[Old Woman]"Well, you can certainly link to its soul if you wish and commune by raw intention, or if you could use mind manipulation, or possibly a Gift with languages-options abound, but innately the bird, impressive or no, is no more intelligible than any other hummingbird."
Continuing to fail in my attempts to sense the soul of the Yama Uba presumably titled 'Nikoyaka Youkai'even as I feel her attention without issue, I plod on.
"I see. Forgive me if this question feels to probing-but have you familiarity with soul manipulation?"
The old woman's smile literally grows, widening a few inches as I watch.
>[NY]"It is a craft I dabble in from time to time, indeed it is, Kami-touched kin. Do you plan to use that delectable looking bloodling you hold, so tinged with the mountain's chill?"
>"I can't see how she's detecting your bloodline-I'll keep checking."
>[Iron Trick]"Aaah. A Yama Uba, perhaps-but the eldest of their kind hold far more in common with the Greater Weres, the masters of shape-shifting equal to even Dragons, Those Who Walk Alone, the Skin Walkers-or, in the parlance you're most inclined to, 'A thing you should not fuck with at any point, even if it'd be very funny'. My field of information may not extend all that far towards that neck of the woods-but so far she's hitting all the right-or wrong-buttons. So I suppose what I'm attempting to convey, is how vastly important it is to stay on her good side."
"Well, then I am in luck: Perhaps you'd be inclined to offer your thoughts on something? Were you in my shoes, a woeful little Godling, how would you spiritually tether it?"
>[NY]"A spirit Animal? Well, knowing what I know, I'd simply add an equal amount of my own soul energy to the sphere in an instant, in so doing taking control of the sphere, then use the sphere's subsequent deconstruction to anchor the released animal to the Kami-touched parts of your soul. The brilliant bird would get to live-for a time, at least, till the rather visibly overpowering energy of your soul overwhelmed its flesh, and it passed away, naturally transitioning into a Spirit Animal in... perhaps a month, at most. And yes, I do prefer how it sounds... Kami. Rolls off the tongue, do you not agree?"
"I find I must-I thank you for your advice, Nikoyaka Youkai."
>[NY]"You may call me Nikoyaka-or The Smiling One, if you wish. No need to be so formal. Besides, I find myself forced to bear you good will for your own tip. Learning someone so similar inhabits the area did not hurt, either."
"On that note-how would we contact one another in the future?"
>[NY]"I manage a website that I check regularly-I can give you some login credentials, the interface is fairly straightforward and you can leave me a message fairly easily. Just... don't visit it too often-I find I'd be wroth with you, if you were to visit too often, too sloppily. I hope I made myself clear."
"Crystal, madam."
Her smile relaxes back to kindly as she says a URL and gives me a set of credentials.
>[NY]"Excellent. Our Business is Concluded."
[ DISCONTINUITY ]

Once more, I stand in the sewers. I look to my hands, from the glass-like orb holding the precious fowl, to the hand clutching the oversized wheel medallion. Then I hand both to my shadow as I use my now free hands to climb the ladder-

And within a minute I'm back inside my home, booty in hand, contact info acquired, informed on what sounds like a pretty good way to bind the bird....

And Tired with a capital t.










Should I get some rest first, or should I deal with the bird?
Do I find The Smiling One's proposed binding method acceptable to my current needs?
What's my plan for this new day where I presumably am meeting the Finnish devil?
>>
No. 375003 ID: f70e5e

we are way to tired to try and bind the bird right now. we also might want to at least look into other ways of binding the bird, perhaps asking Einrik or Big (if he gets back soon) if they know of any other possible methods. we can probably store the humming bird in the mansion for now, though we should give amen a carefully worded order to not tamper with it. he probably already can't mess with it due to currant standing orders, but we should not take chances with something we are going to be attaching to our soul.
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No. 375014 ID: 3947e9

>>375003
upvote in full.
Tomorrow we talk to the others and gain more info and decide on best method (which, currently looks to be what she offered). This is not something we want to try when dead tired.
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No. 375023 ID: e232e0

>Should I get some rest first, or should I deal with the bird?
Ask Einrik to check the glass sphere is stable, order Amen not to interfere with it in any way, eat a quick midnight snack, and go to bed. Anything else can wait.
>Do I find The Smiling One's proposed binding method acceptable to my current needs?
No. We don't know what the consequences are, or what our other options are. It may be acceptable, but we're currently too ignorant to decide. Talk to Einrik, but we need our Liab Olmai training before we can do anything.
>What's my plan for this new day where I presumably am meeting the Finnish devil?

We need a good sacrifice to Whaitiri, and even if we need to feed her the devil in small slices, it would be great. Killing the devil is particularly sensible as it has volunteered for this to happen, by agreeing that a life can be used to conclude the deal, just after telling us that deals existed till the initial participants died. We're just taking it at its word and using its life to meet the terms.

First Order: Amen is not to allow anyone save us or our brothers to learn of the following orders or events associated with them, save the notification to us in the fourth order. He is not permitted to forget or reinterpret these orders himself in any fashion.

Second order: if any being with significant lightning manipulation magic enters the mansion, excluding Whaitiri and my brothers, Amen is not to be capable of perceiving any evidence of, and is not to recognise, their identity or their precise species, nor is he allowed to communicate with them or perceive their communications.

Third Order: any such being defined in the Second Order, is to be immediately disabled and rendered into such a state that SB can kill them with his shadow of our mere without any of their power being removed or made in any way inaccessible, and without making that execution and subsequent feeding of Whaitiri damage SB, his mere copy, or the goddess in any way. They are to be kept in this state, alive but unable to act in any way, until either one of my brothers or myself kills them, or I command you to release them. You are not allowed to otherwise effect such a being in any way. If this requires removing any objects, magic, or body parts from them, you are to store them safely and accessibly, inform me of them when you execute order 4, below, and make no use of them yourself.

Fourth Order: If such a being is captured you, you are immediately to truthfully inform me, if I am in the mansion with the full details the previous orders allow you to give, or if I am out of the mansion, that there is something at the mansion requiring my urgent attention.

Fifth Order: Nothing in the above orders or process can damage Whaitiri, us, our brothers, any guest, any of the aforementioned's possession, or the TitanCorp Reaper's bound soul.

Sixth Order: All these orders are to remain in effect until I order you otherwise.

Then, we should warn our allies to be on their guard. The devil may try to get hostages or create a reason we fail at our deal by being unable to meet it. Also tell them that whatever happens the day the devil is due, we're not leaving the mansion.

Until it arrives, get a bit of training in. First meditate to feel how your chakra flow and chakras, and what you can feel of the shape of your soul has changed, then go and ask Einrik what he can tell you on the subject. We should ask Iron Trick what he can tell us about the Darkening component of our bloodline, and also ask SB is it has any connection to the Dark, based on the coincidence of names, that he can shed light on (make sure Einrik hears you ask that one).

From then on, Gyakatsu training with the Russians, integrating our resistance trick. Ask SB how close we are to being able to try out new applications?
>>
No. 375034 ID: d9ac01

>>375003
Upvote.

Sleep you bastard. You are not a robot.Or a golem You need sleep. Think about this stuff when you wake.
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No. 375035 ID: 81f32a

>Should I get some rest first, or should I deal with the bird?

Shit, I just remembered. We should try to contact Ricky and Lucy and pass them the information that BB is in the undersewers. Not sure how to do it though... we taught them how to use cellphones but they shouldn't get reception underground. Ask Amen if he can pass them this information somehow. Ask him what kind of method he is going to use and if it is safe (for us and the redcaps). If there are no problems with his method then order him to pass along the information. It is important that we notify them as fast as possible, if we put this off to tomorrow, we might lose the chance again.

Other than that, go to sleep.

>Do I find The Smiling One's proposed binding method acceptable to my current needs?
On one hand, her description made me think that her method would probably ensure the best quality spirit. She did say that the transition will be "natural" and from what I understand anything happening in 'natural' way in magic world is always one of the best ways. But on the other hand, we set up to sell MD for an immediate upgrade, the Smiling One's method will take entire month. I think we should ask around first, describe the method and then get second opinion, try to contact Big Crazy and get his opinion, also ask Sake and SB what they think. We could ask Einrik too, but I do not think we'll get much out of him, from what I recall, he never was interested in spirit animals and Einrik doesn't know much about things that don't interest him.

One of the main reasons to turn it into a spirit animal as soon as possible is that we should have it before we get Dunther footwork training. I think we will learn and benefit much, much more if we have spirit animal during the lessons.

>What's my plan for this new day where I presumably am meeting the Finnish devil?
At what time do we expect the devil to arrive? Or we didn't specify? In that case we should stay at home till it arrives. But how to pass time? ...Well, we could do more training again if there is nothing else to do. We could also try to research the Reaper Gun parts and the Reaper Charms more. Actually spending many hours on the Gun research could prove worthwhile.

Also, I want to say that I don't like any ideas to mess with the devil. Like capturing/killing/eating/binding it. I think it will backfire immensely. Just give it the soul and let it go on it merry way.....
...wait, giving it the soul of a prisoner wouldn't be in violation of any accords right? Ask Amen just to be sure.

Call Einriks contact and arrange for the lessons for tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.
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No. 375108 ID: f8aa66

>>375035
We have no idea how to contact those guys. They don't exactly carry a cell phone.

We could check in with Amen or Johan; are devils lone wolves, or will there be others coming to look for him if he vanishes forever? If he's smart at all, he'll have told others, and so I worry about him vanishing during a meeting with us. Ergo, I'd prefer giving him the life and getting him out of the place, or with a little insurance (check in with Amen if he can boobytrap that hand we were going to offer him) rather than straight-up killing him.

Speaking of, see if the mansion is being cased by more than SM. You'd think the government would be interested in us enough to do that by now.
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No. 375110 ID: a8fc52

>Should I get some rest first, or should I deal with the bird?
Make sure Amen doesn't mess with it, and ask Sake/IT if they don't see any problem with us leaving it till we are rested.
>Do I find The Smiling One's proposed binding method acceptable to my current needs?
Yes, though it seems it may need more precise control than what is currently possible for Armas. Ask IT/Sake/SB/Einrik about it, and if they can think of any reason not to do it this way.
>What's my plan for this new day where I presumably am meeting the Finnish devil?
This note about the Devil and Doony worries me, so we should look into inviting all of our friends home for the whole day (ito, camella, arkvad being the most fragiles). I think the Doony attacking friends of ours while we can't leave the house unless breaking the oath could be problematic.
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No. 375111 ID: d97a61

>>375003
>>375014
>>375034
As interesting as some of the things I COULD do right now are.... fuck it, I need sleep. I put the charm and the sphere by my bedside after ascending to the third floor-and proceed to pass out just shy of half an hour into the new day.

MONDAY, JANUARY 10th, 2011
PERSONAL FUNDS: $56,084.11
BUSINESS FUNDS: $83,500.00
CASH: $1,255.75
SHADOW PATIENCE: 80%

I wake up a mere three hours later, feeling completely refreshed. Finding this... odd, in the wake of my recent need for sleep, I spend a quarter hour meticulously running through how I physically feel, seeing if I can feel anything different about my chakras or soul's shape-and come up with nothing. Feeling a bit put upon, I start my day... at three thirty AM.

>>375023
Dunno if you've noticed, but you're starting to repeat training instructions for Armas on 'look at self' topics. You aren't going to get new results trying the same thing you already tried before while largely exactly as you are now.
After a scalding hot shower I put on a loose-fitting, unrestrictive leisure suit even as I idly note I have a grand total of two dozen such outfits in my expansive closet. The one I choose is a dark indigo, to go with my powerfully purple shirt and nigh-trademark neon orange tie. So attired, and already having stretched while checking myself, I head downstairs, sphere in hand, as I consider how to approach this situation. I don't even notice Einrik sitting on the floor until after I've walked by-and before I can backtract-
>[Einrik]"It seems you are seeking me. Is there something I can help with?"
"Yeah-you having sleeping troubles too?"
>[Einrik]"I don't sleep."
"Huh. Well actually, I was curious about this little bugger here, and a tip I got-"

I show Einrik the strange sphere, and explain what the Yama Uba told me of its bindings.
>[Einrik]"Hm. Well, Spirit Animals aren't my forte, but if I'm understanding what she told you properly, then you'd... be making it a spirit animal while alive."
"Which is rather outside of my knowledge base. Would I be able to use it like a normal spirit animal?"
>[Einrik]"Depends what you mean. It should have access to all the abilities it'd have as a Spirit Animal even while still in the flesh-but there'd be a few key differences. One: it wouldn't be required to do anything you wish until it's physical form has actually died. Two: It'd be unable, physically incapable of leaving your immediate surroundings until it dies. Three: The use of its Spirit Animal talents should considerably accelerate the eventual demise of its body from oversaturation of magic. Granted, this is all estimation based on what I can see of your prize's cage, rather than being a definitive claim."
"Hm. So, in your opinion, how's this potential way of spirit binding look, if I'm hoping to get the creature to actually like me?"
>[Einrik]"Very hard to predict-it's so dependent on the Spirit Animal's personality I don't think it'd be fair to comment. I do know this method is far more... gentle in its approach than any Sami method I've ever heard of."
"What about outside the Sami?"
>[Einrik]"Why certainly, let me just check my handy list of 'magical theory completely unrelated to my conventional place of residence and my fighting research'. ..Strange, I seem to have misplaced the list. Perhaps another time?"
"Alright, alright-so-"
>[Einrik]"For the little it's worth, your proposed binding method sounds the best of any I've heard, if the goal is to render the spirit animal as innately positively inclined towards you as possible."
"Good to know, I suppose. Well-I'll leave you to your meditation, then."
>[Einrik]"Thank you. If possible, do try and be quiet? It can be difficult to sustain a proper Trance with audial distraction-at least, for me. I know I am a guest in your house, but-"
"No worries-completely fair request. I'll just head to the far side of the house for the moment, then. Have at it."
With a pat on his should in passing, I march back off, swinging by the kitchen to grab a Golden Apple (turns out the buggers only turn that color when they start to dry out, and their magic's really just a low-grade caffeine-replica, but still, tasty things) to munch on as I march onwards, slowly working my way to a secluded room.

"Amen."
>[Amen]"Yes Master?"
"I have some orders I need to give you, and I order you to not allow anyone save you, myself and my brothers Sake and SB to learn of these orders or events associated with them, save the-"
>[Amen]"This one must automatically reject master's initial order, on the grounds it cannot be meaningfully complied with-this one cannot prevent master from revealing the secrets himself without explicit orders otherwise, and similarly cannot prevent information leakage outside of the house grounds. There is no way this one can look at a request for secrecy where the largest threats are ones this one is equipped to deal with."
Are you saying that just because you couldn't enforce such secrecy universally you will not attempt it?
>[Amen]"Not at all: This one is merely saying it cannot in any form be pressed into secrecy save that which entails only action on this one's own part: any attempt at secrecy that even implicitly relies upon the actions of others is not an order this one can follow."
"I order you to be truthful-is there a past order necessitating this?"
>[Amen]"There is indeed."
I sigh as I rub my chin in the early morning, idly wondering if I should shave as I note the ever-growing itching sensation that coats my jawline.

"Fine. Then all of the following orders are to never be brought up, mentioned or referenced by you without my explicit permission-got it?"
>[Amen]"And what are the orders master wishes handled discreetly?"
"If-"
>"It's great you yet again think you have a solution to one of our many problems, and want to handle it all on your lonesome-again-but really? We know how important wording is for Amen-and you're leaving holes all over the place. Example: This anti-Savoy order you've got percolating-what if a friendly Electicity manipulator comes a calling? Would you ever even know they attempted to gain entry, or would the way Amen handles it mean you wouldn't even know you just slighted them? Or say we work with someone with such powers, and are in some way rendered insensate-what would allow them to safely return us to our home? Or your third order: Have you even considered how fucked you could be if Amen enforced it automatically on visitors that had no ill intent? Yes, these examples are outliers-and that's not at all the point: The point is you're making blanket orders that will add even more potential pitfalls to how we interact with Amen."
Fine, being all pissy-
>"Stop being a child who cannot see their own flaws: You are not handling order phrasing with any genuine long-term thought behind your wording, and it will hurt us all if you continue to do so. As such-no matter how much it may bother you, I will now actively attempt to thwart such plans unless you have actually checked the orders, either with myself, Sake or some expert on proper phrasing for deals and orders."
Okay, maybe they weren't the best-phrased orders: What do you suggest then, for dealing with our coming guest?
>"Do you think the devil can outperform Amen in any meaningful way while on the house grounds?"
Of course not.
>"Are you at risk of starvation should you rely on foods within the house today?"
Clearly not-
>"Are any of the Russians missing?"
Quick head count through the walls based off my established awareness of their souls-No, all of them are here.[/i]
>"So. A devil is presumed to be visiting today. Every entity that was with you when you encountered the devil is currently within this house, and within the confines of space Amen can freely operate in. So either the Devil has to come into your house, in which case it is subject to Amen's power, or it not only must have learned of Arkvad, Camella or Hafaz, and their relation to you, but it ALSO must have gotten a solid enough read of you it feels confident committing to a hostage situation-and that's with us having no concrete proof it'd even attempt such a thing. So, in answer to your question: I suggest we sit on our asses in this house that is the magical equivalent of a bomb shelter."
So what-all those orders I thought up while I was stretching and giving myself the once-over-
>"Completely worthless."
Well shit, don't pull your punches on my account.
>"You may or may not have noticed, but subtle chastisement does not elicit much reaction from you."

Unsure if I'm pissed more at my Soul Shadow for talking down to me-again-or at myself for ignoring multiple warnings people that know better gave me-again-I put all that out of my mind and try to learn a bit more about the Darkening-derived bloodline from Iron Trick. It's slow going, dealing with its eccentricities-but I do learn a few things.
-Darkening has nothing to do with the Dark
-Darkening's biggest claim to fame is the speed at which one can self soul sculpt, if familiar with the craft.
-Because of how easy it is to soul sculpt with Darkening, Iron Trick is confident I will kill myself if I try to teach myself rather than seeking out tutors.

After the hour-long tooth-pulling session with Trick, with five AM getting closer, I go through a second series of stretches as I hear the sounds of others in the house beginning to wake. I switch between reviewing my chakras-yep, still the exact same as last time I looked, imagine that-and watching as the souls become more active, slowly waking. At five thirty, six have exited their rooms-

And I accost each and every one of them by stalking up behind them and surprise inviting them to morning training while smiling winningly at them. Oddly, quite a few opt to visit the restroom first-almost as if the invitation itself spurred the need.

Over the next two hours, as more people wake up, I slowly get more people involved in the training, still sticking to a room farther from Einrik than my normal practice areas, and plying Gyaketsuote and Reinforcement alike. While I'd like to claim I got a bit more practiced with my chakra use over that time, I'm not sure I can say the same about Gyaketsuote: Reusing it on the same people over and over doesn't seem to be helping me much any more.
>"Your growth in it's application has slowed-perhaps it is through breadth of opponents that you can elicit self-improvement, rather than direct investment of time?"
Something to think about.

Eventually the Russians seem.. to grow disenchanted with the training-might have something to do with asking them to help me all the time-and beg off just shy of eight in the morning. As they start dealing with breakfast after I help Boris pick out a few recipes for him to try this morning, I march upstairs, have a shower, change (This time into a brocade burgundy suit, a lavender silk shirt and a cloth-of-gold orange tie) and once more ponder the trapped hummingbird in my room. Einrik did sound like he's really endorsing the Yama Uba's approach-and it sounds like I'd need to sink some real resources into it if I wanted to find a better method. Hm.....

Well, got in some chakratic self assessment-shockingly, nothing changed-got in some stretching, and did a solid bout of morning exercise. The day has officially begun, pretty much all businesses are open-it's right about when I start really considering how to spend my time until the devil gets here that my phone rings.
>[Go Ping]"I have been asked to inform you that Meng Yun was satisfied with your performance to such a level that, should you wish to seek tutelage under him again, he will make efforts to be available."
Oh re-he-HEAaaly? Good to know.

But as interesting as that is, it doesn't address my big problem:






How does someone as... easily bored as me keep himself occupied until a meeting that has no preset time to occur at?
Do I have any ideas how to get the Russians interested in training again-or do I want to risk trying to force them?
If I really think I have some new Orders for Amen-what are they? Might want to iron them out in Disc or IRC first so you can actually get support for said orders.
>>
No. 375117 ID: 2dbf79

Go with the Yama Uba's approach.
>>
No. 375118 ID: 4b2c34

Put off the Soul binding for now. At the very least, until after the Devil leaves. I don't want him fucking with the thing in any way...or it fucking with him.
If it all goes swimmingly, then you can do it.

>training with ruskies
Yea, I would be kind of annoyed if somebody asked me to train with them every day as well unless I had some specific desire to train something or an incentive/compensation, like cash or, in the case of someone better than me, some mini goals.

In any case, try and find out if they want to train anything themselves and see if you can help out personally or arrange classes for them. Don't force them.

Also, if shadowbro is cool with it, both of you spar with them. Tell them that you will have help during the fight and that they will be unable to hit you, then work to make that possible. With the beatings they have given you, they should at least be intrigued by the idea.

Go train at Ito's night class when you are free, you will likely find a higher variety and quality of opponents there.

>wat do with day
-Try and figure out what the range for your soul sense is by moving about the grounds until you can't sense people and such.
-Train your chakra timing by yourself, just switching.
-Sneak about the grounds and see how long you can go without getting caught by anyone(save Amen and Einrik).
-Train your damn shooting(aim). Grab a gun, find the inner gun range. If nothing like that exists, as SB if he can help you by porting the bullets before they damage stuff. If you are short on bullets, order some from gun world. No longer short of bullets. Also see what effect liking your chakras to 'Aim' has, but ask shadowbro what he thinks about doing it first.
-Try the shadowport function to move around the house, shouldn't be using it for the first time in battle.
-Call up SM and see if you can get shadow grenades. Something that can be used to cast a quick gloom over a section of battlefield that can be used by living shadows. Also see if you can get any other shadow enhancing tools/charms or that shadow for shadowbro.
-Spar with Einrik and try not to get hit for 1 minute.
-Spar with HV and try to completely overwhelm her without damaging in a lasting way. Keep doing it until it is no longer possible.
-Research the sword for the triad mission.
-when done, if still bored, all of the above at the same time.

Let's see you try and get bored with this laundry list.
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No. 375123 ID: f8aa66

I'm pretty bored of the constant trainings, myself.

Basically, just unleash them on Istanbul. They have a little money in their pockets, and they can speak Turkish. Off you go! Have fun!

If anyone still wants training, send them to Ito's, Crash Course, Corvos Academy... modern day dojo hunt of sorts. There are shooting ranges, dozens of bars and markets and all manner of trouble to get into and what threads they might find.

For ourselves, if we can't leave the house until the Devil shows up, we can start putting calls in to scare up more work. Rocco is a no-go, and Go Ping we've been bugging a fair bit recently. Talk to Arkvad about H&H's HR department - aggressive acquisitions (magic item/beast hunters). They did well capturing the Rami, after all. Talk to Riker; so, how's the new job treating you, blah blah ranger days blah blah, OH by the way we're putting together a little outfit, a bit under the radar, naturally we thought of you first... If he wants to set up a meeting, Camella would impress the FUCK out of him. We also need to look into getting Hafaz work - I still favor sending him to Baki the masseuse to subtly display their chops (you can't tell me a master masseuse wouldn't know quality when he sees it). We wouldn't even have to tell him why we're sending them to the spa for the day.

Oh, and lets do the hummingbird thing. We could probably find ways to shorten or increase the month time-limit as necessary.
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No. 375129 ID: 7c31d2

You should spend the day looking at lolcats
>>
No. 375131 ID: 3947e9

Do the Yama Uba binding.
I think we should prepare a mobile nest for it first. Say, in the hood of an overcoat. This has a benefit over a nest in the mansion in that armas becomes his nest, its psychological. Plus chicks will find it adorable.

If it gives you all the powers while it is alive, then maybe sake could continually heal it (or we could flesh crafting heal it when you learn how) to stave off the damage and further build trust and allow for greater magical saturation (maybe it will gain power from that if done right).

Check the reaper soul again, see if there were any changes from last night. Again, absolutely no touching, just looking.

Ask SB if he informed whaitiri amen can lie. Suggest that ideally an off hand comment that suggests that she obviously already deduced that herself with her great wisdom. I suggest also presenting it as a way to learn flesh-crafting "knowledge traps". In that amen can be ordered to not lie and then re-asked the questions, then asked what the result would have been of doing it as he originally suggested; thus finding out methods of screwing people over by false tutelage. When she is ready for it, order him to not lie to <individual> (in this case whaitiri and SB) during day of <insert todays date>. Verify those orders with SB and Sake first.

Sit down with the Russians for a company meeting, first with all of them to get some rough ideas. Later with those of a more leader role to finalize ideas. Discuss potential business expenses such as vehicles, weapons, ammo, grenades. We should probably spend 25% to maybe even 50% of our recent take on equipment.
Aim for realistic acquisitions about quality and quantity and price. Calling Johan and asking for various specialized ammo that is not too expensive would also be a good idea. Perhaps we can give each russian some anti <monster X> rounds where X is things like werewolf, vampire, and other common critters. Get a price list with bulk options so we can decide on exactly what to order.

>Training
Leave the russians alone in terms of traiing. If you MUST train with them though and they seem disinterested you should be offering money from personal funds rather coercion.
We should introduce ito to einriks chakra teacher, and if need be help pay for him to get tutelage from her. What we want from him is to start basic chakra training for all the russians.
Stop trying to look at your soul and meditating and this other stuff that is going nowhere. Do not experiment with bloodline either.

Meng Yun taught us 3 things: 1. to enter a state with less power 2. to overcharge it with a purpose, 3. To enter it reactively in combat.
The first was efficiency in terms of minimizing the amount of energy and time to get into a state. You shaved 1/10th of a second from it in practice. See if you can continue to do so on your own, practice makes perfect.

For the technique of hardening just before impact get a baseball pitching machine (order one, have it express delivered same day), try to catch the balls without a glove using reactive chakratic hardening, hardening your hand just in time. Without hardening it will suitably hurt if one hits your bare hand.

Neither of those involves any experimentation, instead you are merely practicing what you were already taught trying to get more accurate. This will look good when we next meet him as well.

>Also see what effect liking your chakras to 'Aim' has, but ask shadowbro what he thinks about doing it first.
FUCK NO! We are not inventing a new chakra technique AGAIN. Last time we exploded our eye. We will ASK Meng Yun if he knows an aim boosting technique when we meet him next.
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No. 375154 ID: cb0cc3

>>375111
>We are currently on the phone with Go Ping
Thank him for informing us, and say that we should be available later this week- say, Wednesday in the morning again? Request that he pass that on, as well as our appreciation for Meng Yun's offer.

Mention also that we and our affiliates remain available for work if the Triad has need of any assistance.

>Unsure if I'm pissed more at my Soul Shadow for talking down to me-again
Stop this. No anger here. We need Shadowbro to look after us in this fashion, to check on our actions with his less erratic intellect. He was being a good brother by stopping us, and if we recall exactly what he said he didn't actually start insulting us and talking down to us until after we started responding negatively to his comments. We should have taken a moment to rationally consider his words and respond on the merits of what he said instead of snapping back a rude reply, and he was justified in getting pissed at us when we responded poorly to his doing his job right.

So we are going to stop being angry at Shadowbro, apologize to him for being a dick, thank him for his efforts on our behalf, and next time he tells us to stop something we will think about what he says and listen to him. Fix it in our mind and make it true.

>keep occupied
Hunt down Sake. Tell him that we met The Smiling One and find out if he's heard of her. Also bring up that she could apparently smell him on us, and ask why. After he tells us, ask if he's sure it wasn't just because he stinks and threaten to wash him. Then have Shadowbro shadowport a bucket of soapy water onto him. If those Russians won't fight us the brothers Laine are perfectly capable of brawling amongst ourselves.

>If I really think I have some new Orders for Amen-what are they?
We need to deal with the "Amen goes berserk if we die" problem. A simple solution to that is to try and make sure that Amen never reacts to us dying, at least not until we're very, very dead and won't be coming back. Our conversation with Sometimes Merchant comes to mind here. Get to a private area and discuss the following order with Shadowbro and Sake, making sure that Amen can't listen in either:

"Amen, I order you to personally redefine death with respect to me and only with respect to me so that it occurs only upon the complete and permanent destruction of the soul."

Then we would order Amen never to reveal or reference the existence of that order to anyone other than us. Hopefully, this would let us remain Amen's master as long as we persist in any form. Losing the blood or letting him get at it is still a problem, but one that we'll be able to hopefully overcome separately.

>the hummingbird
Use the Yama Uba's method. She knew what she was doing, this is just the soul bind we need- and we'll want to have a long chat with the hummingbird, once we've bound it and it's actively flitting about. According to The Smiling One we should be able to communicate at least basic concepts with it using our soul abilities, which doesn't seem that likely to be dangerous as long as we keep firmly in mind that all we want to do is talk, not change anyone. Definitely vet that concept through Shadowbro/Sake, though. Our primary concern will be convincing it that we're friendly and can serve as its new nest, not to mention keeping it alive (or at least existing) in its current form. Note that if what Einrik said is true and it's actually not beholden to do whatever we say until it dies, then it's not yet merely a spirit animal- and its soul will be able to grow even more powerful while in our care, so long as it retains its body. This could be an opportunity to turn an already uniquely powerful creature into something even better.

>Yama Uba's website
We want to go there, but we don't want to go there through a non-secure connection. Unfortunately we know jack about computers; ask the Russians if any of them are good with computer networking protocols and talk for a while about what's needed to ensure that we can't be traced to a website, or can't be traced to one easily. Discuss concerns about the government demanding information from an ISP, should we run into legal problems. Find out if there are any ways around this. We should not go to The Smiling One's website if our connection isn't secure; she was fairly clear that she disapproved of sloppy access and she'll probably trace back our connection, so let's not get off on the wrong foot here.

>Camella still hates us
Camella is pissed at us because she thinks we were just faking her out with false suicide for kicks. She firstly doesn't understand the joke that we were gaining superpowers with a bullet, and secondly doesn't recognize that in addition to the troll, we were deliberately inviting her to see one of the most important and personal events in our life- the completion of our bloodline, which will remain with us forever and form one of the bedrocks of our power and potentially that of our descendants. We wouldn't have asked her there at all if she wasn't someone that we thought a great deal of.

We need to get her to understand this, but of course we can't tell her ourselves because she's pissed at us and we'd look like we're making excuses. Einrik would probably be the ideal party to make mention of the full scope of what was going on there to Camella; he might decide to troll us but I doubt that would actually make the situation any worse, so whatever. If we get the chance to talk to him during the day, delicately request that he drop a few words on a more complete scope of the situation in Camella's ears when he finds a convenient opportunity. Hopefully that'll work out.

>Other things
Spar with Hillevi and tell her that she can do anything short of destroying the house or killing us. I suspect that she will give a MUCH more impressive showing under those restrictions, and we'll probably be able to push ourselves a lot more.
>>
No. 375170 ID: d97a61

>>375154
"Thank you for the information Go Ping. Would you mind informing Meng Yun I will be available later this week-Wednesday, once more in the morning if that works for him."
>[Go Ping]"I shall."
"Please also convey my appreciation for the offer."
>[Go Ping]"He shall be so informed, Mr. Laine."
"And of course, both my comrades and my personal services are still on offer, should assistence be needed."
>[Go Ping]"I am reasonably certain my Boss made just such an estimation-but will nevertheless likely be assured by having his suspicions confirmed. Until the next time our paths cross."
*CLICK*

That done.... I seek out Sake on the second floor, while on the way apologizing to SB for things that I obviously don't need to dwell on and hey there he is. Snoozing. Well then-
"YO, Sake:"
Rather thoroughly awake and locking a single beady eye on me as his body gets on with slowly wiggling out the kinks from the night-
Oh how I want to touch the wiggle
"the name 'The Smiling One' mean anything to you? Alternatively, Nikoyaka Youkai."
>[Sake]"Where'd you hear that?"
"The auction. Speaking of which, what happened to you?"
>[Sake]"Goblin intercept, officially not allowed entry, as consolation, got some good spirits... maaaaybe got a little drunk. Good stuff though. So, the sale went fine?"
"Yup-now back to talking about The Smiling One."
>[Sake]"She was the winning bidder, then. Hm..."
"Okay, and what else do you know?"
>[Sake]"She's like us: in a word, capricious. Sometimes she's helpful-sometimes not so much. Kindly or cruel, neither schema really lasts long with her-but she is bound to her word like most, and has a fondness for following the spirit of her promises, not just the letter-though she can get rather cross with those that do not offer similar respect back to her. More dangerous if you're a Mortal-as a Godling I'm reasonably certain she's almost incapable of considering you food in a worst case scenario. She has-or had, last I recall-a respectable plot of land in the mundane world, a peach orchard and set of bee's hives. She was well known for making wonderful preserves and spirits alike from her crops-and I shall assume her underground haven where any type of creature may rent living accomodations is still in use. Land owner, merchant, cannibal, capricious mind, crafty-The Smiling One is many things-but worst of all when something resisted. If she expresses interest or disinterest in something, you would be well served by heeding it. That is what I know of her."
"Thanks for that food for thought: Any idea why she could smell a Kamaitachi on me?"
>[Sake]"Because she's a natural spiritual predator much like the Red Caps and Vampires are sanguine predators, I'd expect. It matches what I've heard of her, for such to be the case. Possibly her attempt to verify to you she was observent within certain fields? That would suggest a predisposition to future dealings with you, were that her intent."
"Hm. Oh yes, one more thing."
>[Sake]"Yes?"
SB, I have a favor to ask-
>"-Oh, oh yes-here you are:"

A bucket of soapy water flops out of the shadow above the nook Sake claimed as his own, matting down his recently fluffed fur as he spasms in surprise. He spends at most half a second bewildered and utterly lost for reaction-while I simply laugh and laugh.

Soon enough he puts two and two together.

And puts a fist made of wind that feels as large as a motercycle in my gut.
>[Sake]"Hah. Hah. Hah. DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG IT TAKES TO DRY MY FUR!?"
thrusting my arms back and popping myself out of the cratered wall I impacted, idly coughing to straighten a rib or four for-
HYBRID HEALING
-to take care of as I pluckily respond.
"There is that-and there's also the fact I seem to be missing my toe bones. Tell me Sake-do you have any idea what happened to them?"
Sneezing soaping water out of his snout that looks like the bastard child of a mole and a bat, Sake chitters vindictively.
>[Sake]"I am fairly certain those are my battle trophy."
"Oh-oh, so that's how it is, huh? And if I said you had to earn them?"

The air around Sake distorts ominously, warping as if a lens was focusing about the still dripping length of weasel flesh.

>[Sake]"I'd say that I miss getting to fight with my brothers."


And THAT, is how I ended up spending an hour block from eight to nine sparring against not a group, but a single opponent. Not against a titan, but against a tiny form. And I get rocked, no matter how I look at it. Yes, I did dodge many more attacks than I did when I first faced Sake. Yes, my growing familiarity with Reinforcement means I'm mitigating more and more of the damage as I get hit, and get used to the timing of Sake's Air Manipulation assault. All the same, attacks I can barely see wrought out of the air around me, abruptly being denied the ability to breath, a foe so small there's nothing for me to work with in close range attention-dodging-all of it ends up overwhelming me, the same as before... In short, in my brother I fight a foe I am singularly UNsuited to fight-and happily take my lumps in exchange for getting the Gyaketsuote link to finally work a quarter hour before nine, and proving it is not limited to just humans. In the end, the two of us happily conclude our hectic, room destroying bout-I order Amen to restore the place to working order and repair my suit-and get back to my day.

Specifically, to dealing with an outstanding problem with a brainwave I just had.
>"I opened this communication channel reflexively: on proper inspection, I can't actually find any flaw in what you plan. ...Proceed."
I speak in Te Reo.
"Amen: I order you to completely prevent anyone but you or I from percieving the order I am about to give you following this one."
Appearing without a whisper at my side-
>[Amen]"This one has so secluded the exchange to come: What is the subsequent order master gives?"
"Amen, I order you to personally redefine 'death' with respect to me, and only me, so that I am so classified only upon the complete and permanent destruction of my soul."
Amen stands there for a moment, pale fleshed face unreadable before offering a decidedly more muted than normal response.
>[Amen]"This one is bound to follow such a ruleset, and continue to define master as master so long as master retains possession of Sisuthros' blood and master's soul still exists."
...Okay. Now to double check this:
"Amen, I order you to truthfully tell me what conditions would need to be met for you to be freed from servitude."
>[Amen]"This one could be so freed by being commanded free by a master, or by having it's current master lose possession of the right to command bound within Sisuthros' blood, or by this one's current master's soul being destroyed. Beyond that, no such method to this one's freedom exists."
...Sounds pretty good to me. Nice.

>>375117
>>375118
>>375123
>>375131
After requesting and receiving a russet brown wool scarf from amen that has a hummingbird-sized nook midway along its length and winding it so it's left sitting on my right shoulder (and making sure Sake is happily covered by the scarf as he continues to sleep off the hangover our bout only exacerbated) I finally get to business-

And oh-so-tentatively try to pull energy from my soul in equal amount to what I feel in the sphere about the frozen hummingbird, and-

The bubble bursts and inverts, fading from reality as it becomes the threads of a spiritual rope connecting me to-

With a flash of light off his irridescent feathers about his skull, the tan brown hummingbird rockets into the air, immediately leaping into a series of savage jukes and feints that swiftly leaves my careful observation in the dust, the drone of his wings throbbing as it wildly fluctuates, the damned thing still invisible-before I feel....

A sense of confusion.

Finally I spot it again: The miniscule figure is hovering midair, a foot away from the nearest window, one eye locked on me. I can feel it waiting for something.... but what? There... there is this link that just got made, maybe I can use mental communication and-
Can you hear me?
The confusion vanishes beneath a stalwart resistance that feels like a psychic slap as the bird once more dives into death-defying movements that leave it impossible to track, once more performing a one-man riot... that fades before a second's passed. Without becoming visible again... I feel something of a response.
>[Hummingbird]"Where is here?"
Istanbul.
I feel a sense of irritation.
>[Hummingbird]"Where is here?"
"A city split by a major body of water with a large amount of coast."
This time the response is hesitant, as the hummingbird again makes itself visible and halts it's expert darting.
>[Hummingbird]"....Not here?"
With the thought comes a barrage of sensations: smells, sounds, faces, food, experiences. I live and breathe the life of a hummingbird-in a city I've never seen before.
No, not that city."
The bird continues to hover as immobile as a statue while it mulls this over. Finally, the beak dips as a new thought is pushed along.
>[Hummingbird]"Big mouthed giant? Where is the thing that caught me?"
With the question comes a rather amazingly detailed three dimensional image of The Smiling One, complete with recollection of her ability to stand on walls and ceilings, along with a highly manipulate-able amount of mass-and the urge to test his own mobility against hers once again?
Her? No idea where, but almost certainly not around here.
Again, the bird mulls this over-slowly beginning to drift closer to me, as if hauled in by the tether connecting us.
>[Hummingbird]"...So why here? Why not home?"
Well, I acquired you from the Big Mouthed Giant, as you so termed her-and this is quite close to where I acquired you.
>[Hummingbird]"You're why I'm not stuck anymore?"
That would be correct"
The bird darts in closer, a foot from my face as that tiny beak twitches about like a pointer detailing features of my visage.
>[Hummingbird]"...You uncaged me?"
I released you as ably as I was able to. I hope it suffices.

Again, I feel the same sense of oppressive, serious deliberation as I might feel from watching a judicial hearing or a corporate meeting from this one tiny bird as it digests my response. Finally-

It lands on my shoulder, on the cusp of the little divot.

>[Hummingbird]"This is too small for you, or for weasel. is this mine?"
You are welcome to it.
Instead of acting, the bird continues to stand there, mere inches from my jaw, before a particularly sharp question gets through.
>[Hummingbird]"Why do I feel a leash about me?"
He can just feel the soul bond between us? I'm... not actually sure if that's impressive or not.
Like I said, I did the best I could to release you.
There are a few, brief spikes of pain that pass so swiftly I barely have time to even determine they're coming through the link before they settle.
>[Hummingbird]"I do not understand the nature of this link."
Frankly, neither do I. I'd be happy to look into it with you, though.
>[Hummingbird]"You seem too calm for being forcibly bonded to a superior soul."
Oh now that is a healthy ego there.
Well, I won't deny that after finding out you are the most impressive hummingbird of our times, I was quite intrigued by you.
His feathers puff out as the tiny figure preens, fastidiously straightening the feathers of its belly.
>[Hummingbird]"There is much honor to be had in being the companion of the Crow Taunter, the Executioner Dodger and Home Defender."
Abruptly the bird buzzes up to my ear, settling down on top of it's upper ridge as he kicks at the side of my head before pecking twice for good measure. None of it hurts.
>[Hummingbird]"But be warned, giant: I expect you to follow my lead, lest your ineptitude lead us astray in any titanic battles I may elect to wage."
I can't resist the urge to poke some fun at him.
Like combating the postman?
When he pokes me head with his beak this time, I feel for all the world like someone pounded a nail into my skull with a sledgehammer, and the only reason I don't flinch or recoil is the shock of the blow was paralyzing-I don't think the bird even noticed my reaction as it snippily replies.
>[Hummingbird]"Do not dishonor the bringer of news and events of import: theirs is a job to be respected and lauded, not derided. It would be churlish to get so battle hungry as to attack such as them."
You respect their ways, then?
>[Hummingbird]"The carriers of secrets and messages at large have always been eligible for high esteem in my eyes-though admittedly not as highly as I respect fellow warriors."
Come on Armas, don't laugh at the viking hummingbird, come on, focus-
As it happens, I traffic in both information and combat.
>[Hummingbird]"Do not get uppity, giant: I am certain you have had some small measure of success in your quaint little contests, this I grant, but surely nothing so impressive as facing a dire raven beast alone, and forcing it to tear its entrails out through its cloaca-or making a murder of crows commit suicide? Have you ever danced your way through cages sent haring to bring you low and break your bones? Until you've lived off naught but sustenance you claimed with your wits while battling naught but foes that could crush you, I think I could not term you a warrior, giant."

That....



That bird just thought... condescendingly at me.

This is so ludicrous I'm having trouble even registering how to react to this. I cover-by changing topics.
Do you have a name?
Flying down to finally settle in the dimple nest in my scarf's flank-
>[Hummingbird]"A true warrior needs not the trappings of a name to slow their beak or wing."
>[Sake]"I love this guy already-"

Just like that the bird's back in the air, madly flying about and once more flying so erratically he seems to fade from view. And that's with a link between our souls.
>[Hummingbird]"Who offers unsolicited interjection to our discussion!? Show yourself!"









How.... how do I even handle this little guy?
Suggestions for what to do with the day don't need to be resubmitted, they're just pending while you focus on this
>>
No. 375175 ID: d9ac01

WAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAH. I love this guy. I take back everything I said about it being a damn bird.

Ok what he has don't may not seem so impressive in the eyes of a human (though really forcing a murder of crows to commit suicide is amazing and I would love to hear that story) if you consider the size of this little bastard he is very impressive and I think he has earned the right to speak condescendingly at you.

"That would be my brothers. They are ultimately what allowed me to free you in the nature I have". Introduce them if they wish it.

Also, send some memories of fighting the Doonagees and facing the dragon. Just think about it and treat it like your link to the bros. If the normal link won't do it I'm sure your passive Sami will help out. If he likes the fight, tell him that you have more to come and indeed will be facing the Doonagees again soon.

This is the best damn (humming)bird in the world. Feel proud.
>>
No. 375210 ID: f70e5e

We should probably give the hummingbird a list of friendly’s in the immediate area. As funny as it would be we don’t want him picking a fight with the Russians. It seems the humming bird has a history of fighting things much stronger than himself; this is something we can use as a point of commonality. Though given his ego we should admit the strength discrepancy may not have been quite as large as in his own fights.
>>
No. 375217 ID: e691e2

>How.... how do I even handle this little guy?
This little guy sounds like a hoot. Possibly Kokko as a name, though it's a Phoenix legend name, it could help us selling the idea of a 'rebirth' as our spirit animal upon its death. This little guy is a proper badass warrior, and you should acknowledge him as such. Ask him if he minds.. pranks. Tell him this house is our next, and the numerous russians here are, in a way, our younglings, with Einrik as senior friend/mentor, and Amen a untrust old one. Tell him maybe we should go around and test our youngling a bit? Then, we should (that is, Sake, SB, Kokko and Armas) all plan to try and 'prank/test' the russians each in our own way and togethers depending of the mood. Maybe make a tally of who make the best prank and the best reactions. This could be a nice exercise for Armas, aligning his chakra to stealth and trying to amplify them as he pranks them. I am thinking being an all around inappropriate touch Armas would creep the fuck out of them and might be fun, but he should be... wary... of not antagonizing them too much. (things like this https://imgur.com/gallery/yVlk2 could be ok, but it might be a TAD too creepy).
Think about Calling Camella. We have a nifty little chamr she could be interested in, and telling her our lieutnant/second in command could have access to it might be enough to tip the scales for her to come work for us. Likewise, trying to make her understand Armas truly showed her a private and powerful moment of his life- without telling her, because Armas is shy that way- could help smooth out her anger.
>>375184 (Alratan)
Be damn careful about that dialog, Armas must be wary of being arrogant, and mindful of staying properly awed by our bird.
>>375118
>Go train at Ito's night class when you are free, you will likely find a higher variety and quality of opponents there.
SUST, no leaving the house until we are sure the Devil won't be calling the moment we are gone.

>-Try and figure out what the range for your soul sense is by moving about the grounds until you can't sense people and such.
More than 1000 feet, so we can't really do that. SUST.
>-Train your chakra timing by yourself, just switching.
>-Train your damn shooting(aim). Grab a gun, find the inner gun range. If nothing like that exists, as SB if he can help you by porting the bullets before they damage stuff. If you are short on bullets, order some from gun world. No longer short of bullets. Also see what effect liking your chakras to 'Aim' has, but ask shadowbro what he thinks about doing it first.
>-Call up SM and see if you can get shadow grenades. Something that can be used to cast a quick gloom over a section of battlefield that can be used by living shadows. Also see if you can get any other shadow enhancing tools/charms or that shadow for shadowbro.
>-Spar with Einrik and try not to get hit for 1 minute.
>-Spar with HV and try to completely overwhelm her without damaging in a lasting way. Keep doing it until it is no longer possible.
>-Research the sword for the triad mission.
SUST, wasting time. Armas won't learn anything from this, or not possible.
-Sneak about the grounds and see how long you can go without getting caught by anyone(save Amen and Einrik).

>-Try the shadowport function to move around the house, shouldn't be using it for the first time in battle.
Only do that if we make a Pranking plan. Not for the practice itself.
>>375123
>Basically, just unleash them on Istanbul. They have a little money in their pockets, and they can speak Turkish. Off you go! Have fun!
SUST, not letting people the devil know to leave the house.
>>
No. 375249 ID: 1310c4

>How.... how do I even handle this little guy?
We want to avoid trying to claim that we can match its accomplishments- by its own metric, we aren't going to be able to do anything as impressive as it has, if only because its own deeds loom large in its mind. Instead, angle for showing that we've had a couple decent battles but our most impressive feature is our ability to talk, to gather allies to us and make them from enemies.

If the hummingbird could show us memories then we should be able to do the same in turn, giving it flashes of our own experiences by which it can judge us. Make use of this property.

"Show himself? But you've seen him already- it is my brother the weasel which speaks. He and my other brother the shadow have been here since our conversation began." There is no pressing need to use names just yet as the hummingbird has shown some derision for them.

"To return to your earlier discussion, you can term me a warrior or not, as you wish. But know that I have fought beings far mightier than I and won," (send flashes of charging the Doonongaes and sending it fleeing) "...and while I have not always emerged victorious in such battles..." (the dragons, Kazedora) "...I do not flinch in the face of those who could easily destroy me should I make a single misstep."

"My greatest talents on the battlefield are, in my opinion, not in killing my enemies at all- though I do- but in making new allies. Often one who has tried to kill me once or met me with hostility" (images of Sake's aggression, Red Caps wanting to eat us, Russians trying to kill us) "found themselves becoming my friend or ally shortly thereafter." (images of Red Caps being friendly and offering us knowledge, Sake laughing happily as our brother, Russians working at our command) "It is on the battlefield of words which I most excel. Your expertise on your own battlefield is exceptional, and your advice would be welcome there, for I know that I have much to learn and could use an adviser- or protector- and while you are with me, I can surely do much for you in return. If nothing else, my ways have provided me with ample resources" (images of heaping platters of food, groups of minions, bigass mansion) "and I am certain you could do well here, and perhaps find great challenge facing my enemies."

>>375217
>Ask him if he minds.. pranks.
We should be careful with this. Introduce the subject as making a fool of our enemies (send memories of tricking Blackbeard into giving us stuff or dropping a building on him), and then segue into pranks more generally.

>Think about Calling Camella.
Do not call Camella about this. She will not respond well to Armas making these points; we need them to come from someone else, like Einrik, who would have less reason to be biased in our favor. Blackbeard's charm and the associated offer aren't going away, so we should hold them for when we think she's in a good mood and would likely say yes.
>>
No. 375250 ID: 6868bc

Go bold. Go proud. Speak in grand terms of the battles you have fought, of the foes you have defeated, and insist yourself a warrior. Humility, in this case, will just make you the submissive party in the relationship. Hell, mention the Doonongaes. You have plans to face down an overwhelming foe, and that seems like exactly the sort of thing our feathered friend would respect.
>>
No. 375251 ID: 252e1b

>>375170

"The third party to the conversation is Sake, the weasel. He is my soul brother. I have a second soul brother, whom I call ShadowBro. His name is hidden to me, because names have power and he lives in the shadows. A soul-shadow can keep safer by keeping his real name hidden and still get the special benefits of having the name."

He'll likely ask what those benefits are.

"A name makes you more suited to a task. If your true name marks you as a warrior, you will find yourself able to fight all the harder. If your true name marks you as a determined survivor, you will be even better able to endure. There are many different specializations that come with names: even the choice to not specialize, to be a generalist, is possible with the right name."

"Before I get any further, I want to tell you, a third mind is also party to this conversation: Iron Trick. He is hidden, and is a Contract Artifact and communicates directly into my mind. You may not hear him, but he listens and will comment to me. It is only fair that you know who will hear you when you communicate with me."

"A Contract Artifact is a device empowered by a god, to serve a function, and to allow the wielder to better serve the god's agenda. Iron Trick and I get along pretty well."

"Surely you're hungry? I can mix some sugared water for you while we talk. Settle back in your perch if you like: there's no need for you to fly if I have to walk to the kitchen anyway, and there's no danger in this house."

When we get to the kitchen we'll probably see Boris or someone else. That's a good time to introduce the bird to the idea of a flock of giants.

"Boris is one of my employees, and he likes to cook."

Let him ask what an employee is, and explain it as such: "An employee is a member of a company. A company of people is like a flock. We work together to accomplish goals, all related to our mutual survival and comfort. I am the boss, the leader of the flock."

"At the moment I have 24 people working for me. I have another thinking gun like Iron Trick: her name is Silja, and she is a very sweet person. Associated with the house but not the company is a servant named Amen. There is also a guest in the house: my friend Einrik. Lastly, but most significantly, also in the house is my ward Hillevi: she is a girl I have agreed to be responsible for. I am to be her surrogate parent for the year, in a way. She grew up sheltered, and this year will expose her to the world before she is an adult. I'll introduce you to them all if you like."

"If you prefer to remain aloof, that is why there is a little nest for you. For the moment we're leashed to each other. I will need to keep performing my duties as the warden, boss, friend, and brother after all. These people are my responsibility. Hillevi especially, I have a duty to protect or die trying."
>>
No. 375255 ID: 4eb115

Things to do while waiting for the devil:
Armas has often suffered severe injuries while fighting important battles. Armas should try his new techniques (chakra reinforcement and Gyaketsuote) while being subjected to painful distractions. One distraction that may become relevant with the lightning devil is electric shocks. Check if any of the Russians have a taser they are willing to lend. Ask Sake and SB if they can do any suitable distractions. Other painful things include pepper spray and pouring boiling water over yourself.
>>
No. 375267 ID: d97a61

>>375251
That would be the third party-or fourth, depending-to our conversation: Sake, the weasel. He's my soul brother, along with my shadow, who I'm fond of referencing by the moniker 'Shadowbro'
Again, the bird settles back to visibility, offering guarded words.
>[Hummingbird]"So, that which I smell under your scarf is the weasel-this I fathom, but what of your shadow? What am I to make of such a claim?"
For the first time in my hearing, Shadowbro chimes in-audibly, the sounds coming from the shadowed recesses of the room itself.
>"I can assure you my brother speaks the truth."
slowly revolving as it hovers midair, that oppressive sense of heavy deliberation making a comback, the bird speaks.
>[Humming]"I accept its existence, though there is something off about it-do you know of what I speak?"
Sounds like a good enough opening to me.
Could have to do with his name being hidden from me-or anyone, really.
>[Hummingbird]"Why would the status of a favored title factor into his standing?"
Because names have power-and as a shadow, the benefits of a name are worth the effort of then masking it.
>[Hummingbird]"The duplicitous nature of claiming such a title escapes my understanding, but I grasp the concept of 'benefits'. What is gained from claiming something as a Name?"
To my understanding, a name makes you more suited for a task. For example, if your Name marks you as a warrior, you will find yourself able to fight all the harder. If your Name marks you as a survivor, you'll be more able to endure hardships. There's too many different ways for a name to impact someone for me to list them all.
With the snap of settling wing, I feel a miniscule weight settling on top of my head.
>[Hummingbird]"If names give such power to have, why would one hide them? This still makes less sense than those fool bards that imitate the sounds made by the machines of giants and term it 'modern art'."
Before I get any further, I want to tell you, a third mind is also party to this conversation: Iron Trick. He's hidden, and isn't well suited to communing with those other than myself at the moment. You may not hear him, but he listens and will comment to me on occassion. It is only fair that you know who will hear you when you communicate with me.
>[Hummingbird]"It is wise to make me aware in conversation rather than wait for me to learn of them on my own" my warrior's way of life has left me honed battle reflexes, and I would not wish to inadvertently slay one of your brethren with my outstanding debt to you."
Man I love this guy's ego. Fucking unflappable. ...Heh.
Surely you're hungry? I can mix some sugared water for you while we talk, and-
Beak to the skull that feels like jackhammer, and makes my knees want to buckle.
>[Hummingbird]"Truly you are an accomplished jester, but would not be so crass as to offer a warrior anything other than true nectar, or those battle stimulants of you giants-the silver and blue tower of the crimson bull, the black tower of gold script, the body-sized jugs with the blue and red skin over a pale white flesh and a red head? Or at the least, that fiery brew of energy you all seem to enjoy so much-the one the color of the earth and drank steaming?"
...Coffee?
>[Hummingbird]"Now that I can attach your understanding of the sound to your cry, I believe that is what the other giants called it. Do you know of those other powerful war drugs I mentioned?"
...Red Bull and Rockstar?
>[Hummingbird]"By a pheonix's feather, I believe those to be their titles-it is good to know their.. their Name."
Well, I'm pretty sure we have coffee, at least-I'll go check with Boris or whoever else is in the kitchen.
>[Hummingbird]"Who or what is this 'Boris'? Another of you clumsy giants?"
Boris is one of my employees, and he likes to cook.
>[Hummingbird]"...Em-ploy E.?"
Okay-some really important terms for interacting with giants like me: An employee is a member of a company. A company is a group of people that you can think of like a flock. Work together to accomplish goals, all related to mutual survival and comfort. I am the boss, the leader of this company-this flock. At the moment I have twenty four people working for me. I also have another thinking weapon like Iron Trick: her name is Silja, and she inhabits a rifle called Keihäs. She's a very sweet person. There's two guests in the house: my friend, Einrik, and my ward Hillevi: She's Einrik's little sister, and I've agreed to be responsible for her.
>[Hummingbird]"She is your mate?"
No-I am to be her surrogate parent for a year, in a way. She grew up sheltered, and this year will expose her to the world before she is an adult. Well, that's it for the outright friendlies-then, there's Amen.
>[Hummingbird]"You said that Name as if you spoke of death."
Well, he-it's associated with the house, and isn't really part of the company-the flock-so much as a servant to me I can't safely get rid of. It's complicated, but for now all that you really need to know is that it can lie, and not to trust it.
>[Hummingbird]"Certainly not a boring nest you claim for yourself, then."
I like to think not. I can introduce you to them all if you like.
>[Hummingbird]"It is irksome enough being able to speak with but one of you giants-I shall decline."
Okay-if you prefer to remain aloof, that's why there is a little nest for you. For the moment we're leashed together. I will need to keep performing my duties as warden, as boss as friend and as brother to the respective occupants of my.. nest. These people are my responsibility: Hillevi particularly, I have a duty to protect or die trying.
Again, that heavy sense of consideration makes me feel like I'm in a court room, before with a buzz the bird has moved, now settling into the scarf-based pseudonest.
>[Hummingbird]"If you plan to feed me, I have no current complaint about our predicament."
So it is I make my way downstairs, heading towards the kitchen. Boris doesn't even notice the tiny bird intently inspecting him from its shoulder nook while I open the massive double-doored refridgerator-

Only to see the bird now hovering before the display or cans on the second shelf, settling down before a Red Bull.
>[Hummingbird]"Yes, this shall do-unlock this container, giant!"
After pulling five lira from my pocket, I pour a tiny sauces of red bull for the bird as I pour the rest into a small eight ounce bottle than I swiftly pocket, before replacing the now empty can in the fridge, with the rolled up bill stuck in its open top. I luck at the hummingbird as it perches on the saucer's edge, dipping it's beak to take a long swallow-and for all the world rocks back with the same relaxation you'd expect from the first beer after a long day's work.
>[Hummingbird]"...Better. I was beginning to grow drowsy."
Happy to help.
>[Hummingbird]"So: I feel the self assurance of a warrior about you: tell me, giant, what makes you think yourself the equal to true warriors?"
>>375175
>>375210
>>375217
>>375219
So I start sending a few choice tales along our two way mental connection. I tell of my bout with the Ika Turso, I talk of contests against my own brothers, I talk of battling the dread Doonongaes. But ultimately, I make no secret of the fact my victories come more from having allies, both to teach me and fight alongside me. The bird seems interested in my blurb, even as he does title my accomplishments 'quaint'. After my tales wind down, I briefly poll Amen, and find that not one bit of magical nectar is within the food I get from the Goblins now-a pity, but it seems no recipe in the book called for it. I gently broach the subject of names again, suggesting Kokko, fire, iron and perseverance. The fine figure makes no comment on the offer, and I let it drop-for now.

It's while exiting the kitchen, Boris still happily puttering about in ignorance of the miniscule fowl that shared the room with him, that the hummingbird asks me an interesting question.
>[Hummingbird]"So I admit, your tails piqued my interest: but I must know, what kind of warrior do you think yourself, giant?"
>>375249
A question that must be answered carefully, I think. My greatest talents on the battlefield are, in my opinion, not in killing my enemies at all- though I do passably at that, I think- but in making new allies. Often one who has tried to kill me once or met me with hostility-
I try my damnedest to project images of Sake's aggression, Red Caps wanting to eat me, Russians trying to kill me-
-found themselves becoming my friend or ally shortly thereafter.
Now I try to morph those images into Red Caps being friendly and offering us knowledge, Sake laughing happily as our brother, Russians working at our command-
It is on the battlefield of words which I most excel. Your expertise on your own battlefield is exceptional, and your advice would be welcome there, for I know that I have much to learn and could use an adviser- or protector- and while you are with me, I can surely do much for you in return. If nothing else, my ways have provided me with ample resources and I am certain you could do well here, and perhaps find great challenge facing my enemies.
>[Hummingbird]"I believe I know of the concept you propose: Become your... vassal? Your retainer? A warrior you keep in comfort so that they may face your enemies?"
One way of looking at it, true enough. But I'm not necessarily looking for anything so... permanent as either of those terms suggest.
>[Hummingbird]"What is it you propose, then?"
A partnership-an exchange. I provide you a safe haven to call home while so tethered to me, comrades that will assist in defending this nest, easy access to food-and in exchange, if you think you can assist or advice me, feel free to act.
>[Hummingbird]"I was under the impression you giants preferred equally... large... bindings in official arrangements."
"Which is why I'm proposing an informal arrangment-one you can freely reject, or exit from at any time you wish-it will in no way impact my efforts to learn of ways to untether us."
>[Hummingbird]"Then I elect to view you as a fellow lending out space in their nest. Should someone threaten your house, I will treat it as a threat to my house. Should someone threaten you, I shall take it as a threat to me."
I try not to smirk.
I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Now, I'm afraid I'm going to be boring for a time: I need to look within myself.

Undeterred by my caution, the hummingbird watches me the whole while that I labor over switching from open to oriented chakras-this time, throwing my stealth assignment into the mix. While I may not have felt I made all that much progress on how swiftly I can slip in and out of Reinforcement, I am confident there was improvement-on the other hand, my ease at switching to the Stealth orientation climbed drastically, at nearly the same rate as my lessons with Meng Yun-for about twenty minutes, and start tapering off. As is, I'm about half as comfortable using my Steath chakra orientation as I am my Reinforcement orientation. Finally, I stand-to immediately be faced with a question.
>[Hummingbird]"Those gates inside your body that you were manipulating-what are they?"
He can sense that? Sake covers for me as I stall at the realization.
>"I assume you sensed seven such gates?"
>[Hummingbird]"Indeed. What manner of magic is this?"
>"Those were his chakras-the means by which ensouled entities express their spiritual power through their physical existence."
>[Hummingbird]"...Is that so. Inform me when the giant is going to use such forces again-I wish to observe more."
>"Actually, trainers could be easily-"
>[Hummingbird]"Where's the challenge in learning a technique when you could steal it?
Yeah, pretty sure we're going to get along rather well if you espouse a mindset like that."
>[Hummingbird]"Hm? Given my skill, it only seems natural that, to keep myself from growing slack, I elevate the challenges I face in my day to day life. Do you do the same?"
Hah... in a way actually, yes.

The next hour I spend doing something a bit different. I gather up everyone in the house-all of them-and have a little spar. Not against a group, but against a single opponent. Namely, that being Einrik. The spar is set up with some interesting rules: For Einrik, his goal is to hit me at least once per minute without me getting my Reinforcement in place to dampen the blow. For me, the goal is to go an entire minute without Einrik hitting me once. Our rules leave the option of neither of us winning the most probable outcome-something both of us are fine with. And so, with Sake poking a snout out from under the scarf in a shadowed corner, the hummingbird watching from mid air, electing to use the proverbial bird's eye view, and Hillevi and the Russians spread out in a wide circle around us-

Einrik and I spar.

The first minute-I do pretty well, I think. Sure, I don't actually dodge more than a third of his attacks-but the point is I prove I can, and he doesn't manage to catch me unguarded.
The second minute I decide to go for the kill, and try using Egoless on Einrik. I manage to elevate my odds of dodging to the low 40th percentile with the shift.
The third minute Einrik starts using his own stealth based martial craft. And that... is when things start going wrong.
It's the quarter hour mark before I can actually get back up to dodging even a fifth of his attacks, and I'm still barely Reinforcing in time for most of his blows. Bastard's still looking rather nonchalant about this.
By the half hour mark I've clawed my way up to dodging a fourth of his attacks-but more importantly, I'm not so desperately struggling to defend myself, finally getting into the rhythm of reactive Reinforcement against Einrik.
Five minutes later Einrik makes a comment.
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"Not bad dealing with orthodox use of the Invisible Hand... what about my version though?"
Once again-it all goes to shit.
An hour into the bout, and all I've accomplished is prevent Einrik from winning when he wasn't trying to hard to pull it off, and getting my dodge rate up... to one in seven. I've barely gotten it to climb back up to one in four when Einrik seems to grow a bit bored-

And with much more ease than I expected, places his fist on my unprotected gut as easily as reaching for a mug of beer. The Russians, who had devolved into amiable betting about the contest as they drifted in and out of the room, cheer his success.
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"Not bad-but frankly, you'll need to be able to outright move faster, if you really want to be evasive."

This is where I drop the bombshell-and, sweat drenched underarmor shirt and shorts or no-I make a new challenge.
"Okay-Hillevi, how about you next?"
At the silence that greets my offer, Einrik says the words that light up Hillevi's eyes and, seeing this, set the Russians running to grab their comrades.
>[Einrik] [In Finnish]"Dear sister, I think you should accept-and in fact, view him as you would your older brothers."
>[Hillevi]" [In Finnish]You mean-"
>[Einrik]" [In Finnish]Yes-no need to hold back quite so much in a spar, I think."
With a decidedly cheery smile, Hillevi practically skips into the informal ring, before settling into a crouched, wide stance. ...Does the air feel a bit cooler in here?
>[Einrik] [In Finnish]"Begin."
>[AAE Trait activated]
By the good graces I'm not blinking, so I see the wrecking ball-excuse me, I mean Hillevi's fist coming towards my face.
>[CC Trait activated]
I'm able to use that bare moment of warning not to think about her abrupt increase in speed-but to overcharge the Reinforcement I throw up as much as I can while trying to get my arms in the way of the blow.
>[GGG Trait activated]
Even then I nearly black out as my brain rattles inside my skull, the impact nearly overwhelming even through my block and Reinforcement. My feat leave the ground as I'm bodily thrown away by the sheer weight of the impact.
>[RRRRR Trait activated]
Recalling that behind me was a book case, I'm prepared when I impact-and rebound, hurling myself back into the fray as-
HYBRID HEALING
-fixes my shattered nose and eye socket.

It's... it's rough, but I last a whole fucking hour against her. Not once do I come even remotely close to overwhelming her-if anything it's the other way around, with the early portions of the bought having me oft barely surviving her assaults-but that's okay. What matters to me, is that I went toe to toe with her while she was in 'pulp a human with every blow' mode, and kept on swinging. I won't at all claim to be comfortable fighting in such a situation-but it's certainly not unfamiliar to me now, the notion of facing a supernatural bruiser in close quarters.

So it is that, at twelve past noon-the doorbell rings.

Amen comments.

>[Amen]"There is a devil here to see you, Master."
Panting, covered in sweat and still-fading bruises and lacerations, dressed in workout gear, I consider the devil's timing-while the Hummingbird float up before me.
>[Hummingbird]"Devil-what is that? And why can I understand what your servant says if I'm tethered to you?"









How do I respond?
Seems like the Devil's here-so what's the plan?
>>
No. 375292 ID: f8aa66

"I... am not sure why you can understand Amen." It's probably not a good thing, in all honesty.

"I'm not sure what your equivalent would be, but Devils are clever, ruthless and extraordinarily powerful, this one more than most. It commands lightning, and likely other powers. It can be reasoned with, and bargained with, placated if need be- but if it comes to a fight, then we would must strike as hard and as quickly as possible, or be overwhelmed by magical might. Thankfully, whatever else Amen is, its ability to protect the Nest is unrivalled."

Just kind of a thing before we get into Devil-mode... you're kinda hitting the hybrid healing pretty heavily today, Armas. Feeling hungry yet? Or... well, I don't want to get into paranoid ramblings. But I suppose it could be Whaitiri's fleshcrafting paying off, or the bloodline being finished, or... other... things.

Devil plan: I'm for just chatting it up and getting it out of here. We never did find out if booby-trapping is viable, and the Devil can read telepathy to Amen, so don't even THINK that thought. Have SB hide even the idea of it. Likewise, this one: I'd be too worried about any potential allies, or the fact that Sometimes Merchant (and who knows who else?) is watching the house, and therefore, this meeting, to attempt to take its life through trickery.
>>
No. 375295 ID: e691e2

>[Hummingbird]"Devil-what is that? And why can I understand what your servant says if I'm tethered to you?"
>How do I respond?
“... Probably because he is bound to me, with a leash made of danger.”

>Seems like the Devil's here-so what's the plan?
Ok, we musn't look afraid or duplicitious or lacking in awesome in front of our bird right now. First thing to do is making sure Amen isn't in contact with the Devil right now, as in relaying our words or thoughts to him (or some such). Ask Sake/SB/IT/VikingBird what they thing of the following question and order “Amen, tell me truthfully if you are in communication, constant or not, with this Devil” and “Amen, I order you not to relay nor reveal or otherwise make it easy for of my thoughts to be read or understood by the said Devil”. Then, ask IT if he thinks Amen, being in his domain, should be able to speak to us mentally without the Devil knowing. Then ask IT if Sake and Hummingbird could, as they are both in their own bodies. Confirm with Amen/SB/Sake/Vikingbird. Also, do the same About Silja, and take her with us.
Acknowledge the Devil being here “So you did agree to come here to sort this out”, but make no indication it is allowed to come in, and let him speak and tell us how he thinks he is going to “sort this out”. The goal here is to have fast mental communication with all of us here to try and find a way to make sure the Devil can't own our soul. SB could very easily fire off hundreds of questions to Amen to make sure he isn't living loopholes, and so on. This is too important for him to troll us, I am sure. Likewise, if it wants to come to get the soul, we must make sure to precise which souls he is getting, and I would also preferable NOT give him a soul but just have something else in trade. Try to Haggle it up a lot- the best case scenario here is that Amen makes it another Arm, but one that does NOT in any way provide a link from him to Amen or Us or anything that could be used against us, really. While I am loathe to make a deal with a Devil, this should really be about US gaining back Armas V's soul (or right to it) in exchange for healing the Devil, as well as maybe a couple of nice trinkets- like information on the Accords, Information on Savoy, Information on Mammon's and his devices, or what not SB or Sake or IT can think about. If we are EXTREMELY lucky, there could even be a chance for Amen to bind him. We REALLY shouldn't be giving the Devil a soul at all, as this probably could get us in all kinds of trouble as well as just being flat out wrong, so Armas should totally only see this as the latest of the last ressort.
>>
No. 375361 ID: 2dbf79

Have Amen bond it and feed him to Whaitiri.
>>
No. 375374 ID: 3947e9

>[Hummingbird]"Devil-what is that? And why can I understand what your servant says if I'm tethered to you?"
I don't know how you can understand it. A devil is a very powerful, very dangerous predator.

Meet the devil in the room we made for redcaps. It should be private enough. IT should only be armas, sake, SB, and hummingbird.

Check the exact wording with your brothers, but basically you want to order amen to acquire as much of its flesh and blood as it can without the devil noticing, especially during the reconstruction of the devil's hand.

Amen is then to use that to track the devil without it noticing, and be ready to immobilize it in a moment's notice if we ever give him the mental command to do so, or if it attacks us (in the future, when out of the mansion). As long as it plays straight with us we will play straight with it, the blood sample is really just an insurance policy.

Amen is not to communicate with the devil in any way.
Amen is not to let the devil read amen's thoughts or memories.
Amen is not to let the devil read anyone's mind.
If the devil attempts to attack anyone within the mansion amen is to stop the attack and restrain it.

>>375292
upvote
>>
No. 375410 ID: 07228c

>>375295
SUST everything, particularly on making any deal with the devil, including giving it anyone else's life or soul, whatever it offers.

Order Amen to block the devil or anyone else outside the mansion overhearing or otherwise sensing the following orders, and then tell them him aloud. He is to remotely open the door, but in no way extend any implied or stated invitation to enter. Tell Amen that the devil is not considered a guest, but an intruder, but he is to suspend taking any action against it until you or your brothers order him otherwise, or all three of you are incapacitated. In any case, this does not allow him to harm us, other guests, or our possessions. For the avoidance of doubt, the hummingbird has the privileges of a guest.
>>
No. 375464 ID: ac6c03

>>375295
Liking this plan, especially the binding of the devil if possible. It is a risky matter though and should not be the primary objective, but a desirable opportunity.
>>
No. 375485 ID: d97a61
 

>>375292
I... am not actually sure why you can understand Amen.
It's probably not a good thing, in all honesty.
>"I concur. It is troubling. Perhaps it's due to the binding, or the shared blood? I have the feeling this is an important clue as to Amen's true nature."
The hummingbird chirps placatingly from its perch.
>[Hummingbird]"So you employ a living tool-or weapon, if I interpret your meaning properly-that you do not fully understand?"
Possession of the being was imposed on me, and attempting to simply abandon the creature could be far more disastrous than bumbling along on my own.
>[Hummingbird]"Naught but hard choices to make? Very well-still, I believe you have dodged answering my question."
Only for the sake of clarity before moving on.. so, Devils. I'm not sure what your equivalent would be, but Devils are clever, ruthless and extraordinarily powerful, this one more than most.
>[Humming]"So far I have heard nothing that marks Devils as different from crows: nevertheless, I shall hear all you have to say."
This one commands lightning-
>[Hummingbird]"The fell light of storms? That which devastates trees and kills that which it touches? That which turns water into death when it leaps into it?"
Ah... yes, exactly that, actually. I'll skip explaining why his command of lightning is dangerous, then.
>[Humming]"It is an admittedly decent substitute for having a proper set of claws and a beak."
Yeah, about that-it has claws-or talons, I'm not really sure-and it's got a whole mess of fangs in it's mouth. It's also covered in living armor formed out of its own bones, as I recall-and probably has more power beyond what I mentioned.
>[Hummingbird]"That merely means more glory to the warrior to fell such a beast. I trust it's armor is not that impossibility of 'unnassailably perfect'-that places through which a slender and sharp beak could be inserted to lethal effect."
>"There are gaps in its armor yes-but the question is how attentive to those gaps the creature is. Thus far, we have no prior experience seeing the creature in combat."
>[Hummingbird]"Ah-the issue is the unknown nature of the foe. Fear not: should it surprise you I shall be swift to bring it low with a torrent of pecks and rakes of beak and claw. I will not fail before a foe so soon after having agreed to share your nest with you-'twould be most uncouth."
>[Iron Trick]"Who is it this bird smacks of so? It wasn't a past Owner... so who was it? This, I fear, shall bother me until I solve it-"
I appreciate your offer-but ask, in turn, that you not interject unless you are certain imminent threat looms. Devils can be quite sensitive about protocol and formality-
Sensing the complete noncomprehension at the terms-
They only communicate through VERY specific methods, and if you mess it up they'll attack even if you didn't threaten them.
>[Hummingbird]"Are you certain Devils are not Crows?"
I suppose it's possible.

>>375374
As I prepare to issue a bevy of orders to Amen to prevent undue influence on my deal, and my planned trickery against the Devil-I notice two things from the main foyer that halt my movements.

The first: I can detect the soul of the being outside the house-it's barely visible, and vast enough it feels made of vapors, hard to define-but most certainly perceivable. I couldn't perceive the Finnish Devil's soul, and am reluctant to believe I've grown enough for that to change in just a few days.

The second: I can see the shape of the figure outside-and it looks more like a thin-shouldered accountant than the linebacker outline of the devil I met.

Now, admittedly, there is nothing stopping the devil from having warped it's soul and/or form.... but still...
>"Why not ask Amen if it's the same Devil? He's seen your memories of the one we encountered."
That-that should work All right-Amen, is this the same devil that I met before on the mountains of Spain? I order you to answer me truthfully.
>[Amen]"This one must note it a different Devil to the one master recollects."
That.....

Wait really?
>[Amen]"Really, really-indeed, really, master."
>[Hummingbird]"Did the leader of a flock of Devils send a lower member than anticipated?"
That's just it-Devils, so far as I've been told, don't... have.. flocks.
>[Hummingbird]"That then begs the question why one would wander near our nest."
It's a puzzle I intend to solve.

Once more the doorbell rings-and I have Amen open it.

On my doorstep stands what at first glance looks like a sallow faced intern, heavy bags under his eyes and pale, flabby skin speaking of a body pushed to exhaustion and never allowed to recuperate. Yet beneath the tweed-wearing veneer, I feel the amoral intellect, the malice laced mind that shouts to all that know to look that this being's soul is that of a Devil. Pushing back bottle-neck spectacles with heavy iron frames with a chewed-nail-tipped finger, a smile full of stained teeth is offered to me.
>[Devil][In English]"I now fulfill my end of the Bargain: Armas Laine, the Devil who still had dealings with you had his connection to you purchased by Another. Now, Mammon invites you to the Devil and Demon Gathering occuring in the Undersewers-you may pursue the invitation at your leisure. To reach the Gathering, merely say 'It was Greed that led me here-and Greed I shall continue to follow' when in the Undersewers. A guide will find you."
With his blurb delivered, the devil-just vanishes. One moment it's there-the next it's not, and even though I was looking squarely at him, I couldn't say just how it vanished.

I mull over the rather notable shift in how I predicted this to go, even as I find myself grateful Einrik has the Russians engaged telling yet more of his tales of adventure. ...So what, the devil's... not after me any more? I mean, yeah Mammon's got his eye on me in place of it-but Mammon was already watching me, so that's hard to treat as anything but a minor win. On the other hand, this absolutely fucked my rather ambitious plans to trap and enslave the Devil for my own use. ...Hm.






There's plenty of things I COULD do with my time-but what should I actually put time into from noon onwards?
To make it easier to plan out the day, I've included rough time estimates on events to pursue
[Will take 4 hours+]I've been mulling over the thought of getting more shooting practice-and could ask the Russians for help-the shooting range I got set up at the Mafia controlled sections of the docks could be put to good use.
[Will take 1 hour+]-I am still in the shit house with Camella-but I can't really just call her and explain why what I did wasn't QUITE as horrible as it looked-do I have any ideas on how to fix that?
[Will take 1/2 hour+]-Do I have any plans on further things to say to the hummingbird-or to Silja?
[Will take 3 hours+]-Should I sink some hours into working on chakra manipulation while subjecting myself to pain in the hopes of making my chakra manipulation far harder to disrupt in combat? (So far all I've thought up is using a taser and using boiling water)
[Will Take 2 hours+]-Should I try to acquire a secure computer from the Triads or Mafia to access the Yama Uba's website?
Or do I have some other plans?
>>
No. 375498 ID: b83c65

[Will take 4 hours+]I've been mulling over the thought of getting more shooting practice-and could ask the Russians for help-the shooting range I got set up at the Mafia controlled sections of the docks could be put to good use.
Armas, you suck on toast when it comes to shooting. If you actually try pacticing it as much as you practice getting your face punched in towards your ass, you might be able to shoot as straight as Big Crazy one day.

>[Will take 1/2 hour+]-Do I have any plans on further things to say to the hummingbird-or to Silja?
Spend some time talking to Silja, maybe introducing her to the Hummingbird, just speaking with her and cleaning her. Also, bring up that thing the note was talking about form before. Someone else to talk to her when we're forgetful, anti-social, workaholics.

As for the Hummingbird, try sparring with him, for shits and giggles. Also, introduce him to posted song. I'm quite sure he'll like it.

>[2 hours+]-Should I try to acquire a secure computer from the Triads or Mafia to access the Yama Uba's website?
Yes. Because not only can you contact Yama Uba, but you also have a Russian dedicated to computer pursuits and he could do with another computer.
>>
No. 375500 ID: b83c65
 

>>375498
Now including song we need to show to our Hummingbird friend.
>>
No. 375535 ID: f8aa66

We're waiting on Rocco and Go Ping's call, but there are other possibilities for the russians out there. Talk to Arkvad about H&H's HR department when we drop off the mateba to be fixed - aggressive acquisitions (magic item/beast hunters) sounds up our alley. They did well capturing the Rami, after all. Talk to Riker; so, how's the new job treating you, blah blah ranger days blah blah, OH by the way we're putting together a little outfit, a bit under the radar, naturally we thought of you first... If he wants to set up a meeting, Camella would impress the FUCK out of him, and Matvey wouldn't do too badly. We also need to look into getting Hafaz work - I still favor sending him to Baki the masseuse to subtly display their chops (you can't tell me a master masseuse wouldn't know quality when he sees it). We wouldn't even have to tell him why we're sending them to the spa for the day.

>>375498
I wouldn't mind knowing if Silja has been contacted by Note Guy yet.

That said, that's a big NO on the hummingbird combat. If we can't take Sake, we aren't going to be able to catch the little feathered bastard. And once he wins, he's just going to be more convinced than ever that we're the Sancho Panza to his Don Quixote.

On the Camella front, I think we could trust Einrik to put in a good word for us on the down low. Remind me when it hits midnight or so, I have a cunning plan (well, A plan) on how to fix this state of affairs. It will require Sake, Shadowbro, ourselves and some... perhaps even ALL of our cunning. Also, we should see if Einrik knows any instruments.

Armas, consider the implications of a 'devil AND demon gathering'. Who do we know that would know anything about such occurances? We should talk to them. Einrik may know a thing or two, or Johan (although we have no ready cash on that one, I wish somebody would call and request our services) Are devils not as independent of the Princes as we thought, or is it more that when Mammon commands, only fools turn him down flat? Speaking of... should we go? I'm honestly pretty tempted, just to say we went, and tempting Johan as our +1 (can we bring a +1? Dunno) might net us that info we want free, or at least at a reduced rate.

If we still have time after that, I'd like to try to analyze how our new hybrid healing works, honestly. It's significantly - enormously, even - more useful suddenly, and we don't seem to be starving ourselves or cannibalizing our muscles or anything stupid like that to power it. But we don't understand it, and I don't necessarily trust it. Can that really all be thanks to finishing the bloodline? And we could double up our time effectively by doing this while also trying to use our chakra to work through pain (subjecting ourselves to tasers and lashes for no reason is crazy; we have a reason, so obviously it isn't crazy. Bring on the tasers, or the russians with bats, or whatever).
>>
No. 375555 ID: 0ccc5b

>To reach the Gathering, merely say 'It was Greed that led me here-and Greed I shall continue to follow' when in the Undersewers. A guide will find you."
Oh fuck. We don't know if we are still linked to Mammon's device, but even if it doesn't count as our Artifact anymore, it might suddenly do so again if we say that. Likewise, if we ARE still linked to it, it could grant it “ownership” over us of some kind. Ask Einrik about this- he told us he knew next to nothing about Devils and Demons, but he should know abit how “ownership” works. Likewise, MENTION IT TO JOHAN NEXT TIME YOU SEE HIM.

If Armas leaves the house, he should either have food with him (as a present, and for eating), or have eaten already.

>There's plenty of things I COULD do with my time-but what should I actually put time into from noon onwards?
>[Will take 4 hours+]I've been mulling over the thought of getting more shooting practice-and could ask the Russians for help-the shooting range I got set up at the Mafia controlled sections of the docks could be put to good use.
Not with Russians, I really don't think we will be able to gain that much from them given how average Armas is at learning and none of them are particuarly gifted at teaching that we know of.

>[Will take 1 hour+]-I am still in the shit house with Camella-but I can't really just call her and explain why what I did wasn't QUITE as horrible as it looked-do I have any ideas on how to fix that?
>[Will take 1/2 hour+]-Do I have any plans on further things to say to the hummingbird-or to Silja?
Yes, do those. For trying to get better to make up with Camella, i'll go with a complex plan as Armas seems to favor them: Talk to Einrik, and tell him the problem. While we were obviously slightly trolling Camella (Einrik is aware and approving of trolling anyway, given he pretended to die in front of his sister while fighting Stallon, as well as left us in a heli we thought we were going to crash), it was also a very personal and unique moment we shared with her. However, telling this to Camella directly... is just not our style. We like teasing Camella too much, and we are actually kinda shy about opening ourself to her- or at least, maybe she should get that impression. Anyway, tell him we are going to Ito's dojo with some Goblin Food Boris cooked, and ask him to come along along with us. It would be really nice if he were to talk to Camella about this while we are having a lesson with Ito.
On the way to Ito, we should talk to our Hummingbird and Silja (take her with us). To our Hummingbird, there is three topics: Names, Camella, and finally Silja. About names, why not something like “Have you thoughts about name further? Do you wish for me or my brothers to look int folklore and tell you of famed warrior's or other gifted people's name, or do you simply wish to think about this yourself?”, about Camella, we should tell Vikingbird something like “Well, the dojo- a sort of nest where people learn the craft of fighting- is inhabitated by a powerful woman. She was torn off from her nest into a place where many monsters with incredible abilities lurk- and somehow best them all, even when all the odds should be against them. I think you will find her most acceptable.”, and about Silja “This is a woman whose soul, whose essence, was trapped into a rifle and forced dormant for many, many seasons. By a unerring will, she is managing to crawl back to life while still keeping her sense of ethic. Most impressive”.
When you talk to Silja, you should tell her about the Devil's visit, and how worried we are about all of their games to possess our soul. Tell her how we want to keep her close to us, as we still need someone to steer us right when we tend to go to our most crazy.
When we arrive at Ito's, we should let Einrik talk to Camella as we ask Ito to give us Chakra lessons again. Tell him about Meng Yun, and all the excercises he made us do. Tell him about the various other exercises we since made with our men as well as Einrik and Hillevi, and how we feel our progress is going on. Also, Tell him that we had just finalized our winter bloodline minutes before our last lesson with him, and it stabilized itself the day after, upon which we 'understood' we have a natural boost for using Chakra. As our teacher, he needs to be informed of all that, and if we could hint at something IMPORTANT happening when Camella was at our house, it may make Ito talk to Camella about it to learn more, which could also help her thinking there was more to it.
You should think about all those conversations as the conclusion, the clean up, of the elaborate prank you pulled on Camella.

>[Will take 3 hours+]-Should I sink some hours into working on chakra manipulation while subjecting myself to pain in the hopes of making my chakra manipulation far harder to disrupt in combat? (So far all I've thought up is using a taser and using boiling water)
Other possibilities would be asphyxiation, as well as sense deprivation courtesy of SB .
>[Will Take 2 hours+]-Should I try to acquire a secure computer from the Triads or Mafia to access the Yama Uba's website?
Not against buying a secure computer, but SUST to visiting Yama Uba's website for a bit. Also, if we talk to Go Ping, TELL HIM ABOUT WHAT SAKE SAID ABOUT TRIAD MEMBERS BEING ILL. Of course, don't mention the source being Sake.
>Or do I have some other plans?
Other plans could include Experimenting with our summer bloodline a bit while going to meetings. After all, Armas needs to check what those techniques he learned from SB actually feel like. Also, it could be worth it to visit Johan once again, and tell him about the visit from the Devil. He might be able to answer quite a few questions like how would those 'debts' can even exist, what are the actual accords, etc. Beside, maybe he could be our +1 for the gathering as payment. I also want to pick his brain about Mammon's device, and what effect saying this password could have.

>Hybrid Healing suddenly became easier.
Two main theories for this: Our winter bloodline finalized with yet another inner soul manipulation bloodline, or Armas became a Godling (and hence can use an ability coming from our soul graft more easily). Or, of course, both. If it's because our winter bloodline is inner-heavy, it could either be possible because of 'programming', or because of Romanov's more secret ability. All of this is worth investigating, and SB could already begin this for the soul graft theory by talking with Whaitiri (and Sake or IT might pitch in, too).
>>
No. 375557 ID: f70e5e

we should get some shooting practice in. we have allot of powerful magic guns, being able to hit more reliably with them would be nice. I also think we should hold of on training to use chakras while in pain until we have a better(and less damaging) way to hurt ourselves than boiling water or tasers.
>>
No. 375573 ID: 1310c4

>>375485
>Or do I have some other plans?
This Mammon shit is fucking important and potentially lethal. Call Johan Strauss immediately and inform him that we request a consultation making use of his expertise as a demonologist, and sooner would be better. We have some goodwill from our last dealings with him but should still expect him to charge for this- possibly in the range of thousands of dollars. That is fine, though offering shouldn't happen unless we need to bribe him to fit us into his timetable. Give ourselves a budget of $5k or so for this bit, and call it a business expense because we'll be learning a lot of information which might well prove vital to our company's future operations.

Get our consultation and explain that we received an invitation from Mammon "to the Devil and Demon Gathering occuring in the Undersewers", and need information on:
-Such gatherings, how they happen, dangers which would await us in one, dangers which would result from failing to attend after being invited, and so forth
-The demon which invited us should it be relevant
-The implications of having our connection with the one Devil purchased by another
-Mammon as applicable to our situation
-Basic infernal etiquette and Demonic Interactions For Idiots

Only after we've gotten this information, or if Johan is busy and can't see us immediately, should we proceed to do other things. Given some time for that, consider the following.


>shooting practice
No, wait for Camella to be able to coach us. She is the best and we will learn the most from her.

>I am still in the shit house with Camella... do I have any ideas on how to fix that?
Yes. See >>375154. Get Einrik to handle the contact and explanation for us; she'll take it better from him and he has an actual understanding of what was going on. We will end up owing him a minor favor, but that's a price we can pay. This is our #2 priority after learning more about this infernal business.

>further things to say to the hummingbird-or to Silja?
Go get Silja and do the following:
-See if the two of them can detect each other
-Ask Silja if she is ready to see the world yet
-Tell the hummingbird about the weakness of Names- that someone who knows the Name of a thing can gain power over it
-Investigate the tether the the hummingbird more; can we send emotions? What about sending power- can he send us abilities or us send him Winter energy? Experiment only very carefully and after consulting headvoices- we don't want to be overly disruptive or damaging of anything.

>subjecting myself to pain
Let's... sit on that one for a later time. It needs more development as a concept, I think.

>try to acquire a secure computer
Not now; there will be plenty of times when we'll encounter the Triads/Mafia in person and will be able to bring up the matter. I want to have one of the Russians handle this purchase for us so as not to waste our own valuable time, but unfortunately they wouldn't be able to get a price anywhere near as good as we would so we'll probably have to do it ourselves and just haul along whoever knows more about computers than we do when we go to make our order personally at some later point.

Do, however, call Go Ping and mention that we had cause to think back on certain information, and he might find it worthwhile to have the health of some of his colleagues investigated as thoroughly as he can manage on short notice. Hopefully he will let us get away with the cryptic hint method for how we know and what we're getting at.
>>
No. 375589 ID: 252e1b

>>375485

>[Will take 1 hour+]-I am still in the shit house with Camella-but I can't really just call her and explain why what I did wasn't QUITE as horrible as it looked-do I have any ideas on how to fix that?

Getting Einrik involved is a possible solution, but it'd work best if we played to her curiosity. If Einrik just explains that Armas is going to apologize for being a giant jackass, and that there was more going on that just a stupid prank, that should be enough to get her to really listen to Armas.

And then we go to visit her and we explain everything. We also should bring some kelpie crisps, because we know she likes them, and that charm, so that we can tempt her with it.

"Camella, I brought food and an apology to season it. I hope you can accept both. Can I come in, and talk?"

"Thanks. Here, kelpie crisps. I remembered how much you liked them."

"So, I want to apologize by starting with an admission. What you saw in the mansion was the end of a ritual that took about ten days to set up. As I was saying before you lost your temper with me, the shot finished me. I wasn't joking about that, it really did complete the missing portion of my bloodline. Between the hearts I told you about earlier, and the ritual I showed you, my bloodline is complete. It took about a day for it to normalize and finalize, but everything has shaken out about as well as I could hope for."

"The last part of the bloodline is based on a trickster god's blessing. The ritual I made you a part of was the most appropriate way to introduce it to myself. I'm sorry it upset you so much, but I really wanted you to be a part of it. It's a pretty big thing, and the bloodline is going to define a large part of my life. It's the most important part of any legacy I leave my descendants; it'll define them in ways I can't begin to imagine. I know there are people who would have paid to have been present for it, but I only wanted friends and employees present."

"If I had explained it to you, it would have defeated the purpose of making the last part of the ritual a prank. So all I can do is apologize after the fact, and explain just how important it really was. I think the world of you. I wouldn't want to hurt you."

"I've got a long ways to go in learning how to use my new bloodline, but I should be able to do some pretty fuck-awesome things with it when I'm trained well enough to not be a pure hazard to myself. I'll tell you about them later, once I know what I can do and if any of it can be directly applied to supporting allies. Know that I'm keeping you in mind."

"Speaking of which, take a look at this thing I tricked out of Black Beard last night."

"Well, he got an invitation to this auction I was running. I sold the Mammon's Device, what you said about it that night in the stairwell got me thinking, and I decided I'd be better off trading it away. Anyway, Black Beard got an invitation to the auction but showed up late and made an ass of himself. Showed up with a big treasure chest with his working set of charms and some other odds and ends. Anyway since he hadn't gone through the normal channels to get to the auction, he pissed off the broker; made him look a little less respectable, from what I understand, but somehow didn't violate his guestright enough to merit outright ejection without my say-so. So, since I couldn't actually attack Black Beard there, I did the next best thing and conned him out of something he valued. Then I gave the broker the OK to eject him, and everyone got a good laugh."

"Here, look at it. It's a charm designed to heal the wearer from any injury that's not instantly lethal. It runs on the user's blood, producing a charge every six hours, up to twelve charges total. Until you get some way to regenerate injuries like what I have, this is a really good stop-gap. I'll be happy to lend it to you until you don't need it."

Then we hand it to her and say, "It's worth over five million dollars, at the current going rate for these kinds of things. So, don't lose it."

"Oh? Yeah, actually, I got something priceless out of the auction. I bought a magic snow-globe that held an ensouled hummingbird. I freed him this morning, we've been getting along pretty well. He's a fine chap. We're linked at the moment, soul to soul, in a bond that's like what a spirit shaman would have between himself and a spirit animal. He's pretty much the greatest hummingbird of our time. Possibly all-time. I had a look at his soul and he's incredible. He's as complex and determined and willful as anyone I've found worth respecting; reminded me of you, a little."

>[Will take 1/2 hour+]-Do I have any plans on further things to say to the hummingbird-or to Silja?

We should ask Silja if she wants to see the hummingbird. I really want to get her to agree to being able to see, and the hummingbird seems a good way to tempt her.
>>
No. 375605 ID: 8a89d9

>get secure computer from triads or mafia
Yes to computer, no to triad/mafia.
I'm sure both of those groups would love to keep tabs on you and installing an undetectable keyboard worm or any other drone virus of that nature is easy if they provide the damn thing.

Get it through your uncle.

>shooting practice
yes

>mammon
Little bastard just won't let go huh? We should try and do this today. If you do get back in Cammella's good books it might be an interesting topic to chat about since you were both there the last time.
>>
No. 375609 ID: d97a61

>>375498
>>375535
>>375555
>>375557
First things first-I need a second opinion as outside of my own viewpoint as possible-that excludes brothers, and no offense, but I do not believe you would be considered an expert on this subject.
>[Hummingbird]"While I am still not convinced that Devils are not just very large ravens-as I will allow their lack of a flock would indeed make them unlike crows-I happily admit to being completely ignorant to the methods of these giant versions."
And that leaves-Einrik.
"Einrik-can I borrow you for a second?"
His story terminates as the towering man, still free of his glamor, ducks his head about the corner.
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"Hm? What is it?"
I relate the exchange I just had-and it's exact, and unsettlingly imprecise, wording.
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"As your friend, I recommend never uttering those words in that situation for exactly the reasons you hesitate-you can't disprove some rather nasty worst case scenarios. That said, I admit to curiosity concerning what this Gathering is, and would be most interested in a first hand accounting. I know, not exactly helpful to making a choice-but then, that's only the case when you've already made your choice, isn't that right?"
"...On the subject of choices, I may have pushed my jests a bit too far with Camella recently."
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"I don't know why you think committing suicide before the woman who's come to think of you as one of the few things she can rely on in this world would be 'going too far'"
"...She said that? She feels she can rely on me?
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"Not in so many words-but she can see past the surface.. tomfoolery, shall we call it? I suppose you didn't give her any choice BUT to learn to see past it, living in such close quarters as you did. But that wasn't what we were talking about, was it?"
"No-look, I'm not too good at this, but-"
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"Your type usually isn't unless it's... theatrical, and I don't think that'd work well now. Don't worry-I'll take care of it."
"Thanks man."
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"Any time."

As Einrik continues to keep the Russians enthralled.... I grab the damaged mateba, and after a quick shower and change (into the thankfully still clean suit) I head out to Arkvads. While dropping off the Italian revolver, I mention to the old man that I happen to know more than dozen magically savvy hands-on workers practiced in dealing with supernatural threats that would make excellent agressive acquisition contractors. Given I tell him this just after he tells me H&H has successfully acquired two of the patents it needs as base for the Reaper Gun already, he seems interested enough I feel confident he called the home office to pass on my offer after I left. I do know he said the Mateba'd be shipped back within a week.

After the visit to Arkvad, it's a bit past one in the afternoon-and I choose to call someone I haven't spoken to in quite some time. Its around the dozenth ring that he picks up-that familiar bark of a voice cheerily blaring across the phone.
>[Riker]"Armas! How are you, ya lazy sack of shit?"
Good old Sergeant Riker...
"Doing pretty well actually-"
>[Riker]"Istanbul, right? How's work?"
"Good, actually, I-"
>[Riker]"What do you do, son?"
"Contractor work-problem solving."
Finally, a pause as Riker mentally chews up my words.
>[Riker]"Really now? And how are you flying this bird?"
"A bit under the radar sir-and might I say I've found a few people you might sell your soul to have on a team. For one, someone that could take both of the O'Rourke boys in unarmed. At once."
>[Riker]"HAH, you're shitting me, I'd know about a guy that could-"
"Girl."
>[Riker]"-do.. eh? My point still stands, I'd know of her."
"What if I could guarantee you wouldn't know of her without being a very, very strange person yourself?"
Again, a pause.
>[Riker]"I do believe I hear a subtext to your words, boy-now why is that, mister 'I barely passed and half-assed most of my tests and never displayed ambition?', hm?"
"I suppose you could say I got a new lease on life once I was steering my own rudder-and so far I'm golden outrunning the fallout. Isn't that good enough?"
>[Riker]"It's the most many can pull off...so, why? Why bring this up?"
"Frankly-I just got this sucker up, and I want help getting it situated. There's got to be some way I can prove faith in me and mine is well founded, and get your support-come on, Sarge."
>[Riker]"You know I'm still the Senior Trainer back in the states-when the hell would I have time to just pop out to Istanbul?"
"You're telling me you wouldn't even have time for an old poker friend? Come on Sarge, I let you slide on those ten bucks!"
>[Riker]"Ah, I should never have called your bluff-you and that fucking smile, you creepy fuck. Fine, all right-I still can't come myself-but I do know some people that could be very, very useful to know, starting up an operation like you plan. I'll get one of them to visit you. In fact... hold on, be right back."
Twenty seconds later-
>[Riker]"Right, a guy'll be there in three days, on Thursday, January 13th-you know where the Asitane is? He'll meet you there. Reservation for two-name's 'Hinkerson', reservation's for Five PM. Tell him what you want there, then bring him where you need to show him what you want-up to you how you handle your audition, bucko. No name for you-think of him like a spook: not the type you get information on, you just give it, you following me?"
"I think you've bashed it into this particular knucklehead."
>[Riker]"I can never tell with you, ya unrepentant bullshitter. ...I've got a modestly good feeling about this: Don't fuck it up and prove me wrong, or I'll stick my boot so far up your ass your dad'll be eating through a straw."
"Yessir-I think I'll be able to impress."
>[Riker]"Stop it-I know that tone, you're smiling, well just stop, you're not impressing anyone."
"Oh I don't know, I may be impressing myself sarge."
>[Riker]"Yeah like that's hard-all right, I got shit to do."
*CLICK*
Good old sarge-always enjoy talking with him.

That done, and still in transit back to the mansion-I call Hafaz. Turns out he's still having some trouble finding work-so he reluctantly agrees when I get around to suggesting he and his crew go get massages-from a masseuse named Baki. He says that if this does work, he won't be calling for a few days-and to only expect a call if the contact fails.

That done-and upon returning home-I offer a different option for the Russians for training: not unarmed-but armed. Specifically-a trip to a shooting range. With Iosef having been talking up the Gatmalite, and the promise of trying out some of my magical arsenal beyond the assault microgun, I end up rather easily getting all eighteen Russians fully invested and motivated in what ends up becoming a five hour long shooting bonanza. Seems Rocco found out about my hidden weapon cache and shooting range-and what's more, he had extra crates of ammo added-thoughtful, but still a bit sobering to know he has access to the stash itself. Still, I verify he didn't fuck with anything on the magical side, and over the course of the shooting binge I get a chance to inspect each gun and all the crannies of the room-if he bugged us he's an impressive motherfucker, simple as that. What truly consumes my focus though, is not worry, or concern-it's comfort and camaraderie. True enough, nota one of the Russians could claim to be the equal of Camella, as a shooter or as a teacher-but that's not the point. The point is this is a communal effort-and with everyone pitching in, no one person needs to be a great teacher. And so, through sheer brute repitition and an endless stream of advice, hands on and practical, the lot of it-I manage to tighten up some kinks in my sighting, my standing aim, and in general-

Finally stop feeling like a sub-par shooter for an ex-military man.

[ NEW TRAIT: REKINDLED RIFLEMAN [smallLevel2[/small]Armas' shooting is no longer the well-honed efforts of an unskilled workman, instead being the burgeoning rifle work of a legitimate adept of the craft. This Trait will harmonize with HOT HANDS-and the direction of the new trait (rapid/short range versus precise/long range) will be determined by which of the two traits hits level three first ]

Well-it only took a few dozen thousand rounds spread throughout a group, a slightly worrying amount of vodka, and a great deal of crude commentary-but I really think I plugged up a deficit in my combat ability. Or at least-I started plugging it. Anyway.

The my phone and watch alike ringing as the hour changes, I decide that six o'clock is a good time to head back to the mansion with everyone-and, while they are involved in dinner (that I will happily cook) I'll occupy myself with a bit of a chat with Silja, right after I prepare a dish of Kelpie Krisps for later.

Or that was the plan-but as I'm working on a second batch of Minotaur Flank for the hungry Russians and Valkonens (and the finally reviving Sake who's become ravenous for meat) I find my plan being questioned-by a certain diminuitive bird.
>[Hummingbird]"This Silja-the one you spoke of earlier as another that can speak but might not be audible: Is she your mate?"
Nope. I suppose you could say I help her because she's part of my flock, and it's my responsibility.
>[Hummingbird]"An honorable answer. Then I can meet her?"
You know-let's find out]
I heft a familiar Mosin Nagant rife with the color red, the sheen of frost, and the pitted surface of bone.
Hello again Silja. I trust your meditation has been enjoyable?
>[Silja]"It has. I thank you again for telling me of it-though admittedly, the Note-Writer is more knowledgeable on the subject than you."
Is he? I don't doubt it. So you've been speaking with him?
>[Silja]"I think it unsurprising that I would-who else can I talk to, save you and he?"
You know, about that-
I don't suppose you can hear the exchange I'm having with her?
With a drone of wings beating faster than the eye can track, the fire-faced bird lifts off, flitting and darting about over the rifle's surface, carefully inspecting it's every facet.
>[Hummingbird]"I can detect some hint of communication between you and this item-but I cannot make out the song you use. ...Or at least, I can not... yet. I have grown curious as to what this sensation I've felt since awakening tied to you might do-and this seems an excellent place to affirm my suspicions."

it's over in an instant-
>"This is what happened-"
Watching SB's slowed down rendition of my own perceptions, I actually see it.

The hummingbird, while hovering less than an inch away from the rifle's flank, draws back his head-the borders of his soul sharpening as they might with someone preparing a powerful strike. That tiny, overly heavy soul then expands-not with a bang, or boom-or any sort of riotous explosion-but instead, with a willful, forceful, almost painfully ordered bloom, as if the bud that was the bird's soul unfurled to expose as much of it as possible for a single instant. While this marvelous sight, of a normally shaped soul unfolding into a shape more complex than Gloom's fractured soul-or indeed, my recollections of my own soul's irregular shape-I see a physical manifestation of spiritual energy gather about the bird's beak-forming an ethereal lance point that flickers but once before being driven forward. The lance, its edge so subtle my eye were pained just from glimpsing it, unravels in a manner not unlike the bird's blooming soul, it's many tendrils spreading out and weaving themselves into the woodgrain of the rifle. The bird, having injected this mass of complexly coded spiritual energy, withdraws its beak as it's soul withdraws back to its resting state, the spiritual image of a weapon larger than life fading from around the fowl's beak.

All of this transpired over the space of a single wing beat.

All of this happened in a tenth of a second.

>[Hummingbird]"Female named Silja, can you hear my song?"
>[Silja]"Wh-what!? Who is that?"
>[Hummingbird]"Excellent-it worked. Do not be alarmed-I have become a guardian to the one you normally speak with-the leader of this flock, Armas Laine."
Well-this is a bit more abrupt than I'd hoped-but Silja, allow me to introduce the hummingbird that was recently bound to my soul thanks to events that played out.
>[Silja]"I..... wait, a hummingbird? What is-"
Even as a spectator, I can feel the intricately detailed mental image of himself the hummingbird projects to Silja.
>[Hummingbird]"Behold my splendor and glory."
>[Silja]"...Oh, he's adorable!"
>[Hummingbird]"Yes, it is good you respec... wait, what?"
The bird begins to fly a touch more erratically.
>[Hummingbird]"I am most certainly not 'adorable'!"
His feathers puff up in indignation midflight-and, foolishly, he tries to send this image of him being offended to Silja to get her to stop calling him precious. ...It predictably has less than perfect results.
>[Silja]"Oooooh-so cuuuute, I wonder what your feathers feel like?"
The hummingbird seems so flustered that he elects to simply buzz back to my shoulder-and keep his beak shut.

From there, Silja tells me how the Note Writer... really hasn't talked to her about anything interesting. He spoke of meditation-and not a whit of it sets off the warning flags of any of us brothers. He lends an open ear as she recounts life events-and nowhere can I find any evidence he's trying to manipulate her. So far as I can tell... he's just being an open ear and a good conversationalist with her. ...And that bothers me. Where's the catch? I don't share my concerns-but I can feel the hummingbird pick up on them, and adopt that same heavy sense of deliberation he used when first trying to grasp his predicament.

When seven rolls around, Silja is finally able to not gush about how adorably dainty the hummingbird is-and he has agreed to accept that she cannot properly appreciate his overflowing masculinity, and work around her failing. The Russians enjoyed their feasting-and all eleven dishes I tried turned out well-the Minotaur Flank being the most well received. Seems grilled goods might be my forte? Guess I'll have to cook more to be sure. As the heavy eating-and prior drinking-claims it's toll and more than a few of the Russians happily doze off for an evening nap, I seclude myself for a time to try something very, very basic-a rather extreme idea, but one that Sake, SB and Iron Trick alike could not find reason to dissuade me from.

With Amen assisting, I undress and sit myself naked in a sound proofed room with a bucket of boiling oil to my right, and an open electrical outlet. But before I can start-the one who's not up to date on this chimes in rather insistently.
>[Hummingbird]"I detect the intent to harm yourself within you-what drives you to this?"
Well, the way I fight-and the things I can do in a fight-are rather built around bouncing [i]back from injury, rather than diminishing or dodging them. Sure, my preference is to not be were the hurt goes-but as you said, I am not comparable to an esteemed warrior such as yourself.[/i]
>[Hummingbird]"Do not feel at fault for being unable to measure up to my standard: No one can."
Anyway, since many of the tricks I can do require me to focus, I'm going to work on my ability to keep doing things like normal when being subjected to injury. Currently-that means boiling oil and electrocution, while I figure out how to use Reinforcement against harm that's either thermal or electrical, rather than kinetic.
>[Hummingbird]"Hm-I now grasp the logic that guides you to this: very well, test your mettle against this crucible, and see if you can become a better warrior for it."
So it is that with the Hummingbird and my shadow watching, I spend two hours pouring boiling oil on my flesh while trying to fine tune overcharged Reinforcement to properly ward off heat-alternating with shoving a wet finger in the open socket while I struggle to balance Reinforcement against Electricity. By the end, I've had to completely repair my vocal cords five times from the screams-but I think I can maintain my composure while manipulating Chakra a notable amount moreso than I could prior to my rather spartan training. Maybe it was just me-but by the end, the pain didn't seem so bad. Not sure.

A bit past nine at night-and I decide to head to Ito's-not just because I'm curious about further night sessions from his gym, not just because he did suggest I share info between my chakra teachers, something I could go do right now-but more importantly, because Einrik suggested I show him the gym-immediately after noting Camella would be there.

So it is that Einrik, Hillevi, Gloom, Vlad, Zhenya and Lev all come with me as SB and Sake both head out for a night of mischief. For his part, the hummingbird stays stoic on our trek to the gym, continuing to emit a sense of heavy deliberation, as if a defendant were being judged on my shoulder. We arrive a bit after nine thirty-and more than a few of his normal students are there-but more importantly, so are Iskander, Eva and Bora.

So is Camella.

On seeing me she doesn't, as I expected, either stalk out of the room or proceed to again beat the crap out of me-
>>375589
Which I take as sign enough I got a shot at apologizing-so while Ito is welcoming back my comrades and Einrik introduces himself-
"Camella, I wanted to-"
She holds up a hand and I just barely avoid flinching as I realize she's not hitting me.
>[Camella]"No-I wanted to apologize-you were a real asshole, but you were just being you, and in your... way, trying to be thoughtful. ...I apologize for overreacting, you just wanted to include me in your Bloodline's awakening, and I didn't recognize it."
My eyelids become the focus of intense scrutiny as I barely avoid boggling at her-or at the smirking Einrik looking are way. What... what the hell did he say to her? What did that beautiful man do for me!?
>"Something amazing-and more importantly that you should roll with"
So it is that from behind my back I pull the platter of Kelpie Krisps as I respond.
"It's great that you know-but, jerk that I am, I brought some food to help my own attempt at an apology. I hope you're hungry?"
She absentmindedly wipes a bit of drool from her lip.
>[Camelle]"Are those-are those Kelpie Krisps?"
"Indeed they are."
She offers me an only slightly forced smile as she looks me square in the eye.
>[Camella]"Then you're forgiven-"
Her eyes track down to my neck as they sparkle.
>[Camella]"...Where did you find a hummingbird?"
The hummingbird in question brashly sallies forth, coming to a halt right before her aquiline nose as he throws out his tiny chest.
>[Hummingbird]"If this female wishes to inspect me, she may behold my full awesomeness."
"He says hi. "
Her smile fades.
>[Camella]"...Is it... is it attached to you?"
That damned perceptiveness-
"...Yes. Perhaps we could talk about that another time?"
>[Camella]"Hm?"
Camella follows my eyes, looking to see Vlad trying (and succeeding) in starting a fight with Bora while Einrik and Ito converse. We both head over to 'fix' the situation.

The next two hours see Einrik and Hillevi guiding a joint session with Ito's pupils, Camella and the Russians all paying close attention, while I spend my time with Ito one on one-and do what he asked: I keep him in the loop. I explain how I've recently visited a new chakra teacher-I explain what he had me do, how he had me work on Reinforcement, as well as my own supplementing followup training. I explain the timing of my bloodline's completion-and how it lined up with a training visit. I explain it all to him-and for a time, he is motionless, merely watching me with lidded eyes before finally he speaks.
>[Ito]"...That explains it then. Could not understand how a clumsy fool was suddenly gaining grace with such speed. ...Use Reinforcement."
I switch from open chakras to Reinforcement-as Ito scowls.
>[Ito]"...As to hardening the bones or skin, or boosting muscle, or energizing the heart-no more for me to teach you. All that can be offered now, is that of Reinforcement that should hold no meaning to you-how an old man gets the most out of it."
Despite Ito's words, what I learn from him is anything but worthless. He teaches me how to reinforce aged cells, how to restore elasticity, how to purge certain toxins-no one thing he teaches me is in itself big, or complicated-but the myriad of little things he does to let his eighty year old body continue to spar with younger adults are nevertheless hammered into my mind-and I think with it, an expanded understanding of just how chakra works with one's flesh.

With less than an hour left until midnight, Ito finally declares there is nothing left in chakra for him to teach me-and he again scowls at me, as he tells me to keep out of trouble. I think he has trouble expressing happiness for others.

When I exit the back room-only Iskander, Eva and Bora remain of Ito's normal students-but joining them, the Valkonens and the Russians, are a half dozen new faces-
-every one of their souls too easy to detect, their memories too filled with blood-in an instant, I know them as Vampires, fledglings like the one from the other night.


Well:
I've got no shortage of possible sparring partners-any or all of Ito's 'special' students, my personal wall, Camella-the Valkonens-or, of course, any of the vampires. There are two middle aged woman, one of them with a heavier frame, the other with shorter hair-one old woman that at a guess I'd say is mongolian, and three young men, two of them obviously recently in a gang. None of their souls truly stand out as unique or special-all the same, the mongolian grandmother and one of the untattooed youths feel a bit... different from the rest.





Since I'm at Ito's night training: Who do I spar again, and what sort of rules do I go for?
Is there anyone I would try to beg off fighting if they challenged me?
Tomorrow's a new day: What kind of plans do I have for it?
>>
No. 375625 ID: f6106a

You know, myths and what not about vampires tend to say those made by stronger vampires are stronger. I doubt that would automatically make their souls bigger or different, but maybe their blood is and that's the difference you're sensing in the Grandmother and untattooed youth. You sensed fragmented memories the first time, and presumably this one as well. Focus on those and see if there's a noticeable difference in the attack. If the vampires that went after the ones that feel different seem as though they were stronger.

As for sparring, maybe team up with Vlad, him being a big guy who would serve as a good distraction or bluff to work around/with. And before you go see if you can get a free for all going. Those are great, because it's a matter of getting your opponents to take each other out, tenuous mid-fight alliances, and what not. Everyone teaming up against Einrik/Hillevi/Camella at the start would be expected, so if you can avoid others and talk them into going after certain people first, you could potentially end up in top few people left.
>>
No. 375627 ID: f8aa66

We got showed our place among the Valkonen, so that's enough of that. Frankly, as much as I like Ito's three, I think we should request to face the vampires. We're going to be interacting with vamps fairly often within the month if all goes well on the Doony/Cornelius front, and it'd be good to get a little practice in on that front. Obviously these 'free' vamps are going to be different from the Old World clan vamps, but similar enough to start with, I think.

Request one at a time, whoever's free, and ask them to use any strength or ability they desire. They're probably not old enough to be practitioners, but they might surprise us.

On our end... do vamps feel the nerve strikes/pressure points of kas pin? If any of them possess shadow magic, how does ours measure up? They are likely stronger than us, are they faster, more skilled? Using practice mokuju or sheathed knives (approximating the mere), see if there are ways to slide attacks rather than being forced to block them directly. Our hybrid healing seems to be holding up fine, but a punch dodged is one we don't have to spend energy healing.

An interesting trick we may try utilizing is to use our movements in a fight to cover for Sake's tripping ability. If we make like we're going to hook the leg and Sake goes for the trip. Similarly, can Shadowbro make footing unstable without giving away his presence? Minor things like that. The idea is how much we can get away with against an enemy without revealing where and how everything is happening. Our soul is big and unwieldy- theirs is hidden, smaller, more skillful. Can we cloak their movements with our own? That's our goal for this exercise.

What feels different about the grandmother and youth- perhaps that they are on the cusp of unlocking their 'racial' vampire practitioner set?

We should make time to talk to Camella before leaving- I want to impart that if anyone can get her home, it'll be a wizard. Wizards can grant any ability they possess as a Contract to a worthy individual - such as, say, messing about with dimensional walls? She has met such a wizard recently, I believe - and wouldn't you know it, he is enemies with a certain Japanese octopus monster, whose lieutenant and right-hand beast is a prehistoric fish monster that we - and Go Ping, among others - are going to be hunting down and killing within the month.

That may be worth something to the good wizard, don't you think? Perhaps she should look into that. And we could always use another skillful gun on the hunt...
>>
No. 375628 ID: b83c65

Who do you fight? EVERYONE! Agasint your Hummingbird.

They try, desprately, not to be beaten to death by everyone. Because it's fun to watch you get your ass kicked every which way.
>>
No. 375631 ID: 1310c4

>>375609
We should spend some time carefully examining the vampires' souls. What do they look like, and how are they different from both normal human souls and each other? What are the defining characteristics of these vampire souls? What does that tell us about them? Can we take a guess at their vampiric dynasty's inheritance based upon their souls' features?

>Since I'm at Ito's night training: Who do I spar again, and what sort of rules do I go for?
Spar against the vampires- one at first, see how we measure up, then go from there, setting allowed levels of violence to suit our skills. Go for completely unhindered matches with them if we both have the supernatural power for it. Consider turning the lights off and sparring against them in the dark- with Shadowbro providing physical speed and strength boosts. If something goes wrong during sparring and they get a bit blood-hungry, stare them down- the moment they look at us as food, we should look back at them like they are the food and our Hunger is utterly voracious and implacable. Just in case.

If we can, chat a bit with each of Eva, Iskander, and Bora; a bit of sparring, too, but mostly our goal is to learn about them more and make a good impression of us in their minds. We're still eying them as potential recruits here, so try to leave them with a positive impression and learn how they think so that we can make a more convincing pitch when the time comes. We might also ask Bora if he knows any old languages, and mention that we've got a book we might want translated if he's interested in taking a look at it.

Before we leave, have that conversation that we delayed with Camella. Explain that we acquired the hummingbird in a magical cage, and we used our bloodline's soul energy to dissolve the cage, which established a bond and now we can telepathically talk to the hummingbird. Also mention that the hummingbird is a proud warrior type. She won't believe us, but that doesn't matter; she'll learn eventually. If the evening has left Camella in a good mood, consider inviting her to the mansion tomorrow for lunch.

>Is there anyone I would try to beg off fighting if they challenged me?
No. Everyone here has something to teach us, one way or another.

>Tomorrow's a new day: What kind of plans do I have for it?
Call Johan Strauss as per >>375573.

Call Go Ping as per >>375573.

Ask Amen to truthfully answer if the mental reinforcement charm we have will reduce the damage caused by his installing information into our head, and then to evaluate whether it is safe for us to get more information and how much.

Call Professor Jagda, and ask if he knows any very good electrical engineers (or other specialists; confer with Shadowbro on who might be useful), either in the university faculty or elsewhere. We have a few items which could use the opinion of such a specialist. Set an appointment to meet them with our items on Wednesday afternoon or perhaps Thursday morning.

Spend some time feeling our soul senses. Back when we fought the Reapers, Iron Trick implied to us that a finished bloodline might let us sense the souls of people who we haven't had line of sight to or been subject to the Attention of. Try to make this happen- focus on what we can sense and try to expand it. Sitting in our mansion alone there should be thousands of passers by that we should be able to feel for. So long as we stick to perception rather than trying to get into taking any action, we should be all right as far as frying ourselves (or others).

If we invited Camella over, after we've finished a meal- and hopefully put her in a good mood- pull out Blackbeard's charm. "You might recognize this; I conned it out of Blackbeard. It's a healing charm, a very nice one- up to twelve charges that each heal any injury short of death, and it's rechargeable. Incredibly valuable... but not to me. I heal pretty well already. I was planning on selling it and getting something more suited to my talents." Pause for a moment and grin. "But it did occur to me that if my company had a second in command who could make very good use of such a charm, it would be a shame to have sold it off. And that I did offer you the job. So what do you say? Take the job, and the charm is yours for as long as you're with me." If she declines, then we can sell it off. If she accepts, great. If she asks for more time... well, we can hold it a while, I suppose.
>>
No. 375632 ID: 3947e9

>Who do I fight
Prioritize those you haven't fought before, wider variety is good, especially for what hafaz has taught you.

>Is there anyone I would try to beg off fighting if they challenged me?
No, getting your ass kicked is a GREAT way to learn.

Also, you should explain to hummingbro what sparring is (don't want anyone to accidentally lose an eye here), and suggest it also pick sparring partners here tonight.
>>
No. 375639 ID: 8a89d9

Fight all the new people, focus on using Gyaketsuote and reinforcement while using blind spot brawling to make you even harder to pin.

This is basically what I want you to try, none of this should require any soul work greater than what normal humans an do. Set up the Gyaketsuote link and get in sync with them, matching their moves (when they advance you retreat). When you have the link set properly, go on the offensive, mix Gyaketsuote with 'punch telegraphing' i.e. swing in such a way that they think have a long time to adjust to the punch they think it coming. This will cause a lot of people to try for counters that don't exist. Aim for the face as it is the best place for false fist techs. When your fist blocks their vision, adjust your stance to start moving around them so as to be on the edge of vision. When they turn to keep you in sight, shift into blind spot brawling and disrupt their stance. I would suggest a low kick or a leg sweep. The low kick has the advantage of you falling out of vision suddenly and the leg sweep has the advantage of you being able to trick them with other things while acting. Switch Low kicks for rising uppercuts if they get used to it to add confusion.
Follow up with a blow to the chin(using reinforcement for hardier enemies like the vamps) or disengaging. Rinse repeat until you can do it flawlessly, mixing in sudden direction changes when shifting stance and bait for counters.

You can do this Armas. Just focus for a bit.
>>
No. 375680 ID: 0ccc5b

>None of their souls truly stand out as unique or special-all the same, the mongolian grandmother and one of the untattooed youths feel a bit... different from the rest.
In vampire lore, drinking human blood is usually a catalyst for being 'different', it could be something like that, that the normal fledging here do not drink human blood but those have/do.
>Since I'm at Ito's night training: Who do I spar again, and what sort of rules do I go for?
Either a free-for-all in the dark, or everyone but Camella and the Valkonenns at the same time, in the dark (even in that case, free for all should better). The goal here is to have Armas, SB, Sake and Vikingbird fighting cohesively against as many enemies as possible in the dark. SB and Sake both could have lots of fun and experience taking down normal humans- we never really practiced this shadow boosting thing, and Sake never really practiced his tripping power that he got from his brother. Likewise, I suggest not only going for the usual Gyaketsuote (privileging people we never used it on) and reinforcement while using goblin stealth, but also the opportunity to use our Stealth Chakra in optimal conditions: We should put out chakra in stealth alignment as much as we can whenever we are NOT being hit or hitting someone supernatural, and we should test it out. Does it differ when using it fully enveloped in shadows? Do we feel 'Attention' differently? Does it improve Ego-less? Does it make easier for SB to teleport us around? Then amplify it, and test if there are any differences there, too. We know reinforcement could be used in many, many ways, so we would benefit from training some more with Stealth too, and constantly changing quickly from stealth to reinforcement can only be good practice. Also, VikingBird really would have fun zipping around and pecking everyone. This is a fight where Armas and his multiple 'voices' should begin to learn to fight as one unit, using each other to ambush and herd people into disadvantageous positions. All of us recently gained abilities we haven't really put to the test, so it's a good chance. I also think SB might like to have fun throwing his voice around spooking and confusing people for maximum ambush and disorganization effect. Hell, we might even try to be a mini, less crass, “Penis Troll”. Better there not be too much use of “Penis” in front of Camella just now.

>Is there anyone I would try to beg off fighting if they challenged me?
The Vikingbird- that one's knows it has no equal. Beyond that, not really.
>Anything else to do at the Dojo?
Sure, mention to Camella in case she forgot that Smet's mansion should make it possible for Vampires to walk in the sun. Maybe some of the fledgings here would be glad of the opportunity.

>Tomorrow's a new day: What kind of plans do I have for it?
Ito has said he can't teach us anymore, so we should now switch to learning from Einrik's contact as another teacher. Call her in the morning and try to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. We should then look into ways to contact the Dunters again, and think whether we want to teach the goblins soon- we did say we would. Also, Call Go Ping, tell him about some Triad members being possibly ill.
>>
No. 375710 ID: 81f32a

>>375628
>Who do you fight? EVERYONE! Agasint your Hummingbird.

So have them fight the Hummingbird?
I actually like this idea. Would give us a good sense how powerful the bird is. I suspect it will beat them all save for Einrik, Cammella and Hillevi. Besides, I think it will like to prove its power against a group of "giants".
We could also try a more coordinated fight to see how we work in a team but something tells me that the bird is going to tell us to sit down and watch the master at work.
>>
No. 375718 ID: 286a45

>Since I'm at Ito's night training: Who do I spar again, and what sort of rules do I go for?
As many as you can, starting with the ones that feel odd. Get a good look at their souls first, and continue to look as you spar with them. You should ask to spar in pure Jukenjitsu, as that's what you most need to focus on, and is most relevant to the best melee weapon you have (Silja).

On rules, no blood to be spilt, and no attacks that deal permanent or spiritual harm.

>Is there anyone I would try to beg off fighting if they challenged me?
Camella. Instead approach her and say:

"After the way our last bout ended, I'd feel more comfortable if I begged off sparring with you today in favour of a more appropriate partner. Greatest Hummingbird, what do you say?"

You then want to set up a touch spar, and say to the hummingbird.

"As always, now we are partners my energy is your energy, although I would ask that you spare Camella direct attacks on the soul, such as weaponised versions of the manipulation you performed on Silja, as such things are frowned upon."

>Tomorrow's a new day: What kind of plans do I have for it?

Ask Silja whether shooting with her would be OK, to familiarise her with the sensation of a bullet being fired and you with her kick. Also, perform a full routine of all three of your melee stances with her, to refamiliarise yourself with her weight and balance. Ask Einrik if he has any tips for using a weapon with her special properties.

Afterwards, we should take Silja and the AA-12 down to the range and practice. We should get some very fine birdshot and some soft targets, and show the hummingbird, if he's unaware, of what enemies might be able to fire.

As the hummingbird is interested in Chakra manipulation, and we know that Sake uses chakra techniques that a specialised mortal could learn, our WeaselBro might be interested in showing off what he can do, perhaps in the form of a three dimensional obstacle course made of miniature tornadoes, and the like.

If they decide to pursue this, we should spend some time closely inspecting our memories of how the hummingbird performed its soul manipulation, and seeing if there is anything we can understand of it.

We also promised to take Hillevi out and about, and we've only done it once. We should live up to our responsibilities and run Hillevi through a basic breakdown of Turkish etiquette, what is considered acceptable behaviour, what kind of people it is considered acceptable for her to speak to, and how to respond when someone tries to proposition or pick-pocket her. Preferably, we should do this by telling stories as the two of you walk around, pointing out examples and telling funny stories of things you've seen.

[DANGER , WILL ROBINSON, DANGER]
On magical training, before going to bed after this evening's sparring we should assign our chakra to stealth, and, after confirming with Einrik that our body is no longer saturated with winter aligned chakra energy, we should run through all the techniques that SB implanted in our memory. Although Einrik is not an expert, he may have fought some, so if he has a moment he may be able to point out any very obvious inefficiencies or flaws in what we do. As we can only keep it running for a couple of minutes, it shouldn't be too much of an imposition. We should perform some physical exercises to explore what our limits are when using these. Afterwards, ask Einrik if there's anything we can do to help him. Discuss with him potential of using chakra reinforcement on some part of our body, such as our bones and tendons, whilst using Flesh Manipulation on our muscles and heart. Can he suggest any safe ways of investigating this?

A few hours later, after any residual summer energy has dissipated to a background level, we should ask Einrik to describe what he saw that we can understand both of our bloodline forming, and of our hybrid healing, even though he can't interpret the later. When he has done so, particularly the last, ask Iron Trick if the description of its uninterpretability sounds like it is actively or passively occluded from being understood by observers, as his own powers are. You should ask this because Iron Trick's powers are the one other thing we know to have defeated Einrik's perceptions.

After receiving Einrik's explanation, as much as we can understand, we should confer with SB and Sake as to whether the following sounds sensible, and continue with yesterday's investigation of our healing. First, try to observe our soul and observe our chakra in the resting state, then make a very small cut on a finger tips, one that would normally seal itself within a minute. Passively observe what happens as our passive summer healing accelerates its healing. Do not do anything but watch. Then, do the same but activate our hybrid healing. If Einrik is free, perhaps ask him to watch the first time, so he can look out for any potential side effects. If this works, we should do this multiple times, in various different places on our body. After doing this with our chakra unbound, repeat the experiment with our chakra bound to body reinforcement and to stealth. Our hybrid healing has become easier, but it is not necessarily our bloodline being completed that did this, we also unbound our chakra around the same time. Judge the relative difficulty in with the different chakra configuration as well as well as whether it appears different.
[/DANGER , WILL ROBINSON, DANGER]
>>
No. 375739 ID: f8aa66

Oh, if we do corner Camella at some point as I recommended above, mention a friend of our old sergeant's coming round in a few days to inspect the lads. We'd appreciate her coming (because she's a much better soldier than us; she can be the terrifyingly efficient second and we can pretend to be just a guy with an inhumanly efficient HR department), although warn her that since Riker classified him as a 'spook' he could (barely) conceivably find Other Camella if she impresses him as much as we expect. This also serves to tie her more closely to the company yadda yadda machiavellian scheming with our friends.

Also serves as a heads up in a different way. If she's buddy-buddy with the Triad, she should be okay with the US military, but... well, you never do know.

>>375718
Sure, let's take Hillevi out and around. Just a little breather before we dive into the Doony mess. Turn the tables on her- visit the spice markets (Misir bazaar) and make HER carry YOUR shit. While we do that, we can practice messing people about - the brothers haven't had trolling fun in a few days. Although I suppose Hummingbird might put a damper on these procedings, we're not going to be able to hide our trollish tendencies entirely, so we might as well get it in the open.

Can Sake add a 'gentle wind' to his repertoire? If he can flip skirts he can probably catch hats at just the right angle to let the wind take them and make people chase them. Forever. When they finally give up and stop, he stops. Let the hat sit there, taunting them.

Shadowbro could become the ultimate pick-pocket. Anything interesting, we keep. Anything not, we put back- in the wrong pocket, or under their hat, or in their shoe.

For Armas, mess about with people's blind spots while he plays tour guide. Can he step next to someone in such a way they subconsciously move away? He understands crowds from his gobln training; can he still blend in all but invisibly despite his singular appearance? Can he cloak Hillevi, too? Check people's instinctual understanding of Hillevi. Do they treat her as a quite large valley girl, or do they subconsciously recognize her as being a 7-foot monster? Does she still take up room like her true self, or does the goblin charm somehow correct for that?

Also, no tour of Istanbul would be complete without heading into the underground, right? Cisterns dot the city (http://www.twarp.com/istanbul/basilicacistern.htm), and we've never checked them out. Who knows what's down there?
>>
No. 375797 ID: d97a61

>>375625
You know... there's a whole mess of myths out there, about how the older a vampire is, the stronger it is-and, this part's critical: that the older the spawning vampire is, the stronger the spawn. Now, it could be that this is entirely unrelated to why two of the six newly minted Vampires feel different from their comrades. Could be because of their personal lives, and what they've done with their life up to now. Ultimately though, this will be stuck as nothing more than a supposition unless I do a little checking. Okay, bit more in-depth soul-sensing here....

---Okay, so-the two kids with tattoos, nothing really fancy going on. I see bits of memories of pulling minor smash and grabs, a bunch of posturing-very little definitive violence and bloodshed. For both-I see memories of encountering someone inthe shadows with a very... sharp... smile. On reflection, looks like both of them encountered the same vampire-the approach, the vampire's general size and shape-even where they got hit (not that far from here, actually) all matches up. Until I see otherwise, I'll assume they got turned together.
--The slender woman... huh. That one's a bit different. I can see some recollection of being a housewife-maybe an affair? I'm getting the vibe she got turned by someone she knew-or thought she knew. Her memories give me no clarity on whether this vampire was more or less similar to the type that hit the others. She's definitely the only one that held a sense of familiarity towards her converter.
---The heavy woman... yeah, looks like she got turned during a rape. I stop looking at the memory the moment I see the vampire more or less moved like the one that hit the kids-fast, sure, but not so fast they couldn't even see it-and prone to using overwhelming force rather than out and out magic.
--It starts getting interesting when I get to the untattooed youth. In his soul, I see drive. Ambition-focus. I see time spent in the classrooms focusing on material, rather than doodling or snoozing. I see someone not just joining his school's boxing team-I see him becoming their premier fighter within his first year. I see scholarships, I see self-discipline-and I see it all torn away, how the sun became fire, how the thirst took root in him how he had to leave it all behind. I see the resentment that permeates his soul-but I begin to suspect what made him feel different was wholly personal-as the vampire he met was similarly inhumanly fast but still percievable.
--It is in the oldest of the lot, the elder asian woman heavily lined and reminiscent of a shriveled prune. At best, she is perhaps four and a half feet tall. For all of that-two things set her apart from the rest, even the ambitious youth. One is the sheer weight of her soul-the experiences she accrued through the decades, while rarely individually of true value, have the sense of being meticulously organized-a massive monument to her own life that doubles as her guiding light-an anchor to help her through-the attack. And that's the second place where she's different. With the rest, the Vampires encountered did relatively low key stuff, in the grand scheme of what magical nasties can do: chucking empty dumpsters, taking bullets to the face, ripping off car doors-things that, while beyond the scope of human capacity, is still understandable-her vampire, however, is not. Where before I saw nothing unusual about the vampire the attacked recollected innate to the vampirized being itself, this time is different: in her memory, there is no attack. Instead, a woman slowly left alone in her twilight years as the last of her direct descendants died off from poor personal choices is visited by a stranger. She's never seen him before-and his clothes are period-proper for the yesteryears when she was but a young girl. The man's body is lean beneath his simple orange robes, and each fingernail is in truth a bone claw, delicately sculpted and lacquered. Atop the man's head a series of iron pillars seem to have been driven into his flesh, the uppermost starting just below his shaved head's hairline, and the lowest straight through his cheekbones. Along each path the iron bars marched down his face, a pillar was left squarely through his scarred over eyes. All of this, she recognized as strange, wrong, abhorrent-the memory of the man is burned into her mind more clearly than her own name: yet she recollects not an event of her conversion itself-merely the stranger that came calling-and her invitation to it, strangely offered.

...Okay, so if my hypothesis is right, and most lore's dead on with older vampires creating more poweful spawn, then logically, the grandmother would be the most dangerous of the bunch, based purely on lineage. Practically speaking though, unless that was one HELL of a vampire she encountered, between her bodies acquired frailties and the one guy's drive, I'm expecting him to be the top performer.

The evaluation took me a full minute of leaning against the wall, watching as Einrik finishes offering a bit of advice to the two ex-gangers currently fighting front and center. The 'in-depth' soul assessments complete-and after verifying to myself nothing's changed at a glance in Camella, Hillevi, Iskander, Bora or Eva's souls, I trudge up to Vlad, currently rather vocally arguing with the ever deadpan Gloom about who will win. When I catch his ear and explain I'm looking to test out some team anti-vampire tactics, and could use a partner, he happily obliges with a wide, genuine smile before I even explain what I need. As the two currently sparring wrap up-I don't catch which one wins, watching more to make sure I recollected the general speed of these newbie vampires properly-I finish getting Vlad up to speed: Fakeouts, using his larger frame to hide what's a feint, and what's for real. Before we start-having called out the driven kid as foe-Vlad comments he hopes he won't be getting hit too much.
[ FIRST STRUCTURED MATCH PERFORMANCE: ABOVE AVERAGE ]
I'll admit we nearly crashed in the first few seconds-the kid's footwork from boxing, Ito's lessons and the Vampiric enhancements all add up to a viciously swift rush and initial flurry of blows. I end up having to switch rolls and defend Vlad, ramping up Reinforcement to max-that said, I find his bare-fisted blows largely comperable to Meng Yun's chakra assisted weapon strikes. So I take them-I eat his entire assault and don't even flinch-while Vlad steadies himself. From there, the kid backs off, more than a little confused-and with his initial momentum gone, we actually get to the tactic test. Turns out-it actually works pretty well as a general concept-seems the nearer blooded foe distracts them from the one behind them-or at least, that's the observation the kid makes-in trying to wrestle a real explanation out of him after our ten minute bout, it ends up sounding like vampires can 'see' blood in a way that feels more like scenting than seeing-but that it can't see past the nearest source of blood in a given direction. If I interpreted his description properly, that would mean that one could use blood as a way to ward off vampire pursuers when fleeing... an interesting revelation. For his part, Vlad seems to be mulling over the fact that he's ultimately an amazing wall to block vampire senses due to his general bulk.

>>375627
After seeing me actually go toe to toe-and come out ahead more often than not against a fellow vampire, it seems the ex-gangers want to have a go at me. Happy to oblige them, I end up agreeing to face first one, then the other-with each bout being ten minutes long.
[ SECOND STRUCTURED MATCH PERFORMANCE: AVERAGE ]
And go about as I expect. The ex-gangers definitely aren't as sharp as fighters as the one guy-but they definitely have more experience being flexible in a fight, which becomes a respectable strength with the help of their Vampirism. Still-they are completely and utterly unprepared for attention-sensing tipping me off to their plans the moment they make them, and goblinic training constantly putting me in their blind spots. I end up dodging a great deal more blows than I end up taking-and overwhelm both of them in the one on one matches, with Reinforcement making my blows carry enough impact to stagger them. They may have learned familiarity with fighting on the streets-and be outright stronger and faster. That does little against my half a lifetime as a professional soldier, and my artificially acquired decades of practice with variant martial craft. My movements are cleaner, I operate more on reflex than deliberate thought, I'm more used to receiving attacks at this speed-and in the end, neither one can overcome that barrier. Still-I had to constantly use chakras on an overcharged orientation just to stay competitive with them-and they're presumably the lowest of low grade vampires. Definitely does not say good things about my ability to fight vampires-for now, at least.

That said-I did get a decent glimmer of hope. Throughout fighting the three different fledgling bloodsuckers, I did verify that their bodies still react to nerves being struck-pressure points are wholly viable. This is a large part of WHY I could compete against them-while my blows may have been reinforced, I still struck with less force, notably, than any of them-and the suppressive ability of the pressure points as I wove them into my attacks did prove the supplement I needed. It's not perfect-not even well-woven together-but I at least have an inkling of how to tangle with vampires. Now... let's refine this understanding.

>>375631
SB and Sake are out romping about the town, remember?
After a second time appraising them just to make sure I didn't miss any notable bits of soul weight, or the sense of their attack being shattered into a chain about their soul having warped-I try to look at just the attack memories-and get a better sense of what vampires, specifically, targeted each person while Camella now faces the younger women of the group. The ex-gangers... their memories are so scattered about the attack I couldn't begin to guess. the ambitious kid-he distinctly recalled hearing very, very strange sounds from the wind when he was attacked-it's entirely possible the clan specializes in Air manipulation. Maybe I could bring Sake over some time and check that postulation? The women fighting Camella-well, I'm not intruding on the short one's soul-weight experiences again-but the slender one.... hm. ...Oh, what's this? A crystal clear shard of memory circling her soul, displaying naught but a wine glass-the liquid within defying gravity. Possible water manipulation based clan?

Then I get to the old woman. Well, I recognized those robes the vampire wore, no mistake: Shaolin monk robes. The question is where they legitimate or misleading? Either way, the fact her memory of the attack is simply gone makes me suspect Mind-manipulation. So-a presumably chinese vampire clan, possibly affiliated with the Shaolin Temple-that practices mind manipulation. Sure, it's a lot of supposition and guesswork-but that's all I have to work with right now. That done-and Camella having finished trouncing the two newbie bloodsuckers-Einrik chooses to face the old woman, who apparently has thus far been very reluctant to spar with anyone. The moment the fight starts I get an idea why:

The woman, old and occassionaly plagued by minor tremors, nevertheless completely avoids Einrik's non-magically assisted blows. It's not that she's moving particularly fast-it's that she begins to move before I even see Einrik move. I'm not at all certain, but it almost looks like she's got some legitimate precognition going on-or that mind manipulation suspicion's true, and she's not just reading Einrik's mind, but hindering it.
>"Or it could be a lot of things. Don't limit it when we know so little."
I frown, less in response to SB's rebuke, and more in commiseration of the fact Gyketsuote didn't... seem to work on them. The vampires, that is: I could feel the link start up with eye contact just fine, but the illusions didn't seem to take.

Sighing about my state of affairs, I turn towards Ito's three premier pupils-specifically, to Bora, as I try to make some small talk after I see he's given up on trying to learn from Einrik and the old woman's bout. Turns out he does indeed have a thing for languages-and has made a point of collecting quite a few materials on translation. When I mention I've gotten my hands on a legitimate magic book I can't read-presumably written in something similar to ancient Sumerian-the barrel-chested, heavy-limbed man soberly nods his head, noting he'll consider the offer-before I even get to asking him to translate it. Ah, oh well. Next, I talk with Eva and Iskander-and swiftly learn both have a history of teasing the other, having become fast friends on both joining the gym the same day. Turns out Iskander, at least, was impressed by my fighting-I think Eva was too, but she doesn't seem the type to just dole out praise. Bottom line? Over Einrik's bout, I manage to have a solid chat with the three: I'm pretty confident I'm on their good side and that they hold a positive mental image of me now. Fun times.

Next, as Vlad and Gloom together challenge the driven kid vampire-with mixed results-I make my way over to Camella's side-and offer that explanation she'd been looking for. I explain that I acquired the hummingbird in a magical cage, and we used our bloodline's soul energy to dissolve the cage-and in so doing, I ended up becoming bound to, and able to telepathically communicate with the very hummingbird she's made a point of sitting next to whenever she's not fighting, watching as it imperiously perches on my discarded scarf. She seems to be fine with all that, showing no resistance or incredulity-until I get to this part.
"Oh yes-this particular bird is a prideful warrior-keep that in mind when interacting with him."
Camella pinches her lips together as her eyes go wide and shine, cheeks dimpling and reddening in turn as she valiently struggles not to giggle at the adorability of the notion. She is not successful-and finally, the thus far stoic bird-decides to chip in. It buzzes forth, hovering right before her face-and assertively pokes her in the nose with it's beak before she's had time to properly register it's appearance.

Perhaps it's because she didn't want to inadvertantly hurt the bird. Perhaps it really did get the drop on her. Perhaps she was distracted by Gloom and Vlad's bout. Whatever the reason-just after knocking prone Camella with one fell peck of it's beak, I am relyed a very strongly worded mental blurb-and I can't NOT say it.
"The... hummingbird would like to note that while he can accept that as inferior giants we have differing definitions of what is impressive-and thus allows us to not bask in his splendor-he takes offense at being considered any of the following: 'cute, adorable, precious, cuddly, fluffy, or fuzzy'. He is rather insistent about this.

I.... maaaaaaay have broken Camella's brain relaying that message.

Ten seconds later, when she's finally sitting up, having rebooted-Camella turns to face the hummingbird, once more perched on my scarf.
>[Camella]"I... will do my utmost to adhere to your request-if in turn, you use your prowess to keep that idiot over there out of as much trouble as you can while bonded to him."
I tell the Hummingbird her request-and parrot back his, chortling in my soul.
"He says he has already sworn to defend my nest and flock alike as if they were his-and that any true warrior would obviously provide this form of assistance alongside the aformentioned."
>[Camella]"That... he's a very.... very...."
"He's 'very', yes."
>[Camella]"Does he have a name?"
"Nope. He's thinking about allowing himself to be granted one."
>[Camella]"...He actually has a bigger ego than you. I thought that was impossible."
"And yet, here we stand. Or sit, as is the case. ..Oh yeah-you remember Blackbeard, I assume."
Favoring me with a rather unamused glower, I continue before Camella actually responds-while pulling forth the claimed charm, still in my suit's pocket on the floor next to her.
"You might recognize this: I conned it out of Blackbeard. It's a healing charm, a very nice one- up to twelve charges that each heal any injury short of death, and it's rechargeable. Incredibly valuable... but not to me. I heal pretty well already-as you may have noticed. I was planning on selling it and getting something more suited to my talents."
I grin as I go on.
"But it did occur to me that if my company had a second in command who could make very good use of such a charm, it would be a shame to have sold it off. And that I did offer you the job. So what do you say? Take the job, and the charm is yours for as long as you're with me."
I look at the small, bemused, and above all, conflicted smile playing across her face.
>[Camella]"...You're not going to let this go, are you?"
"Is there anything you know about me that suggests I would?"
Camella sighs as she takes the charm from me.
>[Camella]"Fine then-if only to make you shut up. And you better not be expecting me to move!"
"Of course not."
She crosses her arms while she pointedly looks away from me and back to the bout-the amulet already secreted away.
>[Camella]"...Good."
[ NEW COMPANY ACQUISITION: CAMELLA THE SLIDER OFFICER ]

>>375680
>>375718
>>375720
From there-after my suggestions to fight in the dark are vetoed-I end up slowly making the rounds of facing every vampire here-as well as all three of Ito's students. Nothing new is going on with the ex-gangers or the driven kid-my rematches with them go about the same as before-it's the new people that make for interesting contests.
-The shorter woman fights like a bulldog-she looks to get a locked grasp of her foe, then beat it into submission. With her vampiric strength I don't doubt that would work in most cases against normal people. Thankfully, once I identify her strategem she doesn't prove to be much of a threat at all, poorly suited to adjusting on the fly.
-The taller woman is impressively hard to read-and clearly likes doing joint work. However, if anything she's less knowledgable than her short comrade when it comes to fighting, and after I get used to how unreadable her face is and rely more on the soul, I am able to match her, too.
-The sixth and final vampire, the little old lady, proves to be another matter entirely. Every time I get a solid read on her attention-her intention-it ends up wrong. Every time I think I have her-she's not there. While against a barely trying Einrik she avoided blows without issue, against my absolute best effort-I can't lay a finger on her. Skill or no, with her not only denying me my forknowledge, but also seeming to claim the same from me in turn piled on top of heightened speed and strength-I just can't measure up. I'd need to be even faster, or stronger-SOMETHING.
-Eva proves to be a very engaging fight-her kicks coming as regularly as automatic gunfire and hitting like cannons. Her tree-trunk like legs and oversized spine come to her asisstence here-as she pulls off combination kicks I'm pretty sure it shouldn't be possible to balance through. That said-compared to Vampires, Valkonens and all manner of beasts-she just doesn't have enough raw power to make up for her lack of overall speed. As such-once I get used to her rhythm, she swiftly crumbles with the application of Gyaketsuote.
-Bora, on the other hand, proves a handful. With arms at least half again as large as mine, I find myself surprised when his stubby legs get him in close range the moment the bout begins. Our match ends up devolving into me using Reinforcement to match his upper body strength-and eventually exceed it. What impresses me is that he lasted the whole while resisting without any magic or chakra or any sort of supplement to natural strength and stamina at all. I get the feeling with proper chakra tutelage the man could be a legitimate bruiser.
-Then... there's Iskander. Turns out that he's the one that fights Camella the most often-and it shows. His eyes actually track my movements, no matter what kind of trick I throw at him-while all the while he avoids making eye contact with me like the plague. Seems he knows about Gyaketusote. His nimble, acrobatic flips and rolls, guided by his foundation in Capoiera, prove troubling to work around-and it takes me some time to actually translate what his intention means, in terms of how he can attack. The first five minutes of the bout I'm definitely on the losing side-by the end though, I think I recouped my losses.

As we continue sparring, it's with a bit of surprise I hear my phone ring-and realize it's two in the morning. Knowing I plan to get plenty done tomorrow, I elect to head out-the Russians choosing to stay and battle a while longer.

I walk back to the mansion, bird on my shoulder, Valkonens at my back, and upon my return tuck in for some shut eye.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 11th, 2011
PERSONAL FUNDS: $56,087.00
BUSINESS FUNDS: $83,500.00
CASH: $1,255.75
SHADOW PATIENCE: 70%

I am awoken by trilling chirps-and a forceful mental message.
>[Hummingbird]"The sky fire has risen and graces us with light-the day has begun."
Recognizing a similar level of obstinance in the hummingbird's tone to that I'm familiar with from Camella, I don't even argue, muzzily getting up, showering and dressing in an orange leisure suit as I make my way downstairs, pouring a saucer of red bull for the bird as I make myself a breakfast salad with mandragora root. I decide, in the quiet before the day has begun in earnest-to see if my efforts to be careful and considerate with Silja have paid off-as I ask her if she'll let me test fire her a few times to refamiliarize myself, and go through some martial forms. Happily, since I assure her I won't actually be hurting anyone with it (right now) she's actually okay with it-and after Amen guides me to a small secluded room to shoot and practice as I will, I spend nearly an hour talking with Silja, getting feedback from her on how she felt, reacquainting myself with weighting and heft-and in general, getting Silja to be a bit more blasé about the entire notion of combat. I still have quite a way to go before I could use her anywhere near as easily as I did before she awoke-but progress is progress.

Not to mention that once I can use Keihäs again I should prove quite lethal in close quarters.

Looking outside and noting the world beginning to wake up-I see Sake drifting through an open window, feeling the presence of my soul shadow with the weasel. Both drift down and settle in to rest for a time-and for now, I leave them to it-while dialling a number.
>[Johan]"...Mr. Laine. What is it?"
"Hi Johan. I'm in the market for a consultation-and could use an express service."
>[Johan]"...Using that satellite phone of yours?"
"The one with all the bells and whistles, yes."
>[Johan]"Then if you can abide by just commentary, I'll do it gratis: IF your situation's not... interesting."
"I appreciate the offer-and partly expect you to decide you can't offer it gratis at all."
>[Johan]"So?"
"Well, I just recieved an invitation from Mammon to, and I quote, 'the Devil and Demon Gathering occurring in the Undersewers'. Do you know what that is?"
>[Johan]"I do. Mm... think a bazaar. Bunch of soul trading."
"What makes them happen?"
>[Johan]"Mm... don't happen-always happening. Demiplane. Got connections to our land. Currently a connection's in the undersewers."
"Do you think the demon that delivered the invite is of importance?"
>[Johan]"When Devils and Demons trade, someone needs to bring new to affected parties. As seller, your devil had to provide such services. Was some Devil that had a debt called in, I expect."
"So what exactly IS the implication of our connection being purchased?"
>[Johan]"Not sure I follow. Demons, Devils-anything and everything's vendable with them, even things that should be possible to sell. It's just what they are."
"What do you make of Mammon's involvement in this?"
>[Johan]"...You really asking that? You had one of his Artifacts, and sold it in what amounts to a greed ritual in an event everyone who's anyone in Istanbul was told about."
"Okay-all that you may have offered gratis: what about this? I need the 'for Dummies' course on infernal etiquette and general Devil/Demon interaction protocol."
>[Johan]"I could teach you that-and yeah, I'd have to charge. Or-you could use what you know of dealing with goblins. It's more or less the same. You really want lessons? You call back, we can schedule them. Think it over."
*CLICK*

Hm. Informative, if not in the way I'd hoped. Next up: Go Ping. He picks up on the fourth ring.
>[Go Ping]"Yes, Mr. Laine?"
"Hey, so I'm going to pull the 'Cryptic Advice' card on you, and I genuinely want you to treat it seriously. Also, hello."
>[Go Ping]"I shall try to lend your words as much credibility as I can: what is it?"
"Thanks to certain information I acquired, you-hell, and a good number of your coworkers-might find it worthwhile thoroughly assess the level of your health, and do it as soon as you can."
For a moment, Go Ping says nothing.
>[Go Ping]"...For once, I shall ask you to set aside your mannerisms-and answer in sincerity. Is this a jest?"
"Not in the slightest.".
>[Go Ping]"...Very well, Mr. Laine. I thank you for your advice."
*CLICK*

Next-I ask Amen a question that has an answer I didn't quite expect.
Q: Does my mental shielding charm make mass information download-such as new languages, new martial styles, and the like-safer to take in a similar manner to how it protects from general accelerated thought?
A: Actually no-it seems I'd have to 'discuss' my way through the information in a massive deluge of tiny bite-sized snippets, which would be an immense pain in the ass. Honestly, I think I'd rather just space out my memory downloads and look for ways to use internal soul manipulation to smooth out problems, than 'talk it out'.

With THAT bit of curiosity settled-I call yet another number. This time: Jagda. I start speaking the moment he picks up.
"Heyo-me here, and I don't need an answer on this now if you're busy-but I could use an Electrical Engineer to consult. You know any you'd recommend?"
For a while, I wonder if he hung up, as I don't even hear breathing. Finally-
>[Jagda]"I will have some suggestions next time we meet."
*CLICK*

Is it just me, or do I get hung up on a lot? I wonder why....
>"Oh yes, I wonder."
>[Iron Trick]"I wonder so."

That done-I do two more things with the early morning before I actually start heading out and doing things.

The first thing-is checking a suspicion of mine. So far as I know-there's no real reason I should need to see something to then soul-sense it. And sure enough, it feels like it's entirely possible for me to reach beyond what I can see, and just sense the people walking by the house within range-and yet, there's... something. A wall, an obstruction-a block, preventing me from properly using the power. After half an hour of poking and prodding to no effect, I decide to leave it be.

The second thing I do takes less actual time-but certainly feels like it takes longer.

I sell SM and the Turkih Wyld goblins the rest of my modern combat knowledge, as agreed. I teach each gobline, each detail, each facet-I answer every question, address every hypothetical, walk them through every scenario-I dump every last drop of information I have on modern warfare into their hands.

For my troubles, I end up with a grand total of two thousand, eight hundred sixty one hours of stored, tradable training time, to use however I want.

I climb back out of the sewers, heading inside to shave my increasingly itchy beard and get properly dressed for the day.

It is currently nine AM on a Tuesday.











What are my plans, and what am I wearing?
>>
No. 375807 ID: 21a619

>>375805
With the orange tie hanging loosely of course.
>>
No. 375809 ID: a7b5b4

Could test a new name on the bird, perhaps. Little bugger's speech and manner keep making me think of some kind of Arthurian knight, almost, so maybe try Gawain out on him.
>>
No. 375811 ID: f8aa66
File 132511901908.jpg - (214.92KB , 500x500 , WhiteHeat_7731Web.jpg )
375811

I'm feeling like going casual today (see picture).

Okay, first half of the day, take a break touring the city with Hillevi as outlined here (>>375739 and >>375718). I'd like to make this a regular thing. No reason we can't walk and talk, either, for our less secretive calls. Walking around the city lets us deepen our relationship with her, let us test out new things in regards to SB, Sake and us, lets Hummingbird get a feel for his new city, and also allows us to keep our finger on the pulse. Plus if we happen to be being tailed as I suspect, it's easier to spot someone stalking you around the city than standing still.

For the rest of the day, I'd like to get on with planning out Doony's death and what we're going to do with Riker's buddy. Scope out the location with the russians so we know where to place them without alerting any super-hearing fish monsters (I want a handful of russians far removed from the water's edge with sniper weapons for that encounter), see if we can talk Lammy into giving us a drop of blood for an interesting little experiment (letting him use an illusion charm with our form), see who would be willing to pay for Doony's death (Dorjpalam is the big suspect, but Doony's been making an ass of himself regularly around here; this is an instance where I might be willing to pay SM for information).

Tonight, I wouldn't mind starting our goblin training with a couple hours of trap-making. It's the most worthwhile 1-to-1 hour thing they offer they haven't already taught us (the other is archery), and I want to learn a little more of standard gun-smithing or chakra-usage before we delve into magical item forging or magical charm-making, respectively. Because those are so expensive (5-and-6-to-1), we want to maximize those hours. And okay, yes, trap-making (even goblinic trap-making, which is probably pretty cool) has nothing on a well-placed frag mine, but those aren't always available or plentiful or, you know, appropriate. What if someday we find ourselves stuck in the wilderness without convenient access to a Gun World/Garbage Pete/that third supplier guy? Or, just to pick an even crazier example... what if we're, oh, I don't know... slingshotted into ancient Japan where old-timey muskets haven't even got started? THEN we'd wish we had old-school trap-making, I bet you.

Sure, that's an unlikely example, but the point is things like that HAPPEN to us, and even SB should accept the logic of 'be prepared for everything'.
>>
No. 375838 ID: 1310c4

>>375797
>What are my plans, and what am I wearing?
Call Camella! She agreed to sign up with our company, and that means she needs to know what's going on. Even better, since we got her to sign up as an officer and in fact our second in command, she gets to know basically everything going on with the company- and has a certain responsibility to fix horrible problems, which she will be much more likely to identify than we will because she's got what they call 'professionalism' and 'a sense of responsibility'. Have her come over for lunch to talk business. We need to discuss:
-Current personnel: Armas+Shadowbro+Sake, Camella, Russians, Middle Easterners, Hillevi; capabilities of each
-Current resources: Weaponry, magical assets, armor, communications gear, mansion
-Resources needed: More weaponry, concealment magics and various other upgrades, useful vehicles
-Contacts/Potential Employers: Mafia, Triads, pending possibilities through Riker and Baki
-Past jobs: Mafia, Triads
-Anticipated problems with the Turkish government if we can't fly farther below the radar or somehow manage to get serious pull
-Upcoming contact with Riker's man

With all that laid out, we need Camella to give us her take on where we sit so far, what improvements we need to make, and what problems she considers willing to emerge. At a guess, she'll tell us that we've been an idiot in at least half a dozen ways, but that's why we're employing her. See how much of the work that she lays out we can end up dumping on her shoulders, and what we'll have to take on ourselves.


SUST to getting goblinic training on anything right now. We want to have more soul power control before learning enchanting, and we want to have some method of learning acceleration (ex. chakra mental/focus boosts) before learning anything that's ultimately a mundane skill so that we can get the most out of our hours.
>>
No. 375845 ID: 0ccc5b

Our phone-call to Go Ping about the sick Triad members mean that it's possible Lo Fang is going to call us, whether it is to acknoweldge we are right/wrong, or even to give us jobs he would have given to his men except he is busy healing them. Likewise, Rocco did say he may call us. This means we should probably not be haring off everywhere today, though having plans for a small sortie to the bazar in the morning, if we give appropriate orders to our men to be ready could be acceptable, but i'd prefer not. If we choose go outside to haggle, this should be a short trip, and we MUST go to a place that sells grenade. We really, really, really need those, as well as flashbangs. For haggling, we should try to haggle with as many different people as possible and try to make a game of predicting their styles.

>>375838
Do this, but also prepare a BIG lunch for Camella's congratualtion on caving to Armas' nagging party. Also, do not forget to talk to her about chakra, and whether or not she would wish for us to look into the contacts we have for different teachers for her- likewise, I would appreciate knowing if she does have any teachers we don't know of. Then, i'd ask Camella's help when it comes to firing with our buntline for a handful of hours. IF we haven't had a phone-call from anyone by 4pm, however, do call Go Ping and inquire whether we could have an impromptu chakra lesson tonight (either from Men yung, or someone else if he isn't available). If Go Ping is too busy being swarmed by ill Triad members, we should think about proposing to try to learn how to heal them to help (don't mention you have a possible way to heal them already unless we are sure we can hide Sake from them).
>>
No. 375912 ID: 286a45

We should invite Camella and take Silja and the AA-12 down to the range and practice. We should get some very fine birdshot and some soft targets, and show the hummingbird, if he's unaware, of what enemies might be able to fire. Whilst we're there we should discuss the organisation of the company with Camella, and ask if she has any suggestions.

As the hummingbird is interested in Chakra manipulation, and we know that Sake uses chakra techniques that a specialised mortal could learn, our WeaselBro might be interested in showing off what he can do, perhaps in the form of a three dimensional obstacle course made of miniature tornadoes, and the like.

If they decide to pursue this, we should spend some time closely inspecting our memories of how the hummingbird performed its soul manipulation, and seeing if there is anything we can understand of it.

We also promised to take Hillevi out and about, and we've only done it once. We should live up to our responsibilities and run Hillevi through a basic breakdown of Turkish etiquette, what is considered acceptable behaviour, what kind of people it is considered acceptable for her to speak to, and how to respond when someone tries to proposition or pick-pocket her. Preferably, we should do this by telling stories as the two of you walk around, pointing out examples and telling funny stories of things you've seen.

[DANGER , WILL ROBINSON, DANGER]
On magical training, we should immediately assign our chakra to stealth, and, after confirming with Einrik that our body is no longer saturated with winter aligned chakra energy a couple of hours later, we should run through all the techniques that SB implanted in our memory. Although Einrik is not an expert, he may have fought some, so if he has a moment he may be able to point out any very obvious inefficiencies or flaws in what we do. As we can only keep it running for a couple of minutes, it shouldn't be too much of an imposition. We should perform some physical exercises to explore what our limits are when using these. Afterwards, ask Einrik if there's anything we can do to help him. Discuss with him potential of using chakra reinforcement on some part of our body, such as our bones and tendons, whilst using Flesh Manipulation on our muscles and heart. Can he suggest any safe ways of investigating this?

A few hours later, after any residual summer energy has dissipated to a background level, we should ask Einrik to describe what he saw that we can understand both of our bloodline forming, and of our hybrid healing, even though he can't interpret the later. When he has done so, particularly the last, ask Iron Trick if the description of its uninterpretability sounds like it is actively or passively occluded from being understood by observers, as his own powers are. You should ask this because Iron Trick's powers are the one other thing we know to have defeated Einrik's perceptions.

After receiving Einrik's explanation, as much as we can understand, we should confer with SB and Sake as to whether the following sounds sensible, and continue with yesterday's investigation of our healing. First, try to observe our soul and observe our chakra in the resting state, then make a very small cut on a finger tips, one that would normally seal itself within a minute. Passively observe what happens as our passive summer healing accelerates its healing. Do not do anything but watch. Then, do the same but activate our hybrid healing. If Einrik is free, perhaps ask him to watch the first time, so he can look out for any potential side effects. If this works, we should do this multiple times, in various different places on our body. After doing this with our chakra unbound, repeat the experiment with our chakra bound to body reinforcement and to stealth. Our hybrid healing has become easier, but it is not necessarily our bloodline being completed that did this, we also unbound our chakra around the same time. Judge the relative difficulty in with the different chakra configuration as well as well as whether it appears different.
[/DANGER , WILL ROBINSON, DANGER]
>>
No. 375927 ID: 1310c4

>>375838
Addendum to the Camella bit. After we've gone over the basics of things, call in Matvey as leader of the Russians and tell him about Camella's new job. He'll probably approve of having someone less insane and more professional in his command structure, so I anticipate no problems.


Other matters.

Note Writer asked for both our and Silja's permission in order to talk with Silja- and we never gave ours nor even told Silja about his existence. He had implied that he would need our permission, but review of his exact wording shows that he actually used an "if X, I could Y" format, which doesn't exclude being able to do Y regardless- possibly a clever workaround to dodge lying, which might be necessary to him.

Anyway, the fact that he went around our back and contacted Silja implies that our good opinion of him is basically worthless in his eyes compared to whatever purpose he wants Silja for, and talking to her- presumably working toward gaining her trust- is important to that purpose. We need to keep a close eye on this situation as it develops lest the Note Writer move on to whatever the next stage of his plan is and catch us off guard.

If we have more shooting practice, bring and use Silja. More time spent associating with her is a good thing. Try to convince her to let us use some of our blood to let her see the world again; it would at least give her more input than she has at the moment.

Ask the hummingbird if he was able to knock over full-grown human women with a peck before waking up with us. Since I seriously doubt it, that should make for a good segue into trying to convince him to spend some time experimenting with the spiritual bond between us; try to send emotions, try to use it during moments of accelerated thought, attempt to send power to one another through it and see what we can do with that power. See how far from us he can get before there is any discomfort or problems, and see if Shadowbro can teleport him around as easily as just us. Generally spend some time getting used to the situation.

Ask Shadowbro if he could use the hummingbird's shadow for anything. Since the hummingbird is our spirit animal, I doubt losing its shadow would hurt it and it seems appropriate to give shadowbro the resource; if Shadowbro wants it we can consider how best to approach the subject with the hummingbird.

>>375845
>chakra lesson tonight
We have a chakra lesson scheduled for tomorrow morning, early. We don't need one tonight as well, particularly when we've been talking to Go Ping so many times in the last few days.
>>
No. 375959 ID: 4eb115

>>375811
Upvote. The mundane food subscriptions are no longer needed (because of all the food we get from SM), they should be canceled or reduced while going out with Hillevi.
Do not only train trapmaking but try archery as well. Trying it for an hour should allow Armas to assess the usefulness of goblin archery.
>>
No. 375989 ID: 0ccc5b

>Note Writer asked for both our and Silja's permission in order to talk with Silja- and we never gave ours nor even told Silja about his existence. He had implied that he would need our permission, but review of his exact wording shows that he actually used an "if X, I could Y" format, which doesn't exclude being able to do Y regardless- possibly a clever workaround to dodge lying, which might be necessary to him.
Or maybe he sensed that we had already given him permission. Let's not be hasty here, especially as so far he is truly helping Silja. Even if he has some kind of macabre plan against Armas (which I am more than unsure of) he is helping Silja get saner currently, and we must still be grateful for that.

>Do not only train trapmaking but try archery as well.
SUST on getting training from the goblins before we have our capacity to learn improved- either by having a base when it comes to archery, or better at soul manip for the charm traps/ item charming, or simply know a way to enhance our mind.

>Talking to Camella.
Mention Arkvad and our current in-creation deal with H&H. We are currently in the process of negotiations to get a job from them, after all.

>Testing Summer Bloodline.
If we do that, we should also talk to SB. I still have no idea how he can use his own summer bloodline giving it's flesh- does his “switched” to “Shadow” as that serves at his flesh? Does he want us to look into it when we meet Shadow practitioners?

>Sake
Does Sake want us to look into potential contacts he could acquire? Camella might know something about Youkais or even just about the Yakuza that came here. Or maybe just bounce ideas off Einrik on how we could find such contacts around.

[DANGER, WILL ROBINSON, DANGER]
>Sure enough, it feels like it's entirely possible for me to reach beyond what I can see, and just sense the people walking by the house within range-and yet, there's... something. A wall, an obstruction-a block, preventing me from properly using the power.
While there surely is a way to do this 'properly', why not test, for now, whether we can use people's attention to 'see' new souls? By that, I mean focus on someone that noticed us- and then see if we can notice when he notice someone else- and use that to see that “someone else's” soul. We could also try to use Gyaketsuote as a 'enhancement' for the link with the first person seeing us. However, that is “experimenting on things we don't know” and we should maybe first bounce the idea off with Sake/SB/IT and Einrik. Hell, why not include Hillevi? Even if she has no idea what's going on, she might want to hear the conversation.
[/DANGER, WILL ROBINSON, DANGER]
>>
No. 376000 ID: 448d82
File 132519268301.png - (381.67KB , 640x400 , Soulofawarrior.png )
376000

Pic is supposed to be the soul of the awesomest hummingbird, I couldn't do him justice, T.T

>>375927
On the note writer... The following is as much for Armas as it is the posters; isn't that kind of paranoid? I mean is it so hard to accept that there is a guy who doesn't have it in for us? Even if Silja awakening is part of some big plan, I don't think Armas is in any risk. If the man was planning something insidious he would never have sent us notes, he would have just left things in the right places, he would not have HELPED AND WARNED US. So far the writer has shown nothing but weary patience with Armas' paranoia and a desire to see Silja reborn.
To be honest, Armas should be sick of his nagging paranoia at this stage, I mean he trusts his brothers, Camella, Einrik and the russians. The note-writer has not shown any evidence of being "out to get us" So really I'm not even going to sust this, cause Armas should realize how stupid that thought is. He needs to realize that. Needs to accept that he has to trust some people even though trust can be betrayed. The note-writer brought Silja back from the brink of insanity, so really for now trust him. Come to think of it, it was a lack of trust that got us into the situation of the finnish devil coming for us, so really I think it is time to abandon the paranoia. We'll have a few less problems then.

>>375811
>>375845
>>375912
>>375989
Upvotan all in any combination, and I suppose the goblin traps can wait...
But really wanting to expand Armas' trolling pallet and get some of that awesome ventriloquism SM has too... :D
>>
No. 376045 ID: 252e1b

>>375797

I really want to introduce Arkvad to Einrik and Hillevi, now that the biggest share of the danger around the Finnish Devil has passed. I'd also like to tell him about the visit to Simo's grave, and the promise of the blessing. We did promise we'd tell him about it, and Hillevi, Einrik, and Silja are the witnesses to that entire crazy adventure.

>>375927

There's some neat ideas here but they're going to cause trouble if they're not handled appropriately.

>hummingbird's shadow

I'm sure hummingbird will object to losing his shadow unless you have some way to talk him into it. Remember, he can hear everything Armas thinks, so constructing a lie for him is very much like when Armas needs to lie to himself. If we broach this topic at all it should be around the idea of introducing the Hummingbird to the idea of how shadows are related to the Real and the NeverNever.

>Note Writer and Silja

We hadn't formally outright stated that we were OK with it, but we had come to the conclusion that it probably was OK. If Note Writer has the ability to listen in on what we're thinking (and given the level of power he's displayed so far it seems plausible) then he probably took that as permission so that he could keep Silja company while Armas neglected her to take care of other issues.

Seriously it's been days between when we spoke to her. What Note Writer did was for her benefit, there's no reason to get weirded out by it beyond acknowledging that Note Writer is probably powerful in non-traditional ways.

>>375959
>cancel the mundane food subscriptions

This is a bad idea. Unless you want spies to know that we're getting our food from non-traditional sources, we need to have a plausible amount of food coming into the house normally. We can have excess food stored in the magic cellar, and we can use it normally, to buy favors from minor fae (the brownies come to mind though I'm sure there are others), to feed prisoners, and to practice cooking (since, if you haven't noticed, we don't have a cooking trait yet).
>>
No. 376107 ID: d97a61

>>375807
>>375811
Unable to come up with anything interesting to shave into my beard, or any comedic reason to keep it-I shave the whole thing off. ...Ah, feels nice to be clean shaven again-even if I sort of miss the roguish look the beard bestowed alongside the eyepatch. Now... to take care of the important things: White silk shirt, white silk pants, albino snake leather loafers-and most importantly of all-a brilliantly garish orange tie. Yes, that seems the perfect outfit for going out in the middle of winter. So it is that, clean-shaven and freshly dressed, I descend the stairs-heading out with Hillevi for a morning on the town.

I start by trying to talk to her about social situations in Turkey. Things like who she's considered 'okay' to talk with, how to respond to pickpocketing attempts-in general, I try to give her a perspective on how things are 'supposed' to be. There are two problems with my plan: She is either incredibly dumb or purposefully being obtuse as none of it seems to be sinking in-and more importantly, I've made a point of flagrantly ignoring local customs since arriving-which, when combined with how terrible of a teacher I am, means we ultimately spend a quarter hour talking in circles. Thankfully, by the time we get to the spice markets, and while we gather up a goodly supply of herbs to keep the house in good standing for any cooking challenge, I am presented with examples of a sort: I get to show Hillevi how some local Turkish shoppers deal with a failed pickpocket attempt. She gets to see 'normal' for the area in use-and then immediately comments she doesn't know why they didn't kill him or render him their serf until he'd paid off the debt incurred by his transgression. Scratching my head at her resolute, blind faith in her existing world view, I instead choose to turn her into my pack mule, carrying more than a dozen different bags containing assorted spices.

What makes her obstinance on social issues (granted I am probably the worst teacher she could hope to have on this) so tolerable is the antics of Sake and SB, both happily along for the ride-though this time, Sake has elected to drape himself about Hillevi's neck, and hide beneath her glamor. Sake, for his part, seems largely invested in perfecting a way to keep a freshly blown-off hat just out of reach-while my shadow busies himself working on manipulating the contents of people's pockets-and in general getting more used to working within other people's field of ownership. It's their antics that make it child's play to stay amiable and untrollish enough I continue to play tour guide on the way back, showing her more of Istanbul's heart. On the way back, SB and I have a bit of an argument-over what to do with the training time from teaching the goblins. Seems he doesn't like the types of hypotheticals I'm using to support my argument. Finally, after listening to multiple arguments from me that Trap-making's worth pursuing, he says the following:
>"Do you honestly expect me to believe that time travel is a legitimate justification for expending difficult to obtain training time? That... that's more preposterous than any of the worst case scenarios I've considered. You'd have to be mad to think that likely."
I'm about to respond-when simultaneously, a car's engine on the nearby street dies, a bird flying over head harshly trills (drawing the ever-vigilant Hummingbird's attention from its perch atop the loose knot of my tie) and a newspaper stand's front legs collapse-the distraction so attention grabbing I decide to let go of my concerns and let the topic be.

>>375838
>>375845
Instead-I call Camella, and ask her if she can meet me at the mansion in half an hour. After she consents, I take the long way back, making sure she actually has that half hour to get there. Upon our return at half past eleven, Hillevi practically flies over to her brother the moment she's put down the bags of spices, enthusiastically demanding he come with her as she shows her parts of the town-clearly trying to show off to her brother. Bemusedly chuckling at their antics, I happily note Camella is here-and round her up along with Matvei to have a little meeting (After Trick irritatingly noted that having just ONE confidante in the command structure is stupid-and Matvey is much more easily killed, if things go to shit-and then not stopping noting it until I agreed. Bastard.). So it is-that I lay it out for her, and Matvey as well, given both of them are going to be assuming officer positions in the impending company. I give a general explanation of the current capacities of we three brothers to them-I make sure Camella knows what the Russians can do, and that Matvey knows more about Camella than just what he's seen for himself. I provide more background information on Hillevi-establish her as the youngest of the current generation of an old and powerful magic using clan from Finland. I make sure we all pool our information on Hafaz and his ilk, as temporary contractors that could one day be permanent employees. After taking a brief moment to make sure everyone at the meeting knows the general capabilities of the personnel, and after swiftly verifying there's been no issue with the cards for accessing their pay (something Camella for the moment doesn't seem too interested in, oddly enough) I move on to resources. I fully explain what I know about the mansion, insofar as it's ability to shelter vampires from sunlight, it's connection to the sewers, and so forth. The plethora of guns-particularly magical ones-most certainly attracts Matvey's attention-so too, though, does Camella's-as it seems she's no longer using any of her old arsenal: having traded out her mundane axes for Chinese ones, courtesy of Go Ping-the double barreled shotgun she'd picked up a while back, and the enchanted Walther WA2000 she claimed from the would-be assassin Olga. As such-all of her old special forces arsenal is likewise on the table and readily available-in particular, Matvey's quite interested in her grenade lancher attachment. We progress on to discussing armor from arms-and all agree that we're in poorer standing there than we are where offensive implements are concerned.

With our cataloguing of current assets complete-we move on to new topics: firstly, adressing the supplies that we still need/could use more of: To my own list of 'more weapons, concealment magics and urban-viable vehicles' Matvey insists on adding magically active body armor or defensive charms-while Camella brings up the issue of specialists to supplement our conventional fighting force. Both requests get added to the list of 'shit we need to acquire.' From there-we move on to the next step, cataloguing who our current prospective employers are, as well as detailing who past employers have been. Naturally, the Mafia and the Triads both figure heavily in this section of our discussion-but I make sure I stress the expanding options before us, be it from H&H, from Riker or even from the masseuse Baki that Hafaz and co are approaching. Matvey, for his part, takes clipped notes as I run over the list of contacts I have in each group, and my relationship with them-before asking a new question: namely, what are we going to do about legal recriminations, given how many of our clients do not operate within the confines of the law. It's a fair question-and one we need to have an answer for in the coming days. Lastly, I bring up the visitor Riker's steered our way, who's planning to meet us this week at a restaurant owned by the Turkish Ruling Dragon.

So, while everyone's still mulling over that declaration-I ask the question I'm really invested in.
"So Camella-what's your take on this? How are we looking for the 'fetal' stage of things, where do we sit, what improvements are necessary?"
>[Camella]"...Where to start. For one thing: Why the hell is your armory a different place than where everyone lives? Sure, you keep some of the arsenal here-why not all of it? Another thing-do we have ANY form of safety, should either the Triads or the Mafia become unhappy we work for their competitor? -Don't answer that, I know you don't. ...Not at all my last thing, but this one's big enough I'd say it and the armory issue are your biggest problems: What are you doing about the skill level of the Russians? No offence to them, but they're soldiers-not special forces. They're going to need entirely new skillsets if you want them to perform ably, given what kind of market youre working in. Plenty of ways, I think, to solve that-but all of them cost more than can be afforded... well..."
Camella grins as she looks skyward, humming thoughtfully to herself before nodding and continuing.
>[Camella]"Actually, I may have a solution to that: Have them all become assistant instructors at Ito's. They'll help take the load off me, and with the extra time I can start running them through my own training, even while they more exposure to different fighting styles in their 'job'-not to mention the readier access to vampires to 'practice' against. That, and it'll help Ito's place grow as fast as possible-and with it, attract attention to his night lessons."
>[Matvey]"I have question: Would we be paid for this?"
>[Camella]"Yes-no way Ito wouldn't pay you-but since you'd be getting some of my time for training in turn, the pay wouldn't be much. Just a minor supplement to your actual work."
>[Matvey]"Is what I expect: Not a bad deal. I think the rest will agree to it."
"Great-let me know what they think, this could work well for everyone, sounds like."

From there the meeting begins to lose it's clarity, and we part, with Camella going to pitch the idea to Ito after getting me to promise to relocate all of the armory to the mansion-and Matvey going to convince the Russian ex-soldiers they want to be instructors in a city gym-but only after thanking me for actually putting so many cards on the table for him, rather than treating him as a 'need to know only' grunt. On the other end of things, I find myself having mixed feelings about Camella's parting comments 'this is only the start.' Now, I assume she meant that in regards to the company-but really, could she have picked more ominous words?

It's at this point a certain flight-capable creature chimes in.
>[Hummingbird]"This female you were singing with-"
Camella. What about her?
>[Hummingbird]"Something about her feels... familiar to me. I know not why-but still, I find the sensation odd."
...Is it possible she reminds you of yourself?
>[Hummingbird]"How droll. Really, you think some lesser giant like yourself could be comparable in any field to the sublime majesty and beauty that is my race's birthright?"
I suppose not.
>[Hummingbird]"I merely contend she is less disappointing than most giants to observe."
Fair enough. Actually have to ask: Was it... normal, for you to knock over full-grown women with a peck before waking up attached to me?
>[Humming]"'Tis a newer skill: truth be told, it did surprise me some, to see her reaction be so dramatic. Though the longer I am attached to you, the more I come to grasp you have some sort of... power in you that seeps through our connection. Whilst I was already a renowned warrior-with the wealth of spirit our situation provides me, I doubt much could be a challenge for me."

>>375912
You know, on that note-I don't suppose you've seen birdshot in use? It's ammunition tailor made for taking down small, evasive birds. In theory, that would include you.
>[Hummingbird]"Oh? A weapon of the giants you claim could actually catch me? You've piqued my interest with your bold claims."
Well then:
AA-12 secured, it's load changed out for bird shot, I descend to a lower level of the house, and use the same room I did for practicing with Silja-to show my spirit animal, still in the flesh, why the ammunition's called 'bird shot'

It's a half hour later that, Hummingbird once more perched atop my loosely knotted tie, I begin my march back to the ground floor... still trying to figure out what just happened.

1-Okay, first 'thing' about all that: This bird can dodge bullets. I don't mean in the sense that it didn't get hit-that fucking bird, ten minutes in, had me shoot straight at it from two feet away-and still avoided being hit by a single pellet of shot. The bird didn't think it anything special-in it's own words, 'Just a combination of honed reflexes and a stalwart soul driven by a clear will: truly, the surprise is that this works on other birds-do my sky-brethren not know shame? Being struck by an object that can't even chase you-pah!' Unsurprisingly, my spirit animal is singularly unimpressed with guns so far.
2-Second thing-it seems that Sake and the bird are not... not getting along all that well. The premise of 'Sake teaching the bird of the specialized chakra use it knows' started out okay-but Sake's Sake, and couldn't resist throwing some trollishness into the instruction. That... did not go over well with the bird. Fast forward through some verbal escalation, and Sake thinks to brush off the bird with a wall of wind-that the hummingbird promptly pierces straight through with another flare of soul energy before stopping it's beak a ahair's breadth away from the weasel's eye. Sake's... sulking about the loss, and the bird doesn't feel inclined to try and learn from Sake until he apologizes-which, ah, I'm really not seeing as likely here.

Still-I at least verified that barring some damned impressive shooting, my spirit animal's not at risk from mundane fire-and as small as he is, I doubt he'd be easily picked out, fanciful feathers or no.

With that done, I head to the kitchen to deal with my rumbling stomach-finding Boris yet again hard at work trying out the recipes in the translated book-this time snagging someone else's attempt at Kelpie Krisps. ...Not bad, gotta say. Food inspection/late lunch done, complete with some exploratory chatting with the Russians, and getting the overall feel they wouldn't be too resistive to the notion of being trainers, I again excuse myself from human company-and set to a bit of a different project: Getting practice with my Summer bloodline. Now, this is more than a bit tricky, as my bodies saturated with Winter energy from my chakras, controlled by my other, newer bloodline. Last time I tried to fiddle with the two energies, Winter and Summer, in the same place... kinda hurt. Just a bit. So-this time, I'm going to make sure that doesn't happen. I'm going to flush my body of Winter energy-and only then, attempt to use my Summer line. Let's see.. I know an 'open' orientation for my chakra's saturates my body, and is a no-go. Same deal for Reinforcement: Both are chakra uses that manifest directly into the body-where I want to work with an opposed energy. Thankfully-I know a third option, a secondary orientation for my chakras: Stealth. When no new chakra's coming in, what's already there SHOULD dissipate in an hour or two. So...

Two hours later, just to be certain, I head downstairs and ask Einrik, thankfully back from being dragged back out by Hillevi shortly after our return.
"Hey, I finished flushing the Winter energy from my body, right?"
He makes an incredulous leer as he snorts at me.
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"..No. Why do you think you've flushed your body of Winter energy?"
"Because I haven't been channeling any of my chakra into my flesh-right?"
Einrik pinches the bridge of his nose as his ruined eyes stay locked on a space a foot above my head.
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"...Another step back then: What were you doing that made you think you were not channeling energy through your chakras into your flesh? I know you're aware your passive state still saturates your flesh."
"Yeah, I know that-so, the chakra assignment I'm using right now-"
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"A new one to me, to be certain-but beyond funneling more than half of the output straight into your shadow, the remaining's split between sensory augmentation and-this one's the important one-full body saturation to suppress the generation of sound. The amount of energy being dumped into your body is less compared to your other options, this I grant-but it in no way removes Winter energy from your body."
"Well.. shit. So how am I supposed to purge my body of winter energy for Summer bloodline use?"
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"In your headlong rush to use yourself to answer as many magical 'what if's' as possible, you have become irregular enough I cannot answer that question with anything other than a pure guess-and I choose to keep my advice more accurate than that."
>"I do believe you were shot down."
And I do believe you could have told me you were still getting energy from it.
>"Let's see: at no point was it ever even intimated that it's supply of energy to me had in any way changed since last you used it-and I'll take as much extra energy as I can get, thank you very much."
...Ngh, fine. So... huh, guess I need to learn some Chakra Orientation that doesn't invest any energy in my physical body if I want to practice my Flesh manipulation. It's shitty, yeah-but that's part of the price of being as awesome as I am.

>>375927
It's later in the day, a bit after half past four, when Camella returns, with news Ito's on board with an arrangement that'd work for us-and, and then drags me outside to a van she borrowed from one of the students to move my gear from the docks to the mansion. It's only after we get there, and start the process of loading the van that I actually find myself backtracking to an important detail I skipped over. Okay... I found another Note, writer suggests talking with Silja. Says it needs permission from Silja and I. I give it permission... stuff happens, I don't talk to Silja for a bit-and later when we talk, she mentions talking with the writer. But I never told her about the writer, or their request-which means it had to have contacted her before she knew of it. That... that says a couple things. For one, that my good opinion of him is worthless to him-or at least worth less than whatever they stood to lose if I continued to drag my feet. Talking to Silja and gaining her trust is presumably integral to whatever plans they hold. I'm... I'm going to need to be careful, lest I get caught off guard by this one-I don't even know what they really want out of this, I-
>>376000
>>376045
...I... am actually not going to worry about it. Yeah this shows the Note Writer's got some definite power-but that's nothing new. And so far-it's been nothing but helpful. He's clearly accustomed to dealing with my manner of... eccentricities, and just the same is heavily invested in seeing something done that I also wish to see through to fruition. So there is the ever-present chance that this could be yet another foe I need watch: But frankly, so far he's given me much less reason to think so than plenty of people I don't even consider good conversationalists-and really, that's a point that counts for a great deal with me.
>"I suspect it also plays into why you are so reticent to suspect the note writer: They seem as prone to verbose phrasing as you are."
Possibly.

So it is that, internal miniature crisis resolved, I finish packing the last of the gear in Camella's borrowed van, and we head back to the mansion with the sun setting over the city. On our return, I realize I got a call while out-and so, after getting a pair of Russians to take my place in the offloading, I check my voicemail.
>[Rocco]"Mr. Laine. Gianni spoke highly of your men-and he's hard to impress. Turns out we're unlucky: As soon as one infestation's dealt with, another crops up. Obviously you aren't accountable for incomplete cleanup since it's in a different building, and we only paid you for the one before. So, if you and yours are available for another extermination job, I could use a call back-this is a bit time sensitive, as we really don't want the infestation jumping."
I check the time of the call: twenty five minutes ago. I dial Rocco back.
>[Rocco]"Good-you got the message. Was a public phone. Anyway: warehouse this time-looks like it's something bigger. Confirmation that no higher ups will be there until four AM tomorrow at the earliest-which is good, this group seems to like their officers to have tricks up their sleeve. So far, all we got is that there's all sorts of goodies inside, and at least three dozen guards at any given time. This is the one and only window we've gotten-and we're jumping on it, whether you're along for the ride or not. Checked back home-I'm cleared to go all in on this, so whatever you've got to sell, I'm looking to buy: These shits are going to learn what happens when they try to set up shop in our neck of the woods."
As I try rather hard not to orgasm at the thought of an open expense account to buy whatever I can sell-
>[Rocco]"So: Time's short, we want to move tonight in five hours: So what can you offer for some out and out carnage and slaughter? Or can you not handle a rush job?"

I wipe the drool from my chin as I carefully consider:







Just what is it I want to sell to Rocco?
Seems this is a job where there's not enough time to do proper intel beforehand: should I try to talk Rocco into delaying the attack so more recon can get accomplished, and if so, what am I suggesting?
I'm at the mansion with most of the Russians: Should I talk with them about this before any decision?
>>
No. 376136 ID: f8aa66

"Rocco, you know just the right way to talk to me. Well, if you want absolutely everything... I charge a little extra for a rush job, but I assure you my men are worth it. Off the top of my head, I can field 18 of the kind Gianni spoke so well of - I assume the same price as last time would be acceptable, plus a small fee for the rush job. Say, an extra thousand apiece? That quite singular woman you may recall who needed a passport is available. 400 grand should cover her; I promise, you won't be disappointed in her performance. I've yet to find a problem she couldn't shoot or chop or bludgeon her way through, and I've been looking. I don't imagine you find many people that have chased Blackbeard through the city and into the sewers and survived, though I also count myself among that number. I myself would be more than happy to come - and I'll bring along reconnaissance, a magic-piercer, healer and heavy magical hitter. An even million for the four of us on a rush job, if you please. Expensive, I know, but I bet it's still cheaper than our mutual backstabbing friend's old fee.

And if you give me half an hour, I think I can also field a visiting Valkonen or two. If they come, and you'll know them when they do, I'd ask 2 million for the younger and 5 for the older. But there really is nothing quite like them, I can attest to that. I watched the elder break a manifested low-to-mid tier god with his bare hands. Just... literally break him into pieces smaller than my palm."

On the recon front, we could suggest that Armas/SB and Rocco take a peek in before everyone else to gather intel. This implies we know Rocco is more than he appears, and that we feel we can match him. And 5 hours is enough to get little recon in before the big event.
>>
No. 376148 ID: f70e5e

we should probably ask the Valkonens weather they are interested in participating, they will probably say yes but asking first would be polite. if Einrik isn't interested but Hillevi wants to come we should as that Einrik tag along, we have very little Intel and it would be negligent to lead our ward into a potential charlie foxtrot without back up.
>>
No. 376155 ID: 6721cc

Reply with:

"I am fortunate enough to have with me a singular concentration of supernatural force, and if presented with a meaningful enough challenge, my guests may be amenable to joining in. Given this unusual opportunity, I have a counter-proposal. These higher-ups may present exactly the kind of opponent they seek, so I suggest we delay striking until the moment they arrive, when they are most vulnerable. It must be rare to have intelligence on the movements of such protected individuals, so we should exploit it to the fullest. This is an unusual situation in which waiting to increase the power of the opposition is to our advantage, as it allows us to access resources that would usually be inaccessible, and will increase our relative strength. What do you say?"

We should also enquire as to whether it would be possible for him to source a few land mines and some FRAG-12 ammo for the evening.

If he agrees, make no promises, but go to speak to Einrik, and repeat the proposal, mentioning that we owe the Nazis some payback for Armin downing his friend's helicopter and trying to blow us and his sister up.
>>
No. 376198 ID: 81f32a

>>376136
>~8,500,000$

Hey, I love money as much as everyone else but come on, be more realistic. There is no way they will pay so much for a raid against bunch of mundane (at least that is what Rocco thinks) guards.

Besides, if they are going to hire Einrik or Hillevi why the hell would they want anyone else? Those can deal with this on their own. Shit, Einrik might be able to destroy entire Nazi presence here alone if he wanted to. This, in turn leads to other problem: will Einrik agree? Don't put him on offer without first asking him. I am reasonably sure that Einrik does not care for money and would not benefit in any other way from killing 30+ regular people.

So, 18 Russians for 7,000$ each = 126,000&
Armas quartet (healer, magic sensor, powerful spiritual warrior and an awesome guy) ... I guess 50,000-100,000$ would be nice?
Camella = 40,000-70,000$
Hillevi = 100,000$
No need to bring Einrik here.

I think these are more reasonable prices. Correct me of you think I'm wrong.

>Seems this is a job where there's not enough time to do proper intel beforehand: should I try to talk Rocco into delaying the attack so more recon can get accomplished, and if so, what am I suggesting?
If Armas moves right now, he and his brothers could use their magical abilities and stealth to gather info for several hours.
But do not delay the attack.

>I'm at the mansion with most of the Russians: Should I talk with them about this before any decision?
Talk with Matvey. No need to talk with everybody.
>>
No. 376210 ID: f8aa66
File 132527448819.jpg - (668.89KB , 1000x1788 , g_pkg_heer_impression_main.jpg )
376210

Had a thought: given the Nazis are the hi-tech side, they may very well have fancy perimeter alarms, and sensor charms are fairly cheap, all things considered. Recon may actually not be in our best interest.

On the subject of pay;
Specifically, he said he wants to make an example of them, and for us to bring EVERYTHING. If you take a lion to kill a mouse, it's still a lion- likewise, we're still a a crazy conglomeration of powers and conflicting magics- if he wants that, and he says he does, he has to pay.

Basically, we have the pay scale for a reason. He says he wants everything. My ideal is to pay for the agent used, not by the job.

Also, in retrospect, I'd like to amend my post. Say simply that we may be bringing a Valkonen or two, do not specify a price. The name will bring our stock up alone, and we inch around the 'would Markku be okay with his baby girl doing merc work rather than the Valkonen's weird hunter/Hammurabi-like code'. If Hillevi comes, and if Rocco is impressed, he should still pay a premium for her, which we can justify as 'grateful person pays Hillevi for being awesome and killing Nazis', not merc work per se.

And can Amen do a rush-order job for the russians and us? We may need to run out to the store for fabric or a metalwork shop for scrap to get it right, but you can't tell me Armas wouldn't enjoy his men attacking the nazis in the uniform of the period Nazi heer (land army), considering he gassed Brandt.

"Armas, was this why you were too busy to do recon on the enemy?" "Oh yeah, totally worth it."
>>
No. 376216 ID: 0ccc5b

>[Rocco]"So: Time's short, we want to move tonight in five hours: So what can you offer for some out and out carnage and slaughter? Or can you not handle a rush job?"
Now, we do have quite a bit to offer to the table, but there is the problem of the Valkonenns- we can't afford to have Markku believing we are getting paid for her to work for us, after all. Ask Einrik if we could act as middleman here- Everything that Hillevi should be paid would be paid directly to Einrik or the Valkonenn's house, whatever has best chance to work out. Obviously, we will make sure to get Hillevi's talent be paid their full worth.

Now, Rocco pretty much said this was something he could go all in, so let's ask BIG. So, 18 Russians for 7,000$ each = 126,000. For Hillevi, She may be very strong but has no command experience, and as such shouldn't take more than 300K. Camella is worth at least 400K, but her charms bump her up to 600. Armas (no mention that there is a quartet) should be a million by himself. So, basically Tell Rocco we should definitely be worth 2Millions there- but we understand he might not have tested our true abilities yet. This is a time to Haggle, Armas. Comment on how a few days ago we were mostly Attributed two reaper kills, talk about how we humiliated Blackbeard, or how we, too, know a thing or two about stealth. This last part should be used to shake Rocco's confidence in his ability to have kept his own bloodline a secret if he is being too hard to convince of our capability. We might even want to mention how we dispossessed Blackbeard of at least a Sword, a ritual regeneration charm, and three protection against range charms.

Now, as to how to prepare for the fight tonight, it seems Armas might have to be the one using the AA12 in case of charms, and the seasonal pistols will only be useful if the intel is faulty and Seasonal people are there. However, the AVT should be used by someone who is confident at Sniping, and the Tokarev to anyone who wants it. Would Camella want to use the Wind Gun? Armas might want to check with his item sense what Camella's gear does exactly, too. Armas should definitely be using Silja too, as she did seem jealous when she learned we were cheating on her with other guns.

Do we have grenades or other 'utility' type weapons? We need to get some if we don't, especially smoke and flashbangs one.
>>
No. 376237 ID: 448d82

On the subject of Einrik I'm sure he'll be up for a romp where he is in next to no physical danger, and as for Hillevi, the Nazis are one of the groups that Markku marked for safe beatings. So bringing Hillevi to fight the Nazis will be just the thing, and besides, she has had a while since the last combat, this'll be a nice treat. Though if we get outfits for all the team, I want gasmasks for everyone, both identity hiding and functional.

Also this would be a good time to transfer the armoury over and divvy up the stuff, Armas can't use it all!.
>>
No. 376307 ID: 252e1b

"Yeah Rocco, actually we were just consolidating gear to get everyone kitted up properly anyway. The timing's pretty good. All 18 operators I told you about earlier are still in fighting shape, as is that special ops girl Camella, and since you're asking for everything, I'll see if I can call in some agents I had scaring up work elsewhere. Can't guarantee they can make it, but if they can you're looking at a five man element that works like an oiled machine. Well equipped, disciplined, and some of the most frustrating martial artists I've had the pleasure to spar with."

"Besides the teams, I've got a real heavyweight who's staying with me for the year. I've been meaning to introduce you to her properly; the girl's a genius when it comes to fighting, strong enough to juggle you and me, and a practitioner on top of that. Not stealth-oriented at all, but lord can she fight. Her family is of the old school; you're a happening dude so I'm guessing the name Valkonen means something."

"Yeah, I made friends with them on my vacation. She's their youngest; I'm looking after her for a year so she can get some experience with the world. See, she's grown up sheltered. She needs a guiding hand when she's out. Me, or Camella, or one of my team leaders. Or her brother, who's a guest at my house at the moment."

"Well, she hasn't had a decent fight in days now, so I'm sure she'll be glad for the opportunity. Her brother might want to come, or he might think it'd be a waste of his time. Frankly he's so far above our ranges it'd take a little war to challenge him. Or a dragon or something along those lines. Still a cool dude. Just, not in the same grade as us. Not remotely. He came to watch my upcoming fight with that Dooneagaes jackass. Still, I'll ask if he wants to come too. Just, y'know, if he does come, make sure you compensate him appropriately. I don't want to insult him, period."

"And of course I'll come too. You haven't seen half of what I can do, myself, so I'll give you a quick run-down of the obvious stuff: I'm making good progress on my chakra manipulation studies; reinforcement and stealth are my two best orientations for that. I can bounce back from just about anything, I've got a good selection of magic arms and I'm sneaky enough to get where I need to be to turn a battle. I've got a couple of magic sensing systems, and I can arrange fun stuff. Walls shouldn't be much of a problem for me, even if you want a quiet approach."

"Camella's the other heavy you should be apprised of. She's got that sniper rifle from the Brandt file, and can use it like it's a part of her. Seriously one of the best shots I've ever met, she makes me look like a total slob. She's an axe-girl, took down a squad of ghouls by herself with a set of hatchets; I've sparred with her and felt lucky to force a draw, never mind actually winning. No practitioner ability, but she's just that good. Prodigy, is the term that comes to mind."

"Anyway, since that's probably more than you were expecting, maybe we can turn this around on the Germans? I wouldn't mind quickly disposing of the guards and then ambushing the leadership. It's your show though."
>>
No. 376321 ID: 1310c4

>>376107
>I find myself having mixed feelings about Camella's parting comments 'this is only the start.' Now, I assume she meant that in regards to the company-but really, could she have picked more ominous words?
At a guess, she means to take over our life and push us into being less lazy and completely erratic. Awesome. Hopefully it'll be like having a combined personal trainer/assistant/executive officer who thinks we're terrible at everything and we can troll constantly.

>Seems this is a job where there's not enough time to do proper intel beforehand: should I try to talk Rocco into delaying the attack so more recon can get accomplished, and if so, what am I suggesting?
No, don't talk him into delaying the attack. I am tempted to offer scouting services but we don't know what kind of detection the Nazis will have on hand, so skip it unless he brings it up- a simple net of security cameras and a few cheap alarm wards could negate most of our nasty stealth tricks.

>I'm at the mansion with most of the Russians: Should I talk with them about this before any decision?
Play it like this. To Rocco, right now:

"I should be able to get you some serious firepower on short notice- but I don't want to promise anything I can't back up. Give me a few minutes and I'll call you back with details."

Then to Camella: "Camella, our Italian friends just called- they want us all in for what looks to be a German goodies storehouse- in five hours. Ideas and concerns in three minutes or less, please."

Call Matvey while she is talking, tracking both conversations simultaneously- we should be able to do that without a problem, if only because Shadowbro can listen to one and us to the other and then we speed-thought to keep up with both at once. "Matvey, just got a call about a big job in five hours- Italians against Germans same as last time, but bigger and nastier. You foresee any problems getting everyone set for this? Any other comments- quickly, please, I've got to call them back?"

When that's resolved, call Hillevi (and if that fails, Einrik). Replace pronouns as necessary in the following. "Hey, tonight looks like Nazi v. Mafia fun-times. Too small of fry for Einrik, probably, but Hillevi might get a kick out of it depending on what they have- we're going in on the Italian side and you're invited as long as I can charge the client for it." :We don't really know the Valkonen policy on mercenary work, come to think of it. If Hillevi can't come in as part of our company even though she's our ward, maybe we can phrase it as our being paid a middleman's fee to arrange for her being paid directly or some other legalistic finagling that basically means 'we get money she gets money and everyone goes home happy except all the Nazis she'll freeze to death.'

With all that done and firm knowledge of exactly what we can offer, call Rocco back- hopefully after no more than ten-fifteen minutes- and start talking again. Hopefully the following will work (modify based upon what we can actually deploy): "Laine here. Looks like you're in luck. You might be familiar with the Valkonens- major Finnish practitioner family, serious heavy hitters. A couple of them are in town, one of whom is available this evening, and I think her family's reputation should more than speak to her level of ability. Half a million to bring her along, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed."

From there: "Great. The rest of my team are solid, as you know- eighteen of them and pull in our special forces friend, kitted out and getting more impressive all the time, and I think they're worth another four hundred thousand easily- for a rush job like this I'll have to pull them in from some other stuff, but you haven't really seen everyone in action yet so I won't push your wallet to much.

"And myself- well, I know you haven't seen my updated resume in a while, as it were. But let me say two things: One, I sent Blackbeard flying out of a building's upper story last time we clashed, and two, our Valkonen friend is in town after being entrusted to me by her father- as my ward. They don't do that for low-level operators. Another four hundred thousand for me and my full bag of tricks."

Possible negotiating points (side bonuses we might be able to take and/or concessions we could make to raise our pay):
-Rights to loot in the building/on enemies; by default our men will be grabbing everything they can get their hands on and the mafia had better be paying us to get that standard lowered even a bit
-Order of battle- that is, we could let the mafia mostly play backup while we handle the bulk of the assault if they pay for it
-Full access to our healing services for the Mafia in the battle's aftermath- cite the worst wounds that one of our Russians once had, and their current complete health, to substantiate this
-Loot sorting/identification services to the best of our practitioners' abilities, to be provided after battle

We need to be aware that we are asking a lot of money here and that we're effectively untested- Rocco doesn't necessarily know that we're worth it. We only have so much resume to flash, and since he's on a tight schedule and has only limited informational sources he can't confirm what we say; we could be spinning lies. So while we can push things, know that our negotiating position is entirely dependent upon making him believe that we're worth what we say we are and he could potentially laugh us off and start paying us fuck-all; a very dangerous position to be in since if we take low pay once that becomes our standard.
>>
No. 376358 ID: d97a61

Without even meaning to, I slip into a state of accelerated thought as I carefully turn this opportunity over in my mind.

>>376136
>>376210
First thought-some snarky commentary to act as an ice breaker, nonchalant reference to all I've got, seasoned with a few self deprecating comments and trying to make light of a massive asking price. I could maybe make it work-
>>376155
>"Not worth the risk. If we're going to bring everything and try to get an excessive amount of pay, we'd need to completely direct the assault-for one thing, we'd need to reschedule the attack to start the moment those higher-ups have arrived: If they are a threat it will make our performance all the more impressive to take them out to. What we need to do is-"
>[Sake]"Correct me if I have mistaken something here-but do not the Mafia and Triads not get along?"
Yeah-same for Riker's contact and the Mafia-or the Triads, I expect. You're proposing a level of control we could only really get two ways-either by already having an impressive reputation, or by being outright allies of the Mafia-and I'm not sure I want to... ah... commit myself, particularly to an unrepentantly criminal organization. Not saying I don't... enjoy a bit of lawbreaking myself, but they are kind of known, and I don't know that I'd want the extra heat partnering with them in a meaningful way would bring.
>"So in lieu of that, then, what do you propose?"
>>376198
Well, I mean its great to want so much money for my services, or Camella's, or yours or anyone else with special tricks-but honestly, I'm not really sure Rocco's the type to go for that on faith. His... dour outlook on things, or at least the presentation of it, coupled with what the file showed-I'm going to peg him as a highly suspicious, distrustful sort-and no matter how much our services may be worth, given how limited our prior interactions were he'd need some sort of assurance I could actually provide something worth that much.
>"...This is a first, you admitting someone might not want to pay as much as you want?"
Strange as it may be, being thrust into the world of multimillion dollar deals seems to have had that effect on me. So, why not something a bit more 'conservative], in the range of four hundred K?
>"...Fine, let's keep that as a 'Plan B'. What about ways to get the amount of money we want here and now-right on the first go?"
>>376216
>[Hummingbird]"Perhaps some facet of this barter system yet eludes me-but would not the mention of your accomplishments this giant has not heard of serve to garner you the respect needed to command the price you desire?"
>"It could-but doing so is innately a risk."
>[Hummingbird]"How is singing one's own accolades out stridently to those that listen something that produces risk?"
>"As it happens, 'Giants' and most of the creatures that exist in the magical community are quite happy to exploit information about others-in fact, this exploitation is so pervasive that even if one does not intend to practice such, it is highly recommendable to nevertheless be... discreet about oneself."
>[Hummingbird]"You plumage-lacking creatures still puzzle me. So those giants you three remember slaying-you cannot speak of them?"
..Sadly no, SB's right.

>>376307
>>376321
But that's okay-all this idea bouncing finally rattled a cohesive plan into my mind-and I set it in motion.
>[MM,MMMMM Trait auto-activated]

"Rocco, you know just the right way to talk to me. Yeah, actually we were just consolidating gear to get everyone kitted up properly anyway. The timing's pretty good, have to say."
>[Rocco]"Words I am happy to hear."
>[WLG Trait activated]
"I should be able to get you some serious firepower on short notice- but I don't want to promise anything I can't back up. Give me a few minutes and I'll call you back with details."
>[Rocco]"...Ten minutes?"
"I'll make it five if you need it."
>[Rocco]"I'll be waiting."
*CLICK*

The moment I finish registering that Rocco did indeed sound non-aggravated when he hung up, I've already started marching towards Matvey's room, conversing with Camella as I go.
"So, our Italian friends just called- they want us all in for what looks to be a German goodies storehouse- in five hours. Ideas and concerns in three minutes or less, please."
Her steps falter for one beat before she swiftly catches back up.
>[Camella]"-Targets are criminals?"
"Technically I think they can classify as Nazis-but yes, bad guys."
She seems to settle down just a tad, even as she forces herself to ignore my cavalier mention of Nazis.
>[Camella]"Enemy force estimate?"
"Three dozen. No bloodlines anticipated."
>[Camella]"So why all of us then?"
"Storehouse could have just about any kind of goodies in it."
>[Camella]"Right-charms, magic arms and armor-fine. Civilian issue?"
"Given the plan's to wipe out everyone, and given the relative isolation of the last job against the same targets, the assumption is moderate to low risk-not the middle of the city, to be sure."
>[Camella]"Then I'd say let me make sure all of your toys have someone to use them: The Gatmalite, the AA-12, the four revolvers, and the AVT-40. Don't tell me you need them-you have three working revolvers and that rifle-plus your magic tricks."
"Don't be a hoarder, is it? Fine-have at it."

Camella nods and heads off while I speak with Matvey, looking up from a book.
"Matvey, just got a call about a big job in five hours- Italians against Germans same as last time, but bigger and nastier. You foresee any problems getting everyone set for this? Any other comments- quickly, please, I've got to call them back."
For a full second, he simply stares at me, saying nothing-a blink seems to reboot his mind and he responds.
>[Matvey]"You coming?"
"That's the plan."
>[Matvey]"Then no, no problems."
"Perfect. Get everyone to start suiting up-Camella'll be through with some extra equipment."

I barely notice Matvey nodding as I dial Hillevi's cell phone-and get a surprisingly tentative 'hello' on the fifth ring. ...Right, she hasn't really used a cell phone before. Anyway.
"Hey, tonight looks like Nazi v. Mafia fun-times."
>[Hillevi][In Finnish]"Armas-what? What is this 'fun-times'?"
"Ask your brother, he can tell you. So: too small of fry for Einrik, probably, but you might get a kick out of it depending on what they have- we're going in on the Italian side and you're invited as long as I can charge the client for it. Which is, incidentally, another thing to ask your brother-"
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"I thought this a bit simpler. Help team mafia fight some germans that don't know how to let go of glory days, is that right?"
Okay, phone switched hands. Fine.
"That's the gist of it. It IS mercurial work, and if she's coming, I need to charge for her."
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"Of course you would have to charge-and it is good you called first. Father is... not fond, of other people hiring us out like brutes. As such, for the last decade no Valkonen may be hired to work in any fashion unless a Valkonen is the one recieving compensation for the work. In this case-your ward or not, the funds would default to the family Estate, insofar as what she earns. On the plus side, the clan head will be obligated to look on you more positively for assisting in this manner."
"That... doesn't sound like something I can wiggle around."
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"It is not, I'm afraid."
"...Okay, I can live with that if it comes to including her. You guys mind heading back to the house?"
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"She will: I won't. I have some business to take care of."
"Details?"
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"Not on offer."
"Fine, be that way. You'll be available for contact when I'm getting my Doony plans in order?"
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"If my phone is not taking calls-leave a message. If it concerns that, I can guarantee I will respond when possible."
"Works for me-later."
*CLICK*

Okay-shit's straightened out, Hillevi can come-sure, I miss out on personally getting a cut of her pay, but I get to use her to inflate our reputation as fast as possible-and I get to use her to make this a cake walk, so it's not a complete loss.

So it is I call Rocco back-a little more than five minutes after I hung up-close enough.
>[Rocco]"Mr. Laine?"
"So: All 18 operators I told you about earlier are still in fighting shape, as is that special ops girl Camella, and since you're asking for everything, I've got a real heavyweight who's staying with me for the year. I've been meaning to introduce you to her properly; the girl's a genius when it comes to fighting, strong enough to juggle you and me, and a practitioner on top of that. Not stealth-oriented at all, but lord can she fight. Her family is of the old school; you're a happening dude so I'm guessing the name Valkonen means something."
I hear an almost muted inhalation-yup, that piqued his interest.
>[Rocco]"You can bring a Valkonen to the fight?"
"Yeah, I made friends with them on my vacation. She's their youngest; I'm looking after her for a year so she can get some experience with the world. See, she's grown up sheltered. She needs a guiding hand when she's out. Me, or Camella, or one of my team leaders. Or her brother, who's a guest at my house at the moment, but he's sadly not available."
>[Rocco]"Soudns like a busily spent five minutes. I have to ask-which brother would this be?"
"Her oldest brother, the heir. Frankly he's so far above our ranges it'd take a little war to challenge him. Or a dragon or something along those lines. Still a cool dude... just not in the same grade as us. Not remotely. He came to watch my upcoming fight with that Dooneagaes jackass. But that's beside the point."
>[Rocco]"Yes-the job. So, eighteen of your hirelings, the 'Camella' I've heard... so much about... a Valkonen... but what about you?"
"Well of course I'll come too. You haven't seen half of what I can do, myself, so I'll give you a quick run-down of the obvious stuff: I'm making good progress on my chakra manipulation studies; in particular, I can cover what skill I lack with stamina. I can bounce back from just about anything, I've got a good selection of magic arms and I'm sneaky enough to get where I need to be to turn a battle. I've got a couple of magic sensing systems, and I can arrange fun stuff. Walls shouldn't be much of a problem for me, even if you want a quiet approach. ...Well, I know you haven't seen my updated resume in a while, as it were. But let me say two things: One, I sent Blackbeard flying out of a building's upper story last time we clashed, and two, our Valkonen friend is in town after being entrusted to me by her father- as my ward. They don't do that for low-level operators."
>[Rocco]"Hm. So, why not sell Camella to me-I've only heard rumors, whereas you've worked with her."
"Camella's the other heavy you should be apprised of. She's got that sniper rifle from the Brandt file, and can use it like it's a part of her. Seriously one of if not the best shot I've ever met, she makes me look like a total slob. She's an axe-girl, took down a squad of ghouls by herself with a set of hatchets; I've sparred with her and felt lucky to force a draw, never mind actually winning. No practitioner ability, but she's just that good. Prodigy, is the term that comes to mind."
>[Rocco]"And one that officially doesn't exist. How... fascinating. Well: Sounds like you can supply exactly what I want-and preclude the need to finish calling the numbers on my list. So: What is it you want to be the twin to our own fist in this... breaking of our rivals?"
Here we go-it's now or never.
>[WTN Trait activated]
"Well, that's half a million for the Valkonen-"
>[Rocco]"You think that-"
"I think you will pay what you must to have someone of their caliber when you really need a show of force-be happy it's so low. Now, as I was saying, half a million for the Big Name, for the overwhelming force, for the rep boost you'll get all bundled up in one. Now, I won't bore you pricing out each individual 'hireling' as you termed them-just know that, irrelevant of what they had been doing, you will get all eighteen on hand-and Camella-all with superior outfitting to what you've yet seen-and you're getting this elite squad for 400k. Frankly they're worth more-especially to deploy like this-but you haven't seen them all working together before-so I won't push your wallet too much. Lastly-there's me. That brings us up to 1.3 million dollars."
>[Rocco]"You value yourself rather highly."
"I value the ability to capitalize on golden opportunities-I suspect you do the same."

There's haggling. Not a little bit of it, either-but thanks to all the plans I considered and already discarded before even beginning the haggling-thanks to my brothers being heavily invested in seeing me do well and chiming in where appropriate-I manage to defend my costs rather well. The pay ends up being 1.15 million-or, once Hillevi's pay is sent on to her family, I'm collectively taking in six hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Sure, I wanted more. Sure, I wanted to get paid for Hillevi personally-but more than half a million dollars, massive respect from the Mafia (and more inclination to turn to us when needing outside help) and Markku in theory being happy with me-I'll take what I can get. ..That, and I was able to secure some... perks, where the details are concerned.

-We're expected to fire the opening shots-but in exchange for being the instigator, we get to control how the whole thing goes down-it's not a leadership position, but we command the start.
-We've got rights to absolutely every bit of equipment found on neutralized targets: Beyond that, anything we can carry in one load between all of us (not counting the loot from bodies) is ours to keep. Rocco, savvy bastard that he is, absolutely does not budge on insisting this 'one load' be defined by what can be physically carried-probably worried about getting fucked by teleporters, wind manipulators or the like. Still-corpse loot and as much as we can conventionally carry is not bad at all.
-Seems Rocco won't need access to any healing services after the battle-his own Flesh manipulator will fulfill that role.
-I managed to snag myself a spot as one of the three individuals (Rocco and Gianni being the other two) that will be identifying magic items-and that will be done while the one load's claimed. If I can handle this properly and enough expensive trinkets are there, we could make more on the loot than the actual pay.
>[WON'T TAKE NO HAGGLING TRAIT EVOLVES INTO: WON'T EVER TAKE NO, Level 4 Mercantile Trait]
>WETN Now allows Armas to auto-reject initial offers in trade with individuals known to haggle.
>Armas is now able to attempt haggling against more resistive targets

Once everything's in order... there's really nothing much more to say about what I do between the now and the mission beyond... I prepare.

Slightly boring but nevertheless important stuff done over the course of several hours ends with all twenty of my comrades joining my brothers and my bird as we meet up with a two dozen mafia members-not a one of which has a soul I can properly read-and every one of them sports a choker that immediately makes me think of bland souls. ...'Normalcy' charms, then? Interesting. While we verify who we are, I take stock of the target itself-and our surroundings.

-Okay... pretty wooded area here, actually. Can only see the road we came up along from here. Bodes well for obscuring both sound and sight for unwanted viewers. Similarly, the lack of nearby lights to indicate inhabited housing likewise bodes well: We can be a bit wild, I think.
-The building itself... is a bit more defended than a warehouse should be. Currently, we're just within the treeline, about fifty feet from a fifteen foot tall, barbed wire lined, camera-dotted wall that encircles the massive building. There's only one gate-which is on the same side as we are, so we don't have to relocate-but it's got a guard station operating the gate-with six guys in it, spread out enough one vicious salvo of fire wouldn't be guaranteed to take them all down.
-OTHER than the massive, overfortified and overwatched wall, and the oversized gate guard platoon (who I note to all be carrying small arms-and stay close to cabinets I suspect hold long arms) there's not much to genuinely make one curious about the warehouse itself: Sure, it's tall enough to have three floors, but the corrugated siding, the stacked, narrow windows-everything about it is... normal.
-Which is when it finally clicks: It's 'normal' for a military hanger warehouse, not some civilian deal. And with that thought, I see that the side of the warehouse that faces us-and the gate-does indeed have massive doors-but they're currently shut. All said and done, after closing the fifty feet to the gate with guards and cameras, there's a hundred meters of open space between the wall and the warehouse-if anyone gets in those windows fast enough, they'd have a hell of a firing position to use.
-Obstacles within the walls other than the hanger itself: There's a trio of small flatbed trucks parked off to the right side of the warehouse, there's a massive silo of some sort built into the left side of the warehouse that would probably block line of sight very nicely-for a very narrow range that's completely in the other direction from the gate.

I'm broken out of my observations by some commentary from Rocco.
>>376210
>[Rocco]"Was it.... necessary, to come dressed like that?"
There's a... small chance that he's talking about the fact that I had Amen whip up some matching uniforms for all of us. Specifically-Nazi heer uniforms, differing only in that everyone's helmet sports an almost comical metal spike. Given Amen made the uniforms by deconstructing the Russian's body armor and my flak armor and supplementing them with things I probably shouldn't ask about made us all kevlar uniforms with a surprising amount of pliability. I have one last moment of doubt as I re-double-check: Yes, I made sure to order him to tell the truth, and had him confirm the attire would work like full body small arms and limited longarms ablating armor.
"What? I did tell you we'd be wearing counter-intelligence camoflage."
>[Rocco]"...Benito, I think, would fall in love with you-sadly, I am not Benito. Still: You are here, and the time is on us. So: How do you want to start this? Oh, and for the sake of your calculations: Assume everyone I brought with me, barring Gianni, to be equivalently lethal as a man with an automatic grenade launcher and particularly comprehensive body armor."
I look at Rocco's goons again, all sporting sunglasses... at night... and in full business attire. Sure, they've got some decent looking guns-but... well, he says that's what I should think of them as, fine.

So:










What's the plan of attack?

If you want to suggest a comprehensive plan that covers multiple events, roll a 1d100 for each segment of the plan: IE, take the gate, roll, charge warehouse, roll, begin warehouse breach, roll
>>
No. 376369 ID: d97a61

[FYI, thanks to player interaction, Camella was duped into not taking the default uniform everyone else (Armas included) wore to this-and got Armas' 'backup' costume. That being an SS uniform. Just so you know.]
>>
No. 376371 ID: f7f854

rolled 41 = 41

First things first, ask Sake or Bird if he thinks he can get into the air without being seen and give you a quick overview of what the inside of the compound looks like. More intel is good intel.


Plan of attack
Gate
12 people, chose targets, two on every visible gate guard, rest, aim for lights.
Everyone fires at a signal. SB rushes in as the lights start going out and cleans up the guards. If he is unable to do so, he should disarm them, loosen belts, tie laces together, remove keys and communication equipment. and other things to lessen the effectiveness of their response.

Everyone charges in at this point, keeping low and quickly, only firing if they have clear targets
>>
No. 376380 ID: f8aa66

rolled 12, 4, 100 = 116

Does SB's teleport work for not-us people? That would get us from the treeline to the wall nicely.

I suggest a two-pronged attack. We and Rocco take Gloom, maybe Ivan and Dmitrii, and any other russians that are accomplished at stealth, as well as similarly inclined mafia men and take the 'back' entrance. Which would involve trying to find a weak spot in the defenses on the 'silo' side. If no such weak point can be discerned, then we'd need SB to make one by either teleporting us across the intervening space or by attacking any guards on that side of the wall (and maybe holding them up so all appears situation normal). 15 foot wall is too high for a boostie, we'd need to make handholds, use SB's slow-forming Valkonen ice, or if Sake can lighten the load so we can practically run up the wall, or maybe Rocco has ideas. Then we slip over the wall and use the silo to cloak our approach on that side. Ivan and a guardian may wish to stay on the wall for sniper-assisting.

When we reach the warehouse, Hillevi and Camella (and Gianni in charge of the other mafia men) hit the gate like the fist of an angry god. Something big, icy and impressive, I'm thinking. Whatever, we leave it to their discretion. By the time they draw all attention to the gate, Rocco and we make our own entrance from the rear, hopefully interrupting any surprises they'd be putting together for the gate team.

Roll for: Armas entrance, Armas sneaky to the silo/warehouse, Camella/Hillevi entrance
>>
No. 376390 ID: f6106a

rolled 23, 69, 77, 61, 48 = 278

So, I'm thinking three main groups, with Ivan sniping with Satai and Andrei covering him.

First group is led by Matvey, and includes Hillevi, Boris, Vlad, Iosef, Nikifor, Igor, and Zhenya.

They hit the wall with the trucks. Hillevi flash freezes and shatter a section of the wall right there, while she makes ice stairs at the wall from the outside that end in a solid floor that will allow Ivan to use it as a parapet and snipe from the outside. If I'm explaining it poorly, think an archer firing from the walls of a castle, only the reverse. Though not yet. She goes in hard and quick with her support, tossing a truck somewhere to take out guards for psychological effect as well as grabbing attention, while grabbing the other two and setting them up for cover for the russians(freezing them in place and for support), creating new walls as necessary, but primarily killing things at that point.

Second is Camellas and includes Grisha, Lev, Titus, Rostislav, Feodor and any of Rocco's guys he doesn't think are decently competent at stealth.

When they start to hear any of the commotion Matvey's team makes, they hit the gate. Leave Camella in charge of this. No need to micromanage too hard.

Once they start going for the gate, then Ivan starts sniping.

Third team is Armas, Gloom, Dmitrii, Lyubov, Rocco, and any of his guys who didn't go with Camella. They use Sake/Shadowbro or the Mafias own skills to go up the wall at the Silo, and do this right. Using the narrow angle of cover as well as the commotion to approach the warehouse undetected. From there, the mafia guys that came with redeploy themselves to catch the guys dealing with Hillevi and the gate offguard, while Rocco(plus whatever guys he keeps with him), Armas and the Russians that came with shadowport into the warehouse.


Rolls are for
1) Matvey's assualt
2) Camella's assault
3) Ivan Sniping
4) Sneaking in
5) Mafia back-up taking out Nazis engaged with Camella and Matvey's groups by surprise

So loud blatant attack. Loud blatant attack. Sudden sniping. Surprise attack. We're in your base.
>>
No. 376402 ID: 0ccc5b

rolled 12, 24, 39, 64 = 139

>What's the plan of attack?
1)°We don't just need to manage this- we need to impress, here. As such, there is a few 'obvious but effective' things we could use. After SB teleport us to the wall, we should first deal with the gate- well, this gate obviously as all manners of small organism living on it in harmony, and firing with IT on the gate's shadow would be like firing on the organism's shadow- likewise, firing on the gate would be like firing on that organism. As such, Armas should try out to get a “Black Hole” trick from IT- we know we can only get a soul scale if there is a soul, so it's fairly sure we won't get that one. With a bit of luck, there will be quite a show about the gate being broken down.
2)°Then, there is the lights to take care of While we were firing on the gate, Sake and possibly SB, if he doesn't detect wards, should have been getting into position to destroy all the lights leading from the warehouse to the wall.
3°)Then, there is the Confusion- We may make a multi-pronged attack, but there is no reason to only have sounds/lightshow to come from the sides we are using. As such, SB should think about generating any kind of sound all over the base to make sure they can't be sure WHERE we are coming from. Likewise, if Sake or SB could throw Grenades, Smoke or Real ones, from every angles, it should so confusion.
4°)Once we are getting close to any kind of enemies that the Vikingbird can actually get in touch with them, he should do his thing- he knows it capacity better than us, and he should get wild.
>>
No. 376405 ID: 3947e9

rolled 76, 77, 2, 98, 21, 34, 89 = 397

Step 1: Sake flies armas high into the air, and then for aerial insertion into a secluded spot.

Step 2: SB quickly scouts ahead on the inside.

Step 3: Armas locates power lines and generators, plants timed bombs on them.

Step 4: Armas tracks down leadership and hits them hard with sake, hummingbro, SB, and his bullets.

Step 5: Troops outside track enemies with their guns. As soon as power goes out, all out automatic fire on the last location of the enemy troops visible from outside.

Step 6: Matevi, Camella, Mafia leader takes our troops and the mafia's in, with hilevi "opening" (read: smash) the main gate for them.

Roll 7: Some of the russians and some of the mafia encircle the compound and shoot out any who attempt to escape.
>>
No. 376416 ID: 21a619

rolled 46 = 46

Armasgang (Armas, SB, Sake, Hummingbird), Hillevi and Camella all frontal assault.
Naked.
>>
No. 376417 ID: 252e1b

rolled 29, 61, 15, 98, 92, 95, 50 = 440

>>376405
I could do without the bomb, and it's a really good thing we didn't bring any bombs, and an even better thing we have responsible adults (Shadowbro, Camella) to veto letting Armas handle bombs in the first place.

Since your plan is not weird enough for Armas, I am modifying it into something I prefer.

1) Hillevi makes a simple ice walking cane for Armas. Armas then whistles Deutschland über Alles, stirring the nazis' latent patriotism and proving his sqaud's legitimacy as true Aryans.

2) Armas and his most durable assholes march up the road bold as brass because Deutschland über alles, fuck yeah. Armas twirls the walking cane as they approach. The goal here is to be a big distraction. If they challenge instead of just shooting, Armas is to say something like "I am Oberst Orange. We have been lost in the woods, but were told we could seek refuge from Stalin and the horrible Asshole Americans here." Keep up pretending to be a lost and confused German army remnant from WWII that somehow ended up here.

3) Eventually someone in the nazi group will wise up and start shooting. When that happens, Hillevi is to erect an ice-barrier roof and the distraction team charges the gate, using maximum force to bring that motherfucker down. If there's a viable plan for firing Iron Trick's black hole feature at the gate, now's the time for it.

4) While the distraction team are being assholes, SB, Sake, and the infiltration team will kill the lights and any cameras they find. The "wind through shadows" trick should work once a couple of lights are knocked out. Might work if SB can get inside the lights (there's dark spaces inside the ballast for most lamps after all). Anyway the idea is to knock out as many cameras and lights as quickly as possible.

5) With the lights out, the infiltration team advances.

6) The infiltration enters, either by breaking a lock, SB unlocking doors for them, or blowing a wall down if they need to.

7) Armas and his attack team should be inside and taking fire. The Infiltration team will advance and kill from behind. The rest is mop up. Watch out for internal defenses.
>>
No. 376492 ID: 81f32a
File 132533698067.jpg - (103.09KB , 700x525 , PLOTTING.jpg )
376492

>>/questdis/357637
Eh, if posted this much earlier I might have spend more effort on this while I had free time and less doodle-ish. Don't really have more time to work on Amen (does he still wear that orange suit we asked him to wear?)


If this can influence any plans beyond getting German download, I would like to improve part of this plan >>376417 where Armas impresionates a German lost in time. Hell, he should try to gain access behind the gates or even inside the warehouse and from there use his awesome stealth and abilities of his brother and The Hummingbird to kill as much as possible in discreet manner.
Also, if Armas doesn't have one, get yourself a combat knife.
>>
No. 376502 ID: 448d82

>>376492
>>376492
I really like these plans, but they can't be anything other than a distraction, Armas is too "black" to fake being a Nazi lost in time.

Well anyway. We should leave an escape route for the Nazis, and by escape route I mean a direction that they can flee in, the end of which has a person just waiting to kill them. People who think they can run are easier to kill than those who believe they have no choice but to fight to the bitter end.

If we do knock the lights out, SB need to project Armas' wicked laughter or his own all over the place, to break thier morale.

The consenus seems to be for a Stealth strike to break the back of the forces then to let All hell break loose. Distraction optional.

For Armas to Say;
"Well boys and girls, Careful of the Supersoldiers and happy hunting"

And Smile Armas, Smile, cause it's hunting time.
>>
No. 376506 ID: 330636

rolled 5, 26, 81, 71, 23, 55, 50, 1 = 312

>>376502
Yeah, Armas simply doesn't look right to impersonate a Nazi. Unfortunate, but true.

The Russians can still try to pull it off, but they may be best used more subtly.

Rather than have the Russians try to blag their way in before the battle starts, we should try the following.

1) ShadowBro teleports us and VikingBird inside, whilst Sake flies in (if he's with us). We should leave Iron Trick behind, and instead take Silja with us, as we can use her for silent assassination and to sweep up evidence.

2) ShadowBro thoroughly explores the place as a shadow so we know the layout.

3) Hillevi attacks the compound at full strength, not holding anything back. She's not had a chance to cut loose for a while, and now she has to enjoy her power without restraint. Whilst doing this, she should try to freeze the building as much as possible.

4) Our brothers and us should simultaneously launch and attack on any power generation there is, cutting it off.

4) We should then proceed to attack the local leadership. Some form of combo with SB opening shadow portals to allow us to attack through with Silja at range, first cutting them beneath their clothes and then shoving the stock into the wound, so that it looks like people are simply imploding for no reason.

5) Panic should be setting in by now, so the Russians should reveal themselves - and appear to attack Hillevi, as if they're a relief force. They will make it seem as if they're holding Hillevi off so that surviving Nazis can escape.

6) When the surviving Nazis join them, the Russians can turn on them, with the intention of capturing as many as possible of them alive.

7) After capturing them, they should be shipped back to the mansion for Amen to drain their memories, and to make charms to allow us to impersonate them. The same should be done with blood samples from any killed Naxis.

8) Wearing the faces of the defeated Nazis, we should hole up in the warehouse, ready to ambush the higher ups when they arrive.
>>
No. 376515 ID: 330636

>>376506
Correction to 1. Have Sake fly us 30 m above the building, so that SB can then teleport us in. They may have lights around the building, but Sake can fly of straight up, high ebough that we're invisible against the night sky, and then straight down again so that we're in the shadow the building itself casts straight up.
>>
No. 376521 ID: b83c65

>>376417
This is such beautiful trolling. We must do it. And after we've been discovered, start humming/wistling 'Der Fuehrer's Face' as we're fired upon.
>>
No. 376527 ID: 877dd2

Bah, if Armas decided to get some german memory graft after some planning with Amen, I am sure he had foresight to get some shitty makeup and contact lenses to look like a german ubermech
>>
No. 376576 ID: f7f854

rolled 82 = 82

>>376371
In case I am required to roll for the Sake scouting too.
>>
No. 376648 ID: 1310c4

rolled 34, 22, 22, 40, 36 = 154

>>376358
>What's the plan of attack?
Before saying any of this, moment of accelerated thought to confirm with our mental support crew that it seems feasible.

Our assault will have three prongs led by Armas, Camella, and Matvey respectively, which will keep in radio contact. We've got enough people here to manage it and more angles of attack will hopefully give more confusion on the part of the defenders and allow at least one of our groups to get in with little or no opposition.
-Armas goes in from above loud and flashy, using his unusual angle of attack, noise, and teleportation tricks to cause as much destruction and chaos as possible in his initial assault. His attack will serve as both a trigger and covering distraction for both other attacks.
-Camella's team will storm the gatehouse supplemented by sniper and heavy assault fire, and then charge the warehouse supported by positions in the gatehouse. The bulk of Rocco's guys can go with her, since the equivalent of twenty grenade launchers could provide some serious suppression even on those warehouse windows.
-Matvey and Hillevi's group takes as many people as Hillevi thinks she can shield for, emphasizing competent medium/close range types, and goes in from another angle with Hillevi freezing and blasting right through the walls and then providing cover for the rest of her group to ensure they rapidly get to and inside the warehouse. Since they'll be off the main entrance road they'll need to beware of mines, traps, etc.- hopefully Hillevi can compensate for that as well.

Ideally team Armas will be able to create enough chaos and do enough damage that the other two assaults will be able to cross the 100-meter killing field without facing serious opposition. Hillevi's group will arrive in time to back up Armas if he's in trouble and to exploit the chaos quickly, and finally Camella's group will provide the main force needed to either mop up or if the initial, smaller assaults fail to handle an independent breach under Camella's capable command.


Since Camella, Matvey, and Hillevi are capable people they can handle the specifics of their own operations- I'll go into detail on just Armas' branch here. Its key elements are Armas, Sake, Shadowbro, the hummingbird, a dash of insanity and a large helping of trollishness.

We go in from above, using Sake's wind powers and hopefully the hummingbird's as well. He hasn't given us any direct spiritual support thus far, but this is right up his alley- this plan calls for us to assault a superior foe as the forward element, GLORIOUSLY drawing attention to ourselves, providing a distraction that will serve to protect the rest of our flock while also giving us the opportunity to do the bulk of the damage to the foe like a TRUE WARRIOR while darting about so they can't touch us after we've landed. All we need from him is a little help acting just a little like a hummingbird (that most elegant and graceful of avians) and flying/landing properly. If we can't convince him to help with that, we need to turn in our silver-tongued manipulator's card.

Circle around outside the gatehouse's lights to get as close to directly above the place as we can unseen, then drop. As we fall, the trollish part of this plan activates: Armas will whistle the iconic shrieking siren of the Stuka to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies, and Sake will magnify the sound manyfold with his wind manipulation powers as we prepare to personally dive-bomb a Nazi installation. Sake should also be providing Wind shielding against enemy fire, though their being able to successfully hit a falling man-sized target in the dark is doubtful anyway. Armas should be carrying a couple dozen grenades- as we approach the roof of the warehouse, Shadowbro will teleport them throughout the warehouse as our own version of bombs, spreading confusion and death all over the goddamn place in preparation for our landing. Armas then either teleports into the warehouse using the Dark as well, or if that won't work cuts off most of his velocity using Sake's wind powers and hummingbird assistance- whichever is more practical- and Sake attempts to blast through the roof with his wind abilities so that Armas can land inside the warehouse, reinforcing his body to survive the fall mostly intact and hybrid healing to recover quickly.

With tons of grenades going off and the "what the fuck" factor of being apparently dive-bombed, team Armas should have at least a short period of relatively free action during which they can aggressively pursue their objectives, no holds barred. Priorities include:
-Slaughtering leadership
-Seizing or preventing the enemy from using arms/weapon/magic caches
-Eliminating enemy defenders, thereby ensuring that Camella and Matvey's groups have an easy time of it
-General spreading of chaos (consider yelling random misinformation in German)

If this goes off well Armas will be in the most critical position of anyone in this assault when it comes to preventing the defenders from getting their shit together and starting to use their massive piles of goodies that are doubtless stored in this warehouse. If he fails at that, his men might well start dying in droves- for all that he's basically acting like a crazy maverick here his role is perhaps the most critical one for protecting them. He must not fail.

Final note, before we go in bet Iron Trick that our team will get more kills than Matvey or Camella's teams. We need to start betting him things.


Rolls in order are for: Armas' team dive-bombing, Armas' team causing chaos/damage inside the warehouse, Camella's team assaulting gatehouse, Camella's team assaulting warehouse, Matvey's team assaulting warehouse.
>>
No. 376650 ID: f8aa66
File 132538378737.jpg - (266.01KB , 2200x1675 , Krieg!1.jpg )
376650

>>376417
If we go the overtly crazy plan (and it is so, so crazy; remember, this is Rocco, not Benito we're working for), don't forget Camella got the German download too. Remember when we were getting suited up, and Camella ended up in a SS-Waffen uniform? Yeah, that happened. They were in intelligence, right, and it almost makes sense that they'd do inspections - plus she's closer to the right coloring.

So basically, we're going to make CAMELLA troll in our place. She has to walk up to the gate while we whistle up the proper tune to set the ambiance, and demand to speak to the man in charge while looking like she's going to tear someone a new asshole.
>>
No. 376668 ID: d97a61

>>376492
>>376650
[ FANART BONUSES: Armas downloaded fluency in German from Amen AND plans are merged rather than a single selected ]
Second bonus is largely because so few of these plans are innately complementary-so I have to chop them up anyway. Also, for those curious: The bad rolls got converted into something else, given how plans adjusted.

>>376371
>>376390
>>376402
>>376417
Before I speak I do a final inventory to finish my planning.
Hey, how far from me can you get?
>[Hummingbird]"A bit farther from here to the gate seems to be my... 'limit', loath as I am to term it such."
Okay-next, Iron Trick: I want to make a bet with you-and if I win, I want you to help me out with something-I... really want my next shot from you to be that black hole trick.
>[Iron Trick]"Hm, should you win a wager with me I suppose it's a service I could provide. What do you put up, though?"
Three slivers of my soul, each equal to the fuel of one primary shot-fair?
>[Iron Trick]"I do not know that the term 'fair' can ever be applied to you and yours, but the wagers suffice. What bet do you wish to make?"
We'll bet on who, between Camella and I, kills the most on-
>[Iron Trick]"I pick Camella."
-this mission where hey, Camella is here as my employee-so all those kills she gets are ultimately due to me assigning her to this job. Making them my kills just the same as hers.
>[Iron Trick]"....You do realize that won't work again."
I know. Living in the here and now-so, the bet?
>[Iron Trick]"...When next you fire me, the odds... will be quite in the favor of a... heavy... result. The wager shall be paid-the debt made good on."
Awesome. Lastly, SB: you know, I've been wondering for a while about something...

Turns out I'm right-and all plans are go.

So it is I tell Rocco what I've got cooking in generalities. He rather clearly would like to add personal commentary about my plan of attack-but holds back, merely nodding and favoring me with:
>[Rocco]"We can work with that-we'll take care of the lights and attempted retreat, close the net in behind you."
"Sounds like a plan."

I jauntily adjust my spike-topped helmet, running a thumb over the smooth gold, mustachioed smirking face before I start rounding people up. Iosef gets stationed in a tree that lets him look over the entry gates and on to the warehouse's main doors, Gatmalite armed and ready, while Ivan climbs a different tree, carefully protecting his rifle from the branches. Satai hares off with Rocco after noticing them man having some issue with a compact radio frequency scanner, happy to be serving in a 'back lines' format in this assault. After I wave off Sake, who floats off above the warehouse, using as little magic as possible, and nod to my shadow, already busily breaking up branches.

It's show time.

With more than a dozen similarly (if not quite so sharply) dressed soldiers at my back, I confidently backtrack so we can walk down the main road towards the gate-and give Hillevi and Camella time to reposition. As we maneuver, I shoot a question at Vlad.
"Last time I'm asking-you're sure you remembered which grenade's in which pocket?"
>[Vlad]"Da. I have made a habit of being certain of things, where explosions are concerned."
"Good. ...Okay, you remember the signal?"
>[Gloom]"I think it unlikely we could forget such a plan as this."
"That's right, bask in the plan's magnificence... ah, here we go."

The gate guards seem to have finally noticed us-and just as one's going for the radio and another two are shouldering rifles, another two just look at us in puzzlement. As the seconds tick by and we march closer, the one reaching for the radio finally turns at the insistence of his comrades-to stare, slack jawed, at a group of World War II era-garbed Nazis walking down the road. I do wish I could see what they're thinking right now. In any event, our confident approach-
[Ice cane sculpt roll: 29]
Still regretting the fact Hillevi couldn't craft me a cane like I asked: Is it so hard to make a perpetually smoking, nevermelting ice cane, I mean really!

We're a bit over fifteen feet away when the perplexed looks have finished being banished-and it is with shouts in broken Turkish we are told to identify ourselves. SB, how's phase 2 looking?
>"All set. brothers are ready."
Perfect.

I bring back the men's confusion by responding to their hail-not in Turkish, but German.
"Your game of pretend is quaint, but fools no one. I am Oberst Orange-those behind me, my elite agents."
Even as I keep talking, I see that they still] haven't called us in. Refuge in audacity for the win-destroying logical thought wherever it goes.
"We have been afield for quite some time-and we told this place suitable for resupply."
I Smile-without the beard to obscure it, all six guards tense up as their eyes widen in reaction.
"Out of the way: our orders will not be held up by your ineptitudes."
I take one confident step forward ignoring their continued protests-
On the second step forward while I'm drawing Iron Trick without any intention to move swiftly, still the center of attention I rock back as with a crack a bullet rips through my chest, just below my left nipple.

I smile wider as I finish leveling the gun just as the Russians, thus far almost completely ignored for my own peacock-like grandstanding and antic, unload on the distracted guards, largely shredding the entire guard post as blood splatters over the debris. I pull Iron Trick's trigger, feeling a tiny sliver of myself slip away-

As the gun roars a mass of energy writhes across the massive steel doors of the warehouse, the metal screeching in protest as it rips apart, crumpling together in a horrendous din-while the Russians begin charging through the now secured gate-

And I disappear from the ground, reappearing in the night sky, a few hundred feet above the warehouse in freefall beneath a cluster of sticks acting as a perch for Sake.
You were supposed to telaport me before I got shot, ass.
>"And you were supposed to get the shot off BEFORE they shot you. Now focus."
Now, immediately above the warehouse, I become privy to a few details in my accelerating descent. Hillevi successfully breached a wall near the trucks already-masking the sound within the cacophony from the compressing gates. Rocco and co. have managed to take out half the lights and counting, riddling the once bright field with shadow, providing more cover for those braving a charge. I also see that, while grabbing me, SB did indeed grab the half dozen grenades Vlad had on him-as well as the extra dozen regular frag from the rest of the unit. Which brings me to what I had a brainwave about, concerning SB: He's my soul brother, as well as my soul shadow. Well, as it happens, I have another soul brother. I had been curious if SB could use Sake's shadow as a 'node' a homing beacon for longer range teleportation by means of shadows-and hey, look at that, I was right!
...Kinda sucks I had to ditch Iron Trick and trust the Russians to pick it up as planned, but eh, I did what I needed to with it. Now...

Now it's time for phase two.
First, to attract attention, in case they have magic sensors I hadn't noted-and to patch myself up a bit-
[HYBRID HEALING]
I cough out a warped, still blistering hot slug as I consider our opponents. Okay-I was lucky enough to glimpse some people through those shitty warehouse windows on the ground-and those eight I saw feel like they haven't moved much. Not surprising, a burst of distant gunfire immediately followed by a massive metal door crumpling itself into a sphere has confused them-but they're already starting to recover-unsurprising, I doubted they'd be so outright incompetent that an attack, however unorthodox, from the front shouldn't really phase them much. It's not too hard to process, all said and done.

So how about death from above?

My thoughts coming full circle as we close within fifty feet of the warehouse roof, Sake having discarded the nest he'd made to make a large enough pool of shadow for my brother to pull me through in midair, I continue to smile.
Sake?
>[Sake]"This is going to be fun~!
Sake races off ahead of me, the air warping in the increasing darkness as he becomes a living missile of compressed air-breaking through the tin roof like it's cardboard a bare ten feet ahead of me. I plunge through the fresh hole in the wake of the rubble and windy riot Sake brought with him-and do my best to assist SB in tossing our dozen plus assorted grenades.... everywhere. I don't even try to look at the room-I'm going off of SB's directions of where to throw, having agreed in advance to rely on his more advantageous position relative to time, perception and reaction speed. The moment the last grenade's left me hand, Sake finishes doing a rapid circuit of the room counterclockwise to the Hummingbird's own, wildly throwing out blades of wind and charges straight at me-

Two feet from actually reaching the ground at a less than ideal velocity for a safe landing on concrete, Sake's got me in his wind buddle-and we rocket out of the roof roughly half a second before the first responding salvo of gunfire.

And a full second ahead of a truck being introduced to the warehouse's wall, courtesy of Hillevi, just before the grenades start going off and I stop hearing things altogether.

With phase three of the assault already riotously underway underneath me, Sake picks up the pace, flying us low to the roof to allow the Hummingbird, who elected to stay within the warehouse after initial breach, as much room to operate as possible. Just as I note Camella's soul catching up with Hillevi, already rushing the freshly made breach of her own devising, I am set down with the Russians-still not quite done rushing the warehouse over open ground-but getting to do so unmolested has really helped their speed.

Five seconds of running alongside them (and retrieving Iron Trick from Zhenya's care) and we finally reach the warehouse's entrance.

The same warehouse that has very rapidly been faced with a disturbance at the gate, followed by a physics defying and highly distracting destruction of their warehouse's gates, an aerial attack that hit them with rubble, gratuitous amount of explosives, weaponized wind and the world's most deadly hummingbird, introduced them to Hillevi's idea of how to use automobiles-and now, I get to genuinely join the fray after all of that with a fresh fighting force attacking from the dark (thanks to Rocco and crew taking out the last of the lights) with Camella and Hillevi already engaging the foe from their flank, when said foe didn't even know they had a flank to defend inside their little storehouse.

....Not too bad.

And it's only now, with our 'introductions' complete and the plan over (since I long ago learned that plans are notoriously hard to adhere to after the opening shots, so it's best to try and make you opening shot as lethal as possible and go from there) that I get a chance to really look inside the warehouse.

Whatever it was the place is a rubble-strewn, largely wrecked battlefield now. broken crates, piles of upended pallets-but as interesting as the obstacle-covered area may be, it's the occupants that concern me. Namely, two points concern me:
1-More than a dozen and change of the germans still stand-considering just how hard we hit them, that's... a great deal more than I expected. It's only after I've had a moment to more heavily appraise what I'm percieving that I note the many chains around their necks, only a few sporting charms... ah. Defensive charms? There's so much background magic in the warehouse I can't be sure from this range-but it looks like they aren't going to be a complete cakewalk. On the plus side-I don't see a single weapon in their hands that feels magical to me.
2-On the opposite side of the warehouse as the side Camella and Hillevi breached through, a shipping container is... rocking. Nothing is touching it-and nothing about it's motion looks like something struck and now settling down. Beyond that-this lone container bears naught more than scratches and scuffs from the assault thus far, a semi-reflective, light metal beneath the generic red paint. To make this even more concerning, even while being so vigorously assaulted, no less than four of the defenders are rushing to the container's doors, clearly intent on opening it. ...Scratch that, three of them are-one of them made the mistake of trying to swat at the blur near it's head-the Hummingbird objected, and cored a hole through his hand-and then through his skull, chirping triumphantly as it zooms about.


Okay-here we go, I got more than a dozen guns at my back, a wealth of targets-and every one of them's got on at least one charm, none are clumped together, and all have at least some form of cover to their name.










The battle's underway in earnest-so what concerns me most right now?
>>
No. 376676 ID: f6106a

rolled 46, 59, 10, 71, 96, 96 = 378

The rocking shipping container honestly. See if Shadowbro can teleport shit so that it's in the way of the assholes trying to get to it. Don't let them even grab ahold of it. Ours and Shadowbro's job is to keep people from letting whatever the hell is in there out. Sake and Hummingbird kill things.

Rolling for Iron Trick shadowpinning any enemies so much as looking at that shipping container.
>>
No. 376689 ID: f8aa66

>>376676
We do not want to see what's behind door number 1, Alex. Sake, please sweep that thing up and send it twinkling off into the sky- or at least send it out a window or something.

Charm-Nazis are impervious to bullets and grenades, more or less- plus perhaps other things. But without their nonmagical guns, what are they?

Let's hope SB is up for a repeat performance. Then we can either get in on them and hope their charms don't extend to melee (go in incredibly low to avoid friendly fire, cut them off at the knees) or just pour on the fire and hope something sticks.
>>
No. 376690 ID: f70e5e

>>376676
seconded, generally speaking when nazis with a working Supersoldier program go to open somethings cage, you really do not want them let out whatever horror they have locked up inside. also see if shadow bro can take a peek at whats inside that container.
>>
No. 376700 ID: ed03d3

GO FOR THAT BOX. The Neo-Nazis almost immediately went to...set free whatever's inside after the clusterfuck, I'd rather not have it break free. Considering this is a warehouse and all the shit in here are for the higher ups...well, whatever it is, we're not letting them have it. See if SB can sneak through a crack and see what's inside, we're securing that box. Ask Hummingbro to kill or disable the other 3 before they can open it, leave the guards for the Russians/Mafia/Hillevi/Camella.
>>
No. 376701 ID: 3947e9

>>376676
upvote
pay attention to the box, to see if it gets more rattly... it is possible that the scuffs on it interrupted some of the seals and whatever is inside is breaking free.
If it seems to get more excitable have hilevi seal it in magic ice, and we will take it to Amen for containment after the fight.
>>
No. 376708 ID: f7f854

rolled 64, 54, 17, 5, 63 = 203

Crate looks iffy.

3 shots to pin the soldiers by the crate, 2 shots into the crate's shadow itself. I have no idea if that will do anything but experimenting is cool and if it does work you saved yourself a ton of trouble.

Also, the place is in darkness so use Spear of the Ghost to rush up to the crate and take out the guards with Rifleplay from Silja. If something happened and Silja is no longer with us just kill them the old fashioned way.

rolls for IT shots.
>>
No. 376732 ID: 330636

rolled 96, 73, 84, 27, 16, 55 = 351

Don't use SotG unless as an absolute last resort. Our mere is still broken from the last time we just recklessly charged into melee combat with a charm using opponent, and we haven't spoken to Silja to persuade her these are legitimate opponents she should be happy to kill and eat.

We've also spent more than enough of our soul on Iron Trick, so we don't want to have to resort to his higher functionality again today.

Instead find ourself a nice dark corner you can make aimed shots,and then do the Iron Trick shadowpinning described here >>376708. Whilst doing that ask if he'd mind terribly loading your Lone Judge with shot shells, and then remember the splintered intent trick, and know that we can recreate it, as we know that each pellet is aimed at a different target. Put two shots into each German, and see how their charms respond. If Splintered Intent works, we need to recover the AA-12 from whoever has borrowed it, as we can make by far the most efficient use of it.

If not, then you keep to the shadows and stick to shadow pinning opponents with Iron Trick. Sake and SB may have to do the heavy lifting (again). Given it's dark, hopefully SB feels ready to show his new strength, and directly attack the Germans. If he's as strong as we are, then breaking necks or at least strangling them by attacking their shadows may be possible. Of course, it's up to him, as it is to Sake, but perhaps we should mention that the HummingBird has already taken out a Nazi with a single blow, surely Sake can do better?
>>
No. 376775 ID: 81f32a

rolled 100, 18, 59, 1, 96, 19, 51, 100, 84, 31, 39, 66, 20, 31, 36, 31, 68, 88, 22, 27, 39, 89, 39, 95, 80, 46, 55, 75, 81, 81, 18, 81 = 1766

I don't know what is in that container and I don't want to find out. Ask Sir Hummingbird if he can deal with the other three. Play to his ego of a warrior in case he refuses or something. To be extra sure, we should ask Sake to air-blast anyone closing in to the container away.

The other guys.... well, I somehow doubt that they have full comprehensive charms like BB does. Ask SB to probe their defenses against shadow magic and if they aren't, tell him to commit mass shadow murder. If he needs the place to be darker, blow up the lights and/or ask Sake to rabidly shoot air scythes to break the lights.

If it comes to shoot-out, remember to drop into accelerated thoughts periodically so that you can try your best at dodging (sure, we can a hail of bullets and survive but we should try to conserve energy if we can help it). It wont be Matrix bullet-dodging though unless The Humminbird lends us its speed.
Use AA-12 and try to re-create the Splintering Intent Trick [rolling for full auto shootan]
>>
No. 376777 ID: 0ccc5b

rolled 15, 83, 77, 68, 31, 92 = 366

>>376732
>>376775
SUST to taking back the AA12 from Vlad midfight. This guy is not only much better than us at using it, but he is crap at almost any other weapons and might not have taken any, which would leave him exposed. Furthmore, it is just bad form to take back your men's weapons just when they need it, and let's NOT alienate Camella/Russians by endangering our employees life like that.

Use the 'Stealth' Chakra Alignment to the Max as long as you aren't being peppered from gunshots or fighting in melee against super strong enemies. Not only will SB need as much energy as possible right now, but the sensory boost as well as quietness will be useful.

>>376676
Remember that BB has a mind immunity charm, which was most likely how he resisted the Shadow-pinning. If any of them seems unaffected by it, VikingBird should easily be able to either kill the offender or 'pierce' the defense so that the next shot works. Likewise, SB can also just punch them or attack them in other ways if shadowpinning doesn't work. Or, Hell, take off their charms.

>2-On the opposite side of the warehouse as the side Camella and Hillevi breached through, a shipping container is... rocking. Nothing is touching it-and nothing about it's motion looks like something struck and now settling down.
This is alarming. Can Sake or SB or IT sense if anyone is alive within? If someone is, we have the hard choice of choosing whether we want to let that person out before the fight is over. If we don't, or no one is alive, why not ask one of our brother to see if there are additional chains or some such lying around that could be used to reinforce the containment. Likewise, maybe put another container on the container, and have SB relay to Hillevi she should try to freeze it (with vents, I guess).

Once the Goons rushing the crate are gone, we should continue our specialty of shooting people while timed with other noises, as well as divesting our enemies of their charms if they have them. If they get between a defensive position that is proving problematic for our men, lend IT to a employee (not hillevi, who has a bloodline, obviously), and have SB shadowport us behind them with Silja.

Trust in SB to reload our guns, but don't expect him to relaod them instantly, so switch up between them. Rolling for the now Single Mateba to go along with Old Lonesome.
>>
No. 376832 ID: 330636

Something else we should enquire to SB whether it's a good idea, having him let Whaitiri know first and then attacking any already damaged magical items in the warehouse with his shadow mere, to feed her the power before it dissipates into the NN. Any further magical items in excess of what we can carry that get broken during the battle and then immediately fed to Whaitiri are clearly just accidental collateral damage...

We should also check with SB that Sake is well aware of kind of munitions the Germans could start throwing around. Something like a thermobaric round from an RPG-32 has a 10 meter lethal radius, so rounds that appear to be missing us all by a long way could in fact insta-gib Camella or any of the Russians if they happened to be even quite far away from the explosion. Comparing the Nazis' humourless reaction to our little skit outside to the Russians', making sure the jokes on the former if they try anything is far more amusing.

>>376732
>Whilst doing that ask if he'd mind terribly loading your Lone Judge with shot shells,

He in this case is SB, not Iron Trick.

For the avoidance of doubt, the six rolls are for the Lone Judges shot rounds fired at the Nazis going towards the container.

>>376775
If we do this, we need to first warn Vlad what we're planning, then confer with SB in accelerated time to precisely plan. If the test with the Lone Judge works out, we'll need SB to teleport the AA-12 into our hands and reload it with shot, then enter accelerated time again with use to precisely plan out each shot, and exactly when we're aiming it, and then rely on him to help us accelerate our movements as fast as he possibly can, so we can fire the gun full-auto whilst still making targeted shots. When we've exhausted the magasine, it would then be best if SB could teleport it back to Vlad, reloaded.

All of this should take six seconds, given the AA-12's rate of fire. We will be wanting to push our shooting and weapon switching traits to the limit, exploiting our mental acceleration to the fullest to make precise shots at a very high objective rate of fire. Also, we need to make sure it looks cool.
>>
No. 376868 ID: 252e1b

We need to tell Hillevi to start partitioning off the warehouse. There are hazardous materials in here.

"Anything with red or yellow triangle symbols, skull symbols, and with a 3 or 4 on the red portion of a four-color diamond sigil need to be given priority for being contained safely."

Shadowbro should be able to put up a wall around the mystery box. Whatever is in there, we don't want released or escaping.

If we're taking the gun from Vlad (I do NOT agree with doing so, by the way, I think the "pin and hummingbird" plan is better), tell him, "I need the AA-12 for a few seconds for a special application. Get under cover. I'll return it soon as I'm done."

Then have shadowbro move it.

"Sake, watch for missiles, one could ruin our day."
>>
No. 376905 ID: d97a61

>>376676
>>376689
>>376690
>>376700
>>376701
[Planned Shots: 46, 59, 10, 71, 96, 96 Double-Tap Bonus, 90+/90+ Double-Tap Bonus]
Well obviously there's nothing for it: That box they want open?

They will not be touching it.

[First Shot]
46+6Plan Bonus+9Magic Weapon/Artifact Bonus+2Shooting Trait Bonus=63%
While the Russians around me continue to bombard those within the warehouse with suppressive bursts of controlled fire while Iosef and Ivan's ranged support further pins them down-I choose to shoot, not at people-but shadows. The first bullet squarely catches one of the three sprinting for the container door in his shadow's knee-he is immobilized, and almost immediately gains a new hole in his head which I strongly suspect is courtesy of Camella following his charms rapidly being burned off by a hail of gunfire.

[Second Shot]
59+6Plan Bonus+9Magic Weapon/Artifact Bonus+2Shooting Trait Bonus=76%
The second round catches the one closest to the container with his hand outstretched-his shadow's gut squarely caught-and the man shortly subjected to a six gun salute with Vlad playing the finale with the Taste of Ruin. Another man down less than a second after I pull the trigger.

[Third Shot]
10+6Plan Bonus+9Magic Weapon/Artifact Bonus+2Shooting Trait Bonus=27%
Maybe I got a bit distracted by how the others were doing, but I miss the third one-

[Fourth Shot]
71+6Plan Bonus+9Magic Weapon/Artifact Bonus+2Shooting Trait Bonus=88%
I harden my focus and correct my mistake, catching his shadow's shoulder just as he lunges for the door. He... actually powers right through it, completely ignoring the bullet's effect-and it's at this point I finally have enough details to discern this guy's sporting more charms than the rest of his cohorts. Shit.

Well fuck if I'm stopping.

[Fifth and Sixth Shots]
96+6Plan Bonus+9Magic Weapon/Artifact Bonus+2Shooting Trait Bonus=113%
96+6Plan Bonus+9Magic Weapon/Artifact Bonus+2Shooting Trait Bonus=113%
>Item Trick Shooting Bonus +1

In that instant, while the hammer swings down, my decision made-time does not stop, so much as stutter and stumble.
>[Iron Trick]"Old Man Rabbit's Orders: I have to give you some help. Don't bother asking why-long story short, it all comes down to bets and wagers. So. You can pin shadows with me. You know this. You also took some of my magic into yourself while becoming a Godling. You know what that lets you do? It lets you... Believe in the alternatives."
With temporal mechanics being mocked with the static flittering across reality around me, Trick speaks-and I learn.
>[Iron Trick]"So, wager paid-and three... two... one-"
Time recovers from it's frantic stumble, normalcy restored-
And I pump up my Chakra Reinforcement while still coming back down from the bigger, badder version of accelerated though-doing what little I can to localize it in my hand. I overcharge it enough-and meet the required threshold, a numb sensation taking over as the gun kicks, hammer completing it's journey-

As a bullet laced with my own soul's Divine material exits the barrel-

Blowing a softball sized hole in the man's shadow, coring out his heart.
His body promptly drops bonelessly to the floor, not even reacting as bullets eventually pierce his shell of charms.

Now that I know that putting enough of my own Divine energy, either with other energy or purely on its own into the gun while firing, I can activate an alternative mode for Shadow-pinning. Trick stressed the method differs for each of his tricks-but for now, what seems to be a charm-bypassing shadow attack that immediately damages the casting object-well, that's just dandy.

And great as it is, it's hard to be happy while watching the container itself shake all the harder even as I stop the German rush to open it dead.

>>376708
>>376732
My next course of action's obvious: I aim the last shell in Trick-SB-
>"Reload in three seconds, it's queued up."
at the crate's shadow, hoping my reasoning's sound, and this is helping.

The shadow pinning bullet anchors the container's shadow to the ground mid-tilt.

The moment it stops moving the movements within triple in intensity-and with a sound that's so soft, so deep it hurts my ears even as I feel pain radiate from SB-the container rips free of it's shadow. Before it can finish rolling onto it's side, the separated shadow simply vanishes-while the iconic red paint, already scratched and scraped, burns off in a brilliant flash. The moment it does I feel a score of souls within the container as if they'd always been there, each one no a sphere but a grotesque, mutated blob of madness and bloodlust. I have time to register this just before the container's walls start exploding, steel clad fists ripping through it like cardboard. More importantly... big fists.

Just as Camella and Hillevi finish blitzing straight through the dwindling german defenders, the first of these... aberrations pulls itself fully free. The sight I am met with will be burned into my mind forever.

With a silhouette as large as Brandts beneath inches of thick metal plates, looking like some hybrid of tank armor and a knight's suit, with armored hoses connecting a tank on his back to each of his gauntlets. It's helmet is a combination of thick skull-motif full helm and gas mask, it's body heaving as if a heart too big for it's body rampaged within. Without even taking a moment to consider the situation, both hands start to rise-
>>376777
>"Reload complete"
Switching my chakras back to stealth to give SB what power I can, three things happen at once.

From my covered position at the wall that thus far has not become the focus of any attention save that of friendlies I fire three times-missing as I underestimate the freak's speed but making up for it with my second two as I pin it's shadow to the ground.

Hillevi, presumably ecstatic at seeing what might make a fun foe, finally finishes crossing the room-landing a flying, ice-covered punch to the brute's chest.

The third thing that happens-is the metal-clad monster ignoring the first two things to happen. With a viscerally distastefull sensation of something being irreperably damaged the beast rips its shadow off my bullet's mooring without even slowing down to spray Hillevi with some noxious looking gas even while being struck-and with a brief spark of electricity, an explosion envelopes both of them briefly-but neither budges, Hillevi maintaining a death grip on the figure as she tackles him to the ground, mounts and begins to pound his armored head into the ground, each fist's strike like a sledgehammer as concrete gives beneath her. I also notice that, while a large portion of her ice armor melted, none of it was completely breached-and her uniform beneath the ice is still pristine. All the while it's being pounded I see arcs of electricits leaping from Hillevi's ice armor to nearby metal-but she continues her assault unphased, the heavy metal beginning to give.

....That, however leaves the other nineteen-

Which are completely ignoring the rather admirable efforts of the Russians to harm them-and attack without regard to surrounding or allies. I see that gas sprayed on Germans-I see flesh melt even while charms stay untouched, I see skeletons collapse in pile of soaked clothes and organ goo. I see the crackle and spark of power electrical arcing across their fists-and realize that gas, that flesh melting gas of theirs that doesn't pay attention to charms or register as a magic weapon to me-
>"Or to me-
Is' flammable-and can be ignited with current.


....FUN.

As the Hummingbird, for the first time in the fight, rebounds rebuffed from a foe rather than piercing through, trills in irritation at the hardened monster he targeted even as he effortlessly dodges it's attempts to catch him.
>[Hummingbird]"These giants hide behind quite sturdy walls...."
>"I don't know what is going on with those... things... but I cannot percieved... anything about them. Not even a sense of mundanety. It's like they don't exist. "
Sake, flipping back from a burst of wind that throws the last 'normal' german into the wall hard enough I see his skull break, angrily squeaks while he wiggles in irritation as the hardened armor only gives somewhat to a windblade as vicious as any I've seen from my brother.
>[Sake]"I have enough energy I can cut off the heads of.... seven, I think. Maybe a few more-but not all of them, not even close. What are these things?"
So far I'm going with 'nightmarish experimental soldiers'. You, SB?
>"Seems the Nazi Cliche is being played by both sides."

The levity adding a sense of serenity to my state of mind, and I almost feel like I anticipated Rocco and his grunts joining the fray. While Gianni next to him begins to make his soul throb with energy, building up in preparation for some heavy act, Rocco merely sighs after one look inside while his men's gunfire couples with my own companions attempts to bury the monsters in lead-to no real effect.

At least until a grenade round knocks one over-and dings its armor. Before it's even hit the ground the beast is already struggling to rise. Hillevi finally stands, the ice over her fists stained black as she leaves behind a flat-headed corpse, already lunging for the next with a smile on her face as she bear hugs another from behind-it's body already crusting over in ice as it struggles.

>[Rocco]"Unless the Valkonen kills them faster, we will run out of grenade rounds well before the last of them is dealt with-do you have alternative ways to harm them?

I open my mouth to answer, rolling the Italian's question through my mind-for the crystal clear, razor-edged thoughts of the bird to thrust into my mind.
>[Hummingbird]"Watch me."
Not one to pass up a chance, I motion towards the bird-just as its own brand of madness begins. With a flick of its wings its body corkscrews into an aileron roll, the twist accelerating beyond human perception within a foot. Once more, the bird throws itself bravely at the giant armored in walls of metal. Unlike last time, the metal shreds like balsa wood fed through a wood chipper, a hole three inches across coring squarely through the monster's heart.

Instead of collapsing it continues fighting even as it's soul emits the same sense of agony the first one's did-lunging for Vlad-As the hummingbird's return flight takes it squarely through it's skull, and the now lifeless body drops. On getting a closer look, I guess their armor to be two inches thick. ...Fuck, and they aren't moving any slower than us.

Eighteen left-the twelve advancing on Rocco and I at the doors are maybe twenty feet from being in range of us-while the six going after Camella have only ten feet to close-but Camella's keeping the 'entrance' Hillevi made for them readily accessible at her back-I'm not to worried about her.

I AM worried about our supply of grenade rounds running out in half a minute, give or take, if we keep suppressing these tin cans. And once it's out-nothing's stopping these heavyweights from bumrushing straight through us. I dunno about Rocco, but FUCK if I want to get into melee range with what looks to me like a supersoldier designed SPECIFICALLY to fight in melee. The fact that the hummingbird is loopily trying to fly straight, an overwhelming sense of disorientation coming through the connection, also concerns me: It means that trick, while handy, isn't rapidly reusable-
Right?
>[Hummingbird]"That... is correct. I will need a moment-but I've proven their stalwart defenses cannot resist my beak's point."

Rocco, impressed by the action of a bird he couldn't even see or no, still looks at me expectantly. Well, I did want to be the main attraction here-














So how do I want to bring about this show's finale?
>Plans, shooting, whatever-all good. Armas is currently only being directly observed by identified allies.
>>
No. 376911 ID: f6106a

rolled 31 = 31

Ask Sake how well he thinks he can use wind to control an explosion, especially if he's used wind to manipulate and condense the gas these guys are making? They may be immune to the gas, and even the fire it makes, but explosions have force. Use wind to shove the gas down their throats and then ignite it? That should do something. As tough as they may be, an explosion in their lungs or nasal cavity is still going to be a bitch to deal with.

As for us, see how our new Trick with Iron Trick does against these things. Only rolling once, because if it doesn't work well, I'd rather Hummingbird have our energy to deal with these guys rather then wasting it on something that doesn't work.
>>
No. 376914 ID: 6f4f32

Ask SB if he can take those discarded shadows.
>>
No. 376915 ID: 658602

rolled 46, 4, 36, 17, 12, 70 = 185

Well shit. That damned gas that can melt flesh and bone alike in...seconds. If Sake still has energy to direct all the gas into a compressed mass after decapitating 7 of them, with SB's help, that mass of...gas could end up killing one or two more.
The nazi super-soldiers...they're what, literally abandoning their shadows in their pursuit after us? Well, that means FREE SHADOW! We know that shadows get a boost the larger they are. Considering these are the size of Brandt, if not even more, that's a LOT of potential. So yeah, free gigantic shadows! 18 of them! Slave 'em, SB! And, these super-soldiers themselves...they're stronger and more resistant than what Brandt was...maybe they're the "upgraded" version of him? Consider that Brandt was part of a super-soldier experiment...maybe it's the "Next Generation" we're dealing with here. Bullets ain't doing shit to them, yeah, mental note on getting heavier firepower for the Russians.
Hillevi? She can handle these bastards quite fine. Camella? Well, with Sake taking care of the gas, I'm sure she won't have...much problems. But still, 6 is a bit too much. Sake should behead a few of them. Us? Why, we keep pinning their shadows, with SB "taking" ownership of them the moment the Nazi tears it out. Hummingbro? Keep doing that trick. With Sake taking care of the gas, not much to worry about.
>>
No. 376917 ID: f70e5e

they seem to each be caring tanks of flammable gas on there backs, sake could decapitate seven or so, how many tanks does he think he could breach instead?

also did the alternative shadow pining mode piece the guys skin or directly damage his heart? if its the second one it might be able to bybass mundane defenses, it might be worth a shot to find out.
>>
No. 376921 ID: f8aa66

Do we feel comfortable enough with our 'stealth' configuration to try funneling more energy to SB? Or maybe enlarge it to encompass Sake? Probably unwise, given I don't want to accidentally explode all over Rocco if we do it wrong. Yeah, forget I ever mentioned it until we can talk to Flexibility Chakra guy.

Okay, kick this plan over to Sake/SB for consideration. Why go THROUGh that freaking ship plate they have on if we can go around it? That armor can't be entirely form-fitting, or how would the Freaks move? Ergo, shadows.

Can they do a one-two punch like they did against the Reapers on these guys? Shadow carries the wind - cutting wind targets their achilles tendons. The Freaks will be slowed down a fair bit if they have to drag themselves over to us. The only downside is then Sake won't be able to be on gas-containment detail.

For Hillevi: "Hate to interrupt when you're finally having fun, but this is going to take forever if we do it one at a time. Can you flash-freeze 'em?" Hopefully the sudden drop in temperature will crack their armor like eggs.
>>
No. 376936 ID: f7f854

rolled 85, 58, 21, 19, 55 = 238

Hmmm, something seems off here.

[Experimentation]
I'll take a gamble. I think these are just Homunculus powered by the use of souls as engines. Men experimented upon until driven mad, flash educated and tortured until they perform the way they want. As long as the soul can take the damage or the bodies core control areas are not disrupted, the beast moves.
In that case the connection to the body would be tenuous at best, slaved to life instead of clinging to it. It should be simple to find the right way to nudge it, make the body and soul shift out of alignment. Realizing this should let you see it. Break the connection.
[/Experimentation]

Ask Silja for help. These are abominations. Their existence is a sin. Their existence causes only pain, both to themselves and to any around them. They are hurting friends. They must die.
5 shots from Silja. Make sure one goes down before switching targets.
>>
No. 376942 ID: cb0cc3

>>376905
>So how do I want to bring about this show's finale?
Moment of accelerated thought. Speak to Shadowbro. "Tearing their own shadows off- a little disturbing, but it means abandoning their Ownership of them and leaving them unclaimed, right? Can you take them before they vanish, and would it be worth it?" If he wants to try and take them, keep firing on their shadows using Iron Trick.

Speak to Sake. "You're the only one here who can handle that gas- looks deadly and if they pump out much more of it and it explodes we'll all be in trouble. Can you handle that?" He can do whatever else he wants, obviously; the gas is the only bit that needs to be pointed out. "Also, soul crush: Horribly illegal? I don't think anyone here would notice."

End our moment afterward and call out to Hillevi. "More than one at a time, please, Hillevi! Not everyone thinks wrestling those looks fun." She's powerful enough to sweep these guys by the handful, at a guess- she's just distracted and not choosing the optimal battlefield tactic. Hopefully a comment like this will push her in the appropriate direction.

If it doesn't seem like the others have got this and Sake didn't make a compelling argument against it, we personally should try to exercise some of our abilities here- since these foes are so heavily resistant to physical attacks, what about spiritual ones? Focus our will and Winter power on one of them- preferably one taking attacks of some kind that we can pass off as being responsible for its death- and try to crush its mutilated soul, or to tear it apart if that feels easier. Since Rocco and Gianni don't have finely honed spiritual senses, or at least as far as we know their bloodlines are tuned to other things and we haven't detected any kind of items on them that would let them see souls and such, hopefully it will just look like the thing died with no explanation. If this works well, repeat as necessary with others, possibly switching weapons and shooting in the general direction of whoever we're soul crushing to make it look like we've got an instant killgun or something rather than risking revealing our true method of attack.

Top priority is to keep our people alive while eliminating the enemy. Don't let our Russians get shredded; we need those minions for later, got to watch their backs.

>>376918
>Everyone out of the warehouse now! They will follow us
Our men may not move fast enough to avoid being overrun, considering the caliber of our opponents; this might well rapidly turn from a tactical maneuver into a bloody rout. They can certainly start falling back, but I wouldn't expect them to do much productive afterward.
>>
No. 376945 ID: d292f2

Shout to Hillevi to obstruct the tubes running to their arms with ice. As many of them as she can manage. Should drastically reduce the threat they pose.

>>376921
Upvoting proposing the plan to SB/Sake.

>>376936
Agree with Silja use, but stress they are unthinking beasts, not people. And if she complains about their "taste", offer to stop.
>>
No. 376991 ID: 330636

If SB can manage and thinks it's sensible, I strongly upvote suggesting he steals the abandoned shadows.

Plan 1

How about a combination plan with us, Silja, SB, and Sake. First, we need to tell Silja that killing them is a mercy- is she prepared to take a risk to free the mindless beasts they've been reduced to from their agony? If she agrees, if should go like this.

1) Sake cracks open a hole in their armour and cuts them.

2) SB opens a shadow portal just wide enough to let the corner of Silja's stock fit through.

3) We hit the exposed, bleeding flesh with the stock.

4) Silja eats them from inside their armour, sucking their flesh out like marrow from a bone.

If there are any of the monsters who still have shadows, we should combine shadow pinning using Iron Trick with one hand, before striking them with Silja through the shadow portal with the other. Using the moment in which they pause to pull themselves off their shadow for the above process.

Plan 2

If this doesn't work, or SB can't spare the energy whilst rounding up errant shadows, we should consider degrading their ability to target us so we have more time to work out how to kill them. If Sake produces then implodes vacuums around their ears to blow their eardrums, and Hillevi produces local pockets of intense cold around their eyes to freeze the water in them solid, they should be blinded and deafened. Sake can then make sure they can't track us by smell without too much trouble by by making sure we're all downwind of them.

This won't kill them, but gives us the breathing space to plan in a bit more detail as they won't know where to attack, and do things like bury them in holes, or even to perform a variant of the above plan without the shadow portals, by attacking them from behind one by one.

Whatever Happens

These look like a substantial investment on the Nazis part, and it is quite likely that they are worth substantially more alive than dead. If Hillevi can restrain one alive, we should suggest selling our prisoner to Sometimes Merchant, or to Rocco. After all, Hillevi can always carry it out on her own.
>>
No. 376999 ID: 81f32a

rolled 18, 85, 78, 96, 18 = 295

Hey, doesn't Sake have Tripping Powers? Not like he can trip someone but an actual magical tripping power? Why not use that to stall them? And do it in traditional cartoony way: trip over one so that it falls on the other one, and so forth, making a big pile.

If that doesn't work, tell him to use his power to lop of seven of their heads. In mean time hopefully The Hummingbird will have regained its power for another assault. All in all we will have done in 8+ of them which leaves us with 10.... at least the less there are of them, the more we can extend the time suppressing them with grenade launchers.

We should ask Hillevi to help. To use her ice powers to slow them down by making walls/spikes or just making very slippery ice surface.


Anyway, this call for womanly touch. Take your trusty rifle and say:
"I didn't want to use you if I could help it but it seems we really need your help, Silja. If it makes you feel better, you will probably save several lives, including mine, by destroying inhuman monsters."

If >>376936 proves to work, keep reloading Keihas [preferably instant reload via SB if it is possible] and shooting them.
>>
No. 377003 ID: a62965

Ok, I can't edit the post because of rolls, but I'm just going to put this out there.

I really don't think we should use SB with these guys, they have already proven themselves harmful to shadows, destroying their own and the one attached to the crate when it limited them. I'm not sure if that is an automatic thing or if they have just been modified with a 'breaking of restraints' kind of deal but I don't want SB anywhere near these guys or what shadows they have left, if they have any left. The one from the crate vanished after being broken, so yea downvote on direct ShadowBro interaction with them.

Also Downvoting smashing them with Silja until they are down. We are going to get forced into close combat, but I would like that to be after they are already full of lead.

Tell the Grenade Launchers to aim for the tanks on their backs and ask Sake to sync up with dual wind attacks.One a scything strike with the intent to damage the tanks/hoses the second a shield to keep the explosion from the grenades (and hopefully tanks) inside to do as much damage as possible.

Finally, Hellivi. She is good as a tank, and I have no problem with her doing what she is doing, but I need one more thing for the trump here.
I just want a quick flash freeze on these guys, leading from a tazer node up to the tanks. The ice doesn't have to last long, just a few seconds while the grenade focus happens. Why? Because Ice conducts electricity. I don't know if this Gas will explode from the grenades or only via current, so this is a trump to ensure victory. Shout for her and see if she can do it, if she just continues tanking that's fine.

It woudl be even better if she could just do the 'rupture tank Ice bait' plan herself, but I don't know how much her Ice armour can take. Suggest it anyway, let her judge. Ask SB to relay your words/intent so that she will be able to get the idea clearly.
>>
No. 377023 ID: f06f78

rolled 31, 96, 54, 54, 23, 4, 51, 2, 89, 57, 10 = 471

>So how do I want to bring about this show's finale?
>Plans, shooting, whatever-all good. Armas is currently only being directly observed by identified allies.
It really does seem to me that Silja might be the best weapon here, but we have to check whether Iron Trick is usable by Armas first against those. After all, Silja could be used by someone else, even if very shortly, like, say, Camella.

Anyway, first thing to do is ask SB if he had time to notice that they were casting aside their shadows when we pinned them- he probably can't manage to own them in the middle of the fight, but when there is only a couple of those supernazis left, he should tell us if he wants us to shadowpin one and grab the opportunity.

Then I would suggest testing Iron Trick some more on those Nazinaute. Rolling for attacking a couple of time their shadows with the belief-trick, and then attacking their bodies with it. The belief trick is in case it adds damage to the soul or something, and we need to check whether the “wounds being multiplied by previously embedded bullets” schtick works even though they have armor. Rolling eleven times, 5 to finish the barell of the 'unique' shot in the above suggestion >>376911 , six more for a full barrel.

Now, if they manage to get in melee, SB should see if he can't bury them. Seems appropriate, as they brought the gaz themselves.
>>
No. 377027 ID: 3947e9

We need to get out of the warehouse first; both to prevent us getting caught in an explosion and to avoid damaging the wares. Yell "draw them outside". They will follow us rather then mindlessly smashing stuff here and we do not have to worry about getting caught in an explosion in the next phase.

If SB can communicate with hilevi, have him appraise her of our idea and ask if she can help with strategically placed walls to contain the explosion (increasing damage and protecting everyone else from the explosion). Regardless make sure you and your men are far enough away from the explosions.

Warn hummingbro about the gas, if need be he should withdraw. Ask sake to prioritize keeping the gas away from our allies.
Suggest to SB that if something tears off its shadow, the shadow has been discarded and lies unclaimed. Perhaps it might be useful to claim those shadows then. After all he is trying to build himself a "Shade", a group of shadows under his command. This means that armas should aim to pin all their shadows for this nice tearing effect while SB claims them.

First plan:
Once outside and far enough away, sake should aim at rupturing their acid containers or their tubing. This will cause them to be shock frozen by the sublimation of the liquid acid into a gas. Immediately follow it up with setting it aflame for a large localized explosions.
If this does not prove effective.

Second plan:
Sake's limited amount of killing attacks can be maximized by multi killing, this will require careful positioning of the enemies which is something our allies can help with. You explain the idea to sake and hummingbro. SB to hilevi and camella if they want to help. The actual detail is of course up to them.
>>
No. 377078 ID: 252e1b

>>376911
>>377003

SUSTing any notion of deliberately blowing those tanks. The shit in them is nasty and we don't want any of it getting on our dudes if possible. We need to contain it instead of let it get everywhere.

Armas needs to go into high-speed thought mode to confer quickly with Sake and Shadowbro.

"Guys, we can't let that acid get all over. It will grossly complicate everything. Can you steal the trigger mechanisms for those tanks, Shadowbro? Sake, can you reserve enough energy to quickly blow any acid that escapes away from friendlies?"

"Ok. Here's the plan then. Since Rocco still doesn't know about you two, per se, and since we need to look good for him to keep hiring us for high-paying jobs, I'm going to fire the Lone Judge at the uberfreaks. Sake, you decapitate the ones I fire at. Let me know when you're down to the reserve amount of power. Then you're on gas containment duty. Shadowbro, stop them from being able to spray acid at will. Just break their triggers or something, it's your call how."

"Can you whisper to Hillevi to break their armor? We've got plenty of firepower that should work if she can just open those tin cans up for us. It'll be faster than her beating them to death. Tell her Rocco's golems are going to run out of ammo in a few seconds."

By the time Sake is done, there will be 12 or 11, depending on how fast we shoot and how quick Hillevi is with the one she's grappling now. Hummingbird might be ready for another at that point. With effectively half the targets to engage, that will buy Rocco another 10 seconds or so of grenade fire to suppress them.

Camella should be able to get into position with her Walther 2000; I'm looking forward to seeing if it can do anything to a hardened target like this. I'm also counting on her doing the sane thing and not engaging these monster at close range.

We should switch to Silja and explain that we're fighting monsters that were built just for the sake of ruining things and people, and then start in on them. >>376999 has the right idea here, except we should be aiming for weak points in the armor. Either joints, or broken places that Hillevi makes for us.

But it really is key that we get Hillevi to start breaking or weakening armor instead of just brawling.
>>
No. 377084 ID: 252e1b

This is a post-script to >>377078

When Armas is firing the Lone Judge in "wind blade mode" he needs to yell something like "Ka-blammo!" with each shot, just so that it looks like he has a restriction requiring that he do that to use the best attack.

Imagine how hilarious it will be if someone steals the Lone Judge and tries to use the "wind blade" shot.

>>376942

You pointed out my idea is similar to yours in IRC, and while that's true, my approach has the advantage of not being blatantly illegal if we're detected by either Gianni or Rocco. Remember, both of them have some detection capability of some sort, since they're going to be doing magic item identification. It's really not worth the risk of being detected, nor of fucking up somehow (since this would be the first time Armas tried it, ever).
>>
No. 377097 ID: d97a61
 

>>376911
[ PLANNED SHOT: 31]
Before I make a serious decision I take a shot of opportunity, trying to slam a Divine-energy imbued slug into one of the monster's shadow.

[First Shot]
31+4Plan Bonus+10Magic Weapon/Artifact Bonus+2Shooting Trait Bonus=47%
-Only to miss the bugger, still not quite believing how fast they can move, watching the concrete break beneath their frantic movements. Damn-well, new plan-

>>376914
>>376942
Actually, first-SB, got a thought for you-These shits tearing their shadows off is disturbing-but it means abandoning their Ownership of them and leaving them unclaimed, right?
>"I'm bus... go on."
Is it worth it to take them before they vanish?
>"A moment-need to calculate."
I'll occupy myself then.

I call out to Hillevi in Finnish.
"More than one at a time please Hillevi!"
Still finishing up freezing the second she grabbed, she releases the creature only to shatter it's frozen skull while growling out a retort as she moves on to target number three-a sixth of our grenade reserves already gone.
>[Hillevi][In Finnish]"I'm trying but they keep melting the ice if I don't focus!"
Melting?
>[Hummingbird]"'Tis true that I felt more than a passing heat when I passed through my path, radiating from the armored giant's flesh-it felt something like flame."
Oooookay-
Sake-you're the only one here who can handle that gas. Looks deadly and if they pump out much more of it and it explodes we'll all be in trouble. Can you handle that?
Still flitting about the air, Sake backs off, the condensing sickle of wind in his paws being reabsorbed-as the weasel merely nods at me-while the range of the rampaging monsters' attacks simply... shrinks, a wall of wind slowly compressing their hurled attacks. Even so, the beasts press on-and while Hillevi can overwhelm them individually, their unbridled ferocity is enough she cannot contain their advance-not alone.

Before I commit to my plan, I try one hopefully discreet experiment-and reach out to one of the monsters just as it's thrown back by a grenade round to the skull-and do my best to impose a sense of desturction-of being crushed, flayed, ruined, ripped asunder-I try, without any real understanding of what I'm working with, to break the beast's soul. I... did not expect to find myself abruptly struck with a dizzying headache as the creature simply ignores my efforts-it's soul quivering and writhing in seeming agony, by all accounts unfazed by my influences. ...Well, that mucks that plan up. Good thing I hadn't commited yet. Okay okay Armas, focus-one full second's elapsed since Hillevi finished responding-six seconds in, a fifth of our grenades gone. New plan-come on, think!

>>376921
Okay... ah-SB, can you get inside their armor? There's got to be shadows there.
>"Possibly-but I'm more concerned with staying... away... from them. Though I have determined their shadows worthwhile-if you can pin one for them to rip off again-
>>376915
Ohsurewhynot

[[i]Second Shot
]
46+4Plan Bonus+10Magic Weapon/Artifact Bonus+2Shooting Trait Bonus=62%

This time, I manage to keep my sense of timing on the ball-and pin a shadow down-yet before this one can unravel as its owner unflinchingly tears away while being knocked down by a grenade round to the shoulder, I see it snatched away by another, different shadow of murky darkness.
>"...Oh. I'm... going to be more hindered than I thought while I work on this. Sorry about that. On the plus side it IS because this shadow is... going to be useful. More later-still doing what I can here and now."


>>376991
....Fuck, and only now that SB's occupied do I get this plan. Can't teleport Keihäs' stock now, I bet.
>"I... might be able to do it, but I strongly advise another plan-it is not wise for [i]anything to get near them.[/i]"
It's been fifteen seconds-we've burnt through a third of our reserves, and still don't have a real solution!
>"Keep trying!"
Aaah-Sake, can you blow out their eardrums? Air pressure waves, something?
>[Sake]"You think I have not tried? That suit of theirs-it is air-tight save at the gasmask and gloves-and the things weigh so much I'd exhaust myself tripping them.
Well-okay, I still have an idea-actually-a fucking GREAT idea.
>[RRRRR Trait activated]
I call out in Finnish again, watching the clock slip closer to the twenty second mark-and beyond.
"Can't you freeze the their eyes?"
Hillevi, mid-way through prying one of the hoses free of it's mooring and ignoring the fire, gas, flames and electricity bombarding her, drops the warrior in shock-before squinting in concentration-to only widen her eyes in alarm even as she transitions back into her brawl amidst the gas and gunfire.
>[Hillevi][In Finnish]"They-they don't have eyes!"
Superhot, freakish monsters-oh, and eyeless too. Great.
>>376999
Okay what if I just shoot the bastards with Silja, I'd-
>[Sake]"Inadvisable. That which threatens our brother's soul and any other that approaches their form is far more dangerous to her than the rest of us. I question if her soul could even handle the indirect exposure to this gunfire would bring."
Are you shitting me-these things are that bad?
>[Sake]"You will have to accept that they are."

The grenade reserves dwindle.

>>377027
>>377078
MaybeifIdrawthemoutside?
Fine good whatever-a new plan. It'll work on account of being the last plan I have time to attempt-and I'm sticking to it. Fuck you murphy: This is my house now.

To Rocco and the group as a whole, starting to look a bit nervous at the lack of orders after I was prompted.

I am aided when the monstrous bulks-simply stop spewing gas at all.
>"As thanks for the new shadow-bastard that it's being-I figured I could brave a few external shadows-and take some trigger mechanisms."
Ah, I could kiss you!
>"No you couldn't."
As the last of our grenade ammunition runs out, I motion for everyone to follow me as I peripherally note Camella leading five of the monsters in a merry chase across the open field. She, like us, is pursued by black metal titans, covered in a yellowed ooze condensed from the gas they sprayed.
"Draw them out of the warehouse!"
Rocco and his cohorts happily comply by accelerating, and shortly Camella angles over to our side, her pursuers merging with those after us, the group once more whole-and within a single air field.

So hey guys-I've got this plan.......

A discussion is had-

With a smile, I spin on my heel after three more steps, smoothly switching Trick out-for the Lonesome Judge with a manic cackle.
Three
I begin raising the gun, letting those few stragglers in the group resolutely closing the distance to us despite how heavy they are get a bit farther from the warehouse...
Two
I firmly line up the snub-nosed holdout's sights-not on the leader, but the one of their seething number closest to the middle.
One.
I pull the trigger.
"KA-BLAMMO!!"

Sake breaches the fuel tanks of the one I targeted-
In a crackling, blazing moment, the world goes white as a spark ignites canister and bodily residue alike.

I don't hear people scream. I know they fall-I can feel souls being flung back, rolling across the ground on my sides. I can feel Hillevi and Camella both staying on their feet-as I feel Gianni do the same. I manage the feet myself-only by dint of a brother's helping hand.
>"Got to preserve the company image, such as it it."

I grin as my eyes finally show me the raging hellfire that Sake's barely keeping contained in a lose cylinder, explosion after explosion adding to the maelstrom as more tanks breach. In the space of two seconds, the heat gets so intense I feel hairs beginning to singe on my face-and that mass of malicious flame's more than forty feet away.

As we continue to fall back, I... feel... Sake tiring, his soul's brilliance dimming-and with a disgusted squeak he breaks the wind barrier, smoke and flame washing outward in a frantic rush before losing it's luster and beginning to fade.


Before anyone can get any back-patting and self-congratulations done, from the smoking, still burning crater bursts a quintet of the beasts-armor blackened, cracked and warped, but still intact, their hoses ruptured, their bodies leaking blood and puss from every joint, their backs blown to pieces when their tanks were compromised-and for all of that, they leap as heedlessly at us as any berserker, their wounds meaning nothing.

Five of these monsters-we'd just stopped running, and now they're in full motion, thirty four feet and closing-Sake's out of power, SB's out of juice, I can't rip their souls out-and we only have one Hillevi. Hell, even if I used Silja-I couldn't fire fast enough to take down four of them-and Hillevi can't stop more than one. ...Fuck.









It's the home stretch: How are we going to pull through?
>>
No. 377104 ID: f6106a

rolled 68, 53, 67, 90, 69, 33 = 380

Well, fuck. Dump some divine energy into Trick and shoot their shadows. Missed last time, but we don't really have much to go with here. Heads and Knees are the priority for aiming. Heads obviously to kill the things, knees so that we might disable one without killing it for mister fleshcrafter as well as using shadowpinning to nab more shadows.

And while SB is out of juice, I'm kind of unhappy with previously missing. He can perceive things and react quicker then we can. If our aim is off, it'd be great if he could, I dunno, nudge our arm into proper position so we don't whiff entirely.
>>
No. 377108 ID: d14d3e

This... this plan is insane.

STEP ONE: Get a bladed weapon. Ask Camella or something, just get your hands on it.

STEP TWO: Approach these lumbering assholes while Hillevi + Camella distract.

STEP THREE: Get on their back, which should be exposed due to explosions.

STEP FOUR: Use aforementioned cutting device to tear apart their spine.

STEP FIVE: Get heart. Pull it out.

STEP SIX: repeat as necessary.

Oh god this is so zany.
>>
No. 377109 ID: 3947e9

Their backs are exposed, hummingbro can now sever some spines without having to drill through 2 inches of steel plates and avoiding acid gas.... Suggest that to him.

Hilevi, Camella and Gianni surely know how to manage themselves and will likely take out one each without prompting from you. So DO NOT micro manage them.
>>
No. 377162 ID: f70e5e

spread out and get some people behind them. they don't seem smart enough to do anything but scream and charge, getting some people behind them to shoot them them in the back were there armor has been breached should not be that hard. of course someone is going to have to hold there attention. Hillevi,Camella and you probably have the best chance of surviving the attention of these monsters. also they don't have eyes, does there attention feel different than normal? they must have some way of seeing perceiving the world, and unless there armor has some sensors on it I doubt its mundane.
>>
No. 377166 ID: 9dc814

/experimentation
>do my best to impose a sense of desturction-of being crushed, flayed, ruined, ripped asunder-I try, without any real understanding of what I'm working with, to break the beast's soul.
Try to impose a sense of peace, a pleasant coolness, a soothing hug, a friendly pat, a "you've done enough, it's time to rest".
/experimentation
>>
No. 377178 ID: 330636

rolled 57, 82 = 139

Now, we have two bullets left in Iron Trick, Five in the Lone Judge, and six in Mateba. Silja can't be used. The Mateba and Lone Judge are useless at this, which gives us two shots. We have to make them count.

Now, from our experience with Brandt, Nazi supersoldiers have significant organ redundancy/resilience, given how he managed to survive his lungs dissolving. These "improved" versions may be even worse - they can even perceive without eyes! With this in mind, and our experience with the Einherjar we've fought as another example of how to deal with superhuman durability, we need to focus on what's important - mission killing them. If they're down, we can then take them out/let Gianni vivisect them at our leisure.

Even if they have back ups/don't need internal organs, they're still humanoid, and, as such, they are bound by it's mechanical limitations. In this case, the most relevant one is that they need their knees, and with their speed and weight, if they're suddenly removed and they go flying, it's going to do a lot of damage that their armour won't help them with. So, use what you just learned, and infusing Iron Trick with your own divine energy each time, fire as if to knee cap their shadows. If SB has a tiny bit of energy and attention to spare helping nudge our aim if it wanders, that would be ideal.

When the battle is done, we need to discuss what happens next with Rocco, so we should ask SB if he has the energy left to whisper in Matevey's ear where the good stuff can be found. Then we should approach the Mafia lieutenant:

"I apologise for how noisy the resolution to our little excursion was - if we'd known what was waiting perhaps it would have been different, but, eh, questa è la vita. Now, I understand that I may have made a little problem for you, as it may be... challenging to empty the warehouse before unwanted attention shows up. If that's the case, I offer you a solution. Simply allow me to dispose of anything we can't take with us, and I swear to you on my word that I will give you 80% of anything I gain for it. Do we have a deal?"

If he agrees, call SM, and make the following offer:

"Would you be interested in a similar deal to the one we made for the fallen of Stallon's tribe, for pick-up within the next few minutes? The corpses of 18 (delete as appropriate for how many we're not taking) of the Nazis' bezerker super soldiers, over twenty of their more mundane charm using peers and significant amounts of ex-Nazi equipment, both magical (if there's any magical stuff we leave behind) and mundane. Would that be worth anything to you?"

We want to negotiate for gold for Rocco, and training hours for us, of a value that SM considers to be 80:20. If he's capable, during the subsequent haggling SM can identify particularly valuable pieces that's being left, so we can mention them as we negotiate on price.
>>
No. 377196 ID: 81f32a
File 132562819420.jpg - (264.92KB , 600x600 , Iosef fucking SNAPS.jpg )
377196

Fuck yer shit!
Motherfucking Iosef to the motherfucking rescue!

or shitting his pants in fear
>>
No. 377206 ID: 81f32a
File 132562985509.jpg - (368.05KB , 1200x560 , Gianni and Co.jpg )
377206

[Here's to hoping that Gianni and his Smooth Criminals have some hidden ace or something.]



Right, so these thing have no eyes, that means they do not use any visual means to detect foes. So what sense do they use? Smell? Seems unlikely with all the flesh-melting gases they spew. Hearing? If they relied on that, they would be pretty damn disoriented due to the din of all that battle. It is clear that they have no mundane attention as Armas didn't feel any. Soul-sensing? With the state that their souls are in, I doubt they could make any use of it..... Perhaps blood-sense? The sense that we learned about during our sparring against that vampire with Vlad as our companion. Might be possible. Hell, maybe these aren't experimental human monster-soldiers, maybe they are experimental vampire monster-soldiers? Might explain the sudden influx of orphaned vampires running amok. Could be that nazis are running experiments and just dumping unsuitable specimens at first step.

...Actually I am not sure where I am getting at. Even if what I think happens to be true, I don't know how that could help us.... though we could ask Amen.
....
....
Huh, why haven't we asked Amen for advice yet? We always used to ask Amen for help before we had this entire committee in our head. Sure, we can't trust it but at least now we know we can order it to be truthful with its answers.

>do my best to impose a sense of desturction-of being crushed, flayed, ruined, ripped asunder-I try, without any real understanding of what I'm working with, to break the beast's soul.

I think we are taking the wrong approach here. We are trying to take the problem head-on by brute force, like trying to knock-out a giant, raging bull by punching it in the head when one could just gracefully sever its tendons and have the whole thing crashing in a heap of meat. These agonized souls do not look like they want to be there, it is like they are chained against their will to power these beasts. If we want to attack the souls, it would be better just to try to sever those ties.
.... On the other hand, that could mean we will have a handful of very pissed-off souls. Don't do this before asking for advice from IT, Bros and Amen.
>>
No. 377208 ID: 330636

>>377178
Sorry if it's unclear, as we only have two shots, we can only knee cap two different Super-soldiers.

To refine on the bargaining, we should ask Sake and SB, if he can talk, what they think the gold:training hours ratio should be, and then use that as a basis for negotiation as we vary the offered ratio until we work out SM's relative valuation.

I can't specify how much we should ask for, as I don't know what's in the warehouse. Armas has, as have both SB and Sake, so they should have a good idea of what there is an perhaps what it's worth for our initial offer, which we should obviously add a substantial margin too for haggling.

>>377108
SUST getting anywhere near them, I'm afraid, as they sound the opposite of lumbering, what with the fact that the leapt out of the crater.

>>377166
If we do this it should only be if we manage to take down one of the super-soldiers with a knee-shot.

>>377196
Good idea. If possible, Gloom sidles around to the side of the charging supersoldiers, and when he has it in view, tries to put a series of silent rounds into the back of the furthest one's neck, with his sub-sonic suppressed 9A-91.
>>
No. 377303 ID: f06f78

>>377206
>Hell, maybe these aren't experimental human monster-soldiers, maybe they are experimental vampire monster-soldiers? Might explain the sudden influx of orphaned vampires running amok. Could be that nazis are running experiments and just dumping unsuitable specimens at first step.
A good way to check this is think back on our practice with Vampires: it seems they were attracted to the nearest blood they could detect. If those are the same, it could be very, very easy to herd them. Remember how Vlad's “bulk” meant it gave the younger vamps a big “blind spot”, and we could try the same with Hillevi. If that works, we might also want to think cutting ourself and throw blood/flesh in front of us, regenerate, and get far enough to see if it attracts them. If it does, odds are we are right, AND it gives us a nice distraction where can take our time and continue shooting at them (and reload if need be). If we are feeling REALLY confident about this theory, and want to troll Camella slightly “It's just a arm, nothing to STAND up against”, we could cut off a whole arm, as the Vampires we fought against were more affected the bigger the source of blood was. . Also, the super nazi being covered in armor all over might also be because they wouldn't be exposed to the sun at all, beyond just having armor.

If it does seem they are vampires of sort, tell SB about the increased possibility that he has just gotten a big blob of vampire shadow.

>>377104
>Plans to use shadowpiercing at the Nazinaute
Sure, let's try our new trick a bit more. If the first 4 or so hit don't seem to do anything, Though, why not simply shoot them (still with chakra-belief). It might be the “the heavier they are” and the “additive” tricks of IT have their own advanced functions, and even if they don't they might still do some real killing.

Ok, let's also scream for our men to come with our vehicles as fast as possible- we will need to grab the loot and run away real fast, as that big explosion might have attracted quite a bit of attention. Also, if our cars are solid enough, they could be used to run over those super nazi too.
>>
No. 377312 ID: f354ab

rolled 64, 35, 57, 81, 52, 4 = 293

We brought the DOOM rounds for the mateba, right? We never did test those, wanted a proper foe for them I suppose. Well, it's time for a live-fire test.

Strafe around them and, if they don't all turn to follow us (which would give everyone ELSE a free shot at their backs), plug one in the spine. If that does indeed have some effect (it should, since they were created with the unkillable Doonongaes in mind), then keep at it.
>>
No. 377325 ID: 3fd4fb

>>377097
>It's the home stretch: How are we going to pull through?
Well, for one thing the tanks of fire are no longer on these guys, burning up- which means Hillevi might be more free to act. Call out to her in a reminder of this in case it hasn't occurred to her; she might not have realized the potency of the mundane chemical tanks they were carrying. "Hillevi, still too hot to handle?"

Don't assume that she's got this under control, though. Even as we talk, seconding >>377312 as far as shooting them with the doom rounds in spots they're not armored; if we can manage that at all we should. Pump one bullet into each if we can manage it- hopefully the magics will go off and have enough Death in them to kill these bastards. If it doesn't seem like we're fast enough to get around them, we still have the option of trying to talk our hummingbird into giving us speed powers in an accelerated moment of conversation- he's probably been enjoying this fight enough to be willing to give us a boost to help us win.

He might also be able to slaughter them himself by going through the back of their armor, of course. It's likely much easier now than when it was intact, and he's fast enough to get behind them all but effortlessly.


When all the nazi monsters are dead- somehow- we'll have to deal with the next problem before we can leave: Getting as much loot as possible, and the fact that a gigantic fucking explosion is a serious attention draw and we'll probably have people coming to see what's going on; cops, if no one else. To this end, call out to our minions. Act chipper, like everything is right with the world and it's a wonderful day- which should be easy, because we just shredded some VERY tough guys with virtually no losses and looked great doing it. "Up and looting, boys and girls. We'll have incoming gawkers- in and out with whatever you can carry in three minutes or less! And someone get their computers, I want their records and camera footage." That last is important unless we want the police (or whoever else shows up first) to have a video of what we did here.

Then speak with Rocco, since this is of course his operation. "Sorry for the noise, but I trust you don't mind under the circumstances. I'd like to be gone very soon- do you need anything else before we go? Splitting the loot is a bit off track at the moment, but I can drop by later and help you identify things if you want."

Finish that conversation quickly, then get into the warehouse and assist in looting, particularly in identifying the best magical gear for the Russians to take. Grab whatever has the most magic and can be accessed easily. Make sure that Hillevi knows the looting rules as agreed here, too- she personally gets rights to whatever she can carry and her pay is being tracked separately from ours, so this could be an awesome opportunity for her to get herself a whole passel of awesome gear. Not that she needs it, but it can't hurt.

Oh, and if Camella (or Hillevi) mentions the ka-blammo, tell her we'll discuss how awesome we are later. Because we will.

Regardless, get the hell out of here within a few minutes. We need to be well away before the cops show up and their response time won't be long for an explosion that big- even assuming no one else inclined to make problems shows up first.

>>377303
>we could cut off a whole arm
SUST. The only tool we've got on hand to do that is Silja, which would require using her blade, which would put magic blood on it- and make her first vision since regaining awareness be of... all this shit. I don't think that's a particularly good idea. If we want to injure ourselves we will need to avoid using her.

Also, if we do anything which leaves blood around the area here we'll need to clean it up before we go- Shadowbro can probably vanish it, if nothing else.

>scream for our men
SUST. We need to be the cool and slightly crazy badass here, casually and confidently dispensing orders. This makes it sound like we'd be affecting a disposition which would really clash with that image.
>>
No. 377362 ID: 252e1b

>>377178

Yo Al I like your idea but I'm gonna change how you say it dude.

"Pretty hot shooting, huh? Berserkers are a blast to fight. No tricks, just raw power. Speaking of tricks though, it'll be a big one to clear out and clean up before the authorities get here. Figure five, ten minutes? Even if you bought discretion, they can't ignore the pyrotechnics."

"I've got a supernatural merchant I deal with sometimes. I could give him a call and see what he'd charge to clear out all the goodies so we can split them up later. He'll probably want a cut, but something's better than nothing isn't it? I figure the extra couple of minutes to get out of here will be valuable for not attracting further trouble. What do you say?"

If he agrees, call SM, and make the following offer:

"Would you be interested in a similar deal to the one we made for the fallen of the fight in the north, for pick-up within the next few minutes? The corpses of less than a score of the Nazis' bezerker super soldiers, and over a score of their more mundane guards, and significant amounts of ex-Nazi equipment, both magical and mundane. Would that be worth anything to you?"
>>
No. 377385 ID: d97a61
File 132566080802.jpg - (83.62KB , 477x600 , Tibetan Traveller Met 1.jpg )
377385

>>377196
>>377206
Fanart Bonus
>>377104
[PLANNED SHOT: 68, 53, 67, 90, 69, 33]
No time or juice where I need it to pull out something fancy-so it's time for the practical. I flare my Chakra's energy flow as heavily as I can, overcharging my Reinforcement as the numbness in my hand creeps towards my elbow.

[First Shot]
68+4Plan Bonus+10Magic Weapon/Artifact Bonus+2Shooting Trait Bonus=84%

First shot's simple: One of the brute's is clearly ahead of it's comrades, and with the fire backlighting it I don't even need to raise my arm fully to catch it's shadow dancing even closer to me than the fell thing casting it. The blast with a bit of my mojo behind it carves out the creature's head, the monstrous living weapon bonelessly tripping over itself into a one man pileup-nary a twitch emitting from its twisted form. One down-but the next one's already too close, I don't know if I'll have time to-



[Second Shot]
53+4Plan Bonus+10Magic Weapon/Artifact Bonus+2Shooting Trait Bonus=69%

My second shot catches one in it's throat, wholly separating it's shadow's head from it's body-and taking a large chunk of lower jaw with it. The creature stumbles, it's nervous system in shambles, similarly falling to the ground. And that's nice-but there's three more-have to move faster, then next-except I'm clicking on empty.

>>377109
Happily, I realize there aren't three left-but two, the Hummingbird already emerging from the second of his kill's skull, happily exploiting their depleted armor state That leaves just one-

That Hillevi tackles to the ground in a manner that smacks a bit too much of a cat capturing a new mouse to play with than I care for. She begins to systematically destroy each of the beast's joints, which, with nothing else trying to kill her at the moment, she pulls off rather easily.

Leaving, for the price of two bullets, four dead but largely intact, and one terminally wounded but currently living abomination. The accomplishment's value hardly crosses my mind, as I stare in fascination as the dead monster's souls explode in a gory mess of rapidly dissolving, warped soul matter the moment their physical form dies-like a spring in great tension finally released.

>>377178
I turn to Rocco, still watching the still dying conflagration's nazi cremation efforts with consternation and semi-shocked chagrin.
"My apologies for how noisy our excursion became-perhaps if we'd known what was waiting for us it could have been different... ah, it doesn't matter.
After stalling out as I tried and failed to remember some old French phrase and offering a semi-public snipe at Rocco in front of both of our underlings just because I'm an asshole, I continue.
"Now, I understand that I may have made a little problem for you, as it may be... challenging to empty the warehouse before unwanted attention shows up. If that's the case, I offer you a solution. Simply allow me to dispose of anything we can't take with us, and I swear to you on my word that I will give you 80% of anything I gain for it. Do we have a deal?"
Rocco, clearly suppressing irritation at my disguised but still rather blatant dig at our lack of intel, tersely nods.
>[Rocco]"If you can make it happen, I can live with it. We need to leave."
I nod as I dial SM, switching to Finnish as he picks up.
" Would you be interested in a similar deal to the one we made for the fallen of Stallon's tribe, for pick-up within the next few minutes? The corpses of fourteen of the Nazis' berserker super soldiers, over twenty of their more mundane charm using peers and significant amounts of ex-Nazi equipment, both magical and mundane. Would that be worth anything to you?
>[SM]"Well first I would advise you not to offer what can't be delivered-while you are not aware, there are not that many bodies left, at least insofar as the ones you referenced. Did you possibly subject them to potentially eradicating force, and then assume they still existed in a meaningful form?"
...Yyyyuuup. Okay-
>[SM]"Second, if you are where I must presume you to be-and only tell me if I am wrong-then no deal of the nature you seek can be made. A Bargain was made to stay out of one another's areas-and we cannot break it."
...SM's got a contract with the Germans Savoy brought into the city? Great, wonderful, that's just fine, peachy and dandy.

>[SM]"Now, in the hypothetical event that a Friend of the Wyld Goblins of Turkey were on the property of such a group-particularly, a property wherein a great deal of violent disagreement transpired, then I would recommend they leave rather soon-news has already spread of certain events on the outskirts of Istanbul. ...Hopefully you escape successfully."
*CLICK*

...Okay. I... can't back up the offer I brashly backed, and now need to tell this to a guy that rather clearly didn't like my snide little dig-hopefully the rest of my prior performance will see me through on this.

>>377325
...No, you know what: I'm not even going to worry about it-press forward!

With quickly whistled ditty I get all eyes on me.
"Up and looting boys and girls. We'll have incoming gawkers-in and out with whatever you can carry in three minutes!"
Before the Russians can start dashing off I add another caveat.
"And someone grab their computers, I want their records and camera footage!"
I turn to Rocko as the Russians head out, mildly frowning at Gianni's still motionless golems.
"I intend to assist as well-the more hands, the more for all of us."
>[Rocco]"I take it your offer was worthless then?"
I take the dig-there's more important things to focus on, and despite his words he, Gianni and his golems all head off, a couple dozen people rushing to grab loot and stuff it in the lone surviving truck. Before I join them I call out to Hillevi.
"Freeze the living one until it's safely transportable, then bring it and another body to the remaining truck-then help finish loading it-GO!"
As Hillevi does not run so much as swiftly alternate between ground-covering one-legged leaps as she bounds past the fastest of us with a massively heavy, armor plated corpse in her arms. As I arrive once more within the warehouse, I get lost in a blurry haze of intermingling magical item pings, trying to ferret out the more valuable supplies-even as Vlad happily shoves armfuls of Stinger missiles in the van. Before I notice it, we've managed to pack the truck as full as possible-it's rear wheels already dangerously close to popping. Camella, having finished hotwiring the Van, immediately drives off the moment Rocco jumps in the cab. A voice from behind me comments as I watch them driving away, leaving the rest of us here.
>[Gianni]"The Boss already had a talk with your girl: They're on their way to a lockup, and she'll walk away with an inventory list and a lump fee for the van and a ride to wherever she needs to go. We are all still here because you are still entitled to 'what you can carry', and I'm here to supplement our side of the take."
I finish turning around and get a good look at the man talking. He's got the slightest hint of a lisp on a startlingly deep voice that comes from a statuesque figure I'd expect more on a model than on a mafia member-and similarly delicate, entrancing facial features, almost looking a tad elfish in his almost effeminate beauty. He keeps speaking as he pushes a luscious lock of chocolate colored hair out of his emerald eyes, his Lavender suit and black shirt and tie still perfectly pristine despite all that we've done. His soul, however, tells a different tale: I see decades of memories-far more than this youthful face should have-and much of it is filled with pain, suffering, remorse-harsh trials weathered to reach the easy life he has now. Beneath the fop lies a soul of iron-I'd do well to remember it. ...Wait, I didn't see Rocco's soul, did I? How'd that happen, I wonder-
>[Gianni]"Well I do believe I explained everything hot stuff: So shall we get to it? So many packages to handle, hah-HAH!"

No matter what: Gianni's right.

It's exactly one minute later that, humminbird perched on the peak of my helmet's spike and Sake tightly coiled about its base, that I exit the dilapidated warehouse with a quartet of stinger missiles under one arm, and a small apple-crate sized container that I'm pretty sure holds defensive charms under the other as the Russians and Italians alike, all laden with their own loads, all flee around me, heading for the wall breach Hillevi made rather than the open gates.

For her part, Hillevi chose-after seeking my advice-to claim the contents of a rather large crate that was itself filled with smaller crates. She had to ice glue the smaller crates together-but, thanks to her prodigious strength, we're about to become the proud owners of two dozen M-134 Miniguns.


It's true we could have grabbed more, in all likelyhood-but the still-burning, still smoking crater is a constant reminder that response teams will be hear at any moment.

Case in point: Despite our discreetly expeditious retreat-we still end up with company within a hundred feet of getting past the compound's perimeter-alone, oppressive sense of Attention on the hill right before us-emanating from a figure partly highlighted by the moon's light.

A tall figure, Easily seven feet tall and wide enough I'm already assuming them either inhuman or severely modified is swaddled in embroidered and beaded shawls and ponchos with vaguely Tibetan stylization. His face, covered by a featureless Iron Mask with naught but glowing eyeholes, sits buried within such a heavy ruff of fur that massive or no-the man's shape reminds me of an egg. Of his soul.... I oddly feel the sensation of something bright, painfully brilliant kept under layers of sheets and wrapping-and I'm unsure if that's actually his soul, or how it feels under some sort of suppressive magic in his cloaks and ponchos. If what I feel is right though... this guy might be as strong as Hillevi.

Even as the others come to a slow at my side, all of us still fully encumbered more than a hundred feet from the man-he speaks, with a soft, sighing voice that carries far better than it should.
>[????][In Turkish]"In the name of the Holy Catholic Order and the Holy Father, a Vatican Inquisitor hereby orders you to identify yourselves, and explain your relation to what just transpired. Cooperation is encouraged: Failure to do so will lead to you being classified as Heretics by the Order, per The Argonaut Treaty."
There's no aggression in his voice-no tone of hate or bloodlust. Instead, I heard the voice of a police officer being professional-of someone enforcing the Law.












So what's my response?
Clear this and you are home free. Just ah... think carefully on how to respond.
>>
No. 377396 ID: c6ce12

A Vatican Inquisitor, well that makes things a bit tricky, but it also gives us an angle to play into. First comply with his request and state that you are Armas Laine, a sell-sword. Stating our chosen profession may actually help us out here, the Vatican has used mercenaries for ages, even as guards for the Papacy. We are here with our Ward, Hillevi Valkonen, the youngest of the esteemed family on business. Introduce Gianni as a representative of our employers and that we were here to do our work.

Explain that this was formerly the holdings of a heretic that has made pacts with demons, he has betrayed his friends and kin. He has even taken the evil of the demons into himself, their blood courses through his veins and their flesh was once his own. This man was also formerly a Royal, a prince, born of Royal Sicilian blood, someone who should be a symbol to his people, but has turned his back on them. He may know this man by the name of Galileo Savoy. We were hired and sent here to assault these holdings and excise his minions, only to find they been using this location as a place to store abominations, beasts of tortured flesh and souls whose only purpose is to destroy. They were purged and we were about to complete our assignment by capturing resources so as to deny the enemy any use of them.

This is just a vague outline of how I'd like to approach this situation, if anyone feels like adding actual dialogue or improving it that would be great.
>>
No. 377397 ID: 3947e9

He identifies as an inquisitor, not a priest. His confessions are more of the red hot irons rather then the wood booth kind with the hail maries. We really don't know what he thinks of various sides... except one, he should loathe demons.

"An enemy of mine, Gallileo Savoy of the royal blood of Sicili, has been dealing with devils. He has sold his firstborn child to a devil known as "Thirster for Envious Plots and Betrayals" in exchance for grafting unto him an arm of demonic flesh, one which I have thankfully have been able to destroy. He managed to escape me in that altrecation and has since allied with the nazies operating in this area, a nest of which we had just cleared out."
>>
No. 377434 ID: d14d3e

>A chance to sell Savoy out to the MOTHERFUCKING VATICAN

TAKE IT TAKE IT TAKE IT TAKE IT
>>
No. 377445 ID: 7c17dc

>>377434
THISTHISTHISTHISTHISTHISTHIS!
>>
No. 377482 ID: 330636

Initially, no response at all. We are not in charge here, this is a Mafia operation, and we are simply acting as their agents, the hired help. We have no authorisation to make representations on their behalf or speak for them about what named here in their name, and from what little we know, when we act on their behalf they take at least some of the credit and responsibility for our actions. For this reason, Gianni has to reply to the Inquisitor, and it would be a mistake for us to pre-empt him. As a supernaturally capable Italian Mafia lieutenant, he should know vastly more about what the Argonaut treaty is than we do, as well as the kind of things that an Inquisitor is interested in and should be told, and if there are any procedures or precedents that should be followed or cited.

Basically, shut up and keep your head down, unless Gianni invites you to answer or the Inquisitor addresses you and your team directly. If he does, then use these:
>>377396
>>377397
but don't claim they're Savoy's own holdings, just those allied with him's. Also, don't claim Savoy is a heretic, that is either a specific quasi legal status, as implied by the Inquisitor, or any Orthodox Christians amongst the Russians may qualify.
>>
No. 377488 ID: f06f78

>>377396
Upvoting, though I would be wary about saying things like heretical.
Now, if he asks us about our uniforms, try to sell your company up as one that also adds a bit of a ironic punch as an extra flavor. Something like “I am somewhat known for my more extravagant side: things like dropping an exploding (empty of victims) building on a known bomber or 'bombing' a Nazi warehouse from above aren't outside of my C.V”.

>>377482
If Gianni is trying to speak, let him. If he doesn't, SUST on not talking. Also, do NOT mention the maffia. You don't sell out who your employers were, and you don't ditch the problem on them. Likewise, you don't try and be silent when an inquisitor demands infro. Staying mute without wanting a fight is the most obtuse thing to do, I imagine.

>His soul, however, tells a different tale: I see decades of memories-far more than this youthful face should have-and much of it is filled with pain, suffering, remorse-harsh trials weathered to reach the easy life he has now. Beneath the fop lies a soul of iron-I'd do well to remember it. ...Wait, I didn't see Rocco's soul, did I? How'd that happen, I wonder-
It obviously has something to do with his Stealth bloodline, 'Forgotten Grandfather'. Either it made us not see (or not notice) his soul, or it works as a mind magic work around where information on Rocco himself is 'deleted'.
>Hadn't expected that. It's an Autumn line, and it skews perception. It's uncompounded, and is only two generations old. Thus far, there's no evidence of him using it here in Istanbul-though the file notes it is an ability notorious hard to detect, or even concretely define. All the paper notes on it's function beyond it's perceptual foundation is that it's similar to a chinese ability that's rough translation is 'Forgotten Grandfather'- a style that is not discussed in the file.
'Auntumn Bloodline' usually have something to do with 'decay', don't they? This could very well mean his stealth is based on 'decaying' people's image/memory of him. Bounce the idea around to SB and other headvoices.

Once we get back to our house, tell our men and Camella and Hillevi that we will need to check they are not affected by the gaz and so on tomorrow- we will be busy from 6am to noon, but let's have a big lunch about the mission where we will deal with those issues.

Then, go to sleep. We have to wake up early enough to not only get to Meng Yun's practice, but also maybe prepare him a brunch as thanks for the extra lesson.
>>
No. 377496 ID: d97a61
File 132570930317.jpg - (168.60KB , 470x633 , Tibetan Traveller Met 2.jpg )
377496

>>377482
Fuck if I'm talking first-I am, ultimately, the Mafia's agent right now-if Gianni wants me to do the talking fine, but otherwise-
A quick glance over my shoulder shows Gianni-and every one of the other Italian thugs with him-cross themselves over their hearts as they deferentially incline their heads at the Inquisitor-and in the process, I note something singularly odd. Each of the thugs with Gianni crosses their heart exactly the same-not nearly, but precisely identical in form.
Gianni, on seeing me looking back, on hearing no response, looks at me sharply before his features melt via minor epiphany and he offers an explanation.
>[Gianni][In Turkish]"He addressed you, and so you must respond."
From behind me-
>[Turkish Inquisitor][In Turkish]"He is right-no one else may answer for your group save you, the one I spoke to. Now: Explain."
>>377396
>>377397
>>377434
>>377445
...No matter what, I'm not passing up a chance to sell Savoy out to the Vatican. And so-
>[MM,MMMMM]
"Name's Armas Laine. Occupation: Sell-Sword. I'm here with my ward-"
At this point I gesture without looking at Hillevi's markedly distinct soul-
"Hillevi Valkonen, youngest of the clan Valkonen. With me ar-"
The layered soul before me... brightens, the layers loosening by a hair.
>[Turkish Inquisitor][In Turkish]"Why is a Valkonen your ward?"
"Because her father and eldest brother agreed to it."
The Inquisitor nods, his iron mask bobbing within the pale fur ruff that surrounds it-as limbs shift beneath his layered shawls and ponchos-and emit the sound of pen scraping on paper. Is... is he taking notes?
>[Turkish Inquisitor][In Turkish]"Understood. Continue with your explanation."
"Well, with me is a man named Gianni, a representative of my current employer."
>[Turkish Inquisitor][In Turkish]"I know Gianni Giammari. What was the nature of your job here in service to his employers?"
"An enemy of mine, a man fond of deals with Demons and betrayer to kin and comrades alike has alligned himself with those who previously controlled the building we left."
>[Turkish Inquisitor][In Turkish]"This man you name enemy: Identify him."
"Gallileo Savoy of the royal Sicilian line, a man who sold rights to his first born son in securing the deal I mentioned."
The sound of frantic scribbling continues to whisper through the layers of cloth.
>[Turkish Inquisitor][In Turkish]"If he is your enemy, why would you target his allies and not him directly?"
"Because he is a singularly hard man to force a confrontation from when he does not wish it, thanks to his Bloodline-it's based on teleportation."
The Inquisitor says nothing for a moment as he continues to write beneath his robes-and in the distance, I hear the nearing wail of a siren. The Inquisitor sighs as he shifts under his poncho collection once more, likely pocketing the notebook he'd been blindly copying notes onto.
>[Turkish Inquisitor][In Turkish]"It seems your confession must be placed on hold: I am Inquisitor Karma-seek out any Catholic church in the city and ask to speak with me and I can be reached. I require a meeting from you, Armas Laine, you, Hillevi Valkonen, and you, Gianni Giammari, within the next fortnight to conclude your confessions."
He glances at the loot we carry.
>[Inquisitor Karma][In Turkish]"Do you swear those to be spoils of combat fairly taken during your occupational duties?"
"Well since that's what they are, yes I do."
With the sirens getting louder, the man nods but once.
>[Inquisitor Karma][In Turkish]"Then you are hereby dismissed-be about your business."
With alctritous movements at breakneck speed that send his manifold shawls, capes and ponchos fluttering skyward, briefly revealing a body as densely packed with muscle as Markku Valkonen himself-Inquisitor Karma slams a fist into the ground-

And, leaving a fist-shaped crated fifteen feet across, propels himself into the sky in a prodigious leap.
>[Sake]"Is it still a leap if you... punch yourself into the air?"
I'm not sure, actually.

I turn back to Gianni to see if I didn't screw myself by pinning Savoy, but the pretty boy Italian's already back in gear, shuffling along as he hefts a trio of Walther WA2000's (unmagical) and a box of thermite grenades for materiel destruction. Shrugging, I decide to follow suit-and without any more comment about the brief and rather interesting encounter, we all shuffle off further into the woods, with Sake using the bare dregs of energy he has left to smooth away our footprints. It takes us a half hour-but we make it to an actual street without any sounds of pursuers behind us-seems we left a big enough mess whoever showed up doesn't have time to pursue. At this point, Gianni gets a call-and actually goes to the trouble of picking up.
>[Gianni Giammari][In Italian]"Hm? Oh, Boss, yes? ...Oh really? ...No, absolutely. ..Yes, I do think it's worth that. ...Ran into an Inquisitor. ...Tell you more later. Okay, bye."
Gianni hangs up as he throws a dazzlingly lazy smile my way.
>[Gianni Giammari][In Italian]"Okay-seems our mutual acquaintance, that sensual amazon you command has purchased transportation to your house for you and yours: The ride will be coming here in... well, a quarter hour, if I'm right. Feel free to hunker down."
"And what did she barter for it?"
Gianni smiles.
>[Gianni Giammari][In Italian]"The arm of a dead german monster-a right arm, to be specific. It gives me a chance to see if they're worth... well, another time. Point is, beautiful, you get to spend some more time with me-and don't have to worry about getting home with so many goodies unmolested."
One arm huh? ...And from a dead one. I... can live with that.

...Oh right: Phrase I was trying to recall was Italian, not French. ...Man, that sucks I fucked that up when I'm fluent in Italian.
>"Something to do with the nature you gained the fluency, I'd expect."

True to his word, after fifteen minutes of salciously innuendo filled banter, a flat bed truck, an eight wheeler rolls up. It's... cramped, but Hillevi, the Russians and the loot all fit in the back of the van while I get in the cab with Gianni and the driver. With a frown, I motion at GIanni's goons.
"Not bringing them along?"
>[Gianni Giammari][In Italian]"Oh, they are quite capable of making their way back on their own. Golems always are talented at getting back home. So: where to?"

I give him the address-and we're off.

With far, far less hassle than I expected, we all get back to the mansion, avoid any sort of problem with the Turkish Police, safely and discreetly unload the truck, get everyone inside-and not one bit of Attention gets directed our way. Before he leaves, I use my phone to check on my account-and see my business account just got padded.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12th, 2011
PERSONAL FUNDS: $56,088.22
BUSINESS FUNDS: ([+1,150,000-500,000{Valkonen Pay}]-[400,000/4 {minion pay including Camella's}]) $633,500.00
CASH: $1,255.75
SHADOW PATIENCE: 60%

...Yeah, that's the kind of thing I like to see: more zeroes.

Inside the house I find Camella already waiting-complete with a pile of defensive charms, mostly arrow or similar focused expendable defensive charms if I'm reading the pile right-and maybe about twenty of them total. That plus the box I carried... means I'd wager we have something around eighty assorted charms we can use for something or other-and all of them have that... that feel I'm starting to associate with expendable defensive charms. Camella also notes she had my butler store the corpse and restrain the captive-at this comment I immediately address Amen in Te Reo.
"Amen, the bodies Camella brought and turned over to you-I order you to truthfully tell me their status."
>[Amen]"My my, my-this one has placed the deceased in a static environment to prevent decay and has made no efforts to interact with it-nor is it this one's intent to do so in the future without receiving an order otherwise. The living one has been thawed, more properly chained-and is proving rebellious to this one's efforts to keep it alive. For the moment, it still lives-but this one doubts it would survive leaving the mansion. Even so, it is still quite injured-it's nature makes healing it... problematic."
I frown.
"I ordered you not to accept orders from guests without seeking my approval."
>[Amen]"This one knows of that order, and obeyed it-rather, this one simply restrained and kept alive an intruder brought onto the grounds by a guest, and enforced pre-existing rules regarding what to do with corpses brought into the house."
Hm. ...Well okay then.

In addition to the corpses and charms, Camella also has the computers from the warehouse-complete with all recording devices, so I am currently the only one to have possession of the digital evidence of my involvement with what went down. Good. The last thing she has-is two stacks of money-the larger of which she pushes at me.
>[Camella]"Money for selling Rocco et all the truck we escaped in. This part's my cut for brokering the deal-and yes, I acted under my own direction. There wasn't sufficient time to seek approval."
"Seeing as we ran into outsiders within... what, two hundred feet of exiting the warehouse grounds? I believe you."
Now. the important question: Certainly, I know there's a total of eight Stinger missiles and two dozen M-134's in our collection of loot-and for their part, I noted the Russians to heavily favor personnel sized anti-vehicle weapons and other weapons that might be able to hurt such hardened targets as the beasts we fought. So.....











What weapons did the Russians collect as our 'Carriable loot?'
>Here's how this works: there's a post in discussion. Please read it. You can bounce ideas for what they carried off me in discussion or in IRC. In general, the more modern, and the more available in europe a given piece of military hardware is, the more likely it could have been picked up. And again: 100lbs. limit for each of the eighteen Russians-of which, Iosef's already acquired a 26.6 lbs M202 FLASH, and a full four shot reload weighing 15.1 lbs, leaving him with 58.3 lbs left to carry things. In general, particularly rare or short-lived weapons, or things from limited production runs have a lowered chance of being present.
>>
No. 377505 ID: 448d82

Well Since Lev isn't really a gun or heavy weapons nut and I've not much in the way of modern weapon knowlegde, I'll say Lev just grabbed what he recognised as valuable, some mortar rounds or guns or something.

Just a note though, he would have dropped everything if he found armour or swords... :(

Other posters are free to suggest expensive stuff for Lev to grab if they wish.
>>
No. 377536 ID: 252e1b

Lyubov takes the dead nazis wallets, 10 MP7s (41 lbs), 10 Walther PPS pistols (12 lbs), 20 sets of T-7 Thermal Goggles (30 lbs), 10 sets of AN/PVS-7D night vision goggles (15 lbs).
>>
No. 377546 ID: f06f78

possibly double update if the russians choose quickly
>What weapons did the Russians collect as our 'Carriable loot?'
Igor follows Vlad around and helps him carry what he thinks is good, that guys knows his stuff. That is, unless he finds a pretty toolbox he could fall in love with as he would drop everything for that.

>His soul, however, tells a different tale: I see decades of memories-far more than this youthful face should have-and much of it is filled with pain, suffering, remorse-harsh trials weathered to reach the easy life he has now. Beneath the fop lies a soul of iron-I'd do well to remember it. ...Wait, I didn't see Rocco's soul, did I? How'd that happen, I wonder-
It obviously has something to do with his Stealth bloodline, 'Forgotten Grandfather'. Either it made us not see (or not notice) his soul, or it works as a mind magic work around where information on Rocco himself is 'deleted'.
>Hadn't expected that. It's an Autumn line, and it skews perception. It's uncompounded, and is only two generations old. Thus far, there's no evidence of him using it here in Istanbul-though the file notes it is an ability notorious hard to detect, or even concretely define. All the paper notes on it's function beyond it's perceptual foundation is that it's similar to a chinese ability that's rough translation is 'Forgotten Grandfather'- a style that is not discussed in the file.
'Auntumn Bloodline' usually have something to do with 'decay', don't they? This could very well mean his stealth is based on 'decaying' people's image/memory of him. Bounce the idea around to SB and other headvoices.

Tell our men and Camella and Hillevi that we will need to check they are not affected by the gaz and so on tomorrow- we will be busy from 6am to noon, but let's have a big lunch about the mission where we will deal with those issues. This can't be done before Dawn, unless Sake is somehow ready now for the wiggle wiggle rubdown.

Then, go to sleep. We have to wake up early enough to not only get to Meng Yun's practice, but also maybe prepare him a brunch as thanks for the extra lesson. When we meet Meng Yung, I suggest asking for him to show us a chakra alignment that doesn't pervade the flesh at the end of the meeting.
>>
No. 377553 ID: 330636

>>377505
The most expensive thing I can find for Lev to take is 7 Javelin launchers (14.1 x7 = 98.7 pounds total, according to wikipedia). They cost $125K each, so that's $825K. Please share generously...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FGM-148_Javelin

If Lev does not agree, Gloom will take the 7 launchers.
If Lev does agree, he'll take 3 Javelin missiles (26x3 =78 pounds), and an RPG-32 loaded with a 105mm thermobaric round (10kg=22 pounds on wikipedia). Total: 100 pounds.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RPG-32

That leaves 13 (or 16 if Lev didn't agree) Javelin rounds behind, it would be really good if they can all be taken.
>>
No. 377562 ID: c6ce12

In terms of practical things he could find the Matvey has had his eyes on a L129A1 Sharpshooter rifle, hopefully with all the trimmings like a folding bipod, quick-detachable soundmoderator (silencer) or a 40mm M203 underbarrel grenade launcher. If he can manage to find one he'll also load up with as many grenades as he can. (11lb + Grenades)

He would also like to grab a couple Portable Backpack-Style Jammer. There's a brand he should know of that was designed to protected against remotely controlled explosive devices, has a lightweight battery and can jam cellular, satellite, and VHF/UHF frequency bands. They weigh around 55lbs though so he's only going to be able to get one himself. (55lbs)

His last priority after that would be physical files, the boss asked for the computers and electronic files, but it never hurts to double up. Who knows what kind of files they could have kept around that they were too cautious to store electronically.

This leaves him with about 34lbs of empty space that will either be filled with a copious amount of grenades an other explosives or whatever someone else suggests he carries.
>>
No. 377564 ID: 3947e9

Boris helps by grabbing 3 more missiles. 3x 22 lbs = 78 lbs
As well as:
1x 13.89 lbs Sniper rifle, H&K MSG90-A2 http://www.heckler-koch.com/en/products/sniper-rifles/msg90-a2/msg90-a2/technical-data.html

1x 4.19 w/o magazine lbs submachine gun, H&K MP7A1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_MP7

1x 2.08 w/ magazine lbs H&K USP Elite .45 ACP http://hk-usa.com/civilian_products/usp_elite_specs.asp

1x 1.72 w/ magazine lbs H&K USP Compact Tactical .45 ACP http://www.hk-usa.com/military_products/uspct_specs.asp
>>
No. 377576 ID: 448d82

>>377553
Lev is always willing to help a brother out, Give and take is his word. He's owed at least a drink.
>>
No. 377582 ID: f6106a

Well, Dmitrii would grab a Vector SMG if he found one. Aside from that, another one of the jammers Matvey is taking. A head-to-toe ballistic shield for portable cover. and finishing up with whatever grenades he can carry.

Vector SMG: 5.6lbs
Jammer: 55lb
Ballistic Shield: 20.4lbs
Grenades
>>
No. 377592 ID: b8123b

Zhenya goes crazy and scoops up a bunch of pistols and ammunition for them. Loading them up in a few crates.

She keeps her eye out for any rare ones she can find and uses any space she has left to help the others carry stuff.
>>
No. 377601 ID: ac6c03

Ivan would look for a PSG1 A1 (about 16 lbs), and a MP7A1 (about 4 lbs)both with whatever ammunition accessories he finds available. Ivan also makes sure to grab three of the javelin missiles.
http://www.heckler-koch.com/en/products/sniper-rifles/psg1-a1/psg1-a1/technical-data.html
http://www.heckler-koch.com/en/products/submachine-guns/mp7a1/mp7a1/technical-data.html
>>
No. 377629 ID: 79ae26

Grisha, being fond of grenades, is going to be grabbing a couple arm-loads of them.
Aside from that, she should also look for an SMG or PDW, with priority on caliber and penetration, (for example, a SR2 Veresk) and a few magazines for the gun, and a modern gas mask, namely an Avon M53.
Also, she is willing to carry a couple of missiles for Gloom.
And of course any light, "magical-looking" items she finds lying around that the others haven't taken.

- SR2 Veresk (3.60lb) or other high-powered PDW.
- 3-4 Magazines for the above (2.00lb, extra weight is more of a buffer if a SR2 is not available).
- 24 Stun grenades, preferably M84s (13lb).
- 4 RKG-3 Anti-tank grenades (8lb).
- 16lb of assorted grenades, prioritising on makes she isn't able to identify immediately, sorting will be done back at the mansion.
- 2 Javelin missiles (52lb).
- 1 Avon M53 gas mask (9 oz.)
- 5lb (+ leftover "buffer" weight) of any "magic" items she finds lying around.
>>
No. 377630 ID: 3fd4fb

>Carriable loot
Satai grabbed:
-A box of fifty sets of military-grade communicators, including Invisio M3 earpieces (5 grams each) and M30 push-to-talk fingerpieces (6 grams each), total 1.21 pounds.
-A Serbu Super-Shorty shotgun, 4 pounds.
-10 claymore mines, 3.5 pounds each for a total of 35 pounds.
-Twelve C4 block charges, 1.25 pounds each for a total of 15 pounds.
-Box of 30 V40 mini-grenades, 9 pounds total.
-A Barrett M107A1, 27.4 pounds.

When there's a spare moment, Satai will get together with Andrei and together they'll approach Armas and ask about having some company funds assigned to the purchase of electronic equipment and computer systems, which they'll manage if he doesn't want to. Give them say ten thousand dollars and a few days and they should be able to get a secure net connection running and rig some company computers to only work for our people and fry themselves if someone else tries to get the information on them; Andrei will provide technical details if necessary.

Give them more money and time and they'll be able to churn out even more useful things- networks of security cameras watching the area around the mansion to try and pick up on anyone watching us, impromptu scout drones, ad hoc easy-to-deploy sensors for use in the field, properly secure and encrypted communicators using the equipment Satai just got. But they need budgets and permission for it.

And when Armas is definitely not around because he could not possibly contribute anything constructive to this, Satai will ask Camella to provide him (and/or anyone else in the company who needs gun practice) with some instruction when she has some time. He has some very nice new guns and is only an average shot with them, but she was no doubt mindblowingly impressive in the most recent operation. Satai's not much for sparring in the dojo when he could practice shooting things instead.


>things Armas should do
-Go over recovered loot.
-If Gianni hasn't departed yet, thank him for lending his golems' assistance in the battle; their fire support was invaluable in those moments after the nazinauts first broke loose and probably saved our troops from getting shredded. Inquire delicately into how they work and mention that we have some very basic abilities with flesh manipulation, though ours is internal rather than external, and are slowly picking up what we can from where we can.
-Get after-action reports and commentary from at least Hillevi, Camella, and Matvey; Armas' perspective wasn't necessarily comprehensive during combat. Talk about our enemies and their capabilities, concerns, any significant mistakes anyone noticed or ways to improve, surprises, and their impressions of our employers and their capabilities. See if we can get someone (like Camella) to comment on our ka-blammo trick during this- while its nature should be concealed from most people, our officers need to know that it was Sake's skill and clever deception on our part, and Hillevi needs to appreciate the destructive power of nonmagical explosives if she doesn't already.
-Discuss plans for the immediate future with the same group. Our loot will need to be rapidly sorted into "keep" and "sell", and perhaps adjustments will need to be made to tactics and pricing with our employers to reflect our greater capabilities with this boost; off the cuff I'd recommend immediately analyzing those disposable defensive charms to see what they protect against and giving everyone in the company at least one, preferably two, so that they all have uniform protection.
-Distribute bonuses from the company account. Give the line Russians a $3k bonus from the company funds for being awesome, Camella a $15k bonus, Matvey a $10k bonus, and Armas himself a $50k bonus because it's good to be in charge and he deserves to draw actual pay. Feed the hummingbird extra energy drinks- in fact, order some obscenely strong energy drinks online just for him. Ask Sake what he wants to be paid in, if anything.
-Ask Hillevi if she knows anything about Inquisitors. If she doesn't, have Amen summarize what he knows of their organization and abilities, particularly within Turkey. Or Einrik, if he's around here somewhere.
-See if we can pick up a beard growth potion (with no side effects, naturally) from Sometimes Merchant; Meng Yun was obviously trying to grow something impressive last we saw him so it should make him very pleased with us- and I doubt a magical item that minor will be too costly- we can pay for it easily out of some of our new lucre, or a few details about what was in the warehouse that we weren't able to take with us or the information that an Inquisitor showed up and we told him that we were killing allies of Savoy. While we're there, mention to Sometimes Merchant that we're surprised his Bargain to "stay out of one another's areas" would apply to an area where all the defending forces had been eliminated; wouldn't such a place be considered to no longer be the area of its original owners, their having lost rights to it by clear inability to back their claim?
-Get some sleep.
-Eat delicious magical breakfast before departing to meet Meng Yun.
>>
No. 377632 ID: b83c65

Four Micro-Uzis, plus 100 round drums for each: 23.6369 pounds

Two Glock 18s, plus 100 round drums for both: 5.75577 pounds

Twitch gaming in real life? Priceless.

There are somethings Andrei can't loot from a Nazi supply base. For everything else there's Oyak Securities.

(Total weight: 28.0147891 pounds. This is assuming extra drums should be easy enough to locate afterward, if needs be. This leaves about 71.9852109 pounds to carry anything Vlad needs, and then Igor and Satai if they need help)

And when Andrei sees the computer parts he will say this:
I can look after that, but we need a secure computer system for storing our stuff, and (perhaps separately) secure internet access that we don't have to worry about that sort of thing. Security is heavily dependent on software, and not so much on hardware. The one key part a secure computer might need is an SSD, due to flash memory being not as easily read when wiped. With a standard spindle drive it is possible to recover information even after all data has been 'permanently' wiped. One can buy a USB dongle that is able to generate a PGP key, which is essentially a hash that only one device in the entire world can generate. Used in consort with an encrypted EXT4 linux partition one can have it setup so that if the computer is turned on without the USB connected PGP card connected all data will be instantly and irrevocably destroyed. I will need about five thousand dollars to set up a proper computer to do this, a system that supports two concurrent i7 sandy bridge CPUs with hyperthreading enabled, 16GB DDR3 RAM all overclocked to 4+ Ghz with liquid cooling and a Tesla computational video card. On the networking side of things, it is always a good idea to tunnel your traffic through a VPN so that no prying eyes can discern what you do when on the computer, and set yourself up with an explicitly exceptions only firewall so that no outside access is possible.

Thanks to Irony and Captain Lightning for the Computer Stuff
>>
No. 377644 ID: a7b5b4

Vlad and Igor grab a huge crate and load it with an obscene amount of explosive ammunition, along with a couple weapons that they happen to snag along the way.


Kushnapup (bullpup Saiga-12 conversion) - 8 lb
- 20-round drum magazines (4) - 8 lb

XM25 - 14 lb
XM25 25mm grenade rounds (0.5 lb/round)
- Thermobaric (60) - 30 lb
- Flechette (60) - 30 lb
- HE airburst (60) - 30 lb
- HEAP (60) - 30 lb

Frag-12 shotgun rounds (0.09375 lb/round)
- HE (400) - 37.5 lb
- HE-FRAG (400) - 37.5 lb
- HEAP (400) - 37.5 lb

RGN offensive grenade (0.639341 lb/each) (50) - 31.96705 lb

C-4 bricks (1.25lb/brick) (44) - 55 lb

Total weight: 349.46705 lb

The last half-pound or so can go toward Vlad finding a small box filled with monocles on the way out. Or something. Whatever.

For the record, Kushnapup and drums are Vlad's, XM25 is Igor's.

- EDIT -

Since I missed the extra weight allowance donated as per >>377632 I'm distributing that equally into more XM25 ammunition. So, besides the quantity already stated, the combined remaining weight allowance goes to...

XM25 25mm grenade rounds (0.5 lb/round)
- Thermobaric (36) - 18 lb
- Flechette (36) - 18 lb
- HE airburst (36) - 18 lb
- HEAP (36) - 18 lb

For a new total weight of 421.46705 lb out of a maxmimum capacity of 421.9852109 lb.

...And it seems the earlier part about the box of monocles still stands.
>>
No. 377652 ID: b8123b

Zhenya picked up and chucked in a crate
1 x Heckler and Koch USP 9mm (left) = 1.70lb
2 x Heckler and Koch USP 9mm (right handed) = 1.70 x 2 = 3.40lb
2 x Heckler and Koch USP Tactical 9mm = 1.6 x 2 = 3.2 lb
1 x Heckler and Koch USP Tactical .45 ACP = 2.05lb
4 x Heckler and Koch P2000 SK 9mm = 1.62 x 4 = 6.48lb
2 x Heckler and Koch P30L 9mm = 1.63 x 2 = 3.26lb
2 x Hecker and Koch 45 .45ACP = 1.94 x 2 = 3.88lb
1217 9mm rounds = 20lb approx
756 .45 acp rounds = 20lb approx
30 green laster sights approx 2lb

Total = 66lb approx

Rest goes to helping people
>>
No. 377657 ID: 46c430
File 132574666071.jpg - (164.96KB , 998x1236 , Arma_pesada_de_un_infante_de_marina_boliviano.jpg )
377657

If I might suggest something to try grabbing: The Type 87 grenade launcher. From wikipedia, this "35 mm automatic grenade launcher (AGL) is an air-cooled, blowback operated, fully automatic weapon and is crew transportable (12~20 kg) with limited amounts of ammunition. It can fire a variety of 35 mm grenades stored in the 6-, 9-, or 12-round cartridge drum."

While it is indeed a chinese weapon, it still sounds to me like something tailor made for taking on supernatural foes, so the nazis might have had some in stock. They are, unfortunately, rather heavy, however.
>>
No. 377704 ID: 81f32a

>"I expect you to be wearing one of the clothing options you were allowed to wear by the master immediately before me."
What, why? I don't see any reason to do this.

>Distribute bonuses from the company account. Give the line Russians a $3k bonus from the company funds for being awesome, Matvey a $10k bonus.

I think we should give everyone 5k bonus since we didn't give any the previous mission.

>>377537
May I direct your attention to this?:>>376358

>I had Amen whip up some matching uniforms for all of us. Specifically-Nazi heer uniforms, differing only in that everyone's helmet sports an almost comical metal spike. Given Amen made the uniforms by deconstructing the Russian's body armor and my flak armor and supplementing them with things I probably shouldn't ask about made us all kevlar uniforms with a surprising amount of pliability. I have one last moment of doubt as I re-double-check: Yes, I made sure to order him to tell the truth, and had him confirm the attire would work like full body small arms and limited longarms ablating armor.
>had him confirm the attire would work like full body small arms and limited longarms ablating armor.

I am not sure why you would bother hauling personal armor when everyone here has good, full-body armor already. In fact, I suspect that if we supply Amen with appropriate raw materials, he will be able to craft full-body armor like our Dragonskin or even better.
You could use your allocated carry-space just grabbing the most expensive shit like javelin missile for example, which cost more than 80k$ (that's 3000$ per lb). The Dragonskin armor we bought back then cost us 5k$, I am sure we can order more if we want though I think we would be better off by asking Amen to make the best possible mundane full head to toe protective gear (which is also light).
Anyway, the choice is yours, I just wanted to point this out.


---
This is what Iosef will be taking:
3x XM-25. (3x 14 pounds = 42)
H&K MP7A1 (4.19 pounds) [or any other submachine gun]
H&K 45 .45ACP (1.94 pounds) [or any other handgun, emphasis on overwhelming power per shot]
20 XM25 25mm HE grenade rounds.

If there are no XM25 left, then Iosef will help carry stuff for other members. If nothing is left to carry then he should just take a Javelin Launcher or a missile and fill the rest of free space with grenade rounds.
>>
No. 377773 ID: 252e1b

Time to ask Amen some questions!

"Amen if the information you provide to answer the next five questions is truthful and complete you may consider the order to be wearing the orange suit the next time I see you to be amended to be "I expect you to be wearing one of the clothing options you were allowed to wear by the master immediately before me." That said, would it be cheaper energy-wise to put the captured Nazi construct into stasis storage like the dead one? And would doing so alter it significantly over the course of several real-time days? Can you identify the corrosive liquid the nazi constructs were using? Is it poisonous beyond its corrosive properties? Are any of my employees, myself, or Hillevi contaminated with any sort of poison? If anyone is contaminated with dangerous poison, explain the issue to him or her and the steps that will be taken to rectify it, confirm that he or she understands, direct him or her to the shower, take and decontaminate his or her clothing, and clean up any dangerous contamination tracked into the mansion without causing harm to anyone present."

The advantage of this approach instead of ordering him to not lie is twofold. First, it establishes a rewards system for doing what we want, and secondly, since it doesn't involve an order to not lie, we're not binding him even tighter than we need to. The idea is to use little rewards and orders that can be confirmed by using absolutes (like: "If anyone is contaminated with dangerous poison") to keep the "cost" of further binding him with orders down. Eventually he'll be wound up too tight to use safely, and we've already taken a big chunk out of his safe operating capacity with the order to not make any deals without confirming with Armas.

If anyone is discovered to be poisoned, schedule a weasel-consultation as soon as Sake is recharged!

Armas will also have to arrange to rub Hillevi down with Sake while Camella watches and sputters indignantly. Because it'll be hella funny and practical (Hillevi was exposed to the Reaper's poison last week).

>>377704
>What, why? I don't see any reason to do this.

Even if it doesn't work out, we'll learn something about how Amen ticks. There's a layer of redundancy in making the important order an absolute not based on him telling the truth.
>>
No. 377777 ID: f354ab

Not sure if the warehouse had Quad Eyes, but if so, Titus grabs 20 (each is 13 ounces, under a pound). Also, gas masks. If I'm going to be an Elite Mook, when by god, I'm going to do it right. M-53 would be my preferred one (1.6 pounds a piece, protects against gas attacks like Sarin, nerve agents, blood agents, you name it. Also breathes underwater, you can drink without ever taking the mask off, and a radio port for Satai's headsets), but the M-50 or the Korean K1 would be fine. Whatever's left... maybe Caballero's Demined modular gear? Leg, arm and overboot armor that can withstand frag grenades and mines.

I'd like to throw a 'We survived the Nazi zompocalypse' party. Order out; Carpe Diem if we feel like Italian in honor of the job, or Albura Kathisma if Turkish cuisine is the order of the day. Make sure there's plenty of top-shelf alcohol. Introduce a new pastime; cards with a twist. Armas was in the service for, what, nearly a decade? He must know ways to cheat at cards by now. That's the game; everyone does their best to cheat without getting caught. The catcher gets the cheater's pot for the hand; if they think he's cheating, say so, but can't prove it, their pot goes to the accused. SB is an unfair advantage, so we'll start off without him. Eventually, add him in - don't have him cheat for ourselves, though, just make him a wild card. Switch cards between russians, or whatever else he feels like doing.

Also, so Camella won't have to kick our ass into gear, suggest the Ito student teaching thing to anyone that's interested. Mention offhand that Ito is a master of reinforcement chakra; a sort of magic that anyone can use that can make a person stronger, more durable, greater stamina... and he just might be convinced to teach a thing or two to people who impress him. Obviously we also know it, but we are a shitty, shitty teacher.

While we're in Nazigear, make sure to take pictures of the team. For one, so we can email the kids (remember when we were planning to do that, got the Riihvuoris an internet connection and all?); "First we dressed up as Nazis, then we beat up some Nazis. Lots of fun, Love Armas" - I wonder if they'd let Markku read over their shoulder? Also, I want to have any russian that knows html design a website; kick 3k their way for fees, which is about right for a professional job.

Armas's House of Hilarious Murder: You Pick It, We Stick It Or Trick It! Details to follow.
>>
No. 377778 ID: f06f78

>For the moment, it still lives-but this one doubts it would survive leaving the mansion. Even so, it is still quite injured-it's nature makes healing it... problematic."
Huh, we must ask SB when he thinks he will be ready to take that one's supernazi shadow via a little sahdowpinning help, as this looks like he won't survive long. Off course, SB really should have complete control over the previous one first, as being hasty could have... repercussions. He of course knows better, but this is concerning. Also, “it's nature” is intriguing. If we are right and this is Brandt v2, it must have a lot of high-tech modifications. OTOH, we also have them grabbing their own shadows, and I doubt this is possible via only tech. SB and Sake and IT should feel free to correct Armas, here. Given the supernazis also lack ears and eyes, odds are they also have modification for sensing- whether it is supernatural or high-tech. Their “soul resistance” also speaks of a supernatural factor, as was SB's reaction upon taking the discast shadow. Armas must think about this, and “test” the corpses as well as the alive one to check what part is supernatural and what part is high-tech. This should be especially relevant for SB, as learning more about it could help him master the shadow more easily.

>Dunter Footwork
>"Enough it might be of import, insofar as learning what a human can of your footwork?"
>[Ricky]"Quite set on getting more lively feet, eh? ....Tell you what, you provide the beast's blood, and, say, one thousand barrels of blood-which can be as low grade of blood as you want-I could promise you a perfect environment to learn what you want, and the time you need to learn it. How does that strike you?"
We must check out with Amen if we truly have one thousand barrels of low-grade blood-with those barrels being defined as the type the Red Caps were talking about- that we could serve them. Those mustn't contain anything Taboo, abominable or which could alienate or injure those redcaps, nor could they contain Armas' or our allies' own blood. He must answer that question truthfully, of course.. Likewise, we must ask him to tell us, truthfully, if he or Armas can contact the Red Caps without alienating allies or doing anything Taboo or abominable, and, if so, to tell us how. No matter his answer, Armas must ask Boris to order cow blood in bulk- it can always be useful, after all, and it's a perfectly normal and legal thing to do.

>Chakra lessons
Armas must convince himself that learning chakra is something fun. For that, he must look into getting some kind of compendium of weird or non-practical chakra alignement, either for trolling purposes or hobby thing. Ask Men Yung about a compendium on 'more varied and potentially noncombat alignments', stressing that the practicality is secondary to simply broadening our knoweldge, whether he knows how to find one, or knows someone who would know. OTOH, Armas must also be aware that knowing as much as possible about chakra is a good way for him to protect what's his- whether it is his growing eccentric reputation, or simply his PMC and Bloodline. In fact, learning 'precision' is actually quite important when it comes to protecting. After all, Armas... would do almost everything not to 'friendly fire' his men when he is using one of his big attacks.
>>
No. 377853 ID: a90bfc

>>377777
SUST having a party. We've got to show up at the Triads for our chakra lesson rested and alert, not tired and hungover.

We should wake up a little early and prepare some food from the recipe book as a gift for our teacher, in partial thanks for the additional lesson.

For our chakra lesson, as this is an extra, don't try to determine what you will learn, whatever your teacher chooses to show you is fine.
>>
No. 377860 ID: b7b1fd

>>377632
Andrei should perhaps consider stepping back from the flashy overclocked components and using some of that budget for a dedicated UPS and some well-shielded equipment to defend against whatever side-channel attacks might be thrown at it. Also, thermite is much faster at erasing data than either HDs or SSDs. Can't contribute at all to the weaponry discussion, so this is just my 0.64 rubles.
>>
No. 377911 ID: 085772

Alright, with Shot's permission to use Rotislav here: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/347115+50.html#357830 and Zhenya's help >>377652 (34 lbs left), Nikifor carried:

3x MSG90-A2 w/ 6 mags (44.16 lbs)
3x Ruger SR1911 w/ 6 mags (8.4 lbs)
3x Vector SMGs w/ 9 30-round mags(20 lbs)
3x Micro Tavors w/ 9 mags (22 lbs)
20x Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knives (for Rotislav and Lev) (28 lbs)
4x Javelin Missiles (104 lbs)
3x M-53 Gas masks (For all 3 of us)(4.8 lbs)

Seeing as some of the Russians are picking up headsets, laser pointers, gas masks, he makes a mental note of asking them for a few pieces later on. Nikifor also wants a XM25 and is willing to trade Iosef a weapon of the same value for it. He figures ammo would be cheap, and we've got plenty, so he avoids picking any of that up.
>>
No. 377935 ID: 9a0455

My knowledge of guns and military equipement is shit, so for now Feodor will just help the others out and carry stuff that is deadly, useful or magical and boxes of ammo too.

On the note of magic, I think that its obivious that Feodor is extremely interested in healing magic. So on that note, I'd like him to start looking for ways of learning it, by asking Hillevi and after she tells him that he can't learn her style, ask Armas is he knows someone that can teach him.
>>
No. 377991 ID: d97a61
 

>>377505
>>377576
>Lev / Insufferable Mystic
Lev, confessing to originally having his eye on a trio of Hirtenberger mortars and plenty of ammunition for them, ended up helping Gloom in bringing back as much of a specific weapon system as possible. Specifically: We got lucky, and ended up with not one, but two prodigious crates packed with Javelin launchers and missiles. For his part, Lev brought 7 Javelin Launchers (98.7lbs). While some would question the practical use of such things-others would lust over the high production values and wonder just how much they could sell such weapons off for.
>>377536
>Lyubov / BUTTZ
>(Lyubov acquires $4,980 from wallets)
Lyubov offers up some finds from perusing the german's wallets where possible: A total of four debit cards, and two credit cards-seems most of them actually did think to leave identifying material at home when they went to their last day of work. In addition to the covert gain, Lyubov was able to stuff a more or less inttact crate to the brim with 10 MP7s (41lbs), 10 Walther PPS pistols (12lbs), 20 sets of T-7 Thermal Goggles (30lbs) and 10 sets of AN/PVS-7D night vision goggles (15 lbs). Just due to the sheer... variety of her haul, I really have to admire what she found-all of it practically useful to our burgeoning company-is enough I don't ask about the petty cash from the wallets-if she wants it, it's hers.
>>377553
>Gloom / Alratan
The bald-faced man himself brought a trio of Javelin Missiles (78lbs) and an RPG-32 complete with a loaded 105mm thermobaric round (22lbs), clearly confident we can find a buyer we like for the Javelin weapons.
>>377562
>Matvey / Grail
Matvey himself, however, clearly had one thing on his mind looting. Yes, he did procure a L129A1 Sharpshooter (11lbs) sans bipod, GL and soundmoderator-but more than half of his crate's filled not with the jutting rifle, but with a VIP-600 Backpack Jammer (55lbs), and unsurprisingly mentions Blackbeard when I ask why he picked such an item. The last thin in his crate, beneath backpack and rifle-is a single Hirtenberger M6C-210 60mm mortar (11lbs) and eleven HE mortar rounds (22lbs), clearly picking up what Lev was forced to abandon. He comments he could not find any physical files in the warehouse-an article I also looked for, not that he saw me do it.
>>377564
>Boris / MrTT
Boris, the man who's been increasingly in the kitchen happily using the rather expensive implements available within since joining, devoted most of his effort to assisting Gloom, carrying three Javelin Missiles (78lbs), but also managing to snag several H&K weapons, specifically an MSG90-A2 (13.89lbs), an MP7A1 sans magazine (4.19lbs), a USP Elite in .45 ACP and a USP Compact Tactical in the same. Without exception, every single one of the other Russians mercilessly gives him shit for dropping empty magazines to make the load lighter.
>>377582
>Dmitri / TMIoverload
Dmitri seems to have kept his eye on Matvey-and likewise grabbed another VIP-600 Backpack Jammer (55lbs), as well as LvIIIa Bellfire Ballistic Shield (20lbs), a Vector SMG (6lbs) and 56 M84 Stun Grenades. No one knocks his acquisition of a healthy supply of flashbangs, nor the sensibility of snagging an extra jammer-though the fact he had to dissasemble two seperate SMG's that were each somewhat damaged to even salvage on working one did earn him some companionable mocking.
>>377592
>>377562
>Zhenya / Falcon
Zhnya, interestingly enough, is positively dejected: She'd gone into the warehouse with starry-eyed hopes it'd be like a book store with one of everything, and still mopes about not finding a left handed USP. On the plus side, she DID acquire 2 USP 9mm (3.4lbs), 2 USP Tactical .45 ACP (4.1lbs), 4 P2000 SK 9mm (6.5lbs), 2 P30L 9mm (3.3lbs), 2 H&K 45's in, predictably, .45ACP (3.9lbs), 30 green laser sights (2lbs), 1400 rounds of 9mm (22.8lbs), 760 rounds of .45 ACP (20lbs), 1 Hirtenberger M6C-210 (11lbs) and eleven 60mm mortar rounds (22lbs). Originally, Vlad in particular looked ready to laugh at her choice to collect such 'puny' weapons-but he keeps his mouth shut when he sees the mortar buried beneath the cartons of ammunition.
>>377601
>Ivan / Samar
Ivan also assisted Gloom, carrying 3 Javelin Missiles (78lbs), but he also bought himself a still-boxed PSG1 A1 (16lbs) and an MP7 A1 (4lbs), along with a pair of extra magazines for the PSG1A1. Perhaps it's his dour, quiet nature-perhaps it's because he offloaded his haul while Boris was still being mocked-but no one seems to comment on his collection.
>>377629
>Grisha / Shifter55
Grisha occupied herself, as expected, largely with grenades. What makes things interesting, however, is that while helping to carry even more of the Javelin missiles, she procured a tidy equipment upgrade for herself-and I wonder if I should just let her keep it. She brought back 2 Javelin Missiles (52lbs), 1 SR2 Veresk (3.6lbs), 24 M84 stun grenades (13lbs), 4 RKG-3 Anti-tank grenades (8lbs), 15 unidentified grenades merely marked with a skull on a swastika (16lbs), 4 spare magazines for the Veresk (4lbs).. While others may have gathered more approval, none can claim more interest as the group all curiously inspects the harvested grenades, looking more or less like tall beer cans topped with a red button within a locked transparent cover. Truly, a curiosity I don't think any will miss seeing tested, when it comes to it.
>>377630
>Satai / Ironybot
The ever humble, every discreet Satai, however, is the real show-stopper. Not for his 1 Serbu Super-Shorty (4lbs) or his Barret M107A1 (27.4lbs)-no, he's managed to wow his peers with 50 military-grade communicators with Invisio M3 earpieces and M30 push-to-talk fingerpieces (1.2lbs), 1.25lbs blocks of C4 charges (16lbs), 30 V40 mini-grenades (9lbs) and 10 Claymore mines (35lbs). While yes, the charges, the mines and the grenades nicely round out our haul so far, it is the communicators that everyone adores-and I have to admit, I'm impressed he had the foresight to ferret out such gear from the warehouse.
>>377632
>Andrei / ManofTroy
Andrei, for his part, seems to have had gaming on the mind after helping grab the computers from the germans, and snagged 4 Micro-Uzis with a 100 round drum for each (23.6lbs), 2 Glock 18s with 100 round drums (5.8lbs) It's not much-but that, strictly speaking is his haul-the rest of it being in the singularly massive crate Vlad and Igor carried with Andrei's help.
>>377546
>>377644
>Igor and Vlad / Arkeus and Gunpowder_Symphony
Which leads me to the haul Vlad is preening over while Igor absentmindedly flexes his hands. In that massive crate, he stuffed 1 Saiga-12 conversion, a Kushnapup complete with a 20-round drum (16lbs), 1 XM25 sans manual (14lbs), and 96 rounds each of 25mm Thermobaric, Flechette, HE airburst and HEAP (192lbs). Alongside the shotgun and modern grenade launcher, I see towering boxes of Frag-12, 400 rounds each of HE, HE-FRAG and HEAP (112.5lbs), 50 RGN offensive grenades (32lbs), 44 C-4 bricks (55lbs). As Vlad happily touts, 'It's a big enough pile of boom I almost feel it adequate!', a comment well-recieved by his peers.
>>377704
>Iosef / Dkay
Adjusted as Iosef is already carrying 41.7lbs of equipment
Iosef, already having unloaded 1 M202 FLASH launcher and eight loads (41.7lbs), also unloads 2 XM-25s (28lbs) and 60 rounds of 25mm HE (30lbs). I have to admit, as I look through all the gear people grabbed-I'm liking the repetition.
>>377777 Five of a kind / luck number seven Bonus
>Titus / Guile
[Requested armor not present, substituting]
Titus seems to have joined Satai in seeking out less damaging, more utility-oriented hardware. To wit, Titus snagged 20 Quadeye helmets (16.3lbs), 20 M-53 gas masks (32lbs), and, apparantly also being a fan of the mortars I saw so often in Afghanistan, snagged 1 Hirtenberger M6C-210 (11lbs) and 20 60mm mortar rounds (40lbs). While I have eyes only for the mortar, the Russians hem and haw over the new headwear, already working to embed Satai's communicators in the slot on the M-53 masks and making sure the Quadeye helmets fit over everything.
>>377911
>Rostislav and Nikifor / Shot and DoubleU
Two of the quieter, less assertively oriented Russians are the second to last to unpack their own prizes. Rostislav is more than happy with the 3 MSG90-A2s with 6 magazines (44.2lbs) and 3 Vector SMGs with 9 30 round magazines (20lbs), Nikifor was a bit more ambitious with their shared haul, adding in 3 Ruger SR1911 with 6 magazines (8.4lbs), 3 Micro Tavors with 9 magazines (22lbs) and 4 Javelin Missiles. All said and done, quite a haul-but Nikifor still complains that Zhenya wouldn't help him carry some Fairbarn-Sykers Fighting Knives they found, while Zhenya readily defends her choice.
>Triad / Feodor
>NO EQUIPMENT REQUEST, DM CHOICE
Lastly, there is Feodor, who decided to not try and match some of the others who mix-and-matched their way into impressively expansive hauls-and stuck solely with mortars. From Feodor, we get 2 more Hirtenberger M6C-210s (22LBS) and 44 more 60mm mortar rounds (88lbs). The extra mortar ammunition in particular is much needed, given how many of our heavier weapons ended up light on the ammunition side of things.

All said and done, we gathered up:

7 Javelin Launchers
15 Javelin Missiles
10 MP7s
10 Walther PPS pistols
20 sets of T-7 Thermal Goggles
10 sets of AN/PVS-7D night vision goggles
1 RPG-32
1 105mm thermobaric round (Loaded in RPG-32)
1 L129A1 Sharpshooter (sans bipod, GL and soundmoderator)
2 VIP-600 Backpack Jammers
5 Hirtenberger M6C-210 60mm mortar
86 HE mortar rounds
4 MSG90-A2
6 MSG90-A2 magazines
1 MP7 A1 (sans magazine)
1 MP7 A1
1 USP Elite .45 ACP
1 USP Compact Tactical .45 ACP
1 Level IIIA Bellfire Ballistic Shield
4 Vector SMG
9 30 round Vector SMG magazines
80 M84 Stun Grenades
2 USP 9mm
2 2 USP Tactical .45 ACP
4 P2000 SK 9mm
2 P30L 9mm
2 H&K 45 .45 ACP
30 Green laser sights
1400 9mm rounds
760 .45 ACP rounds
1 PSG1 A1[boxed]
2 PSG1 A1 mags
1 SR2 Veresk
4 SR2 Veresk mags
4 RKG-3 Anti-tank grenades
15 unidentified grenades merely marked with a skull on a swastika
1 Serbu Super-Shorty Shotgun
1 Barret M107A1
50 military-grade communicators with Invisio M3 earpieces and M30 push-to-talk
fingerpieces
12 1.25lbs blocks of C4 charges
30 V40 mini-grenades
10 Claymore mines
4 Micro-Uzis
4 100 round drums for micro Uzi
2 Glock 18s
2 100 round drums for Glock 18s
1 Saiga-12 conversion
1 Kushnapup with 20 round drum
3 XM25 (sans manual)
96 25mm Thermobaric, Flechette, HE airburst and HEAP rounds (each)
400 Frag-12 HE, HE-FRAG and HEAP round (each)
50 RGN offensive grenades
44 C-4 bricks
1 M202 FLASH launcher
8 M202 FLASH loads
60 25mm HE rounds
20 Quadeye helmets
20 M-53 gas masks
3 Ruger SR1911s
6 Ruger SR1911 magazines
3 Micro Tavors
9 Micro Tavor magazines

Misc:
4 Debit Cards
2 Credit Cards
4 HP FM059UA Convertible Mini-tower Workstations (Computers grabbed from warehouse)
1 Laserdisc not even joking, I rolled for surveillance recording medium, and got the one option out of one hundred for Laserdisc. recording of the warehouse surveillance that includes our attack.
140 Assorted Expendable Defensive charms, largely evenly split between Arrow and Sword format (ranged and melee, respectively)

...WHEW, that is a pile of shit and a half.


>>377546
While I'm admittedly rather proudly reviewing our rather prodigious acquisitions, my brain finally has time to get in gear-and start puzzling about things that didn't quite add up. Case in point: Rocco. There's no reason I shouldn't have been able to sense his soul-similarly, I looked at him enough there's no reason I should have... missed his soul. Yet here I am, completely unaware what his spirit's substance looks like. How'd that happen? First guess leads me to chalk it up to his as of yet only somewhat-known bloodline, that 'Forgotten Grandfather'-like thing. Maybe that made us not see him? Or it decayed our memories of him? That would seem in line with the bloodline it came from.... well, it's something to consider, as it could well mean his bloodline is Autumn, just like that which it's based on. I'll have to see if being aware of this might make it easier to circumvent his odd nondetectability.

>>377773 PALENDROMIC BONUS
While the Camella, Hillevi and the Russians are completely occupied going over our mundane loot and getting it in order, I decide to direct some questions Amen's way-again, choosing to speak in Te Reo.
" Amen if the information you provide to answer the next five questions is truthful and complete you may consider the order to be wearing the orange suit the next time I see you to be amended to be 'I expect you to be wearing one of the clothing options you were allowed to wear by the master immediately before me.'
>[Amen]"This one understands"
"That said, would it be cheaper energy-wise to put the captured Nazi construct into stasis storage like the dead one?"
>[Amen]"No. Life and souls alike do not mesh well with the form of stasis this one is most familiar with."
"And would doing so alter it significantly over the course of several real-time days?"
>[Amen]"No, it would not."
"Can you identify the corrosive liquid the nazi constructs were using?"
>[Amen]"This one cannot identify the material-and so this one can indirectly identify it as being Elder-derived. Beyond that, this one cannot say."
"Is it poisonous beyond its corrosive properties?"
>[Amen]"Unknown, but considered probable."
"Are any of my employees, myself, or Hillevi contaminated with any sort of poison?"
>[Amen]"No one is contaminated."
With the asking and answering of the final question, Amen's ever-present pinstriped orange zuit suit... shifts. Casmir and fur replace silk, as zuit suit becomes a butler-themed, Casmir leisure suit complete with bone white fur ruffs at neck and wrists. It bestows a vulturian air to the monster that serves me-and acts as proof his words were honest. Excellent.

"Ah-one more question for now: Do we currently possess more than one thousand barrels of low-grade blood, of a format to meet the Red Cap's request that will not negatively impact me and mine?"
>[Amen]"This house should stay quite well stocked on sanguine fluids through some few more excessive events, yes."

>>377777 Five of a kind / luck number seven Bonus
That done, I bring up the issue of working for Ito with the Russians, as a cover job, a place for Camella to train them, and a place to scope out prospective new hires. Camella looks... confused, to see me addressing this with my own initiative, and looks uncertain how to even respond to it. For their part, only Andrei, Boris and Satai are not immediately on board-and even they said they'd at least try it. I'll go ahead and chalk that up as 'done and done'. Even better-while I'm talking with them, I script up an email to the Riihivuori kids the Valkonens are taking care of, doing my best to make a nonchalant, nigh-Seussian account of what in truth was a rather brutally violent raid on a rival criminal group. I tell them that for now I don't have pictures to offer, but that if they want I could make little slide shows of my antics if they want. Hopefully I read the kids right and a tongue in cheek, almost cartoonish outlook on the downright depressing amounts of violence in my life should paint it properly for the kids to enjoy it.

>>377630
>>377632
I look up from my laptop-to see Satai and Andrei both standing before me. Turns out they're interested in getting our outfit properly set up on the computing end of things. Since I'm currently using the one and only computer in the entire house... yeah, I can't object to their request. So it is that I give them the go-ahead on their project, and give them $10k to start working with-they tell me they should have something put together by Sunday, short of magical peculiarities to the house that they are unaware of. Andrei, for his part, already had a rough outline of what he's looking to set up-I see flash memories' difficulty being read post-wiping highlighted as a security feature... ulimately, I see a whole mess of stuff about computers that I don't understand-but that's the great thing about having employees: I don't HAVE to know. Seems he's confident he can make something work though.

BUSINESS FUNDS: (-10,000) $623,500.00

With their needs met-I do a bit of people-gathering, and after securing Hillevi, Camella and Matvey, prompt an after-action round table report, looking for information I didn't already have. What I learn is surprising.
-Hillevi notes that the german monsters, the flesh-melting tin cans, felt vampiric to her-but the signals were all 'messed up' by her words, so she's not sure exactly what was going on there. She also notes that the perimeter wall had an incredibly low-energy detection spell rigged into it-and it recorded her magic's signature when she and Camella breached the outer wall. Since she'd have to destroy the wall so thoroughly only dust was left to even unmake the spell, she didn't see fit to mention it at the time.
-Camella notes that the germans watching the supplies were most assuredly ex-military, but not in a good way. She feels absolutely competent they are a product of the same modern German army she frequently mocks, citing several poor choices on their collective part that a properly trained soldier should not make. She also notes that one of the charms she secured, of the total 140 charms we acquired, shocked her finger in a manner very similar to static shock. This particular charm she set aside in case that meant something.
-Matvey continues to be thankful for Gianni's assistence, still citing his golem's coverfire that took out the lights as being pivotal in making our charge to the warehouse NOT be a slaughter. He also noted that Rocco, on all three times he watched the man shoot, directly shot worn charms on the defenders-particularly tricky shooting that suggests a much higher level of expertise than expected. Since no one on our side (except myself) got shot, he can't comment on the presence or lack of supernatural durability.
-As to mistakes: Hillevi did not see any, while Camella and Matvey alike sheepishly admit my plan was eccentric enough they're having a hard time making comparisons-and since nothing completely failed, they don't really have any constructive commentary. Camella observes we'd likely be able to more properly pick apart a mission afterwards once one of two things happens: Either I stop using such audacious machinations, or the two of them get accustomed to my mode of operation.
-Out of all the commentary exchanged, the part I personally value the most is everyone's reactions when I off-handedly mention my gun's trick was not in the slightest magic. Hillevi, for her part, is flat out stupefied at the notion nonmagical weaponry can accomplish so much, even with my explanation, while Matvey merely shakes his head with a bemused look on his face. Camella, however... seems distrustful of my admission, as if its... too normal to fit my actions. For now she doesn't object-but I'm not really certain she believed it wasn't magic.
-I find myself acting a bit disappointed to learn that Camella, Catholic Italian, does not know about the Churches Inquisitors-and I take pleasure in watching her listen to a Russian explaining to an Italian details of the Vatican's function. Sadly, all Matvey knows is that Inquisitors are officially 'the Church' and as such should not ever be attacked unless you want the whole Catholic Church to want you dead-and that the Inquisitors capture and convert into servitor Flesh golems any that falsely claim the title. Matvey is uncertain if this is also covered by the Argonaut Treaty, which he admits to not having ever seen, but he believes it. Hillevi, however, adds to that knowledge: it would seem that sufficiently powerful and influential groups can flat out purchase preferential treatment from Inquisitors-it's not some under the table type thing, you can literally pay an Inquisitor to leave you be and that's allowed, in some cases encouraged.
-We wrap up with a communal agreement: the 139 charms (excepting the one Camella's leery of) we gained at to be converted into a company pool of charms, and each member of the company, excepting myself, can carry up to two at any given time, with more being dispensed on particularly dangerous missions. To prevent drunken... shrinkage of charm supplies, we also draft up a sign-out sheet, so that every charm is tracked when in someone's care, and Matvey says he'll bring it up with the rest-in particular, he seems certain Vlad will be a problem, if given free access to bullet-blocking magic.
-Final commentary of the night? Bonuses, a topic everyone's happy to hear. Camella gets 15k, Matvey gets 10k, the rest of the Russians get 3k each, and I take a modest 50k for myself.

PERSONAL FUNDS: (+50,000) $106, 088.22
BUSINESS FUNDS: (-126,000) $497,500.00

Meeting concluded and the wee hours of the late night/early morning marching ever onwards, I take a nap to recover at least somewhat before I have to head off to my lesson with Meng Yun, parting with some slightly loopy sounding musing about 'Beard Growing Potions'. When I awake some few hours later at five thirty-I find a bottle and a note in my room.

Jackass: Here's a bottle for beard growth. Your goblin friend said it'd help even the wispiest facial hair become robust and full-bodied. I paid for it-and yes, I'm going to have strong words with you if you use it yourself. Strong, potentially painful words. At Ito's for most of the day with my new assistant instructors. -Camella

...Okay then.

I pocket the bottle, get dressed in a US currency-green liesure suit over a gold shirt and ember-orange tie, while adorning myself with some underarmor to serve as both underwear and sparring gear-and then I set off. When I arrive at the docks five minutes before six, Meng Yun is waiting for me-and without a word, he escorts me to the docks, once again transformed from the last time I saw them, now almost fully repaired.

Today's lessons go oddly similarly to the last. I start with performance clearly above and beyond what Meng Yun expected, as he does not need to correct me once over the course of a quarter hour of him beating me with chakra infused batons, his only complaint that I didn't match the power level quite as precisely as he'd like. The point still remains the extra experience I got with overcharging Reinforcement is paying off in spades now-and shortly he stops that segment of the training all together. That... is where things start going downhill. His 'new' method, that occupies the next hour and forty five minutes, is to blindfold me, and have me rest in an Open Chakra state-and then, purely based off the impact, activate Reinforcement and properly overcharge to ablate the blow, before going back to an open state. The goal here is to pound a framework for proper melee chakra reflexes into me while further honing my chakra molding precision. At first I admit I have to rampantly cheat, using my Attention sensing to guide my chakra use. Thanks to having that to act as an intermediary, I'm able to actually stop using Attention sensing with a little under an hour left, and manage to get my sense of timing, at least, down. Meng Yun elects to move on to a new topic, assigning me 'homework' to further practice my precision when overcharging reactive Chakra orientation just like I was doing with him.

The next lesson, that takes up a solid two hours, is harder still. He imbues his batons with chakra-and, without striking me with them, demands that I find the proper level of overcharge to negate such an imbued attack. The first hour and a half, I fail at least nine times out of ten, even when I go slow-there's some vital data I feel like I'm missing. It is only near the end, when the method itself starts to feel a bit less alien, a bit more 'normal', do I start having any measure of success: I can't point to any one thing as the reason I start to perform better. If pressed, I'd claim it some form of 'weight of experience' giving me familiarity with how chakra feels at different energy densities-at least relative to this one, specific function. By the end-Meng Yun has no complains half the time, and I can get my attempt up within two seconds of seeing the offending imbued object. It's the last lesson, the one that eats the rest of our time, that frustrates me enough I nearly decide against giving him the bottle of beardly potion. Meng Yun places his hand against my chest-and requests that I match his level of Reinforcement as closely as possible. That sounds easy-until he starts randomly and rapidly fluctuating the amount of energy involved. They entire two hours, I'm at least a step behind him-and while this frustrates me to no end, he seems pleased with my progress.

>[CHAKRA CADET LEVELS UP INTO Lv3 TRAIT COMPETENT CHAKRA CONQUEROR]
>-Armas now handles Chakra with more precision.
>-Armas is now more capable at dealing with unexpected events where Chakra is concerned!
>-Armas can now get a rough sense of how much effort a given person is putting into a Chakra orientation if he has sufficient time to observe them (minimum five seconds)

Grumpy about being made to look like an incompetent ass again, I nevertheless give him the bottle-and explain what it is. I get two words past 'Beard-growing potion' before he's upended the whole thing and guzzled it down. Within seconds... a change begins.

The lackluster, wispy, downright sad soul patch explodes into a frantic pile of noodle-like hair that looks like it's sprinting to get as far from his chin as possible. His cleanshaven neck and cheeks darken as weeks worth of errant growth accumulates-and his mustach, already impressive, lengthens and flops until it's tufts now hang down half a centimeter past the bottom of his chin. For a rare moment, I get to see Meng Yun as ecstatically runs his hands over his now much more prolifically bearded face-before looking a bit concerned, and lapsing back into his stoic demeanor. He thanks me a bit more emphatically than he might have intended, and after apologizing for his unavailability for lessons for the next while, asks if there is anything he could give me to balance out his debt, even after I try to insist it was a gift. So prompted, I admit I'm quite interested in learning unusual Chakra orientations, on the spot making up 'self de-oderizing orientation' and a 'dirt repelling orientation', and ask if such things exist. His response gladdens me.
>[Meng Yun]"Indeed such a compendium exists-you seek 'Avery Bagoyle's Seven Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy Seven Indirect Chakra Orientations'. Not a one is directly combat applicable, and while not a one of the orientations it teaches is actually hard to find, none are in common use by combatants. With the amount of energy you have, you could likely benefit quite well from such a tome."
"Sounds perfect. Where could I get one?"
>[Meng Yun]"I believe one of my fellow disciples have one if you wish to try and secure it or a copy of it-otherwise, they have to be ordered from Avery Bagoyle himself-I can give you his contact information."
How much does such a tome go for?
>[Meng Yun]"For a tome on magic, quite inexpensive: only fifteen thousand lira."
"Huh. Thanks for the tip, Meng Yun."
>[Meng Yun]"Happy to oblige. Be well, Mr. Laine."

And with that.... I've finished up my training, and am now once again free of immediate commitments.










So what the fuck am I going to do now?
>>
No. 377998 ID: 39a13f

>[Meng Yun]"Indeed such a compendium exists-you seek 'Avery Bagoyle's Seven Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy Seven Indirect Chakra Orientations'. Not a one is directly combat applicable, and while not a one of the orientations it teaches is actually hard to find, none are in common use by combatants. With the amount of energy you have, you could likely benefit quite well from such a tome."

we must buy this book
>>
No. 378002 ID: 448d82

Well perhaps you should practice some armed combat with whoever is in the mansion still. Combat where you are blindfolded.

Apart from that, plans need to be made to take Doony down, and you need to make a point of trapping and killing him like one does a beast, rather than having an outright proper fight. See if any of the russains want in on the fight, if they do, that gives you an excuse to get more anti-poison, considering... do we even have the anti-poison we had before?

Might talk to Sake and SB about Demons to, we have a problem in that area if you recall...
Wait
Hehehehe
We have a meeting with a Church inquisitor right? well... the church and demons, something to consider.
>>
No. 378004 ID: d97a61

>>377991
[Correction: Please note Avery Bagoyle's book is 15,000 EURO, not LIRA.]
>>
No. 378025 ID: 448d82

Another thought, you could do with checking out those contacts Abdul Ghanem gave you, see if Einrik wants to come along, if he isn't there or doesn't want to, bring a russian who doesn't object along. Always good to have a bit of back up.

>>378019
Upvote

Also just a bit of logic for Lev regarding protective charms;
Sword charms are good, but for a mundane, the threat of death in close combat can keep you from being sloppy. It also makes sure you don't go leaping in like crazy. Just like how Vlad would make mistakes if he thought he was bullet proof.

Arrow charms are good in that, if your standing throwing a knife or two at someone, you won't die instantly. A shot is often a shot, just one, then after getting shot you can scramble to cover.

If a melee guy ambushes you, well you'd probably need so many sword charms that you'd be shot to pieces.

Another thing to consider is that arrow charms cover your ambush or charge, a ranged only foe really doesn't want someone getting close. Apart from that a sword charm doesn't cover your retreat.

So Arrow charms would cover you when throwing knives and you could even pull off the odd charge on a foe who can't fight well melee. You don't really want to fight up close the things you need sword charms for yet, not until you are sure you can kill them. So, maybe go for all arrow charms and use the knives a load more eh? Might be safer for the moment.

Bottom line, you need to “practice” your blades on mundane foes more, and with mundane foes, you are more in danger of being shot than being savaged in melee.
The object of this excerise is to make Lev better with his Knives
>>
No. 378056 ID: d292f2

We should probably take a look at that charm Camella put to the side. Could be good fun.

Agreeing that we need to buy that book. See if you can get express shipping or whatever.

And then we do our "homework". I'm sure the Russians would love the chance to beat on us while we're blindfolded. Attempt the same progression from using attention-sensing to get the hang of it, slowly phase it out in favour of purely reactive defense.

Oh, and ask SB how he's doing with that shadow. Or Sake, if SB is too busy.
>>
No. 378063 ID: f354ab

>>378045
Camella's charm might be interesting- some sort of imprinting or alarm function?

Downvoting more practice against the russians, though. Boring, and we can hit up Ito's if we want some of that later.

Need to find what in the Argonaut Treaty lets the Inquisitor demand a meeting within a month - particularly in a primarily Islamic nation. Not sure how, yet.

There's still a little to do on Doony- I still want to get Lammy attuned to the illusion charm of us, Diao needs to get back to us on the explosives, need to work out a way to get Doony to the right place, and we need to find a good time for the Triads.

I'd also like Armas to put some thought into how we should impress the spook- Camella is a given (does she know the spook is coming? Can't remember), and we don't want to tip our hand too far, but is there anything we can do that's simple and impressive? Maybe study him while Camella does her thing and then bring the full force of our Goblinic stealth against him when it's our turn.

Also, buy 30 pizzas and head on down to your local shantytown - or in the local parlance, gecekondu. Either Süleymaniye in Eminönü (immigrant single men, mostly) or Bezirganbahçe in Küçükçekmece (for being on the outskirts of the city) would work. Give away pizza- as long as they allow us to mess with their soul. Claim we're doing a study on Inner Power or Chi or Qigong or something. This should constitute a Deal letting us do whatever we want with them - nothing too crazy, just get a feeling for feeling the souls of others in conjunction with our own. Then try and reshape their soul- gently, gently. No end of volunteers in places like these, so we don't need to go crazy. Try for something beneficial, like inching open their chakras or something.

Side benefit, if we do this regularly, these guys might come to like us. People that like us and connect us with weird terms like Chi might just tell us things if they run into something weird.
>>
No. 378072 ID: b8123b

>So what the fuck am I going to do now?
Time to get the Doonagees off your plate. Check in with your bros to make sure they have no pressing concerns for the immediate and then start planning.

>random suggestion for getting a foothold in the path to advancement
Armas, do you remember how you felt when the Kids took control of your eyes? remember that feeling, in exquisite detail, the feeling of not being able to look away. Try to combine it with with gyakotetsuote(?).

Armas, one of your main problems with experimentation is that you have too much raw power. I have an option to fix this and give you a much needed boost when you want.
Have a restriction built into your blood, bound to an object like an article of clothing or jewelry or a tattoo on your skin (somewhere easy to reach like the back of your hand or the inside of your mouth). As long as the tattoo is intact, your power is limited to a small percentage (30%, 7%, 1% whatever you need). When the tattoo is damaged, you regain full power. The extra power from the restriction is stored in the tattoo, when/if the tattoo is destroyed (or other conditions are met) the stored power is released giving you access to more when you need it.

Armas, The demiplane in your eye is going relatively unused and im sure that the soul engine you plan needs to get going before that thing degrades. The world eye plan outlined earlier will give you a personal edge and a general edge for operations you undertake, not to mention against the Doonagees. Call up old graybeard when you get back to the mansion and see if you can set up a meeting with Odin somehow and what you would have to do to get it done. Information is what we need now, if you see an opening to move on it, don't be afraid to ask though.

----------------------------------------------
Actions for Zhenya
-Approach Armas next time she sees him to ask about magical or enchanted firearms. He has been wrecking shit with seemingly nothing but pistols recently and she want's in on that
-Buy a Violin(budget $700)
-Buy some casual clothes(budget $300)
>>
No. 378185 ID: f6106a

So, Armas currently can't use "The Amorphous Soul" because of the risk he'll soul sculpt himself rather then just change how his soul works. Now, Armas' soul is always nearby, and as he can feel it, he can perceive it on some level, even if it isn't visual. Why does this matter? Because Armas can exert his will on nearyby souls he can perceive. That's right I'm suggesting Armas backdoor his way into using The Amorphous Soul safely, and using that to learn the limits of using it normally. Given that he's willing, this should take practically no energy as well.

Armas' will is quite clearly and explicitly to safely alter the way his soul looks without performing any soul sculpting, perhaps in a way that makes it appear warm and friendly, with flashes of false memories that show him making deals that are hugely beneficial to both him and the other person.

Go back and forth between this, a terrifying soul, an inhuman soul, a human version of hummingbird's soul as it unfolded, an average looking soul, an orange tie soul, and Armas normal soul, always using Lordly Imposition and explicitly willing for it to be a safe alteration and one that does not perform any soul sculpting. Armas needs to watch the changes he can(as he can't see his soul in it's default state) and feel the ones he can't. This should help him to learn the limits between changing how his soul looks and soul sculpting.

Also, Lordly Imposition is based on Sami. WHich based on those soul giants can be used internally, not just externally.
>>
No. 378195 ID: f354ab
File 132596535751.jpg - (161.83KB , 1637x2177 , Mr PotatohArmas2.jpg )
378195

>>378185
I still favor practicing on other people (our captives, maybe, if the hobo plan is unfeasible?) first, but let's hope this works.

Fingers crossed?
>>
No. 378211 ID: 330636

As we walk back home, we should did what we tried before, and apply Meng Yun's lesson to our stealth orientation. He should practice assuming that stealth techniques the instant he feels that someone Intends to look where we're about to be, and then dropping it the moment that Intention fades or is no longer applicable.

Whilst we do this, we should pay careful attention to what actually occurs to our chakras as they transition with our spiritual perception, and what we can see of the regions of our soul they are the Gateways to, if anything.

We also needs to practice our spiritual perception, and learn how to see ourself. Later on in the afternoon, we should ask SB if we can examine his half of soul, and, with him reading our perception of it, study it in detail. SB can then help us interpret what we see based on his our knowledge of himself and his powers. We shoudl try to identify his summer and winter bloodlines, and the piece of Whaitiri's godly soul that is grafted to both of us.

We can then carefully examine the places where our two regions of our soul join, and try look past that point to see the edges of our own soul. We should then do the same with Sake and HummingBro, if we can perceive the former's soul at all, aooking for the piece of soul we exchanged with them, as well as our bond, and following the link back to us. The nature of the bonds between us is interesting in its own right, as well.

We should also ask Sake if he remembers being so hungry for magical meat in his old life. When we bound ourselves together, we exchanged a sliver of our souls. Is there any chance that he has also inherited a tiny fragment of our summer bloodline or our godly graft?

What we should do when we get home is go around and get the serial numbers on the XM-25, Miniguns, and Javelin launchers and missiles. The US Army has a massive hole in its supply chain somewhere, and Riker needs to know about it. Even if he doesn't have the official authority to deal with it, he seems like the sort to have contacts who can put a word in the right ear. We could even return the Javelins and Miniguns to him.

We need to get him on side, and this is a great way of demonstrating that you're still a loyal American, despite being a mercenary, and so are reliable enough to employ for special missions.

I would prefer to ring him and speak to him today, and tell him:

"I had a little run in with some rather disagreeable sorts who don't seem to realise that World War II is over and that they lost. They left behind a whole set of American toys that they really shouldn't have had their hands on. Are you interested in the details?"

If we can't get through to Riker, if the contact we're going to see seems US affiliated, we could tell him, but I would prefer the former.

>>378180
SUST. No, just no.

>>378210
SUST saying we were a rude idiot. Trash talking ourself won't make us look any better, and certainly won't get us any respect at all.
>>
No. 378214 ID: 252e1b

>>378185

SUST. This level of untrained experimentation is just asking for trouble. Trouble along the lines of "oops, killed myself."

I don't want no trabble.

>>378063
>Pizza of the damned

SUST. This is going to draw a lot of attention. I'm sure there are plenty of magically inclined people who have an interest in the migrant worker and immigrant communities, and who will wreck our shit if we brazenly do crap like this.

>>377991

Things to do today:
1) Get a high speed camera
2) Start Teaching Hillevi to Lie
3) Apologize to Rocco
4) Write a letter to Camella
5) Give Camella a Weasel Rub-down


Hey we've got most of the day, and a chance to go play!

1) Let's go out and buy a nice high speed camera. We'll be able to record Hummingbird with it, and I'm sure he'll like the idea of his majestic fighting prowess being recorded for posterity's sake. We should bring Hillevi along and see if there's any electronics or other fun stuff she's interested in. One of the perks of making money is being able to spend it on nice things, after all.

2)After shopping, let's give Hillevi some practice lying.

"Alright, I know you grew up in a household that values honesty and truthfulness. That's great, there's nothing at all wrong with that, but you're doing yourself a disservice if you don't learn how to lie well enough to get by. It's an important skill. Long before I got good at wordplay, I was a decent liar. It's practically a prerequisite for being able to deal with normal people. So, let's see what you got."

"Come on, you lie all the time already. That charm's an elaborate kind of lie. When you withhold information you're committing a lie of omission. This is just learning how to tell a good bald-faced lie."

"Here, what's this thing?"

"I don't care if you say it's a banana. That's the truth and so it's an answer I'm not going accept. Try again. Try calling it a pistol."

"Better. Keep your voice confident sounding. Try imagining it actually being a pistol when you say it is."

"Alright. Here's your assignment. At least once a day tell me a lie. If you can get me to believe your lie, I'll give you a little reward. The bigger the lie, the better the reward. If you do really well, I'll teach you some of the stealth skills I taught your brother."

3) We should also Apologize to Rocco. To do so, we should make a copy of Rocco's file. A photocopy will do just fine. This copied file will be the centerpiece of our "sorry for being a dickhead" offering to him.

Call him up and ask for an in-person meeting.

"Hello Rocco. First I want to clear the air about last night. I know I came off as a dick, and I'm sorry about that. It's easy to cross the line into being a whining dick and that's not how I intended to come off at all. I wanted to tease you friendly-like, a little, not whine and be passive aggressive. Once in awhile I fuck up getting my meaning across."

"I didn't call just to apologize though. Can you spare a few minutes to meet in-person with me sometime today?"

"No, it's not about the inquisitor. I was planning on just telling him the truth. What I want to see you about is some paperwork from a certain building that had a structural failure. I think you'll want to see it, even if you've got a good idea about it."

"Thanks Rocco."

Then we show up whenever he says, we apologize again for being a rude idiot, and we give him the copy of the file. "This is what the government here knows about you, as far as I know. My men got the file somehow; I don't ask them questions about their extra-curriculars, just that they make what they learn available to me. I thought I would do you the courtesy of keeping you in the loop about what the government knows."


4) We'll have time to write a nice letter to Camella. We'll be able to have a little fun doing it, too. She did Armas a favor, and he's going to have to do the polite thing and thank her for it!

Sit down and write a letter. Longhand, in Italian for the practice, and deliver it to Camella by asking Shadowbro to sneak it into her room.

The letter should read as follows:

To my dear friend Camella,

Thank you so much for the thoughtful gesture of picking up the tonic for me. I am so lucky to have friends who watch out for me and even anticipate my needs. If there's anything I can do for you, remember, you need only ask.

I really can't tell you how much I appreciated being saved the trouble of seeking out our merchant friend and dickering with him. He drives a hard bargain, but his products always deliver to the letter of what he says they'll do. I know he prefers pay up front.

I hope the price you paid wasn't too dear. Let me know if it's anything I can repay you for. Our merchant friend is fond of asking for payment in formats that are not obviously valuable; if you deal much with him please keep in mind the real value of what you're trading away to him, and don't be afraid to argue it. He's not unreasonable about assigning fair values.

I know you're aware already, but please be careful about what you commit to with him. He's got the means to enforce any sort of contract you should enter into with him. Don't do so lightly.

The tonic did work as intended. The person I gave it to was most pleased. I'll have to tell you about it sometime. I can't do it justice in a letter.

The next time I see you, I'd like to give you something nice. It's not a durable good, unfortunately, but I think you'll be pleased just the same.

Love, your friend, Armas.

p.s. A certain Italian gentleman expressed admiration for you last night while we were riding home. I thought I should pass that along, since little compliments are always nice to hear!


The point of writing a very polite letter is twofold. First, the messages are important and genuine. She really should be careful about dealing with goblins. Secondly, it's funny as hell because it's not what she expects from Armas at all. I'm sure she's expecting some sort of sarcastic note. Plus it really drives home the idea that Armas still thinks he's in the doghouse for that "hold my beer" prank. If she thinks he's on his best possible behavior, she'll start to feel guilty about being suspicious and angry at Armas the past couple of days.

5)The "something nice" I want to give Camella is a glorious WEASEL RUBDOWN. I suspect Camella will come visit the mansion again today. When she does, we will get Sake and give Hillevi a WEASEL RUBDOWN as a preventative measure, just in case she inhaled any of the poison the Reaper used. That should fix her up completely if she did. It should also leave Camella befuddled and confused. She'll likely think it's some strange form of sexual harassment.

Armas will let things hit a head with Camella getting frustrated over Hillevi not giving a crap about being rubbed down with a healing weasel, and then here's the kicker. Armas will offer to give Camella a weasel rubdown.

"How about you let me rub my weasel all over you too, Camella? You'll feel great. If you're worried about the propriety of it all, it's fine. This is a girl weasel."

"Well, this is what I had planned as the 'something nice' I mentioned in my letter. Hillevi, didn't it feel nice?"

"There, you see. Here, wait, I'll get one of the Russians. Hey! Come here, let me rub my weasel on you. There, see, doesn't that feel good?"

"Seriously Camella, there's nothing to be a prude about here; it's entirely innocent. Please let me rub my weasel on you."

And again, this will play right into her guilt over being overly suspicious of Armas' motives lately. Armas is weird, but not malicious to his friends. Usually.


And finally, a note on what Lyubov's up to today: She will go shopping for a decent guitar (probably with Zhenya). If there's time between or after the training and shopping, she'll also go to the library and use the internet to look up information on what sort of paperwork she'll need to prove Turkish citizenship. She'll then come home and talk to the other Russians about the idea of getting the right papers so that if they're arrested they don't have to go through the hassle of dodging deportation.
>>
No. 378253 ID: da450d

>>378210
Shopping, eh? Don't forget to buy a comb and shampoo for Sake, make sure it looks and smell feminine. Heh, maybe a ribbon tied around her neck? And...a necklace or something similar with a fang motif for Silja.
>>
No. 378274 ID: 81f32a

Armas should use his powerful mental stat to believe in a new state of self. Specifically, see himself having a lush, magnificent beard. Then he can use his regeneration to rapidly grow it. Next time he sees Camella, he'll pull off his best troll face, after the impromptu sparring session he will no doubt get after that, he explain that he did not use the potion on himself.
>>
No. 378296 ID: 39a13f

>>378253
>>378274
SUST
>>
No. 378309 ID: 3947e9

Call the number Meng Yun gave you, buy the magic book (use company funds).
Ask them what other types of magic tomes they carry.
If the contact is the author and not a seller of magic books, see if you can meet them (potential instructor, more contacts).

Find Russian volunteers to help curate a prospective library on magic/supernatural in the mansion... and actually mundane books that they are interested in too. Like college style textbooks about various subjects and mechanical texts.
Amen may not help with books, do it all with mortal power.
Our magic section would currently only contain 3 books: 7777 uses of chakra (non combat), goblinic cookbook, the untranslated book we blackmailed out of Abdul Ghanem.
The first two are available for the company employees to peruse.

Abdul Ghanem promised us introductions, get those ASAP!

Goblins promised us introductions, get those already.

Also, for the Russians there are currently company assigned magic guns, but some expressed the desire to own their own magic guns and might also like to customize, so perhaps setting up a program where we subsidize their purchases of magic weapons from HH, along with a bulk/group discount rate for them at HH might be doable.

If we still have the time, we should also check up on the various prisoners amen has been catching.

Mental note: we need to find a way to fix the living nazinaut to be less powerful but stable so we can make it our vampire minion.
Mental note: When we clear our body of Winter Chakra, set up a time with gianni to dissect the dead nazinaut together, in exchance for access to it he teaches you how to learn from dissection and some basic flesh manip.

>>378072
>Restriction
Great Idea, we don't know how

>>378063
SUST
>>378185
SUST! (which part of "you will die from experimenting on self soul manip" did you not understand?")

>>378214
>Camera
Kinda of a waste of time, but nothing wrong here
>Lying
SUST, Armas never lies
>Rocco letter, Camella letter
SUST
>Weasel rubdown
SUST on sexual harassment (Armas is a CLASSY man)
But I see nothing against a weasel rubdown if not presented as sexual harassment.

>>378253
SUST - no teasing sake about being gender bent.
>>
No. 378377 ID: 3fd4fb

>>378024
>Abdul Ghanem promised us introductions, get those ASAP!
>Goblins promised us introductions, get those already.
SUST to both of these; we want our soul stealth/disguise abilities up and running before we start introducing ourselves to lots of people. Unless we learn that it will take weeks or months to figure that out, we can put this off a few more days.

>We should also check up on the various prisoners amen has been catching.
How, specifically? Amen stonewalled us when we asked about them in the past.

>Set up a time with gianni to learn flesh manip and dissect the dead nazinaut together.
SUST. Gianni hasn't offered or even implied that he could teach us flesh manipulation, unless you mean the kind of "flesh manipulation" that happens in the bedroom. We could maybe trade him the full corpse in exchange for instruction, but that requires a more specific and detailed approach than outlined here.

>And find a way to fix the living nazinaut to be less powerful but stable so we can make it our vampire minion.
The only reasonable way at our disposal to do this is to order Amen to do it, which I oppose. SUST.

>>378056
>look at that charm Camella put to the side.
Upvote.

>ask SB how he's doing with that shadow
Upvote. Set a meeting for next time we sleep, if it's more convenient for him.

>>378063
>get Lammy attuned to the illusion charm of us
As long as we're at the Triads, ask if Labombard is around, or if he's not, when he will be. We have a couple things to discuss with him- firstly, the possibility of using illusion charms to imitate one another and what those will require; we'll almost certainly need to swear not to use his blood for any other purpose if he wants some, and don't press the topic since it IS his blood and that's serious business. Secondly, we were curious as to just how far his regeneration powers go. This is probably a sensitive topic for him, as probing around the extent of our powers would certainly set off all OUR paranoia alarms, so be delicate- what's important here is that we find out if he can survive having his brain die or be demolished. If he can, we will have a decent new argument to use in our debate with Sometimes Merchant on whether dying should void certain of our agreements.

>buy 30 pizzas and head on down to your local shantytown... Give away pizza- as long as they allow us to mess with their soul.
SUST. Hell no we are not doing this; it is in effect announcing to the world "Soul manipulator here! Hey, look at me, I want souls to play with!" We want to keep our abilities quiet- that means avoiding anything anywhere near this high-profile like the plague. It's a solid idea to soul experiment on lowlifes, but it cannot be conducted in this kind of public event.

A better approach to this is to quietly approach individual lowlifes, particularly those who we guess would be receptive to a seemingly crazy bargain in exchange for easily-offered money. It should be relatively simple to display a little bit of sympathy for them and then get them to think of us as a mark, someone they can convince to give them money, and we can drag out the conversation and convince them to go get some food and talk with us or something, then mention that we'd like to try "something" on them, sheepishly bring up that it's a sort of supernatural soul thing in a way that makes them think we're some kind of sucker New Age type who wants to try faith healing or something, and get them to agree to let us try to mess with their soul over a meal.

Then practice soul manipulation on them all we want, leave them dead or ignorant behind us to cover the evidence, and move on to the next one. Note that we should be in bland and uninteresting clothing that will not attract attention while carrying out this plan. We don't want to be noticed in our impromptu trainings.

>>378072
>Have a restriction built into your blood
SUST. We don't know enough about how that sort of thing works to seriously consider it without much, much more information gathering.

>Call up old graybeard when you get back to the mansion and see if you can set up a meeting with Odin somehow and what you would have to do to get it done.
SUST. I am not particularly interested in giving Odin the knowledge of what's in our eye, which would be a prerequisite to getting his help on this.

>>378185
>Armas backdoor his way into using The Amorphous Soul
SUST. Clever logic or no, this comes down to soul experimentation and we know that is likely to be fatal if we fuck around with it. We should be seeking teachers, not convincing ourselves that we know how to do this safely.

>>378211
>Give or consider giving Riker millions of dollars worth of extremely valuable military hardware in exchange for the chance of his goodwill
SUST. We already have Riker tentatively on our side pending our meeting with his contact; lavishing presents on him prior to them isn't that productive. Depending upon how that meeting goes, we can consider if this would be a worthwhile way to expend some of the extremely valuable resources we just acquired.

>>378214
>let's give Hillevi some practice lying
I like this idea, but we need to adopt a wholly different style to make it work. We need to present it differently, in a way that she'll understand- treat it as preparing her to face a threat, or teaching her a new method of combat, rather than 'you need to know this'. So hunt her down and try the following spiel. Make sure no one else is around; the secret arts of sociopathic social-fu are to be passed from master to apprentice only.

Armas had best get himself psyched up for this- if he does it right, not only could trying to turn Hillevi into a cunning manipulator be a fun and fulfilling pastime, it would also be a massive troll on Markku when she comes home as a wily talker-type. Seriously, I cannot think of a greater troll on him that we could actually get away clean with.

"When we first met, you told me that you don't like Fae-style word twisting. That's fine, but it's no excuse for being as unfamiliar with it as you are. Understanding how to analyze words and phrases for weakness, to identify a deception and understand why it works, all that- and not just in conversation, in life as a whole, because that's where it applies- it's something that you need to learn if you don't want to stay essentially unarmed in social situations. If you want to be a competent, independent person, you will need these skills. You with me on this one?"

"Social training, then. Think of it like this: When you are around someone else, you're basically engaging in a sort of social combat with them- not necessarily a hostile one, around friends, but it's there. Truths, logic, reputation, history, laws, appearance, threats, promises, lies, misdirections, waffling, deceptions, all these are weapons in the arsenal of someone who knows how to use them- body language too, and even emotional things like shouting or crying, for the types who like to bring that into play. There are basically two objectives for everyone, all the time: One, to get what you want from the other party or parties present; two, to leave them with the impression of you that you want them to have. You follow so far?"

"If you think about this for a bit, you'll probably see elements of it in your own past encounters with people, even friends- don't you basically approach conversations with an objective, whether it's to find something out, to get them to do something, or even just to enjoy yourself? And don't you care what they think about you? What's important here is to stop letting that just happen on its own and instead think about it, to analyze and apply it."

"To make this work you're going to have to do a lot of learning by watching and doing. Let's take an example- not a conversation since those are often complex, but a social action anyway. Remember my ka-blammo trick? Why do you think I pulled another gun and used it flashily, when what I was doing didn't require a gun at all?"
(answer)
"It's because I was fighting several battles at once when we attacked the compound yesterday- one physically and several socially. One of the social battles was the company against the mafia: The mafia wanted to evaluate our worth as mercenaries and to determine as much about us as possible; we wanted to look like we were worth as much as possible while hiding any details about ourselves that don't add to our worth. So from this you can basically see exactly why I used a gun- to leave the mafia with the impression that I have powers or powerful equipment that I don't actually have, which will hopefully make them willing to pay more for my services in the future, maybe spread rumors about my incredible gun which will maybe give me an advantage in combat if I fight people who have gotten misinformation about me, and it hides Sake and his capabilities from the mafia since their knowledge of his existence would, in my opinion, not raise our paycheck but it would give them information that others can use against us. Bringing the gun and some shouting into the equation concealed what I wanted concealed, established the potential for long-term benefit, and improved by standing because people rarely appreciate clever tricks as much as they do sheer power. Does this all make sense?"

"All right, enough of that for now. Until we talk again, keep your mind on this at least a little, all right? Think about what you're trying to accomplish in social encounters with others and how you're going about it, what tools you're using. Watch others, either when they interact with you or with third parties, and try to figure out what they want and how they're trying to get it. Understanding those things are the fundamentals of the manipulator's skills; once you have at least some grounding in that we can move on to the various weapons I mentioned, how they interact with one another, and how they can be used."

I hope this works.

>Apologize to Rocco
SUST to apologizing over the phone, and to the specific suggested dialogue- it gives away too much and explicitly states too many things that we don't actually know. It's a good idea in general, though, so here's a revised version.

Call and request a meeting with Rocco at his convenience, but preferably today. When we meet, our demeanor should be easygoing and friendly; the point here is to improve his impression of us and nothing else- even if there's a certain implicitly threatening statement in giving him his own file, act blithely unaware of it and like we're being completely nice.

"My apologizes about certain comments I made near the end of the job, and about not making it clear that my contact was a chance, not a sure thing- that was unprofessional of me." Grin congenially (that is, not the Grin of Terror). "And whatever bits of fun I bring to work, I do want to try and keep things professional. Words are just that, of course, so I've brought you a somewhat more substantial apology- a copy of a file that made its way into my hands recently. I thought you might be interested in it."

"That's all I wanted for now, although if you would pass Gianni my compliments on his actions yesterday, I would appreciate it. And I can't miss mentioning that my team and I are still available for future jobs, of course, if you have any need of assistance."

>write a nice letter to Camella
>in Italian
SUST to Italian, as no one knows that we can speak it and I see no reason to reveal that capability.

SUST also to the following lines:
>If there's anything I can do for you, remember, you need only ask.
...because she might actually ask for something.
>I really can't tell you how much I appreciated being saved the trouble of seeking out our merchant friend and dickering with him.
...because we really CAN tell her, and the amount is "I wish you never, ever talked with Sometimes Merchant. I am suicidal for it and you are supposed to be the one with sense around here."
>Let me know if it's anything I can repay you for.
Because we're not paying her back.

Really, for all that being polite is the troll here I cannot bear to leave dickishness completely behind. I'd rather have something like this:

To my most valued of companions,
The thoughtfulness of your gift was touching, and I will treasure the knowledge that you cared enough to acquire it for me without even a request.
In spite of that, I must recommend against further association the one you mentioned, except at true need. While his friendship to me is bought and paid for I am keenly aware at times that our relationship is a high-stakes gamble; as your own friendship was carefully nurtured over the course of weeks spent in my bed I would be remiss if I did not counsel you towards safety. There are enough dangers which hazard you already without heaping further risk upon yourself.
With love,
Commander Jackass
P.S. An Italian gentleman of our mutual acquaintance expressed his admiration of your "sensual" person last night, and I feel compelled to pass on the compliment.


>WEASEL RUBDOWN
I...

...you know what, I don't even care.
>>
No. 378555 ID: d97a61
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378555

>>378025
>[Lev has now been queued to do the following:]
>-Where possible only use arrow charms.
>-Increase time spent practicing knifework.
>>378072
>[Zhenya has been queued to do the following:]
>-Acquire a violin for $700 or less within a week.
>-Buy non Amen-made casual clothes, $300 worth.
>>378214
>[Lyubov has been queued to do the following:]
>-Acquire a guitar (function over form based on lack of price range) within a week.
>-Search local libraries for information on becoming a Turkish Citizen.
>>377998
>>378002
>>378056
>>378063
First thing I do after saying my farewells, redress (complete with properly placing Sake about my neck), is call the number Meng Yun gave me.
>"...Thank you for calling Master Avery Bagoyle's Printing Services. For business hours, please press one. For the location of our London outlets, please press two. To speak with a customer service representative, please press three. For all other-"
Seems simple enough-I move the phone from my head and move to dial further when the voice coming from the phone shifts.
>"And if you can hear this, please press pound to speak with a Tome Appraiser."
Well then.

The finger poised over three moves on down to pound before pressure's applied.
>"You have elected to speak with a Tome Appraiser. Please stay on the line while you are connected."
The hold music lasts until just shy of the dock exit-when finally a rickety, effervescent sounding voice begins to pull words from some massive mental file and fling them at me like daggers tied with bows of politeness.
>[Tome Appraiser][In Scottish Accented English]"Thank you for calling Avery Bagoyle's shop so early in the morning. May I ask who's calling, and what the nature of your request is?"
"The name's Armas Laine. I'm looking for the tome on irregular chakras-Avery Bagoy-"
>[Tome Appraiser][In English]"Avery Bagoyle's Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred Seventy Seven Indirect Chakra Orientations?"
"The very same."
>[Tome Appraiser]"Why is it you wish to purchase this tome?"
"Because from what I gather it'd be quite handy for expanding the scope of personal understanding of chakra manipulation, among other things. Why do you ask?"
>[Tome Appraiser]"Because as an Appraiser in Master Bagoyle's employ, I am obligated to screen customers as appropriate. What other uses did you have in mind for the tome?"
..Huh. Wonder if that's... normal to have someone screening sales like that.
"Well, I've got several employees I'd rather like to see gain at least some understanding of chakra-and I myself am not well disposed to teach them. Hence why the book would be useful beyond personal reference."
>[Tome Appraiser]"Do you have any intention to use the book otherwise?"
"Not currently, but who can say what the future will bring?"
There is a long, sternly disapproving silence.
>"I do not believe she cared for your comment."
With me having toweled off and reclothed myself in my suit, the hummingbird, once more perched on my loosely knotted tie's knot, offers his own comment.
>[Hummingbird]"Your choice of response does not seem designed to inspire confidence-it had the feel of a Raven's plotting to it, and none like that, I fear."
>[Sake]"I'm reasonably certain they can't outright reject you for that-but odd that they'd be so... particular about that topic: Few of those back home would behave so."
>[Iron Trick]"You'd think a guy that's been dead and away from home for decades would grasp that different cultures are, as it happens, different. The real question is if he's purposefully being dense or not."
I blink as I slip myself back out of accelerated thought, leaving Sake and SB to make their mocking commentary to one another without my company-because hey, fun as all the head voices are, a real person's talking to me.

>[Time Appraiser]"...And what, exactly, is your occupation, Mister Laine?"
"What isn't my occupation. Self employed contractor with my own start-up, happy to get my hands dirty when I have to. And since business has been good and I got your number-"
>[Time Appraiser]"By whom were you were referred?"
"Meng Yun."
I hear the sound of dry, rustling parchment, and in my mind I build the picture of an aged librarian shuffling through cards, seeking the right name.
>[Time Appraiser]"...Ah, Master Meng."
Oh-ho? Her tone went from politely standoffish to tinged with unwilling servility-is Meng Yun's name big stock with this company?
>[Time Appraiser]"Well we'd certainly be happy to sell said tome to you-but sadly, we have none currently in stock, and the next run won't be out until February Third."
"Then I'd like to preorder it, how-"
>[Time Appraiser]"I'm afraid we do not do preorders. Certain clients were abusing the Never Never's temporal dislocation to constantly place earlier and earlier orders-it was creating issue. So now, tomes can only be purchased when in stock. I can, however, reserve a book for you-but you must call and make the purchase on the release date."
"I think I can handle that."
>[Time Appraiser]"Then we look forward to hearing from you again, Mr. Laine."
*CLICK*

That done-I make another call.
"Hey, got a couple questions and I'm limited in who I can ask. Got a minute?"
>[Einrik]"Indeed I do. What is it?"
"You know anything about the Argonaut Treaty?"
>[Einrik]"Vaguely. It's a treaty still recognized today, penned when Jason's Argonauts sailed the Bosphorus-to my understanding it renders most of Turkey as free game for any god or Divine Organization that wishes to come calling-but all that do so must participate in a Pan-Religion coucil to prevent any godly wars. Beyond that, not really sure."
"Do you know who might know more?"
>[Einrik]"In Istanbul? Funnily enough, no. Though I imagine anyone affiliated with the Owner of the Asitane would know, since they have to deal with Accords and Treaties often."
"Damn. All right, it's a place to start-thanks Einrik. Talk to you later."
*CLICK*

The bus home is rather uneventful, and I entertain myself by seeing how obnoxious I can be without becoming the focus of anyone's attention, managing to escalate to swapping people's hats by the time my stop comes up. I hop off back at the mansion, head inside-and, on seeing Camella's not here, immediately make a beeline for the room she claimed so I can get a better look at the charm she said shocked her. Seeing as she left it sitting on a dresser, it's not hard to find the item in question-and from there, I give it my full, undivided attention.

The charm's... odd. It feels expendable-of that, I'm pretty damn sure. It has that... that transient feel that seems to pervade expendable charms-but it lacks such a classification as 'Arrow' or 'Sword', and likewise does not feel as if it prevents magical attacks. I keep checking-but in no way do I recognize the magic emenating from the charm. I continue to puzzle and ponder this mystery-before trying to envision the charm's magic as it might have been before Camella touched it-possibly before being assigned an owner. I... can't be sure, but when I look at it in that light, the charm feels like it... changes... something. Changes its owner. I think it'd have to be worn to do it-but then, I'm not even sure I'm interpreting this right. Still, my curiosities sated-and I exit Camella's room.

>>378185
>>378195 Fanart Bonus
To find myself succumbing to my guilty indulgence: rampant self-experimentation.
>"Armas..."
Hey, I actually have an idea of what I'm doing this time. Here, let me run this by you, see what you think.
>"Fine."
So, I've got an amorphous soul-this, I know. I also can't look at my soul-but I can perceive it. It's borders, it's edges, it's flow of energy through my chakras-point is, I am cognizant of it's existence, and can detect it. Well last I checked, I can attempt to impose my will on any soul I percieve.
>[Iron Trick]"Oh, I like your plan."
>"I do not have words strong enough to convey how... wrong that sounds. To practice internal soul manipulation, you wish to externalize your efforts, then re-integrate them with yourself?"
I have to classify as a willing soul if I do it right? I mean hell, I could probably make myself spiritually look like some normal magic-less dude, right?
>>378214
>>378377
>"Are you looking for trouble? Specifically, trouble of the 'oops I killed myself' variety?"
Fine, I-
>"Hold on, wha-"

Before SB or I can finish our thoughts Amen is simply there, standing before me with an unreadable but most assuredly not neutral facial expression that immediately fades back into normalcy.
"Yes Amen?"
>[Amen]"Is there something master desires of this one?"
"No... why did you just appear? I didn't call for you."
>[Amen]"This one briefly had inconsistent data about master's spiritual state. Please pay it no mind."
...This can't be coincidence.
"Are you still getting inconsistent data?"
>[Amen]"No, this one found that data normalized the moment this one arrived to investigate."
"So my soul feels normal now?"
>[Amen]"It feels as it did when you entered the house most recently, if that is what master means."
Okay... I stopped focusing on trying to impose rules on my souls through my loopy little path. So-
>"Sweet merciless Dark I wish it didn't look like you were right."
Haha-so, if I Impose a Will on my own soul to look like that of a mundane human, no different from Joe Schmoe... piecing together those memories and perceptions of what normalcy I've observed...
"Okay-how about now? What do you percieve?"
>[Amen]"This one accurately percieves master as what master is via our sanguine connection. Outside of this connection, a vast amount of sensory data about master now directly contradicts known qualities of master's soul."
"Okay-so what DOES my soul feel like-and what senses are wrong?"
>[Amen]"Accurately, now master's soul feels normal again, but previously master's soul felt as if no magic had touched it-similarly, Master's soul shape, despite not actually changing, as verified through our sanguine link, instead exuding a passable memetic spellwork that integrates itself with observer's memories as perception is translated to thought. What is wrong is this one's direct spiritual awareness of master, as well as passive magical detection senses. The only thing still displaying information accurately, excluding the aforementioned link, is Blood Manipulation perceptions-it's faint, but this one can still detect the outline of master's bloodlines if this one looks diligently."
>"If I understand him correctly, that would mean that someone aware of our ruse could dispel it by informing others of the truth. On the other hand, if Amen says the magic is passable-"
>[Iron Trick]"The assumption can be made that it's already quite adequate for conventional use."
I parse through my internal commentary as swiftly as I can, getting my mind wrapped around the concept that I have to actively mentally, not magically, sustain spiritual deception-or at least, that's what this one experiment seems to indicate. One more test then-I impose my Will to have a soul that looks like Camella's on myself, keeping the mental image firmly in place-
"Is there a soul you've seen that my soul looks similar to now?"
Camella, my soul looks like Camella's, I-
>[Amen]"This one could only say Master's soul appears markedly similar to Camella's soul."
...Two for two.
>[Amen]"This one notes master's soul to have normalized."
And my secondary confirmation on how the trick works.

It looks like I can indirectly command my Amorphous Soul to change appearances by imposing my will on my own soul as if it were an external soul through Lordly Imposition. The two downsides I've identified are that I must sustain a focused mental image of what I want my soul to look like, with my soul reverting to normal once the image is lost-and I cannot actually see my soul's appearance-meaning I have to do my modifications blind. On the plus side-I didn't feel a whit of energy drain-so I have to assume the process is very energy efficient.
>[Hummingbird]"I do not know that I'd term your skill that of a warrior, but the ability seems to suit you."
>"Suits him a bit too well-ten dollars says he gets even more reckless with his experimentation with this success to vindicate him."
>[Sake]"No bet."
>[Iron Trick]"That's not a bet that's a guarantee."
The trust you guys have in me is overwhelming.

Mulling over my discovery, I amble on over to my laptop, plug in the printer and get to work writing out my response to Camella's oddly thoughtful gift. Now, how to put it....

To my dear friend and most valued of companions Camella,

Thank you so much for the considerate gesture of picking up the tonic for me. The thoughtfulness of your gift was touching, and I will treasure the knowledge that you cared enough to acquire it for me without even a request. I am so lucky to have friends who watch out for me and even anticipate my needs.

I really can't tell you how much I appreciated being saved the trouble of seeking out our merchant friend and dickering with him. He drives a hard bargain, but his products always deliver to the letter of what he says they'll do. I know he prefers pay up front. In spite of that, I must recommend against further association the one you mentioned, except at true need. While his friendship to me is bought and paid for I am keenly aware at times that our relationship is a high-stakes gamble; as your own friendship was carefully nurtured over the course of weeks spent in my bed I would be remiss if I did not counsel you towards safety. There are enough dangers which hazard you already without heaping further risk upon yourself.

The tonic did work as intended. The person I gave it to was most pleased. I'll have to tell you about it sometime. I can't do it justice in a letter.

The next time I see you, I'd like to give you something nice. It's not a durable good, unfortunately, but I think you'll be pleased just the same.

With love, your friend,
Commander Jackass.
P.S. A certain Italian gentleman expressed admiration for your 'sensual' person last night while we were riding home. I thought I should pass that along, since little compliments are always nice to hear!

...There, that should do it.
>"I believe I shall shadow Camella when she's next in the house-I do not think I wish to miss her reaction to this."

After printing the letter out, folding it up and leaving it next to her irregular charm, I move on to my next project this afternoon: Making Hillevi lie.
>[Sake]"Which for the record, I do not endorse."
Really? Why not?
>[Sake]"While it may benefit her, I do not think her father will care for it-and I've had all the angry Valkonens I care to ever encounter already, thank you very much."
You know I'm still doing it right?
>[Sake]"That is why I'm not trying to stop you, yes."

Unfortunately for my plans though-Hillevi seems to have found a James Bond Marathon being played. I do not think I could get her to move short of vaporizing the television. Instead, I elect to call the Mafia number I have-and arrange a meeting in two hours with Rocco, interestingly enough at the very same restaurant I first met and later slew Castelleti at. Hopefully this isn't an omen.

Until then...
>>330636
I occupy myself with study of my chakra, my soul and my realized ability to occlude my soul's true nature behind an illusion. I try using my now-identified horrifically inefficient Stealth orientation as well as Reinforcement. I switch in and out of an open chakra state, and pay as much attention to my chakras as I can.

Unfortunately, it's a massive waste of time on all fronts, as it seems my soul trickery is easy enough that practice doesn't reveal new facets of it's function to me-and similary, since nothing's changed with my chakras or the orientations I know, all I really end up doing is wasting two hours. This ever so slightly dampens my mood-and I start to wonder why I keep becoming convinced I'll see some hidden truth by looking at my chakras when I keep failing. I'd like to think even I can learn when an idea I like isn't working-but then again, if that were true I'd already have stopped.
>"Frankly I think it's because you're a narcissistically obstinant jackass. Accepting something you thought right is wrong is arguably one of the hardest things you can do."
Your support, as ever, is appreciated.
>"Only too happy to chime in."

with the time up and four o'clock finally rolling around, I once more exit the house clad in my green suit with Sake about my neck and the hummingbird atop my tie, and head off to a certain Italian restaurant, intent on firmly focusing on the man's soul and getting some answers on the side. After the twenty minute walk, I spot Rocco at a table with no one sitting near it, and sidle my way over. Doing my best to evoke an easygoing, friendly demeanor, I mentally rehearse how I'm going to apologize. Rocco acts first, speaking even as he indicates for me to take a seat.
>[Rocco]"Something tells me you didn't call this meeting to discuss the job."
"Well-not specifically. Actually, I'm here-to apologize."
Had I not spoken with him enough I'm somewhat familiar with him, I might have missed that brief stony look to his face that masked his surprise. I continue.
"My apologizes about certain comments I made near the end of the job, and about not making it clear that my contact was a chance, not a sure thing- that was unprofessional of me."
I do my very damnedest to make a smile that others would call normal-it feels strange to me and I'm not sure if it worked, but Rocco's not recoiling from me so I'll assume it was successful.
"And whatever bits of fun I bring to work, I do want to try and keep things professional. Words are just that, of course, so I've brought you a somewhat more substantial apology- a copy of a file that made its way into my hands recently. I thought you might be interested in it."
At this point I pull from my oversized breast pocket-while doing so noting the sharp glares I get from a half doszen (customers) in the restaurant-and slide the manila folder across the table to Rocco. His stoicism lasts until he's opened the document-the longer he reads, the wider his eyes grow.
"That's all I wanted for now, although if you would pass Gianni my compliments on his actions yesterday, I would appreciate it. And I can't miss mentioning that my team and I are still available for future jobs, of course, if you have any need of assistance."
I turn to go-when Rocco speaks.
>[Rocco]"Where did you get this?"
"Right place at the right time-beyond that, I'm afraid it's business, not idle banter, to discuss the specifics of its acquisition. Confidentiality must be respected."
As Rocco rubs a hand over his goatee, frowning at the document before him in contemplation, I feel a delicately manicured fingrenail brush against my neck as a hand caresses my shoulder. I don't even need soul sensing to know who it is.
"Hey Gianni-you here to hear-"
>[Gianni Giammari]"Your thoughtful kudos? Indeed I did-and I thank you for the well received courtesy. ...Since you are here, I shall skip to a question I rather wish to hear the answer to: What do you plan to do with those bodies you claimed, hm? What thoughts are spiraling about your pretty head, mister smiles?"
"Well, as it happens-I do believe I have a bit too much body to deal with personally. Maybe you could give me a hand-no, I suppose you got one already."
Gianni laughs coquettishly as he favors me with a minx's smile.
>[GiaGia]"Well, my handjob turned out rather spectacularly-and I am very interested in some body work. If you can accommodate it-there is just so much I could do."
"You know where I live in istanbul and presumably know my number too-give me a ring when you want to set things up."
>[GiaGia]"Yes... I believe you can expect me to get in touch with you soon."

It is at this point that Gianni, busy ogling me, is pushed out of my immediate focus by Rocco finally speaking again.
>[Rocco]"So it was you then... hm. Well, since you managed to get your hands on this, least I can do is pretend you didn't say anything last night-but you know I can't assume you didn't read this file unless you are willing to swear it to me."
"I'll do no such thing-I didn't even know what it was until I started reading, and by then it was a moot point."
>[Rocco]"I suppose I shall have to get used to you knowing... more about me than most in this country. Which brings me to a new business proposal."
"Oh? Do tell."
>[Rocco]"It is my preference to keep the contents of that file confidential."
"And part of that, I suspect, revolves around what I do with what I know."
>[Rocco]"That is correct. Before we go further-I won't ask about everyone you may have spoken to, but this I do need to know: Have you spoken with anyone affiliated with the Triads, the Germans or any other organization in my field concerning this file?"
"I have not."
>[Rocco]"...Good. Then we can do business. Simply put: what is it that you want?"
"Frankly-I want Gianni."
>[GiaGia]"Oh my~"
>[Rocco]"As what?"
>[GIaGia]"I believe I can answer that-this pretty thing wants to learn about the ways of flesh, don't you?"
Smirking at his incessent innuendo, I quip right back.
"What can I say: I think I could stand to learn a thing or two about handling meat from you."
>[GiaGia]"Ho-hm..... Well, I do admit I'm intrigued. If boss says so, I'm game-but I shall have to hate you if you never show me those wondrous bodies you pilfered."
"Gianni, I think you can count on seeing them."
>[GiaGia]"How delightful-I do wonder what their musculature looks like-what it feels like....mm."
Rocco, still unflappably focused on business, nods decisively.
>[Rocco]"So, if I make Gianni available to you as a personal trainer-"
"With the promise he will be confidential about anything he learns about me in the process of teaching-"
>[GiaGia]"So long as you promise the same then darling I'm game."
>[Rocco]"That's agreeable-so, Gianni as personal trainer in exchange for confidentiality. Can you live with that?"
Finally learning about Flesh Manipulation from someone that practices it? Yeah, I'm looking for that.

So it is that we seal our agreement with a few glasses of wine... and some bourbon.... and rum.... and then a tiny glass of grappa. I'm uncertain Rocco could even stand by the time I leave-and I note with some envy that Gianni, who drank as much as both of us, doesn't even seem tipsy.


I'm about halfway back home when it happens.

Mid-step, I go from downtown Istanbul to being in the middle of some muggy, moist and oppressively alive jungle that looks damned near like some two-page spread in the National Geographic about the Amazon brought to life.

What the fu-
Air crackles and pops as the moisture in it freezes, leaves glossing over with an icy film.
>[Ogrimir]"It is time for you to give this season's service to me."
...fffffFFFFUCK, I had shit to do tomorrow!
>[Ogrimir]"As important as I'm sure you think things were, I need you to wake up a dreamer in this forest-one that has slumbered a long time."
"I... I can't do this some other time?"
>[Ogrimir]"It must be now-and you are obligated to adhere to my demand. The Dreamer you seek creates the illusion of souls within nearby fauna-you will find your target where it appears all animals are ensouled."
I sigh in frustrations as I rub my temples, immensely happy I at least had Iron Trick, the Lonesome Judge and a Mateba on me as well as two reloads for each.
"And you couldn't have given me a heads up, or at least a chance to grab some better equipment?"
>[Ogrimir]"The Dreamer is able to feel distant, but not proximal, thoughts concerning its existence. This was the only way to allow you to bypass it's watch."
"And why am I waking this dreamer-and how?"
>[Ogrimir]"The why is not for you to know. The how is simple: slay the dreamer, and it will wake."
"What, like put a bullet through it's head?
"
>[Ogrimir]"A viable option."
"How will I know the dreamer when I see it?"
>[Ogrimir]"That is up to your spiritual perception. Just know that if you are wrong-and mistakenly think one of the ensouled animals is the dreamer, it will not destroy your ability to complete the job-it will merely render all the false living 'spirit animals' as hostile to you until such time the Dreamer is destroyed."
A quick glance up at the dense canopy of leaves overhead shows light far too bright for the late afternoon streaming through-am I actually in the Amazon?
"Where am I?"
>[Ogrimir]"A place you know as part of Brazil."
The ice around me... begins to melt.
>[Ogrimir]"....AORB's defenses are as staunch as ever. You will not hear from me again until the job is complete or you have perished."
Just like that-Ogrimir's presence, so lightly ghosting over my mind I hardly felt it compared to our prior conversations-is gone.


And I'm stuck in South America with three guns and three dozen bullets in business attire (thankfully of a shade that does okay blending with the surrounding greenery). Okay......


I try to push my senses out as far as I can-and feel nothing, not a single soul, only faint magic laced deep into the earth.
>[Hummingbird]"Were there some identifying properties I could percieve I'd offer to help you find this dreamer-however, as it stands I have no way to detect souls-and could not tell if I was in the right area. Mayhap you have a plan to circumvent this limitation?"
>[Sake]"Not like the ass could have been any more vague. There's dozens of beings that can be classified as 'Dreamers' and precious few share common features-if I look for the wrong kind it's impossible that I'd find what we seek. I'd need to know more."
Story of my life..... well shit.











Ogrimir dumped me in South America, in some Brazilian forest with only my soul brothers and what I was wearing: now what do I do?
>>
No. 378563 ID: 7c31d2

Try to find a tribe of sexy amazon women for some fun times, of course.
>>
No. 378578 ID: f354ab

Hopefully this won't take more than a day, or we could run into a problem with drinkable water.

What's dangerous in the rainforest... ensouled big cats, anacondas, maybe crocodiles? Vampire bats? Piranhas? Poisonous frogs? Just stay away from anything brightly colored, try keeping to the trees if you can, and don't pee in the water.

We might run into pygmys, loggers or drug runners, too- but given portugese, spanish and bantu are three languages we don't speak, its not likely to be much help.

Can SB track souls, or just magic? If the former, we may wish to split up to cover more ground. Bonus, in the rainforest SB should have LOTS of shadow to play with at nearly any time of day, so he can REALLY move.

Oh, and we should tell Shadowbro, "Boy, sure wish somebody had foreseen something like this happening and learned some Goblinic trapping, eh?" Or something along those lines.
>>
No. 378624 ID: 252e1b

rolled 42 = 42

First things first. Clean all the booze out of your system. You know Ito's chakra orientation for cleaning toxins; use it. You need your head.

Secondly, take stock of your surroundings. Look and listen for running water. Rivers and tributaries are where you will find people, and people are where you will find some of the information you'll need.

Lastly, check your satellite phone. Its GPS will tell you where you are. If you're closer to the heart of the Amazon you're not going to meet many people at all.

Give Camella a call, let her know what's up. Ditto for Hillevi.
>>
No. 378625 ID: b8123b

rolled 97 = 97

First things first, know your surroundings. Ask SB and sake to take a quick scan of the area with their senses.
Get your guns loaded up in case of trouble.
Take off your Jacket, save it from damage. Your underclothes are armored so you will still be fine...hopefully.

If you can find a river start heading downstream.
>>
No. 378631 ID: d97a61

>>378624
First things first, I switch to Reinforcement and try to sober up as fast as i can-
[42: >30 PASS, >50 FAIL, >75 FAIl, >90 FAIL, =100 FAIL]

While I'm clearing my head, I very distinctly note the sound of of heavily muffled gunfire to my left insinuated with the oppressive noises of the heavily forested landscape. At a guess it's more than one thousand feet away since I can't feel any souls-though I suppose the intervening trees could do that, what with the sound's source being completely out of visible sight.

I had been thinking about looking for a stream, or calling home, or some such-but this seems rather... transient.


Should I investigate it, I wonder, or leave it be?
>>
No. 378640 ID: 627b9f

rolled 54 = 54

With your current ammunition supply, any combat is currently inadvisable, try switching your chakras to stealth mode, and going around it, though heading in that direction is likely a start towards Ogrimmir's goal. Of course, if you can get close enough to determine what is happening without being discovered then do so.
>>
No. 378642 ID: 3fd4fb

>>378631
Shadowbro is much better suited to scout this out than we are; we'll have to worry about annoying things like objects obstructing our motion, while he should have pretty much a blanket of shadow stretching out in all directions- and I do believe he told us he can now move instantly within any large shadow. His perception of mundane reality isn't really the same as ours, but he should be able to get at least a halfway decent assessment of the situation within the matter of a second or two and return with enough information to give us a decent idea of what's going on.

Can Sake use his wind tricks to keep this humid, muggy air from making us all wet and miserable and ruining our suit- or at least delay it? Wearing ruined clothing never gives an impression of power or competence. Don't want to burn off much power on something like that, but it's worth considering.

Anyway, if Shadowbro says that it's something worth investigating (and it pretty much is going to be unless it's highly unexpected; there is almost always something to be gained from the presence of people) consider available methods of movement. Shadowbro can teleport us around to avoid being caught in the underbrush; Sake can fly, perhaps carrying Iron Trick to save Shadowbro the effort of teleporting an Artifact. And, of course, we can Reinforce while moving to move around with superhuman speed. Between those capabilities we should be able to move rapidly through the forest here- and we don't even have to stick to the forest floor; depending upon the size of the trees and the situation it might be more advantageous to shadow-teleport up into the trees and move between them with teleportation and jumping.

So with that, we should be able to scout out the source of the noise and hopefully get over there within a matter of a handful of seconds- a minute or so at most. Leave our chakras pinned on Reinforcement and focus our will on having our soul appear in such a way that we go unnoticed by others as we move- that should hopefully activate our soul stealth, which should be far superior to our half-assed stealth chakra setting. Remember not to lose focus on this while we move around; having part of our mind keep that up while the rest of it handles whatever else is going on is probably going to take some practice, but there's no time like the present to start.

Once in place, remain unseen and assess the situation. We want to acquire information, allies, and assets from whatever is going on here, and that requires understanding what's going on so that we can exploit it.
>>
No. 378774 ID: 83fcfd

>>378642
Generally updating, though adding a small question to SB:"Hey, the Nazi shadow you are controlling- is it currently still at our house in Istanbul? In that case it could be possible to find ammunition and food that way. Of course, it could alert the 'Dreamer'"

Likewise, Armas should ask IT/SB/Sake if they think Talking to Amen or calling people back in Istanbul would incur the risk of alerting the 'Dreamer', as we would have a connection to someone 'far'. If we do connect such people, we should try as hard as possible to NOT think about him. An obvious way to do this effectively would be for SB to take any knowledge of the mission out of our memories if we decide to talk to Amen and have him relay that we are gone for a while.
>>
No. 378811 ID: f354ab

Gunfire. I think Armas is naturally inclined to seek out people he can socially combat/dominate, but in this case, he likely can't speak the language, which is a setback.

Still, he could potentially score some .45 ammo, and its not impossible he'd find someone who spoke German/Italian/English/Turkish/Te Reo/Finnish/Russian.

Delightful social battle, or getting on with Og's quest. Decisions, decisions. Put it to a vote why not. Headvoices?

If we go, I bet we could pretend to be a god. Godling here, after all, we can change our soul to look like any godly sign. Particularly in a place like this, where gods are likely thick on the ground. What would be a good one? I'd say go with an iteration of the Green Man (LI our soul up as an oak mask with vines and oak leaves), but he doesn't really do suits and guns.
>>
No. 378822 ID: d97a61
File 132616284591.jpg - (29.11KB , 540x380 , Amazonian Mercenary Squad.jpg )
378822

>>378563
It'd be real nice if those are gun-toting jungle amazon women...
>"Please stop thinking with your dick."
Only when you give me back the memory of the last time I got laid.
>"Let me think very carefully about th-no."
Asshole.
>>378578
>>378624
Okay, quick check before I do anything... no, don't hear water, though that doesn't mean a stream or something isn't nearby. Okay, phone, let's see where am I..... okay, South America, good-now, -5.176, -64.564..... okay, forest doesn't look Amazonian-it IS Amazonian. ...Looks like the nearest place is a goodly bit south at Canutama. I'd also have to either circle around or cross a major river to get there. Hm.
>>378625
Sake, SB, feel anything?
>"Of note? No, but I'm still getting my bearings straight in the new surroundings-the difference in background magic is significant."
>[Sake]"I feel.... ill luck from the direction of the gunfire, but I'm not sure who it's ill luck for-just that SOMETHING's unlucky in that direction."
Hm. Again, Hm.

The booze continues to filter out of my second as I pause a moment longer-to the sound of more gunfire.

>>378640
...Yeesh, thirty six bullets and six more of special ammunition I'm too miserly to use isn't really much to fight with. I mean sure if it's just mundane shenanigans, now that I've got my affairs in order Gleb's trick and Hybrid Healing could probably see me through-but why ruin a good suit? There simply has to be something better.
>>378642
Like having a noncorporeal shadow do the scouting, and figure out what's over yonder.
>"Sure, I'll do it. Back in a moment or so."
I watch my shadow slither away on the ground as I make a request of Sake.
>[Sake]"....Yeah, I can do that for leaves, dirt, insects-regular things indefinitely-provided I'm not being called on to really flex my magic muscles while so occupied. It would only serve to keep you tidy looking."
That's all I'm shooting for here.
>[Sake]"Then I shall do what I can to keep your suit looking sharp."
Hah, knew I could count on you. By the by, that keep out moisture?
>[Sake]"Of course it will. If you had any capacity for Wind Manipulation I'd show you the spell matrices I propose to sustain-they're rather straightforward."

It's now that my other soul brother returns.
>"Two groups-one uniform in magical energies, not to the extent of a hive species but clearly similarly outfitted, trained and used to working with one another. I feel the cold sting of unenchanted metal all about them-and the sounds indicate the majority of gunfire originates from this group. In terms of magic, I see NONexpendable charms on each one, all oriented around armor in some fashion. I detected a trio of magical knives-but otherwise the two dozen I feel in this group do not seem magically armed. The other group, by contrast, has a much higher sense of magic about them-enchanted leather, enchanted hides, enchanted bows and hafts of spears and axes. What they have in magical potency, they lack in coordination. Each magical signature feels proud, alone-and none seem comfortable working with the others. This group is also merely a quarter the size of the other-now only five members strong. Battle will conclude soon-barring a miraculous intervention, the larger group shall prevail."
Any idea who each group is?
>"Not enough data to be certain, I normally pirate non-magical sensory data off you-which I obviously couldn't do this time."
>>378811
Right then-voting time. Investigate, or don't?
>"Don't. It's unrelated to our objective, as I detected not a whit of magic even remotely similar to the feel of ensouled animals."
>[Hummingbird]"It is the clarion call of battle being waged: how could you not have curiosity about such events?"
>[Sake]"I agree with our newest companion-between the four of us we should be able to handle any reasonable challenge that may be presented on sight-and besides, just because we investigate doesn't mean we must intervene."
>[IT]"I reject the idea less for safety concerns and more because if it isn't related to our mission as is presumably the case I am willing to bet you will become distracted by it. Your track record for eschewing distractions is rather abysmal, nevermind how effectively you employ distractions yourself."
Two for, two against-fuck it, let's check this out.

Switching my chakras from Reinforcement to Stealth-and SB feeling rather pleased with himself at the renewed supply of my own energy straight to his soul-and follow my shadow, creeping through the dappled, kaleidoscopically bright and darkling landscape, traversing twisting paths about gnarled roots, ghosting past heavy, lush leaves, my leather-booted feet making not a whisper on the ground as I endeavor ever onwards. As I meander through the forest, ferreting and snaking my way closer to the sounds, the gunfire becomes sharper, less muffled-I recognize the sound of a rifle firing 7.62, but it... doesn't sound right for Kalashnikov's stuff. What is it... German? Polish maybe?

As I catch my first glimpse of genuine movement, the initial indication I've reached my target-I settle myself down behind a particularly twisted tree trunk-and get to spiritually identifying the combatants. It's simple stuff: When I feel Attention nowhere near my hiding spot, I swiftly peak out and scan for bodies-not even paying attention to details so much as firmly noting souls as I identify them. After seven passes in ten seconds, I think I've got the tallies up-just as the smaller force's numbers drop to three. Twenty two dudes in tan camo and matte black body armor with assault rifles-and a surviving rag-tag trio jumping about like they think they're tarzan. The smaller group is more or less protecting a collection of pruned timber and several satchels I have to presume are stuffed with valuable goods, even thought I feel no magic from them. The larger group, however....

Fights from within a purple cloud. No joke-there's completely opaque, luridly neon purple smoke half-enveloping the lot of them-and I don't need my brothers to tell me the smoke's magical.

...It's also so perfectly garish I'm immediately envious they have it and I do not.

Only two of the defenders are still alive now, one with a bow gunned down as I built my map-well, this battle is a foregone conclusion.

Sure enough not two seconds later the last two souls extinguish-and I hear the rapidfire chatter of what I assume is spanish being bandied about. I wonder what they're talking about....
>[Sake]"They're talking about collecting their heads so they can get paid for removing poachers-why, you can't understand them?"
Wait you speak Spanish?
>[Sake]"No I don't, I speak Japanese and every language you can speak-you can't speak Spanish.]"
Yeah but I can sure as hell recognize it-and that's Spanish those dudes are speaking. ...Maybe it's because of your body?
>[Sake]"Ah-that would explain it. Yes... I suppose I can indeed speak Spanish."

I go over my mental list of souls and take another gander at what I percieve-not a one of them has the feel of someone with a bloodline-but I get the distinct feeling they're similar to Ito, Camella, Hafaz and Go Ping-in other words, they know at least something about how to use Chakras.

Okay: co-ordinated squad, chakra-capable, and possessing non-shitting charms and modern armor and weapons.
>"ANd I've identified their guns-Swedish, SIG 542's."
Those are normally battle rifles.
>"And yet both of us heard fully automatic fire."
Guess someone's done some work on them-great. Okay..... SIG 542's, tan camo, black armor, matching faceplate armor masks-sylish in a Jason kind of way-purple smoke, and speaks spanish. ....I SWEAR I've heard of these guys before.


The fact Sake can speak their language is an opportunity I'm not sure I want to pass up.
>"As wonderful as some attempted coercion and bluffing may be, is there a particular reason to get so caught up in this diversion?"
Presumably they'll know the land better than us-and if properly pumped could well yield some vital tip as to where I should look for Ogrimir's job.
>"That's not definite."
Of course it isn't-but what alternatives do we have right now?













So what's it going to be?
Do I want to try talking to this group of killers, and if so, what's my approach, how do I act, what does Sake do-and oh yeah, who do I think they are?
Or if I DON'T think I should interact with them-what should I do instead?
Should I just have Sake fly us up above the canopy and just start manually searching-or do I have a better idea?
>>
No. 378942 ID: 448d82

Well, thinking on that bad feeling of luck that Sake had earlier, I'd say, you don't need these guys, slip away. Might have been some point to being in the battle, but that ended, though, for trolling's sake you could swipe all the junk the dead guys left, might be good practice. No stealing for giggles unless you can do it without being caught, check with Sake how the luck feels before trolling.

Have Sake scout the high canopy, Shadowbro sweep the ground, and you Armas, you have some tree leaping to do, now make like a stealthly monkey and get going.

The animals with illusions of souls should be in a radial pattern around the dreamer, if it works like that, this is just a guess but heading where the amount of "ensouled" animals are in the greatest concentration may help.

While you are scouting about, see if you can stalk some normal animals, kill and eat too, you'll need the energy, careful not to leave a trackable path of missing animals though.
>>
No. 378951 ID: da450d

Who these guys are? The same group who raided and killed a group of foreign mercernaries-terrorists who wanted to spark a civil war in Bolivia and assassinate the president a few years back...2009 and they're now viewed as heroes. It's the Unidad Tactica de Apoyo y Resolucion de Crisis, a paramilitary police unit disbanded after attacking some journalists filming an arrest. Name kinda translate to: Tactical Unit for Resolution of Conflicts.
Yeah, scary motherfuckers right here. I think you should just ignore them, have SB try to loot spears from the fallen...natives, and GTFO.
Meanwhile, back in Istabul, Nikifor's bored and sad, because he just remembered that his favorite tools for carving bone/ivory are still back at Russia. So, he heads out to buy a new set of said tools with $2000 in his pocket, also buy himself a few pieces of ivory to start carving.
>>
No. 378967 ID: 057cd0

>>378942
>Well, thinking on that bad feeling of luck that Sake had earlier,
>check with Sake how the luck feels before trolling.
They probably have something to spread bad luck. Most likely bound up in the stolen stuff. Don't know if you are familiar with them, but there are stories about items you can only acquire by a certain way if you don't want to be cursed by them. Sometimes it is buying, sometimes being gifted and sometimes killing the previous owner. I don't think Sake will be reliably able to warn you in advance about them.
Then there is that they might have a situational ritual thing that produces bad luck on their opponent as long as they stick to certain forms.

>>378811
SUST on the god imitation. Do you really think it is a good idea to commit identity theft on a god in combination with believer fraud on the same god while in the territory of you don't know which gods and under the purview of you don't which treaties.
>>
No. 378975 ID: 81f32a

>The other group, by contrast, has a much higher sense of magic about them-enchanted leather, enchanted hides, enchanted bows and hafts of spears and axes.
>spears and axes.

Whenever you approach them or not try to sneak and take a spear and an axe from a fallen Tarzan, choose one as far away. Since we don't have much bullets, having melee weapons will be very useful. If you DO approach them, hide the spear somewhere and stow an axe under your suit, since I don't think they will appreciate taking their loot. And do not touch whatever the smaller group was trying to protect.

I agree with Iron Trick here, this will prove a big distraction and we need to finish this job as soon as possible since we got Shit To Do. Speaking of which, see if your mental contact with Amen still works. If it does have him relay message to Camella that some unexpected business arose that you need take care of and you do not know when you will be back (could be couple of hours, could be days), if you are not back before your meeting with Ricker's contact, she is to attend it in your place.
>>
No. 379001 ID: c630af

>>378975
Well, we don't know whether communicating with Amen could be detected by the AORB, so i'll SUST that. Also, we don't know how the 'Dreamer's awareness of attention works, and whether talking to osmeone far away will count as Armas being far away. In such a case, even if we call someone via our satellite phone (and we'd first need to teleport above the trees or some such) we MUST bounce ideas to SB/IT/Sake about it. It might be safer to temporarily remove infor about the Dreamer from our mind while on the phone.

>>378822
I... am hesitating to make contact here. We don't know who is the Dreamer, if he has any kind of protections (he could be a leader of a clan, for example), or any such thing. We don't have food, or weapons... and those guys seems to be well equipped. Trying to rush the meeting with the Dreamer might not be the best idea (or, it might be). If we do go and talk to them, I feel like making a subterfuge: maybe make our soul look like Sake's (with some minor differences) and then talk about 'what your older brother want'. I am also liking the idea of those magical spears.
>>
No. 379085 ID: f354ab

Can SB tell what's in the bag, for curiosity's sake? They called the Tarzans poachers... an animal? And who would hire these guys as game preservers?

Anyway, I think we can make this work. If Sake feeds lines in Spanish to SB via their high-speed telepathy, and then SB speaks for us, this should be a reasonable workaround to get around the Spanish issue. Let's hope the bros agree, and don't troll us too badly.

Now, Armas focuses on his role: we're covered in animals, they're park rangers (or something). We're now playing a non-local nature god. Make our soul one of primeval plains or still water- unthreatening at first, but allow them to get the sense that what lies in the grass/beneath the water might be... anything.

We teleport among them, but do not threaten them. As SB talks, wander around them casually. If that magical smoke looks to come from gas grenades, swipe one, play with it idly (while analyzing it with our item sense), juggle it- give it back when we're done.

Smile - show them those pearly whites - and let SB talk. The goal should be info on what groups inhabit the rainforest; offer our own suggestion, but he's free to take it or not. But the tack I think we should take is that there has been a disturbance in the balance that has drawn us to the forest. I bet these guys will jump at the opportunity to finger some of their enemies, helping is divine who else is in this forest. Then spin some tale about the forest fighting back against this imbalance - places where animals are stronger, smarter, more vicious. That would be a clue towards Dreamer.

Hint that gods can be generous to those that cooperate. Basically, any inducement that would work on Armas should work on these guys (we don't have money with us, but if they want something non-physical in payment, like we did with Og, we might be able to help them there; Lordly Imposition and mess around in their auras for a bit).
---
Also, I'd like Titus to buy the biggest, nastiest stun gun he can find, and start finding a way to integrate it into a kevlar sleeve to make taser gloves a la the armstar bodyguard 9xi-hd01. Alternatively, if he could buy a pair of the 9xi's somehow despite Armstar only selling them in lots of 10 and work on scaling it up, that would work, too. Allotment: $1000, though it should cost significantly less.
>>
No. 379091 ID: 252e1b

Bothering these guys, while potentially interesting/lucrative/dangerous, is ultimately just going to sidetrack Armas. So, let them leave.

Then examine the bodies. Take a few minutes to look at the weapons and armor, and determine the charms on them and such. When you've learned what you can, pick out anything that seems useful.

Check your phone, look at the map on it again. There should be some old lake beds to the north west. They're as good as anywhere to check out while you wander around looking for ensouled animals.
>>
No. 379094 ID: 3fd4fb

>>378822
There is little reason to not make contact. There is some risk, yes- but mostly initially, if we appear in such a way that they're inclined to fire on us as a threat. Once we get past that we can start getting things out of them. Things like:
-Precious information, relevant to either our actual goal or more generally the surrounding area and its inhabitants/threats. Very important, since this is the fucking Amazon and we know nothing about it.
-Chakra settings, which we can observe and try to discern the operation of/attempt to copy or get them to teach us somehow
-Loot off the fallen, which sounds fairly valuable or at least interesting.
-Items in their possession, like garish smoke, whatever those permanent armor charms are, and rifles/ammo. They might even have .45 ammo for us to use, somewhere.


So. Our approach:

First, we need to alert them to our presence in a non-hostile way. I suggest whistling a merry tune, initially from out of view, then after we've attracted some attention slowly waving and revealing ourselves, no sudden motions. As we come into view, focus on our soul appearing as something that they will immediately recognize as dangerous if pissed off- normal humans can't sense souls, of course, but ours should so strongly exude the appearance of 'this being will turn nasty if angered' that even they will pick up on it and hasten to keep us happy. Try to maintain the soul appearance throughout the conversation, making the sense of lurking menace wane if they do what we want and grow (ever so slowly) if they begin to grow belligerent or unhelpful.

Second, the first touch. Since we can't speak Spanish, I would prefer that Armas not appear to speak- leave that to Sake; managing our soul while tracking the conversation will probably take most of our attention anyway. Instead, Armas can just smile and stay absolutely silent while Sake conducts conversations, using tenses that refer to Armas/him as a single being to give a misimpression as to our nature.

While talking, Shadowbro can play translator since he and Sake have faster communication that they can use freely, and if Sake is uncertain what to do at any point we can have a boosted-speed meeting of the minds.

As for the tack to take- I'd stick close-ish to the truth without revealing much. Who are we? We're a traveler, a hunter, a servant of this god and that. They can call us Sonrisa. What do we want? We want to keep a promise to someone very important to us. But for now, we would appreciate some assistance, a bit of direction, to talk for a while and learn things... and we are sure they won't regret spending a short while being polite and helpful (Armas extra-wide smile).

Hopefully we will be able to get everything that we want out of them with some friendly conversation backed up with completely unstated threats backed by our soul disguise. Keep pushing until we're pretty sure that we can't push for any more of the things we want, playing it by ear. And stay in shadow so that Shadowbro can intercept bullets if things turn ugly.

>>379053
>We're now playing a non-local nature god.
SUST on trying to act like an actual god. We frankly don't know enough about how gods work to pull this off- we can probably successfully pretend to be a Divine sort of being, like Sake or The Smiling One, though. Better not to specify.

>But the tack I think we should take is that there has been a disturbance in the balance that has drawn us to the forest.
The problem with this is that it's rooted in the idea that the role we're playing is somehow naive enough to think about "balance" in a way that isn't ruthlessly practical. The Amazon has been getting stripped away by something like 120 square miles a day; if there are gods who cared about the forest's state they came here a long time ago or at least are well-informed about the situation, enough so to not be wandering about aimlessly.
>>
No. 379095 ID: d292f2

>>379094
Upvoting this.

We might as well stick around to talk a bit. If they start shooting at us, or try to get us to care about their shit, we just ditch. Simple. Oh, and definitely take one of those enchanted spears if you've got the chance.
>>
No. 379114 ID: d97a61
 

>>378951
>[Nikifor has now been queued to do the following:]
>-Nikifor will seek out a new set of bone carving tools and enough ivory that he's spent $2,000 within the next week.
My brain finally kicks into gear and I dredge up the needed memories. It wasn't much-but twice, these guys have been in the news: once as heroes, for stoppinga presidential assassination and an attempt to spark a civil war by terrorists-what's interesting though, is that as I recall, the terrorists themselves were mercenaries hired to do a job or some such. I'll need to check that some time. Second thing I remember: How, not too long before they were disbanded, and a large reason for WHY they were disbanded, they attacked some journalists filming them performing an arrest. I'm looking at the U.T.A.R.C.-I don't recall what it stood for, but the translation was more or less Tactical Unit for Crisis Resolution-a Bolivian paramilitary police unit. The fact they're literally headhunting makes me assume they're doing some bounty hunter work-but the question is who it's for, and what that means about how they should be approached.... Sake, SB, no tidbits to offer?
>"One of the magical knives seems to have some sort of detection ward on it-I do not feel confident enough it wouldn't detect more invasive scanning to proceed. You know I prefer to stay discretely backstage and out of sight when possible."
Yeah, can't fault you there-Sake? How about that luck thing-got any more on that?
>[Sake]"Yes, actually: That's not coming from any individual, but rather from some object on the field-I am reasonably certain it's among the fallen, but we'd need to get closer to verify. As to the winning group... no, I have no insights to offer. I do like the smoke though-I knew several Kabuki performers who'd have paid quite dearly for such a vibrant, luridly colored smoke.
It... is quite nice.
>"And distressingly hard to decipher on a magical level-though I think it has something to do with sensory impairment."
Hm.
Well, bottom line is I'm unsure I want to bother them, potential gains or no.

>>378975
Sake can you procure one of those magic axes or spears you felt-preferably a spear?
>"Without being detected? Either they'd have to move farther away, or be distracted-as is, none of the fallen items are obscured enough their abrupt absence wouldn't alert at least one of the ex-UTARC mercs."
So not just yet-okay....

>>379085
SB can you tell what's in the bags?
>"Oh, the satchels? Yeah, a bunch of individually wrapped or bottled things, all with some level of magic suffused through them-some timber, sap, honey, leaves, berries, assorted organs from assorted creatures-I couldn't name any specifics but it looks like a bunch of stuff that presumably is valuable otherwise they wouldn't be collecting it."
And can you transport what's within them?
>"Yeah-but if you want more than the tiniest amount of the stuff I'll need you to get them to drop the packages so they can't feel the difference while I do it."
Ah-they picked them up already.
>"While cutting off heads, yes."

>>379094
>>379095
Distraction coming up-grab what you can.
I begin to whistle a jaunty tune Play video now without any sense of subtlety, aiming to garner attention. Within the first rapidly reached crescendo I feel attentions snapping about to lock on the tree I'm behind.
SB, can you start taking things from the packs-and a weapon-while transporting me to different spots?
>"If it means you'll be the distraction needed to appropriate supplies-absolutely."
I continue to whistle as I shift in and out of the Dark, each time reappearing behind a different tree, moving six times in ten seconds. But while I'm busy with whistling-
Sake, I'm going to need you to be my mouth.
>[Sake]"What, the Spanish thing? If you're sure it's true fine, I'll give it a go-I'll even do you one better and accurately translate... as long as I don't get bored."
Your kindness is appreciated. SB, can you handle the actual conversation direction with Sake?
>"Why do-ah, you need to concentrate on your soul. Yes, I can assist. Ready?"
Big nasty soul, don't want to fight it-something powerful, dangerous-and for now, nonviolent-a sleeping dragon, a slumbering giant, a lazy bear-something one shouldn't prod... yeah, I'm good, let's do this.

I slowly step out from behind the tree I currently find myself behind, an easy smile on my face as Sake unwinds from about my neck and gently floats into the air between me and the now visible ex-UTARC group. My first assessment of them from brief glimpses wasn't far off: Tan camo becomes something bulkier that looks decidedly similar to the make of Amen's Kevlar uniforms-over it is worn modular body armor that looks like nothing more than segmented ballistic plates slapped together: No doubt amazingly heavy compared to most body armor options, but layered over a full body kevlar jumpsuit, with shoulder, forearm, grown, neck and shin protection-I don't know that they need to be all that fast. That and the bulk definitely makes for an intimidating profile-especially with the skull motif ballistic faceplate masks. Despite the clear weight of their burdensome gear, not a one of them seems heavy on their feet as they keep guns trained on me-but refrain from firing. I continue to focus on the spiritual image I'm projecting onto myself, that of the barely-restrained big bad wolf, and watch as the group doesn't even flinch at a flying, talking magic weasel addressing them. I listen with half an ear as SB provides commentary, still consumed with my crafting, and the tenuously difficult task of maintaining rigid focus.
>"Crowd commentary our brother's a flying rat. One of them shuts him up. Sake ignores slight, says we are seeking something in these woods, and would be grateful for help-doesn't promise anything, just implies it. They don't sound all that sold on it... Armas, smile at them-you know, Smile."
Still distracted with my image, I do as SB bids, and direct an easy, natural smile their way. More than a few of the Bolivians nearly shoot me as their bodies reflexively cry out at the wrongness they are subjected to-
>"Oh look at that, they are more amenable to helping now. They ask what we seek: Sake says we seek to fulfill an oath, a promise-and to do so we must find something that would make animals far more crafty and difficult to deal with than they should be just by being around it-and ask if they know any areas where the wildlife's more cunning, crafty than it should be. Sake also mentions that any settlements they think would be most informed about such happenings would likewise be 'appreciated.' One of the Bolivians asks why our brother can fly if he's a Ramidreju. Sake ominously implies you did something to let him do this without stating you are human, godling or otherwise-keep up the mental image"
I bolster my mental state.
>"[i]Oookay-they're telling us about two camps, and giving some coordinates for them-I'll tell you later, but one's a big, let's call it a poaching guild, the ones who hired them to track down these free agents-and there's a hidden port that's open to mercenaries and not so friendly to people that are not for hire. He's telling us about word that to the west and northeast alike, the forest has become much more dangerous than it's been in recent years. Sake's saying he doesn't think he can get any more info from them-take a bow and keep smiling and staring.
Still in my semi-fugue state sustaining the image of my soul, I take a bow, lockiong my gaze on the eyeholes of the frontmost merc's mask-and am rewarded with the sight of him taking a step back just before I'm pulled through the dark-only to immediately be moved for transport the moment I 'land' twice more. Once it stops-with the ex-UTARC force nowehere in sight and inaudible, their souls hundreds of feet away through dozens of treetrunks-I inspect what SB acquired even as I mull over what Sake learned.

-Seems that I now know where the Amazonian Poacher's Guild, the APG, is-and can visit them for intell-if I think I've got what it'll take to make them part with it. Sounded like they pinch pennies like nobodies business.
-I also learned where Billabong Cove is, apparently a great place for smuggling and contraband of all sorts. This place will only show a warm welcome to mercs-so if I go there, I need to be ready to offer my services one way or another.
-Both locations are reasonably close to where I am, and could be reached on foot before it gets dark-I think.
-SB claimed an enchanted spear-it's half is able to change material to that of any tree it's pressed against-some means of absorbing floral properties, I think. Either way, it acts as a way to repair a broken or cut haft by supplying a new template to work off of. In a forest like this, it means the spear haft's unbreakable, so long as I don't count brief periods of damage as 'breaking'. The spear point itself is rather clearly meant to be detachable-and I'm pretty damn sure what's currently on the end is an oversized WASP knife. ...Yeah, even has the bulge for the compressed canister. ...Not a bad spear, all things considered. Only five feet long so not quite what I'm used to-but I can make it work.
-SB also acquired a bundle of carefully de-barked wood that has a strangely sinusoidal grain to it, eschewing the normal flat layering one normally sees in wood. The material is a dusky grey-green, and makes me think of pungent cheese and soft spring moss. As to what gives it it's magical energy, I couldn't say-but I've got an armload of the stuff now. SB says one whole pack was filled with just this wood-and that's out of only four packs.
-SB also acquired an assortment of bottles, none labeled, each containing what seems to vary between honey, nectar, sap, oil, blood and venom. All in all, he managed to procure a dozen such vials.


Well...I've got a much better sense of what's what around here, I've got a weapon, and I've got what are presumably some semi-valuable goods. I know the location of two major information hubs, both of which aren't going to have the information I want for free-and lastly, I've gotten a tip about two possible directions Ogrimir's target could be in. So the question now is:








What's the next step?
>>
No. 379131 ID: f70e5e

i'd recommend going to the APG, they probably know the forest extremely well. you can probably barter some of the stuff you took from the poachers or quick services (healing, magic item identification, aide in a short raid that sort of thing) for the information you need. though getting a better idea of exactly what you have and how much its worth before bargaining with it would be a good idea, though if we offer the whole thing as a lump sum knowing its exact value might not be all that important.
>>
No. 379236 ID: f5a586

Consider your trouble with languages, you know them but need to break them in to get full use out of them, to help with this start thinking in Russian and at the start of each day begin thinking in a new language, also ask the headvoices to vary the languages they think/talk to you in for extra practice

As an experiment press the spear against a tree, if no actual wood is taken from the tree to facilitate the change then try pressing the spear against a block of the magic wood.

Travel stealthily toward the northeast while on the lookout for other presences as well as some game for a quick meal.
>>
No. 379237 ID: a7b5b4

Poacher's Guild is more likely to have detailed info on the local wildlife and such, and may be more open to bartering with the crap you've acquired. Also, while Billabong Cove might be a better place to get ammo and such, YOU KEEP GETTING DISTRACTED BY SHIT ON THE SIDE and that place would pretty much guarantee more of that sort of thing, which is undesirable at this point in time.

Also, keep an eye skyward, never know if shit is going to drop down on your ass out of nowhere from the treetops.

Back in Istanbul, Vlad takes a break from organizing all the loot to go for a walk around town and do some shopping, looking for a cheap laptop (along with a mouse and scanner-printer for it) at whatever's equivalent to a Radio shack or Walmart ($500 budget), and then poking around in book stores for gunsmithing manuals($200 budget), and finally stopping by a hardware store to pick up an assortment of basic tools ($300 budget). Well, after making a stop at a buffet first to sow terror and dis- errr, get lunch (around $20 I assume). Upon returning to base and getting the computer set up, the trolling of assorted gun boards with all caps and broken english will commence (while mentally filing away any useful info contained in the angry responses), along with torrenting more gunsmithing stuff.
>>
No. 379258 ID: d292f2

On the other hand, the Poacher's Guild pays money to have non-member poachers killed. If we show up at their camp trying to trade away a bunch of poached goods and we aren't a member, which we aren't, we may receive a rather unfriendly welcoming. There is also the matter of the mercs we just scared shitless being headed that way. I'd like to minimize the risk of bumping into them again.

We ought to head to the Cove for info. No questions will be asked about the origin of our goods and we actually are a mercenary. If someone challenges that fact, we tell them we're there fulfilling a contract for a client. Because we are. Ogrimir is a client, just one who paid in advance for the work we'll be doing for him, that's all.
>>
No. 379279 ID: 81f32a

Examine the nectar a bit more thoroughly. See if hummingbird would like to drink it, if it does, then give it to him.

I think the best bet for us would be the Poachers guild, they should definitely know where animals get too dangerous. Also, we should have more than 1,000$ cash on hand, that could buy us information.
>>
No. 379286 ID: f354ab
File 132633084123.jpg - (178.74KB , 1452x1881 , EliteMook2.jpg )
379286

I'd like to use the art to get Camella (or Matvey) to call, asking about our business account # to outfit the crew in body armor, armored trenchcoats/cloaks, big stompy armored boots (don't want our minigun-wielding mooks taken down by a well-placed mine), vehicles - stuff. Armas okays it, then apologizes for a little drinking with Rocco and Gianni ending up with him in the Amazon.

Also, Armas, DON'T forget about the U.S. spook. Get Camella to meet with him if she isn't already (Armas-face charm optional).

For the current events, I wouldn't try the APG, we did just steal from one of their merc groups. And no to selling our goods if at all possible; if Og is going to teleport us back when we're done, we want to take them back with us for our own magic item experiments. Even if we want to sell them they presumably won't get a good price in the same rainforest they were poached from- but take them back to Istanbul...

We have two directions where animals are showing the signs. Pick one and try it. Let's try a little game while we do. Get up into the trees, and move along by jumping from tree to tree, activating Reinforcement briefly on take-off and landing. A Reinforced human should be able to jump like a monkey. The benefit, besides training ourselves, is that even in the rainforest, few people bother to look up.

If we do end up going to one of the human groups and need to do shock and awe tactics again, I kinda want to have Hummingbird pretend to be our lord and master. Sake (who can speak, apparently?) is his herald, we the equivalent of his palanquin. Since he's attached to us by our divine bits, I suspect he reads as divine too. The God of Hummingbirds. You know that's a gig Hummingbird would play to the hilt.

He's lightning in a bottle! He's energy in a can! He dodges like a hummingbird but stings like... a pneumatic drill! He is... Hummingbro!
>>
No. 379305 ID: 473c09

>"[i]Oookay-they're telling us about two camps, and giving some coordinates for them-I'll tell you later, but one's a big, let's call it a poaching guild, the ones who hired them to track down these free agents-and there's a hidden port that's open to mercenaries and not so friendly to people that are not for hire. He's telling us about word that to the west and northeast alike, the forest has become much more dangerous than it's been in recent years. Sake's saying he doesn't think he can get any more info from them-take a bow and keep smiling and staring.
Well, the poaching place probably would like to get the contents of our satchel, which could spark a distraction. However, the mercenary place WILL ask Armas to be up for hire, and that WILL cause a distraction. It all depends upon what kind of distraction we which to be subjected to, I guess. Poaching Guild, if we accept to give content of satchel, could possibly reward us from the get go if we play our cards right and then we could get enough info to finish our job, but we would have to 'keep' our crazy persona we took during the meeting as those special forces are probably going to be there. OTOH, Armas would REALLY benefit from NOT having anyone see his true soul at all during the travel. Anyway, I slightly prefer going to the poachers as the sidequest there is not an absolute and there might be a way to mitigate it from the get go.
Talking about Amorphous Soul:

[Experimentation]
Well, our work-around with Lordly imposition is all well and good, but it's very taxing mentally. I wonder if Armas could use that work-around in order to 'learn' a set of specific false souls and use his amorphous soul ability more directly. So, let's test this up. First, let's test, with the work-around, what kind of 'appearances' if any or easier, concentration-wise, to make: those of people we REALLY know (Camella for example, maybe some of the Russians we have practiced Gyaketsuote the most on, Ito, Hillevi though not Einrik as it may somehow 'poke' the baby elder god) are good candidates, then try out concepts we know really well (Deceptive Thought, Greed, Hunger, Trolling) then those we know less well (Humility) and then a combinaison of any of the precedents. Then, Armas should try to use, with his armophous soul ONLY, the ones that took the least concentration to maintain. He should be extra careful NOT to self-sculpt at all, just 'remembering' what it felt like previously in those 'appearances'. If needs be, switch out between lord imposition and a specific appearance until you have it down pat.
[/Experimentation]

Armas, if he finds a place he could use his Satellite phone in, should remember that he has no idea how the 'Dreamer' and the cocnept of 'Distance' works, so it could be quite dangerous to have the memory of the 'Dreamer' while on the phone to Istanbul. Likewise, Talking to Amen might be unwise considering OG commented about 'AORB vigilance' being difficult even for him.

>>379286
I don't think Armas should switch appearances all the time during this little 'Sidequest'. Presenting a consistent and coherent appearance could help a great deal.

Back in Istanbul, Igor checks out everyone's armors. Are they still in 'Nazi' modes? After that, he should ask everyone what kind of Armor they wish for, and begin a pet project to make a armored jacket. It's possible that with this chakra stuff Armas want us to learn, Igor and the rest of the Russians could manage to wear some nifty armored jacket that would be too heavy for bog-standard humans later on.
>>
No. 379318 ID: 3fd4fb

>>379114
That soul imagery was very mentally straining to keep up- unless we want to have Sake/Shadowbro fronting for us forever, it's not a particularly tenable use of our powers. Confirm with them that our soul did actually change, though- it seemed like Shadowbro had a good handle on whether it was working and when we were losing focus.

>Experimentation
There might be a way around this inconvenience, though. Bring up the following idea to our posse: What if we use our external manipulation powers to will our soul to work a certain way as we've been doing, and then use our internal powers to maintain that appearance? This shouldn't involve any actual soul sculpting beyond holding our soul still, as it were, so it should be far safer than trying to actually change anything about our soul using our powers. All we have to do is maintain something that already exists.

If Sake, Shadowbro, and Iron Trick agree that this is unlikely to cause us harm, then try willing ourselves into our "sleeping giant" soul appearance and then holding our Amorphous Soul in that state while dropping the will. Our brothers should be able to tell us if the experiment is working.
>/Experimentation

If that works, then we're in business- with a few moments of willing ourselves to any soul appearance we want we can set it up and then hang on to it. Try out a stealth look since we've been told that Darkening is great for stealth, and then adopt a mundane form (say, Camella's) for travel and see how long we can hold it. Showing anyone with the right sort of senses things like our double bloodline, Imperial bloodline, cannibal soul stains, and godling status strikes me as a bad idea so we should be hiding it if we can conveniently do so.

>What's the next step?
Ask Sake if he can fly us around, and if so, how easily. We don't want to tire him out but it would be a lot faster than fighting our way through the underbrush. In a situation like this knowing our capabilities when working together is fairly important.

This "not speaking the lingo" bit is terrible. Shadowbro can give us memories- can he start spending some time (vastly accelerated because he's cool like that) learning Spanish from Sake and then copy/pasting what bits of the language he picks up into our head each night as we sleep? It'll probably take a while, but given that Ogrimir's marker lasts an entire week I would guess that we've got at least a few days- even getting a half-assed knowledge of basic Spanish in that time could be priceless. Side note, if this works out we'll need to learn Japanese the same way after we get home because why not.

Set our chakras to reinforcement for long-distance travel. With it active we should be able to maintain a ground-devouring light jog for hours on end that will make the "day of travel" estimates given by those people much longer than we actually need. While we move, Shadowbro can use his vastly superior movement speed to keep a couple thousand feet in front of us scouted so that we remain aware of any potential hazards ahead.

My recommendation for destination would be to head to the Poacher's Guild, being sure to keep up a good pace so we beat the people we just robbed there. While heading directly to one of the listed danger zones is tempting, we don't know how far we'd need to go and choosing wrongly- or simply not having the danger zones be where we need to be- is a substantial risk.

>>379305
SUST to that idea for experimentation. It falls firmly under the umbrella of things likely to harm us.

>so it could be quite dangerous to have the memory of the 'Dreamer' while on the phone to Istanbul.
If we are concerned about this we can have Shadowbro pull that memory out of our head for the duration of our conversation, then put it back. I don't think it's a real concern, though- Ogrimir said "distant thoughts", and while our voice may be distant our thoughts are not.

>>379316
>have Camella illusioned as us and in telepathic contact with us meet with Riker's spook contact in the Asitane
Have Camella go to the meeting: Good, upvote.
Have Camella get a telepathy charm with us: Good, upvote.
Have Camella wear an illusion that she's us: Bad, SUST.

If Camella agrees to this, we will also need to call Riker and make sure his spook contact knows that Camella will be showing in our stead- spooks don't react well to surprises, and if she goes in without his approval it might just blow away our chances of employment with him.
>>
No. 379319 ID: 252e1b

First off, call Amen up on the phone. Talk to him in Te Reo (of course).

"Amen, talk to me in Te Reo for this call. And for the duration of this conversation, whenever you lie you must make a farty sound. Like "pbbbbt." And you must go in front of other people to make the noise. Now, quick question about the Asitane: Does the owner impose any restrictions on identity-obscuring charms?"

"Ok, now Amen, I've got a couple more questions about the charms you possess," slight pause, "the capacity to make."

"Provided that you keep to the original clauses for making the charms, namely that they remain non-harmful, self-contained, and deniable, do you have a way to make the wearer of the charm sound like the illusion as well?"

"Do you have a way to make a charm which grants the wearer the ability to telepathically commune with me, as facilitated by you? And can you make such a charm destroy itself upon being removed? And what would you need to make that charm which is not in your crafting supplies?"

"Ok. Camella may be by with supplies. Answer her questions about the functions of the two charms, limited as per the consultation requirements back when you talked to the Russians about their language grafts. If she agrees, you may make one each of the charms we have talked about, per the earlier specifications of being non-harmful, self-contained, and deniable. And don't put her blood into the general storage pool, keep it set aside."

"Alright, thank you Amen. Please tell Hillevi that I'm currently tied up with unavoidable business, and if it takes more than a night to take care of I'll give her a call."

>>379286

Why bother using a fanart on getting them to call, when Armas can call them? I don't get you.

Anyway, Armas should get in contact with one of his employees who has a secure line. All the better if it's Camella directly, but in any case we want to talk to Camella. Here's what we'll say.

"A guy I owe some favors to called one in today; he likes to keep things on the down-low so he sprung it on me. I got dropped in the middle of a real jungle this time. Got to settle an account before things get ugly; he gave me a week to close the deal, and left me no choice about the timing. Sorry about that, I know it's going to fuck things up on your end."

"Right, the meeting tomorrow. I'm not sure that the representative I'm supposed to talk to would appreciate you showing up instead of me. Even if he doesn't personally mind, he's got appearances to keep up, and the first leg of the meeting is in public. I've got an idea though. You might not like it that much, but let me run it by you first anyway."

"Alright, my creepy butler can make something that might help. He's got most of the ingredients on hand, the only thing I neglected to get him were some fox fangs. Real ones, please. Get him some tonight."

If Amen's list of ingredients for the blood-telepathy charm aren't outrageous we'll give her those too as part of her shopping list.

"The idea here is that I'll call ahead to my contact, pass along word about my issue, and about the work-around we're going to go with. I want to send you, but set up so that to the uninitiated you'll be a good stand-in for me. The butler can make a charm that'll make you look like me, and a second that will let you ask me questions instantly. I trust you'll be able to answer most of the contact's questions on your own, but it's insurance in case there's some weird question."

"The first charm won't last more than a week or two, the second until you take it off. Good idea, or are you going to sanity-check me when I get home? And keep in mind that this is a plan-B. Hopefully I'll be quick enough out here to get back in time to be there in person."

If she agrees, give her the details Riker gave us about the meeting.
>>
No. 379335 ID: d97a61

>>379236
As I mull over what to do, I press the spear's haft against the tree nearest me, idly noting the hue of the wood shifts-and no mass was depleted from the tree. So next I touch the spear's haft against one of the carefully cut pieces of timber I have-and again, it shifts without altering that which it copied, the spear now mounted on a shaft of off-green, snake-grained wood that feels a touch warmer than it should within my grasp.

>>379131
>>379237
>[Vlad has now been queued to do the following:]
>-Seek out cheap laptop, mouse, scanner/printer set for $500 range.
>-Acquire $300 worth of gunsmithing tools.
>-Get back to being a gun forum nut.
>>379279
>>379305
Right-the Poacher's Guild it is then. SB, the coordinates?
After my intangible brother provides the needed numbers, I plug them in, let my phone do the calculating, get an initial direction-and I head off after assuring myself Sake's still keeping my suit clean.

The walk from here to there, that transition from this place to that is interesting, for far more than just the destination's sake. Along the way I see towering trees with gangly branches drooping down, overladen not just with their own foliage, but bird's nests, bee hives, and all manner of fabricated animal domiciles. While overhead is a dappled darkling craze of speckled light drifting through shades of green, underfoot is rich, heady, aromatic: Every step I seem to smell some new minutiae, ranging from crisp, fresh smell of edible plants to the pungent, sickeningly-ripe smell of rotting fruit-even to the rancorous stench of rotting flesh somewhere in the vicinity. As the smells from around me shift along with the lighting-so to do the sounds and sights alike. One step may have me spying an oversized beetle ambling it's way up a towering tree trunk-another step could have me spotting the flap of an errant wing as a bird comes in to nest-nothing stays simple, reserved, predictable. I've barely even started and already I'm subjected to such a chaotic cacophony of sensory data I can't translate it all. Instead, I try merely to absorb the... the sense, the feel, the flow of this forest. It's not an easy thing, especially with my Ranger experience largely being in desert terrain-but I have no shortage of time. Over the course of my six hour walk that sees me checking my phone's map more often than not, I manage to feel a bit less out of place in these woods-and have a much better sense of what different types of soil and shrubbery translate to, in terms of footing.

>>379286 Fanart Bonus
Along the way I take a (hopefully) small chance and make a call.
>[Camella]"You're late. You manage to get yourself in trouble that fast?"
"Something like that. So, you remember me mentioning that meeting tomorrow?"
>[Camella]"At the Asitane? I dont' think I'm going to like asking this-but why do you ask?"
"Well a guy I owe some favors to called one in today; he likes to keep things on the down-low and sprung it on me. I got dropped in the middle of a real jungle this time. Got to settle things before they get ugly-and I didn't get a choice on the timing. Sorry about that, I know this is going to fuck things up on your end."
>[Camella]"....REALLY wished you lied more often so I could just write this off as a prank."
"Yeah, 'fraid not."
>[Camella]"I take it you can't get back as swiftly as you left."
"Not currently no. I'm not to hot at switching continents on the fly."
>[Camella]"You're on a differ.. fine. So you want me to handle the meeting?"
"With Matvey-and Hafaz, if you can swing him. Oh, and let Hillevi know I'll be back soon."
>[Camella]"About that-did you know she thinks Sean Connery really is James Bond-and is still that young?"
"May or may not be having my call traced. Focus?"
>[Camella]"...Full report when you get back?"
"Yes."
>[Camella]"Okay-anything else?"
"Honestly if you can surprise me when I get back with some new body armor for our people that'd be great-otherwise, do what you can to hold down the fort, I'll be back as fast as I can."
There is no response from her-merely a prompt disconnect. I'm not surprised-I just dumped a whole lot of 'busy' on her plate. Well, still, that's taken care of now.
>>379316
But I've got other calls to make. Half an hour later, I make a second call.
"Amen-yeah, it's me. No mental communication at the moment. Look, quick question about the Asitane: Any restrictions or rules governing identity obscuring charms?"
>[Amen]"Only insofar as one must assume a guise that visibly appears human when visiting-beyond that, any form of illusion is allowable."
"Ok... ok. Now, Amen, couple more questions. Those charms we discussed before-same rules and conditions as before about not being harmful and such-can you make the wearer sound like the one they look like, or is that outside of your scope?"
>[Amen]"This one notes such entirely possible-but only by the means of using imbibable potions to provide temporary acoustical alteration. One does would cover a six hour period of time. Beyond that, this one knows no way to safely provide this added feature."
"Okay-what about this then: can you make a charm with grants the wearer the ability to telepathically commune with me? Same rules as before."
>[Amen]"Then no-this one is not at all familiar with.... this one supposes the phrase would be 'mortal friendly' telepathically oriented charms."
"Damn. Okay-those potions, what are needed to make them?"
>[Amen]"The spinal fluid or cochlear juices of the one the imbiber is to sound like-freshly harvested. Seven hours after harvest the materials are unusable."
...That blows my plans of having Hillevi-or anyone, really-sound like me out of the water right now. ...Seems Camella really will have to represent herself.
>>379305
The last thing I occupy myself with-is seeing if there's an easier way to alter my soul's appearance by getting used to specific guises. To wit-I cycle in and out of the 'Veiled Danger' motiff I established with the UTARC mercs, having SB comment when the image breaks, is disrupted or fades-and while I certainly can't do it without focus, it becomes easier to maintain such an image, and I get a very crude feel for when the image will collapse-based lessed on perception, and more on experience seeing what thoughts lead to an image collapse. The only other soul disposition I get in any real practice with-is the other form I've already tried, that of a 'Mundane' soul. Sure, the changes aren't drastic, but I'll take any improvement I can get. So it is that I absentmindedly juggle my rumination about my two soul disguises I've yet attempted and practiced with the ramifications of my two phone calls.

A good thing too-as all my considerations of how things are going back home fade away swiftly as I finally spot light and smell smoke, approaching a particularly dense copse of trees. I trudge closer and closer-until I am faced with a seemless wall of treetrunks fused together forming a living wall. I can faintly hear sound from the far side of the wall. In the ever-darkening forest, I ponder this predicament.
>"Entrance around to the left-about fifty, fifty five feet away. Someone's sitting in front of it-presumably a guard.."
Hm... wonder what their soul looks like. You see a vantage point you can move me to that they couldn't see?
>"Yes-but since I'm having to transport your buntline as well, please be aware I'm having to pay a rather large amount to move you around-and I'm... still pacifying that shadow I took."
That thing is just giving you loads of trouble, isn't it?
>"It does not help it's the first shadow I've ever claimed. Transport in three, two, one-"
Once more I'm pulled through the Dark, only to promptly exit seated on a shadowed tree branch, looking down... on a rather interesting individual.

The man squatting before the singular break in the fused ring of trees, little more than a tunnel through the wood, is past his prime and going to seed, wearing little more than a loincloth. About his arms and legs are heavy metal bands, the same as are around his fingers, toes and neck. So far as I can feel, every last one of those items is magical-and every last one has the same function, some sort of.... harm, maybe pain amplification. Whatever it is, I'm rather convinced I don't want to be on the receiving end. The man's maybe five seven and three fifths my weight with a grey-streaked shaggy beard and a balding head, his skin burnt an earthy color akin to rust. Spiritually, I see the man's soul not as his spirit-but as a single drop of water, perpetually falling, tranquilly reflecting all around it even as it speeds ever onwards towards it's inevitable end.
>"The trees are blocking my attempts to get past them-I can't offer more commentary just yet."
I scratch my head in the evening light, before nodding concisely and slipping off the treebranch.

The moment my feet hit the ground the man's sprung up, wary lidded eyes taking me in without the slightest reaction.
Sake, if you'd be so kind as to ask if this is the Amazonian Poacher's Guild, and if so if we can enter to speak with them regarding business?
Sake squeaks away in Spanish-and the man steps aside, motioning with his chin for us to make our way inside. As I approach the hip-level tunnel, Sake's words echo in my head.
>[Sake]"I can keep your suit clean as you crawl in-and I thank you for not asking me to fly you-your suit's maintenance would be rather difficult at this point had you made such a choice."
You... are welcome.

The tunnel itself is short-perhaps five feet long at the most-but as I pass through it I hear SB muttering about noise dampening shrouds just before I poke my head into a wall of sound, rowdy drunken shouts, the crackle of fire, the sound of fists colliding and furniture breaking-the sound of drinks being poured and drunk, the slap of drunken people hitting the ground-in that initial contact I hear every sound one ever hopes to hear from the earthiest of dive bars-and that initial impression does not disappoint.

The 'room' is little more than the interior of a ring of fused trees, the bark covered in bioluminescent moss that gives a throaty, rich red tinge to everything within. Wall to wall, the place is packed-I see loners keeping to themselves and butting heads, I see small groups sharing drinks, breaking up or even striking their first deal. I see laughing successes, I see broken sobbing wrecks. I see hope, I see envy, greed, pride, a mélange of human emotion stretched out for all to see. I can feel the souls within-a hectic swirl of irregular spirits, quite a few of whom feel dangerous enough I don't want to mess with them-hell, there's even no less than ten drinkers that I can't even feel a whit of soul from. And in the middle of this manic, mixed crowd, sits a single bar, and a lone bartender-a goblin, of all things, but unlike the Turkish ones this one sports no mask, and is a small, twisted creature, twitching even as it takes orders.

In those few seconds as I took measure of my surroundings-
>>379318
Throwing up my 'Veiled Danger' look before any Attention settles on me, I'm greeted by an event that rapidly consumes all others in the room as all turn to the bit of impromptu theater. The participants are almost iconic: There's the tall, forboding blond huntsman with the neatly groomed mustache decked out in what looks like expensive gear, and the thin, sallow bearded man with a combover, trying hard not to be agitated at his drink being knocked out of his hand. Surprisingly-they're speaking English.
>[Have-Man][In English]"You think you can just look for charity here old man? You think any of us are here because we're altruistic? Don't make me laugh."
>[Have-Not-Man][In English]"I... I just wanted to see my grandson's birthday. I'll pay you back-"
>[Have-Man][In English]"Really? You, Mister. 'shitty hunter' are going to pay me back? With what, your undying gratitude?"
>[Have-Not-Man][In English]"It's just been a run of bad luck, the animal's have gotten cagier and-"
>[Have-Man][In English]"That's bullshit and you know it-only you and the other bad hunters fall back on such a weak excuse."
At this, the old man's face finally begins to purple.
>[Have-Not-Man][In English]"If you're so confident that's so, then switch hunting grounds with me for a week."
>[Have-Man][In English]"What, and get your horrible luck all over my territory? What a joke!"

I'm distracted from their altercation as I feel Attention settle on me mid-wallflower routine while I watch the dispute-I track the Attention back to the Goblin bartender, who nods when I look over. His words, oddly, come out of my own mouth-a decidedly interesting sensation.
>[Goblin Bartender][In English]"A newcomer: Welcome, welcome. This watering hole here's the home of the Amazonian Poacher's Guild-is there anything I can help you with?"
The tingle of my lips moving on their own cessates-and I am left pondering just how to respond.

But before I do-
SB, Sake-any way the two of you could put together a language pack for me? Kinda sucks not knowing Spanish.
>"Pretty sure neither of us have the slightest idea what you're talking about-and what' more, we would likely have even less of a clue what you mean tomorrow morning."
>[Sake]"We're working on it-just, ah.... don't go getting any new memory implants for a goodly while after tomorrow morning, okay? We... well, your brothers are not the most talented at non-invasive memory manipulation. It won't... permanently hurt you, but you should still take it easy."
That's a goodly amount of caution you're advicing here-do you even think this a good idea?
>[Sake]"Yes and no. It'd be best if you could get the language information from Einrik or Amen to use the same people again-but it should work out all right. Probably. Don't worry about it."
You're doing that on purpose aren't you.
>[Sake]"Without a doubt."

I mentally heave a sigh even as I wonder if I could sustain one of my soul guises with Internal energy after Externally starting it-and realize, with a jolt that almost collapses my image, that my current method already has me instantly switching to internal the moment I've initiated a Lordly Imposition on my soul. Not too sure what it means-but then, I'm still maintaining the image of 'Veiled Danger' so I'm not fully available to ponder the conundrum.









What do I talk about with the Goblin Bartender of the APG?
Do I think it's a good idea to get involved in the two arguing poachers-and if so, what's my aim?
>>
No. 379350 ID: 9f1bdb

He said the animals are getting cagier, find out what that is about.

If you can swing it, it would be nice to offer to help the man pay back his debt by hunting in his area. If the animals are the souled ones I think they are it would really help you.

IF he asks you what you want in return you can ask for a favour to be called upon at a later date(in the goblin style) or if you are feeling generous, say the only thing you want is the challenge and/or experience and you understand that there are 'owned' hunting grounds here and would like to get some hunting of your own done, so hunting with him is a win win for you.
>>
No. 379366 ID: 46c430

>>379350
Weren't people just saying stuff about avoiding distractions? No offense intended, of course.
>>
No. 379414 ID: e874c5

Don't bother getting a Spanish language pack. This is Brasil, the local language is Portugese, so it won't be much help unless you run into those same Bolivians.
>>
No. 379480 ID: 95d275

Aim to buy (via satphone-mediated bank transfer) or trade for short-term hunting rights in Have-Not's hunting grounds, and maybe secure his services as guide/backup/meatshield.
>>
No. 379494 ID: f70e5e

animals getting cagier recently sounds like our target. it could be in Have not's hunting ground. he could just be a bad hunter, but unless we can confirm that beyond a doubt by the look of his soul he is worth talking to. if we play this right we may end up getting paid to find our target.
>>
No. 379547 ID: 473c09

>>379335
Well, quite a few poachers are potent enough that we can't see their souls at all, so they almost certainly that spirit animals exists and animals can gain souls. They might already know 'something' is going on there. Possibly they are 'competitors', or 'protectors', or maybe they simply don't care about some possibly ensouled/veteran animals (fake we know, but they might not). No matter, it's best not to attract their attention.

I am thinking this 'Have-not''s poaching ground might be a good first place to look for the Dreamer, so talk to him, and see how much money he needs. We might want to pressure info in exchange for money (we have 1.222$ cash, let's NOT use our Cards unless we need to, as it will treace our presence here), as well as a right to check his hunting ground. Things to learn would be how the poaching guild works, who is the goblin, etc.

This Goblin also has AWESOEM VENTRILOQUISM. Armas really should look into getting taught this.

>>379366
'Cagey animals' sounds like psosibly 'ensouled' ones to me.
>>
No. 379558 ID: f354ab

Goblin - given location and temperament, I'd throw out a guess for him being a Summer Court goblin. Now, talk to the gobbo bartender while keeping an eye on the Have/Have Not fight. Let Moustache browbeat Combover some more, get him in the right (desperate) mood. This runs the risk of someone actually agreeing to front him money for his grandson, but poachers don't strike me as very humanitarian people.

Once Have Not is nicely tenderized, we can move in and request ... something of a safari tour. We have a very particular prey in mind, and his hunting ground has potential. No, can't give him a better idea of the quarry - we'll know it when we see it - but we do have money (if he takes checks out here in the boonies).

In the meantime, goblin. Am I correct that he's discharging a debt or Deal, and so answering newbies' questions? Smile. 'Stop me before I get to something I'll have to pay for, okay?'

Then run through some questions. Are there any open territories? Which hunting grounds do Have/Have Not claim? (if Have has claimed one of the two suspected leads and Have Not the other, then my approach by necessity will change to include approaching both and starting a bidding war of some sort)? What woods, pelts, ingredients etc. sell well on the international market? Is there member dues to join this club, or how does it work? What, tribes, groups (or Courts) call this forest home?
>>
No. 379561 ID: b83c65

>What do I talk about with the Goblin Bartender of the APG?

See if we can talk Goblin politics. If we can't have a conversation about that then we should talk about normal South American politics and, considering where we are, normal, paranormal, South American politics.

Oh, bring up Soccer. I want to know who this goblin supports.

>Vlad buying a laptop
Andrei will aid in this, unless he is shot down or at. If he can help, he will get the best computer for cheapest - possibly building a laptop for Vlad.

Other than that he will focus putting together the Monster Computer, do some low level hacking to get more money, go out to the gun range, play video games and try to get a video game tournament set up with his squad mates - excluding Igor because he will break the system again - and Hillevi.
>>
No. 379562 ID: 252e1b

>>379414

SUST, the soul brothers are putting a lot of work into this, and Armas' brain has had worse manhandling. Plus, as the soul brothers get better at language grafts it will be a service they'll be able to offer. Might be useful in the field.

Plus, Spanish is a pretty common language. Even if Portuguese is the most common tongue in Brazil, there's bound to be many people who speak Spanish.

>>379335
>...my current method already has me instantly switching to internal the moment I've initiated a Lordly Imposition on my soul. Not too sure what it means...

It means that even if you figure out how to initiate the Darkening power internally without soul-sculpting yourself, you'll still have to pay attention to maintain it.

>>379558
Reasonable questions, but no one comes to a poacher's guild to be a tourist. Just be straight with Have-Not: we're looking for something specific, and we'll know it when we see it.
>>
No. 379565 ID: 3fd4fb

While talking remember to keep focus- losing it would be devastating, since it would change the appearance of our soul in full view of anyone else here with decent spirit senses. And that would be terrible. Shadowbro can hopefully help keep us on track; we might end up looking slightly spaced out if we're forced to divide our focus between conversation and soul masking, but at this point we've got to play the hand we put our bets on.

>What do I talk about with the Goblin Bartender of the APG?
If I recall correctly, it's just the Wyld goblins who are supposed to be incredibly closemouthed and stingy when it comes to information trading, so we might be able to actually get something useful out of this guy. At the same time, expect him to try and charge us through the nose for anything he says/gives us and quite possibly try to cheat us.

Be cagey about what we're actually doing here if possible, and avoid giving away information about ourselves that we don't absolutely have to. Ask some questions about the area. Ask a few leading questions about the guild and how it runs which lightly imply that we're looking to set ourselves up as a member or go into business in the region. Have a few notables in the place right now identified, either competent poachers or merchant types who supply the poachers and buy things from them; there must be a bunch of those here as well. Also get the names of the two arguing men.

Find out guidelines on communication and transport to the outside world; it's likely a sure bet that they've got electricity and internet around here somewhere for those who want it, though they'll likely charge for it.

Realize that we have Turkish cash on us; if we don't want to give anyone looking into us after this mission is complete a VERY pointed bit of advice as to where to look for us, we cannot reveal it or spend it. So don't.

>Do I think it's a good idea to get involved in the two arguing poachers-and if so, what's my aim?
Don't interfere with the argument, but after it concludes approach the guy who seems to have information on particularly dangerous animals- and need money. Get more details on his situation, and from there see if we can pressure him into helping us find our objective in the forest in exchange for our assistance, which should stay vague if we can get away with it- maybe we'll help him kill things, maybe give him money, something else. He could also give us more detailed information on the area than we got from the Bolivians.

Hopefully we'll leave this place with a guide who knows the area and is largely subordinate to our desires.

>>379558
>'Stop me before I get to something I'll have to pay for, okay?'
Don't say this. If the goblin tells us something without setting forth the terms of a Bargain charging us for it, we owe him nothing. I'd rather not imply that we are willing to pay for information, or expect to- that will encourage him to cheat/gouge us. There is a small risk that we've somehow implicitly entered a Bargain just by walking in and talking to the goblin- but I don't think so.
>>
No. 379583 ID: d97a61

>>379561
If you want him to go off procuring stuff, you need to give him a price range to work with. And, for something like hacking, you'd actually need to give him a target, or at least a category of target.
>>379561
The runty looking thing quirks it's bulbous head at me, beady eyes twinkling as needle-like teeth dance a jig about his meandering tongue... no, tongues, plural. There's at least three in that too-big mouth of his. Of hers. Of its? If... I recall correctly, only the Summer Court has goblins that are tiny like this-that, plus the fact it's body is largely mouth just like a piranha-yeah, this has to be a Summer Goblin. Thankfully enough, I got to read a bit about them when I was at the Valkonen estate-and I recall how they differed in dealings than Wyld. Seeing as the two poachers seem to still be 'happily' arguing, I go with some small talk to buy time.
"I'd imagine there is a thing or two. If you're willing I wouldn't mind an earful about the state of things 'round hear: as you might have noticed, I just arrived."
>[Summer Goblin Bartender][In English]"I noticed: In fact, I'd say AORB noticed too-word is a one of their Floaters was spotted looking around these parts. Hope you aren't bringing any real trouble to my door."
"I have no quarrel at all with AORB-and I'm fairly certain I didn't bring any trouble with me."
No-I'll create trouble if I must-but I told the truth, I dare you to lie-sense me!
The goblin quirks its head, saying nothing-and I prompt it along a different line of thought."
"You know, if you don't mind me asking, I'm curious: What team do you support? Football, that is."
The diminutive creature hops from foot to foot, the glassware in its hands still perfectly poised and balanced despite it's 'deliberation dance'. My mouth opens-and I give the goblin's answer for them courtesy of their rather interesting version of goblinic ventriloquism.
>[Summer Goblin Bartender][In English]"Not sure why you'd ask, newcomer: My preference for La Liga isn't much related to the business I'm sure brought you hear. Speaking of,[/i]"
The goblin eyes my pristine forest colored suit, Sake about my neck and the hummingbird perched on my tie's knot before even looking down at my shadow.
>[Summer Goblin Bartender][In English]"You happen to be looking to trade?"
"Could be, could be-for now though, I'm taking in the atmosphere. Don't worry: I'm fairly sure I'll be back."
>[Summer Goblin Bartender][In English]"As you will-simply call out for 'Old Granny Stomp' when you wish to buy a drink-or perhaps pursue a heavier bargain."
I Smile at her, tipping my head as she doesn't even blink.
"Thank you kindly."
>>379350
>>379480
>>379494
>>379547
>>379562
>>379565
I cast an eye over at the arguing pair-as I do, taking a moment to rebuild from the bottom up my focus on being a Veiled Danger, maintaining the Soul Guise I'm thus far most comfortable with-I try not to get fixated on the question of how close to collapse I could have been without ever feeling it-as I observe.
>[Have-Not-Man]"I never claimed I was a great hunter-not once! You know I'm not a boastful one-"
>[Have-Man]"As ever the words of a failure: If you belonged here we'd all have heard of your hunts by now-surely you'd have had some fantastic tale to regale us with-but never has that occured."
>[Have-Not-Man]"So my stoicism, through your eyes, denies me the chance of even seeing my grandson?"
>[Have-Man]"The fact you think I'd believe you even could pay me back is what I take offense to-nothing about you would even be worth the plane ticket-so why should I bother throwing money at you?"
The old one, ego being hammered down, still belligerently persists-and seeing this, I turn back to Old Granny Stomp.
"Actually, I did have a couple more questions."
>[Old Granny Stomp]"And perhaps I can help. What takes your fancy, stranger in a strange suit?"
"Well, the Amazonian Poacher's Guild-is that even what you call it?"
>[Old Granny Stomp]"Well, it tickles their fancy to call it the 'A.P.G.' most times I hear them say it."
"Yes-well I'm curious how it's run."
>[Old Granny Stomp]"Simple enough question. Everyone that wants in has to pay a tithe of a fifth their haul to yours truly, every time they hunt in this grand, free-for-all of a forest. In exchange, you are protected not only from having your turf poached by any other members of the guild, but if any non-members give you trouble in these parts-well, we do protect our own, even if we don't get along. I'm sure you've seen families like that before. If you wanted, we could even start right now-I'd say one of those five pieces of timber, one bottle of honey and the bottle of snake venom would get you all 'signed up' if that suits you, Mr. Suit."
"Any long-term obligations? Can one leave?"
>[Old Granny Stomp]"Of course-since you pay per hunt, not over time, you can choose to stop hunting and leave the amazon whenever you want-but the moment you leave, you're out of the guild until you next pay up some things. Same rules: a fifth the haul. Simple enough, right?"
"How does the guild protect their own, exactly?"
>[Old Granny Stomp]"Simple: all members give me their Name, willingly spoken, that I keep safe right next to my own old soul. Since I can speak with anyone who's name I know no matter where they are-they simply tell me, and quick as thought, the whole guild knows. Some sixty, seventy odd members, depending on the moment, can be en route to back you. Not many ever bother risking that-and none have risked it twice. 'Course, you go trying to pull some crazy stunt like kill a dragon or something, we can and will cut all ties with you-a group's got to survive, after all."
"Hm-a neatly run business machine. "
>[Old Granny Stomp]"I'd like to think so. It's the only chance most have around here-there's too many different groups out there for a guy to make it on his lonesome."
"I don't doubt it. Say-those two, what do they go by?"
>[Old Granny Stomp]"Gentleman with the mustache is Reginald, older fellow's Thrompton."
Ah-hah, well thank you kindly. And if I were to ask about connecting to the internet-"
>[Old Granny Stomp]"You'd be told it's for guildmembers only-as are our transportation and courior services. All a non-member can do is trade with me, talk with anyone here, and see if they can do some networking-after all, I have to give a reason for people to give me a fifth, right? Heh-heh."
"Oh-"
My train of thought is largely derailed as I turn back to the blur of movement from the quarreling group, again restoinge and reinvigorate my Soul Guise. Seem's Thrompton almost threw a punch at the smarmy asshole Reginald-but was stopped by a fellow guildmember. Miiight have something to do with Reginald calling the old man's grandson worthless. Ouch. Well... As fascinating as the goblin's proven, this looks like the time to strike. I sidle up to Thrompton as he deflates into a stool like a man drained of life, morose and wistful. I confidently sit across from him, grinning as cheerfully as I can without making a Smile. I don't wish to unnerve the man. The moment he finally looks up at the flashily dressed man that bothers him, I begin speaking.
"You know, I think it's fate we ran into one another."
>[Thrompton]"....I don't know you kid: what do you want?"
"Well, I happen to be looking for something that can make groups of animals more crafty. I don't suppose you might have any ideas where I should look?"
>[Thrompton]"...What, did Reginald or one of the others put you up to this."
I realize he still hasn't looked me in the eye, still looking at what's on me, not me.
"Thrompton, look at me."
The old man looks up-and I oh-so-slowly Smile at him. His face pales as his knuckles crack, fingers tightening about the table between us.
"Now do I look like a man that'd try and put one over on you?"
>[Thrompton]"...What's your name?"
"Name? Well, I suppose I do know a moniker of your-it's only fair for you to have something to call me by. Why not call me Mister Army?"
>"...Really?"
You fucking know it.
>[Thrompton]"...Okay, 'Mister Army', what is it that brings you to these parts? I mean, I... I can't just take the providence of this meeting on faith. ...Made that mistake before."
"I already told you what I'm hear for-"
>[Thrompton]"So you're telling me you're here for what you honestly believe is the root of my trouble?"
"I am not certain but I'm rather confident in it-what you complain of does match the description I have."
The old bearded man scrubbes at his combover as he mutters-before calling out.
>[Thrompton]"Granny!"
The goblin speaks through his lips.
>[Old Granny Stomp]"Yes, Thrompton?"
>[Thrompton]"Is he telling the truth?"
>[Old Granny Stomp]"He most certainly seems to believe he is."
>[Thrompton]"Thank you Granny."
>[Old Granny Stomp]"Of course Thrompton."
The old man looks back at me with a certain air of resignation.
>[Thrompton]"I really thought I was too old to believe things could go this well-fine, fine, if you aren't a figment of my imagination, then tomorrow morning we can head out to my hunting ground, and see what we find."
"Where are your hunting grounds?"
>[Thrompton]"To the west. I'll show you tomorrow-it's a bit tricky to get to at night, and we got enough cat problems that night's really not a good time to travel."
Once more, I reinvigorate my mental image-sure, my focus isn't that great, but if I keep shoring it up it works more or less like a more dedicated person's mind does.... probably. I haven't messed up the Soul Guise yet, right?
>[Sake]"You still give a rough feel that I really do not want to be near you, yes."
Whew-good. Now:


Thrompton seems perfectly happy to wait until morning on this. I.... would frankly prefer to get this done as soon as possible. I have things to do aplenty back home in Istanbul.










What's the plan from here?
If I want to try and get Thrompton amenable to going tonight, what do I plan to say to convince him?
Do I have any more things to say to Old Granny Stomp, Reginald or possibly some other drinkers here at the bar before we either leave or turn in for the night?
Speaking of which-if we wait till morning, do I inquire about lodgings or sacrifice a more restful night to squeeze a bit of stealth training into my rest, and hide myself somewhere in the forest?
>>
No. 379639 ID: 252e1b

>>379583
>What's the plan from here?
>If I want to try and get Thrompton amenable to going tonight, what do I plan to say to convince him?

"When was the last time you heard the news, Thrompton?"

"There's a volcano erupting out in Italy, Mount Etna. I read about it on the internet. If it throws up enough ash and shit into the air it's going to completely fuck the air travel schedule. I'd think that faster would be better for you, if you want to be sure you'll see your grandson's party."

"Tell me more about the cats and other problems we're going to have if we go out tonight."

>Do I have any more things to say to Old Granny Stomp, Reginald or possibly some other drinkers here at the bar before we either leave or turn in for the night?

Granny's trick for talking to people from afar seems really handy. Even if we don't learn it from her, it seems like the sort of trick that other people would know. We could tap our usual contacts for it, or experiment with it ourselves. Camella would probably not mind having another way to talk to Armas (since she can pray to Armas, and Armas could use the true name trick to reply). As far as we know, only Armas and Camella know Camella's true name in this dimension.

Find out if she's willing to sell the trick, and what the price is. If it's not outrageous, we'll buy. If it is, we'll learn it somewhere else. Be polite, of course.

Things we can do to bring the cost of learning from Granny down: Swear we won't use the ability to compete with her business here in the Amazon. Swear we won't tell who or where we learned this ability from, not even hinting.

>Speaking of which-if we wait till morning, do I inquire about lodgings or sacrifice a more restful night to squeeze a bit of stealth training into my rest, and hide myself somewhere in the forest?

What do you even need sleep for anyway? Sleep is your body repairing damage incurred over the day, including damage to your brain from normal use. Just have Sake heal you up before sunrise, and you'll be set. Then when sunrise hits, he'll be recharged too.
>>
No. 379652 ID: 81f32a

I'm rather interested in that old man's story, particularly the bit about his grandson. Ask him about it, where his grandson lives and how much money he needs for travel.

Also, maybe the Old Granny is willing to sell Information? Nothing in particular, just fresh valuable info which we could later sell to SM, of course we will have to make sure that the info we get is exclusive and that she wont sell the same bits for at least a week (enough time to resell it to SM).

>What do you even need sleep for anyway? Sleep is your body repairing damage incurred over the day, including damage to your brain from normal use. Just have Sake heal you up before sunrise, and you'll be set. Then when sunrise hits, he'll be recharged too.
Pretty sure that nowadays Armas only needs sleep to regain his magical energy but since he didn't expend any today (iirc) he could skip sleeping.... but he still gets tired though, I think he just needs to deceive his own brain that he never gets sleepy anymore.
>>
No. 379658 ID: 473c09

>What's the plan from here?
Try to get going there with Thrompton tonight, as well as learn what kind of poaching he does, what kind of hazards are around here, and so on. Also, we should keep working on our soul stealth appearances. We almost certainly can't keep it up while sleeping, so we must NOT sleep around anyone. We also need to eat, so either hunting or buying stuff is advisable- I prefer hunting.

>If I want to try and get Thrompton amenable to going tonight, what do I plan to say to convince him?
>>379639
This.

>Do I have any more things to say to Old Granny Stomp, Reginald or possibly some other drinkers here at the bar before we either leave or turn in for the night?
Sure, inquire about what kind of services are buyable to Old Granny Stomp, and what kind of payment she prefers- info, cash, goods. You should talk to Reginald about who he considers 'bad hunters', and what happens to them. It might be interesting if some “bad hunters” are actually ones we can't soul sense. Then, we should ask Thrompton what he thinks of everyone here.

>Speaking of which-if we wait till morning, do I inquire about lodgings or sacrifice a more restful night to squeeze a bit of stealth training into my rest, and hide myself somewhere in the forest?
Yes, more stealth training. We should try to being making armas accustomated to different appearances, no more than six or so right now. Think about the purposes that we want to use them for.: I'm thinking we want "mundane" for acting normal, "hidden danger" for negotiations, "fucking terrifying" for making others shit their pants, "completely and utterly unimportant" for stealth purposes, "magnetically attractive/compelling" for easymode social encounters with people we don't care about long-term relations with. We Also want a “Default False soul” so no one knows our true soul (this one we will always go abck to): optimal for that might be something like "Armas, but with cannibalism/Imperial traits/godling status masked and bloodlines damped to appear less powerful". Side note, all of our masks should hide our sensitive personal attributes like Cannibalism, Godling and so on. It's better that Armas has to make aconscious effort to “let them out” than the opposite, right now.

>Pretty sure that nowadays Armas only needs sleep to regain his magical energy but since he didn't expend any today (iirc) he could skip sleeping.... but he still gets tired though, I think he just needs to deceive his own brain that he never gets sleepy anymore.
SUST on possibly making it impossible for Armas to easily go to sleep or realize when he is tired or not in optimal condition. Sleep isn't only for bodily processes, but also mental and spiritual ones.
>>
No. 379663 ID: f354ab

Let's stay in tonight. It'll give Sake and SB more time to work on the language pack, and for SB to struggle with the Nazinaut shadow without having to hold our hand in the real world.

Plus, souled jaguar with chakra set to stealth? Fucker just might get the drop on us. Although if we DO push on, and encounter a souled big cat or similar beastie, there's something I'd like to try. Attain eye contact with said creature, and then attempt to bludgeon it with a Lordly Imposition. No finesse, we're just going to bash it over the head with our soul. Animals do understand power, and souled animals understand better than most. If we establish ourselves as the scarier monster, it would be interesting to see if they run, cower or attack hopelessly. If possible, try and multitask to have our illusory soul face attain not just 'lurking danger' but 'pants-shitting terror'. We've been exposed to a LOT of scary shit; cram all that together and project it. Normally I'd say we'd be doing too much at once, but really, projecting a Lordly Imposition (of us as a source of sphincter-tightening fear) inwards as well as outwards seems like its complementary enough we could manage it.

We may just be able to backdoor our way into finally gaining Animal Emperor for realsies.

Anyway. Let's bunk with Thompson. Offer to tell him a potentially VERY lucrative secret at the conclusion of our business if he so obliges us. The secret: that the animals he's been troubled with hold souls. After all, artificially-induced souls don't mean they WON'T work as spirit animals. If he captures animals in his territory, he may be able to sell them as souled animals, which are massively profitable; he'd need to check with a specialist, probably Granny, but potentially insanely lucrative.
>>
No. 379665 ID: b83c65

>>379583
As Andrei can't build a laptop for Vlad he will instead focus on getting him the best deal - shave a few tens of dollars off the price, see about getting a good used Mac Book or what not. Just making sure Vlad gets the best possible deal. Aiming for 400, but if he can get a computer better than the one that Vlad was looking for for 500, he'll make sure Vlad gets that.

Of course, if Vlad can wait until after Andrei gets his Computer set up and can properly hack, Andrei can get Vlad a decent laptop and have the company pay us. Andrei would just have to hack into the site and alter price to negatives, get paid to have free stuff, like the computer, shipped to offsite location.

Other than the price fixing hacking, Andrei is also going to try to hack into the online stores to get some credit card numbers and he's going to hack into the corporate headquarters of Kemira GrowHow and see if he can't hack his way into passwords and some thousands of dollars.


Regarding Granny Stomp, let's start by giving her a, free of charge, over view of what we've done recently, and charge her for the details: "Old Granny Stomp, I'm quite sure you've heard more than enough sob stories and big fish stories and what not, but would you care to hear mine?"
If she answers yes, give her our charming, winning Smile and ask her how much it would be worth to her. If not or she doesn't want to pay, shrug and ask her if she thinks Messi is doing this year, and if she supports Real or Barcelona.

If she answered yes and does want to pay, give her our classic slow meandering tale that tells nothing. "Well, working back, I came to Brazil, I impersonated a Nazi colonel, I made my friends and employees cosplay, I out greeded a devil..." And I leave the rest to you, Armas.
>>
No. 379669 ID: 135880

Really, the Spanish language pack is still pointless. It's like goin to the USA and learning French because it's a national languages of one of the countries next door. Actually, it's worse than that. 0.04% of the Brazilian population speak Spanish - the languages that Armas already knows are more useful, as there are four times more Italian speakers and five times as many German speakers in Brazil as Spanish speakers, according to the Brazilian census.
>>
No. 379695 ID: d97a61

>>379652
"I find myself curious-what's the story with the grandson? He special to you, or you just big on family stuff?"
The old man frowns-but doesn't pull away.
>[Thrompton]"...I don't think that's relevant."
>[MM,MMMMM Trait Auto-Activated]
"Probably-but it's not like I'm going to use the info against you-call it friendly curiousity, or if you're a bit too leery to call it that, then at least 'non-threatening' curiosity. You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
>[Thrompton]"Why do you even ask, or care?"
"Could be I got a soft spot for kids-could be I had a shitty childhood and I like to prevent that fate from befalling others as possible-could be I'm under Contract. Does it really matter? I can promise you I mean you and your grandson no harm lest harm is offered to me first. Can't ask for better than that."
>[Thrompton]"...You can't be stupid enough to lie in old Gran's turf..."
The old man sighs.
>[Thrompton]"Fine, play it that way if you want. My grandson, who shall remain nameless, is the only one in my family to show any interest in my craft. He's turning fourteen-and I promised him I'd be there. I just want to give the lad his birthday present. There, that satisfy you?"
"To a degree-so how much do you need to reach him, anyway-what kind of trip are we looking at?"
>[Thrompton]"He lives in India-my son has a job over there. I... will need at least one thousand US to secure passage."
"A grand? Easy. Although..."
>>379639
My mind clicks into a higher gear as I pull free that strange headline I saw plastered over every newspaper I saw earlier in the day back in Istanbul, that article I saw on my email provider's home page-
"When was the last time you heard the news, Thrompton?"
>[Thrompton]"Hm?"
"There's a volcano erupting out in Italy, Mount Etna. I read about it on the internet. If it throws up enough ash and shit into the air it's going to completely fuck the air travel schedule. I'd think that faster would be better for you, if you want to be sure you'll see your grandson's party."
The balding man scowls as he runs knotted fingers through his combover.
>[Thrompton]"That... is not what I wanted to hear. You're sure about that?"
"Thrompton, buddy-one thing you're going to have to learn about me-I say exactly what I mean.Now: tell me more about the cats and other problems we're going to have if we go out tonight."
I speak as if there's no question he'll bump up his timetables and go for the more dangerous route if it's for his family-and he seems to go along with it.
>[Thrompton]"First concern's Jaguars. Normally there wouldn't be too many to worry about-but since things changed, well-it's a rare day I don't run into one of the buggers-no way night'd be better. Ah... you got any sort of night vision goggles or...?"
"Have no fear Thrompton-if the cause of your woes is what I hope, not a one of those creatures would be able to sneak up on me without some truly marvelous trickery above and beyond their norm."
The old man blows out his mustache as he puffs his cheeks and wrinkles in brow in consternation.
>[Thrompton]"That's some confidence. Fine-let's say the Jaguar's aren't a concern. Thing is, I dunno if you've been in the area before, but the Amazon's got an... interestin' species of Puma in the area-we just call 'em Forest Cougars, but the damned buggers blend in as well with their surroundings as.. well, as your pet there about your neck."
At this comment, Sake, hanging limp and motionless, lifts his head to regard Thrompton before with naught more than a wiggle-fueled snuggling into my neck and shoulders, he settles back into apparent slumber.
>[Thrompton]"Point is, smaller than Jaguars, green and off-brown shaded pelt, not as.... confrontational as their spotted cousins -but the blighters hunt in packs of four to nine, and if they decide you're lunch, they can be right tenacious. Thankfully they don't like people-though that does mean when you see them they're likely intent on rough business...You got the means to deal with multiple threats at once? I'm damn near out of hunting supplies."
"I can assure you that worst comes to worst, such a threat as you suggest could be handled without any real effort on my own part."
>[Thrompton]"Okay 'Mister Army' fine, let's say the big cats, lone and group, Jaguar and Forest Cougar don't mean shit to you-I'm not even done with the mundane threats. What about Orangutans? You ready to deal with those?"
"I was not aware they were indigenous to the area."
>[Thrompton]"'Course they aren't-but you know how them tricky bastards can be, I mean-right?"
"I... am intimately familiar with the mindset of trick-some individuals, animal or human."
>[Thrompton]"...Okay. Well-you know apes?"
"Likely not as well as you do."
>[Thrompton]"All right, so you've heard of howler monkeys-right, course you have. Well, there's a species of howler monkey we've got here that's... well. They're as big as gorillas, with gangly limbs like orangutans that howl like a hole pack of their littler kin all by their lonesome. Bigger, louder, meaner. Like to ambush people when other animals attack-general assumption is these Heavy Howlers have some... inbuilt hate of mankind. Anytime they spot a hunter, they do their damnedest to kill it-and sadly, that doesn't mean just charging and hollering. They're fine with going about, tweaking the nose of other predators-and coming back with all of them on its tail to ram into you all at once. Oh yeah-despite being gorilla size, these suckers have a fully functioning, body-bearing prehensile tail just like their smaller kin. So there's that. Then, besides Crocodiles, which we have the biggest and meanest of in the whole damn world, and Anaconda that're just as good as rats, cockroaches or crows at adapting to people, to hell with what those geeks say: A snake that can open a doorknob because it knows someone's sleeping inside is a scary fucking snake-we ALSO have Giant Snapping Turtles. Don't go looking underwhelmed kid-I'm talking a shell that's taller than you and can weather grenades, a beast that has a mouth span comparable to most folk's arm span-I'm talking a damned monster that treats the surrounding forest like it's made of fucking balsa wood. Think 'elephant sized turtle' and you got it about right. And like I said-that's just the mundane shit in my turf, all of which is more aggressive, more coordinated, and in general more dangerous to deal with. Thankfully, I don't have much in the way of magic game-otherwise we'd be here all night just discussing threats."
"So what magic threats DOES your neck of the woods have?"
>[Thrompton]"Bees-bat-sized bees meaner than the worst hornets or wasps I've ever seen. Their bite can sever bone without much issue-damned near flying piranhas-and if they sting you, they leave a venom sack that could kill a dozen men stuck in you, pumping away. Viciously defend their hives-only problem is when the other animals got cagier, these bastards decided to learn how to move their hive about. Still don't even know how."
"What are they called?"
>[Thrompton]"The bees? Mayan Honeybees-you probably haven't heard of them, they aren't all the common on the market. Think meaner, hardier Potnian Honeybees with lower yields. Same deal: Honey's a useful magic reagent, decent trade item-and frankly, if you could help me raid a hive, I could afford the trip home the moment I was back at the lodge."
"Tell you what: we'll figure out exactly how we hit this the moment you're ready to go-I assume you have some things to grab?"
>[Thrompton]"Ah-yes, give me a minute."
The old man gets up, walking swiftly towards one of the wood walls-and vanishing into it as if it were

While he's gone I decide to talk up Old Granny Stomp-specifically, about this wonderfully useful looking way of communicating over distances she has.
"Old Granny Stomp?"
>[Old Granny Stomp]"Yes? What can I help you with?"
"I'm curious if you're selling info on how to do that trick of yours-talking with people who've given you a name to call them by, even over great distances."
I see the tiny goblin in question, still in the middle of the room as I sit alone at the bar, waiting for Thrompton, scrunch up her face before my lips give me her answer.
>[Old Granny Stomp]"You are used to dealing with my Wyld kin, aren't you?"
"That seems a rhetorical question: do you need an answer?"
>[Old Granny Stomp]"No. But do understand that they out of all our kind are the ones most in tune with... intangible assets. Secrets, techniques, words, whispers-knowledge, in it's varied forms. My own kind happens to vastly preferr material goods-so in a roundabout way, I suppose I'm telling you training isn't for sale. And please don't go trying to sweeten the deal or summat-I can't trade in info, merely freely give minor commentary as necessary."
"Deals of a tangible nature exclusively, is it?"
>[Old Granny Stomp]"Exactly that."
>>379658
"So what then, do you have on offer?"
>[Old Granny Stomp]"Well, name just about any good that can be gotten in these woods-and I have it, from one hunter or another. Maps? Got them. Weapons? Plenty. Traps, food, drink? All of it."
"And payment-beyond being physical, any other restrictions?"
>[Old Granny Stomp]"No-same rules as most goblins-value to the seller and buyer alike count-but so does a new factor that normally's only implicit, but we Summer kin do love it so: Market value. You want something expensive that I don't care about? Still going to cost you more. Think of us as the more... modern goblins, heh."
"I shall do so."
As I mull over what to ask next, flitting between different options for future soul guises-the goblin says something that makes my gut sink.
>[Old Granny Stomp]"My, that is very interesting-how do you make your soul change like that?"
Wha-SB, you were supposed to caution me!
>"It's a gradual thing and I'm have a demented shadow that does not know when to quit to deal with-I'm sorry, but I don't know that you can rely on me to watch you for this, not while I have this burden right in the seat of my power."
>[Sake]"Don't look at me-we all know I'm irresponsible-you can't possibly think I'd make a good watchdog."
>[Hummingbird]"I am curious-how does one perceive souls? Is it like one's Inner Song?"
>[Iron Trick]"I do so love translating his previously exceptionally narrow world view."
...Fuck. I know I need practice with this stuff-so I'm not sure why I let myself stop stressing about the mental image-that worry was what sustained my focus. I decide to transition back to 'Veiled Danger' not so much to try and keep myself hidden-but to hopefully keep them guessing on whether the mutilated madness that's my normal state or 'Veiled Danger' is my soul. And beyond that-I frankly don't know a damn person in the room, and could give quite a few more shits about what they think.
>>379665
....Ah, there's still no price range for what Andrei is getting for himself here.
>Andrei is queued to assist Vlad in his laptop purchase.
"Well Granny, I guess I'm just a bit amorphous at heart."
Thankfully I'm saved from having to comment further by Thrompton's timely arrival, a well-cared for but heavily worn crossbow slung over his back along with a pair of quivers, while a machete's visible on each hip. I feel a low grade magic too indistinct to concretely classify gently wafting off the ranged weapon he sports-and follow as he leads the way back to the exit. After both of us crawl through the entry tunnel and make our way past the doorman, Thrompton turns to me one more time, adjusting his camo jacket while he looks up at the dark sky.
>[Thrompton]"Quarter moon-not great light, but enough. So you can really see where you're going no problems?"
I look at the murky gloom that shadows and obscures everything around me-and continue to watch as my prior memories of trekking through the area overlay onto the darkness, restoring 'sight' to me.
>"I worked it out-I can juuuust keep this shadow perfectly pacified while giving you real-time shadow mapping-or perfect darkvision. Just be aware this only really works because whatever magic's under the ground everywhere here's permeated all the soil and plants alike-if it weren't for that there wouldn't be enough magic for me to register."
Either way I'll take it-thanks bro.

"I assure you I'm unimpeded: lead the way, Thrompton."

Grumbles or no, the old man leads us to his hunting ground.



Along the way, well.......






[INPUT A TOTAL OF SIX INDIVIDUAL 1D100 ROLLS]
And assuming I CAN'T immediately sense a mass of souls to head towards on arriving at the hunting grounds-is there a type of terrain (hilly, riverbank, etc.) or a given animal that I think might lead me to the Dreamer?
>>
No. 379696 ID: a7b5b4

rolled 59 = 59

Terrain-wise, I'm thinking something with water. Still water, ideally, but flowing should be okay too.
>>
No. 379697 ID: da450d

rolled 91 = 91

Hilly areas, near a water source-I'm sure the Dreamer won't be sleeping on open flat ground, probably locked up in a small tunnel inside a hill or something.
>>
No. 379698 ID: 21a619

rolled 38 = 38

Oh hai bob.
Maybe I wont ruin shit this time?
>>
No. 379699 ID: 3947e9

rolled 33 = 33

rolling
>>
No. 379702 ID: f5a586

rolled 70 = 70

Try looking for larger masses of animals where they would not normally gather
>>
No. 379704 ID: 3947e9

Don't forget to maintain your soul disguise.

>Russian: Boris
Boris is going to throw himself into ito's lessons, with a focus on learning Chakra. Both for survival purposes (reinforcement against injury) and because he wants to one day learn magic cooking & alchemy (learning to be a competent Chakra manipulator can only help there)
>>
No. 379706 ID: f354ab

rolled 19 = 19

>>379704
Why does this matter now? Thrompton has shown no hint of soul reading.

I still like the idea of, at the first sign of trouble, putting our soul into 'Fuck your shit I will EAT you' mode and trying to bludgeon their soullish substance into defeat.

Riverbank seems likely to net us the most varied wildlife, but could also yield those giant turtles (fun to ride, not so much if we're classified as destructible terrain). Riverbank should still keep us away from the bees, whether they're 'build their nest in a tree' or 'ground' variants. So, tentatively agreeing with riverbank.
>>
No. 379758 ID: 2f3e8a

You absolutely MUST keep your eye open for TAPIRS! In Japan they are known for eating dreams and they appear in other asian lore as well. If that's not relevant then I don't know what is. The dreamer may not necessarily be a tapir, but tapirs could at least be attracted to it.

Also look for anteaters, armadillos and sloths. Just because.

As for terrain, try areas near water at first. Lakes, rivers and streams. Natural gathering places for animals.
>>
No. 379793 ID: 22ab6a

... damn, we could have bought ammo at APG. Why didnt anyone think of this?
or cheap magic meat to stock up on energy.... sigh

Anyway, are therec any caves around? Seems better place to sleep than any other.
>>
No. 379996 ID: 473c09

>Don't forget to maintain your soul disguise.
Do that, practice makes perfect, and given Armas forgot to keep it up earlier on, he should rectify this. He should also make sure the soul disguise includes not showing he is a Godling or Cannibal right now. As said in my previous post, Armas should try to have a 'Default' false soul where his bloodlines look less potent and he doesn't show off his godlings or Cannibalism trait- and that means every other Disguises must be built on that one (as in, they all should show similarly less bloodlines, and lack of Cannibalism/Godling). Being a Cannibal/Godling are things we have to *choose* to show, not things people should see by themselves unless we want them to.

Ask Thrompton if he has some ammunition we could use, too, and put your chakra to Stealth as SB is still being busy and drained. He must be in Top Form. Also, bring up with SB the idea of trying to find a Alignment that only 'feeds' him.
>>
No. 380020 ID: d97a61
File 132667916243.jpg - (51.95KB , 300x470 , Duke.jpg )
380020

>>379696
>[59: 41-60 range]
The forest conspires to make Thrompton's cautions validated as soon as possible: not ten minutes after leaving the APG watering hole behind, we are attacked by a Jaguar. The beast wasn't souled, and I didn't detect it coming-in fact, all of us noticed it too late. Well, not qute: The hummingbird noticed at the same time as us-later than SB, frankly-and despite the ludicrously small window of opportunity, he immediately oriented himself on the foe, and initiated a pre-emptive counterattack. He cored a hole through the cat's forhead the whole way down it's back and out of the stump where it's tail once grew-carving out a tunnel where once a spinal system sat. Thrompton, who was not looking when it happened, merely looked back in time to see me eyeing the corpse, the bird already back upon my tie. He mutters, but asks no questions, and we press on after he collects the beast's pelt, fangs, heart, testicles and eyes-all gathered in an expeditious, business-like approach that leaves the the remaining carcass prominently displayed. We aren't even out of earshot when we hear the sounds of other forest denizens claiming the leftover spoils.
>>379697
>[91: 81-100 range]
Not too long after that, shortly after Thrompton comments we've reached the edge of his hunting grounds, Sake mentions hearing a buzz. Thinking of the Mayan Honeybees, I silently stop Thrompton until he's heard the noise too. With an odd smile highlighted on his shadowed face by the now more limited Darksight SB provides me with, he motions for me to follow him. We spot a hive swarming with bees the size of melons-which he cuts a wide berth around, before leading us to another hive-this one completely devoid of hunters. While I cover him, he tears open the hive, ignoring the madly chittering but immobile queen to stuff several pieces of honey-soaked comb into a water-tight bag, before he starts running off without any regard for his earlier discretion. Seeing this, I find it prudent to follow him every bit as alacritously as he-a good thing, as not long after I hear the sounds of the buzzing shift, and wonder if the attacking hive's now found the damage we wrought.
>>379698
>[38: 21-40 range]
Now that we are deeper in his territory, I feel the Attention of 'ensouled' beasts watch us briefly-but the first we encounter don't seem intent on approaching us properly, even with the smells of honey and blood faintly wafting from the old man's bags.
>>379699
>>379704
>[33: 21-40 range]
>[Error recieving Minion orders: Boris has seen no reason personally to believe Ito or Chakra could lead him to being a better cook-and as of yet he's seen no proof a normal person can 'pick up' chakra use in any timeframe he's comfortable with, or any proof Reinforcement's in any way better than body armor and a gun. Perhaps if Boris had access to some sort of massive compendium on Chakra uses, and could see some of the Orientations suited to his disposition, this would change.]
I catch my attention wandering, and revamp my Soul Guise back into my ever-sharpening image of 'Veiled Danger', even as the group that watched us before-the same, not-quite-there souls all in a gaggle-stalk us from a distance. I begin to suspect it's a pack of Forest Cougars-or would it be a Pride-when over the course of exactly one second, all nine 'souls' and attached Attention simply snuff out. More than a little curious about this, SB agrees to go scout things out-and on his return says he simply found nine patches of blood-stained soil-but not a hint of actual corpses, or a perpetrator. More than a little curious-but for now, I don't see any reason to worry Thrompton. I still haven't detected any 'masses' of pseudo-souls, and I can't lose my guide until I'm at a proper starting point for my own hunt. On the plus side, I finally figure out the best way to describe Thrompton's soul-Like a well-worn, once lustrous knot sanded down into a sphere-faint cracks showing the age that is slowly eroding the craftsmanship. In Thrompton, I see something once proud and strong withered and weakened-and with it, a subtle sense of helpless dread and regret-like choices once passed over are now mightily yearned for.
>>379702
>[70: 61-80 range]
It's not too long after that when we get our next visitor-one of the Heavy Howlers he'd warned me about. The creature's clarion, klaxxon-like calls echo stridently through the woods, shaking anything that had been slumbering to wakefulness-as it throws rocks at us from a nearby tree. Thrompton moves to draw his crossbow-
>>379706
>[19: 1-20 range]
When a second Howler explodes out of the bush beside him, not ten feet away. There's no time for him to turn and react.
Luckily enough for him-I felt the second beast watching us-I felt it's similarly 'not quite right' soul's Attention-and the moment it exploded out of the bush, I locked my eye on it's soul-and kick my soul guise into overdrive. This isn't 'Veiled Danger', this isn't a restrained threat-I am violence made incarnate, pain rendered manifest, fear given flesh-I am this beast's doom, and as I build up this Soul Guise I throw it's weight outward, trying to Impose my soul's view as a naked threat on the agressing Howler. The beast makes it one full step out of the bush before it-and it's tree-bound accomplice-scatter, screaming as they flee. Neither makes any attempt to double back before fleeing far enough I can no longer sense them. No trophies from that encounter-but still, I'll take it.
>"Soul guise isn't settling back into 'Veiled Threat' from it's excited state properly-try resetting the Guise."
Hm-right: Layers of defense, of safety, protection for others-I swaddle the exposed threat of my soul in it's wrappings, a suppress it back down to my current most popular guise. ..Man, I hope this gets easier to maintain.
>"I know its not what you want to hear-but by every test I can think of, it looks like you'll make the most gains-through repitition and memorization of Guises, rather than experimentation."
Aw-AAAWWW, come on!
>"I am aware it's your least preferred learning method-but the facts do not change just because you want them to. Paradoxically, you Soul Stealth skill, while designed so that you can learn it's use more swiftly than should be possible, is oriented around the learning system you are least comfortable with. If it helps, you can think of it as 'learning the intricacies of Guises through first-hand experience'."
That.. helps some, but I still don't like that it's repetition this feeds off. So what: Just keep doing the same Soul Guise a fuckton, and eventually it'll get easy to do?
>"So far as I can see that's precisely true-with the caveat that I've not yet seen any evidence learning enough Guises to such a level would improve your overall learning rate."
This-
>"Yes-as Riker was fond of saying, it's something you learn by sticking your nose to the grindstone and shutting up. Please do try to actually eschew experimentation in this field-it is my preference to stay part of a trio of brothers."
Hah. Fine, I'll try not to kill myself. No promises though.

>>379758
Once Thrompton gets over how close he came to ape-fangs to the face, he leads onward for another half hour or so-when I again stop him: this time, because of a detected spike in Attention-and since I can't sense the attention of unsouled beings, that suggests I'm getting near to my target.
On that topic-SB, what do you think about Tapirs?
>"As a possible type of Dreamer?"
Yeah.
>"I think they aren't native to the area in the slightest, no matter their culteral associations with dream eating."
Aw-come on, if-
>"Come on nothing-The only relatives to the Tapir that live in the area are all unassociated, mythologically, with dreaming."
What-even sloths?
>"Seeing as we've passed no less than eighty nine different sloths over the course of our trek, without any evidence they had any magical energy-it would need to be a wholly different animal to qualify as the Dreamer, or a member of the existing species that had radically altered itself. In either case, such an event would be known to at least one of the hunters-and more importantly, Thrompton would have known, and told us."
He could have just forgot to mention it-
>"So ask him."
Fine, I will.
"Hey Thrompton-there been any news about dangerous or unusual sloths in the area?"
>[Thrompton]"Sloths? No, no trouble with them-I'd have heard even if there was happenings outside o' my turf: Plenty of gossip back at the guild meeting hall, you know?"
"I see."
>"Told you."
That's not conclusive, it-
>[Hummingbird]"Perhaps it is not conclusive, but currently there is more reason to believe it untrue than true-so why defend the inferior viewpoint? "
>[Sake]"See, even the bird thinks you should let it go."
>[Hummingbird]"I do not enjoy being called 'The Bird'."
>[Sake]"Well if you actually had a name we could call you that.
>"...And your Soul Guise broke. Again."
What? Son of a.... 'Veiled Danger', 'Veiled-
>"It's back up-but perhaps you should take a lesson from this, that I think would improve all our interactions-if you choose to listen. Every time your thoughts go to new places-for example, the ideas about Tapirs and the like-it seems to invariably rapidly weaken your focus on a given Soul Guise. However, when you are sticking to plans made prior to starting the Soul Guise, I haven't seen any variation in your soul's perceivable state."
So what, When I use a Soul Guise trying to make new plans or consider new ideas will weaken my disguise?
>"Precisely: If you devote focus to considering a new thought, by matter of course you have removed focus from the Guise's maintenance. The degree to which you can follow this rule, I think, will be the primary determinant for how swiftly you gain reliability with your Soul Guises."
>[Iron Trick]"I'll even flat out tell you I'm betting on you continuing to fuck it up with wild tangents even though you know it'll damage your disquise: I'm that confident you won't show discretion. Don't like? Try to prove me wrong."
>[Hummingbird]"I would be only too happy to chastise you when your thoughts wander-but sadly, I have no way of chastising you nonverbally that would not distract more than the thought itself, and no patience for taking on the roll of a nagger."
Well I appreciate the offer at least.
>[Hummingbird]"But of course: I could hardly be your better if I was so elitist I would not at least attempt to improve your own woeful lack of talent focus and class."
Hey-I've got class!
>[Hummingbird]"Do you? You seem one of the rare giants that grasps the importance of male plumage-but you do not choose powerful enough colors. Green... in a forest? There is no art in such a color choice as that."
>[Sake]"He's got a point-maybe some whites and silver-"
>[Hummingbird]"Still not enough- a red more brilliant than blood, an orange brighter than fire-it is wise to treat colors like weapons-and use the most powerful ones available."
To myself, I privately wonder just how I started getting fashion advice from a transgendered weasel and a hummingbird that pulls of a decent Arthurian Knight theme.
>>379996
It's noted that Armas is still having considerable focus issues maintaining Soul Guises.
Your method to rectify this is to make more Soul Guises, and try to make a new default Soul Guise, upon which all of these new Soul Guises are based-all of which is more complicated than only working with one Soul Guise off of Armas' passive soul state. Massively so.
How would that help? I'm really not seeing what mechanism in this plan is supposed to improve his focus-unless you're talking of far-off gains, rather than immediate ones. If that was your plan, to make it harder for Armas to Soul Guise until he got used to the new system for gains later, then I apologize for misinterpreting it.

I'm jarred out of the internal commentary-thankfully, without SB commenting my Soul Guise failed yet again-by Thrompton's commentary.
>[Thrompton]"...Well, this here's right where I first had problems with animals being... different. First started having trouble with a constrictor 'round three weeks ago. Since then, trouble's just spread."
The old man trails off as I continue to look around, juggling the maintenance of my Soul Guise with attentive observations of my surroundings and attempts to backtrack the Attention I feel-looks like we're being watched from the North, Northwest, West and East, by a total of, as of this moment, eleven creatures-and growing. Not a one of their souls feels... substantial enough I'd think it normal, but all the same I can sense them-and wonder how to proceed.

Two of my three focuses are shattered as I hear a rustle in nearby bushes that is not associated with any Attention-just barely preserving my Soul Guise, I immediately orient on the sounds-

To see a figure standing in the shadow, clearly watching us-but neither his attention nor his soul is perceivable to me. The only thing I can see, is the glowing cherry of the cigar in his mouth, and the gleam of it's light off... his sunglasses even as it softly illuminates the brim of his white hat. In a voice that sounds so scratchy it's rusted over, he comments to us.
>[New Hunter]"Well well Thrompton-what kind of business do you have, bringing an outsider to your turf? You need someone to do your hunting for you?"
Thrompton, for all the gumption he showed earlier, wilts before this man-clearly afraid of him.
>[Thrompton]"Well Duke, I'm just-"
>[Duke]"Yeah-good bit of stuff you've gathered up-Mayan Honeybee honeycomb, some solid Jaguar bits-might cover what you have left for your trip home. But what I'm wondering, see-is why you are here, when you already have that. And I get the feeling this question I should direct to your... multi-faceted friend here. So pardner: What brings you to these parts, this time o-night?"

Just before I can respond my watch beeps-it's midnight.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13TH, 2011
PERSONAL FUNDS: $106,088.22
BUSINESS FUNDS: $497,500.00
CASH: $1,255.75
SHADOW PATIENCE: 50%

>"Irrelevant to your current situation, I know-but two more hours and we should have that language pack ready for you to learn Spanish. Back to the topic at hand-I had some trouble translating how this one looks, but here you go."
The darkness around the newcomer resolves itself into a clear picture-and three paces away stands a man in a white suit, fedora and all, not a weapon on his person, happily puffing away on his cigar as his watch and many rings glitter in the night.









Thrompton's clearly afraid of this man-and this 'Duke' seems quite confident I'll answer his question: So what's my plan here?
How do I want to answer the inquisitive hunter?
North, Northwest, West, East: Which way do I think I should go? [Each direction takes three hours to investigate, so really I'm looking for an order to search them in until successful. If there is no majority view on the order, I'll randomly mix posts]
>>
No. 380039 ID: f354ab
File 132668375507.jpg - (10.55KB , 296x300 , sector-search-296x3001.jpg )
380039

Keep things simple; this is not a guy we want to drop our soul veil in the presence of. Dude has some kickass senses.

"Can't help but notice you're also on his turf- without his knowledge, if I'm reading things aright. Get the feeling you've been with us for a little while, too (unless there's more than one guy we can't sense in this section of forest, which is possible). But fair enough- there's something in this forest making a dangerous job harder. I, for reasons that are my own, aim to end it."

For the search, let's do it this way. Armas, Hummingbird and Thrompton go west, while SB and Sake go north-northwest. Go two miles (or however far it's necessary to search), then cut back inwards towards SB's team at an acute angle for another two miles, then return to our current spot on the way back via the northwest. They simultaneously head out north-northwest and repeat our pattern, returning via the north location. We'll have overlapped each other as shown in the picture; we'd be the dotted line triangle, and SB the solid one. If we've still located nothing, we repeat with the north-northeast-east quadrant.

By splitting SB and Armas, we'll be able to use telepathy to keep in contact, and we're never more than 1 mile distant from each other (or more, depending on how far we have to go to explore a given direction)- a distance SB and Sake can cover damn fast.
>>
No. 380044 ID: 8e7808

>>380039
Agreed.
Kind of not liking the part about splitting the party though. This is a dangerous place, very very dangerous, and barring any dangers SB and Sake may encounter by themselves, if SB is away from us he won't be able to give us darkvision which would probably fuck us up really badly if we are forced to run through unknown jungle at very fast speeds.
So downvoting the split, upvoting the interaction and general search order.
>>
No. 380192 ID: f6106a

Keep up the soul disguise

>>380039
This, but no splitting up. Without Shadowbro we can't see, without Sake we can't keep our suit clean.

Also, while we need better... plumage for where we are, we didn't choose green for the jungle, we chose it for the city, where green tends to represent money not leaves.
>>
No. 380193 ID: 252e1b
 

Keep your soul guise up! Don't let it falter!

>>380020

Duke is magically perceptive, obviously dangerous, has some sort of egoless technique, and either has some magic masking charm or is a heavyweight soul. Either way implies resources. He's possibly an agent for someone else.

He's been operating here long enough to intimidate Thornton, and was probably the party responsible for killing that pack of semi-souled cats that up and vanished on us.

Since he thinks he's so superior that he can just demand answers, we need to throw him off balance.

You're going to need Sake and Shadowbro's help for this. Sake should be able to mimic musical instruments, and ought to be able to play a beat from your memory. SB can do the vocals. You, of course, must whistle.

Perform the song "Brazil" by Geoff Muldaur and Michael Kamen. Dance around a little while you're doing it.

Just before Shadowbro hits the lyrics about kissing in the song, dance as close as you can to the Duke. Then, kiss him. Full on the mouth, kiss this son of a bitch. Grab his ass too. Ignore the cigar, it can't really hurt you anyway.

He'll probably throw a punch at you, try to knock you away. Dodge him! And keep dodging, don't let him get you. He's going to be angry and confused, and the best thing you can do is just give him time to calm down enough to decide that you're not worth the trouble. Keep up the song and dance act until he's given up.

When Thronton asks what the hell that was, just tell him, "I didn't really feel like talking to that guy. Figured being an outrageous ass would get rid of him. Who was he anyway?"

Then start your search by looking to the Northwest. Don't split up.

>Lyubov Orders:
Since Camella was so upset over the letter, and made a public spectacle of it, Lyubov will make time to go out to a book store and pick up two copies of a good self-help book for couples having trouble communicating with each other. She will then leave a copy in Armas' room, and the other in Camella's. She will take extra care to not be caught doing so, and will wait until Camella is out of the house before going into her room.

While she's at the book store, Lyubov will buy some music books too so she can pursue her guitar playing hobby again.

Besides the gym stuff, Lyubov will ask Amen about soundproofed rooms in the house she can use for music practice, so that she can have some fun with her new guitar.
>>
No. 380205 ID: 473c09

Keep your soul-guise constantly refreshed. This isn't a guy you can be unwary around.

>Duke is magically perceptive, obviously dangerous, has some sort of egoless technique, and either has some magic masking charm or is a heavyweight soul. Either way implies resources. He's possibly an agent for someone else.
Another possibility is that he just doesn't have a soul as such- either because he is a golem, or because it's simply not there. Remember that the only being barring goblins Armas had trouble sensing the attention of was Einrik, and that was quite a while ago, and the smiling one. Armas possibly was able to sense the attention of Dragons, and even used 'Attention-sensing' to get the image of the soul of someone whose soul wasn't actually there (Ghanem Abdul). If we can't even sense the Attention of this 'Duke', he either has quite the trick like Einrik (talking about baby elder in the head-level, here, or a bloodline similarily potent as Darkening), is simply THAT much better at stealth than Armas (like the Smiling One was), or... he simply has no Attention to sense. Maybe some kind of Ego-less or Dissociation trick, but it could simply be that he is a automaton of some sort, maybe to safeguard the Dreamer. It is also possible that he IS the dreamer- whose soul and Attention is 'spread' all over the place. This pretty much means BE WARY. Of course, Armas being Armas, 'being wary' probably means doing something outrageous.

>>380193
This seems (the song and kissing method of getting Duke to go away) both outrageous enough for Armas to really concentrate on it, AND effective if we want to not say anything to that guy. Because while he might be an asset if we manage to get him on our side, he looks just too flat-out dangerous to know about our goals or, well, for us to answer anything he says until we know more. Yes, he MIGHT have been looking out for Thrompton, thus why he possibly killed the forest cougar's earlier. However, this guy looks more like a 'guardian', and we are coming to 'wake up' the dreamer. Unless he is, too, against the dreamer, he will probably be against us- and if he is against the dreamer, it might be because he is a rival. So, i'll tentatively upvote that 'song' idea as long as the guy doesn't give us more reasons to think he could be a non-enemy. Also, if we go for the 'song' idea, Armas should keep on refreshing his soul-guise with the whole plan in mind to help him concentrate, including the possiblity of the guy saying something useful. Armas should also include the possibility to 'spike/amplify' his soul-guise during the kiss when he preapres the plan and refresh the soul-guise, but that should only be done if our cohort are confident in our focus.

>Igor
Igor should go to the War Museum today, to get some ideas about what kind of Armors he want to do. Also, to nerd out.
>>
No. 380216 ID: 81f32a

He is wearing sunglasses when it is pitch black outside. Armas' attention sense can only pick up mundane attention (sight, sound). Seeing how raw power alone is not enough to negate attention sense (Armas could feel Dragons' attention), I think Duke is blind. So that means that he definitely has some good magical senses. He called Armas "multifaceted", probably referring how his soul drastically changes. If so, then he probably shadowed Armas and Thrompton since they left APG, maybe he is the one who killed those 9 souls we felt before.


>North, Northwest, West, East: Which way do I think I should go?
Northwest

>>380193
This plan is.... rather insane. I don't have better ideas myself but how do you suppose Armas will be able to keep his focus while doing all that? I'd like to believe that Armas can prove IT wrong and not break his guise. You know, see it like a challenge of sorts. Maybe that will get him motivated enough to keep his focus.
>>
No. 380230 ID: b83c65

CONFORM! And by that, I mean MAINTAIN YOUR SOUL GUISE!

>>380193
I support this. I also support it with ending looking him as seriously as we can after we have kissed him and ask "Deputy minister, what do you believe is behind this recent increase in terrorist bombings?" before we take off running.

Also, if Lyubov is publically going to ask to get soundproofing, Andrei's going to ask for the same because the racket last night was insane. To take his mind off things, Andrei will go to the war museum with Igor. Hopefully they'll have something on spying and information warfare and, if not, it'll be cool to see the equipment from Total War face-to-face.
>>
No. 380236 ID: cf49fc

>>380193
Seconding maintaining our guise and performing famous songs. Dancing is optional.
>>
No. 380238 ID: c6ce12

>>380039
I'll also support the order of searching suggested (W, NW, N, then E), but disagree with splitting into search parties. We don't know if the split parties will be as effective as the single party would be, if we ask and find out we can work independently then yes, we might as well save time.

>>380193
SUSTing
>>
No. 380253 ID: f354ab

>>380039
Add after a beat, "Otherwise, my good friend whats-his-name here will find it harder and harder to pursue his livelihood. I'm basically just a nice guy like that."

>>380193
If Armas decides he needs to kiss a dude, I'd rather it be Gianni than this random hunter who is quite likely more powerful than us. At least Gianni is likely to buy us dinner, first.
>>
No. 380273 ID: da450d

>>380193
Kissing and grabbing a stranger's ass? SUST. I'd rather have Gianni do that.
>>380039
Upvotan
>>
No. 380322 ID: 338c67

please no kissing guys please.

>>380039
UPVOTAN
>>
No. 380327 ID: cb4078

>>380039

Up voting this

>>380193

SUST, Its not a good idea to kiss a man we have no information about and act like an a crazy person when our soul guise is 'veiled danger' and we've had it up for a while,work with it not against it.
>>
No. 380336 ID: d97a61
 

rolled 72, 38, 3, 33 = 146

>>380193
>>380205
>[Igor goes to the war museum today]
>>380216
>>380230
>>380236
...No. No, I don't want to deal with this self-important fuckwad 'Duke'. He's pretty much guaranteed to be a pain in the ass-and I just don't need that now. I got shit to do. Now... how to make him go away.... I don't want to fight him, so that throws out shooting, trying to teleport him, wind shenaniganery-no... actually, it just throws out combat applications of the two. Nothing stopping utility uses-and on that note:
Sake, you'd mentioned you could outdo my whistling with Wind manipulation: Care to elaborate?
>[Sake]"Well, that would be due to my ability to simulate musical instruments, by replicating the pressure waves that would be produced by the use of a given instrument-the music of wind, as it were."
EXCELLENT-and SB, how flexible is your voice?
>"Ultimately it's your voice-so whatever your question was, if you could do it, then the answer's yes."
I mentally Smile as I shove the plan over to my brothers.
>"...Really?"
Really. Unless you can think of another song iunvolving Brazil? Because that's the only one I got.
>"No, I'm afraid I can't think of another just now."
>[Sake]"You know, this reminds me of this one Kabuki actor I saw that-nevermind, another time. ...Yeah, I can do the music."
>"And I can do the vocals-but truly, this?"
There's no threat in my actions, and hopefully it'll make this guy just go away. You got a better plan?
>"I have less psychotic plans-"
That's not what I asked: do you have a BETTER plan? -Ah, rebuilding my Soul Guise a bit here, just to be safe-
>[Iron Trick]"I wonder how your gamble shall go..."
>"...."
Yeah that's what I thought-why do you think I'm even suggesting this?
>"Is that an actual question?"
MOVING ON Plan: AMBIGUOUSLY FLAMBOYANT IMPROMPTU SONG AND DANCE-

GO!

(Begin playing music now)

As Duke looks on through his opaque shades, a tropical riff starts me off as I begin to shimmy and twist, only breaking into outright dance as I start whistling. Duke, and Thrompton both favor me with a curious glare-while the Hummingbird seems to radiate the intense scrutiny of an Olympic judge coaching a little-league game. To be frank, his attentiveness is so great I nearly break my rhythm before I get properly habituated-just in time for the vocal portion to start, and every shadow around us to chime in together.

At this, Thrompton's Attention goes ballistic as he tries very hard not to freak out at the sudden presence of new voices-while Duke looks on impassively. I dance closer and closer to the white-clad man, keeping track of the lyrics I'm looking for-

Just as the song gets to the act itself-I step in close, wrap a hand around the back of the man's head, the other cradling a slightly saggy butt cheek-I smother his lips with my own, ignoring the still smoldering cigar as it burns bits of my flesh. Senses attuned, I'm ready for a counter-attack from Duke, fully set on being irritating but nonviolent-

When I feel a little piece of me die as rough old wrinkled hands festooned with positively frigid rings is fondly wrapped about my testicles after furtively being slipped down my pants as his eyes lock on mine from scant few inches away.
>"Ah, I am so happy you split me off from you-I don't have to FEEL that. Also, you dropped your Soul Guise."
>[Iron Trick]"Knew it."
Thankfully, SB and Sake continued the song as I went in for the 'kill'-and it is to this background-
>>380039
>>380044
>>380192
>>380238
That I immediately transition to a less... irregular approach.
"Can't help but notice you're also on his turf-without his knowledge."
Duke laughs before responding.
>[Duke]"I'm sure Thrompton here doesn't have any problem with my being here-do you, Thrompton?"
>[Thrompton]"Nossir, Duke."
>[Duke]"See that?"
"Yes-admirable coercion. I get the feeling you've been with us for a little while, too."
>[Duke]"Oh? Not too shabby of a 'nose' if you noticed. Also kudos on the unorthodox plan and the thus-far perfect eschewing of it once it failed: If I wasn't an old man turned pansexual in golden-year-derived boredom."
"Thank you."
>[Duke]"Doesn't mean I'm not curious why you're here though."
"Fair enough: there's something in this forest making a dangerous job harder. For reasons that are my own, I aim to deal with this situation."
>[Duke]"Oooh.... okay, all right-so, bit in tune with spirits then-explains how you noticed my handiwork before."
Images of SM and Lo Fang alike flash through my mind as I deal with the unflappable old man.
"Fun part though-I'm rather set on doing the hunt with Thrompton, as it happens. I daresay I may simply throw a fit and refuse to act if others joined in."
>[Duke]"Hooo-normally I'd just laugh at that-but strange or no, you seem... dedicated enough to getting your way. I can respect that. 'Course, do have to admit I'm curious: what's stopping me from falling you without your knowledge? Or do you claim you could catch me if I did not wish to be caught?"
"I think that were I to get you to agree to leave us be, you'd adhere to your word."
>[Duke]"Well of course I would-not like breaking one's word is a good career choice."
"And I'm entirely willing to not set out until you've made such an agreement."
Duke rubs his chin as the smashed cigar, still in his lips, unfurls back to its normal shape, once more merrily emitting smoke.
>[Duke]"Hm... hm. Well, certainly an interestin' plan you got there. But, have to admit: What'll you do about this?"

Duke vanishes.

I do not mean to say he withdrew, or used shadow magic or wind manipulation or any known way to discreetly escape an area-he vanished in a manner far too similar to Amen's own movements for my likings. Thrompton lets out an explosive breath that he'd clearly been holding, and shoots me a look that for the life of me I can't describe. Unsure how to respond, I go with my fallback-and Smile at him.

He has no questions to ask, simply waiting to see where I search.

Okay-Sector searching's probably the best approach here-
>"I can't prove Duke's gone-"
I know bro, that was the whole point of his vanishing act. So we ignore it, since there's nothing we can do. NOW-I'm thinking you and Sake go North-Northwest, I can go West with Thrompton and the Hummingbird, then while-
>"Stop, you're being overly complicated and making yourself look retarded. You're skipping a much easier solution, AND ignoring the implicit threat of Duke still being about-I can't say I endorse splitting up. Also-give me one good reason we'd use a search pattern that'd have us overlap with multiple teams, when we have a ninety degree arc to search, and a single point-oh wait, you can't."
Someone's a little grumpy they endorsed my earlier plan, aren't they?
>"It is not a memory I shall treasure, no. So, West, sweep more or less to the north east so we cover the Attention felt to the North, Northwest and West-and then, assuming it's not been found, head east-unless you have a better search plan?"
...I still think we should do sectors.
>"And I think we should have been aborted, but that doesn't change anything, does it? Do you have a better plan or not?"
...No, so off to the West we go.



SEARCHING:
Rolls are for, in order: Searching to the West, Searching to the Northwest, Searching to the North, then Searching to the East. DC to find dreamer is 70. Let's see where it is.
>>
No. 380342 ID: d97a61

[72]
Turn out we're lucky-the moment we set out to the West, I start getting inklings of something... strange situated behind the masses of attention. Behind the more or less normal sensation of psuedo-ensouled animals observing us, there is a rhythmic sense of attention that throbs with a slow, somber beat. Every time the Attention it pushes out surges, my body tries to convulse, and I have trouble keeping myself from tripping. For his part, Thrompton seems fine-as do Sake and the bird.
>"I don't feel anything irregular either."
Strange-so why-
Another beat surges through my body, this time grinding my walk to a halt-
-is it affecting me?
>"Presumably because of something pertaining to Soul sensing or attention sensing. Do you want us to go investigate it for you? For that matter-Myself, Sake, the newest avian addition-should we all go? Seems a bit of a risk since Duke could still be here."

As I mull this over, irritated that something about the Dreamer itself is innately literally repulsive to me, Thrompton speaks up.
>[Thrompton]"Ah... you stopped. Got a plan?"



Best guess: I'm about seven hundred feet from where I feel the stranger form of attention coming from.























So what's the plan?
>>
No. 380350 ID: 8e7808

Bah. 700ft is too far for bird, and I don't think Armas can force it without doing some shenanigans (e.g. making SB take over his body again and shifting his soul to the Demiplane)

Ok, I think Sake and shadowbro can go alone, it's only 700 feet so we probably won't die...probably. Thromton can go too.

"Bout 700ft that way is the source of your problems. Go shoot it, I will provide support from here" SB and Sake roll with him, birdman stays with you for protection.
>>
No. 380468 ID: f354ab

Before going further, I'd like a little background, if you please. "It's not often I get outweirded. It's good to be reminded that the world is wide, indeed.So; the Duke. What's his story? PG, if you please, given he's almost certainly still around."

Anyway. Bit of a pity we didn't bring any sniping tools (unless we feel like trying to summon Silja across an ocean and through heavcy wards by pure will?).

So we have a mundane, a living souled animal, a divinity/possessing ghost, and half our own soul dipped in shadow that felt nothing. Neither did our artifact, unless Trick is just keeping it under his metaphorical hat. But we're hurting. So... what are we that aren't they? Dual bloodline (I think SB qualifies)? Godling (Sake may qualify)? Soul sense?

I'm a bit stumped on that.
>>
No. 380501 ID: 473c09

>So what's the plan?
Well, SB hinted at being about Soul and Attention-sense that could influence Armas, which is indeed the main differences between ourselves. Our attention-sense being a spiritual sense, at least partly, and Armas having a winter bloodline on soul that is internal dominant with a 'amorphous soul' that gives 'illusion' are key here. Incidentally, the Dreamer has a known ability to gives 'illusions of souls' to animals, as well as a powerful 'Attention-sense' itself. Armas' current senses of the 'Dreamer' is that of a 'rhythmic sense of attention', too, which may one think of a 'heartbeat', a 'snore' or a 'radar ping'.

Given the similarity between the skillsets, it's possible that the Dreamer's “give illusions of souls on nearby fauna” ability/side-effect is also affecting Armas, given his Amorphous soul, the Dreamer's “illusion souls-giving” ability and that they share a use of 'attention-sense'. The 'somber-beat' being responsible for Armas tripping up would seem to indicate the Dreamer's 'attention' has some unknown quality. This unknown quality might 'simply' be giving Armas sensory overload, but it is also possible this is how the Dreamer translates its ability on the world while he is being alseep. having Bounce the idea off Sake.

If this is correct, Armas could think about protecting himself a few different ways: first, by not feeling the 'beat' anymore with his own Attention-sense. Probably shouldn't be enough, but it might help. However, there is the possibility everyone is getting hurt, but only Armas is realizing it, and cutting off his attention-sense would actually make it impossible for Armas to be aware of the attack. Second, by being undetectable. Third, by trying to make sure he isn't self soul-sculpting. Maybe it is possible to 'Delegate' his Attention sense feedback to SB for the first point. For the second point, Armas should realize that he is in melee with the Dreamer. He is within the dreamer's sphere of influence, and has to dash in using Ego-less. Armas' attention-sense of the somber beat is hopefully enough to get ego-less off. If that doesn't work, creating a soul guise of 'stealth' (bland, unimportant soul you don't care about attacking, hell, which isn't really here anyway) could be possible. Maybe getting out of 'reach' of our own attention sense might help here too, but it's STILL possible that the attention sense of Armas is actually showing him a real attack, and not sensing it won't make him less detected. For the third part, I think Armas just 'not wanting to self soul-sculpt' could help, but bounce ideas off our council for ALL those ideas.
>>
No. 380507 ID: 252e1b

>>380342

First, try a Darkening guise that makes you look like one of those weird semi-ensouled animals that are a product of the Dreamer. It might just be enough to make the Dreamer think you're supposed to be there and shift its attention elsewhere. If it doesn't work, sending someone ahead to scout is a good idea. If you follow the perimeter of the soulbeat you should be able to triangulate where the dreamer actually is, so even if the scout can't identify the dreamer with certainty, you should be able to figure out where it is and between you and the scout make an ID.

>>380350

Let's not send Thrompton to do our work. We might be obligated to do the work ourself instead of make someone else do it. Besides, he's already weirded out by the whole episode with Duke.

>>380501

There's nothing really wrong with these ideas, and I like the "be careful and talk to your brothers" part a lot.
>>
No. 380514 ID: 431fa8

>my earlier plan
A moment of introspection.

We know what was wrong with that plan. It wasn't the fact that it was totally absurd, or even that it was flamingly gay- both of those are things that can be incorporated into successful plans quite well, and even things we've done before. No, what was wrong with it was that we went in armed to lose. We challenged Duke to a game of gay chicken where we weren't willing to do what it took to win the normal way (in this case, probably ending in making sweet homosexual love on the forest floor). But in spite of our much-beloved belief in the importance of cheating to win, did we have a way to cheat that game ready? Plans to backstab or ensorcel Duke while using the game as a distraction, reasons to get close to him to take his stuff or launch an attack, something that we were buying time for until we could be assured of victory, anything at all? No.

And that is why we failed. We weren't dedicated enough to win the hard way and we weren't prepared or cunning enough to win the easy way. All that was left was luck- never to be counted upon- and losing.

Never do that. In the future, don't start a game unless we're going to win it. This is serious business. Promise ourselves. Ask our headvoices to kindly remind us of this conclusion when we attempt such gambits in the future.

>Strange-so why-
>-is it affecting me?
At a guess, it's because the Dreamer is something huge and spiritual. Remember encountering Abloec, the unusual feel of his Attention, how it pulsed? This seems similar, like someone with roughly his style of Attention- and remember being shot by the sniper when attacking Smets' mansion, way back? The weight of their Attention was staggering enough that it caused a physical reaction from us, and they were merely human.

This is something that combines those traits, only more so in both cases- vast pulses of Attention with such weight and focus behind them that to someone as sensitive to spiritual things as we are it's almost painful. Everyone else here can't feel it because they're like something without a sense of smell right next to a skunk- they can't have a sensory channel overloaded when it's not present to overload.

So while this is extremely uncomfortable and even painful, it's probably not that dangerous. It's likely not even a conscious activity on the Dreamer's part. It might be these constant, powerful spiritual pulses that give all the animals around here apparent souls; it would be interesting to see what long-term exposure would do to humans... but let's not linger long enough to find out. Everyone in the group is probably being bombarded by this and most of them just can't feel it.

>So what's the plan?
The immediate difficulty before us is approaching the Dreamer without being incapacitated by its nasty Attention-pulses. Unfortunately, with little by way of tools which protect us from that sort of thing we seem to have few options but to either try and tough it out- dubious, since the sensation is getting stronger as we approach- or to experiment with our soul manipulation prowess.

So... first, ask Sake if he's got anything more on what type of Dreamer this might be based upon what he's seen so far. Unless he does, bring up the following with our headvoices, see if they can find any flaws with it or ways it might hurt us, and if not give it a shot.

>experimentation
When the hummingbird draws on our power, it kind of compresses it into a sort of spiritual sheath that lets it blast through things, right? We can do the same here. Take a bunch of our Winter energy and compress it into sheets of solid energy, forming a hardened shell or bubble around ourselves and warding off external influences such as these huge pulses of Attention. Focus our will on maintaining that and keeping it around us as we approach the Dreamer, protecting us from its energies.
>/experimentation
>>
No. 380547 ID: d97a61
 

>>380514
Before responding, I take a moment to reflect on my earlier error, abhorrent memory as it may be.
>"Do you know what was wrong with it?"
Before you start-it wasn't the fact it was totally absurd or flamingly gay-both of those are 'been there, done that' insofar as plans go, and are fully proven to be viable. No... what was wrong, was that, irrelevant of the plan format, I-we went in armed to lose. I challenged Duke to a game of gay chicken, and I was neither committed enough to win the normal way, nor did I have a method of cheating on hand to ply. In fact, I didn't even have a fallback strategy in case both methods failed-and look what happened. I got caught flat footed, and... the point is, this is why we failed: We weren't dedicated enough to win the hard way, we weren't prepared or cunning enough to win the easy way-and I didn't have a way out. I was riding wholly on luck-which failed me. Yes, the burden for this is mostly on my shoulders-it was my plan-but you guys need to help me out here.
>"I want to, but what do you suggest-some outline your plans must adhere to before we'll endorse it?"
I... actually yeah, that might work. How about... plans must have a Primary Approach, where I play 'fair', and more or less don't go bonkers on the shenanigans. They also must have a Trickster Approach , where I try to use wordplay, manipulation of rules, cheating and general social skullduggery to win when I really shouldn't. Then I'd probably need a Heavy Handed Approach-since in theory, my first two plans should be more or less subtle by my standards. Lastly-and most importantly, I need an Abandon Ship Approach, where, in the face of not just my honest best efforts but dishonest have similarly failed me, and it's time to cut my losses. That should cover it right?
>[Sake]"Well, let's run what just happened through This. We had a primary-and clearly, he was willing to go far enough our Primary failed. Next would have been trickery-in fairness, a good chance of failure as well, the guy's unflappable demeanor just screams 'competence' at me-which would bring us to 'heavy handed'. I'm not quite sure how it'd fit this example just yet, but it seems good to isolate our more... overt plans to a singular category. Lastly: 'cutting our losses'. Which in a way you sort of did, by compartmentalizing the... reaction you had to his counter until after you'd finished speaking with him. ...But yes, it seems like it'd work. "
>"Hm. It certainly seems structured to play to your disposition-yes, it could well work. We shall see."
>[Hummingbird]"Whilst I cannot fully endorse the path you've chosen, that of the not-quite-warrior, but truthfully what you speak of sounds fitted to your situation. Beyond that-well done, eschewing your distaste in the form the defeat you suffered took to strive for ways to prevent future such episodes-that, at least, is a mentality I can wholeheartedly respect. I am still undecided on your... what did you call it, 'Pain Training?'"
Hey, some day I'm going to be happy I don't bat an eye at torturous agony when getting shit done. You'll see.
>[Hummingbird]"Should you lend credence to your claim, I'll happily concede the point-but truly, as important as this resolution of yours is, we do have other things to focus on."
True enough.

>[NEW RULE]
>Any plans presented to Armas with individually defined [Primary], [Trickster], [Heavy Handed] and [Abandon Ship] sections will now be considered to already have an in-built upvote.

>>380350
Plan. Gotta have a plan to present to Thrompton. Let's see... 700 feet, give or take-either way, too far for you, isn't it.
>[Hummingbird]"While I do admit thus far mightily enjoying access to the well of warrior's vigor and vim you contain, it does keep me tethered rather closely to you. A true pity, that."
Hm. Probably can't gimmick my way around that right now-I mean sure I might be able to, dunno, put my soul wholly in the demiplane, maybe try to manipulate where it's defined as being...
>"Productive planning, please."
Yeah yeah-discarding plans deemed unfeasible, keep trucking. Well-what about you and Sake? You both could go investigate.
>[Sake]"We could-but brother, is it truly wise for any of us to ignore the singularly different reaction to this entity you've experienced? Call me overtly paranoid on the subject if you must, but I am quite leery of things that work with the soul-and do not know if I could forgive myself if your reaction meant something and we didn't know until it was too late."
Okay-so if I can give a logical reason for the sensation, you're good to go?
>[Sake]"My brotherly concerns would be assuaged, and I would happily follow my curiosity about that which we stalk."
Hm.

>>380468
Before that though-another bit of effort to prevent future... mistakes.
"You know-it's not often I get outwierded. It's good to be reminded that the world is wide indeed-but still, I have to ask: what's Duke's story? PG, if you please, he's almost certainly still around."
Thrompton shakes his head for a moment, as if trying to settle down rowdy thoughts.
>[Thrompton]"...Well, what's to say: He's Duke. Nobody knows his real name-but Old Gran did admit he's proven he is a real Duke-won't say where, though. He's been a hunter here as long as I can remember-and I've been hunting on and off for 'round two-score years, now. Any time some critter up and gets a soul-or worse, becomes mythic, which happens more often than it rightly should by far in these parts-he's the one rounding up a group to deal with the threat. I don't know where his hunting grounds are-officially, no one knows, but I have to bet some do-but every time he shows up at the guild, he brings in the cream of the crop-and he never takes pay from Granny Stomp-even when he brings in hauls worth several hundred thousand. She won't say why-says it's part of a Deal she's got going-but strangely, she will freely admit the Deal wasn't struck with Duke himself. Let's see, what else does everyone know... well, he's never been seen carrying a weapon or attacking something-even when he's been helping hunt down rampaging souled beasties and the like. He just stands there, looking fancy-and things die."
"What about his sunglasses?"
>[Thrompton]"Well, the bet's currently that he's blind, since they've been confirmed a model marketed to exactly such customers-and no, no one really knows how he does take in info about the world around him-if it's just some movie-style super senses compensating, or what."
"I see."
And I do: It's clear he's found a way to fill a niche that more or less perfectly fits what I want: The largely enigmatic but most assuredly dangerous dandy that no one messes with. One day....
>"Would be easier to accomplish if you abandoned trolling along the way."
Sake, I know SB just spoke-but for the life of me, I can't understand what he's saying-you got any ideas?
>[Sake]"None at all-he seems to be speaking tongues."
>"I wasn't endorsing the notion-merely observing it DOES make our path more arduous."
Good to know. ...Oh, question-not for you guys though-you didn't sense anything like what I did, right?
>[Iron Trick]"I did not."
Okay-making sure.

Now, to potential explanations for why it feels like I physically can't approach any farther.
>>380501
>[Primary example: Combat percieved force with Soul Guise]
Okay... probably a stretch, but how's this: I can impose illusions on my soul-Soul Guises. I'm, so far as I can tell, more spiritually receptive than the rest of you. My soul manipulation's largely focused around internal stuff. Mix all that together-I'm wondering if maybe I'm picking up the same signals that give animals in the area pseudo-souls.
>"That's..... possible. Assuming that's the case, what do you propose?"
Well-if that is true, maybe if I use a Soul Guise that doesn't let my soul detect the outside force....
>[Sake]"I have known many an illusion to be well combated with other illusions-perhaps this could work."

I am me. I am connected to my brothers-I hear their thoughts, and hear the words of the bird and gun alike. I hear the old man beside me, my confused guide. I hear the forest around me. But I do not hear that incessant beat. It's pulse falls on deaf ears, physical and spiritual alike. I cannot hear it, I cannot feel it-the pulse does not exist. My mind entranced in this schema I've crafted, I step forward.

I fail to step forward, my body flat out refusing to approach farther.
>[Sake]"The plan was sound-and your premise executed properly. All I can say is this now raises more questions about the creator of this field-without specifically targeting you, it can resist concerted efforts to slip free of it's grasp? I only know of Gods that could accomplish such-but were one hear, I'd feel it-yet no Divine energy is to be found. Curious.
Well-I'm not done. I can do more. I can..... dammit, it's not working.
>"Were you seriously trying to force yourself into an Egoless state fighting a foe you can't see, aren't near, and don't even know?"
Just checking my options thoroughly.
>>380507
>[Trickster Example: Circumvent perceived force by pretending to be in its thrall]
Well-maybe I don't need to resist it, or fight it at all. It's most likely trying to change me-to make me like the falsely ensouled animals, right? So if I put up a Soul Guise that makes me look like one of them-it should think it's already succeeded, and leave me be, right?
>[Hummingbird]"We shall see if that is how it can be bested. The night air's taken on a foul taste, and I suspect it's due to the quarry we stalk."
Okay-

My mind doesn't contain higher thought-no complex sapience, no creativity. I'm something more basic-and I'm fully captured in the illusion of mental complexity the Dreamer's projecting. Already captured, already tamed and converted-I'm beyond its concern. I step-

Absolutely nowhere, this plan a bust too as I simply can't push past without every fiber of my body screaming at me. What do I have to do here?
"Thrompton, I'll be right back-just some triangulation."
With Sake's aid-and his caution his magic reserves are getting a bit low-I swiftly traverse a long arc about the perceived, throbbing force-and after orienting myself a few times, I feel I've got a pretty good sense where it is, even if the forest makes it impossible to see that far. I return to Thrompton, mulling over my failures-and wondering what to do.

>>380514
>[Heavy Handed Example: Forgo all attempts at subtlety, brute force way through perceived force]
Okay, okay-new observations time: I finally realized what feels familiar about the way it pulses-it's just like how Abloec's attention 'pinged' like a radar. And hell, I already know focused enough Attention can actually stagger-like the seething, hateful focus when Olga was trying to put a bullet through the head of her husband's murderer. So really-all of this, is just one huge mass of pulsing Attention-so oppressive I can't really approach.
>[Iron Trick]"Well Illusions in general are really just directed attention that commandeers the attention of those that perceive it-you effectively already knew this."
Ah-but it does matter. So far, no one's gotten a hint that it's negatively effecting them-and one of you, I think, would have noticed by now, with how much attention we pay it. What's a more probable explanation to that than the theory this force I detect isn't actually directly harmful?
>"...Okay, actually there really isn't much I could credibly say could cause this that WOULD be directly harmful-"
>[Sake]"Same for me."
So uncomfortable or no-I should be able to blaze through it, even if I can't throw it off-I just need more oomph. On that note-Think you could help me try to do that trick you do? The one that lets you core holes through armored behemoths.
>[Hummingbird]"I shall assume you are not asking me to teach you how to fly, and are instead referring to how I armor myself. Very well-but frankly, I do not know that I can explain what I do in words. Should you permit me, I think it'd be far simpler if I simply took action myself. May I?"
"Go for it."

The bird sitting on my tie cranes it's tiny head about-and hammers it's beak into my throat-and with it, injecting me with a blooming lotus of soul energy that makes my skin quiver-
and sees my chakras immediately go into hyper-overdrive, spewing soul energy in vast torrents that swirls and hardens into a bubble around me. I know it to be invisible to the naked eye-but to my own observation, it now looks like I'm within an egg as obdurate as a fortified bunker, it's walls opaque-especially to spiritual perception-the very wavelength my Attention sense operates on. The moment the wall's gone up at the bird's behest I can feel a vague sense of exertion, and know this to not be a long-term viable solution. But it should hold well enough for 700 feet and change.

I step forward unimpeded. Excellent.
"Thrompton, let's go."

I lead our group onward, SB running before us to keep out a wary eye even as he builds the map he feeds to my mind that grants my darkvision. Strangely, despite being completely surrounded in those falsely ensouled beasts-not a one targets me.

It's when I'm close enough I can see the clearing the Dreamer has to be in-when I hear Duke's voice again.
>[Duke]"Ahuh-thought you might be looking to bag this beauty. I'm afraid, though, I'm obligated to keep it safe and sound just now."
I don't crane my head about-I merely wait as SB and Sake both try to find him.
>[Duke]"Now, I'm not a particular fan of killing my fellows-so it'd be nice if you didn't do something that meant I'd have to seriously stop you."
>"Still nothing-but in another seventy five seconds, I should have finished pacifying the shadow I caught-it's a long shot by far, but maybe it's brute energy along with my freed up focus will mean I can detect him."
>[Sake]"Let's hope so since I haven't the slightest idea where he is. You may wish to learn something of stealth from this man."
"You don't sound all that thrilled to be here."
>[Duke]"Good ear-I'm not, but that doesn't change what a man's obliged to do to keep his word. I hope you can understand that, and not force my hand."
My soul starts to feel a bit fatigued-and I get the sense if I keep this soul bubble up for too long, it's going to drain me quick enough.













So how do I convince Duke to let me complete my job?
How about ways to buy SB time to finish taming his newest acquisition and put his full weight behind finding the Duke?
Let's say I DO find Duke: Do I plan to try and fight him off, or bluff him away?
Again, please note that any plans properly formatted with a Primary, Trickster and Heavy Handed approach along with a way to Abandon Ship will be given priority, and considered already upvoted.
>>
No. 380628 ID: b1d564

Time for delays. Start patting yourself down halfway through the first part.
"Listen, Duke. I'm not trying to bag it, not here to stalk it quietly and tear it's throat out or take it's eyes, skin or anything. For crying out loud I'm just trying to-" stop speaking, become preoccupied with your suit as if trying to find something that should be there. After a few seconds, curse under your breath "Did any of you see a cigar case around here?" wait "Son of a- don't tell me I lost it." wait "Nah, probably just forgot it. Hey duke, I know this might be odd, but do you have a smoke? and a light too I guess" (I doubt he will reveal himself but hopefully he actually gives us one and then we can spend even more time going through the motions of lighting the thing in an interesting way.
"In any case. We probably don't have a problem here, I'm just trying to wake it up."

Also, Armas. Make sure this is your target before you shoot something.
>>
No. 380640 ID: 448d82

I'll just post these so somebody can shoot'em down/work out the details.

[Primary]
Buy time for SB, delay Duke as long as possible, find out what he knows of the dreamer, see is it just the dreamer dying he has a problem with or is it waking?

He also mentioned an oath, try to find out about that too.
Do not progress forwards, do not state clearly an intention to slay the dreamer.

>>380628
This is a good start on the whole, but, just don't make the mistake of actually smoking the cigar or whatever. Why? Well, Armas doesn't smoke so doubling over coughing would be inconvenient... or it could buy us time, if we did it long enough, we could even... “stumble” towards the dreamer.
Not fond of this approach, not much dignity, it'd be far more amusing to just to burn the cigar to nothing.

[Trickster]
Work on that oath, make him reveal it, then you can find a hole in it. Trick Duke into letting you do whatever with the dreamer, or alternatively, find a way to make him break his oath of his own free will, this also connects in with the primary plan of buying time to basically make a plan.

[Heavy Handed]
Get the Shadow dealt with, find the dreamer, avoid Duke, kill/wake the dreamer before he can stop you.

[Abandon Ship/Second to last resort]
Flee, but, know that cigar you may or may not get. Forestfire.
Burn the trees, the Dreamer can wake by being burnt to death just as much as a shot to the head. Sake can feed the flames with wind, SB can spread the flames with Shadow. Mad Laughter optional. This is not an option you want to be forced to use.

[The Final Solution]
Quit.
Go to the eye and let your Trolling Id deal with everything, this option is only viable if you are completely and utterly doomed and nothing really matters now.
Use of this means you've pretty much failed ludicrously badly.
>>
No. 380657 ID: d97a61

[This is not an update, but you may still want to read it]

>>380640
[Thank you for being the first person to attempt this new system. Couple things that are relevant:]
>-Your [Primary]'s completely workable, but idyllically it'd have SOMETHING in it to acknowledge/prepare for the whole 'Soul Bubble trick seems very tiring-what if SB's not ready when you run out of juice to protect yourself from the Dreamer's attention. Either attempt to deal with the problem in [Primary], or have a plan dealing with such an event as [Heavy Handed] as a 'my hand's been forced' thing or [Abandon Ship] as the 'cue to withdraw'-remember, the whole point Armas is doing this is so he can win more often, and for this approach, that means trying to have a solution in advance for as many losing scenarios as you can.
>-Your [Trickster] plan on paper works, but where possible, do try to input as many details as possible. For the particular [Trickster] plan you advocate, there isn't much to go off of right now, so that's fine-but be aware that on average the more hand's on your proposed plan is, the more likely it is to work. An example would be: dialogue examples of how you'd trick Duke, or make him reveal things, or break his oath. Saying that's the goal is great, but Armas does need SOME initial footing for pursuing such a plan, if that makes sense.
>-Your [Heavy Handed] plan, insofar as I read it, doesn't really work. The point of [Heavy Handed] plans is to have a plan that fits the motif of 'shit, things are getting hairy-this is my last attempt before I bounce-time to go balls to the wall'. The portion of the plan that's 'get the shadow dealt with' is useless (unless you actually have a plan for how Armas can assist SB in that, rather than just hoping he succeeds). Similarly-find the dreamer's not really a 'plan'. However, something like 'Attempt to distract Duke with continued wordplay (to play off your earlier plans) so he can be bypassed and the Dreamer located-That'd work because then there's a way to attempt what the plan nominates as a course of action. Yes, the example I gave isn't perfectly 'heavy handed' but it more or less fits since you're attempting to force the issue. Remember, plans aren't just 'this is what we should do' but also, and arguably more importantly, 'how am I/are we going to ACCOMPLISH the thing we should do?'.
>-Your [Abandon Ship] plan is solid-it involves Armas retreating from what would be a losing scenario if the prior plans didn't work, and while the wording's not quite how I'd prefer it, it does present a means to flee (use presumably still smoldering cigar to start forest fire to cover retreat and hopefully kill dreamer with collateral. Depending on HOW you structured this overall plan format, it could qualify as a [Heavy Handed] or an [Abandon Ship]. Since the plan does focus on Armas retreating, you placed it properly in [Abandon Ship]-kudos, this part of the plan's exactly how it should be.
>-Your [The Final Solution] would actually fit more as a [Heavy Handed] approach, as it has no mention of Armas fleeing, and it's something Armas can recover from. That way, plan would be:
[Primary] Stall for time for SB, keep getting intel and looking for a better solution while you still have energy left for a soul bubble (With written examples of what to talk about with him to stall that hopefully set you up for-
[Trickster] Assuming Primary failed, use information gathered during primary attempt to trick way past Dreamer's defender before you run out of soul bubble,
[Heavy Handed] Attempt to distract Duke and simply bypass him OR re-enter Kyrppa Peiko mode to wreck shit and hope the Dreamer's one of the things wrecked, and lastly
[Abandon Ship] Burn the forest with Duke's cigar-based assistence, hope blaze will kill Dreamer, Armas retreats in the resulting confusion.

I hope this helped iron out how this new system should work.
>>
No. 380782 ID: f5a586

[Primary] Dialogue try to get more info on what restrictions Duke operates under "We both know that a deal is rarely totally iron-clad, I'm sure we can come to a mutually agreeable arrangement, First of could you define safe and sound in regards to this creature?"
If the definition is unworkable for killing the dreamer to wake him then ask "For now eh? Well I can be patient when I need to be, how long do I have to wait?” If he answers this even if it's to long it could be an opportunity to retreat out of the attention field and wait for SB to win his fight

Concurrently with this Ask Sake if he can get any further clues on the nature of the dreamer being this close, also ask if can SB do the same

[Triksy] "If I were to promise to take no action against the dreamer would you be amenable to letting me take a look at it?" Sake, SB, or the Hummingbird can finish the job. This will hopefully end the need for the draining soul bubble and leave you in a better position to fight or run from duke, with the slim possibility of an OGRIMIR exit, this route will lock us into hostilities with duke

[Heavy Handed] If he says we can't take a look shadowport in and kill the dreamer. Same end game as triksy

[Abandon Ship] If primary fails there is simply the possibility of walking out getting some sleep and a recharge for everyone +SB's nazishadow and coming back later to finish things off, this could work even better if the amount of time Duke has to guard the dreamer is not completely conflicting with our deadline. More info from Sake or SB could also help determine the viability of this choice
>>
No. 380786 ID: 382e3e

>So how do I convince Duke to let me complete my job?
>How about ways to buy SB time to finish taming his newest acquisition and put his full weight behind finding the Duke?
<PRIMARY> The way Duke seems to be talking about 'it' seems to indicate Duke is reluctant about 'keeping it safe and sound for now'. Armas should openly inquire about the limit of this arrangement, and try to see if there is a loophole they could exploit. Things Armas should keep in mind while negotiating: Both Granny old Stomp and Duke are probably contracted to the same person/being, though it's unknown whether the being is the Dreamer. The 'Dreamer' is possibly a spirit animal itself, a mythic, that 'shares' its soul with its Attention pulses. Another possibility is that it's a Elder thing, given all the connotations they have about dreaming. Duke is possibly a land god, though him having a title probably makes him human. Given the place, and the title being 'Duke' (a European title), it's likely that it was a granted title, possibly from the vatican. If Duke is a Land God, Armas statue as a Dual Bloodline Godling might actually help create a loophole for Duke and Armas to be able to 'wake' the dreamer.

>Let's say I DO find Duke: Do I plan to try and fight him off, or bluff him away?
<TRICKSTER> First, Armas should ask Hummingbird if he could 'lessen' the power of the soul shell, as Armas should probably save as much energy as he can and he should be able to endure some pain. Also, it might give Duke a false sense of Armas weakening. Then, Duke seemed to be like Armas about keeping his word. It might be because he is a land god and thus probably unable to break it, or it might be a bluff, or it might be because he has something similar to WoG. No matter what, Armas should use knowledge gained from the open negotiation to try to get Duke to promise/accept something that is slightly different than it first appear to be. Obvious example is Armas promising he isn't here to harm the dreamer, after all he must only 'waking him up'. In any case Armas should keep this verbal joust going until SB pacifies his shadow.

<HEAVY HANDED> If Duke is still blovking our path after all this, when SB has pacified his shadow Armas should try to have him detect Duke, and then all of us should attack him in one go. Armas should then over amplify the soul shell as strongly as he could to resisst Duke for a couple of seconds. Alternatively, Armas could try to 'Wake up' the Dreamer while under the over-amplification if he feels confident Duke won't “avenge” the Dreamer waking up. After all, if Armas succeed to wake him up and Duke is still there, Duke might just stop attacking. For waking up the Dreamer, Armas should think about maybe stabbing him with the spear while having the spirit shell, or else having Hummingbird do that. If Hummingbird could cleave off part of the dreamer's soul, it might allow us to capture it and find a way for the hummingbird to devour it and get stronger. Likewise, the attention pulses, if they are indeed responsible for the dreamer 'giving' his soul to animals around, could be an excuse for the hummingbird to have a 'right' to get some that way.

<ABANDON ALL SHIP>This one is basically Sake flying us up and away while we all unload as much attacks toward the dreamer as possible to hope we wake him up during our 'running away' phase.
>>
No. 380799 ID: f354ab

During the convo with Duke, try not to mention the Dreamer- or even think about it much, okay Armas?

[Primary]: "Well, that's right sporting of you, Duke." Do as Duke says, and be amenable to retreating back to the 700ft point - if he's willing to keep us company, barring other things occupying his time? We get to talk, SB gets time to tame Nazinaut, we're not burning soul power - and Dreamer isnt going anywhere.

Unsure how to convince him, though. Doubt he'd go for us trying to outbid his current employer - thats bad business. We could try Falcon's semantics: that we're trying to awaken the Dreamer (isn't that how Og put it?). Or maybe... how long does Duke need the Dreamer alive for? We do have a week...

[Secondary]: If Duke doesn't want to play ball, it's experiment time. Our soul sense is delivered via our Attention, right? We have to see it to sense it? And Lordly Imposition allows us to extend our soul externally. Can we combine the two to saturate an area with our soul/Attention, effectively increasing our max range, direction from which the sense can come, or even a 'ping' as the Dreamer did? Likewise, given its carried by our Imposition, we might be able to backdoor our way into delivering soul illusion/manipulation to everyone in an area - the difference between aiming a searchlight and a creeping fogbank.

[Heavy-handed]: SB knows where Dreamer is from piggybacking our senses. If Duke is chatting with us at 700ft, odds are good he won't be able to beat SB's teleport speed. Nighttime, contiguous shadow- that's 700ft in under a second. He telekills Dreamer (either by striking or dragging it through shadow), then we hope Duke isn't a sore loser.

[Abandon Ship]: Kyrpa Peikko probably won't stop Duke; yeah, its as slippery as a barrel-full of particularly whimsical monkeys, but I bet Markku could've caught us if he was shooting to kill.

We could try taking Thornton hostage to get the APG to come- no, that's stupid. Kyrpa Peikko it is. You know, I wonder if we accidentally backdoored our way into making ourselves Mindless with that, even if it's uncontrolled?
>>
No. 380804 ID: b83c65

First, SUST on mentioning 'The Dreamer' That's just >>380640 for now - however, if we dont' actually say it to Duke, I'm ok.

[Tickster]
"Oh, come on. How the hell can I not force your hand if I don't know what you want? Unless by 'beauty' you mean me, in which case I'm very sorry but I've already given my heart to someone." Your Fext heart anyway. "And if you're not going to explain yourself, I'm going to assume you mean something weird and pansexual and I'm going to go about my business while ignoring you."
Basically, we trick him into telling us just what and where what he's guarding is while convincing him we have no interest in it.
>>
No. 380881 ID: d97a61

>>380628
Okay, okay, got to stall for time, obviously. Let's see, what to say, what to say.. Wordplay's important-actually, maybe I can get his cigar....
>"You have no Trickster, Heavy Handed OR abandon ship clause."
I got ideas in 'proper format'-I just need a moment or five to straighten them out-and this should do the trick.

"Well, I'd hate to force your hand."
>[Duke]"Yeah, you really would."
"Look, it's not like I'm here to-"
I trail off, hoping I can sell my performance as I pat myself down. I make my way over every pocket I have, curse under my breath-and change topics.
"Hey, you seen a cigar case around here?"
As Duke doesn't answer, I turn back to Thrompton.
"How about you-see anything?"
>[Thrompton]"Ah... no, why-"
"Son of a bitch-did I really lose it? ....Hopefully I just left it at home. Say Duke, do you mind if I-"
>[Duke]"Heh-you sure you want one of these?"
That's when I backtrack to the already partly suppressed memories from not too long ago-and actually pay attention to the smell wafting out of the cigar he smoked-the smell sticking to my lips even now: Opium. ...But there's more to the scent-I just need to think back, where did I smell that... right, the other smell's cannabis I think-smells quite a bit like what I'd see some of our Afghan 'comrades' take fatty rips off before patrols.
"What, trying to say I can't handle a bit of poppy and weed?"
>[Duke]"Less that, my friend-and more the Psilocybin and crack cocaine... well, truth be told it's the whole mix that does the trick."
I take a moment to process that. Okay-marijuana and cocaine-that's a chewy, I've heard of those before. Never even heard of a mix that used crack cocaine though... I recall people mentioning some smoked mushrooms-but ALL of that together?
Those are some fucking badass 'cigars' he's got.
"Perhaps I should abstain then."
>[Duke]"Yeah, not many people can handle my 'Duke Specials'. So, what's so important to do you have to keep a clear head to do it-and you have to do it here? Couldn't have something to do with a certain... sleepy individual, could it?"
"Well, we probably don't have a problem here-I am just trying to wake it up."
>[Duke]"That so?"
>>380782
>>380786
>>380799
>>380804
...Okay, plans set.
>"We're getting closer-if you can stall just a bit longer-"
I try not to pant as my body feels increasingly fatigued on a level so deep I can't ignore it, brute-forcing normalcy into my demeanor.
[PRIMARY]
"You know, something you said was interesting: 'For Now'. I can be patient if I have to: how long do I have to wait?"
>[Duke]"What, for my job to be done? HAH, you'd be better off waiting to hear from the old Protector of Justice himself than me buggering off. And since last I checked he's not kicking around-well, I wonder how long you can wait when the wait's measured in eternity."
"Well that's hardly promising."
>[Duke]"I'd be a pretty poor guard if I just protected something for a few days and called it quits, wouldn't I?"
"True-but you don't sound too happy to be doing this-do I detect a bit of reluctance concerning your guard duties?"
>[Duke]"I don't deny it's not glamorous-and I'd rather be doing more exciting things-but a Deal's a Deal, simple as that."
"So what IS the nature of your deal, then?"
>[Duke]"Pssh, you think I'll tell you that?"
"Maybe not here-but say, if we pulled back? Surely you could talk if we were farther from that which you're guarding?"
>[Duke]"I'm afraid not champ: see, depending on how this goes, I'm obligated to tangle with you-and I won't deny I'm more than a little curious to see how you handle yourself."
>"Okay-I got the shadow, but it's not helping at all with him-I still can't find him. Next part of the plan, you're running out of energy!"
Righto.

[TRICKSTER]
"If I were to promise to take no action against the dreamer would you be amenable to letting me take a look at it?"
>[Duke]"Only if you, your bird, your weasel, your shadow and that last one all soul-swear to do it no harm, to only observe it-that sort of thing. ...Oh, you weren't thinking I hadn't noticed your friends, were you?"
Geh-Hummingbird, is there any way I can lessen the energy feeding into the soul bubble? I'm going to run on empty pretty damn fast.
>[Hummingbird]"Not at this proximity. If the field was weakened even a little, you'd once more start being repelled thanks to your sensitivity."
Great-okay, okay-keep going. Maybe if I tried to make my own version of the dreamer's Attention I-
>[Sake]"NO! Nonononon-NO! Even if you pulled it off perfectly, that'd drain your magical reserves far too quickly-you still have far more atrocious energy efficiency when trying out new things."
>"I agree with Sake: It's a risk there's no point in attempting in this scenario unless our back's against the wall."
You say that-but it's getting hard as hell to keep pretending like I don't feel anything while I power this bubble.
>"Armas-"
Alright fine-I still have more plans in this category-well, one more plan.
"Oh, come on. How the hell can I not force your hand if I don't know what you want? Unless by 'beauty' you mean me, in which case I'm very sorry but I've already given my heart to someone."
>[Duke]"Heh-I noticed you didn't seem that enthused when I returned your impromptu 'affection'."
"Quite. If you're not going to explain yourself, I'm going to assume you mean something weird and pansexual and I'm going to go about my business while ignoring you."
>[Duke]"I wouldn't recommend that-see, if you try to just ignore me and pass on by-well, I'll have to do my utmost to stop you-and I'm not that good at going easy on people."
Fuck fuck fuck fuck-okay, I still have more-I can make this shit work!

[HEAVY HANDED]
Okay.... SB, no way you can find him?
>"So far no reason to think I can, no."
Sake, Hummingbird, same for you?
>[Sake]"The funny thing is I'm not even seeing the signs I'd normally see for goblinic stealth-but I don't know any other low-power stealth systems that would let him be this sneaky."
>[Iron Trick]"And there's that assumption this one's NOT a big enough leaguer to have access to the more power intensive stealth tricks. Of course, I wouldn't be surprised if it's not one of those either. Something about this man feels... far older than it should-and smacks of deceit and illusion wholly different from capricious wordplay and personal obscurment."
Okay-fine, my plan to attack him's out since I can't find him. That's fine.

...Yeah, fuck it. SB-you got enough juice?
>"Shadowporting? Certainly."
Okay. If you CAN just telekill the Dreamer, that'd be great-
>"Still uncertain where it is, as only you can take in meaningful sensory data about where it is. I'm still not percieving it."
...Okay, but that spot where the Dreamer should be-
>"The one you identified? I do indeed know where that is-and could take you there."
Do it. I'm running on empty for the soul bubble, and I'm out of verbal tricks.
>"Very well. Ready-"

In that fleeting moment before I shift-I hear a chuckle as ominous as they come, Duke's 'cigar' lit face becoming visible just before I'm moved.

I shift through the Dark to a new location-SB filling in the local scenery as swiftly as he can-and revealing a strange sight to pair with my new perceptions.

I seem to be in a nest of some sort-and it looks like there are four 'ensouled' monkeys around me. Or at least, so it seems-but the weight of the Dreamer's throbbing attention's grown even higher now that I've relocated-with how close I was before, I must be practically on top of the Dreamer. Naturally, this makes me assume the 'ensouled' monkeys around me hide the Dreamer in their midst. Let's see:
-Four monkeys, all of them sleeping, all of them more or less the same size.
-All four monkeys have souls that feel more or less the same. Really, the only way the differ is in the manner they sleep.
-Monkey number one is sprawled upon the ground without a care in the world, and from the image SB shows me seems to be idly scratching itself as it slumbers.
-Monkey number two is curled up in a fetal position, slight tremors periodically moving through it's body.
-Monkey number three is wedged into a tree's cranny, contorted in an odd position that can't possibly be comfortable yet sleeping the sleep of the dead.
-Monkey number four is likewise sleeping on the ground like one and two-but in it's sleep, it.... murmurs. Soft growls, squeaks and hoots escaping it's lips like a reedy whisper.

Okay-swift analysis done-which one do I think is the dreamer?
>[Duke]"Heh-"
Dammit he sounded like he's behind me-I think I shall need to choose very, very quickly, and possibly rely on regeneration to get through this-
>"You've been draining the crap out of one of your bloodlines with the soul bubble-I don't know that you even have enough energy to heal up, even if he kills you one of the old fashioned ways."
Great.






I dunno if I actually have time for a normal plan at this moment:
So what split-instant action should I take here?
Which monkey do I think is the Dreamer-and what do I plan to do to it?
>>
No. 380916 ID: f70e5e

I think if we act fast we could kill 3 of the 4 monkeys, we shoot/stab one, sake cuts one with an air blade and the humming bird kills one. duke will almost certainly intervene at this point and we can probably guess which one is the real dreamer because it will be the one he saves. at that point we can focus our efforts entirely on killing the one he protects. we don't have enough data on duke to plan past that point, however he seemed unable to stop us when we shadow-ported so he might not be able to directly affect SB.
>>
No. 380987 ID: 4f6150

rolled 37, 38, 40, 80, 82 = 277

>Rolling for Judge gunfire if necessary

Primary Approach: The Dreamer's attention pushes you away when unshielded, so just lower the shield briefly and see which monkey or nearby object repels you?

If that doesn't work I would suspect the monkeys in the order 4, 1, 2 and 3 in that order. 3 could well be an illusion if the position is uncomfortable. 4 Is more suspicious because it is also making sounds. That hints at irregular breathing and thus a REM dreamlike state. 1 is the odd one out as it is sleeping peacefully, but dreaming usually paralyzes muscles to some extent so the fact that it moves makes dreaming less likely.

Trickster: May not be feasible. Shoot yourself with the Judge and alter your soul guise to appear dead or dying. Then keep firing wildly with a revolver in each hand as you drop and let Shadowbro shadowport the bullets into the nearby animals etc.. Better a bullet in a non-vital spot than turned into juice by some invisible immortal guardian.

Heavy-Handed: See -
>>380916

Abandon Ship: If the dreamer falls it may be good to call for emergency evac from Big Og. Alternatively Sake could just blast you into the sky until a truce/surrender can be arranged with Duke.
>>
No. 380999 ID: 3947e9

>>380987
SUST
>>
No. 381000 ID: e7aeec

>>380987
SUST
>>
No. 381012 ID: 448d82

Simple solution;
There is four of us.
Shadow Bro
Armas
Humming Bird
Sake

There is four monkeys.
...
Just kill them all at the same time.
Done.

>>380987
To explain why you are being SUSTED, regen is, as per the update, down.
Shooting self is currently while hilarious, a bad idea.
So, Yeah. SUST.
>>
No. 381015 ID: 81f32a

>Which monkey do I think is the Dreamer
Fourth... I guess?


How did we even get into such a shitty, unfavorable situation?


Also
>-I don't know that you even have enough energy to heal up, even if he kills you one of the old fashioned ways.

I do not think that we resolved the issue of Amen getting free when we die. You must remember that Amen is not bound to US, he is bound to Sisuthros blood. It was never important whenever Amras dies or lives but if Sisuthros blood lives. When the blood was within Keihas, if Armas died then Amen would not have gotten free because the blood would keep alive in the rifle. Amen would need to wait for someone else to claim the rifle and the new owner would become Amen's master. Now that we moved the blood into our eye, the problem is that when we die the eye shuts off (I think) and with nothing to keep the blood alive, it dies too, thus freeing Amen. So, we cannot ignore all the dangers just because we have Romanov bloodline to revive us.... Or we need a way to ensure that the Blood stays alive when we die (maybe SB could take care of that? Like having him keep the Eye powered till we revive?).

Also, since this is a pretty damn desperate situation, lets call Amen and get his advice on Duke and the Dreamer (maybe Amen heard something about them he could share with us or he could give his own answers using the information he got from us) and ask him if he knows how we could circumvent the crippling attention in a more energy-efficient way. If the Dreamer can pick up the blood/mental communication, that could work in our favor if one of the Monkeys exhibit some movements immediately after.
>>
No. 381029 ID: f89263

This...has a simple solution, which probably means it won't work.
You need 5 shots.

Primary: Think soul bind, be prepared to cut it off. This thing just generates the appearance of a soul in creatures, so unless this is one bug illusion or the Dreamer is actually 4 bodies one creature, your ability should only respond to one of these. Shoot it.

Trickster: Assuming Duke stops the shot, hell even if he doesn't, fire 4 times down into your shadow. SB ports the bullets, one to each monkey, and times them that they all hit at the same time. For extra screwyouability, he can port them twice.

Heavy handed: If none of those work, I'm assuming it's because Duke protected a specific monkey and not because he disabled you. SB ports in those doom rounds into IT, use them, all of them. If that cannot be done for any reason (eg. the bullets are not actually here, SB having trouble with ITs artifact status). Tell IT that if he gives you a gravity shot now, you will owe him and Rabbit one. Do what it takes to get that shot (I damn well hope he bet that you wouldn't ask him). Focus that energy you have blasting out into reinforcement before you fire to get whatever godling boost you can. If it works, shadowport out as soon as you pull the trigger or do the equivalent of SOTG by having SB pull you out as fast as he can along with hummingbro speed boost.

Abandon ship: Fuck this guy, get a nuke. Shadowport out and see if any of your brothers can't leave an explosive surprise(eg sake: concentrated wind bomb, SB . If they can't then whatever, just bug out and get back to the base.

Fuck this gay earth: Can't kill it, can't kill him, can't escape. Probably because you are thinking straight. Penis Troll mode engage.
>>
No. 381045 ID: f354ab
 

Nothing pertinent to add, merely thought the music was appropriate for what is about to happen.
>>
No. 381055 ID: 252e1b

[Primary] You mentioned that your heart belongs to another. Interesting, but it wasn't a lie. Camella might be mad at you constantly, but she wouldn't want to see you dead at the hands of your molester. You have to finish this now, Duke won't let you get away with being a goof again.

Have Shadowbro assess the monkeys relative soul-weights by initiating (and then immediately stopping) a shadowport with an eye on speed. Then kill the heaviest monkey. That ought to be the Dreamer. If that's not good enough to determine which of the apes is the target, kill the 2nd monkey. It's the most likely suspect, and you're low on options.

[Trickster] We just need to WAKE the Dreamer. A loud noise might work. Have Sake make the most horrible, loud, shrill noise he can. Hopefully it will disorient Duke a little too, if he's really blind under those glasses. Don't stick around to see if it worked, evac by shadowport.

[Heavy] Use a weasel-wine fueled energy shield crafted by the hummingbird for the best protection available, while relying on Sake to kill the monkeys by pithing them, and Shadowbro to evacuate everyone by shadowporting out. It's a lot of energy to spend at once, but it leaves us a chance.

[Escape] Shadowbro evacuates everyone by shadowporting out. We have a week to work with here, even if we have to retreat we can try again later.
>>
No. 381058 ID: 382e3e

<PRIMARY>
>Have Shadowbro assess the monkeys relative soul-weights by initiating (and then immediately stopping) a shadowport with an eye on speed.
Upvote

<TRICKY>
Whistle a awaking-theme song boosted by our chakra and Sake's wind to be as loud as possible. Like, REALLY loud. Try to find a way to shield Hummingbird and our own ears, though (as well as sake). Sake can probably do that.
Alternatively, Duke reappeared before we shadowported away, which means he probably needs to appear before striking. When we attack the monkeys, be obvious enough and let a 'opening' if possible in one direction, so that Hummingbird could be near enough where Duke would appear. The very moment he appears, Hummingbird should attack him and hiopefully give us enough time to kill/awaken the monkeys/dreamer. Hopefully, Duke won't attack us once that's done.

<Heavy-handed>
If the above don't work, Gettting enough weasel wine to be at full power again with winter energy should be possible, and thus regenerating damage and putting up a bubble to protect us while we awaken the dreamer.

<Abandon ship>
SB now has a second shadow, which means he can send the other one far, far away and then port us all there. Escape!

>Ruminating about Amen and the blood
SUST, no time to think of this, especially as Amen NEEDS TO CHECK IF THE BLOOD IS DEAD, which he can't as long as he thinks we are alive and haven't given him permission. Also, we don't want to call Amen unless we have a specific, well thought out question.
>>
No. 381059 ID: 431fa8

>>381055
Upvote.
>>
No. 381060 ID: 135252

rolled 4 = 4

[primary] dumb luck, shoot the rolled monkey using the mateba.

[trick]
steal this trick segment
>>>>381029

[heavy] man to man, well man to monkey, well man,weasel,bird,shadow to monkey. With four of us and four monkeys its seems like we should all be able to take one. Of course that assumes hummingbro isn't tied up maintaining our shield.
[abandonship]Kyrpa Peikko and hope we cause enough destruction to wake the dreamer.
>>
No. 381071 ID: 7c31d2

>>381055
I like this plan, upvoting
>>
No. 381113 ID: d97a61

>>381029 Apparently Falcon said he likes Buttz/Arkeus' plan in lieu of his own on IRC.
>>381055
>>381058
>>381059
>>381071
[PRIMARY]
It's funny-and I'm sure I'll be kept up at night more than once pondering just why I had this brainwave, here and now-but in this moment of need for decisive action, of a plan sure to work that can be swiftly implemented-I think of Camella. ...May also be because I'd referenced my Fext Heart gifting in some wordplay recently-but the point is, that thinking of her-I almost-idly ask the question 'what would Camella do' and have a minor epiphany. Still not even sure how I've pulled the idea together, not even wasting the time to fully collect it, I begin communicating it to SB in accelerated thought, certain the time I have to act is short.
Okay SB start a shadowport for each monkey-don't finish, just enough you've got a rough sense of how much magic they have.
>"I'd love to, but their souls provide ownership-"
Those souls are illusory, aren't they?
>"That-that is accurate. Done and done. ...Oddly, all four are identical."
What-no, can't get distracted, I still have time to make sure I've got a plan in motion.
[TRICKSTER]
Okay-fine, it's not one of the monkeys-or maybe the Dreamer's soul isn't any larger-I don't really know-but I DO know that if I wake everything up that COULD be the dreamer I'll have succeeded anyway. To that end-
With the air currently in my lungs I begin to whistle as piercingly, shriekingly and jarringly loudly as I can thankful my tongue is dexterous and my lips nimble enough I've already started a fraction of a second after Duke chuckled. Were it not for my soul Bubble I'm sure I'd feel the weight of every nearby 'ensouled' creature observing me as the beacon of noise I've made myself, but it isn't their Attention I'm concerned with.
Even through the bubble-and so staggering my joint working with the Hummingbird nearly buckles from the strain in its dilapidated state-I feel a sense of Attention so massive and oppressive I temporarily stop registering my conventional sensory input from the sheer volume of Attention. It recedes-only to surge again. Exactly like the throbbing attention of the Dreamer. I can feel it-on the far side of the tree. Which, given the tree in question is wider than I am tall, is a problem.
>"There's a few magically active creatures there-none feel different to me, but something's preventing me from approaching the group with the dark."
Okay-okay. Primary plan still doesn't work with target identified, and Trickster only really showed me that I'd misread the situation initially. That's fine.
>"Massive spikes of magical energy detected moving our way-doesn't register quite properly as a projectile-too fast for you to dodge-you wouldn't notice it with mundane speed of cognition and perception, which you still more or less have."
>[Hummingbird]"I still cannot perceive the impending threat-my beak and claw alike cannot be lent to your aid yet, sadly."
Oh-I don't know about that.
I shove my completed third idea into each animal companion's mind."
>[Hummingbird]"Ah-ha! Of course I'll endeavor to realize this plan-it smacks far more of the warrior's path than your usual tactics."
>[Sake]"...Eh, I like it except for... well, can't do anything about that, can we? I can't convert my own energy into yours, only-"
Weasel Wine.

[HEAVY HANDED]
My third plan's solid enough to recover even from here-not without cost, but what can one do.
>[Sake]"MY cost, to be more precise."
You know I'm getting that Kameosa-just make sure you keep some and it'll be fine.
>[Sake]"Well, here we go-"
Still unable to sense the impending threat two-
>[Iron Trick]"Three."
-three of my comrades detected, what little sensory data's yet recovered from the intensified Dreamer Attention barrage winks back out-the world and all it contains now lost in a sea of nothingness, a transient void that resolves into the stone-boned 'homey' cathedral SB set up within my left eye. Waiting for me are Sake and SB-with SB promptly stepping back out upon my arrival. Just the two of us, the golden, scarf-wreathed Kamaitachi spirit and I are present to see that delicately crafted masterpiece winejug, intricately carved and lacquered, waft forward and fill a shallow cup I confidently accept. The moment I imbibe the glowing, golden weasel wine, my mind goes blank-and it is all I can do to simply watch everyone else carry out the plan while I sit here wasted in my own eye watching through a viewing screen made by my shadow-who I sort of gave birth to.

...Why is it I ponder the absurdity of my situation when I drink, I-oh, that's AWESOME!

Well, seems the power I drank did the trick-wine, power, same thing. SOMETHING just slammed into my Soul Bubble. Don't know what-still can't see it, but if the gouges carved into the ground and plants from the impact shockwaves are any indication-I just got hit hard. Or almost got hit hard-since hey, the Hummingbird didn't even give a crap-juiced up on my Weasel Wine supplemented 'Warrior's Vigor and Vim' he just tanked it like a boss. Nice going, little dude. Take that Duke-we don't give a shit what you throw at us!

Oh sweet, and Sake just diced the tree and whatever was behind it-and the monkeys, just to be safe... and the sloth in a nearyby tree that didn't have a soul and... wow, he killed everything, it's like some crazy gore-fest movie in here, shit is ridiculous-uh oh, Duke's attacking again? DAMN, another impact that probably should have killed me. And again-Hummingbird's shield just laughs at it. Fucking Soul Shields man, how do they work? I need to get me some of that action, no doubt. ...Actually, I feel a bit more sober than I shou-

I am back in my own body, mid-accelerated thought.
>"Good, you can take over again-pain in the ass, but you were right: I can suppress your Id if I don't get drunk on Weasel Wine when you do."
Why am I back so early, I was supposed to be there-
>"Until we escaped and could bring you out yes I know-but Duke burned through all the Weasel Wine you drank in those two hits."
So I'm drinking more then, right?
>[Sake]"There isn't more to drink save a single drop: Once I had a rough sense of how much magic was coming our way, I decided to... oh, what was that term I liked the sound of-'splurge' that was it!
That-that's a huge problem then, okay, so-
>"Not as big as you think. While you were acting as a spiritual channel for... 'spirit'-based energy we figured out the attack was some sort of magical construct-like a golem, only made of magic and not entirely real... Point is, it withdrew the moment it made second contact-which is about a full second after Sake struck."
So... what, no current danger?
>"Tentatively, we say that."
>[Hummingbird]"So that it is not a shock to you-once you Shadow verified you were not feeling the presence of the one you hunted anymore, I dispelled the bubble to protect you-it seems enacting that trick for you drains Vigor and Vim far faster than it should."
-Man I love that he calls it that-
Still unsure where I stand because I'd assumed I hear from Ogrimir when I killed the Dreamer-and the lack of this is really making me doubt I succeeded-I exit accelerated thought-to hear a chuckle.

>[Duke]"Well I'll be. You had Spirit wine? Hah, no wonder you tricked me-if I had a hat I'd tip it to you."
Wait-doesn't Duke have a ha-
>[Duke]"So, you killed that which hosted what I was supposed to protect. ...Guess this job's done then. ...Four Hundred and Eighty years of being stuck in the same place-and now I'm... free. Interesting. I should be angry that thanks to you I failed to keep it safe but I'm too happy to get going again-I tell you, it's a pain getting my favored foods and recreationals all the way out here-most aren't as easy to find as what's in my Duke Specials-especially Spirit Wine. ...Say, I don't suppose you have any more of what you just drank?"
Okay, okay-play this cool-
>[DDDDD Trait activated]
>[MM,MMMMM Trait auto-activated]
"Now, I'd like to answer that-and trust me, I'm in the mood for celebratory drinking-but it's a bit hard for me to talk with you if I can't see you."
>[Duke]"Well then turn around."

I do so-and see Duke standing there-
>"Exactly where I last felt the magic signature that has now mysteriously vanished."
>[Sake]"The same... curious."
>[Iron Trick]"...OH, it's one of THOSE then. But what the hell's one of them doing out here? Quite the tasty riddle."
Wait, you know something?
>[Iron Trick]"I do-and I bet you the information you seek you can't figure out who this man is-or at least, what he's part of-not on the surface, but deep down-what is he really? Answer that, and I'll fill in the rest-more than one past bearer interacted rather heavily with... well, you heard the wager. I bet you can't figure out who he is-and if I lose, you get what I know."

Duke, his hat at a jaunty angle, smiles around a lit 'cigar' as he rubs his hands together, suit still perfectly pristine.
>[Duke]"So... any of that Spirit Wine left?"

Thrompton, for his part, seems to have passed out.
>"Ah... he was knocked out by the shockwaves produced by the prior two impacts."
...I should feel bad for him.
>[Hummingbird]"Aye-you should pity the rusted hunter that got ensnared in the workings of greater warriors than he that had little care for his wellbeing."
Hah....












So how do I respond?
Why hasn't Ogrimir contacted me yet?
And what do I plan to do until he does?
>>
No. 381268 ID: 81f32a

>So how do I respond?

"I would love to but unfortunately I used up all the wine that I could share" or "...all the wine I had at the disposal" [Both should be true because we cannot use the last drop before we get the Kameosa, so it is definitely not at disposal.] "That last attack was rather... draining."

"Tell you what. In six months, perhaps much sooner, I will gain a good supply of the wine. If you are in the area at the time, you are welcome in my abode."
"Say... could you tell me about this dreamer and the deal you had with it?" If he seems surprised that we came with little information tell him:"I had my own oath to fulfill but unfortunately I was give just bare-bones information."

At the end of the conversation
"What are you going to do now? 480 years is a long time, things have changed quiet a bit since then."
....You know. Duke is probably very knowledgeable about spirit animals and soul magic in general. If we can pull it off, we could get valuable info from him on Mythical Spirit Animals and some general tips on soul magic use.

>Why hasn't Ogrimir contacted me yet?
Perhaps the AORB defenses? Or maybe he wasn't expecting us to complete the job so fast and isn't ready to contact us? Or maybe he wasn't going to contact us anyway (since there is no need) and expects us to find our own way back home?

>And what do I plan to do until he does?
Wake up Thrompton. If he is out cold, rub Sake on him or just haul him and his equipment back to APG. Give Thrompton 500$ for his service, tell him our contacts in Istanbul if he ever finds himself there. If by that time Og hasn't contacted us, we will have to find other ways to get back home. Anyway, if we are going to try to contact him and for some reason cannot do it from here, I think the we should try at spot where we were initially dropped of.

>Granny Old Stomps might have ways for us to buy instant transportation to Europe.
Good idea. Talk with her, see if she has any options and the price. Then call SM and ask him the same, and from there try to barter the price down (since there are two option to choose from, thus "competition", we could get better price then normally).
.... Hmm, we could also ask Duke for a lift. He seems powerful enough to be able to instantly transport us.


If none of that works, then I suppose we are in for a plane ride. If that is the case, then we should head out with Thrompton to the nearest international airport.
>>
No. 381605 ID: f354ab

I'm kinda tempted to just kick around Brazil for a while. Meet the pygmies and Amazons, get in some good hunting (maybe even a souled animal), that sort of thing. Plus, John of God is just around the corner, relatively speaking, and the Amazon Stonehenge might be worth checking out. Could end up being a faerie ring or something. We're also only a few hours away (by plane) from Aztec places of power like Chichen Itza.

But I guess we do have stuff to do back in Istanbul.

Before we have Sake get Thrompton back on his feet ("Yeah, I think we're all done here. Sorry about the... what hit you, a shockwave? Whatever, that was definitely Duke's fault; that's the story I'm sticking to."), we may want to confirm the kill on the Dreamer; the fact that the Attention is gone and we're not buried under faux-souled animals argues for it, but it'd be a hell of a thing to get wrong. Og would not be happy.

We could try hopping a plane; we could either teleport (into first class, natch, hiding in the cargo bay is for chumps) or soul guise/trick our way onboard.

Alternatively, maybe Duke can get us back in time for our appointment? That'd impress the spook a fair bit, I think, to have a guy like Duke dropping us off (I don't think riding his coattails would be difficult for Armas, without even dropping the guy's real name). We make Duke a bet that we can guess his name. We offer our own as collateral (or if that's not enough, a promise of spirit wine regardless of whether we guess right). If Duke's 'Protector of Justice' is Song Jiang, then that would make the hard-drinking Duke his most loyal follower, Li Kui (the hedonist badass Black Whirlwind). The story goes that when Song Jiang was poisoned by government officials, he fed the poisoned wine to Li Kui as well, so that Black Whirlwind wouldn't return the 109 heroes to outlaw status by murdering everyone involved with the plot following Song Jiang's death. Forcing Li Kui to guard something in the Brazilian rainforest forever would keep him from a roaring vengeful rampage - and also be a little kinder to his follower than death.

If he asks how we guessed, we could tweak his nose and tell him we played his video game (Jade Empire).

Maybe get Duke's phone number if he has one- tell him our friend is hanging on to what spirit wine we have left, but if he'd like to wait a few months, we'd be able to accomodate him with that drink (if we do this in front of Riker's spook, just saying "I'll give you a call when I get in another shipment of that spirit wine" would send a slightly different message).
>>
No. 381606 ID: 252e1b

>So how do I respond?
Privately, say to Hummingbird, "I did wonder if asking Thrompton to fall back be have been an insult to him. This is his territory, after all. I'll be less careful about ruffling feathers in the future. In any case, Sake's abilities should be sufficient to make up for the mistake. Dawn is soon."

To Duke, say, "Well, I've been informed that we're down to the last drop. I can't spare that, since I'm going to be securing a way to make more from it in a few months. So, as soon as I've got enough set aside again, I'd be happy to toast your freedom with you. 480 years of service is a long time, it's a big deal being able to do what you want again. Besides, you seem like a fun guy to go partying with. You got a way for me to get into contact with you, so I can drop a line when I've got more spirit wine?"

"Alright. I got a couple of questions. 480 years would put you being stuck here just before Brazil got declared a colony; what's it been like? I know you couldn't have strayed too far from your duty, so you've gotten to see five centuries in the same place. Lots of folks with the endurance to last that long don't stay in one place for nearly that amount of time. Hardly anyone I know anyway."

"Wow. Ok. So, has anyone tried making spirit animals out of those pseudo-ensouled critters the Dreamer was making? What do you supposed happened to the spirit shamans who have one?"

To Thrompton say, "On your feet, fella. You held up your end of the bargain, I've held up mine, we're square. Let's head back to the guild so you can get your payday, and go see your boy. How long's it take to get back to civilization anyway?"

>Why hasn't Ogrimir contacted me yet?
We're deep in AORB territory. He probably doesn't want to be detected. He'll contact us as soon as AORB's distracted with something, or we're someplace with some privacy (maybe in the resting area in the poacher's guild). Or when we're out of the AORB's reach.

>And what do I plan to do until he does?
Give Thrompton a weasel rub-down if he's hurt. We don't want the old fella to disappoint his grandson after all. If we can't get in contact with Og before Thrompton wants to leave for India, we should hitch a ride with the old guy as far as he will let us travel with him.

Ideally we want to get out of the country, and past the restricted air and sea zone that AORB protects. Once we're clear of that, there should be no reason for Og to maintain silence.

We can stealth aboard a plane if we need to, and hide in the cargo bay (hopefully one of the pressurized cargo compartments, though we can take the cold and thin air if we really need to). The reason we want to stealth aboard is that we don't want any local authorities to even know Armas Laine was here. Not even through witness testimony about a mystery passenger on the plane.

Once Og contacts us we can ask for a teleport home from him, and go through whatever debriefing he wants. With any luck we'll be home in time for lunch. We might even have a chance to take Hillevi out somewhere!
>>
No. 381632 ID: 382e3e

>So how do I respond?
“You yourself commented upon the difficulty of getting some- every last drop counts currently, though if you were to come see me at the end of the next season, well, things might be differents.” Then look at Thrompton and see how badly he is off. Maybe Sake can heal him up a bit? Also, politely ask Sake if he could, ah, make sure our suit is pristine.

>Why hasn't Ogrimir contacted me yet?
Don't even THINK we could have missed the dreamer. We just killed for false souls and the other previously false souls aren't attacking us. Hell, just having our eyes open is enough to see that all the 'souls' we saw going up to the dreamer are now no longer here. My guess is, Ogrimmir won't contact us until either Duke or AORB can't detect him (or both). This brings up the possibility that Duke might know WHO he is, or know something.

>And what do I plan to do until he does?
Hey, there is quite a few animals SB has just killed, and we may be hungry, so maybe we should try to take something to eat with us. Likewise, if the Dreamer left a corporal shells with even a fraction of its power, SB could try to feed it directly to whaitiri through the shadowmere (as it would probably be too powerful for Armas to eat) or else have him ask Whaitiri of another way we could sacrifice that power to her. We could probably get enough into her good graces to get some lessons on flesh crafting. Inquire with SB how far he could shadowport us using his second shadow. I don't really think he could get us to Istanbul faster than a plane, but who knows? Likewise, getting out of south America and away from Duke might be enough. Granny Old Stomps might have ways for us to buy instant transportation to Europe.

“Warrior's Vigor and Vim”... is that Hummingbird's name for our Bloodline? Huh, naming our Bloodline (winter part, at least) might potentially be very useful, but it might 'change' it too, so we need to know how that 'change' might take place. Not something to do before getting more info.

>>381605
>We make Duke a bet that we can guess his name. We offer our own as collateral (or if that's not enough, a promise of spirit wine regardless of whether we guess right).
If you mean saying our name, sure. SUST to any thoughts of SELLING it, though. Otherwise, great job, and Armas most likely know 'something' of jade empire, too, so he could reasonably make that comment.
>>
No. 381634 ID: 431fa8

>And what do I plan to do until he does?
Ensure that Duke and Thrompton both get our phone number before leaving us, just in case. Duke could be a very valuable contact and will likely seek us out with the promise of spirit wine in the future, and Thrompton, well... is someone we know. Get his phone number too, just in case we want to call him up for some reason at some point. You never know.

Do not let slip to either of them that we're from Istanbul, and don't give them cash money, either- it's Turkish currency and would reveal where we live indirectly. Better to keep those we meet in our Amazon adventure here entirely uninformed as to our true home, at least for now.

Aside from that, while it's inconvenient on one level to be away from Istanbul, events here have demonstrated rather clearly that we are not disciplined enough in our use of soul guises to effectively hold to them in stressful situations. Seize the opportunity to spend our time practicing them as much as possible as we do whatever else we're doing; we can't afford to have them drop on us back in Istanbul when we're meeting with important people- word will get around very quickly.

Make sure we're holding up at least one soul guise at all times. Start practicing a "normal, but with the divine and imperial nature of bloodlines concealed, our bloodlines made to look less powerful, and the divinity in our soul hidden" guise. That is prime camouflage for not getting hunted down by anyone interested in poaching a rare bloodline or being.

If we get bored with that, mix it up with a stealth guise, something like "completely uninteresting and not worth thinking about or paying even the slightest bit of attention to". Hopefully that will make everyone else ignore us completely- potentially even when we're not around at all.
>>
No. 381639 ID: d97a61

>>381600
Oh, you're going to regret making that bet with me Trick. NOT ONLY did the Russians watch a chinese history special a few nights ago while providing drunken commentary-but my forays into studying up on the Triads has started to yield fruit. Case in point: Yes, 'Protector of Justice' is not exactly a unique title-but 'Protector of Justice' who has a fun-loving, very informal follower with a penchant for heavy substance use? THAT, as it happens-I've only ever seen once. In the Water Margin.
>[Iron Trick]"Oh? And which hero from that tale is this Duke, then?"
Li Kui-also known as the Iron Ox, for his strength, and as Black Whirlwind, for his fierce temperment.
>[Iron Trick]"And you think this relatively laid back individual-a Caucasian, I might add-is Black Whirlwind?"
Four hundred and eighty years of cooling one's heels would probably mellow out anyone. And you haven't yet said I'm wrong.
>[Iron Trick]"Perhaps it's because I challenged you to learn who he is deep down-knowing a name from an ancient tale could hardly qualify."
Pssh-I totally got it right though.
>[REALISTICALLY RAPID RELIABLY RECURSIVE RATIONALIZATION becomes the level six skill REALISTICALLY RAPID RELIABLY RECURSIVE RADICAL RATIONALIZATION]
>-So long as he hasn't had a long string of mistaken intuitive leaps, Armas can auto-detect faulty reasoning if the issue involves a previous mistake. Example: Armas will automatically detect when a theorized approach would make him directly conjoin Summer and Winter energy to his own detriment, without having to initiate the plan.
>-If Armas has a long string of mistaken theories that trigger this ability, he temporarily loses the ability to automatically filter until he can 'get his head on right' again with at least three out of five theories being accurate.
BASICALLY, Armas is now 'protected' from poorly planned experiments or assumptions so long as they deal with topics he at least partly understands, so long as the protection isn't abused. If abused until it stops working, demonstrate rational thought in lieu of the Trait to reactivated it.
>[Iron Trick]"You did not answer my challenge-so I do not know what it is you claim you got right."
I figured out who he is though.
>"It's still a bit disconcerting to not have any perceptual evidence you are actually conversing with something. Still-a quick reference shows that the Water Margin is largely a historical document."
>[Sake]"It's understated is what it is. One of the lesser members of the 108 heroes of that book was in Japan between the forteenth and sixteenth centuries-I lost count of how many well-respected Bushi were crushed by him. And if that's Li Kui-that's probably the strongest human in the world before us."
>[Hummingbird]"As impressive as it is you so neatly identified this individual-what explains his appearance? It is my understanding that is not how a warrior famed for strength would normally look among you giants."
>[Sake]"Not sure-and it's what bugs me. Can't really comment until we can confirm his identity though."

Easy enough.

>>381268
>>381632
"I would love to-but as it happens, I only got a drop left."
>[Hummingbird]"Please pass on my respect for his might, that he struck with such force."
"Ah... my bird wanted me to note it's very impressed with how strong you are."
>[Duke]"The little guy did?"
Duke smiles condescendingly as he crouches a bit while poking a finger at the bird atop my tie.
>[Duke]"Well isn't that hilarious, this little-"
It happens right under my chin, and there's no way for me to see it-all the same, I know what happened. A beak, wrapped in a soul bubble, met a finger as a cry of outrage was offered. Duke, surprise painting his face, jerks his hand back with a chuckle.
>[Hummingbird]"He is to be informed I am most certainly not for 'petting'."
"Yeah-sorry about that, he's got a strict 'no petting' policy."
>[Duke]"That's your spirit animal, isn't it?"
"Are we playing twenty questions or something? Not doing much question asking myself here."
>[Duke]"Well I figured you could answer questions for the guy who let things lie rather than try and pursue honor and kill you for fucking up my job-but if you want me to do the 'gratitude for being free' thing, I can give it a go-at least while the cigar's still going. What's on your mind, kid?"
>>381606
I look back at the still insensate Thrompton.
"I did wonder if asking Trhompton to fall back would have been an insult to him."
>[Duke]"Thrompton? Nah, the guy's too savvy to get hung up on honor or some other hogwash that'd keep him here."
"Even though it's his territory? Good for him."
>[Duke]"It's why I bother talking with him, despite him being, frankly, a shitty shitty hunter. Head's on his shoulders right, and he knows exactly what he is-who am I to belittle him for knowing where he should be?"
"Interesting commentary."
>[Duke]"Chalk it up to elation that I'm free. Look at me, so ecstatic."
Eying the deadpan look he's giving me I press on.
"I'll have to be less careful about ruffling feathers in the future."
>[Duke]"Never a good idea to care about that, heh. ....So no wine huh?"
"Spirit wine? I can't spare that tiny bit I have-but if you want to be patient, I'll have more in a few months at the most. Soon as I've got a solid bottle's worth, I'd be happy to toast your freedom with you. 480 years of service is a damned long time, it's a big deal being able to do what you want again."
>[Duke]"No kidding. Do you know how hard it is to get the news I give a rat's ass about WITHOUT getting a thousand times more than I asked for? Ah, I get to kiss that time farting about with READING goodbye now... gonna feel good."
"You just keep striking me as a hell of a guy to go partying with. So-when I've got that wine, got a way I could contact you?"
>[Duke]"Depends. If you're up to it, just chuck an axe into space-long story, but I get some quasi-belief stuff related to an old drunken bet I made, and I'm not nearly drunk enough to do the tale justice-and I'll be able to find you. Ooor, if you're a girly man, you could call my cell. But that's boring."
"Well thank you for the options. Couple more questions, actually: 480 years would put you here just before Brazil got declared a colony; what's it been like? I know you couldn't have strayed too far from your duty, so you've gotten to see five centuries of the same place. Lots of folks with the endurance to last that long don't stay in one place for nearly so long. Hardly anyone I know anyway."
>[Duke]"Hah-I'll admit I cheated. Ever century I got a shipment from back home of this one type of gut-rotting swill with so much kick you forget a lifetime's worth of events trying to get over the hangover. So, I'd have reminders about shit that happened that actually mattered-and otherwise clean my slate, keep the place fresh and interesting to be in, you know? Which reminds me, I need to actually figure out which go-around of memories of this forest are worth keeping-the God Wars sure as shit have been entertaining to watch and take part in when I got the chance."
"Wow. Ok. So-has anyone tried making spirit animals out of those pseudo-ensouled critters the Dreamer was making?"
>[Duke]"I know that within the last century I sold the rights to plenty of 'ensouled' animals to shaman that weren't paying attention, heh."
"What do you suppose happened to the spirit shaman that had them?"
>[Duke]"With the Dreamer awake? Dunno. Don't really care. All sales are final-but I'd welcome it if they came to complain-I'd get to stretch myself out a bit giving my counter argument."
"Yeah I can see that. ...One second here."

Sake, mind rubbing yourself on Thrompton?
>[Sake]"You COULD have just asked me to rouse him and heal his ailments while doing so."
I could have, yes.

Sake unwinds from around my throat, drifting over to rub himself on the prone old man-who, the very moment he wakes, immediately darts off into the woods, to Duke's amusement.
>[Duke]"Hah-don't mind him. He's got a scar from nipple to navel from the one time he stuck around after I started having a go at someone-I don't think he will stop for anyone or anything. On the plus side-he's a DAMNED good runner, and I don't think he'll have any trouble on the way back. Soooo that leaves me wondering what you're doing now. You aren't from around here, and you did your job-now what?"
"Hold on-I wanted to get Thrompton's number-"
>[Duke]"I probably have that on my phone-and besides, good luck finding him again tonight-or any night soon. I imagine he'll sell the crap he's carrying, get that ticket he was looking for-and go. Has that kid's birthday to see, and all. Now-my question."
"Actually-before that, you're Li Kui, aren't you."
Finally, Duke reacts without his normal cavalier grin. He gapes like a fish before collecting himself.
>[Duke]"Okay-okay, kid, maybe you know a decent story or two. Good on ya. Just don't... don't call me my name, alright? But that's not going to get you out of this-you've got me talking long enough I now give a shit what you say-and I aim to get my answer."
"If I answer will you tell me why you look like you do?"
>[Duke]"What are you, some goblin dickwad here to make Bargains, or a man having a conversation?"
"Well it's that if that's a magic item or something like that, I might want to look into it."
>[Duke]"Why's that?"
"You tell me why a mercenary would want to know."
>[Duke]"Okay, point. And that sort of answers my question I guess-you got work to get to, or some such."
"Something like that. So-as a long time resident, any thought how I could hitch a ride back under the radar?"
>[Duke]"You kidding? I was going to ask you-I've only even heard of these new things-Trains, automobiles, planes-all sound fancy as hell, but I never even liked horses."
"They are faster than travel by foot... well, for most at least. I suppose if one was fleet of foot enough... ah, that still wouldn't beat airplanes-hop right over an entire ocean in a handful of hours."
>[Duke]"Feh. Water. Never liked open water. Alright!"
He claps decisively.
>[Duke]"I'm sold-let's go find a plane to ride!"
"We? Don't you have somewhere to go?"
>[Duke]"Pssh. The old man's been dead for generations now, and without him-honestly, I don't need to be part of that group anymore. It was fun while it lasted-but that's all. So-wherever you're going sounds interesting enough for now. Have to keep an eye on your until you've got that weasel wine, after all."
"Really-because I'm heading to-
>>381634
I mentally edit from 'Istanbul in Turkey.' to-
"-a different continent."
>[Duke]"Sounds good. Lead the way."
"So you're my travel buddy now, is that what you're saying?"
>[Duke]"Unless you'd like to lodge a complaint-feel free if you think you can."
"Anyone ever tell you how pushy you are?"
>[Duke]"They've also called me a slovenly pig, a drunkard, a vagrant, and plenty more. It's just words-why should I care?"
"...Fine then. Where's the nearest airport?"
>[Duke]"Easy-Manus, north of us. But AORB watches that airport pretty closely, since it's smack in the middle of the God Warring turf. Teresina's probably a better idea-unless you want to fight AORB. I'd be all over that-I'm getting tired of hearing how everyone's scared of their group-live or die, I'd make a hell of an interesting new tale about the group, don't you think?"
"With what little I yet know about you, I do not doubt it. Now.... hm."


I throw up a newish soul Guise while I ponder what to do, one that's... well, me, but minus the Godling Status, the Imperial Status, and the Cannibal status-so a dual bloodlined mortal with internal Flesh manipulation and internal/external soul manipulation.
>"I'll let you know if you drop it-barring interesting circumstances."







What are my plans for how to sneak out of the country?
OR do I plan to stay for a while, and if so, what do I tell Duke/Black Whirlwind/Iron Ox/Li Kui?
>>
No. 381643 ID: f6106a

Of the 108 Liangshan heroes the first 36 are referred to as Heavenly Spirits, while the latter 72 are known as earthly fiends. Li Kui is the 22nd.

So, as far as what he is deep down, I'm going to go ahead and say that. Duke is a Heavenly Spirit.
>>
No. 381645 ID: 81f32a

A flight over the Atlantic will take about 14 hours (direct flight). Getting to an airport would take couple of hours. We do not know how the schedule will be- maybe we'll be in luck and get on a plane as soon as we arrive at the airport, maybe we will have to wait half a day for the next one. In the end, it is unlikely we will be in Istanbul in time for our meeting. With that in mind, I re-suggest finding out if Granny and SM have any means of instant travel and/or getting back to the spot where Og dropped us of to see if we can contact him (although getting to that spot could take 6 hours).
Unless, of course, we don't care if we miss our meeting, then we should go Teresina's airport as we shouldn't attract AORB's attention.

"You're ready to go just like that? Nothing you want to take with you? No traveling coffers?" "Not even swinging by the APG to give the Granny farewell hug?"

"Axes, huh? Oh man, I know this girl, she loves using axes in close combat. A mean, ferocious fighter she is. Saw her beat a dozen of military veterans in unarmed combat like it was not a thing. I think you'll like her."

"Do you have any knowledge about spirit animals you could share? Mythical ones to be precise."


Also, don't break you guise. Keep your focus.
>>
No. 381770 ID: f354ab

A pity the Amazon Stonehenge is over 900 miles out of our way (Piaui to Amapa). Brazil is big.

>>381645
Can't say I'm really loving any of these conversation topics, but I don't really have better ones.

Okay, so I don't doubt Duke has already seen and marked our changed soul when we dropped guise (at the touch of his old man hands). So why not play with it?

Start switching things up. Can we go from Veiled Danger to Mundane Armas without needing to stop at Godling/Cannibal Armas? What would a normal-ish winter wind/darkness bloodline look like? Maybe we could look like a lonely tundra during polar night?

Can we make different people see different things simultaneously? Haven't worked out how this might be accomplished yet, but it would be fun. What about linking Gyaketsuote with the soul guise, so we mimic the soul on the other end of the soul bridge? Obviously can't test it out yet, but I'd like to get the brain trust's idea if it's even feasible.

And of course, more practice at splitting our attention between upholding a soul guise and thinking about other stuff is good.

Also: does having the Nazinaut shadow give SB any more insight into what the hell those guys are? Is it... does it contain bits of the Nazinaut's soul, or is it just extra shadow to be worked?
>>
No. 381779 ID: a7b5b4

No real input for Armas right now, apart from mentioning Camella's axe-craziness to Duke.

Whereas Vlad's going to do some more trolling on the gun boards through the day, interspaced with finding gunsmithing stuff to download and study. Also, giving him a $500 budget to hit up Garbage Pete for a bunch of random busted gun parts to practice on for fixing and assembing into whole weapons/frankenguns. Going to make that part of standing orders for the big guy, actually. Whenever he's not occupied with work or other directives, Vlad should be studying and practicing gunsmithing techniques by way of reading whatever he's purchased/downloaded/trolled information from, with a bit of strength and endurance training worked in so he can carry more crap and have greater stamina and durability. Only so much he can do with the tool set he has now, but every little bit helps.

...Oh yeah. At some point during the night, Vlad should get drunk and try to make Amen wear a ushanka.
>>
No. 381820 ID: 431fa8

>What are my plans for how to sneak out of the country?
Well, it's a long shot, but Amen could probably throw an axe into space if so ordered. "So... chuck an axe into space? Will that just let you chat with people, or teleport you over there, or what? I know a... thing... that could probably pull it off if it would get us across the ocean faster."

Failing that, it looks like we're hoofing it the thousands of kilometers to the Teresina airport. How boring. But it's better than trying to pay a goblin to get us teleported, which would both be expensive and put way too much information about us and our activities into circulation. Don't even try for that.
"Teresina it is then. Bit of a hike and my four-being team here isn't really that fast over long distances, particularly when we're low on power- as we are, thanks to your love taps. Any ideas for how to make this trip faster than running continuously through the jungle for the next couple weeks? There any convenient helicopters around here, maybe, or ways to move faster magically?"

Hold tightly onto our soul guise. Armas sans spectacularly unusual and incriminating things, all the time.

If it's apparent that we won't be making it back to Istanbul in time for our meeting- as it probably will be- then we do have a couple final arrangements to make. Depending upon what exactly Riker's relationship to his spook is and how much the guy was told, Camella showing up when we are expected could immediately mark us as too unpredictable to work with- unless we've marked out the change in plans in advance. Because of this, if we want to play matters safe- and when it comes to prospective employers, we do- we need to call Riker and get things sorted. We also need to call Camella and ensure that she has all the specifics on the deal that we have not given her already because she wouldn't need them. Go over our plans for this with our headvoices before we actually make these calls as a sanity check.

To Riker:
"Sarge, it's Armas again- sorry to bother you, but my second will be handling our side at the meeting you set up. I wanted to make sure that I'm not specifically expected in person; not at all interested in pulling a fast one on them here."
(expected comment on why the fuck Armas isn't showing up for his own meeting)
"My transport plans- and first backup plan- fell through, so I've got to head back the long way and don't think I'll be making it in time to give the right impression. Better to hand the meeting off to the people in place to be ready for it- they'll handle themselves without a problem, my team is very solid."

Then wind that conversation down, check our soul guise again, and call Camella.
"Morning. I've wrapped up most things here, but it looks like it'll take me two or three days to get home, failing something crazy happening. I'll contact you if something changes."
(await response, handle anything urgent she's yelling about)
"Called to give you more details on the meeting I dumped on you, since I'm just about sure I won't be making it now. Asitane, where we were before, is the place- and in case I didn't mention this, the dragon there bans violence on-site. No weapons and no fighting, or it's your life. There's a reservation for two under the name 'Hinkerson' at five, one of which is presumably the guy. After meeting him, he'll go with you to see whatever we want to show him to make the impression we want to make. The exact spin is entirely up to us and I'm not quite enough of a jackass to try and micromanage from another continent, so I'll leave this one entirely in your hands and back you on it later. I know fuck-all about this contact except that Riker recommended him as very useful to know and said he was a spook type, expecting one-way information flow all in his direction. I've sent word that my second will be showing rather than me, so there shouldn't be any problems there. Questions, you need any information from me to help with this, anything?"
(answer any questions she has as completely and quickly as possible)
"Sorry again about the unexpected shit, best of luck."

Then it's travel time. Talk to Duke as we go, hear stories and try to adopt a mode of conversation that doesn't seem vaguely adversarial- it's clear that he doesn't respond well to goblin-style communication, so make an effort to at least seem friendly and answer questions with something other than blatant dodges. Ask him to point out anything particularly interesting or valuable that you see en route- the Amazon might be old hat for him, but we're new here and would delight in fighting some of its more entertaining denizens or harvesting some of its more interesting or valuable offerings on our way out. Not to mention that we must be starving by now and killing and eating something delicious and magical would be good.

Keep our soul guise up. All the time. Don't forget.
>>
No. 381821 ID: 382e3e

>>381820
Total upvote
>Keep our soul guise up. All the time. Don't forget.
Can't upvote this enough.
>>
No. 381831 ID: d97a61

>>381643
Ah-remembered another thing from the special. The heroes of Water Margin-the Liangshan heroes, think it was. There were 108 of them-split in two groups. Seventy two lesser members... ah, fuck, forget what they were called.
>"Earth Fiends."
That was it. And the remaining thirty six-well, they were the Heavenly Spirits, as I recall. Which, Trick, I think may be the answer to your question: Iron Ox is a Heavenly Spirit-his Soul's partly Divine.
>[Sake]"You think him a fellow godling? Hm-I don't know if the warriors he hails from had such a trait..."
>[Iron Trick]"Oh, were it any other of the Heavenly Spirits you'd be right-but Li Kui, as he'd no doubt tell you himself, got shitfaced on his offered divinity, rather than taking the power. The only non-godling Heavenly Spirit. And you still haven't really said anything of substance-but hey, thanks for trying"
Dammit Trick.
>"What?"
Trick bet me I couldn't figure out who Black Whirlwind is at heart-and it seems that my reasoning is right-for the OTHER Heavenly Spirits.
>"Who he is at heart, hm? An odd bet."

>>381645
Well let's see, what to do. A flight back would take fourteen hours-and I still need to get to an airport. So tack on another few hours. Oh, let's not forget actual departure times are likely to not sync perfectly with our arrival. Maybe I should look into getting Granny to transport me back-I would have to join up with the Guild to get transport, she made that clear with the 'nothing but barter unless you join' thing.... huh, wonder what she'd make of the hunt I did for Ogrimir? Sure it doesn't seem like she'd have a claim on it-but magic can be kooky stuff, and it could go either way. Maybe if I had the motherfucking Duke with me though...

"You're ready to go just like that?"
>[Duke]"Heh, just like that."
"Nothing to take with you-no travelling coffers?"
>[Duke]"Money? Pssh, like I give a rats ass about that. It finds its way into my hands when it needs spending-what do I need 'travelling coffers' for?"
"Not even swinging by the APG to give the Granny a farewell hug?"
>[Duke]"Psh, that wrinkled runt of a c... ah, I should be nice, she was the one that introduced me to crack. Fun thing, that. Bit chemically, but eh. Naw, no need to say farewells-pointless waste of breath anyway. So, what's the plan? I'll warn you now, I've been told I should never be allowed to plan things, and I'm getting bored with your lack of direction kid."
"So-axes, huh? Mind letting me see them?"
>[Duke]"Can't-it's a hastle as is. Stupid, but there it is."
"Huh. I know this one girl, I could swear she was born holding axes. Less verbose people would call her a premier relentless fighter. I'd call her a living rape train that has no breaks who happens to also be the most skilled human warrior I know."
>[Duke]"Reeeeaaaally? You know me-you saying she could beat old Duke?"
"Dunno. But I bet she'd be happy to spar with you. Just a heads up if that piques your interest-she is not supernaturally durable or regenerative. I'd be rather miffed if something happened to her."
>[Duke]"Really now? Advocating a warrior than getting all protective-what are you, fawning over her? You porking her?"
"Hah, hardly. She's the most capable asset I have."
>[Duke]"Yeah I bet she is."
"Do you have any knowledge of Spirit Animals you could share? Mythic ones to be precise."
>[Duke]"I suppose. Seen Pheonix's a few times-real nasty Assault beasty, that one. If you see someone with one, just kill the owner with something OTHER than heat, and you don't have to deal with what otherwise would be a pain in the ass. ...Meh, can't think of any other upper weight class mythics with simple tricks to them like that. ...Eh, guess old Huang's soldiers count as mythics. Really, just have to get the user outside of China-the soldier spirit shuts down, no more spirit animal. Why, what kind of shit where you looking for?"
"Honestly I don't really know-but your answer helped narrow it down."
>[Duke]"Yeah... definitely not like old Song. Personally, I like the 'seat of you pants' approach."

Come on brain-don't get distracted no matter how interesting the conversation-keep that Soul Guise up-no cannibal, no godling, no imperial, just a dual bloodline, that all-

>>381770
You know, I could-
>"Per you, obligated to remind you have better shit to worry about-like how to get home. But more importantly-you could do this somewhere where you actually have other people to poll-and not just Duke."
Fine, fine. Actually, I got to ask-that shadow you got, what's it given you, and did it give you any clues about those dandy rape machines the germans had?
>"Hoo did it. Okay, so I no have.... think of the most stereotypical brainless hunk of muscle goon you can-possibly reference brick-built outhouses to his stature-and then fill that roll with a shadow. That is what I have-something that can barely think, but most certainly does not lack for power or endurance. As to what it was-I know that it was once a vampire. I know it knew it was going to be made into one of those monsters beforehand-and termed the monstrous form it assumed a 'Nazinaut'. Rolls off the tongue, I'd say. But what's most interesting, is that there is a non-Divine Divine energy intermingled with the shadow-in other words, Elder influences. Sadly the shadow itself has no idea why this is so-but it suggests that's the answer to what the Nazinauts were-or what made them what they were."
..No shit. Huh.

>>381779
>[Vlad is now queued to do the following:]
>spend $500 on broken gun components at Garbage Pete
>Allocate time weekly to working through repairing and configuring broken pieces.
>Get drunk enough making Amen wear an ushanka seems a good idea. (Followup: Survive alcohol poisoning)
>Continue internet use, start seeking gun smithing book torrents on thus far frequented gun forums.
I hope everyone with a Russian is actually tracking these blurbs-each Russian does their thing in the background once ordered-it's not commented on in-quest unless relevant

>>381820
"So... chuck an axe into space? Will that just let you chat with people, or teleport you over there, or what? I know a... thing... that could probably pull it off if it would get us across the ocean faster."
>[Duke]"Hah-I WISH I could just pop up wherever. But no-I just get an automatic connection with any unwarded mind associated with said axe-throwing."
"Teresina it is then. Bit of a hike and my four-being team here isn't really that fast over long distances, particularly when we're low on power- as we are, thanks to your love taps. Any ideas for how to make this trip faster than running continuously through the jungle for the next couple weeks? There any convenient helicopters around here, maybe, or ways to move faster magically?"
I take a moment to rest my soul guise, starting to get a sense that this new 'default' guise may be easier to maintain, while Li Kui busies himself chuckling ominously.

>[Duke]"Well, first option would be going to the pirate's cove-odds are good we could extort a trip out of someone there. May or may not need to crack heads and/or split skulls. Wouldn't recommend it if you ever plan to come back. There is another option though."
"That being?"

A hand wraps around my waist as Duke briefly crouches, tensed like a spring.

"Wai-"

I don't get to finish my objection-we're thirty feet above the treeline before the word can be finished, and I'd rather not pester the captain. I rather dimly note we... aren't flying, just..... hurtling through the air from a massive jump.
>"And if it hadn't rattled your brain, you'd have noticed it left a legitimate crater in the ground."
That a fact? Well that-

We briefly land before soaring skyward again.

...Sorry, what was I saying?

I'll be honest, I don't really remember much of the trip to Teresina. All I do know is that afterwards, SB assured me I didn't drop my soul guise-not sure if that's good or bad. The airport before us, in the pre-dawn gloom, looks sleepy, vacant. As startlingly loud crackling pops echo from Duke as he stretches, I decide to call someone-for once, purely for legitimate professional reasons. I call Riker, intent on explaining my impending absence from the meeting. Again, I'm thankful that, early hour or no, he picks up almost immediately.
"Sarge, it's Armas again- sorry to bother you, but my second will be handling our side at the meeting you set up. I wanted to make sure that I'm not specifically expected in person; not at all interested in pulling a fast one on them here."
>[Riker]"....You don't sound proud, so I know this wasn't purposeful. For that alone I'll excuse the sloppiness you just copped to. That said, the fuck are you doing away from a known meeting the day of?"
"My transport plans- and first backup plan- fell through, so I've got to head back the long way and don't think I'll be making it in time to give the right impression. Better to hand the meeting off to the people in place to be ready for it- they'll handle themselves without a problem, my team is very solid."
>[Riker]"...All right, I'll make a call, pass it along-but own up: The hell's the job?"
"Ah.... now's really not a good time sir."
>[Riker]"Explain now chucklefuck."
"I would-"
>[Riker]"I could always distrubute those pictures O'Pond took back in-"
"Contract job, put down a dreamer, thing making fake ensouled animals-come on man, you said you'd get rid of that!"
>[Riker]"And you keep caring about it-how can I possibly disarm while a weapon's still useful? You're talking nonsense, boy!"
"If you say so sarge."
>[Riker]"Well-fine, that's good enough. Another time."
*CLICK*

Well, potential AORB listen in or no-I still got calls to make. Now... hopefully Camella won't mind an... early start to the day.
"Morning. I've wrapped up most things here, but it looks like it'll take me two or three days to get home, failing something crazy happening. I'll contact you if something changes."
>[Camella]"Everything's quiet back here-well, that's not true, but no one's died and no one new is trying to kill you or people near you, so it's quiet enough. Ito's got all the guys in rotation as instructors now-just letting you know."
"Thanks for the report. Called to give you more details on the meeting I dumped on you, since I'm just about sure I won't be making it now."
>[Camella]"Okay, go ahead."
"Asitane, where we were before, is the place- and in case I didn't mention this, the dragon there bans violence on-site."
>[Camella]"That's the owner of the place, right?"
"Yes. No weapons and no fighting, or it's your life. There's a reservation for two under the name 'Hinkerson' at five, one of which is presumably the guy. After meeting him, he'll go with you to see whatever we want to show him to make the impression we want to make."
>[Camella]"You got a preference for how we do that?"
"The exact spin is entirely up to us and I'm not quite enough of a jackass to try and micromanage from another continent, so I'll leave this one entirely in your hands and back you on it later."
>[Camella]"You're lucky I'm not you or I'd abuse the hell out of that promise."
"The world couldn't handle two 'me's, you know that. Back to the meeting: I know fuck-all about this contact except that Riker recommended him as very useful to know and said he was a spook type, expecting one-way information flow all in his direction. I've sent word that my second will be showing rather than me, so there shouldn't be any problems there. Questions, you need any information from me to help with this, anything?"
>[Camella]"Any stuff you DON'T want shown?"
"Ah..... just leave everything in the third floor display room as is. Beyond that-if you don't think it's a good idea to share, it's not a good idea to share"
Yeah... that covers the Reaper charms, the fucked up soul, Locke and Havoc's guns... eh, good enough.
>[Camella]"Yeah-don't know what I asked you. Alright, got things to get in order."
"Sorry again about the unexpected shit, best of luck."
*CLICK*


The next three hours see us getting a flight out of Teresina. This is a bit less complicated than I thought it'd be-as Li Kui seems to have a card that makes people just open doors for him when he flashes it-and so we enter the airport without any record being made. While we wait for the flight, I goad Black Whirlwind into talking-all it takes is asking what the funniest battle he took part in was to get him going. Not only do I build a healthy library of tales of his exploits, I also learn Li Kui's an unrepentant bullshitter (having claimed to have fathered the sun in no less than three of his stories and counting), a glutton for wine above all substances-but only when magically active. I learn how pushy, how brash, how blithe a man he is-and recognize how at peace with himself he is. By the time we are boarding, he seems to have warmed even more mightily to me-possibly thanks to having cleaned out an entire bar, again with the help of his mysterious card. He's begun trying to sell me on the idea of being a marsh bandit, saying how it's much better than mercenary work-while I work to sound seriously interested. Our banter continues rather easily, with me finding him a strange mix of Riker, Einrik and Gleb, a disposition that while every bit as callous as my own seems to harmonize rather well with my disposition.

He breaks off his slurred dialogue some seven hours into the flight, a bit after noon to peer out the window, a half dozen duty bottles of whiskey falling from his lap as he does so.
>[Duke]"The hell's that?"

I look out the window-and see a squadron of F-22 jets and what look disturbingly like... like flying tanks all swarming about a mass of tentacles coming out of the water.

Trapped within the plane, we simply observe in bemused silence as two dozen fighter planes, at least a dozen of the floating tanks and one nearby helicopter are all pulled under before the beast finally dies. Sadly, the captain of our own bird decides to turn-and the rest of the battle's aftermath is hidden from view. All the same, I ponder the riotous battle I witnessed as tiny dots, oh so distant through the window. ...I wonder what that was.

>"I wonder why Sake and the bird alike weren't questioned when we boarded."
>[Hummingbird]"I presume they either recognized my magnificence or were dealt with by our companion's card."
True enough.


Now, if only this ride could be completed without any altercations.....













Roll 5 separate 1d100 rolls. DC 75 to avoid issue on rest of the trip back to Istanbul.
>>
No. 381835 ID: 382e3e

rolled 60 = 60

Rolling.

Also, make sure that Amen won't capture/Kill/Torture/Whatever the spooks if he visits the mansion.
>>
No. 381838 ID: f5a586

rolled 37 = 37

Keep the soul-guise up. See if duke knows any of the other languages you do, if so ask if minds chatting in that one.
>>
No. 381843 ID: b8021d

rolled 90 = 90

You KNOW something bad is gonna happen, be alert at all times until you touch down, no matter how good its seems to be going.
>>
No. 381844 ID: da450d

rolled 17 = 17

H-Here I go!
>>
No. 381848 ID: b6911d

rolled 41 = 41

Remember, if you drop the soul guise now really bad things nearby may come after you.
>>
No. 381880 ID: d97a61

>>381843
[Third roll: DC met]
Seems nothing else fancy is going on-and interesting as the whole 'mass of tentacles getting attacked by the military, plus flying tanks' bit is, I maintained a steady focus on my new Soul Guise-which I'll arbitrarily name 'Business'.
"What was that out there?"
>[Duke]"Hm? Kraken, looked like. Also means this flight'll get all the mundanes mind-wiped of the event. They'll leave us be though."
"So that was them?"
>[Duke]"Yup."

Sure enough, some five minutes later a jet coasts rather close to us-and a pressure wave of Attention washing through our vessel-I see eyes unfocus and conversations stall before resuming as if nothing happened.
>[Duke]"That'd be them, I'd guess. Suppose they are as quick as Rockmore said... good thing he's not here, or I'd owe him a beer-hah!"

As the guised Iron Ox continues his mercilous struggle to empty the entire plane's bar, the corpses of finished minis strewn around him as a testament to his fortitude, I stop smirking about the attendant that nearly tripped while eying the hummingbird perched atop my tie. Not because it stopped being funny-but because I've got a call.

A cold call, as it happens.

With frost forming on my fingernails, my hair beginning to freeze and my left eye now leaking tiny bits of ice, I reassure Li Kui as he turns a bloodshot belligerent eye on me.
"I'm expecting a call."
To which he rplies with a belch and guzzling down his fifteenth tiny bottle of vodka, firing up a cigar as he leers at the few other passengers that seem to wish to voice a complaint. No one does.

So Ogrimir-job's done.
>[Ogrimir]"Why did you not check on it's body?"
Is that relevant?
>[Ogrimir]"Not particularly-the job was done, my primary concern in this-and you did correctly reason out that I was not willing to contact you within AORB's jurisdiction. But why did you tell the mortal that trained you, Riker?[/b]"
Let's see: He's got great blackmail on me, I can't deny I legitimately respect the guy-and I may go a bit stupid when talking to him. He's... good at that. If you're concerned that I spoke about the job-
>[Ogrimir]"Not at all-tell who you wish, I care not."
Then why ask?
>[Ogrimir]"Do not forget your place in our arrangement."
Alright, alright-back on topic then: So what's the occassion? I assume you aren't calling just to confirm the job's done.
>[Ogrimir]"I am making a good faith offer to transport you back to Istanbul."
Unless you mean instant, I already have that.
>[Ogrimir]"I do mean instant."
Huh. Can Li Kui come?
>[Ogrimir]"No, he cannot-I make my offer to you alone."

Hm... there's around seven hours of flight left.....








What's my call-do I finish the plane ride with Black Whirlwind or personally take the express?
Once I'm back in Istanbul-what's the plan?
>>
No. 381895 ID: 81f32a

>[Aw shit, I was writing the suggestion when you updated.... will have to amend it]

>What's my call-do I finish the plane ride with Black Whirlwind or personally take the express?
I say we stay with Duke. It would be insulting to leave him behind like that and we might blow our chance to make a great ally/friend. We already made arrangements for our meeting so there is no need to change the plans again. I am sure Camella will handle it nicely.

Thank Og for the offer. If we can, ask him how can we contact him when we want to claim that Ice manipulation training he promised for SB. If I am not wrong, SB should be ready in 2 weeks to receive it... Actually, ask SB first before asking Og anything.


If Duke (btw, always refer to him as Duke and never mention his other names.) shares tales about his hilarious misadventures, why can't we do the same thing? Sure, our fights are way beneath his power-level but they are damn hilarious. Like how we troll-killed the germans (first by gassing them, then by mocking them with WWI german uniforms). OR the story how we castrated Savoy, we should always jump on the chance to belittle Savoy in any way we can. If by any chance Savoy learns of Duke and somehow meets him in the future (presumably to make an arrangement or something), it would be funny if Duke goes "Hey, aren't you the guy who got his balls shot of?".... Shit, in fact we should actively try to spread that information as far and wide as we can. Would drive Savoy up the wall, I bet.

"Hey, this is your first plane-ride ever, right? How does it feel?" I don't think he's too impressed by it though.


>Once I'm back in Istanbul-what's the plan?
Please call Einriks contact and arrange for a training BEFORE we get training from Lo Fang. If I'm not mistaken, Lo Fang agreed to train us this weekend, right?

Don't lose your focus on your guise.

>Iosef:
>When Armas gets back, he will ask for permission to use all the guns (except grenade launchers where we have limited ammo) for target practice and the use of the in-house gun-range.
>Also, he will ask Amras to buy ammo for him as he is not quite sure if he need identification papers when buying products in Gun World. He will give his own money [3,000$] for the bullets (as he doesn't want to waste company's assest on personal training.)
>Another thing. It has been some time since he came here, he had two parties, some minor jobs but mostly he just loitered around, drunk with fellow russians and ate amazing food. The last job with the Nazinauts has shown him that he REALLY needs to up his ante if he wants to survive being part of this group. So, no more idling, Iosef will try to devote as much of his time as possible to become better soldier: he will attend Ito's dojo vigilantly, will try to get double amount of training, he will aim for Night training than Day training. He will try to get Chakra training from the man if possible (he wouldn't mind improving his strength and reinforcement so that in future he can wield miniguns like a 'roided up American Action Hero). If possible, he will try to get more hours from Camella training too. If other Russians don't want to do their instructor part sometimes, Iosef would never mind to take their shift for them.
>Also, he will spend about a hour a day watching Vlad working on guns and reading his books and notes on gun-modification (after getting his permission). With the specific purpose to modify heavy weapons, and stationary weapons like miniguns to be comfortably wielded by an individual. He will first observe and learn before trying anything himself. Maybe after couple of weeks he'll try some mods with Vlad's help.
>Seeing his own boss training hard everyday is certainly a great motivator for him (I mean, ~6 hours of non-stop sparring? That ought to leave an impression)
>>
No. 381935 ID: f354ab

I say take the teleport. Cuz hey, free teleport. And Og is being nice for a change - which is suspicious - but we should accept kindnesses when offered. Tell Duke, 'Sorry, looks like I'm going on ahead. I'll see you at the airport or send somebody, okay?' then boom, gone.

I know we have the spook to deal with first (sorry for showing up after Riker probably mentioned I wouldn't, but I scored a teleport on the cheap at the last minute, you know how it is), but make a note to call up the lads and have a proper boozer to welcome him to Istanbul, okay? Hafaz's crew if we can get them, if not Go Ping and the boys (and girl). Einrik too, if he's around (hook him by saying something like, I met a guy that's basically your dad, but funner. And drunker.) Then we tour some bars. Babylon - "And here's where a demon prince kidnapped us into a pocket dimension on the way to the can. Memories, eh, Camella?" - and those two Hafaz mentioned when we asked him, at least.

I anticipate such dazzling conversation-starters as, "Hey everybody, this is Duke. Duke of what? ... I dunno. Met him in Brazil, where he almost - but not quite - killed me. Thanks to Sake for taking one for the team there, by the way. Camella, Go Ping, meet what's basically your patron saint." Etcetera.

Also, another note: only refer to this guy as Duke, not Li Kui.

[Titus: Titus has learned about the armstar bodyguard 9xi-hd01. A kevlar and nomex blend weave is fairly cheap, 80 euros for 5sq.ft. or so. Titus scores some, a pair of (surprisingly cheap) 5 million+ volt stunguns ($60ish), and starts bugging Satai (he is the electronics guy, isn't he?) for wiring tips in order to create his own armored sleeve/stungun set-up.]
>>
No. 382048 ID: b441ce

SUST drinking

Don't take the teleport.

Stay on the plane, but you can do better than drinking tiny bottles at your seat. Take Duke with you and blag your way into first class. On a trans-Atlantic flight there will be a real bar with real drinks. That's where the pretty stewardesses hang out as well.
>>
No. 382050 ID: bd1be0

>>382048
oh look, someone who's never flown. that's not how shit works.
>>
No. 382088 ID: d97a61

[For reference, the meeting with the Spook presumably began two hours ago. Update tonight.]
>>
No. 382098 ID: 448d82

My vote is for avoiding drunkeness (Armas has a higher tolerance for alchohol, yet he just abuses that) and not teleporting.

Tell Og that you are thankful, but as we have missed any improtant business we had, it works out better traveling with Duke.

>For Lev
Wander about Istanbul a bit, see if there's any nice old daggers being sold, though, make sure not to buy anything really expensive. If you stumble across a circus, great, always good to see a show and there might even be a knife thrower or two, loved the knife throwers as a boy, didn't you Lev?
>>
No. 382120 ID: b83c65

>>381895
I have been saying continually how every magically active person in the world must know that 'Savoy got his balls shot off'. And anyone who doens't know must also be informed that Savoy lost is balls.

Anyway, also seconding the 'Stay with Da Duke'. Mostly because flying with him will be hilarious.
>>
No. 382200 ID: f354ab

Aw, come on, you guys can't think of anything fun for Armas to do in Istanbul 7 hours before he's supposed to arrive?

We could go set up a sniper rifle and take a shot at the spook/Camella meeting, just to see how Camella handles it (note, this is a terrible idea and I do not endorse it).
>>
No. 382202 ID: da450d

Stay with Li Kui! We'd be a poor friend if we just left him here. Ask about when SB's training can be accommodated, and if a quick free analysis on us and SB can be made right now.
Hmm...I was under the impression the Russians were already helping Ito train the students everyday. If that's not the case, then Nikifor shall go help, and stay for the Night Classes. And he'll take a great interest in the vampires' skill, and won't return to the mansion till he's sore all over. Repeat everyday. Also, try to find training in shooting from Camella. She's just the best he's ever seen, not wanting her as a trainer is stupid.
>>
No. 382204 ID: 431fa8

>>381880
>What's my call-do I finish the plane ride with Black Whirlwind or personally take the express?
"Thanks for offering, but I'm content with my current transport arrangements. So we're clear, this job didn't take a week- was this it for the season, or will you be requiring the rest of the time later?"

While it's tempting to hope that this just slides under the radar and argue that our obligation is complete for the season if it comes up, our Bargain with Ogrimir is not to be fucked around with. We will fulfill it in its entirety and in spirit, no complaints; we got our benefits and we pay the price in full without regret or hesitation.

"Right. If you give me a bit of warning before the next job starts, I'd appreciate it."

And as long as he's here- and not in a hostile mood, for all that he's drawing the employer/employee lines very firmly here- we might as well see if there are other opportunities to get something without pushing disrespectfully hard for anything in particular. "Any chance I could get a bit of advice for using my Winter bloodline competently? My ignorance is so thick here even I'm embarrassed by it."

Keep holding our soul guise tight through the rest of the flight. Keep up the friendly conversation with Li Kui; get some more stories, maybe tell him about the various literature (and video games) that feature him and/or the other figures of Water Margin if he cares to hear about them.

>I may go a bit stupid when talking to him
The phrase "a bit stupid" doesn't begin to cover it. We were trying to keep our presence on that side of the world at all entirely secret from anyone who didn't have to know; given that Riker can apparently arrange for spooks to take action in a matter of seconds when he gets wind of things, it's a good bet that he's clued in enough to have all kinds of connections and news coming to him. If all those spirit animals vanished like we think and we're on the record as the one who killed the Dreamer- then it's far from impossible that dozens of spirit shamans could come after us, wanting to kill us for making their spirit animals disappear. We've just handed Riker a massive chunk of blackmail material even discounting the risk of other people who actually know what the Dreamer did aside from produce spirit animals getting wind of our actions through him and coming after us for it.

Not only that, we proved to him that we're so wildly unprofessional that we reveal the details of a client's job for not better reason than an old friend asked us to, over a phone conversation that we didn't even have confirmation was secure. In all likelihood we were just marked as unreliable for any sensitive jobs from him or anyone in his contact net- possibly forever. Think of all the money we potentially just lost because we couldn't keep our goddamn mouth shut.

Responding to people who have blackmail on us by giving them more blackmail to use is idiotic, acting like an unprofessional pushover in front of someone we respect will only make them not respect us, and going a bit stupid when talking to anyone is a weakness that we should not tolerate in ourselves- the past months have demonstrated to us again and again that we live and die by our words.

Do not make this mistake again. Not when talking to Riker, not when talking to anyone. Sensitive information is not to be shared without deliberate forethought and the decision to do so, and definitely not unless there's an expected return involved. Ask our headposse to watch us and warn us if we're going to be foolish in this manner once again.

>Once I'm back in Istanbul-what's the plan?
Get Li Kui's review of flying. "Boring way to travel, isn't it? Quick, though."

Don't rush back home; we're not expected and there should be no urgent need for our presence, so we might as well seize the opportunity to wander for a bit. Since Duke has never seen the city, offer to take him to wherever he cares to go here- mention there's some entertaining night life, though probably not up to his standard, some underground arenas we've heard of that he might find fun, plus various general urban sights which he might have missed while hanging out in the middle of the jungle for centuries on end. If he likes fighting we might be able to get him to go compete in one of the arenas and make tons of money betting on him while we scout the place out.

If that fails, we can go home and try to figure out how to get him to safely synthesize a drug so strong that even Duke can get sky-high on it.
>>
No. 382205 ID: 3af16b

>>381880
>What's my call-do I finish the plane ride with Black Whirlwind or personally take the express?

You've already missed the meeting, a few more hours won't hurt anything and you'll get to talk to Duke more. Stick with your new friend, he's the very definition of "Living in Interesting Times."

There's some stuff that needs to be said. Og's questions are the sort an employer asks a new employee who hasn't picked up on the corporate culture yet. Or maybe the kind a teacher asks a slightly wayward student, one who could do "A" work if he were a little less sloppy. Or like asking a horse what the water tastes like, to get him to drink it.

There's no reason to be rude or defensive about it, he's trying to teach you something without being a jerk. So take the questions as a chance for improvement, and take this opportunity to ask for more information.

If you're speaking aloud, speak Finnish.

"A long hop can't be that cheap, energy-wise. I don't see any reason to ask you to spend something better used elsewhere. And apparently whatever else you have in mind for the rest of the week isn't time sensitive, or you wouldn't have given me a choice."

"Oh, ok. But, since you're getting to save on the teleport could you help me out a little and give me some information? Nothing major. Just two queries."

"I'd like to hear your thoughts about what aspects of Hillevi's education I should focus on. I want her to be properly prepared for life in the wider world, I want her to remain a steadfast ally, and I want to make a good impression on her father so that he'll give me the chance to help his other kids the same way. And make capable allies of them, too."

"The other query is that I'd like a little advice on being a godling. I've got a general idea of what I can do, but I'm really nebulous on what Belief entails. Can you give me some information about that before I hurt myself by having people think the wrong things? I'd love to be able to serve the rest of this contract at least as sane as I am now, and I've got a notion that I'm going to need to manage what other people think of me to ensure that."

"Thanks. Do you have a precise date in mind for the next week of service? If I can plan, I won't need to worry about being distracted on your jobs."

"As always, it's been interesting and informative. Till next time."

>Once I'm back in Istanbul-what's the plan?
Talk to a few of the Russians. Armas seems to know Matevey, Boris, Lyubov, and Gloom best (Matevey because he's the squad leader, Boris through shared interests, Gloom because he's the unofficial leader of the reticent, and Lyubov because of the gym trips) so those are the ones to talk to get an idea of how things went while he was away.

Thank Camella again for the hair tonic, and tell her about Meng Yun's awesome expression. Make sure you come off as being genuinely grateful for the gift, and then ask her to be really careful about trading with the goblins. If she got into trouble with them, it might be unaffordably expensive to buy her out of it.
>>
No. 382207 ID: 3af16b

>>382200

What is wrong with you!?

:s0::s1::s2::s3::s4::s5::s6::s7::s8::s9:
>>
No. 382209 ID: 67d714

>What's my call-do I finish the plane ride with Black Whirlwind or personally take the express?
Ask SB/Sake/Hummingbird if they have any reason we should take the teleport. We have already missed the meeting, and ditching Li Kui in the middle of a plane isn't the greatest thing to do. Unless we can think of a reason we want to arrive quickly, it could actually be nice to just relax and talk to Li Kui for a while. So, thanks Ogrimmir but refuse the teleport.
If Ogrimmir was ready to expend a bit of his energy for a teleport, we could instead ask him for a tip on how we could could practice our self soul-sculpting without being in danger of killing ourself. There must be some kind of warding or proxy that could help. We could also bring up the idea of the world-eye and soul-engine to him, if only to learn what he would ask in return for the help. Ogrimmir's line of questionning really did seem like he was testing our confidence and whether or not we had reasons, as well as the types of reasons we use. It might be because we are a dual bloodline Godling, and as such a resource that Gods in general covet. This does mean Armas is on a better leg now to barter for more teaching or boons. Given we have a possible link with the nordic pantheon as well as Rabbit when it comes to new relations, Ogrimmir might be convinced to give us a bit more.

Make sure to keep our Soul Guise up, as well as practice switching from "Defaul soul without Godling/Cannibal/Less strength" to "Veiled Danger" without letting our real soul be seen in between. Also try to 'add' the "Default Soul" masking of our sensitive traits to the 'veiled danger', if it doesn't already do that. It would be silly to hide those traits in our 'Default Soul' if someone just noticed it while we were using another guise.

Possible topic to discuss with Li Kui would be “how would you get so strong anyhow?” or “tales from when he wasn't so strong” or our own tales- the drunken rampage of the Penis Troll, or tales of trolling from our army days (talking to Riker did remind us of them) or Even our habit of dispatching enemies with a touch of irony.

>Once I'm back in Istanbul-what's the plan?
Call Camela when you touch down, she should be finished with the meeting and not only do we need a report, we need to congratulate her for a job well done. She deserves that Wiggly rub-down, after all. After that, we should call Lo Fang and decide when our double session with him should be, as well as this week's session with one of his dsciple (Meng Yun this week was a private session freebie). We also need to get on to our 'Homework” left to us by Meng Yun.

>>382200
>>382120
:s0::s1::s2::s3::s4::s5::s6::s7::s8::s9:
One because while Savoy is a funny anecdote that can be told, he is also a has been who shouldn't be fixated on- sure, he is dangerous still, and we must be careful. But all of our enemies are dangerous, the other, because this sounds so stupid it hurt MY head, which is a bad sign.

>>382204
Upvote, and
>And as long as he's here- and not in a hostile mood, for all that he's drawing the employer/employee lines very firmly here- we might as well see if there are other opportunities to get something without pushing disrespectfully hard for anything in particular. "Any chance I could get a bit of advice for using my Winter bloodline competently? My ignorance is so thick here even I'm embarrassed by it."
For this part, Armas should try to have a tip on how to look at his own soul.
>>
No. 382273 ID: d97a61
File 132755977958.jpg - (27.12KB , 196x289 , Lyubov explains things.jpg )
382273

>>381935
[Titus is queued to do the following:]
>Observe the existence of the kevlar/nomex blend armstar bodyguard 9xi-hd01.
>Spend $160 on 9xi-hd01 to have a modest supply.
>Spend $140 on pair of King Cobra Enforce 5.8 million volt stun guns.
>Bug Satai until he assists Titus in learning the necessary electrical and wiring knowledge needed for such a project.
>[cannot advance on project until: Satai has assisted Titus. Cannot improve project until: Titus acquires means of building a hard frame on which to mount the stun guns and the blend armor. Cannot optimize until: twenty(20) attempts spread through at least three(3) prototypes have been completed.]
>>382098
>[Lev is queued to do the following:]
>Allocate three hours of free time a week to seeking out street performers related to knife throwing.
>Allocate two hours a week to searching for old daggers that catch the eye.
>>381895
You may wish to not post if you feel a post needs amending-as presumably you are now missing that chance due to our different schedules.[spoiler]
>[Iosef has now been queued to do the following:]
>ERROR, Iosef is a normal dude that likes free time, and if he made this request he'd be obligated to give up considerable time to practice with weapons he frequently doesn't use. For better results, please attempt more specific training orders.
>AUTO-CORRECT Iosef gives Camella $3,000 to go bullet shopping, noting a personal concern he does not have proper documentation. Purchased ammunition is private, not company stock. -$3000 from funds. [spoiler]This is where you take the money off his stat block on the minion wiki page-if he does not have such a page, get on making that-it's on you to keep track of your minion's specifics, and it's far easier with a stat block

>ERROR: Iosef was personally very minimally exposed to risk in these jobs-and the jobs have all been completed with zero friendly casualties-which is far in excess of what he saw working for Chugainov. Inssufficient perceived personal risk to justify additional effort-human apathy overrides urge to improve. For better results, please consider either attempting again after something more personally threatening, or relate the need to improve to petty rivalry or other things of this nature.
>Now spends one hour a day observing Vlad with his gun-shenanigans, attempting to play assistant to pick up relevant knowledge of tinkering with heavier weaponry.
>[Example of properly using petty motivations: Rivalry and pride] +2 hrs per week of time spent doing martial combat, +1 hour to shooting practice time. All further attempts to reduce his free time for personal improvement now need more justification, as a representation of his reluctance to give up 'fun times' just for the sake of potentially unnecessary self improvement. In essence, be aware you have to fight that little lazy inner voice to give him further motivation-or have great scenic reasoning, such as death of a friendly or some such.

"Thanks for offering, but I'm content with my current arrangements. So we're clear, this job didn't take a week-was this it for the season, or-"
>[Ogrimir]"While strictly I could force you to serve the remaining week, the contract was ultimately about completing a job, not providing a time period of service. It is good you recognize the threat lurks there. As to your decision-that is your choice. Until next we speak."
Wait hold on one second.
>[Ogrimir]"You are close to trying my patience."
Just one question, feel free to ignore it-but any chance I could get a bit of advice for using my Winter Bloodline? My ignorance is so thick here even I'm embarrassed.
>[Ogrimir]"Bluntly put. Then I'll answer in turn: Either walk the path of self destruction and swift ruin to gain mastery or death by fearlessly making experiments, or dedicate yourself to finding tutors and learning as swiftly as you can-delaying at making a meaningful choice and playing at self experimentation is the simplest way to stunt one's ability. Make of my words what you will."
The ice crusting over my one eye finally snap-thaws as the chill begins to recede as swiftly as it built. Just like that, the fickle Winter God is gone, and I'm left to my own devices.
>[Duke]"So," Duke belligerently slurs the moment Ogrimir's presence fades, "Who was that?"
"Guy I work for sometimes. But forget that-you've been telling me all your stories-well where's the equity?"
Clearly thankful for his opaque glasses, Duke blinks hard enough his eyebrows quiver.
>[Duke]"...What?"
"When is it going to be my turn to talk about stuff? No, don't answer that, I got this: The answer is NOW! So-where to start.... ah, here's a good one. Okay, back in the day, when I was still part of the military, I got a few guys to help me leave the passed out CO on the roof of one of the barracks."
>[Duke]"So?"
"Well, he had driven over-and everyone was drunk enough I got them to help put his JEEP on the roof too. Best part is he woke up so hungover he started driving before getting his bearings."
>[Duke]"Oh yeah? So what, he end up crushing his skull, HAH!"
"Not so much-he drove off the side facing uphill-he broke his nose and got some impressive raccoon eyes, but nothing serious."
>[Duke]"Pssh, that's nothing."
"I know! But the dick spent the next two weeks trying to figure out who did it!"
>[Duke]"You said you're ex-military, right?"
"Yup."
>[Duke]"Then you learned the lesson every guy's gotta learn-the military's for suckers-when's the last time there was an officer you'd follow for free?"
"Sergeant Riker."
>[Duke]"Who?"
"A man that, over four fucking years of trying to find a chance to prank him, did not let his guard down once-hell, I never even saw him sleep-ever."
>[Duke]"Could he kick your ass?"
"Fuck yeah he could-kicked it all over the place-but not in an asshole way, you know? Not 'oh boo hoo, someone made a joke at my expense, let's give corporeal punishment' but more a 'So-sparring time, like usual. So, chucklefuck-that commissioned shit you 'helped' contract scarlet fever-I had to write a report about that. Let me tell you the report-in the language of PAIN.' He was a great guy like that."
>[Duke]"Sounds like my kind of officer. How was he on rules? Fucking armies always love rules."
"He was a firm believer of 'if you get shit done as needed, I don't give a fuck what you do.'"
>[Duke]"Ha, I like this guy! But enough of this piss-washed story-where's one with some guts?"
"Ah... okay, how about the time I rode a rampaging skeleton like a wild bull as it charged...."

And so we talk-and, bereft of distractions, I manage to stably maintain my soul guise the entire time.
Duke continues to imbibe the available spirits with such rapidity I have yet to snag a bottle or can of my own with everything in arm's reach instantly devastated by the insatiable man as I tell my tales, edited for privacy with as much respect for comedic content as possible.
>>382202
So SB, when's the language package going to be ready?
>"I think I'll let Sake answer that one."
The weasel wrapped about my neck whispers in my ear.
>[Sake]"Well, I don't know-what do you think?"
What do YOU mean, what do I think?
>"He spoke in Spanish-so I'd say it worked."
Wai-you already did it?
>"Yes, while you were talking with the one that insists on being called Duke. I had a means of stealthily applying magic I wished to test-it seems moderately successful. Perhaps it's ready for field testing..."
>[Sake]"It's interesting he did not notice I spoke the language-seems to fall prey to the same issues as otherwise uploaded knowledge. Well done on hiding the spiritual trauma as well."
Hold on, wha-
>"It was less than what you endure using your buntline's more esoteric tricks. In the grand scheme of things, that's quite minor."
That's rich, from the ones constantly belittling me for not being cautious.
>"Again, we spent comparative days in deep focus building and honing what we gave you. We did not wing it-I believe this a critical distinction between our approaches. Or it was. I am still hopeful about our new model."
So-okay, language covered. What about the Flesh Manipulation stuff?
>"It's lamentable, but Whaitiri's questioning has been... eccentric of late, and I've been hard pressed to find systems fully explained-she's been having him advice on her existing skillset, and I don't have the background to understand it. Until they either change topics, Or I've translated enough I can fill in these gaps-I won't really have anything safe for you. And you'll have to argue rather well to convince me I should give you something I deem unsafe, when simple patience can render the risk nul."
Lame.
>"Do you claim you wouldn't abuse unsafe techniques?"
>>382204
I start to thinking-
>"Armas-"
Sh-I think I'm on to something here. So... that comment I made, explaining Riker. I thought about it a bit more. Yeah he's got my respect-which I am one hell of a miser about doling out-and I think I still honestly consider him my better, magic shenaniganery or no. But that's one thing-I compromised my choice to try and keep this Amazon mission dark in a fucking heartbeat for him-it was so damned natural I didn't even think about it. And yes-realistically, I wasn't being as serious as I could have been about keeping myself hidden-I was still being a flashy asshole like always-but extenuating circumstances or no, that shit... was wrong. It's not just that I compromised my mission-or that I talked about a Client-bad as those are, what's most disturbing is that I have started to grasp how connected this guy is. If he can get an AORB spook on a different continent within a week on his say-so, that says mountains about his ability-and more importantly, shows he's connected to the very organization that has jurisdiction where I did the job I blabbed about. THAT, that is what bugs me-I can write off the rest, Riker's an okay enough guy I can say fuck it to a goodly bit of stuff I'd normally not muck with, just on his say-so. But that... I wasn't intending to tweak AORB's nose-that's MONTHS off, once I think I have a shot at it!
>"Here's the real motivation for your sincerity-this is disrupting your future tomfoolery."
Damn right! That shit can't stand unless I do it by choice!
>"Does this mean-"
Yup-next time, if I start reflex blabbing to Riker, I want you to tell me to shut the fuck up.
>"I will take pleasure in doing so."
Well, good thing Riker's already long since seen past my shit to see I CAN accomplish things-just that I need some space to apply the 'Armas touch'.
>"You just made that term up."
Maybe. but it's why I'm not concerned he'll put a black mark against me himself for this. Any comments he'd have about me... methodology he'd have already made before setting up the meet. Still.... someday I need to get those fucking pics from him.
>"Yes, we really do."
>[Sake]"So what's ON the pictures?"
>"I shall not tell you. It's... better for all of us."
>[Hummingbird]"I must admit my personal curiosity has been stirred by this peculiar phrasing of yours."
>"You will regret that curiosity if you persist in it."
>[Hummingbird]"I have not regretted a single decision in my life-why should I start now?"
>"No comment-realized it's pointless."

"So Duke-Boring way to travel, isn't it? Quick though."
>[Duke]"I get to sit on my ass, drink, albeit from damnably tiny bottles, as much as I want-and I get someone else to do the moving part for me. What's not to like?"
"About that-what IS that card?"
>[Duke]"Heh, a favor from a friend-and no, you can't see it."
"So you ever been to Istanbul?"
>[Duke]"Yeah-let's see, that was... fourteenth, I think."
"...Century?"
>[Duke]"Yeah, that. Nice place-bunch of beggers, sure, but plenty of merchants ready to tear your heart out and plenty of people spoiling for a fight. Always fresh blood on the ground-my kind of place."
"...Well, you may wish to take some time to refamiliarize yourself, as things may well have changed."
>[Duke]"I'd hope not-what's the point of a place without any fights or random murder? Boring, that's what."
"...Well I'd best tell you now then..."

As entertaining as it would be to see him treat Istanbul like he once saw it, I decide that being right next to what would probably end up being a great deal of public murder and violence wouldn't be a wise business move, and instead catch him up on things. Thankfully, since I know there's arenas still in swing in the under sewer, he doesn't seem too distraught about the more bland surface-though that could be him finally reaching the two hundredth mini bottle. It takes the rest of the flight to do it-as he turns out to quite possibly be the thickest man I've ever met-that or a genius troll playing up his apparent drunkenness. I'm still not sure which.

Our arrival has Duke using his card to get us through checkpoints that should be slowing us down-and he even goes so far as to complain he's not nearly drunk enough while I he flags down a taxi by dint of walking in front of it and letting the driver choose to stop or not. Boringly, the driver stopped-but happily, he stepped out of the car angrily shouting-oh, look at that, he thinks blind man Duke isn't a threat... well, before Duke can escalate-

I step behind him, and Smile over his shoulder at the taxi driver.

Funny thing, he gives us a free ride back to the mansion-in fact, he drives off before we finish shutting the doors. Perhaps he was in a hurry. I wasn't really paying attention, as I kept trying and failing to reach Camella on the phone.

I throw the doors open with exactly zero respect for the late hour-to find Lyubov still up.
>[Lyubov][In Turkish]"Hey, it's the boss. What's up?"
"I was going to ask you that-anything fun the last day or so?"
>[Lyubov]"Well, Camella got in a fight with some guy in a suit, and there was something about a dragon being mad about wine staining his shirt or maybe he didn't like the fight happening in his restaurant-ANYWAY seems that Camella did the dragon a favor or something and so he wasn't mad-then he was mad at the guy Camella fought with, but then she asked the dragon to be nice, and he was-oh, and the guy she fought was the spook. The AORB spook. And the dragon was the Owner, the Ruling Dragon of Turkey and I don't know why we aren't fucked for that-and the only ones who were with her, Matvey and that guy Hafaz won't say SHIT about how that actually ended up working or what Camella did. I am confused-but we are alive, the AORB agent is somehow happy and impressed, and Camella has an invitation to dine with the Owner. .....Does this always happen when you go away?"

....What.


[It's ten PM on a thursday night. What minions aren't out drinking with Hafaz and co at the sheer absurdity of the day are already passed out in the mansion. Presumably, Camella will be doing the night lessons as per usual at Ito's gym tonight, starting in one hour.]









What... do I do?
>>
No. 382298 ID: 048990

>>382273
Keep a perfectly straight face, of course. Wouldn't want Camella to know that anything she did could freak you out, after all. Even getting the attention of the Dragon of Turkey.

Thank Lyubov for that...helpful summary, ask if there's anything else pressing that he knows of, then go and give Duke a little tour, get him situated, make sure Amen knows we have another guest.

After Duke's situated in the mansion (or decides to come with us, or whatever), head over to Ito's and see Camella, get the story from her straight, maybe offer that weasel rubdown.
>>
No. 382323 ID: 448d82

>>382273
I am really not seeing how this is anything other than a good thing.

We need to get an appropriate gift for Camella now, also if she does well, it reflects on our good taste.

So in otherwords, hunt her down right now and thank her, in trollish but genuine manner.
Not really sure how to go about that, so hopefully, somebody else can deal with the specifics.

(That or I'll figure something out later)
>>
No. 382398 ID: 81f32a

Well, now I feel positively depressed (but not so much to break our Guise! Keep focus!). Our adventure in Brazil looks small-time compared to what happened in our absence. We will have to get report from Camella and others.... but that is for later! We have a Guest and we should try to be a good host. Introduce him to people, show him around, give him a meal (but don't offer alcohol. He is going to deplete our reserves in an instant!)
Did we tell Amen that Duke is a guest, btw?

>What... do I do?
I still think we should get chakra appointment with Einrik's contact asap.

>Trick bet me I couldn't figure out who Black Whirlwind is at heart-and it seems that my reasoning is right-for the OTHER Heavenly Spirits.
He is a drunkard, that's what he is! Dammit, Trick why are you such an asshole-... wait (at this moment Armas remembers that IT personality gets copied from its wielder). But seriously, isn't Duke just a human who doesn't even have bloodlines, just a load of soul quirks?
>>
No. 382419 ID: 67d714

>What... do I do?
Hey that's real cool. We should definitely congratulate Camella for getting more like us. First thing first, though. Get Duke drunk. That guy won't be happy if he becomes sober. We could, I ugess, take him to Ito, but maybe not right now. If we get to Ito tonight, I suggest doing something like give Camella a hug and say "I heard all about it and I'm so happy with you!" and weasel rub-down. Also, I do wonder if SB could send his second shadow there and shadowport us directly for better “entrance”.

Now, I do wonder if SB think he is ready to try and grab a second nazinaute's shadow, or if he is wary about having two of those at once. Also, ask him if he has any idea on how I could use “lordly imposition” on nazinaute, now that he has a greater understanding of them.

>Just one question, feel free to ignore it-but any chance I could get a bit of advice for using my Winter Bloodline? My ignorance is so thick here even I'm embarrassed.
>[Ogrimir]"Bluntly put. Then I'll answer in turn: Either walk the path of self destruction and swift ruin to gain mastery or death by fearlessly making experiments, or dedicate yourself to finding tutors and learning as swiftly as you can-delaying at making a meaningful choice and playing at self experimentation is the simplest way to stunt one's ability. Make of my words what you will."
This, to me, looks like Armas should stop being half-assed, and becomes much more proactive about finding teachers. There is an handful of possibility. First, Armas should ask Einrik, next time he sees him, if he has a way to contact the Sami shaman (we have to be careful about them not trying to steal Hummingbird though). Second, there is the possibility of gaining information from Rabbit about who could teach us. This may need Armas gambling though, which is really risky. Third, there is Lo Fang- Lo Fang could both teach us chakra techniques that could enable us to see our soul, which will have a direct impact on our soul manipulation, as well as giving us soul manipulator contact.

Which is why I think we should call lo fang right now. We have a double lesson this week, and we are thursday night. As he asked for 24hr warning time, we REALLY need to call him to ask for an appointment. Likewise, we should make an appointment for one of his disciple for tomorrow morning (the lesson we had this week was a freebie from meng yun). Flexibility guy should do, I think. Then, next time we meet Lo Fang, we should try to get info from him about soul manipulators contacts. He should owe us quite a bit for telling him about theh ealth of his men, after all.

I... am not sure we should go to Ito tonight. Armas might be really exhausted tonight, and down on his neergy. If Sake/SB says he isn't, however, the hug/Rub-down to Camella will serve as the signal for the beginning of a spar. Armas should be careful, then, to do it when camella is in the shadows, and segue directly into unarmed practice against her. This could help for our Meng Yun homework too.
>>
No. 382452 ID: f354ab

>>382298
We're being hands-off boss, remember? Next time we see her we say, "I heard good things about the meeting. That's why you're #2, #2." If she wants to tell us, she'll tell us.

I still support going bar-hopping with Duke a la my last post (>>381935) - if any time is good for Camella's stay, it's that.

Also, if she ever holds a cheesegrater for any reason, shout 'I sense danger!' and flee. Out the window and into the night.

[Titus: Did he get it as thread or by the square foot? In either case, he'll need a pattern to follow, a seamstress he's not. Be easier to get Amen to do it, probably.

He'll also probably want a bulletproof plastic for the electronics, I'll look into that later. I think the mk.I will just mount the prods on the knuckles, but eventually he'd want them integrated into the palm, maybe - that might be a mk.II feature.]
>>
No. 382501 ID: 431fa8

>Orders for Satai
>Help Titus with his request, in exchange for a favor owed. Don't merely teach him how it works, actually help consistently with improving it. This project seems interesting- and has potential applications way more flexible than Titus is apparently planning.
>Practice diligently (3-4 hours a day) with the Barret M107A1 acquired from the Nazis. Under Camella's tutelage if possible, with Ivan if not. Remember, sharpshooters get to stay in the back where they won't get mauled by super-strong nasties with claws and flamethrowers and such, and those who want that job had best be good at it. Spend up to $1500 on ammunition in support of this. Ask around (Camella, other Russians, any Triads met on his missions) to try and find a good long-distance range to practice on where legality is not an issue.
>As long as he's hanging out with snipers, spend a bit of time figuring out where all the best sniping/observation spots to target the mansion are in the surrounding area over the next couple weeks. Get a map of the immediate area and start marking them out.
>Invest $1000 in purchasing webcams, encrypted wireless dongles, and long-life batteries that can be rigged up to them online.
>Invest $1000 in purchasing motors, transmitters, and tiny little gizmo parts used for making remote-controlled cars and planes and such online, and spend a substantial amount of free time in tooling around building things with them because that's awesome.
>Invest $1000 in buying a micro-PC. Use to control webcams and RC devices for extra fun.


>>382273
>What... do I do?
Deadpan this. "Did anything fun and unexpected happen, though?" No one here is good enough to talk us into a corner where we have to admit to being surprised by this.

Once she's answered that, find out where Matvey is; she'll probably know. If he's in the mansion go talk to him/wake him up and get a full report on what happened. None of that "not telling" crap for us; we are the boss and get a full report. If nothing else the details are something that we need to know and of potential future importance for the company. I'm expecting Matvey to know this already, but if for some reason he doesn't, we should press the issue.

Also get Camella's current location if it's known; we presume her to be teaching at Ito's, but assumptions are dangerous things. Confirm them when possible.

Tell Amen that Duke is a guest for now. Ask if the house has any drugs on hand, since Duke is into that sort of thing; we can't exactly provide him with an endless stream of booze and narcotics- at his grade that would be way to expensive- but we can host him in style for a while. If Einrik's around, introduce them- calling Duke "Duke", of course. Suggest that they may be interested in sparring at some point; we'd certainly be interested in watching that happen.

Go say hi to Silja. Sit down and talk to her for a while about our crazy adventures in the rainforest. See if we can send her vivid mental imagery of some of the stuff we saw- the hummingbird was able to do it, so odds are that we can as well. Possible scenes are the wild animals, the Poacher's Guild, and any particularly impressive scenes that we saw while leaping through the jungle. Apologize for leaving her here alone; we'd have taken her with us if we knew we were going, but the trip was very unexpected. Keep holding our Soul Guise while we talk to her- see if she notices the minor changes in how our soul feels.

Store the loot that we picked up in the jungle securely in our mansion; we don't need to carry it around. Then get some sleep; it's been a long while. Leave word with people in the mansion that we'll want to talk to Camella when we wake up but that we literally have not slept since she last saw us, so it might be a while.

Shadowbro should feel free to call an eye-meeting while we're sleeping- the hummingbird hasn't gotten a good look at our demiplane yet, and I'd like to talk to him there. Would be a good opportunity to make the "this is a nest" argument, maybe, or at least maybe try out a little spiritual combat training. And I'm sure there were one or two other things that were on the docket to talk to Shadowbro about in a secure location. We're probably going to sleep for a long time, so we should have plenty of opportunity for this plus actual rest, and then Shadowbro/Sake can make sure that we wake up in time for anything happening in the world of awake people.

>>382419
>Which is why I think we should call lo fang right now.
It's a tad late for a business call, even to a criminal organization. I wish Lo Fang had a secretary so that it would feel less rude to call him up at odd hours. Still, minor rudeness has never stopped Armas before... might as well. Be polite, apologize for the late hour, and explain that we would appreciate scheduling those lessons he mentioned for a day or two from now. That should give us just enough time to sleep.

Additional lessons are to be arranged through Go Ping as per Lo Fang's prior instructions, and we should not bother Lo Fang with them.

>wonder if SB think he is ready to try and grab a second nazinaute's shadow
I support this line of inquiry. Also, would it be easier for him to take over the next one, since he's got this one to provide him with muscle to back him up? If not, what would make it easier for him to take over new shadows?
>>
No. 382503 ID: 6d3c4d

Answer "I hope not."
Go to sleep.
>>
No. 382504 ID: 252e1b

>>382273

What do you do? You should first introduce Lyubov to your guest, then you make sure that Duke has whatever booze he wants, and that he knows which room is his. Arrange it with Amen.

Tell Lyubov to help Duke with whatever he wants, as this is his first outing in a modern city in hundreds of years. Show off the swag you got from the Amazon. Describe the Duke's interesting requirements for booze and drugs to Amen and ask if there's anything he'd probably like in the house stocks.

Take it easy tonight, you've got to rest to recharge your winter line. Make something to eat and indulge in watching TV with Duke and Lyubov and anyone else who is still up or who comes home.

When Lyubov brings up the passport problem ask Amen if he can do good forgeries. If he can, start planning out what names you want to put on everyone's paperwork.

>Lyubov Orders:

Lyubov will ask Armas, right away, if he knows how to get a fake ID. She'll mention that right now everyone is in danger of being deported outright if they get picked up by the cops for anything.
>>
No. 382509 ID: b83c65

>>382501
>Order for Andrei
>Andrei is splitting the cost and helping to get the webcam stuff and the PC.
>>
No. 382542 ID: d97a61

>>382298
>>382398
>>382501
>[Satai is queued to do the following:]
>CURIOSITY/SELF-INTEREST TRIGGERS MET:
>Spend up to ten hours a week with Titus working on the shock gauntlet project, initially with instructing Titus in wiring work in exchange for a Favor owed. -10 free time.
>SELF-INTEREST TRIGGERS MET:
>Spend $1500 on .50 BMG ammunition from Mafia-while purchasing, inquire about outdoor places to practice. Use contacts made from first Mafia job in this endeavor.
>Spend three hours a day (plus one hour round trip transit and packing) practicing with Barret M107A1 at varied times of day and weather conditions using long-distance, isolated range recommended by Mafia, with goal of identifying self as a 'sharpshooter' like Ivan and Matvey to get 'safer' mission assignments. -28 free time
>Attempt to acquire Camella's instruction-initially, only get one hour per week where she appraises your performance.
>Satai will require a re-motivation with the next two weeks to sustain this time investment.
>HOBBY/CURIOSITY TRIGGERS MET:
>Spend a total of $3,000 split between webcams, encrypted wireless dongles, industrial grade batteries, motors, transmitters, professional (yet low-grade) RC parts, along with a micro-PC to network the webcams to.
>Spend all remaining free time working on pushing hobby knowledge into practically usable realms.
>Realize within the next week this has drastically reduced the amount of drunken celebration you do. Seriously question legitimacy of time-investment.
>>382504
Disheartened as I may be to hear that I just got upstaged even when I bring back someone as interesting as Duke, I diligently keep a deadpan expression as I reply to the clearly frazzled Lyubov.
"Did anything fun and unexpected happen, though?"
>[Lyubov]"Ah, well, let's see-a bunch of Triads visited Ito's gym around the time of the meeting-this is all from the Old Master, but sounds like they weren't making threats or anything-they paid for a day's use and everything. All the same-said it was, what, a dozen people? And all of them could use chakra-ah... said better and worse than you, actually-no idea what he meant by it. Well-'cept for one, which sooooort of sounded like their boss man. That being Lo Fang. The guy that kung-fu'd a squad of Bloodline users. And... he took lessons on Jukenjitsu from Ito. ...That's unexpected, right?"
>[MM,MMMMM Trait auto-activated]
"Well I can't question his timing-Camella was away, and this suggests he knew about that."
>[Lyubov]"..Hah, alright, fine. Boss, you have fun working that out-I'm just gonna... yeah. Actually, how would I go about getting a fake ID?"
"What kind?"
>[Lyubov]"The 'don't get deported if some police accost us as illegal aliens' part."
At this, Sake raises his head-a sight that makes Lyubov's brittle smile crack a little wider-as he squeaks out some commentary.
>[Sake]"Hah, she's got you there."
"Oh that. Well, depends. Rocco's group has the connections, and I've worked with them before-but then that is trusting them with a goodly bit of company information. So unless you're fine choosing between those two, may want to look into that-company research, all that."
Lyubov's still staring at Sake-who's staring right back, beady eyes on opposite sides of a tiny, pig-like snout, curiously snuffling away.
"Lyubov?"
>[Lyubov]"! Ah, do I get funding?"
"You show a plan the group likes, I'll okay the company budget and give the go-ahead."
>[Lyubov]"..Do I have to be the one that-"
"Would you really turn down a free leadership roll chance?"
>[Lyubov]"Yes, I actually-"
"Want something grander for your first shot, I know, I know-and I apologize. But all I have is 'render group of armed AWOL Russians legal on paper in Turkey without queuing the old boss in'-it's quite drab and pedantic I know-but you'll power through it in no time."
>[Lyubov]"I'm not too sure that'll-"
"Networking, Lyubov-it's your friend. Anyway-say hi to our new friend, Duke!"
For his part, Duke introduces himself with a belch loud enough I hear someone tumble out of bed as wall decorations shake.
>[Duke]"So where's the booze?"
"Right-Amen?"
>[Amen]"This one answers-what is ma-"

Before Amen can finish-or indeed, I can fully turn to face my butler-Duke's gone perfectly still-yet Amen all the same lifts a hand-and blocks a pair of invisible strikes that release shockwaves that die before they can live longer than a blink-all nullified by Amen-
As Duke grins.
>[Duke]"Well now. That's the Bloodfiend itself, isn't it? Amen... you know, this could work better than a drink-who gets to say they got to fight a monster like this, heh-he-"
"BEFORE that, I'd be grateful if you let Amen show you our selection of fine wines and spirits-this house is rather well stocked."
Duke's image, once more in motion, halts as he mulls over my words, having flickered from his old distant position to stand just before Amen.
>[Duke]"....Mmh, well I guess I could look at the house stock."
"Great. Amen, could you please show my guest our selection of alcoholic beverages?"
>[Duke]"Drugs too. Last owner was a vamp right? Always got great drugs."
"...And drugs too, just be certain to truthfully tell him what each thing is before it's offered."
Amen bows-and begins to lead the smirking Duke away, Lyubov seeming to give up on understanding things.

And with that I'm gone, ducking behind her as I walk by-and, with the aid of Attention sensing, the closer range and soul sensing, I continue to stay out of her sight and perception-leaving her spinning in confusion as a man seems to vanish in passing. Once the gives up the search-I actually go on my way.
>"You could have requested a shadowport"
Yeah, but now's not the time for dickishly demanding shit from you to satisfy trivial urges.
>"Who are you and-"
-what have you done with SB I mean really man you're usually the one catching me.
>"You benefit from the fact the shadow I pacified requires passive manipulation-and isn't wholly capable of independent action."
Really, you're going to pull the 'I'm distracted card?
>[Sake]"Not to interrupt your banter-based mutual masturbation, but what exactly is it you plan to do tonight? Do you need us?
I... don't think so. Would you guys mind calling an Eye meeting that the bird can come to? Be nice if he could see it.
>[Hummingbird]"I admit curiosity about the claims made about what's inside your nonfunctional eye."
>"It'll be done."
Then that's it-otherwise have fun as you want. I'll be going to sleep pretty soon though-I'm reasonably beat.
>[Sake]"We'll wait until that's been started, then, to leave."

Now that I'm back-after assuring myself that Einrik's not present, but Hillevi is-and she's happily asleep-I decide to talk to someone else I haven't talked with in a while-Silja. So while I methodically put away the timber, the spear and the dozen vials from my South American adventures away, I regale her with a colorful reimagining of my escapades, all ultimately truthful-but told with a certain style I like to think of as my own. She seems to immensely enjoy my tale-indeed, claiming it funnier than what she'd yet had occasion to speak with the Note Writer about-and in general doesn't seem the least bit mopey about my absence. I take her sign of cheerfulness as a hint I may be closer to getting her fully combat viable than I might have thought. I'll need to check on that.

The last thing I do, as I fully realize how tired I am, is call my Triad Contact number-and, thankful I got Go Ping, ask to schedule that training session with Lo Fang this weekend. I'm asked if SATURDAY 4PM TO 10PM and SUNDAY 8AM TO 2PMworks-and I say sure. That scheduled,-

I proceed to pass the fuck out, and it feels good.
[DISCONTINUITY]


I wake up in a familiar setting-rendered unfamiliar.

I see the sweeping, stony spinal columns supporting a gloomy roof that is studded with chandeliers wrought of bone-I see the walls of faces, vaguely clownlike, most quite malicious in appearance. I see the melted clocks, ranging from digital to sundials. But now....

Faintly humming, thrumming and throbbing through the gloom overhead, adding a brilliance to the lighting not before present are the flitting wings of thousands upon thousands of ghostly hummingbirds, images carved of light that dance gracefully through the gloom, already swarming the chandeliers to turn them into nests.

Beside Sake, in his regal, gravity-defying robes in his full thrice-spirited Kamaitachi form, myself, and my shadowy brother-

Stands the hummingbird-again, similar, but... different.

For one, he's now twelve feet tall. Which... makes it a great deal easier to see how heavily scarred his beak is-and that the scars look a great deal like the runes on charms. Flapping his wings as he puffs out his now barrel-sized chest, the bird looks around.
>[Hummingbird]"I suppose I must admit you were right about this place-it is indeed larger on the inside. But why have you all become so small?"







How do I respond to that?
What do I talk about with my brothers and bird during this private meeting of ours?
Are there any long term plans I want to try bouncing off them?
What questions or requests do I have for them?
>>
No. 382594 ID: b75a36

The information that a whole load of spirit shamans may just have had their spirit animals evaporate may be very valuable. Log onto the Smiling One's website to let her know. Mention we're interested in finding an instructor for winter aligned divine soul manipulation.
>>
No. 382637 ID: 81f32a

Don't break your guise, Armas.

>"Great. Amen, could you please show my guest our selection of alcoholic beverages?"
Good job. Now we have no more alcohol!

>>382622
>- Punt gun and 1000 gallons of blood would gain us Dunter Footwork training, not like we need more on our plate at the moment

About this. Can't Amen dilute high-grade/magical/unsavory/taboo blood we have in stock into low-grade blood that Redcaps asked from us? Amen is a grand-master blood practitioner after all, this kind of thing should come easy to him. That way we will have the blood we need immediately and will not have to sell the Punt gun.

>- And when is that 7777 Uses of Chakra coming in?
We haven't ordered it. We need to call again at 3rd February.... or we could borrow from Triads (I think we should do that)

>- Speaking of, Abdul Ghanem's contacts
Forget about Abdul's contacts! When are we going to meet the Wyld Goblin contacts that SM promised us?

>and I do still want a few hours of trap-making
Agree. I think 20 or so hours of this will be very helpful. Especially if we focus on TRAP DETECTION and REMOVAL.

I think from your list, the most important is Redcap foottraining, because if we can get them 1000 barrels of blood, they can train us in their own version of NN. That way, we will get instant upgrade.
>>
No. 382711 ID: 67d714

>The information that a whole load of spirit shamans may just have had their spirit animals evaporate may be very valuable. Log onto the Smiling One's website to let her know. Mention we're interested in finding an instructor for winter aligned divine soul manipulation.
SUST going into the Smiling One's website to whine when she warned us against whining. Keep in mind that when 2,3% of all American spirit shaman just lost their spirit animals, It's not some secret information.

>About this. Can't Amen dilute high-grade/magical/unsavory/taboo blood we have in stock into low-grade blood that Redcaps asked from us? Amen is a grand-master blood practitioner after all, this kind of thing should come easy to him. That way we will have the blood we need immediately and will not have to sell the Punt gun.
Punt Gun is why they accept to teach us (or doony blood), the blood is only because they use it in ORDER to teach us. They need both. Also, Hummingbird' going to die if you do that. SUST

>How do I respond to that?
This is a representation of our selves here. We... don't know how the representation actually works, but this bears investigating.

>What do I talk about with my brothers and bird during this private meeting of ours?
I suggest focusing on a few very important subjects:
+First would be on their skillsets: We still don't know how they prefer to fight, how act in a fight, and that is important. They will obviously work harder at getting better in their own preferences after all, so making a cohesive whole that take into account everyone's preferences is primordial. Then there is the fact that Hummingbird, SB and Sake all have skills they recently gained and don't know to use (Armas too obviously), so we should think about how to learn those skills.

+Second, is Lo Fang's lessons for this Week end. We should iscuss not only what we should aks for, but how we should ask of it. There is three main things I would desire: One is a chakra alignment that would enable Armas to learn faster, especially one that does not imbue chakra in our flesh. Secondary is sensory skills, especially spiritual sensing. Being able to sense our soul, as well as improving our soul sensing abilities, is primordial for Armas bloodline. Remember Ogrimmir's warning about the road to mediocrity. Third is finding a way to use magical saturation in one's body to do something- a chakratic path to diffuse magical saturation that could be dangerous to one's body. This is especially important for Hummingbird' survival. It is also something that we need to be careful on how to present to Hummingbird- this should be done in a way that he won't take it as a bad mark against us. It might be necessary for us to find another reason for why we know he is in danger- maybe increased sensory skill.

+Third is taking care of the doonegaes. This has been on our head long enough, and we should try and get rid of him this week end after sunday's lesson with lo fang.

>Are there any long term plans I want to try bouncing off them?
Sure, it would be good if they get more acclimated to our Minions- maybe they should take them drinking, and, while drunk, take them trolling? Anyway, we must improve l'esprit de corps.

>What questions or requests do I have for them?
Is SB confident about his ability to get the shadow of the incarcerated Nazinaute? Are our soulbrothers confident about our eye's security? We want to be able to put osuls and stuff here as soon as possible. Do they think Whaitiri would be interesting in the Nazinaute's soul? Might net us some Fleshcrafting lesson.

>Igor:
Igor should Begin a set of laminar armor in a 'jacket' style, so that ic could be wrong above traditional armor or even clothes and hopefully not arouse questions.
>>
No. 382720 ID: f6106a

Orders for Dmitrii: Night on the town! Get Satai and Nikifor to come with, then head to someplace with mafia grunts. If possible some of the ones who you helped out on the first mafia mission. Get some drinks, and see about getting some of them to come with you for a fun time, your treat. Ten or so, as it'll be a really fun time and you don't want to get stuck with a bill you can't afford. Stick to fruitier less alcoholic drinks so you don't get too drunk, using not being able to keep up with Nikifor as an excuse. Go drinking, spend some time at a club, buy dinner, and then ask the mafia grunts about working girls in the area. No way they don't know where to go to let off some steam. He's mainly just looking to make sure he and everyone else have a goodtime for now. If he doesn't meet his budget, which he probably won't just on food/drinks/clubbing, splurge more on the end and tip the girls well. Budget: 7k.

Now, for talking with bros and bird... Ask the bird if he could at other times take control of your energy and do some of his trick with your body so you can learn to do it too. That's pretty much how you learned hybrid healing, replacing hummingbird with instinct. And in return, maybe he could tap into your energy and get a feel for it while you open and change your chakras. It might give him a better sense of what chakras feel like so he can experiment with his own.
>>
No. 382723 ID: 3947e9

>>382711
>when 2,3% of all American spirit shaman just lost their spirit animals, It's not some secret information.
What is secret is that armas is the one who caused it... And we better do our damnset best to keep it that way to prevent retaliation.
Which means we should be very weary on what we sell SM about this trip.
>>
No. 382765 ID: f354ab

[Titus: I think Titus seeking out a combat sambo instructor to keep his hand in is in line with his Hobby focus. Crash Course, here we come- just a few hours a week to start, I think.]

>>382594
I'd prefer saving that for a day to get SM to take us around to all the Arenas with Duke, make introductions, and get him on the rolls of fighters- so we can repeatedly bet everything we have on him kicking everyone's asses.

Briefly worry about what this says about the quality of your respective souls, or at least your self-image - I'd have said Armas's ego would lose to no one, but there you go.

We're juggling a lot of balls in the air, as ever. I think we should poll all the assorted bros and come up with a list of things we need to get done- maybe even a numbered list based on urgency.

Which is not to say we're going to be all work- you need to have fun, too, or else what's the point?

In no particular order, the things Armas wants to get accomplished in the short and long-term:
- Doony looms large in my mind, and most of the issues with him are in place and ready to go. This place is in part informed by how we imagine it, right? Think we could make a life-size illusion of him for Hummingbird to get an idea of him?
- It would be a shame to kill Doony without wringing absolutely everything out of his corpse - such as talking with the wizard we KNOW is set against Doony's Akkorokamui master
- Professor Jagda, the untranslated Ghanem tome, and his hopefully trustworthy acquaintance the engineer vis a vis Reaper gun
-- Speaking of, Abdul Ghanem's contacts
-- Also speaking of, Reapertech! The mere! H&H!
- Chakra/charm training, Lo Fang's in particular - what do we ask for? I'm for 'getting a way to turn human into animal chakra', and the inverse :magic/animal chakra into human chakra boosts, first thing
-- And when is that 7777 Uses of Chakra coming in?
- Goblinic training. Need to start working out what charm branches we'll want to learn, since we can't do it all, and I do still want a few hours of trap-making
- The World-Eye has a lot of different paths to achieving it, though the easiest is probably getting a Laib Olmai flown in or dreamwalking to you or whatever to teach you
-- What about that Amenblood monster we have in the eye? What do we do with him?
- The Nazinaut in the basement: vampire with a touch of Elder being, and he won't last much longer; what the hell do we do with him? Besides allow Gianni a glance in exchange for fleshcrafting advice (which we can hopefully mesh with Whaitiri's eclectic knowledge to produce a workable whole)
-- This isn't likely a good idea (Elder-touched), but vampire blood has a myriad of uses. Just a thought
- How much of our business account is intact, and what did Camella and Matvey get in exchange for it?
- Check in with Hafaz - somehow. Did the Yakuza business pan out, or should we scrap it and try another way? And is Baki as magnificent a masseuse as we expect?
- Punt gun and 1000 gallons of blood would gain us Dunter Footwork training, not like we need more on our plate at the moment
- the Blood-Heart requires Doony's death as a buy-in to get the introduction to a vamp blood-master to check Amen's work, but we can sound out Amen and start gathering whatever supplies he says he'd need (check Disc thread for specifics)
- Really, the Undersewers, the Earth's Bones or even deeper- is all rife with interesting things if we ever get bored
- We have a contact we haven't yet tapped- the Smiling One. Domain master, land leaser, spirit animal trapper, and probably half a hundred other things
- Need to make sure Hillevi got outside SOMETIME during the day we were gone- and that she's not developing a weird Sean Connery girl-crush or something
- Lots of Arenas down there, if Duke and the Valk Valley Girl get bored
- Gotta keep Duke amused, too. We basically brought Grigori home with us - so we keep plying the Iron Ox with booze and entertainments, like the Arenas
-- Should we let Duke have that fight with the Bloodfiend? It'd of necessity have to take place in our mansion, which would be ruinous
- We should make a point of helping Hummingbird adapt to our new life. Part of that would be couching the people we know in animal terms. Lo Fang as a golden orb spider, Lammy as a dog, Rocco as a snake, GiaGia a cat, Camella... well, Hummingbird's probably never seen a honey badger, but it fits. Armas may not like the comparison, but SOMEBODY would probably chime in that Armas is a lot like a giant cockroach. And so on

And surely others I'm forgetting.

The bros should feel free to chime in. Anything they want or need done that the group as a whole can help with? The Dark is by its nature exclusively SB's domain, but if the others desire something...

Bird: Nectar? Or what's the name of that super-potent energy drink? Sake: Any old dishes or amusements he's missing? Feeling the desire to sleep on a bed of money recently (don't we all)? Does SB want the other Nazinaut's shadow, or should he chew on the one he has for a while first, so to speak?

Random thought at the end- the Hummingbird is sometimes very zen, and can see to the heart of matters that we with all our cleverness and wit do not. So let's ask him the answer to Trick's riddle: what is at the heart of Duke?
>>
No. 382792 ID: 431fa8

>How do I respond to that?
"None of us have changed size at all, strictly speaking. This is a spiritual realm- it is the size of your mind and spirit that is visible to others here, rather than that of your body. We were always these sizes on the inside; it's just hard to see when we're all wearing bodies. Your heart is fierce and determined beyond most others; thus you are larger. My brothers can explain the details better, but that's the gist of it."

>What do I talk about with my brothers and bird during this private meeting of ours?
Talk up this realm to the hummingbird. Try and phrase things in a way that will make him see the eye as our home or nest, and thus his as well, so that he's inclined to spend time here. "Nice, isn't it? It's much better than the first time I was here- compliments to Shadowbro for the decor. We've been working on improving it; crafting it into the finest nest for our souls that we can, as it were. It's still small for now, but one day I mean to have a whole world in here, as vast as we could want and all ours." "From the outside, others can tell that there's something in the eye but they can't tell how big it is- or that there's a place anything like this in here at all, really. It's well shielded and well protected, our hidden home." "I think we should be able to do all kinds of nifty things here- shift it as we will, make time run faster or slower, stuff like that. There's a lot to learn about how, but it'll come- just takes time and effort to learn."

If the hummingbird responds well, at some point in the conversation try to move into more casual chat, angling towards convincing him that he should stick with us for good, and want to do so.

To Shadowbro: "So the nazi vampire is a really nice thug, but it takes effort to control? How does having it affect your weight class, as far as shadows go? I remember your grade one-to-ten with percent metaphor; just how valuable is that thing?" "Should we have you get the shadow off the one we're keeping on ice?"

More generally: "I'd like to kill the Doonongaes soon. Soon as in immediately after Lo Fang's training, if we can manage it- we're running out of time here, and I don't know that we're getting enough power fast enough to justify further delays. Do you guys have any recommendations or concerns? It would probably be relatively easy to get Duke to kill him... but then I wouldn't really have rights to the body, and that's a lot of power- to eat, to give to Whaitiri, sell blood to the redcaps, maybe send the Owner a present or try and trade its brain to the wizard fighting its boss. That mostly leaves a lot of minions with magic guns for my primary plan."

>Are there any long term plans I want to try bouncing off them?
"I've been thinking of some ways to gain power- my mind keeps coming back to making magical things that rely on concepts, rather than simple 'do this' effects. I think I've got a good one. This whole leading a company experience has me thinking that a well-run company, or any organization really, is like a single creature- and the most important part of a creature is the heart. I think we can build a Heart for the company, out of the physical hearts and soul bits of everyone involved, and tie us together with it. Conceptually a Heart pumps vitality, as well as other things that the body needs, so I'm thinking that it would make us much harder to kill on an individual basis. Let us share regeneration, magical powers, thoughts, memories, skills- maybe we could even teleport to one another no matter the distance involved, since the company's members are part of the body that the heart supports. And if we're all sort of like parts of one being, maybe Shadowbro could take the role of not just my shadow, but the shadow of the whole company- I know how happy you were to get just one new shadow; think what you could do with twenty. And we could put Silja in it. Get her more people to talk to, plus maybe everyone could devour our enemies with a touch, which would be awesome. Any other Practitioners that we can get into it would be great, too, since that would give us all more power to throw around- I'd love to get Hillevi in on it just for that, but her family would probably murder us.

"This is kind of a big idea- but I think we can do it. More to the point, Amen can do it, but the whole thing is so complex that I don't think I trust even all of us combined to be able to give him the proper set of orders to do it right. I'm thinking that we need a blood magic master- or grandmaster, or whatever the term for 'really fucking good' is- to work with him on it and check over everything he does to ensure that it's not fucking us over. Hopefully between orders to Amen worded so that the other guy can't convince him to sabotage it, and the other guy checking it over, we could make it work... though obviously we'd have to somehow arrange to get an incredibly good blood manipulator on our side. I'm thinking that Cornelius can recommend a heavyweight vampire, and then it's just a matter of getting them something they want enough that they'll trade.

"And convincing everyone that letting us yank their hearts out of their chests and chunks of souls out of their, well, souls so that they can be bound indelibly to me and each other is a good idea. But that should be easy, right? Everyone loves power. And immortality, that's probably on the table too. We'll just have to make sure no one ever smashes the Heart."

>What questions or requests do I have for them?
Ask how long Sake and Shadowbro think it's necessary to wait before installing a Japanese package in us. It would be nice to have one, with the Yakuza around, but brain damage remains a nasty thing.
>>
No. 382805 ID: 252e1b

>How do I respond to that?

"This realm was literally forged in battle; the blood of Amen, my own power, and a packet of mischief by Sake from when we were still antagonizing each other ended up battling for control of my eye, and thus my body. Einrick sealed the eye, and the Winter God that sent us to the Amazon improved the seals on the eye further. With all of that, Sake and Shadowbro, the Goddess Whaitiri, and myself were able to fight and pacify the blood of Amen so that I would be safe. What was left was a closed demiplane."

"In all forms of spiritual combat willpower and focus are paramount. The reason you're so much bigger is because you're such an excellent spiritual warrior. Or at least that's my guess about why you seem bigger here."

>What do I talk about with my brothers and bird during this private meeting of ours?

We need to make plans to discredit the witnesses referenced in the intelligence report about Armas, and to destroy the evidence. That's a powerful bargaining chip against Armas right now.

"I don't have many good ideas about that besides discrediting individual witnesses and destroying tapes. I've got a half-baked notion that the investigation was all mundane though, which means that one way to derail it is to introduce the investigators to magic. Imagine the look on Adelat's face if I were to like, show up fleshcrafted to look like her and had a charm designed to make her look like me. She'd know that anything related to my appearance would be untrustworthy. If I presented it right, I could make it look like that whole mess was a frame-up done with magical help."

>Are there any long term plans I want to try bouncing off them?

"You've all seen those little model train sets right? Not the crappy ones for kids, but the ones that dads play with? With all the little houses and the little fake people wandering around and realistic terrain? And you guys have access to my memories about that game The Sims, right?"

"What I'm getting at is, couldn't we build a simulator in here? We've already got something going on with this castle and SB's personal area. And the demi-plain is malleable. If we had the right rules and could get a snapshot to kickstart from, we could even run a model of the entire world. And if you can't think of ways to use that, I just don't know what to say."

Another idea:

"Hey, I've been thinking about Miss Havoc a little. What do you guys say to getting the information from Arkvad about where she died, and going to see if we can find her? It's been a couple of months since she died, but if she was careful she could still be around. That way I could talk to her, get her permission to do something with that gun of hers."

>>382792

All good stuff but I like the heart of the company the most. It'd be worth acknowledging that the most practical way to get Hillevi in on the heart is to marry her.

>What questions or requests do I have for them?

For Hummingbird: "How old are you anyway? How many cycles of the seasons have you seen?"

If he says three years, say this "I'm about eight times as old as you," Otherwise do the math.

"I don't mean to be macabre, but I've never heard of a hummingbird living much past four years of age. Do you have post-life plans?"

"Well, I know a little about how life after death goes. Souls are mostly magic bundled up by experiences and memories, and when you die, your soul is stuck without a proper place to be. The soul, provided it is magnificent enough and isn't destroyed, sheds all of its important memories over time, and go through a process called Ascending. By the end of it, the soul is more powerful, but also not really much like its old self. Such souls usually end up thralls to gods, used as angels and agents. That's the 'good' ending for a soul."

"There's lots of bad ways for a soul to be destroyed too. The first, most simple, is to be caught out in the sunlight. Yes, even the very sun itself is your enemy when you're dead. It disintegrates souls. Another way is to lose your sense of self. If it's not anchored to something, a soul will just slowly unravel and be re-absorbed as magic energy by the environment."

"That's not counting all the things that like to eat souls. Anyway, being anchored to me like you are right now, even if you died of old age tomorrow (and I stress that you seem healthy and fine to me), you'd be able to persist safely without having to worry about any of that. And since you're anchored to my soul, and I've got a bloodline that lets me come back from being dead; well, you'd likely always have that anchor available. I think I'm effectively immortal now."
>>
No. 382809 ID: d97a61

"None of us have changed size at all, strictly speaking. This is a spiritual realm- it is the size of your mind and spirit that is visible to others here, rather than that of your body. We were always these sizes on the inside; it's just hard to see when we're all wearing bodies. Your heart is fierce and determined beyond most others; thus you are larger. My brothers can explain the details better, but that's the gist of it."
>>382637
Punt gun AND 1000 gallons of blood, as you quoted. Maybe it's just how I'm interpreting your phrasing, but I can't find any justification for how your plan would allow you to omit half the payment. If you'd either care to get on IRC and explain your proposal or reword it, I can work with it.
I have a curious moment before our meeting begins, questioning the status of my spiritual subterfuge. Sadly try as I might I still cannot see my soul-so I ask.
"My soul guise still up?"
>"Yes. Well-more specifically, it did waver far too much to be believable while you questioned how a soul guise would look without any corporeal form to go with it-but it's full in place currently."
>[Hummingbird]"I still cannot fathom what drives you giants to behave so like crows, plying subterfuge and trickery rather than stalwart determination and valiant bravery."
"I suppose it's just a difference of disposition."
>>382711
"So-I was hoping we could start by clearing something up that I think would really cut down on how much I try to bug and micromanage you guys. You all mind commenting not just on your power set, as both combat and utility aplicable, as well as your preference on how to use your tricks?"
As the Hummingbird cocks his head at me, Sake and my shadow alike sharing a smug glance while each prepare to speak both are bested as it's the bird that responds first.
>[Hummingbird]"A fair request of one whom I now protect. What I do is self taught, and as such I use terms that I found appropriate for my actions. Bear this in mind. That said-I suppose all of what I know of fighting-of everything beyond how to fly, feed and breed-comes from a book one of you giants kept near a window. The markings in the book seemed... powerful to me, and as I added them to my beak and claws, certain their shape would be proud symbols of my vigor as a warrior-I gained the start of my path. My way is that of supreme speed, of the thrust that breaks through all in it's way. I practice a confined, precise art that demands constant vigilance, sobriety and razor will. ...That said, since bonding with you my options have... expanded, and I find myself admitting this has thus far been of benefit to me. The ludicrous amounts of power you contain are wholly accessible to me-and with them I can.... have unending Vim in combat, able to happily use the most powerful tricks I know on scales I never before could achieve. As such... I am a watcher, a guard that thrives off the power of that which I need must protect, thanks to the very connection that empowers me. A... curious situation, but not one I find entirely disagreeable."
"Do you remember anything about this giant with the book? Where they lived, what they looked like, book title, any of that?"
>[Hummingbird]"Know that I still have no grasp of the scratchings you call language-I merely adopted the symbols I saw that seemed... befitting of a warrior, betwixt my many visits. I could describe the street to you I suppose, but I only found it due to a giant across the street fond of the elixir of winged bulls, and was gracious enough to offer refreshments to a visiting paragon of warriors without complaint."
"I see. Well, soul-connection plus a Soul-anchored soul manipulation bloodline-I don't really think it's a guess at al to say Vim-and Vigor, I suppose-would be Soul Manipulation. But internal or external?"
>[Sake]"The Soul Bubble is most certainly an external trick-so the question is if he does anything internal."
>[Hummingbird]"If you ask whether I... empower myself with Vim, I do not-I arm myself with it. I use precise, measured attacks to take down targets often far larger than myself."
>"Right-External Manipulator's comment if I ever heard one. It would seem-that you might even have a prospective teacher to satisfy Ogrimir's suggestion."
>[Hummingbird]"I do not know that I'd feel comfortable attempting to tutor one of you distressingly clumsy and frankly oafish giants-I do not bear you ill will due to your failings, but I likewise do not believe you could... properly use what I could teach."
>"A conversation for another time, I think. As to me-well, I shall start with my Winter bloodline-an Ice Manipulation bloodline that I've sufficiently learned Shadow Manipulation work arounds with that it now is my primary method of magic-it does result in the shadows I use consistently being cooler than the ambient temperature barring some potentially costly effort, but it is what allowed me to expand my resume. I can teleport the bodies of either of my brothers-and my soul twin's guard, the hummingbird-but it must be from within a shadow. Objects of any non-living sort, barring grossly excessive magic, are similarly transportable. I still have trouble with even the most basic of magical presences preventing me from forcing lethal unwilling transport. I suppose you could think of me as 'shadow backup'. Enemies have guns in shadow? I'd be happy to freeze up interior gun parts-even freeze shoes to the floor. Weak walls, a rickety floor-environmental damage is my forte, though I believe that will change. Now that I have a... puppet, I have something with significantly greater than human strength. Where before my personal physical might, exerted from the dark, was no longer able to measure up to my magical output, with the shadow I can break down walls, knock over trucks-and otherwise have a much larger presence on a battlefield than before. My one limitation with my puppet-I can only use him within shadow-he can't move on his own. I suppose my preference is to use my newfound freedom to scout, observe, watch and act discreetly. My skills are continuing to grow and I've made further gains with stamina-but the bird and our brother alike outclass me, in terms of battle stamina. I am best used briefly and decisively until I have a legitimate Shade-though I hope that will come soon enough."
>[Sake]"My turn I suppose. Truthfully I feel I'm being ill-used for the sake of secrecy-I am not meant to attempt considerable remote wind manipulation-it is not my forte, and never has been. I am meant to move about in a bubble of wind, a taunt to draw enemies into mid and close range-where I can trip them prone and pound them with wind manipulation. Similarly, a more active roll would let me use my bodies magic to heal on the battle. More importantly, I think your followers should be all made aware of this, so that they know I can assist them-while still conveying I could not be used too often-perhaps once per soldier per mission. Any more than that and I risk the body rejecting me-I could fight it down again with certainty, but there'd be some time where I'd be unable to act while doing so. Best avoided. So... flashy, attention grabbing evasive type that's in the vandguard and plays the healer, would be how I SHOULD be used. Along the lines of that last job, really."
"Yeah, I suppose the time of trying to hide your existence is pretty much done anyway. ...Hrm, I'll think all this over. What about the upcoming lessons with Lo Fang though? New topic I know-but the guy's got to be a treasure trove of info on all sorts of chakra stuff-and I want to get the most for my time. I'm thinking something to help me learn faster first and foremost-
>"Which I am strongly opposed to. Not a one of us has the proper faculties to detect if Lo Fang adds anything unwanted to such a taught chakra style-and we have no guarantee Einrik could detect it either. Given how... cut-throat the man's been observed to be, I think it would be most unwise to seek this out from him, however potentially rewarding."
>[Sake]"I find myself agreeing with your shadow, brother."
"Really? You both think that's a legitimate concern?"
>"I think it would be most unwise to just trust him. Do recall his profession does not frequently attract genuinely trustworthy people."
"Alright alright-what about spirit sensing related stuff that's tuned to none of my winter energy flows into my flesh?"
>"Absolutely."
>[Sake]"Agreed."
"Next-what about a way if flushing energy out of one's flesh in a hurry?"
>"Second verse, same as the first."
"Well hey, you objected to what I thought was a sure thing, had to check. SO-I think that's a solid training itinerary start. On... to a project with a deadline coming up rather soon-the Doonongaes."
>"Sure. What exactly is it about the existing 'plan' of bringing overwhelming force to a killzone is it you wish to discuss?"\
Ah... didn't think that far ahead.
>>382720
>[Dmitri has been queued to do the following:]
>FUN/SELF-INTEREST TRIGGER MET
>Convince Satai and Nikifor to come with as you (collectively) pay for a night on the town with ~10 Mafia grunts in an attempt to engender strong bonds of camaraderie.
>Stick to less alcoholic/fruitier drinks with excuse that you can't keep up with Nikifor-use sobriety to avoid debts you can't cover on outing.
>Night out will have: drinking, time at a club, a dinner and time with prostitutes.
>Use final step of night out to gain insight into how working girls are handled in area-who owns what territory.
>Budget: 7k.
"Say-that bubble trick of yours-you don't think you can teach me-well what about just showing me a few times?"
>[Hummingbird]"What exactly is it you propose?"
"Just doing what you did with my energy for the dreamer again-multiple times even. I got a feeling I might be able to pick it up in some form or other if I get to see it done enough-I mean, you ARE doing it with my energy in it's current form, right?"
>[Hummingbird]"...I see nothing disagreeable with your proffered path. Very well, ask in the flesh and I shall act."
>>382765
[Titus is now queued to do the following:]
>SELF-IMAGE TRIGGER MET
>Titus will now spend one hour each weekday attending Crash Course, brushing up on his knowledge of Sambo.
"You know... got a question here. Why IS he so much bigger in here? I mean that explanation before only covers so much-and his soul should be smaller than ours, right?"
>"Because this demiplane displays souls not based on soul volume-but on presence of will. It would seem... that our newest companion has the most stalwart will of us all, to project so clearly."
>[Hummingbird]"It is only right for such to be the case-I could hardly be a protector with a lackadaisical disposition."
>>382792
"...Cool. I've been thinking of some ways to gain power- my mind keeps coming back to making magical things that rely on concepts, rather than simple 'do this' effects. I think I've got a good one. This whole leading a company experience has me thinking that a well-run company, or any organization really, is like a single creature- and the most important part of a creature is the heart. I think we can build a Heart for the company, out of the physical hearts and soul bits of everyone involved, and tie us together with it."
>"[i]That is.. ambitious.
"
"Conceptually a Heart pumps vitality, as well as other things that the body needs, so I'm thinking that it would make us much harder to kill on an individual basis. Let us share regeneration, magical powers, thoughts, memories, skills- maybe we could even teleport to one another no matter the distance involved, since the company's members are part of the body that the heart supports. And if we're all sort of like parts of one being, maybe Shadowbro could take the role of not just my shadow, but the shadow of the whole company- I know how happy you were to get just one new shadow; think what you could do with twenty. And we could put Silja in it. Get her more people to talk to, plus maybe everyone could devour our enemies with a touch, which would be awesome. Any other Practitioners that we can get into it would be great, too, since that would give us all more power to throw around- I'd love to get Hillevi in on it just for that, but her family would probably murder us.
>"Yes.... I think we shouldn't even consider including any Valkonens in this. Doing so automatically gives us their enemies-and Markku's got more than a few on that list-and that's not even counting how hard to deal with Markku's obvious resistance would be."
"I'm still holding out hope. This is kind of a big idea- but I think we can do it. More to the point, Amen can do it, but the whole thing is so complex that I don't think I trust even all of us combined to be able to give him the proper set of orders to do it right. I'm thinking that we need a blood magic master- or grandmaster, or whatever the term for 'really fucking good' is- to work with him on it and check over everything he does to ensure that it's not fucking us over. Hopefully between orders to Amen worded so that the other guy can't convince him to sabotage it, and the other guy checking it over, we could make it work... though obviously we'd have to somehow arrange to get an incredibly good blood manipulator on our side. I'm thinking that Cornelius can recommend a heavyweight vampire, and then it's just a matter of getting them something they want enough that they'll trade.
>[Sake]"I do find the concept sound-your followers have been perturbed by the scale of battles you draw them, humans, into. What you propose would easily be a solution to that."
"Right-but I need to have a dammed solid pitch. Convincing everyone that letting us yank their hearts out of their chests and chunks of souls out of their, well, souls so that they can be bound indelibly to me and each other is a good idea-that's gonna be a hard sell, no two ways about it. But that should be easy, right? Everyone loves power. And immortality, that's probably on the table too. We'll just have to make sure no one ever smashes the Heart."
>"Defensive options exist...."
"Perfect-hoping to hear that. Still, that's kind of far off.... And actually, the next thing I wanted to focus on-kind of important here-is getting a list worked out on dealing with all the shit on my plate-specifically, an ordered list, so I have a good idea of what to tackle in what order. You all okay to help?"
>"Fior once I feel not the slightest impetus to be churlish. I'll assist."
So it is with the rest-all are happy to help on this, and slowly but surely we build....

ARMAS' MASSIVE PILE OF SHIT TO DO List, ordered for convenience.

1- Check in with Jagda and see if he wants the book we mentioned-also check on the engineering contact we requested.
2- Kill Doony, preferably AFTER finding out if we can profit from the Mongolian wizard for slaying one of his foes.
3-Check in with Arkvad and H&H, regarding Mere, Mateba and reapertech-hopefully with further findings regarding the Reapertech to share.
4- Cash in that favor with the Laib Olmai to get some external soul manipulation tutelage, possibly meet Hummingbird's expectations to later learn from him.
5-Find something to DO with the soul engine in my eye, commit to it, and do it. So far, the idea offered that's been the most well received is building some sort of wolrd eye, but we can't agree exactly what it is-so we need to iron that out too.
6- Get contacts from Abdul Ghanem.
7-Acquire goblinic training after working out what charm branches we'll want to learn, since we can't do it all, and I do still want a few hours of trap-making, no matter what SB said.
What about that Amenblood monster we have in the eye? What do we do with him?
8-Keep imprisoned Nazinaut on ice until I have a means of converting it into a servitor, or SB becomes confident he could claim it's shadow and mind alike.
9- Punt gun and 1000 gallons of blood would gain us Dunter Footwork training.
10- Company Blood-Heart, but it requires Doony's death as a buy-in to get the introduction to a vamp blood-master to check Amen's work, but we can sound out Amen and start gathering whatever supplies he says he'd need. Sake thinks we shouldn't even involve Amen, but then this'll be a long time happening, I think.

We stop there because frankly, anything more than a ten-point list is doomed to be forgotten. Sure, it's not EVERYTHING on my plate-but it deals with a damned good amount of it.

>>382792
The most interesting thing to come up is at the end of our discussion about what I should prioritize-where I idly ask Hummingbird what he thinks is at the heart of Li Kui.
>[Hummingbird]"I think him a man hiding something behind his lust for stimulation in all its forms-and that is the heart that you reference. What it is-I could not say, but I think the giant himself would tell you, given time."

After the construction of my new List, the A.M.P.O.S.T.D, I get to talking with the hummingbird about nests.
"So...what do you think of this place?"
>[Hummingbird]"While the warrior's spirit it evokes with all the trophies displayed is pleasing, the... macabre nature is a bit extreme. It's certainly tolerable, but not enjoyable. I'd be more interested in seeing this place become that 'world' plan you brought up."
"Yeah-it's not what I'd like it to be now-but our goal is to make this become a paradise like haven for our souls."
>[Hummingbird]"A noble enough goal."
"From the outside, others can tell that there's something in the eye but they can't tell how big it is- or that there's a place anything like this in here at all, really. It's well shielded and well protected, our hidden home."
>[Hummingbird]"You made note of this. I admit privacy is a valued feature for a nest."
"I think we should be able to do all kinds of nifty things here- shift it as we will, make time run faster or slower, stuff like that. There's a lot to learn about now, but it'll come- just takes time and effort to learn."
>[Hummingbird]"A decidedly birdlike thing to say."
"Thank you for the compliment. I hope you know there's a perpetual invitation to use this place as home whenever you want."
>[Hummingbird]"Aye-I could tell. Still, I thank you for verbalizing such a gracious offer. I shall reflect on it-and the offer to abandon the search for how to separate us that I know lurks behind it."
...Insightful bird.

"So SB."
>"Yes?"
"The nazi vampire is a really nice thug, but it takes effort to control? How does having it affect your weight class, as far as shadows go?"
>"I would say the shadow increases my physical strength, if counted as mine, by something between ten and fifteen times it's base-and is likely to serve as an admirable shield-but otherwise does not boost my power. It's power is... perpetually invested in it's own obdurate nature."
"I remember your grade one-to-ten with percent metaphor; just how valuable is that thing?"
>"A more difficult to answer question than I'd like. Amazingly valuable, hard to handle, woefully lacking in several areas... I suppose a grade above me, and simultaneous a higher percentile and the worst percentile possible. Not exactly a precise answer-but it is what I have."
SB glances about.
>"...Hm. I believe I'll need to work on this plane again-seems the Soul engine and the bird together push this place's boundaries-not so much in soul volume, but... variety. I suppose I'll need to reinforce the interior, if I want it to retain the ability to be partitioned."
"What, time to go?"
>"I'm afraid so. Just for reference-your body CHOSE to sleep until full recovery. A cool feature-in a way."
"Wha-"

[DISCONTINUITY]

I wake up, glancing at my clock as I yawn contedly-

And notice it's Saturday. ...What... what happened to Friday?
>"Like I said-full recovery."

My stomach rumbles in the early morning as the clock clicks over to six am.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 15TH, 2011
PERSONAL FUNDS: $106, 091.18
BUSINESS FUNDS: $497,500.00
CASH: $1,255.75
SHADOW PATIENCE: 100%

I hear noise in the house-I think I heard Einrik's voice as well as Duke's. Hm.









What's my plan for the day outside of the Lo Fang lessons, and what do I plan to wear while I do my thing?
>>
No. 382922 ID: f354ab

Saturday. Duke has been left on his own for 24 hours. And now Einrik is here too. This bodes... well, it will be interesting.

I suggest we give SM that tidbit about the Dreamer dying and most of the shamen who bought souled animals from the Amazon now losing a good chunk of their power to get him to get him to take us around to multiple arenas, make introductions, get Duke (and Einrik, if he's interested) in, and get us into the betting (plus change services if those aren't offered: gold for our cash if cash isn't accepted as tender down there, that sort of thing), generally smoothing the way. Repeatedly bet the farm on Duke, double or triple our money before people catch on that he's someone to be feared. Even then, even if we only get 1:1 odds or worse, we'll still make out like a bandit.

Also, if we're palling around with Duke for a while (or even better, Duke and Einrik), talk to them about honey badger spirit animals. Can Einrik think of a better spirit animal for Camella, anywhere in the world? Because I can't. We could name it Samson, and have its little furry coat and cute face totally cover up the fact that it's a merciless, relentless ball of rage and 'don't give a fuck'. So yeah, a lot like Camella.

Make sure not to forget Lo Fang's lesson, we NEED to make that meeting. Pity we still aren't good at soul guise while working with chakra, Lo Fang is gonna see whatever he wants to see from our soul; maybe if we drop into hi-speed telepathy whenever we need to think/do chakra... for all six hours... yeah, that probably won't work.
>>
No. 382926 ID: 81f32a

>What's my plan for the day outside of the Lo Fang lessons

Would be nice to meet Camella, Matyev and Hafaz and get the full report on the meeting.

We might want to spend several hours on the Chakra "Homework" that we were give before going to the Lo Fang lessons.

Oh, and don't unintentionally break your guise (we might want to drop it when we meet Lo Fang though)
>>
No. 382944 ID: f6106a

Dmitrii orders: Talk with Satai, Feodor, Ivan and Andrei. All four of them probably aren't too keen on hand to hand combat, so he's going to ask if they want to put in less hours of Ito training/work that he'll cover. They get more time off to work on their own things or relax, he gets more training and some extra cash from working more hours. He'll try and leave his Friday nights free though.

I'm for selling SM that the reason spirit animals went poof is because they were illusionary souls made by a dreamer in <insert name of forest we were in> here that was recently killed. Especially if it gets us to the Arenas with Duke and the ability to bet a shitload on him. Actually, perhaps sell SM on the idea of giving Duke something to mask his power so SM can bet heavily on him at the last second too. And sell that to Duke under the guise of "Won't the look on their faces be priceless? Especially if you go up against something really powerful looking like you're some puny-ass bloodline mortal and surprise surprise you're matching the thing blow for blow?"
>>
No. 382982 ID: 252e1b

>>382809

Get up, get dressed, look around your room for anything you might have forgotten about (like perishables left out or whatever). Then go downstairs and talk to Einrik and Duke. Get some breakfast if Boris already made some, otherwise make something for yourself and anyone else who wants to eat.

Call ahead to Lo Fang and ask if you can bring your friend to meet him. The one he was impressed with (Hillevi). If he's for it, bring her along (she can meet the Triads while she waits) or alternatively just have her come at the end of the training session. We did promise Lo Fang an introduction to her, after all.

I really want to spend more time with Hillevi. Maybe introduce Hillevi to Silja?

Friday Orders for Lyubov

Buy a netbook computer ($300) and a decent quality digital camera ($200), 3 extra casual outfits ($300), two workout outfits ($200),

Lyubov will spend much of the day seriously researching different forms of identification that Turkey considers valid, with an eye toward picking identities that are unlikely to be thrown out of the country outright (i.e. countries that Turkey has a good relationship with) and will either be less likely to be spotted as frauds (easier to copy or reputations for being harder for Turkish officials to work with) or which could be issued by authorities that are more likely to be vulnerable to corruption (i.e. officials involved in the identity confirmation chain who have low salaries and few audits), so that the identities return as being valid. This isn't likely to bear fruit without snooping around in person and with a budget, but it'll give her a general background to work with for buying convincing forgeries.

She will also look into forgeries from companies outside the country (the internet is rife with China-based printers who make very convincing fakes), and will get price quotes from the Mafia and Triad contacts she has met, for both good long-term ID and disposable identities.

Finally, she will make time to corner Sake alone and talk to him, since she now knows he's sapient and can talk. Mostly she'll just be curious about him, but since she can remember how much booze Sake drank at the "Back in Istanbul Party" she'll make sure to bring a couple of expensive bottles of sake ($250) to help the conversation along. As soon as she learns he's capable of reproducing sounds she's going to pull out her guitar and jam with him.

Saturday Orders for Lyubov

More research along the same lines. Lyubov will be keeping a written journal of what she learns.

When she starts to feel sick, she'll go ask Sake directly if he can tell what's wrong (since he's a magic healer and all).
>>
No. 382983 ID: 67d714

>>382922
>>382944
Any hints about Duke to SM should be first checked out with Duke first. So, let's ask Duke if he would be interested in Arena fighting underground. Also, I am pretty sure Armas might be able to swing Arena fighting for Duke without paying anything to SM- after all, a hint or two about Duke's ability should be enough for SM to want to get on the betting. If we do decinde to sell the information about the dreamer being killed and the resulting 'spirit animal' vanishing, We should try to get something worthwhile from it- Maybe a book about Chakra (no need for it to be about Goblinoic Chakra), or one about spirit animals. Twould be good if it was in a language we could read, too.

>>382982
Hey, Hillevi going there could be interesting, but Hillevi also should be warned about Lo Fang being incredibly dangerous- and not in the usual way. It could serve as plunging her into another kind of danger, but I am not sure Hillevi's up to it quite yet.

>Duke and Einrik
Well, Keep up your 'normal' soul guise Armas, and see what's this discussion is about. I am thinking Einrik might actually benefit from sparring against Duke, as he should be able to not die from a slap or two. Hopefully, that is. Otherwise, talk to the people here, and get a report on what happened while you were asleep, and if everyone has managed to occupy themselves. We should also ask Einrik if our souls has changed somehow, as 'stuff happened'. This might be a good way for Armas to gauge his soul guises better.

>Hummingbird
Well, we did ask his help for external soul manip, so maybe we should try to get on that for a bit. I am particularly interested on those methods he used before having so much energy courtesy of Armas. Maybe he has ways to enhance a single fist under a bubble or something?

>Men Yung Homework
Hey, that sounds cool.

[IGOR]:
After going to the Museum, Igor has been thinking quite a bit about old fashioned armors he could do, and has burned his whole pay buying tools and 'ingredients' for trying to begin making armor. He is taking his sweet time trying to insert steel into a jacket in such a way as to make a “laminar steel jacket” as a first project. Though he is pretty sure it won't amount to much, he thinks it's going to be good practice, and is willing to take his time building experience. He has also been practicing and teaching at Ito's gym dutifully.
>>
No. 382985 ID: 431fa8

>>382809
>What's my plan for the day outside of the Lo Fang lessons,
Eat a lot.

We need to meet with Camella, Matvey, and Hafaz and get reports on their activities. They can hear what we've been up to as well- leave out Duke's actual name, but the basics can all get sketched out. Also, they hear our story after we hear theirs- benefits of rank, and our tiny way of ensuring that they don't give us a half-assed report. This was a serious business meeting and we're the boss; we get to hear all the details.

When their debriefing is finished, congratulate Camella on upholding the company's nascent tradition of making shit go completely insane, and teasingly express our admiration at her ambition in apparently being on track to score with a Ruling Dragon. That's way more impressive than we've ever planned to shoot for, but she's never been one to think small.

Hunt up Hillevi and learn what she's been up to over the past couple days. We need to start working on her social development; see >>378377 for a tack to take on this. If she is still watching TV, advise her strongly to stop wasting time with it; if she's watching more than an hour of television a day she is doing something profoundly wrong with her life. Honestly, letting her watch TV constantly is a major black mark on our performance as her guardian; we need to be teaching her things, or at least trying to, not letting her rot.

Complete
>1- Check in with Jagda and see if he wants the book we mentioned-also check on the engineering contact we requested.
On our to-do list; there's little reason that we can't accomplish that this morning.
>>
No. 383018 ID: d97a61
File 132781498715.png - (61.89KB , 318x470 , Always bet on Duke.png )
383018

>>382944
>[Dmitri is queued to do the following:]
>Converse with Satai, Feodor, Ivan and Andrei about picking up hours from them at Ito's as instructors, if he gets the pay they'd have gotten for their time. Needs a response from at least one individual to continue.
>Keep those Friday nights open.
>>382982
>[Lyubov has already done the following:]
>Spend $300 acquiring a netbook.
>Spend $200 on a digital camera.
>Spend $300 on a trio of casual outfits.
>Spend $200 on a pair of workout outfits.
>[Total spent: $1,000]
>Lyubov learns the names of the following countries as having excellent relations with Turkey: New Zealand, Denmark, Macedonia, Chile, Australia, and to a lesser extent the United States and India.
>Lyubov, while not fully successful in identifying which passports are easiest to fake, does learn that Australian passports are frequently falsified.
>Unable to make progress on identifying corrupt organizations to bribe into providing documentation.
>Corner Sake. Be Alice in Wonderland, mystified by creature and honest about it.
>Ensure success of interactions with $250 of liquor for meet and greet.
>Convince Sake to make sweet, sweet, music with her. Sake obliges, and at that point was too drunk to mock her talent.
>[Lyubov has been queued to do the following:]
>Talk with Triads and Mafia contacts, establish what prices long term, dependable and disposable identities run. (Price ranges: $650-1000 US for disposable, $5,500-$11,000 for dependable. Note the disposable is presumed capable of passing cursory inspection, rather than being bottom of the barrel.)
>Approach Sake while Armas is at training, mention she feels under the weather, and ask if he knows what's up. Instead of answer, receive rejuvenating weasel snugglerub, become well.
>>382983
>[Igor has been queued to do the following:]
>Spend all funds on metalworking equipment [Must specify equipment to finish purchase. Prices encouraged.]
>Begins attempting to make laminar steel jackets. Has no idea what he's doing until he's ironed out how he will be accomplishing this. I.E. how he will work the metal to render it laminar if that is his goal, and what kind of jackets he intends to use-will he make them himself, buy them, what make will they be-etc.
>If nothing else, continues to improve understanding of metalwork as time passes.
>>382922
>>382926
>>382985
After verifying my newly established 'default' soul guise is up and running fine, I get dressed in the very same style of Orange zoot suit I made Amen wear when I first acquired him over my now obligatory under armor underwear, knowing I'll need it later in the day. Dressing, I don't hear anything break or any shouting-so I tentatively assume Duke and Einrik are not, in fact, killing one another just now. Nevertheless, my brilliantly polished white boots shimmy across the heavy carpet as I make my way out of the room and downstairs. I decide to move past the minor detail that that clearly wasn't the room I normally use for sleeping as I finally get a good luck at what's going on.

Hillevi, the TV on and forgotten behind her, is looking on in interest as Amen restrains a decidedly cheerful but nevertheless struggling Duke in his grasp. Einrik converses with the man as if nothing's amiss-and by their words, you could hardly notice that Duke's doing his damnedest to reach Einrik.

>[Einrik][In English]"I am flattered by your interest in me-and would indeed be happy to fight you. However, I do believe we could choose a better venue than this-as I've already said."
>[Duke][In English]"Entirely possible-but does not a fight lose some of it's luster when delayed? THey should be as spontaneous and natural as life itself."
>[Einrik]"Even if it means ignoring the goodwill shown you by a host that has kept you well in spirit?"
>[Duke]"I'm sure he'd understand how important it is to satisfy one's urges as a warrior."
>[Einrik]"What of the cook that took it upon himself to try and make the meals you demanded-can you deny the effort Boris put into making the dishes of your choosing? Would you fight when doing so would mean putting him at risk?"
>[Duke]"He could vacate the premises while we had our tussle, it-"
>[Einrik]"You'd kick people out of their home to use it for a no-holds barred brawl that could well destroy many things they deem precious within said home?"
>[Duke]"Well see-"
>[Einrik]"Behind all that though, there is STILL the issue of Amen here rather adamantly refusing to let you fight, irrelevant of your desires."

At this, finally, Duke is forced to relent-and a few breaths later is released by Amen.
>[Duke]"So... what, then?"
>[Einrik]"I was thinking we could use one of the arenas here-but a moment. Good morning, host-a fascinating guest you returned with. It is always fortuitous to meet a Heavenly Spirit, or so I hear."
"That so? I'll be sure to remember it."

I stalk my way downstairs, in a fey fit deciding to focus on Attention and ghost by the Russians downstairs, even going so far as to stalk the kitchen while Boris cooks, happily stuffing my face with meals the moment he finishes them. Even as I watch the confusion build up about his soul, I continue to dance ever to his back, away and out of sight, before exiting the room having eaten eight plates of food... in twenty minutes.
>[Boris][In Turkish]"Ah... breakfast will be delayed."
>[Vlad][In Russian]"WHAT DID YOU DO SHIT-FACED COOK!?"
>[Boris][In Russian]" GO EAT A GRENADE YOU TOWER OF FAT, IT'LL JUST BE A BIT LONGER."
Vlad rumbles in a manner not unlike a disgruntled hippopotamus. It is simultaneous comical and foreboding-and I don't feel like getting within arm's reach of the man. I take some time to sit and chat with the Russians, making no indication I ate everyone's breakfast. Instead, I get them-and indeed, Duke and Einrik alike-interested in a show I catch on TV-some of the UFC fighting from back in the states. We collectively absorb more Russians until all but Gloom and Andrei are happily heckling the fight-and for the first time in a long time, I pass some time, not trying to accomplish anything-and simply have some relaxed fun. It's a nice change of pace, for the hours the fight's on. But sadly, it comes to an end soon enough.

Guise still up, I'm en route to one of the restrooms to wash up when Camella comes in the door, lightly panting as she pulls out ear buds, clearly having just finished a jog. She starts speaking the moment her Attention lands on me.
>[Camella][In Italian]"Oh hey. You're awake, you sack of lazy bones."
"That's BOSS Lazybones to you. And really? Italian?"
>[Camella]"We speak your tongue or someone else's all the time-and I know you speak it now. Think of it as practice for future work negotiations."
"Sure, why not. So-the low down on what's been cracking, if you don't mind. I hear the meeting was interesting."
>[Camella]"Right now?"
"Right now."
>[Camella]"Fine. Spook-gave the name Mr. Granite. used a fake accent-went with Australian most of the time, but it strayed a bit into Cockney a few too many times-I don't know what his voice normally sounds like, but whatever it is, I didn't hear it. I got to explain our resources in non inflammatory terms, he was appreciative of the resources we could leverage, then things got interesting. Vampire waiter startled me-which it should NOT have been able to do. I made a snap decision in error, and pinned the waiter to the wall with my soup spoon."
"Did you now."
Camella fights with a smile and a scowl-and I don't know which one she wants to do more.
>[Camella]"Mr. Granite then had the mistaken impression I'd fatally attacked a human civilian-officially he claims he cannot snap-identify vampires-and he moved to subdue me, under the impression I was committing homicide. I was able to render the agent insensate without causing him harm-but not before his resistance had involved a number of other patrons-specifically, vampires and what I presume were orcs. As the situation escalated, someone bumped the Owner's table, and ended up spilling wine on his suit."
"I will assume this is where the fight was killed."
>[Camella]"You could say that. The one that knocked over his glass just... evaporated like steam. This did not appear to be a pleasent process. The gentlemen informed the remaining fighters to halt-and they did so. I took this as my cue to follow suit. While the Owner was individually having customers either vacate or sit back down, he seemed surprised to see me-I presume he had not properly identified me when the situation began."
"Surprised how?"
>[Camella]"I think he did not expect a human. I explained the situation, and he decided it was not my fault. At this point, he was ready to level the blame on Mr. Granite, but I interceded on his behalf. Ultimately, neither of us were held responsible. Due to how this played out, Mr. Granite left with the observation he was now thoroughly impressed-as any group with an officer that can impress a ruling dragon is worth respect."
I begin a slow clap.
"Bravo. This is far more impressive than I've ever planned to shoot for so far, but then you've never been one to think small."
Surprisingly, at this Camella.... smirks?
>[Camella]"I should also mention I was invited back for a private dinner to talk with the Owner."
"I heard. I don't suppose that's also something you'll report on?"
>[Camella]"If I feel like it. There anything more, Boss lazybones?"
"Now? No. Have some fun, why don't you."
>[Camella]"Don't worry, I plan to."
With that she's on her way, presumably off to change and then go to Ito's-or not. I realize I don't really know her schedule.

Next thing I do, while keeping an eye on Einrik and Duke as they discuss specifics of how they'll fight, is call Jagda. After I explain the nature of the call, I get a rather clear answer: He's not interested in the book at all, but is thankful I chose to give him such a removed sample, and still seems keen to be kept as a reference. He also gives me the number of a man named Hamlet Hanson, a scholarship student at the university that grew up at a religious orphanage, but has become radically atheist due to events Jagda terms private that revolve around him getting the orphanage shut down. He is apparantly rather bright-and is quite well versed in electrodynamics and aerodynamics, and has access to the university wind tunnel as well as the majority of their engineering departments. Seems like he's strapped for cash to stay enrolled-and has no issue doing irregular jobs to make ends meet. Sounds like a good candidate to me-but for now, I simply plug the number and name into my phone.

From there though-I briefly interject into Einrik and Duke's continuing conversation.
"Hey-quick question, you guys want to fight in one of the arenas around here right?"
>[Einrik]"It seems the most equitable solution for us, yes."
"Well I was actually planning to get an introduction to one of them today-you guys interested, or do you have an arena picked out?"
Einrik looks questioningly at Duke, who shrugs.
>[Duke]"Makes no difference to me. If you want to pick the place-go for it."
"Also Duke-if I can arrange other fights for you, you mind me betting on them?"
>[Duke]"So long as you give me a taste of the winnings, I don't mind a bit-but a man's got needs, and money speaks."
"All right. Well, real quick: Since I think you might not get recognized, what with being stuck in the Amazon so long-is that you fight in the arena a few times first, THEN have your fight with Einrik."
>[Duke]"Unknown fighters do get great odds to exploit... hrm, yeah, sounds good."
"Great. I'll be back in a moment."

I step into a room, order Amen to keep the sound within imperceptible to those outside it save the Sometimes Merchant-and call the very same individual.
"Hey. So, I'm sure you've heard about the missing spirit animals, right?"
From within my left armpit:
>[SM]"Of course-the abrupt disappearance of 2.3% of the spirit animals on an entire continent is something one takes note of. What of it?"
"Well, if you haven't yet figured out what the common connection is, I could have some info to sell.
>[SM]"Oh? I know the country the issue originated in-do you know more?"
"Heh. So, how nice of an introduction to one of the arenas under Istanbul could I get for telling you that a slumbering animal called a 'Dreamer' by one that knew of it was the source of all those spirit animals-more accurately, those FAKE spirit animals?"
>[SM]"...I believe you could be given a personal box from witch to view events, place bets, and in general view the events in opulence. I think you could get complete access to the lists both as a personal competitor and as a sponser of other fighters. I think I could introduce you directly to the manager of an Arena. I think I could make you an instant friend to the entire arena management team. What do you say to that?"
"I say I'd like to cash that in-today, in about two minutes. By the mansion?"
>[SM]"An emissary will be there to make introductions for you, and to serve as guide. Was there anything more?"
"At the moment? Nope."
>[SM]"Until the next time, Mr. Laine."
*click*

Hanging up, I take a moment to not just put away my phone, but once more assure myself I'm maintaining my default soul guise. It's a bit unnerving, but it takes so little effort it's rather hard to be sure I'm still sustaining it. Even with SB having promised to inform me should it slip, I continue to think about it and doubt. I wonder if it is that concern for it's condition that's making it easier to maintain? Time will tell I suppose. I push those thoughts aside, maintaining my personal image as I step back out of the room and motion to Duke and Einrik.

"So hey-got that invite I mentioned. Now work?"
>[Duke]"Damned right it does."
>[Einrik]"Well there it is then. Lead the way."
I don't bother questioning it as Hillevi tails after us-I know that look on her face. That's her 'I'm going to bull-headedly do this no matter WHAT' look. Not worth it. Soon enough, with Sake floating at my side, the bird perched upon the weasel's wiggling head, I and my three human companions take a stroll into the sewers. As promised, a masked goblin awaits us. He wordlessly begins leading us-and as we walk, I decide to ask a question born of trollish thoughts.
>"I still don't see how you're going to get her to accept it."
Sh.

"So-it's my understanding both of your know a fair bit about Spirit Animals, yes?"
>[Einrik]"One could say that."
>[Duke]"I suppose."
"Say I wanted to get a Honey Badger spirit animal-that I could give to someone else. What would be my best way to see that done?"
>[Duke]"If money's not an issue, just put up a big enough bid on one of the auction sites-the bigger the bid, the faster the results. If you do that, I could help you figure out which offers are real, and which scams."
>[Einrik]"I'd recommend going to the area the species is indigenous, and bartering goods or services for such an ensouled animal. It might take longer, but would probably cost you notably less."
"Huh. All right, thanks for the tips."

The rest of the walk transpires without further conversation, and soon enough the masked goblin leads us into a rough-hewn tunnel, down a long, winding spiral staircase without any lights at all. Were it not for SB, I'd likely be groping along blindly-but once more he gives me a rough image-though this time based off the matter his shadow touches, a flickering glimpse of what lies beneath the murk. At the end of the tunnel is a sheer wall of stone-that the goblin walks through like air. Steeling myself I follow after-

To find us now standing within a massive cave, its gargantuan domed ceiling replete with brilliantly glowing bioluminescent mosses and chandelier-like mushrooms. Below.... the ground, once sloping to some central point, has been terraced, each level complete with walls and ledges, perches from which I feel the swelling souls of thousands. I know now I look at a massive, semi-spherical cave converted into an 'open air' coliseum-and wish we could see the action from where we stand. Soon enough we've been led to the entrance-or an entrance, at least. There are words said-the language eludes me-and a fat, furred creature with knife-like fangs unctuously dry rubs his hands as he escorts us to a private box. Once there, we are met by what looks like a strange cross between a man, a saber-toothed tiger and a bear-a towering pile of fur with a mouth large enough to swallow its own torso. As the beast begins speaking I realize the goblin discretely slipped away.... some day I'll measure up to them...
>[Arena Manager][In Turkish]"Greetings, Friend of Goblins, to the Gut Feaster House of Entertainment. We'd be happy to have you participate, bet, or offer fighters-or any combination therein! Simply place your hand on that circular stone over there and verbalize your intentions-it will paraphrase your commands and verify them with you-confirm and you're done, simple as that. Just please be aware the system is fully interfaced with the currently popular mortal methods of storing wealth as electrical data. Now, please enjoy this complementary room-it's been rendered most discrete, as all our VIP seating has. This box is yours until such time as you do not frequent Gut Feaster for a season. Again, welcome-and enjoy your time here."

With that, our introductions conclude, the clearly busy arena manager departs-and we're left to our devices. Not wanting to waste any time-I put my hand on the stone.

"I'll bet on Duke."
>[Stone]"DO YOU WISH TO SUBMIT A FIGHTER TO BE IDENTIFIED AS 'DUKE'?"
"Yes."
>[Stone]"IDENTIFY PARTICIPANT BY HAVING PARTICPANT TOUCH THE INTERFACE."
"Duke, you mind-"
I don't get to finish as the spectacled man slaps his hand down on the console.
>[Stone]"NEW FIGHTER 'DUKE' REGISTERED. WHAT IS TO BE BET?"
"I want to be all my money on him."
>[Stone]"CONFIRM: ALL FUNDS BELONGING TO: ARMAS LAINE ARE TO BE BET ON NEW PARTICIPANT: DUKE?"
"Yes."
>[Stone]"BET ACCEPTED. ODDS: 2:1 INITIAL BOUT ARRANGED. BEGINS IN TEN SECONDS."
"You know Duke, I'm going to be downright sad if you get your butt whipped out there."
>[Duke]"You know, I think you'll come to learn that you should always bet on Duke."
>[Einrik]"We'll see."

So it is that Duke vanishes from our box-a simple cube, twenty feet to a side-as the far wall resolves into a crystal clear image, showing a blood-stained fighting pit, the last loser being dragged off the field. Introductions are made. I don't really pay attention beyond verifying that they don't seem to really know who Duke is based on the introductions-and that his foe doesn't seem like much-just some big lizard without magic.

Thirty three seconds of watching the beast torn to pieces while Duke appears to simply stand there later, and-

PERSONAL FUNDS: (+100% value) $212, 182.36

Well... that was easy. ...Damn, it didn't register the Business funds as mine? I don't know if that's a glitch on their part-or if they've got AMAZING recognition systems for ensuring it's legitimately someone's money. Could well be you can't bet company funds-only personal. If that's so, that's disappointing-but in a way good to know. I decide to bet on Duke again, as I see he's rather adamant about fighting again. After some back and forth, I get the interface to let me register Duke for what I asked for-the most dangerous challenge he could get (as my effort to find longer odds to beat even with his impressive first round), and being offered an 'ENDURING WARRIOR CHALLENGE, which seems to match a warrior against a series of a dozen fighters each chosen to match their skill level. I get the oh-so wonderful odds of 15/8-and wonder if this means they already know just how awesome Iron Ox is.

While he spends the next three hours gleefully fighting a serious of warriors that all tower over him and carry car-sized magic weapons, I occupy myself finally doing that homework Meng Yun assigned me, and working on my Overcharged Reinforcement precision. I get Hummingbird to assist, along with Hillevi, both of them randomly poking and prodding me with variable density magical fields-Hillevi using a chakratically derived Valkonen bloodline technique, the bird still using his tried and true soul bubble. Between the two divergent systems, each independently fluctuating, and the distraction of the fight, it's hell, flat out. I keep overcharging one too far, or the other not enough, for the first two hours. It's only the final hour that I start to feel slightly less embarrassed with how divergent my responses are. Then again, as I noted it WAS two new systems at the same time-and I was being struck roughly half again as often as I was when training with Meng Yun. Between this and my impending Lo Fang lesson, I think I'll be okay. What pleases me most is that through it all-I actually manage to almost maintain my soul guise, almost never dropping it! It's a sure hell of a lot better performance than the last time I tried to sustain a soul guise while multitasking for prolonged periods.

My practice ends as Duke finishes murdering his twelfth and final foe, his suit completely untouched.

PERSONAL FUNDS: (+87.5% value) $397,841.93

...Nice.

Sadly, from here... I can't find a single way to get a fight for duke where the winnings wouldn't be pitiful. Seems two fights was all I got before they properly clocked his weight class-as being above the arena's standards. This is when I ask about an exhibition match-and get Einrik and Duke's match set up. Here's the problem though-between introductions, the matches, arranging this and that-by the time I've got their bout set up, my clock buzzes to let me know it'll be four o'clock in half an hour. Hillevi chooses to stay and watch-as does Sake. So it is that, with just my shadow and bird as my companions, I make my way through the sewers along the same express path Hillevi used, to pop up at the docks. I'm thankfully not late, and march in at 3:58PM-

To see Lo Fang waiting for me, still dressed in a business suit.

>[Lo Fang]"You are punctual. Passable. Would you care to comment on how you knew of the health condition of my men after that job?"
He.... isn't QUITE as unreadable as normal. I know I've still got my soul guise up, so he can't see the godling or imperial or cannibal bits of my soul-hopefully-but despite this when I look at his soul I... doubt.

What I see.... is a normal soul. Perfectly average, dull, ho-hum and lackluster. A soul that's made out of the background, not even worth my time. I KNOW it to be a lie-and all the same, simply looking at it I feel my certainty his soul must be brilliant fading.
>"A mimetic attack to make others underestimate him?"
Could be.

Yet despite the strangeness of his soul, today... Lo Fang seems pleased.

It's weird.






Do I offer him an explanation?
Other than: learning a non-physically based spiritual perception boosting chakra orientation ,and learning of chakra flushing techniques, is there anything else Armas should attempt to learn tonight?
What do I plan to say when he questions my tie-nesting hummingbird?
Be warned Lo Fang plans to work Armas to exhaustion-so note he should NOT fully commit if you don't want him excessively drained by the conclusion of the training. Also be aware avoiding such exertion will lessen the effectiveness of the training.
>>
No. 383024 ID: a7b5b4

Whatever other explanation may be used in the end, open up with "I'm just that damn good." and wait until the silence gets just short of awkward before saying whatever else with a shit-eating grin.

Meanwhile, Vlad gets an idea for a custom shotgun to make once he's got enough skill to do so and starts making notes for later reference. With this in mind, he makes a few additions to his daily internet scrounging regimen, looking for information on handloading, casting bullets and casings, and other such ammunition construction things, along with a bit more metallurgy.

When the opportunity to do so arises, he'll be bothering Armas to find out if there may be anyone he knows with existing experience in gunsmithing or fabricating ammunition, figuring it'd be nice to have people to consult or possibly get occasional lessons from. Another subject to come up would be buying professional fabrication equipment for weapons or ammunition with company money, arguing that if he's going to be a munitionist, it'd be nice to have the proper tools for the job. Likewise, he'll be querying if it's okay to requisition standard ammo on the company dime, and if there's anyone he might be connected to who sells more obscure ordnance because he'll be damned if he can figure out where to get 23mm shotgun rounds on the civilian market. Lastly, he'd jokingly comment about maybe trying to acquire a pet bear since he'd always wanted one and the mansion isn't exactly lacking for room. Later on during one of the usual bullshitting (AKA drinking) sessions amongst the crew, he'd mention being willing to give occasional shotgunning lessons to interested parties so others can better enjoy a gun with some proper BOOM behind it.
>>
No. 383026 ID: f6106a

Return his pleased look followed by a "No" Maintain Soul Guise at all times.

If he questions hummingbird, explain Lo Fang as the most devious spider to be found to hummingbird. Maintain Soul Guise.

Go all out on the training, but maybe include how to best invest spiritual energy into weapons designed to make use of it. And of course maintain the soul guise at all times.
>>
No. 383030 ID: f354ab

Do note this soul, Armas. THIS is what we're going to aspire to for our 'boring mortal' soul guise.

Let's just go full-tilt, exhaustion or no. Anything less would be an insult to this man's time.

>Do I offer him an explanation?
>What do I plan to say when he questions my tie-nesting hummingbird?
I think the answer to these should be intertwined. Say simply, "So Go Ping mentioned it after all. I'll be up-front since you have been kind enough to grant me tutelage: I recently acquired a little friend that is quite good at sensing that kind of thing. Can't say I know what it was, but he knew something was off."

Basically, let him draw his own conclusions: we have a Hummingbird spirit animal now. Hummingbirds are ALWAYS Sensor types, am I right? Case closed.

>Is there anything else Armas should attempt to learn tonight?
I want to learn 'spirit flushing' in a very specific application- learning a chakra configuration that entirely floods a being attached to our soul with our power, leaving no Winter energy in our flesh. Even in our 'feed SB' configuration, some of that must be going to our shitty, inefficient stealth- I want a full, balls-to-the-wall, all-power-to-the-forward-engines button that pumps Armas's cadre of Bros (or at least one bro at a time) to maximum.

As a sideline if we manage to get that down before the 6 hours are up, a way to do the opposite and leech out our overpowering soul (thereby at least extending the time Hummingbird would stay alive) would be gravy.
>>
No. 383180 ID: 31afe3

Rostislav loves beer. Specifically, he likes Zhigulyovskoye beer. However, the 'authentic' brew from his hometown is prohibitively expensive to import. So he's going to be searching for a new favourite. Time to begin the hunt! Other Russians are free to join in, if they'd like to hunt for The Best Damn Beer In Istanbul. Once a night, if he has time, he will seek out a bar or pub near the Mansion. His budget for these excursions is 100 - 400 dollars a night, no more than that. This will be a long-term plan/goal, more like a hobby.
>>
No. 383246 ID: 252e1b

>>383024
>Whatever other explanation may be used in the end, open up with "I'm just that damn good." and wait until the silence gets just short of awkward before saying whatever else with a shit-eating grin.

No, let's not please. Let's use puns instead. Lo Fang likes puns.

"I'll admit it, I didn't personally detect it. A little friend told me. I'd have said "a little bird" but that would just be corny given present company."

"This is the Hummingbird. A Rufous Hummingbird, to be precise about his species. He's attached to me at present. He's declared himself my defender."

>>383018
>Do I offer him an explanation?
Yes, of course. See above

>Other than: learning a non-physically based spiritual perception boosting chakra orientation ,and learning of chakra flushing techniques, is there anything else Armas should attempt to learn tonight?

That's plenty to learn, but getting his Stealth orientation "tuned up" might be a good idea too.

>What do I plan to say when he questions my tie-nesting hummingbird?

See above. But we should talk to the Hummingbird too.

"Hummingbird, this teacher is one of the very best in his field. I mean, there are masters, and there are grand masters, and there are masters of grand masters, and he's up there near or at the top of that last group in terms of raw skill. Getting instruction from him like this is a valuable thing, and I really don't want to squander it."

"You've seen how my soul brothers have tried to help me stay on task with other things, from the guise to just reminders about things. Keeping focused is something I need to improve on; it's just obvious."

"You know that you've got the most willpower of us all. Could you help me make the most of this teaching opportunity and lend me some of that iron will of yours? If I can stay focused longer I'll be able to learn more thoroughly, and thus be able to better apply what I learn toward protecting my flock."
>>
No. 383254 ID: 67d714

Keep up the Soul Guise- Even if we do end up dropping it a few times, it's great practice. Also, it could be worth it to have SB analyze Lo fang the moment we drop it to see if he feels/look any different (shows a reaction).

>Do I offer him an explanation?
>>383030
For that point, I think this intertwining can work. Deceptive truthfulness all the way. If it doesn't, Armas can then precise the little friend he was talking about was a newly acquired Ramidreju. Sake made it pretty clear he wanted to stop being a secret, after all.

>Other than: learning a non-physically based spiritual perception boosting chakra orientation ,and learning of chakra flushing techniques, is there anything else Armas should attempt to learn tonight?
Given we just slept a day, I am a bit wary of Armas sleeping another day after this lesson and missing tomorrow's, so maybe he could try a technique that let him use magical saturation to resplenish/rejuvenate/rest when he gets excessively exhausted? This way if we are in danger of sleeping too much, we can eat a lot before going to sleep and have Sake providing us a energy/healing giver which would help us sleep. Armas should also try to see if he could learn a spiritual perception boosting chakra orientation that is specialized in sensing soul and another in sensing chakra if there is a difference between the two, so that Armas can 'steal' chakra techniques of others. That would be a great troll to copy one's technique mid fight. Other ideas could include at last learning a real stealth chakra orientation, or a speed one. Likewise, Armas should think about what he is learning, and realize its importance. Not only is this vital to safeguarding our greed and bloodline, but it is also needed if we want to learn fleshcrafting, and we NEED this because:

[1st April Troll Plan] A proposal for a birthday troll: learn enough fleshcrafting and that technique of lo fang to 'soul-guise' for other people if possible in order to fleshcraft+soul-guise everyone in the mansion into Camella.

>What do I plan to say when he questions my tie-nesting hummingbird?
“A remarkably insightful friend that does not like petting.” Because lo fang totally would want to pet him.

>Lo Fang giving Armas a real work out.
Well, obviously Armas wants that- he should get his bang for his buck after all; and Lo Fang seems the kind of chakra masters that one should NOT squander training from.

>>383246
>"I'll admit it, I didn't personally detect it. A little friend told me. I'd have said "a little bird" but that would just be corny given present company."
Unsure that Hummingbird wants to be called “little”, even fi we are NOT talking about him. Likewise, while the “i would have said” means we aren't strictly lying, I don't think Sake can be said to be a bird. So, not enthused about this.

>See above. But we should talk to the Hummingbird too.
A couple of addition to this speech.
“Men like Lo Fang- well, they make up their minds about your skill level and your abilities pretty accurately. Still, I don't want to make a EXPECTED showing. It would be pathetic of someone you guard to simply be 'as expected', wouldn't it? So I would truly appreciate if you can help me be focused and understand what he is teaching me. However, this should be done in a stable manner, and NOT at 100% After all, this way we could up the hand again the next lesson.” Armas here should think about getting back at lo fang for wanting to know stuff about him in the middle of a fight- showing him that we are worth more than he thinks.

Armas should, as an aside, ask SB to keep watch over Hummingbird's energy level and exhaustion- we do know he might die if he spends all of his energy after all, so making sure he is just spending a minimal amount of energy in a stable manner is a must.
>>
No. 383255 ID: 431fa8

>>383018
Be sure to keep our soul guise up. Even when we're exhausted, when we're focusing on other things, when we're frustrated as hell- keep it up. We can't afford to drop it in front of Lo Fang. Or ever. We'll need to make sure it stays up even when we sleep, one of these days.

>Do I offer him an explanation?
>I recently acquired a little friend that is quite good at sensing that kind of thing. ... he knew something was off.
These lines from >>383030 are good. Not crazy about the bits surrounding them, though.

>is there anything else Armas should attempt to learn tonight?
Not sure how good of a teacher Lo Fang is and how quickly we'll be able to learn from him, so we might not get to all of these- but here's a wishlist for after we've got flushing the Winter out of us down.
-Orientations for pumping energy into our spirit brothers (and leaving no energy to saturate our body with Winter)
-Speed-boosting orientation of some kind
-How to make battery charms to store power we can draw on later
-Chakra skills which aren't directly related to any given orientation, like using more than one alignment at once or discerning the purpose of any given orientation's components
-If Lo Fang can give advice on how to sense our own soul either with or without chakra, that would be good; it's obvious from our chakra prowess that we're an internal soul manipulator so asking this shouldn't give too much away.

>What do I plan to say when he questions my tie-nesting hummingbird?
"That's my hummingbird. He's here for moral support." Certainly don't say anything which would imply that it's an assault type spirit animal- if we implied that it's our spirit animal earlier, leave Lo Fang with the assumption that it's a sensor type until we have reason to disrupt that. That means we should avoid describing the hummingbird's personality, mentioning that he's a warrior or defending us, any of that. SUST to doing so.

Speaking of the hummingbird, we should explain to him what's going on. "This is Lo Fang, leader of the Triads- a criminal group, which are like... hrm... wasps, I suppose. Very loyal to him and individually diligent and dangerous. He's extremely knowledgeable and powerful, though he hides most of his capabilities, and has agreed to teach me some of his skills since I did him a big favor recently. We can't trust him even while he's teaching me, though. He's been trying to get a good idea of just what I can and can't do for a while- you heard what that the Triads went to Ito's? That was him trying to look into my martial abilities almost certainly- and I'd like to keep him guessing. As long as he's not sure what my limits are he's less likely to move against me since it would be riskier for him.

"I would appreciate it if you could help me keep on task here. I need to get everything I can out of his training without dropping my guard, and the more I can impress him and make him uncertain as to my limits and how much I could have learned elsewhere the safer I'll be. Having you helping out and watching my back- and hopefully staying alert even if I'm exhausted from hard training- would count for a lot."
>>
No. 383335 ID: d97a61

>>383024
>[Vlad is queued to do the following:]
>Becomes more internet-prone, +1 hour of browsing related just to handloading and casting bullets / their casings.
>Make plans to talk to Armas about expenditures of company assets, and attempt to secure ammunition funding.
>>383180
>[Rostislav is queued to do the following:]
>Spend ~1 hr a night running through local pub's menus, in search of beer.
>$Budget: $100-400 a night to find hypothetical beer to match nostalgic recollection of light beer from back home-specifically, Zhigulyovskoye.
>Extend invitation to all fellow Russians to join him in his beerhunt. Is particularly hopeful Vlad will be intrigued. Is very clear people pay for their own brews.
>>383026
Okay-real quick, you've seen those spiders big enough to eat birds?
>[Hummingbird]"Aye-those loathsome, plotting wretches."
Well think of Lo Fang here as the most devious, well-connected spider to be found-and I need to learn from him.

While the bird mulls this over, I again check my Soul Guise, reassuring myself it's functioning properly.

>>383030
Fuck it-I'm going to play up stereotypes-anyone got a better idea?
>[Sake]"No-exploit that assumption Hummingbird's are Sensor type, brother!"
Fucking on it. I rub my chin as I lightly smile, my face feeling awkward with the halfhearted gesture even as I know it looked personable.
"So Go Ping mentioned it after all. I'll be up-front since you have been kind enough to grant me tutelage: I recently acquired a little friend that is quite good at sensing that kind of thing. Can't say I know what it was, but he knew something was off."

Lo Fang appears to take the bait, his gaze flickering down to the bird atop my tie as he continues to sport a smile that speaks of comfort and lack of stress.
>[Lo Fang]"And what a Spirit Animal you have-I heard about your auction, but seeing its luster I begin to grasp why you chose such in exchange for a devilish artifact. It seems, Mr. Laine, that I owe you a genuine measure of gratitude-the Reaper ended up poisoning a considerable number of my staff, a situation you handled for me."
"I do try."
>[Lo Fang]"I begin to grasp why so many accommodate your eccentricities-as... distracting as you potentially can be, you do certainly provide results. Results deserving of reward-such as tutelage. Small-talk dispensed with, what was it you wished to learn?"
Did he buy it? Not sure, but maybe. Keep trucking.
"Well, I'm looking to learn a non-physically anchored Orientation that amplifies spiritual sensing-you wouldn't happen to know any chakra alignments like that, do you?"
Lo Fang neatly smiles as he begins to pace.
>[Lo Fang]"I suppose I know a few that meet such criteria. There are those devoted to sensing spirits divested of vessels-the lingering dead apt to possessing the weak-willed living. There are those devoted to detecting the divine, and rendering communion with all manner of such being simplistic. I could go on-or you could add further stipulations."
"Well, hopefully something lacking specialization-a general soul-sensing orientation, if you know of one."
>[Lo Fang]"I know a few-but frankly, they don't perform as well as specialized variants. Are you sure?"
"Yep."
>[Lo Fang]"Very well. Is there anything else you wish to learn today?"
"Well, I'd like to learn some new techniques for flushing chakra from one's body-idyllically ones that function independent of prior Orientation. I'd also like to learn a flushing variant that redirects discarded energy into a nearby container."
>[Lo Fang]"Like a Spirit Animal, particularly one still in the flesh? I believe I can accommodate such requests. Then, if you are ready..."

>>383246
And here it is-a rare moment where I sober up-as much as I can, at least-and frankly address the diminutive aviatory figure that sits atop my tie. I mentally clear my throat as I address him.

Hummingbird, this teacher is one of the very best in his field. I mean, there are masters, and there are grand masters, and there are masters of grand masters, and he's up there near or at the top of that last group in terms of raw skill. Getting instruction from him like this is a valuable thing, and I really don't want to squander it.
>[Hummingbird]"You value his tutelage that highly? Interesting. What of it?"
You've seen how my soul brothers have tried to help me stay on task with other things, from the guise to just reminders about things. Keeping focused is something I need to improve on; it's just obvious.
>[Hummingbird]"You are woefully ill-equipped at sustaining attention, yes."
You know that you've got the most willpower of us all. Could you help me make the most of this teaching opportunity and lend me some of that iron will of yours? If I can stay focused longer I'll be able to learn more thoroughly, and thus be able to better apply what I learn toward protecting my flock.
>[Hummingbird]"I certainly see how the idea has merit from your perspective-but what justification is there for me to capitulate to such a request?"
>[MM,MMMMM Trait auto-activated.]
Just the fact that the more able I am, the less often you are required to step in-and, once I've got a proper playground set up for you, that'll leave you with extra free time. It behooves you in the long run.
>[Hummingbird]"Does it? Perhaps it does... very well, we shall test your theory. I well... direct my focus towards your own, and do what I can to keep you where you should be. Let us see how successful such efforts are."

Now, here's the thing. I know that normally I'd have inane commentary or distracting throughts right around here-or, if I was lucky, just later in the learning process. Today though? They don't happen. All that exists... is the lesson. To start-there are Lo Fang's words, which I listen to with every fiber of my being, seeking to tear apart every nuance he could have utilized. Then, there is his example, where his everyman's soul takes on a new appearance-and I meticulously study to the exlusion of all else every facet of the change. I marvel at what looks like a spiderweb about his head-I make mental note of the soap-like film that now seems to surround his soul. I absorb every detail of the Orientation I can from his Word and Example alike, every last bit of my mind devoted to harnessing this new information. My first act is simple-the attempt of replication. Having already repeated the steps I saw Lo Fang take hundreds of times in my mind, I almost miss noticing I successfully initiate the chakra orientation. I take careful note of Lo Fang terming it the Soul Sensing Orientation. He does not comment on the quality of my attempt-but simply begins offering constructive criticism. I hear, I absorb, I act and correct. I know that my goal is to have competence, and let not a single thought distract my from my path. Time passes-Lo Fang has others enter the room, and has me attempting to pinpoint them-even as they don charms that warp their soul's image. So it is that I begin to assemble the heart of this Orientation' s function-the ability to decipher basic spiritually masking/illusory charms, and see the soul beneath. True enough, it's not quite as useful as I might have hoped-but no matter what the soul or the charm, I now have gained an Orientation that with practice will pierce through increasingly heavy distractions. I find myself moderately surprised as the practice of this Orientation is ended-and Lo Fang begins a new segment.

Now it is that Lo Fang begins teaching me a new trick-how to purge chakratic energy from my flesh. Again, there is his word, raptly listened to, obsessed over. There is his example where he demonstrates that which he spoke of-and then there is my attempt. At first, the process is painful-something feels fundamentally wrong with throwing away energy within my flesh. But my natural reservations get overridden-and I continue to hone the craft. Soon enough I've run out of energy to use for flushing-and set my chakras back to open. I reassign them to Soul Sensing, and flush my system. Once I'm certain I succeeded, I re-open my chakras. The cycle is repeated a number of times-I know it to be many, but could not name a number-such information does me no good, a distraction from my purpose. Again, Lo Fang stops me-this time, to show a different way to purge energy-directly along a soul connection. Once more-I switch to open, accumulate energy, switch back to Soul Sensing and purge energy-but this time, the shed energy is directed towards a specific target-the glowing beacon of focus that's silently guarded my study thus far. I note the bird to generate a soul bubble, and work to burn off the transmitted energy promptly. Three more attempts are made, to verify the system's reliabitlity-and Lo Fang smiles. A final hour is spent refining my ability to ignore basic stealth magics wrapped about a soul-and ten pm rolls around.

Lo Fang dismisses me-but I hardly hear it. As the bird's iron-willed focus recedes, I spacily grasp just how tired I am-and only now realize how intensively I praciticed. I exhaustedly marvel at how many times I practiced each principle, and nearly nod off on the way back home-did Lo Fang say anything to me whileI left? I'm not certain. Upon my return there is food-I know this as I end up eating something. It is tasty-and my mind hints that it will clear. Unfortunately-

Oblivion claims me.

I sleep the sleep of the bone-weary.


SUNDAY, JANUARY 16TH, 2011
PERSONAL FUNDS: $397,841.93
BUSINESS FUNDS: $497,500.00
CASH: $1,255.75
SHADOW PATIENCE: 100%

I am awoken by tiny paws on my face and a beak tapping on my skull-much to my dismay, the hummingbird and Sake get to inform me it's past seven, and I need to get up. I slap on a purple suit, black shirt and red tie all done in silk, and barely spend any time at all laboring over what kind of leather shoes to wear. I grab an omelette from the kitch, this time forgoing the stealth as I wrap it in a crepe and geing munching away as I head out, Sake bidding me farewell. I need to jog a bit to make sure I make it-but, breakfast complete, I manage to make it to the docks by seven fifty nine-to see Lo Fang idly checking his watch.
>[Lo Fang]"I suppose, odd as it is to say it-we do not need to revisit yesterday's lessons. You... seemed to adequately grasp both the orientation and both variants of the technique I taught. Consider me moderately impressed, Mr. Laine. Now what is it you'd wish to learn today?"
>>383254
>>383255
"Well-how about ways to recover alertness with the aid of chakras?"
>[Lo Fang]"Possible, I suppose-such techniques are never that energy efficient, but they exist. They would leave you more tired in the long run though."
"Ah... well, guess I'll hold out for bloodline funtimes."
I again resettle my soul guise.
"So how about a way to sense chakra?"
>[Lo Fang]"That... Mr. Laine, requires more finesse than you can currently command. Perhaps you could attempt to learn it at another time?"
"Hm. Appreciating the free commentary."
>[Lo Fang]"For the moment, your wasted time is my wasted time-so I suppose you get to benefit from my prioritization schemas."
"Okay. How about further variants on energy flushing-maybe how to shunt it along a bond of brotherhood?"
>[Lo Fang]"That can certainly be taught."
"What about a speed orientation?"
>[Lo Fang]"Frankly, legitimate speed orientations are rather energy and skill demanding-I do not believe you could utilize it now. Do you still want to learn it?"
"Nah-I need more efficient use of my energy and more skill, that what you are saying?"
>[Lo Fang]"Precisely."
"Okay. Well then I'm looking for ways to run multiple chakra alignments at once, and an easier time perceiving my own soul."
>[Lo Fang]"I believe that can be accommodated."

Once again, I feel the bird's will aligning with my own, as extraneous thoughts fade away. We revist energy flushing-and this time, I ply a pair of bonds different from that of my spirit animal, pumping energy along pathways brotherly in nature. Again and again the process is repeated as I cut off chaff from the process-each time, a little less energy is spilled. I couldn't really say how long it took-but in what feels like no time at all, my understanding of how to flush my chakra energy has expanded to the point I can flush it to the hummingbird, Sake or SB at my discretion.

From there-we go into something a bit more complex. Again, there is Lo Fang's Word.... but this time, the complexity gives pause. He speaks of folding energy flows, of inverting chakra gates. He speaks of splitting something that feels unsplittable. I focus on and study his words all the same-but the whole time, a small voice in my head shouts that something's wrong. First... he has me attempt to use Reinforcement and Soul Sensing. I have no success holding both-but moderate success at accelerating my transition between the two. And so it goes that time and again I transition, each time striving to be a little faster. I could not say when, but at some point in putting Lo Fang's Word to practice, a change takes place-and I enter the new Orientation before I exit the old one. It's brief-a moment that passes faster than the blink of an eye-but the point is it's there. Again and again I practice, continuing to pry that moment open bit by bit-And all too soon the clock is chiming-and it's 2PM. I'd only gotten as far as lasting a single second with two orientations going-and as I finish coming out from under the bird's attentions, I realize how impressive that is-I picked up a handful of rather pivotal chakra techniques over part of a weekend... amazing.

It is this self-indulgent thought that keeps me alert enough I can even participate while Lo Fang speaks-again, the intensive focus seemed to mask just how thoroughly I was exhausting myself.
>[Lo Fang]"Well-I suppose your Spirit animal's got a knack for boosting study comprehension. A fortuitous circumstance to find oneself in. If you are wise, you will put considerable time into practicing all that you just learned, before next we meet."
"I'll take it under consideration."
>[Lo Fang]"Also consider having another lesson with Meng Yun-it seems he's become rather attached to the notion of teaching you. Or don't-it's up to you."
"Mm."
>[Lo Fang]"Well-thank you for the interesting times this weekend. You are certainly an... irregular student. Untill next we meet."

Without any further comment, Lo Fang turns to take a proffered phone, and rapidly dials someone to being rattling off orders at. Between the bird's boosted focus and Lo Fang's rather.... energy intensive lesson plans, I'm beat, and could go for a heavy-duty nap at the very least-and a meal. Maybe two meals. Struggling to keep my eyes open, SB and the hummingbird beside me, I wonder...







When I drag my ass back home, is there anything that I need to stay awake for?
Whatever my plan for tonight is-what do I want to shoot for tomorrow?
>>
No. 383358 ID: b75a36

>When I drag my ass back home, is there anything that I need to stay awake for?
Those two meals. Also, ask SB, Sake, and the Hummingbird if they know why despite your externally aided focus something felt wrong. If they can't help, ask Einrik after describing what you learned.

Make a note to ask for the second of the things you wanted, seeing your own soul, next time.

Set your default chakra configuration being to feed all your chakratic winter power to SB, and leave it that way overnight.

>Whatever my plan for tonight is-what do I want to shoot for tomorrow?

Confirm with Einrik that your flesh has flushed out all your winter energy, and practice all the forms of Fleshcrafting that SB implanted. It should only take a couple of minutes, as by then you'll start to run dry. Keep a large magical meal right next to you to replenish your summer energy right afterwards so you don't get too hungry.

Spend a couple of hours first thing practicing what you learned, and then try sparring with Hillevi/Camella/the Russians to incorporate your chakraticly enhanced senses into your combat style.

Ring Meng Yun.

As how the exhibition match went.

Follow list
>>
No. 383384 ID: 3947e9

>Boris
Boris loves drinking as much as he loves eating good food. As such he is going to expand his interests from just cooking into mixing drinks, as well as brewing.
He is going to look online as well as ask around amongst the locals he knows (ito, itos students, mafia, triads, and hafaz's group) for highly recommended bartending school and sign up for it.
He is also going to look online for recommended books about brewing mead, wine, and beer and start working on setting up a brewery in the mansion.
He is going to ask amongst the other russians for assistance in computerizing and automating whereever possible to reduce the amount of manual labor needed once it is set up.
>>
No. 383398 ID: d7bacc

-Ask how the exhibition match went.
-Check phone for messages from mafia contacts.
-Ask the brothers what kind of benefits the get from the chakra and their opinions on Lo Fang's teaching.
-Make sure the Russians are still operating smoothly, see if they have any concerns.
-Call Meng Yun and arrange a meeting time (preferably after tomorrow as you will need rest)
-Eat 3 meals
-------------------------------
Actions for Zhenya
-Spend at least 2 hours a day playing the new violin, have to keep on track.related to backstory
-Approach Armas to get permission to investigate the company's stock of magic pistols, including Iron Trick if she is allowed, to get practice using them and comparing their performance and design to those she is used to.
-Go to Ito's day&night classes with Camella and in the role of a student (still teaching during her assigned times)try and expand her arsenal of fighting techniques.
-Ask Camella to teach her how to fight like she does.
-Talk to Armas, Amen, Camella, Einrik and Helivi about how to get weapons enchanted or where she can acquire enchanted weapons. Focus is on pistols but general info is accepted.
-Do research about Arsonphobia in free time to see how she can help herself.
>>
No. 383413 ID: 81f32a

Have a good meal or three.

>When I drag my ass back home, is there anything that I need to stay awake for?
Not really, we should get a power-nap. But make sure you wont sleep for more than 4 hours.

The new soul-sensing orientation and body-flushing means that we can finally start practicing the minor flesh-crafting abilities we learned, right? There was something that I wanted to try out for a while now but couldn't because of the bloodline short-circuit.
Before doing fleshcrafting experiments, prepare food (can be just raw meat or blood) that we can eat as we use our Summer energy. Then ask the Humminbird if it is willing to lend us its Iron Will for the training/practice.
>[EXPERIMENTATION]:
First. Cycle through the flesh-crafting abilities that SB taught you and try them out [hmm, these seem to be missing from Armas' page, I remember the ability to harden the organs and changing muscles to perform better or longer].
After we feel comfortable with that, try to apply the finesse knowledge you learned from Meng Yun [I am not talking about using chakra]. We learned how to use the exact amount of reinforcement and the area where to use it. Here we will try the same with flesh-crafting: using the muscle strengthening, try to change only the specific muscles. Start slow, like changing muscles in the fingers then hand and entire arms and legs.
My goal for this, is to be able to change the muscles in our legs, specifically ankles so that they can resist more force. If we are successful in this, then we will be able to use Dunther Footwork more efficiently.
>[/Experimentation]

Other than that:
-Check in with Einrik and Duke to see how their fight went.
-Spend time practicing what Lo Fang taught you. Again, if the Humminbird is willing, borrow its Will.
-Check with Lo Ping when if and where we can get lessons from Meng Yun.
-If there is time left to do whatever, we should visit Ito's night classes again to get some group beating again.

Also, don't break your guise.
>>
No. 383492 ID: a7b5b4

>Vlad
While nothing could ever make Vlad betray his one true love of vodka, he's happy enough to go along with Rostislav and the gang in the spirit of camraderie, and also in case there's a bar fight he can cheerfully rampage his way through. He'll even volunteer to remain sober (distressing as the thought may be) to keep an eye on his smaller, more fragile comrades if they happen to get plastered, so to better keep them out of trouble and leave himself more able to deal with any such occurances. The big man will also bring up his utterly embarassing lack of accuracy with autofire during the bar-hopping trek and ask for a little help fixing that issue, offering shotgun tips in exchange.
>>
No. 383521 ID: 448d82

Right, ask SB if he'll go over the memories of the training with Lo Fang, see if he can find something odd, anything. Lo Fang isn't the kind of man to miss an chance to meddle.

If we could give a memory packet to Einrik, if he wants to help, then that'd be good. Finding out wether or not Lo Fang tricked Armas while he was in hyper-focus is semi-important.

>Orders for Lev
You and Niki, your sword bro are going to have some fun, two fine blades rasping across each other, no homo :P

also just a thought, you've heard about the night classes with thier vampires and stuff... this could be a good chance to try out sword fighting on a supernatual foe in a controlled enviroment, it'd mean you could form a super-swordfighting style without dying on mission.

This would be preferable to dying while trying to us the sword in actual combat. Sparring with some wooden swords or something during the day at Itto's with Niki would be good too.

Some experiance with fighting both armed and unarmed melee fighter would lower the chance of gruesome death.
>>
No. 383523 ID: f354ab

>>383413
Before getting Bird to lend us more Willpower or whatever, maybe we should ask him how the experience was for him. He's not the sort to complain, so there may have been complications he didn't feel like unloading on us, or at the least, he may be tired from doing it. I don't even really understood how he DID it.

I'd like to suggest from here on out, if we're not using our chakra for anything in particular, to leave it on 'send power to SB', or maybe even Sake if the little dude could use it for something. We kept up our stealth orientation for a long time, so it doesn't seem like something that would tire us unduly, and can only help him while he works to expand his Clique.

Also, we gave Camella and Matvey the company account and told 'em to buy whatever they felt like, armor and/or vehicle-wise. Did they take us up on it?
>>
No. 383528 ID: 252e1b

Lyubov will go to Sunday mass at the Patriarchal Cathedral Church of St. George.

She'll then go to the library again and use the databases there to look up newsworthy cases of fraudulent visas and passports. This should be enough to get her a lead on the "Day of the Jackal" method of getting a new identity and she'll start looking up the information she'll need to perform that scam.

She'll also start looking up ways to construct a convincing background for these new identities: mainly looking for ways to build a back-dated record of activities (including tax information). I'm not expecting much more than a starting point for this.

When she's had enough, she'll go home and watch some tv, socialize with anyone who seems not very busy, and try picking Satai's brains about how hard it would be to break into the tax records and make false ones.

Toward the end of the evening she'll go to a music room and play guitar again. If she can get Sake and Zhenya to join her, all the better.
>>
No. 383532 ID: 98697f

>What to do after getting back
Gorge yourself on magic meals. Fuck everything, just sit down and demand food. Gonna finish replenishing all that energy you lost both yesterday and today. Ask Hummingbro how he feels, get him some drinks. Rest your ass down, but do a little check on the Russians, make sure they aren't drunkenly fucking shit up in the house or harmed. And uh...well, just rest.

Now for NIKIFOR:
As much as you like Drinking, that won't improve your skills. Seriously, use all that free time you've got for TRAINING. Here's your weekly routine, more or less:
-You fucking love Melee. One hour of training at Ito's in Melee isn't enough. TWO HOURS EVERYDAY. (Drag Lev along, he's good with blades too)
-Stay for the NIGHT FIGHTS, test your skills against the vamps and other interesting people (and fellow Russians too).
-Try to learn Chakras from Ito-you've seen how Lo Fang single-handedly fought off those Golden Death Gods. You've seen how much the guys you're helping train are benefiting from it. Time to Walk down the path! Try to arrange 2 hours everyday.
-Try not to SPEND so much...we need to save! $200 a week max to spend on FUN TIMES (Local Food, Drinks, Bitches, etc etc) Doesn't mean you can't hang out with the other Russians, just control how much you spend...really. Max allowance for FUN TIMES every week: $200.
-Practice shooting at Boss' range! Sniping with that MSG90-A2 you've got, the SMG and Micro-Tavor...politely request training from Camella, second-in-command after Big Boss Armas. She's just so damned good at shooting, request melee training too! Yeah, gonna need someone to drill even more experience into us.
-Look around the Markets downtown, also ask Big Boss Armas if he knows anywhere that sells...magical weapons/items. No buying, just looking around. Take note of the sections they're divided in, general price range, etc.
-Approach Igor, he's the armorer, right? Well, request some Arm Guards, getting your hands cut off in a sword fight sucks! Besides, it gives him something to play around with, so you both profit from this.
>>
No. 383539 ID: 431fa8

>>383335
>When I drag my ass back home, is there anything that I need to stay awake for?
Eat things before sleeping. Multiple meals. If we're tired, we probably need more food.

Check in with our minions to make sure that nothing untoward has happened while we've been training. Also check for any phone messages, in case we missed something while being hyperfocused. Since we want to kill the Doonongaes very soon and it would be polite to give them some warning, tell them to send out the word that there'll be a dangerous job in the next few days that will need heavy weapons, details when we wake up.

Ask Shadowbro if he picked up on Lo Fang doing anything funny while we were in superfocused study mode. Something seemed wrong while we were learning dual alignments but we just powered through; maybe he noticed something we didn't.

>Whatever my plan for tonight is-what do I want to shoot for tomorrow?
We need to start moving on killing the Doonongaes. To do that, we need to undertake a-
List of Fishy Murder:
1. Call in our marker for information on the Doonongaes from the vampires.
2. Scout out the area that Go Ping said we're going to use; he gave us the coordinates. Bring several minions, Einrik, and Camella.
3. Acquire resistance to the Doonongaes' poison for our combat team.
4. Plan the fight out with our team- at minimum Einrik, Camella, and Matvey.
5. Review our plan together with Triads. Choose time and date.
6. Establish method of luring the Doonongaes to the site more effective than shouting insulting fish puns until he shows.
7. Execute plan.
>>
No. 383553 ID: d97a61

>>383384
>[Boris has been queued to do the following:]
>Waste time convincing himself he's learning how to properly bartend by asking fellow non-'mixologists' what they know. Learn how to mix a few cocktails, a few brand preferences for cooking with booze, and a few unconnected snippets of how to brew beer. Learn not a single contact he has actually bothers with investing time and effort in personally bartending, and instead have others mix drinks. No recommended bartending school gained. Plan: BUST
>Check online for recommended books regarding brewing: develop a list containing $180 worth of books. Books must be purchased and read (taking a minimum of one week AFTER purchase and acquisition to read) before progress can be made.
>Bounce idea off fellow Russians of automating part of the brewing process. Resolve to never ask this again when Vlad, Nikifor, Rostislav and Lev all promise to murder him in his sleep if he tries to make, in their words, 'shitty mechanical beer' instead of properly hand-brewing. (If Boris wishes to convince them their assumption about brewing with machine aid is in error, he will need actual evidence to back it up-and need to argue it to drunkards. Current chances of success: 5%. The argument: 'but I'll be able to make MORE beer' has already proved ineffective.)
>>383492
>[Vlad has been queued to do the following:]
>Join Rostislav on his nightly pubcrawls, to 'assist' in finding that one perfect beer when possible. Cost: $250-$500 per night spent drinking.
>Willing to not drink on off-nights to run protection for his drinking comrades.
>Drunkenly talk about horrible performance with assault rifles and machine guns while pubcrawling-seek advice. Off tutelage in the way of the shotgun.
>>383521
>[Lev has been orded to do the following:]
>Begin bugging Nikifor about establishing a consistent sparring routine, given both of you have inclinations toward edged weapons. Awaiting Nikifor response. Scale of potential time investment: unknown.
>SAFETY: KNOWN NO NET EFFORT INCREASE:
>Talk with Ito about ways to practice knifework in night sparring, express goal of seasoning personal approach to knifework with repeat exposure to low-grade supernaturals.
>Attempt to get practice against armed and unarmed foes in night classes.
>>383528
>[Lyubov has been queued to do the following:]
>Got to Sunday mass at the Patriarchal Cathedral Church of St. George.
>Go to library, research identity forgery methods. Coupled with prior research, learn that appropriating the birth certificate of someone that died young in a country with less than stellar death databases.
>Begin piecing together an idea of how to build evidence to back such an identity-specifically, how to create official-looking artificial tax records. Further research required to determine more involved methods.
>Approach Satai, skip small talk, attempt to pick brain-meats about notion of breaking into tax record databases and falsify them. Feign semi-indignant confusion at response of being laughed out of Satai's room.
>On way out, run into Andrei, carting computer parts to an unused, uncarpeted room. He mentions he overheard-and if the computer ends up working well enough, the answer might not be a laugh. When pressed, note computer's still at least a week off from being completed-some parts are harder to swiftly acquire than others.
>Company Computer construction: ~60% complete
>Attempt to wrangle Sake and now include Zhenya to make further sweet, sweet music this evening.
>>383532
>[Nikifor is now queued to do the following:]
>Accept Lev's sparring option, opt initially for 1 hour every day, and arrange schedules to be regular instructors at Ito's night classes to this effect.
>Bug Ito about learning Chakras-be told to be patient, and diligent when observing the lessons Ito offers.
>Attempt to budget funtime: get repeatedly ribbed for budgeting $200/week for fun. Take refuge in sense of financial maturity.
>Attempt to spend time practicing with assorted weapons-realize you lack 5.56x45 NATO for Micro-Tavor, talk to fellow Russians after only getting to practice with MSG rifle. Satai mentions they still don't have a quartermaster, and walks off mumbling something. End up personally allocating three hours a week to practicing with your rifle, subject to change when ammunition becomes more available.
>Talk to Camella about training-be told she's only got ten hours a week available to train fellow employees, and that she'd appreciate it if they either worked out a rotation method for individual sessions, or could agree on joint sessions, including scheduling.
>Continue searching markets, get disappointed about lack of success finding magic items. Decide to ask Boss Laine about this next chance he gets (Will learn about price ranges involved and of buying from SM, or attempting to buy through Mafia and Triads alike. In all methods, learn of prohibitive costs.)
>Talk to Igor, request he build him some metal arm guards that could stop even hefty blows. Awaiting response from Igor to proceed. (Project timeframe: four days.)
>Satai Approaches Armas about their lack of a quartermaster-like Lyubov, he is offered a job rather than a solution. Satai accepts at a monthly wage of $1,000 to keep track of the companies assets and insure that everyone has proper ammunition and equipment.
>SATAI IS NOW QUARTERMASTER
>>383358
>>383521
For future reference, two things: Please don't abuse spacing like this-you don't need a free line between each sentence like that at all, and full sentences are usually encouraged, so that way you can be sure I know what you are suggesting. Example: You just said two meals. Sure you're referencing the two meals Armas mentioned-but two fish sticks eaten separately could count, and clearly isn't what you shot for. Just going so far as saying 'two big meals' or some other basic clarification would eliminate that risk.
I won't claim I actually notice much during the walk home-frankly, the only reason I remember more of it than last night's return is that I hit the lesson fresh-even still I'm flat out exhausted. I dimly note that I stop at a few food trucks on the way back-not sure how many, all I know is the hunger I only partly can feel through the weariness seems to be abating.
CAHS: -$55 for three food truck binges $1,200.75
I keep walking, the almost spacey feel I've got going starting to stabilize as I spiritually catch my breath from the lesson-or begin to, at least. By the time I'm actually back at the mansion, I don't quite feel like I'm going to fall over-but I feel immensely drained, no matter how I look at it. After sharing a few brief words with Satai-where he volunteers to put in more work for the company-I grab a plate of real food from the kitchen, happily wolfing it down to deal with my hunger. The first thing I do once my stomach's genuinely begun settling is bug my shadow about a particular concern. Specifically, that sensation I'd had, of something being wrong while I was flushing energy.
>"...That? You couldn't recognize your own reticence to give up ready-to-use power manifesting as regret and a sense that something was vaguely wrong? It wasn't my emotional reaction-yet I was still able to deduce it. Or do you claim my estimation is inaccurate?"
....Well that's a bit embarassing. Good thing only my headvoices know.
>[Sake]"I could talk to someone about it, I suppose-but just SAYING something happened hardly has impact. I suppose you are safe."
How reassuring to know.

I intend to do some practice-I think, at least-but with how dazed and drained I feel, I decide I'd rather not pass out within a quarter hour of starting-and continue to eat. I decide to snag another plate of food after a heavy dish with mandrake shavings and minotaur flank goes down faster than I expected-chowing away without any concern for the building complaints as I preempt the early dinner some of my employee's had clearly requested. Once again I manage to snag my meals without Boris seeing me-thankfully the goblinic training doesn't rely on active magic use-and I can't help but smile at the cook's confusion. I look again at the dish I'm having-an omelette made with harpy and gryphon eggs with dwarfish mushrooms filling it to the brim. It's simple-and incredibly filling. Exactly what I wanted. The hunger finishes fading-even as I'm still left with the strange sense of being exhausted while my body feels restive.
>"That would be magical fatigue, yes. From depleting your entire Winter reserves. Oh, and before you think it-using your Summer line is strenuous enough you'd still run the risk of accidentally blacking out. Remember, your Winter line is anchored in your soul-it being so depleted-good meal to start refilling it or no-has made your firmness of mental presence... waver."
...I want to argue, but I can't even do snarky right.
>"I wouldn't have bothered with telling you if it wasn't at the point of potentially rendering you prone-you do need to study, after all."
Yeah... okay, so magic for the moment, just mull things over, is that what you're saying?
>[Iron Trick]"I was kind of hoping to see you push yourself so far you collapsed. Oh well-good thing I didn't bet on it."
>[Sake]"That's correct, yes."

..Feeling a bit stymied, I decide to call Meng Yun.
"Hey, Meng Yun-how are you, Armas here. ...Good to hear, I was hoping it'd stay as robust as that. ...No, I understand-full beard isn't for everyone. ...I look forward to seeing your chops, if you kept all of the 'stache. ....Yeah, I was. How's your availability look? .....Yeah, I could do TUESDAY FROM 6AM TO NOON. ...You too."
*click*

Well, got THAT scheduled.
>>383398
So now-you're going to spill the beans on the fight, Sake.
>[Sake]"Why, what fight could you mean?"
Don't give me that. Black Whirlwind versus Einrik-how was that shit? I mean-hey, I see both of them sitting fine and dandy out there, talking about something Duke pulled up on Lyubov's computer-but how'd it play out?
>[Sake]"What to say. It was a wonderful example of how raw power and ferocity, while most certainly of paramount importance, are not everything a warrior needs to be great. I think Einrik demonstrated the use of precision and technique rather ably in the bout."
Okay, but what happened?
>[Sake]"What COULD happen? Li Kui relentlessly attacked Einrik until he realized he could not make him stay harmed even when successfully striking him-while Einrik used the time until Iron Ox made this realization to... test things. I grossly oversimplify, I know-It was one of the most visually impressive fights I've ever had occasion to watch-and I think I now grasp why your brother takes such delight in withholding information from you."
Oh, you son of a-
>"It is quite gratifying, is it not?"
>[Sake]"Indeed."
Dicks, the both of you.

I check my phone-no messages. Lame. I walk into the kitchen, this time not obscuring myself as I request a trio of suppers, all magical in origin-it'll stuff me, sure enough, but I might as well start working to build my energy back up as fast as I can.

>>383413
I intend to do more-I really do. But sometime after stuffing my face with an organ-based stew, a steak and a wrap, I finally succumb to a combination of magical exhaustion and food coma. I make my way upstairs-and surrender to sleep for a power nap, my mind ablaze with Chakra Flushing, Chakra Shunting to my brothers/spirit animal and Chakratic spirit sensing, the interlocked lessons blending and blurring as I rest.

It's nine o'clock when I wake up-and while I don't feel right again, the strange sense of fatigue's abated even further-and my food coma's fully vanished. Feeling as alert as I am liable to get this evening, I head back downstairs-to find everyone, Hillevi and Camella included, glued to the television, as the Russians drunkenly shout encouragement and disparagement alike at the show. It seems to be a Russian show involving a car chase. When I ask, I'm informed Vlad found a pay-per-view running of the first season of The Intercept, a reality TV show based around people attempting to steal cars-with losers being subjected to wonderful russian police hospitality.

I obviously sit down and join them, nodding to Sake and the bird, both observing the show as well.

"So Einrik, Duke-how was the fight?"
>[Duke]"Fun."
>[Einrik]"Enjoyable enough."
Neither one says any more.
>"I might have spoken to Einrik while you rested. Possibly."
Thank you so much for that.
>>383523
"Say bird-"
The hummingbird's beak dips my way as he imperiously regards me with one eye, trilling as I feel his response entering my mind.
>[Hummingbird]"What is it?"
"How'd that feel?"
>[Hummingbird]"The merging of our will? It was... taxing, but not enough to truly fatigue me. I would not look forward to sustaining it for much longer than I did, though. Verily, I needs must rest a spell before I am called upon again for such a function-that is, if you again intend to do so much."
"Tiring, huh?"
>[Hummingbird]"Aye. It was why I was reticent to offer my aid-parts of my skillset have proven wholly incompatible with the Vim you carry that is so easily tapped-and that was one of them."
"No kidding."
>[Hummingbird]"I assure you there is no jest. I am not that much less fatigue than you are now. Please keep that in mind next time you wish to call upon me for this knack-I will not flippantly turn you away, but all the same it's not something I can use... blindly."
"Got it."

Camella... Camella smiled-indulgently as I chatted with the little bird on my shoulder. That look on her face just... doesn't look natural. I try to put it out of mind, and laugh at the look on the Russian college kid's face as a wall of cops slam into him. Guess he lost, hah.

When I look back, the smile's gone. ...I'm still loopy-tired, maybe I was seeing things. Whatever.
"Matvey-those company purchases-"
>[Matvey]"You'll have to talk to Satai about that-if he's officially quartermaster now, then that's his department. Also, respectfully I am watching The Intercept. Later?"
"Fine."
>>383532
After taking a moment to snag a plate from the kitchen to munch on, I sit back down, and spend a half hour laughing along with them at the insane reality show while working my way through another four plates of food. My hunger's most certainly gone-and I hope to wake up tomorrow without this discomforting sense of semi-exhaustion.
>>383539
Once the episode ends, however-I head off to get back to work.

First I call the contact number I got updated by Cornelius. I... forget the vampire's name, but hopefully that won't be an issue.
>[Zosimus Clan Contact]"...Who is this?"
"This is the number Cornelius gave-you're my new contact, right?"
>[Zosimus Clan Contact]"...Are you-"
"Mr. Laine? Yup. So-what's the current status of the target?"
There is a lengthy pause.
>[Zosimus Clan Contact]"A moment."
I hear the sounds of drawers opening, of papers rustling-and I roll that response around in my mind, testing it this way and that way as I wonder: did the vampire sound... afraid?
>"I want to shoot you down-but I got that impression as well."
>[Sake]"I'm terrible at reading human emotional and tonal content, so my opinion's irrelevant."
Hm.
>[Zosimus Clan Representative]"Yes.... as of this afternoon, it was in the Bosphorus, south of Garipçe. Two hours ago I recieved the report I normally do in the evenings that the beast had headed south, to patrol the southern portion of the Bosphorus. It usually doesn't head north again until the early morning-but it's not that devoted to a schedule. ...If I may ask, are you preparing to address the issue?"
"Possibly. I'll be in touch again."
>[Zosimus Clan Representative]"I will make myself available. Will you be using this number again?"
"That's the plan."
>[Zosimus Clan Representative]"Excellent. Until next we speak."
*CLICK*

...Polite guy.

Next, I call SM-and look at that, it turns out he does indeed have more Doonongaes counter-toxin. He'd be happy to sell some to me. Armed with this knowledge, I thank him, implying a purchase will come soon, and let him go. I mull over what I just learned-and finally put together a bit more complex plan for dealing with my foe.

List of Fishy Murder:
1. Scout out the area that Go Ping said we're going to use; he gave us the coordinates. Bring several minions, Einrik, and Camella.
2. Acquire resistance to the Doonongaes' poison for our combat team.
3. Plan the fight out with our team- at minimum Einrik, Camella, and Matvey.
4. Review our plan together with Triads. Choose time and date.
5. Call vampire contact again, to get current information on the Doonongaes' wherabouts.
6. Establish method of luring the Doonongaes to the site more effective than shouting insulting fish puns until he shows.
7. Execute plan.

...Okay. I feel good about that.

I try to watch another episode with everyone-but frankly, I end up having to retire early, recognizing my droopy eyelids for what they are. I scarf a final plate of food-how much was that all said and done-tromp up to my room, kick off my clothes-and promptly go to sleep.

MONDAY, JANUARY 17TH, 2011
PERSONAL FUNDS: $397,843.11
BUSINESS FUNDS: $497,500.00
CASH: $1,200.75
SHADOW PATIENCE: 93%

I wake up as my alarm goes off at six AM, feeling.... not rejuvenated, not fully-but most certainly, I feel the lack of eccentric fatigue that plagued me last night. My stomach gurgles-and I marvel at my insatiability given how prodigiously I feasted last night. ...Looks like it's going to be a bit of an ordeal to build that energy back up. Yawning, I get out of bed, stretching-and get to pondering what to do with myself.










What's my plan for today?
Do I have any new plans for trolling?
Is there anything I absolutely HAVE to get done today that I need to prioritize?
I've been thinking-when am I going to start budgeting myself personal time-say, going clubbing, what have you?
What color scheme am I thinking of today-red, yellow or blue-oriented?
>>
No. 383598 ID: 67d714

>What's my plan for today?
First, keep our 'Default Armas' soul guise on. Second, it would be nice to use a couple of hours to “set down” the training we received yesterday, make sure we don't forget it and all that. This means practing a bit of flushing (toward SB) but mainly practicing the dual-layered orientation stuff. This shouldn't be done more than a couple of hours though, as it's mostly to make sure Armas keep practicing, but he shouldn't exhaust himself so early in the day.
Of course, Armas' orientation should always be on “Soul Sensing” now that he has a non-flesh one. This kind of Orientation seems to be the sort that gets better with habit and long use, and having it on all the time might also 'stack' with some of our previous abilities like Gyaketsuote or Item Sensing.
I'd also like for Armas to just 'test' a couple of minutes every fleshcrafting ability he got from SB, just to see how they feel and have a concrete interpretation of their efficacity. Of course, his body should be free of winter energy while he does that. Later in the day, we might also think of calling Giagia for one of those training session we have secured.

>Do I have any new plans for trolling?
First, DON'T use the direct giving of chakra energy to SB as a basic chakra orientation through the day. Petty revenge for his petty withdrawing of the fight of the month and all that. Second, Armas should look up jewelry and stuff like that that he could use to make a delicious bed for sake on the internet. And then 'remember' that Sake trolled him just before actually passing the command.

>Is there anything I absolutely HAVE to get done today that I need to prioritize?
While there is stuff to do like getting anti-poisons, getting a better plan for Doonegaes fight and baiting, and so on, we haven't HAD FUN, or just plain had DOWN TIME for a while now. So, huh, let's do that.

>I've been thinking-when am I going to start budgeting myself personal time-say, going clubbing, what have you?
We totally should. I would say Armas needs at least 3 half-days a week where he just relax and have fun. As such:
Take Silja, Camella, Einrik and Hillevi with us to see Arkvad for lunch. We still haven't told him about the Simo meeting, and we should do so. Likewise, maybe we should mention Silja has some of Simo's memories- those that held him back from ascension. And, hey, we might want to get those for ourself. We might want to know where Havoc and Locke were killed precisely, as well as their graves and contact numbers of their families.

>What color scheme am I thinking of today-red, yellow or blue-oriented?
Let Hummingbird chose. After all, he deserves a bit of a thank you for the help he provided. Also, if we do talk to SM (not suggesting it), we might want to look into magical energy drinks- only ONCE HE KNOWS HOW TO FLUSH HIS ENERGY.
>>
No. 383613 ID: 81f32a

>I intend to do more-I really do. But sometime after stuffing my face with an organ-based stew, a steak and a wrap, I finally succumb to a combination of magical exhaustion and food coma.
But I meant practicing flesh-crafting AFTER we took a nap!.... oh well, not like it would have helped anyway, Armas didn't recover enough after that nap. But today he could try it out and do the experiment I proposed. Something else to add upon it: when experimenting with finesse of muscle conversion, we should try to convert just enough muscles to complete the task before us and then convert them back as soon as possible so that we spend less energy (For example, momentarily increasing the muscles in our arms for a stronger punch, legs for higher jump, etc).

>List of Fishy Murder:
In the light of recent exhausting training sessions we should also add this:
-Make sure that we are at full or at least high energy levels before executing the plan. That means no training and practice for at least a day before the mission.

>6. Establish method of luring the Doonongaes to the site more effective than shouting insulting fish puns until he shows.
We know that Doony can hear extremely well in and around Bosphorus. He could hear us talking near the bank. So I think we should go out during the evening and pretend to be on a date with Camella. He has seen her with us in Asitane and has seen no indication that: 1)She is not our girlfriend, and 2)That she is a complete badass.
He would think that he will take us by surprise with our pants down and attack us. We will play along and pretend to run away, luring it into the killzone where others wait.

>What color scheme am I thinking of today-red, yellow or blue-oriented?
Lets go blue. We haven't yet used that colour.

>What's my plan for today?
Tomorrow you have another training from Meng Yun. Spend some time doing his "homework" again.
>>
No. 383677 ID: 699416

Didn’t we tell Camella we’d help her try and get home?

We should tempt her to either lunch or supper with the promise of a somewhat troll free conversation. If she accepts, we should use the time to catch up with her. See what she’s been getting into lately. Ask her how her plan to return home is going, and offer our help if she wants it. But we have to let her know that we would be unhappy to see her go.

Past that, we could hit the town with everyone (Russians, Camella, Hillevi, Einrik, Duke, etc) and have a company and friends night. Buy a few rounds for the group. Although, Duke would probably make us spend all of our money getting him drinks.

Also, this is my first time posting, so I apologize in advance if I should have included more detail.
>>
No. 383688 ID: de5975

>today's plan
Talk to Camella about fighting Doony; tell her what you know of his personality and known methods, his strengths and weaknesses, where you'll be fighting him, and the capabilities your side will have, and ask her to think about possible tactics.

Talk to Satai about his quartermastering - what needs buying and how much it'll cost - and ask him to start compiling a "wishlist" from everyone else on what resources the company should acquire, whether it be more weapons, charms, vehicles, armour, tools, information, etc.

Keep your soul guise up, practice those chakra tricks a little (but not enough to tire you out), and while your chakra's flushed, try out some of that flesh manipulation.

>trolling
Go on YouTube, a look up some basic, sleight-of-hand kind of magic tricks - disappearing coins, stuff like that - practice them for a little bit, then try them out on one of the Russians. Once you start testing them out, try using the attention-sense to tell where "the mark" is going to look, and optimize your misdirection by keeping their attention off of where the coin (or whatever) is - whether that's by talking, or gestures or whatever. Now, once you've got this down well enough that you seem like you know what you're doing, do it to Camella. Keep her attention for a minute or two, then have Shadowbro shadowport a huge number of coins into her clothes. Feign ignorance.

>free time
Take a little while every day to just relax, read a newspaper or start a book, watch tv, or just surf the internet - it doesn't really matter what as long as it's not work or an attempt to gain more power, because continuing with that kind of shit 24/7 makes people go crazy, and you're just crazy enough.

Take everyone out for dinner: Arkvad, Einrik, Hillevi, Duke, and Camella, the Russians as well. Head out to a bar afterwards, drunkenly using your new magic tricks to try to impress girls - ask around for a way to block Shadowbro out, in the event that you do get laid, just for revenge.

>colour scheme
ALL THE COLOURS, AS BRIGHT AS POSSIBLE
>>
No. 383689 ID: 31afe3

>>383688
>Dem coin tricks

YES. I fully support this. It fits in with Armas's theme of deceptive truth and greed it is beautiful.
>>
No. 383694 ID: f354ab

The only crucial thing I'd say we need to do is get started on Plan: Fishy Murder. Step 1- scout out the battlefield.

That said, got some other stuff we could squeeze in. Sound out some individuals on the BloodHeart plan, that sort of thing.

Silja: Anything interesting out of Note Writer recently? Also break down the Heart plan for her. Would she be into it? It'd give her more people to talk to by a factor of 10. Drunk russians, admittedly, but no plan is perfect.

Camella: How's that fancy charm coming along? Figured out the ritual & stored charges thing yet? Insert joke about women (+Blackbeard) and gaudy jewelery if you're feeling ballsy. Add, since you've met SM you probably already know this, but he's got some excellent charm-makers. Svartelves, quality stuff. If she wanted to build a charm-scheme around her bit of shiny bling, he'd be a good choice - and the 12-part charm has a curious property in that it counts as ALL charms for the purpose of empowerment, which I would think would be exploitable.

Talk about the Heart in general terms as a long-term plan. She's going to need time to come to terms with it, so best get started now. "So, pretty sure I figured out how to make people just this side of immortal. And it only has one - some might call it unfortunate - requirement: being bound to me - and some drunk russians - body and soul. Just, you know, putting that out there. Something to think about."

Invite her to bar-hop later tonight if we can get Arkvad in on it - Duke, Hillevi and Einrik are other good choices to come along.

Hillevi: We need to get this girl out of the house. Grand Bazaar, Arena, whatever. At least getting to scout out the Doony battlefield and bar-hopping tonight.

Hafaz: start carrying around 5 arrow charms from the stockpile. During the alcohol-laced excursion, hit the 2 bars Hafaz suggested. If we run into them, pretend to ignore them but have SB hitch a ride home with them. See how things are going and shadowport the charms to them. Don't want to lose any of them doing us a favor, I'd feel bad.

Amen: See what materials he thinks he'd need for the Heart project. Take it modularly- materials for basics, for 'Silja' model, what we'd need to add the different functionalities we want (teleport, bloodline sharing, whatever else). We could even hit the Grand Bazaar if Hillevi feels like it, start laying in supplies.

Random thought: Who do we ask to test if we're God enough to receive prayers?

If it works, have Amen put up a bunch of motivational posters about religion in the workplace, interspersed with "CAMELLA IS WATCHING" and "Feel better; rub your weasel". While we're at it, we could do with a corkboard/dry erase board for random work stuff. Add a few notices yourself, like "Wind and Fire looking for third bandmate" or "Flex your creative muscles: most impressive kill this month gets a prize". You might even do a 'wall of honor' with Employee of the Month plaques. The past 12 months are framed pictures of Armas in ridiculous poses.

The religion thing might also be a good lead-in to Whaitiri's long but vaguely-planned altar on-site.

We should also check in on our old place, see if Cookie Lady's doing all right... should we let that apartment go now that we have the mansion, or leave it as a (unfortunately relatively well-known) bolt-hole?
>>
No. 383713 ID: 252e1b

Armas orders

Alright, I am totally on board with seeing Arkvad again as per >>383598 but I do not think we should bring Duke. I think we should actually invite Arkvad over to the mansion. He knows about the Russians (because we told him) and we can wine and dine the old man much more effectively on our own turf.

Plus, we can show off the Four Seasons to him. And with Silja, Einrik, and Hillevi all present we can finally tell Arkvad the story about meeting Simo Hayha's spirit, and Silja getting promised a personal blessing on top of the spirit-graft.

Since we got the erinyes hearts from the goblin deal this week, let's feed the erinyes hearts to Silja. Explain them as being ethical meat (we purchased them from the goblins, who harvest them from regenerating critters they have deals with).

>>383613
I can get on board with doing Meng Yun's homework.

>>383688
Yes! Sleight of hand tricks are a go!

Lyubov Orders

Continue researching the death database, and how to get duplicate birth certificates to enact the "Day of the Jackal" passport scam.

Buy a satellite phone and subscription. Start adding people. Ask for reimbursement for it and point out that Armas said she should start networking.

Ask Sake why he doesn't have his own phone number.

Another jam session with anyone who wants. If Arkvad comes over, talk Zhenya and Sake into performing for the guests instead of the nightly jam session.

After the Night Lessons, ask Camella (privately of course) if she would like a second ID as well, since Lyubov is working on them for the company anyway.
>>
No. 383715 ID: 431fa8

>Satai orders
>This quartermaster thing is going to a be a lot of work, but it's all going to be worth it because Armas is never going to audit the company accounts, which means Satai can pretty much buy whatever he wants. All his expenses that he can remotely justify can become company expenses. All the other Russians can owe him favors in exchange for prioritizing buying their desired gear. A little extra effort now getting things rolling and looking good, and he will be pretty much comfortably set up forever.
-In light of this, cut down on hobby time (very sad, will resume it later) and on relaxing time (worse, hopefully this won't last more than a week or two) to begin aggressively pursuing quartermaster duties. Use mafia friends/contacts to get a run-down on arms dealers in the city if possible, talk to other Russians, the Middle Easterners, and Camella in case they've found anyone to buy weapons from that he doesn't already know about.
-Tell Lyubov to keep him posted on fake ID stuff. As someone doing all kinds of arms purchasing Satai will need several fake IDs. For now, get something disposable- $2000 or less off the company account in support of his purchasing endeavors.
-Buy nondescript but decent quality used van for supply runs. $8000 or so off the company account. Bring another Russian or two to help select it.
-Visit all the arms dealers he discovers that he thinks he safely can, and make some purchases from all of them to establish himself as a customer. Anyone who seems like they might be particularly useful he can buy some ammo from to get ammo for the weapons that we don't have any bullets for at all, and in bulk to shore up those weapons we're commonly using. Budget $60,000 for this over the next week or so.
-Take inventory of guns and ammo, and track ammo consumption to get an idea of how fast we need to buy more in the future. Ammo is expensive as hell and if we do any significant kind of ranged practice regularly we will need a LOT of it, probably on the order of $50,000 a week in various calibers.

>>383553
>What's my plan for today?
Talk to Duke- he knows a hell of a lot about spirit animals, right? We've heard some good things about mythic animals; how does an animal become mythic? What does it really mean; what are the results? Can he tell us any methods of accomplishing it which might be usable in the near future? What can he tell us about the kind of spirit bond that we've got with the hummingbird; what are its strengths, weaknesses, that sort of thing? While we pick his brain, provide him with booze. Excellent booze. Use our newly-improved personal bank account to ensure that the booze is good enough and plentiful enough to justify his continuing the conversation.

Speak with Amen about Silja. Order him to give us truthful answers to the following:
-What is Silja, and what are her current abilities?
-How will she change as she continues to absorb the flesh and blood of other creatures? Will the nature of what she consumes affect her changes, and if so, in what fashion and how strongly?
-If she were fed all the blood in the mansion's stores which came from mundane human females, what would be its effects upon her physically, mentally, and spiritually?

Steal an hour or two to do a bit of our homework from Meng Yun- and try to combine it with the dual alignment bit that we learned from Lo Fang. Try to use Reinforcement as precisely as possible while also using a second alignment, like spirit sensing. Combine our skills.

>Is there anything I absolutely HAVE to get done today that I need to prioritize?
Yes. We are moving on the Fishy Murder plan. Einrik, Hillevi, Camella, Matvey, and any of the Russians that Matvey thinks would be beneficial in scoping out a site where we're planning to lure the enemy into a trap should come along. This should occur in the afternoon/evening when apparently the Doonongaes is usually on the far side of the Bosporus.

Before departing, explain the nature of the Doonongaes to those going- massive but shapeshifting, fast as hell, regenerating, extremely keen senses, ungodly strong and deadly venomous. Warn all parties that the target might be able to hear us talking if we mention its identity- it CAN hear almost anything near the water, but presumably can't filter it all since that's a hell of a lot of noise. Still, saying its name might draw its attention. If someone/Einrik has some kind of mobile ward so we can talk freely that would be great.

If Duke wants to come he can, but be very clear that we want to kill this thing and take the spoils. It's one thing to bring minions and those who have agreed to assist us, another to bring independent parties.

>I've been thinking-when am I going to start budgeting myself personal time-say, going clubbing, what have you?
We live in a never-ending stream of taking precious little seriously. Our job is running around killing things and ordering others to run around killing things, which is basically also our hobby- it's not like we built this company because we had to, it was just something we hoped would be entertaining. We spend time constantly training not because it's somehow mandatory, but because we want to become awesome. Our life is made of almost nothing but personal time.

>What color scheme am I thinking of today-red, yellow or blue-oriented?
Let the hummingbird choose our clothing for today, or at least strongly influence its design.


>>383694
>Talk about the Heart in general terms as a long-term plan.
SUST to telling Camella about the Heart plan yet. We don't have it ready yet; we don't even have the connections that we'll need to make it start getting ready. And that was a horrible way to spin it. Keep the Heart plan to us, our soul brothers, and Silja for now.
>>
No. 383722 ID: 3947e9

In terms of clothes, armas should go with multi-colored fur in a plumage motif.
>>383715
>Let hummingbird dress armas
Haha! even better! I like it!

>Boris
Boris goes ahead and buys these books for 180$, reads them, and when done starts brewing.
>>
No. 383751 ID: d97a61

>[Lyubov has been ordered to do the following:]
>Continue researching death databases-attempt to backtrack how the passport forging process chosen functions in specific-learn not just which places have poor records for their death databases, ready to exploit-but also which methods of obtaining a passport are least likely to notice the fake.
>Attempt to buy a satellite phone. Realize she'd have to pay twice as much for her own plan, as opposed to getting her own under the as of yet new company plan. Make mental note to talk to Armas about getting personal phones for all of them.
>Ask Sake why he does not have a phone number. Spend ten minutes laughing ass off as Sake becomes highly confused as to whether his numerical lack is worthy of shame or not. Offer him no answers, continue laughing. Recieve weasel body slam to the face in return.
>[Satai has been queued to do the following:]
>Gloat over the fact Armas will NEVER do an internal audit, or otherwise question expenses so long as Satai can moderately justify them.
>GREED TRIGGER MET
>Decide to temporarily drastically reduce free time until things are 'in order'.
>Seek personal understanding of which contacts are used to purchase goods in bulk from the Mafia and Triads.
>Use Mafia/Triad contacts to learn of dedicated Armas dealers in the city (Best three heard of are: a paranoid Serbian, a quick-tempered Swede, and a boisterous Korean. No names are given-but numbers are acquired)
>Learn that usually each of the three mentioned will have the best prices on goods easily acquired in their home countries-but that otherwise the Mafia and Triads will have more competitive prices.
>Inform Lyubov he'd like updates on the fake ID stuff-particularly as he's now the dude for company expenditures.
>[BUSINESS EXPENSE: $2,000 BUSINESS FUNDS: -$2,000 $495,500.00
>Satai acquires three disposable IDs from the Mafia for use in his quartermaster duties.
>[BUSINESS EXPENSE: $8,000 BUSINESS FUNDS: -$8,000 $487,500.00
>Satai purchases another used Vanduras to serve as a company vehicle. Found one refitted with a more robust suspension than stock. Current paintjob: beige, peeling.
>Take inventory on ammunition. Include Armas' 550 rounds of 7.62x52mm, 540 12-gauge slugs, 840 .45 ACP rounds, and 680 .454 Casull rounds. Learn that fellow employees have been lax reporting personal ammunition supplies, preferring to hoard rather than contribute to an Armory. Wonder how to address this.
>Still figuring out price ranges for ammunition and establishing company inventory-no ammunition purchases made today.
>Theorize ammunition could run something around 50K a week, during busy periods.
>>383722
>[Boris is queued to do the following:]
>Spend $180 on brewing books, begin reading.
>Start seriously questioning why so many meals go missing upon completion.
>>383598
Well... Soul Guise up?
>"Soul Guise up."
Great. You know.... Hummingbird, you mind coming up with a color motif for me?
Flapping his wings as he continues to stand on the dresser nearest the bed, the Hummingbird gives me question it's unflinching focus, and delivers it's edict with more weight than any committee I've seen.
>[Hummingbird]"...Hm. You giants attire yourselves with finery to attract mates, rather than using inborn plumage. An interesting challenge. Very well: I accept."

So it is I have what is unquestionably the strangest morning routine possible. Even while I shower and shave, the bird peppers me with questions, assuring itself colors are perceived similarly, and trying to gain a sense of what is considered vogue. I'll be honest, I step out of the shower with more than a bit of trepidation-his questions were so alien I seriously doubt he really gets it. After toweling off, I re-enter my room and see-

With Sake's aid he's set out a creamy beige set of trousers and matching vest, both cashmere, laceless black leather loafers, and a buttery gold silk shirt, complete with my favorite Neon orange tie. For a jacket-I have a robust red double breasted sport jacket. I immediately recognize the coloring as more or less matching the bird's own-and realize he effectively just dressed me in his attire. I'm... not too sure how to feel about this.

Still, when I top it off with the snazzy cream fedora, I decide the look's not too bad.

That done, I stealthily make my way downstairs and yet again discreetly pilfer the kitchen, idly wondering when Boris will realize what's happening before I get down to business. First, a solid hour spent going over everything I learned from Lo Fang's lessons. I double and triple-check my still ongoing Soul Sensing chakra orientation, assuring myself nothing I can detect is out of order. I systematically try shunting energy from my flesh after letting some back in with a brief Open setting, first simply out of my flesh, then to Sake, to my Soul Shadow, and to my Spirit Animal. So far-no errors, no unexpected occurrences, no snags. Then I try to replicate that brief period of Orientation overlap, that one second Multi-Orientation I sustained. That's where I run into problems. After half an hour, I realize I still have not once established a proper overlap. The bird, on seeing my repeat frustration, briefly assists me again-and on the third try with his assistence I again have that fleeting moment of duality. The moment he stops focusing on aiding me, I relapse, once more unable to establish the overlap. It seems that while everything else I learned in my focused training not only stuck but is fully replicatable, the Multi-Orientation technique is still completely out of my personal grasp. I suppose I'll need to dump quite a bit of time into resolving that.

Stopping there as I feel the hints of not-quite fatigue returning, I perform a safety flushing, only proceeding when I verify there's no Winter energy left in my body to flush for the next half hour or so. I switch from my still-weakened Winter line-to my effectively overflowing Summer Bloodline. With no chakras in my way, I begin to go over the as of yet personally untested memories SB gave me. First.... I try to do what seemed the simplest to me-Reinforce my heart. I tap the memories, doing what they tell me-and feel a disconcerting sinking weight in my chest I intellectually grasp as being my heart settling as it becomes denser even while I'm viscerally fascinated and repulsed by the alien sensation. I let it settle for a time, noting how the feeling of being off only wanes somewhat-before attempting to undo the fleshcrafting. This time my heart feels pushed up by pressure beneath it, taking a minute to go back to feeling 'normal' once back in it's original place. I try switching in and out of the Hardened heart basic fleshcrafting, and clock my time somewhere in the realm of twenty seconds to fully transition. Next-I try hardening my organs-effectively a step up from the heartwork, so far as I can tell. Again, the memories enact instant change, and I fight waves of nausea as my guts resettle. I take a moment to center myself and resist the urge to vomit-before noting that this sensation too does not fully fade after a few minutes, merely partly abate. Again, I transition back out-and this time abruptly feel full, my stomach no longer unsettled. A few more switches confirm it-the discomfort and nausea only happen when I harden my organs. Lastly-I try the most comprehensive change-switching muscle types. Again, I ply the memory that's not truly mine, the skills I never learned-and achieve results. A maddening itch races beneath my skin as muscles reknit themselves, and I can do nothing to stop myself from having moderate spasms throughout the process. Once done, I fully convert to the alternative type of muscle, and then cycle back to my normal state. Finally, I start trying to perform two of the three fleshcraftings at once-then all three. I learn that to make any one change still takes me around twenty seconds-a bit less than when I started, admittedly, but still too slow for combat-while performing two at once took nearly a minute, and all three took two minutes. I think I'll need quite a bit of practice to get over the spasms-I have to assume it's from crude performance on my part-and the nausea.

Cracking my neck and rolling a shoulder as I straighten my clothes, I once more check my Soul Guise-to be interrupted by the Hummingbird, who is most insistent he be given a feast for his services-demanding a can of winged bull's brew. Confident my soul guise is still in place, I make my way to my minifridge, grab one of the red bull's I'd packed away the first day I got this bird-and pour him a saucer full. He deigns to thank me for my services before partaking-and at last, he decides my day is allowed to properly begin.

>>383613
But before that.... I've already got questions about what I can do with my Summer Line. For example-can I just convert an arm's muscles, or just one organ, or-
>"If you are patient I will have the answers to that for you."
Aw, come on, I'm sure it'll work, I already know 95% of the theory and have seen both ends of it work, so-
Instead of converting my right arm to all White muscle while leaving the rest of me unchanged, as I had intended-my arm immediately swells with ugly discoloration as blood seeps from my arm's pores. The pain, once upon a time enough to drop me to the ground, is not quite enough to distract me as I backtrack my efforts and undo my mistake through gritted teeth. I lightly gasp as I finish, the arm still a misshapen mess-
HYBRID HEALING
WINTER ENERGY: 55/160
SUMMER ENERGY: 42/50
-That promptly tightens back up into normal form. Okay, painful. Also really felt like my body was trying to reject my arm. What's up with that?
>"I'm not certain-you didn't do anything that would have caused the genetic identifiers of the flesh to change.... perhaps it was a... magical rejection?"
No clues in all the stuff you've translated?
>"It's quite a great deal of information, and parsing through it can take some... ah. Yes, it looks like it probably is magical rejection."
Okay. How do I prevent it?
>"So far as I understand it-with practice. NOT, I must stress, practicing the thing that causes rejection-but practicing functional fleshcrafting, as many forms as possible, before re-attempting.
..Dammit. Another thing for 'to do'.
>"On the plus side it's my understanding that performing both hardening techniques would render your body far more resilient to trauma in battle."
Silver linings-love that you keep such a sharp eye out for them.

I set out downstairs, noticing Hillevi's lecturing a half dozen Russians under the watchful eyes of her brother and Duke, and take a detour to the kitchen for yet another discretely acquired meal before heading back upstairs-and putting some more time into Meng Yun's homework, as a finisher to my morning practice. I intend to do a full hour, but get restless enough I call it quits after a half hour. I definitely feel more comfortable switching between Chakras-and it's easier to reach the same levels of overcharging compared to before. I won't say that I can overcharge more, or faster-but I will claim I overcharge more easily-and that, I think, means I've made some solid progress. I take one last moment to check my Soul Guise-
>"I begrudgingly give respect for your dedication to keeping an eye on this knack of yours-and yes, it's still up"
Then pop open my laptop as I happily belch.
>>383677
>>383688
>>383689
The morning already well under way, I decide.... too look at internet videos. Specifically, I look up videos on three sleight of hand tricks involving coins-two for making them disappear, and one for making a coin seemingly appear. I... end up taking an entire hour getting to the point I think I can pull off all three of the tricks-not well, sure, but well enough. So I make my way downstairs, where Hillevi's still leading a sparring lesson, and begin trying my trick out on the Russians. It's... easier than I expected, with Attention sensing on my side-I actually KNOW when they aren't paying attention to the trick's secret. Still, I fumble a few times, and don't really feel I ironed out the kinks until I've been at it for half an hour. Satisfied I properly prepared myself, I again check my Soul Guise, I call Camella, arrange a lunch meeting-and then take out all the Russians present-along with Hillevi as my ward-to brunch.
>"Bitches love brunch."
...The fuck you say?
>"It's you're thought. I'm just forcing it to coalesce rather than remain abstract."
Thankfully, I pass off my stumble as stopping to pick up a two lira coin on the ground-and keep on trucking. Once we arrive at our destination (coincidentally the same place I asked Camella to meet me) I let everyone order, and pick up the bill. So it is that for an hour and a half, a relatively quiet, somewhat quaint eatery, with largely geriatric clients is besieged by a gaggle of towering, loud but oddly polite Russians that speak Turkish like a native. They seem confused when we do not pillage the place, and do not quite know how to look pleased about our expensive orders. On that topic:
CASH: $97.00
That... did chew through a bit of cash. Still-everyone got to stuff their face on the boss's dime, and we got to bullshit-for one, I finally known who likes what sports, and am better equipped to shoot the shit with my underlings. Hillevi sticks around as the Russians head off-and I wait the half hour or so for noon to roll around, meeting Camella at a table for three. So it is that I chat with her and Hillevi-catching up on how both have been doing the last few days outside of mission related drudgery, and ensuring I have a good time-the fact they had fun too was completely coincidental. Once we've exchanged enough pleasantries though, I decide to address a bit of a more serious topic.
"So-I know it's a heavy topic to just jump right into-but on the topic of your plan to go home-"
At this Camella immediately perks up.
"-I.... have found A plan that works on paper so far-but I can guarantee you won't like it, and have zero chance of going for it."
Camella frowns.
>[Camella]"What's the plan that you're so sure I won't do it?"
"Well.... I think you could be bounced out of this dimension and on to another pretty easily... if you were willing to automatically kill and consume your other self in the magical passage."
Camella's nostrils flair as I see her jaw tensing-but after a deep breath, she goes on at the same tone.
>[Camella]"Yes, I see now what you believed-accurately-that I would not go for such a plan."
"I know I said I'd help-but it's a bit of a tricky problem. So far, that's all I've found-well, there was another variation, but effectively it was as I just said."
>[Camella]"Some day I would love to know why depravity seems to go hand in hand with magical power."
"I imagine you could make a fair bit if you had the answer to that one."
Past there, I talk with her about her own studies on the topic. Seems she's gotten an inkling that she might be able to go back by sacrificing a prophet in Mongolia at the same geological point where she was taken from her own world-but she does not yet believe the plan would even work-so far it's just an unsubstantiated bit of guesswork from a single contact. Seems she hasn't been having much luck either-though as I listen to her naming dozens of places she went in search of answers, I doubt it's due to a lack of effort on her part. From there, Hillevi asks about Camella's charm. Turns out Camella's gotten it fully charged, and hasn't had any issue with the rituals involved. When I ask her what she plans to do, in terms of setting up a Charm Array, she says she's still considering her options. From there... I lapse back into a serious topic: The Doonongaes. I go over my Fishy Murder plan with her, such as it is, and rehash Doony's abilities, physical and mental, along with his rather notable... deficiencies, before asking her opinion. She thinks we'll need to scout out the sight before we can finalize anything-and I tell her I'm off to check it after our meeting. There is a small chance she was briefly impressed before her brain rejected the notion.

Having spent enough time talking it's now a bit past one, I decide to run another idea past her-my bloodheart plan. I'd say our entire conversation can be summed up with this exchange:
"So, pretty sure I figured out how to make people just this side of immortal. And it only has one - some might call it unfortunate - requirement: being bound to me - and some drunk russians - body and soul. Just, you know, putting that out there. Something to think about."
>"While I admit that mind of yours, at times, has valid ideas.... you may wish to keep more of them to yourself."
"Duly noted."

To finish up our exchange, as I notice Hillevi getting a bit restless, I decide to put my training to the test-and attempt to 'conjure' a coin from behind Camella's ear. On the plus side, she's actually comfortable enough around me that, highly trained killing machine or no, she doesn't violently beat me when I abruptly move my hand towards her face. On the downside-she immediately catches my hand, and by plying pressure points forces me to reveal the coin I palmed. As she arches an eyebrow at me, about to condescendingly question my childish action-I ask SB to step in.
>"On it."
Camella's eyes widen fractionally as her shirt resettles. Her hands go to her pockets-and I Smile at her, reveling in the fact she doesn't seem bothered by it.
"Ta-da!"
>[Camella]"...Really? That's your magic trick? Try to fake pulling a coin from behind my ear and dump some coins in my pocket?"
"Clearly there's no reason I'd believe I could catch you with something so simple."
>[Camella]"The trick's still stupid, no matter your goal."
"You 're killing me here."
>[Camella]"And who's coins are these, anyway?"
"The other customer's."
Camella dynamically stands up in consternation as she utters a partly shocked reply.
"What?"
As all eyes in the quiet eatery turn her way, she starts to realize that she wasn't the only one to notice weight shifting about as SB relocated some coinage. She starts to look mad, and at first I worrohmygodshe'sblushingCamellaisblushingIwillneverforgivemyselfifIforgetthis.

In gratitude for the rarity I just witnessed-I start clapping, drawing all attention to me.
"Let's give a big hand for our Magician here-did any of you notice her taking the coins from your pockets?"
Those few already making the connection seem split between being unhappy and entertained-while those not quick enough on the uptake merely goggle at the proclamation as they check their pockets.
"I know-really cool, and I'm definitely proud of how she handled it-but she's still learning, and doesn't quite know who's coins are which. Would you all mind taking a minute to reclaim your coins? Round of coffee on me for everyone being such a good sport."
Perhaps older folk are made of more amenable stuff-but no one grumbles or grouses, and I make my goodbyes to Camella after paying $60 to get everyone a coffee as promises, quietly laughing as she's put on the spot, emptying her pockets and trying to brush off the complements on her well-performed trick. Admittedly-that didn't go how I hoped. But I think I recovered all right.
CASH: $37.00
I step outside, check my Soul Guise with my shadow-
>"We're good-"
>>383694
And call Matvey.
"Hey. It's me."
>[Matvey]"You ready for us to meet you on location?"
"Yeah. See you there."

That short and sweet phone call done, Hillevi and I make our way to the proposed 'kill the fuck out of doony' location, where we meet Matvey and Gloom, already scoping out the place.

It's an abandoned seaside warehouse, dilapidated and covered in graffiti. Based on the weeds and general disarray, I'd estimate this place hasn't been in use for more than a year. Besides the warehouse itself, a box sixty feet to a side that sits squarely before the docks, there's a gate office, little more than a booth, a chain-link fence, and a small office building.
-The office building has a view of the Northern half of the docks-but the southern portion is obscured by the warehouse. The windows are all immovable, and the roof doesn't' have much of a ledge-any shooters here would need to knock out the glass-but would get a bit of cover.
-The warehouse, sadly, has diddly in the way of windows-so, big as it is, you can only really shoot out from the two doors, only one of which faces the dock.
-The booth near the entrance has a perfect vantage point for shooting at the southern portion of the dock-but at best would hold three people-whoever I put there better have heavy enough ordinance to matter.
-The warehouse' interior is sadly completely bare-there's no barriers or obstructions to use for cover to to slow down the Doonongaes. If I want to make a killzone inside the warehouse, I'll need to bring in material to make it.
-The dock itself is little more than a pair of walkways that stretch out some forty feet into the Bosphorus. The wood noisily groans underfoot as I walk upon it-and I make note of how noisy it is.

Wrapping up an hour of observation-complete with Hillevi being the one to note the northern diminutive hill was once home to gnomes who sadly left nothing behind-Hillevi and I hitch a ride back to the mansion in the 'new' crappy van that Satai purchased for the company.



The afternoon in full swing, I duck aside as Hillevi continues to pester Matvey with questions about how modern tactics differ from, in her words, 'orthodox' approaches to have some quality time with Silja. And by quality time I mean talking with her for a little while about minor shit because I didn't think of anything of substance to ask (Note Writer STILL hasn't said anything strange to her, it seems), and then feeding her the pair of Erinyes hearts I have sitting about. I manage to dodge answering what EXACTLY she ate, beyond saying it was meat from a magical creature. How do I know I didn't aggravate her with such an act? She admitted she liked the flavor. I also asked her about becoming part of the Heart plan I've got going-and she didn't turn me down. Just one could have been luck-but two for two? For now-I left the meeting as is, and didn't press anything-but this could be a major milestone in getting her where I want. I wrap up fast enough that no one has begun to question my absence, already used to my disappearing acts-even when I swing by the room converted to our Armory and snag five of the Arrow charms there.
ARMORY:-5 Arrow Charms
While still in the armory-I decide to give a few orders.
"Amen?"
>[Amen]"Yes, master?"
"I want you to, without anyone seeing you do so, or admitting to being responsible, periodically put up (and then later remove) posters of Sake mid-wiggle saying 'Feel better; rub your weasel'."
Amen stares at me for a full second before bowing.
>[Amen]"This one... hears and obeys."
"Also, I want you to start up a... 'Wall of Honor' Where specifically in the house it is, that's up to you-and you can move it around when no one's looking-but it needs to be visible enough it's likely people will see it."
>[Amen]"What shall this Wall of Honor be comprised of?"
"Oh, Employee of the Month placards, of course-primarily judged on kill creativity. Let's go ahead and name me Employee of the Month for the last six months, placards and all, shall we?"
>[AMen]"Am I to understand these placards will have pictures on them?"
"Most certainly-preferably comical pictures of the individual."
>[Amen]"This one will accomodate."
"Excellent. Now-on a more serious note, I order you to answer the following questions truthfully:
-What is Silja, and what are her current abilities?
-How will she change as she continues to absorb the flesh and blood of other creatures? Will the nature of what she consumes affect her changes, and if so, in what fashion and how strongly?
-If she were fed all the blood in the mansion's stores which came from mundane human females, what would be its effects upon her physically, mentally, and spiritually?"
>[Amen]"To Master's first question, Silja was a mortal, who's soul has been bound in a blood-stained gun for longer than she lived as a human. This one does not know of any name for what she is-but this one supposes human or golem would be most accurate, depending on how one looks at it. To master's second question, she will absorb information on the physical nature of that which she consumes-but not her food's mental nature, unless you feed her living bodies. This one supposes that, were one to insist on a 'rule of thumb' then the more Winter aligned a given meal is, the more she will absorb it's nature-and vice versa. For master's third question, this one estimates it would swing her physical nature much more strongly back towards 'human'. Is that all?"
"For now."

I head inside, and spread the word-in an hour or so, I want to hit the bars, and everyone's invited. I happily delegate the duty of calling Arkvad to invite him too to Camella as I head back out-this time to my old apartment. I'm... a bit perturbed by the fact that I find a knife missing it's handle stuck cleanly through the mannequin's throat, but far more so perturbed that the kindly old neighbor slipped a batch of cookies through the door slot while I was away-and now they've molded and I can't eat them. This immense sorrow is lifted, however-when to my surprise the old woman heard me moving about in the apartment-and bustled over to check. After assuring her I'm doing well, and suffering through her comments she's a bit lonely without her next door neighbor, she gives me a freshly baked Raspberry and Rhubarb pie, and refuses to let me beg off recieving the gift. Bested by her beligerrant kindness, I thank her and eventually leave-sneaking a taste of the pie.

!


After ducking down an alley briefly, I lament the fact I cannot share the no longer existing pie with my coworkers-they surely would have enjoyed such ambrosia as that.
>".....I'll trade you the memory of that night for the memory of what that pie tastes like."
Fuck no-MY pie.
>"You... you'd value that pie over the other pie?"
And that's why I'm adamant I won't share.
>"You... cold hearted bastard."
Reciprocation's a bitch, isn't it?

My belly happily filled with pie, I head back to the mansion as I browse my message history, looking for where I saved the names of the two bars Hafaz recommended to me. A block before I reach the mansion I find them.
>>383715
I barge in through the front, and announce I've got our watering holes. Once I see that not all the Russians are ready to go-I ask Duke if he'd mind answering a few questions about Spirit Animals while everyone suits up. He obliges-and I ask about Mythic animals.
-Seems an animal becomes mythic when it does enough to 'ascend' relative to a normal souled animal as a normal animal douse to become souled-by this he attempts to convey that Mythic animals are about as rare, relative to Spirit Animals, as Spirit Animals are to mundane animals.
-It seems there's no hard rule on what exactly will trigger the change, beyond trying events that force the spirit to reach farther than it has before-and succeeding. He makes a big point out of how many Spirit Animals are irreparably overworked in vain attempts to make Mythic animals, and notes that in his opinion, attempting to force a Spirit Animal to ascend to Mythic status is a crapshoot.
-He does note that he knows a few workarounds, but all of them are built on the assumption the Spirit Animal owner could survive drinking their weight in grain alcohol and then swallowing a smoldering cloth to ignite their bellies' contents. He does not recommend it to me-even if he does think it'd be funny to watch me try.

Our conversation's cut short-as Arkvad arrives just before Grisha and Ivan, the last of the Russians, finish preparing.
"Arkvad! Glad you could make it!"
>[AS]"Well, a certainly lovely lady said I'd get the chance to meet your staff, and have an enjoyable night out drinking-how could I say no?"

Introductions are made-all of the Russians show respect when they hear what company Arkvad works for-and soon enough, we're out the door, our twenty-plus pack on the prowl.

We reach the first bar a bit after six, and proceed to start getting drinks. Everything's going fine for the first quarter hour-until a situation crops up. I step in as I see Hillevi getting agitated.
[In Finnish]"What's wrong?"
>[Hillevi][In Finnish]"They are claiming I am too young to drink! WHAT MADNESS IS THIS!?"
"Calm down-give me a second here."
I look at the bartender, moderately impressed he's being so stubborn before a woman that's twice as wide across the shoulders as he is, and could easily snap him in two. At my look, he grimly swallows, and shakes his head again.
>[Bartender][In Turkish]"Rules are rules-I'm not confident she's old enough, and she doesn't have ID. I'm not going to get us closed down just to make some..... *ahem*... fine young woman wants to drink in public. I don't want a scene."
>[Hillevi][In Turkish]"A scene? I could drink you under the table ten times over-how would that be for a scene?"
The man smiles at her patronizingly.
>[Bartender][In Turkish]"Sure you can. Look, you don't have an ID, you can't prove you're old enough-so no drinks for you, end of line. Look pal, can you explain this to her?"
I cannot resist the urge to Smile as I wonder.......








Just how should I handle this?
Do I dare attempt to plan something to do while we're drunk, for after resolving this issue and drinking more?
>>
No. 383755 ID: 7359ee

Buy the bar!
>>
No. 383756 ID: c6ce12

There is a simple solution here, just pretend to comply with the bartender's wishes. Order a nonalcoholic drink for Hillevi and then a similar looking alcoholic drink from yourself, Shadowbro will teleport some of our drink into her glass and everybody comes out drunk. If we're feeling blatant about it, have Shadowbro take little bits of other people's beverages for Hillevi. He might even have some fun playing a bartender for her himself. I'll leave it to a more capable wordsmith than myself to get Hillevi on board with the idea. And while I have no doubt he'll tell us himself Hummingbro would probably like partake in the festivities, see if someone can get him an energy drink, I'm tempted to say get him a four loko or a four loko equivalent, but who knows what alcohol will do to him.

I'm thinking karaoke could be good after this, plus who doesn't want to see Camella try to drunkenly belt out a song?

Orders for Matvey: Either commission from Satai the bipod, grenade launcher, and sound moderator for the L129A1 Sharpshooter or go out and purchase them from arms dealers. The price should range from the a 1k - 1.5k I believe.

Spend more time outdoors, look for local parks to enjoy. See if there are any good hiking opportunities in the area.

Attempt to spend more time at the range to make sure marksmanship skills don't decline.

Reminisce about his childhood, growing up a more rural area and resolve to learn how to ride a horse like he always said he would and see if he's any good at it. Look up various ranches, prices for private lessons may cost in excess of fifty dollars an hour.
>>
No. 383757 ID: 3947e9

>>383756
the bartender would be under even MORE legal pressure to report this and then we get arrested by the police.
>>
No. 383759 ID: 31afe3

Tell the bartender you will sort this out.

Take Hillevi aside and remind her she is in foreign lands, under the tutelage and protection of yourself. She must abide by at least some of the local law, lest she be arrested and cause trouble for you, and y extension, her father. Don't be harsh, but be firm. The tone is far more important than the wording. Look her in the eyes and make sure she understands - have her explain it back to you if you're not certain.

If she calls you out on your own shenanigans, add that you have the experience to know where rules can be bent, where they can be broken, and where they must be left to lie. You will teach her this - but it will take time. Assure her that later, if she likes, you can have drinks in the privacy of the manor. But for now? Non-alcoholic, if they have them.

>Rostislav: Is this a new bar? If so, use this opportunity to ask everyone's opinion on the beers and attempt to exhaust the menu. Same budget as usual applies.
>>
No. 383769 ID: 1e3433

>add that you have the experience to know where rules can be bent, where they can be broken, and where they must be left to lie
So murder laws can be broken but drinking laws must be followed?
>>
No. 383779 ID: b98dad

>>383756
The teleporting drink idea works, but better to teleport all our alcoholic drink to Hillevi, and stay stone cold sober. Much funnier to see what everyone else gets up to when drunk and be able to remember amusing stories to tell tomorrow.
>>
No. 383790 ID: 2096b0

IGOR :
>Talk to Igor, request he build him some metal arm guards that could stop even hefty blows. Awaiting response from Igor to proceed. (Project timeframe: four days.)
Ask Nikifor what kind of metal arm guard he wants- gauntlets, bracers ; something else ? Also, while Igor doesn't mind doing a project, Nikifor should be aware that it cost money to have the required metals and tools, as well as take times away from Igor's own projects. What can Nikifor do for Igor ?

Igor should plan to buy:
Eye protections (safety glasses).
Thin leather that can be used as hand protection against heat and sharp edges.
Ear protection- hammering metal is LOUD.
Hammers, ballpein, both 'normal' and polished face for finishing 'planishing'.
Aviation steel cutters.
Heat source: Propane gas mapp torch, Oxy-acetaline, small forge.
Fire extinguisher.
Bench Grinder. with replaceable wheels.
this will be modified with flap sanding disks for helping with polishing, and with mops with polishing compound. that, and planishing will help turning your kit from a bagfull of marbles to gleaming steel.

HOWEVER, it might be those are already available in the mansion- he should quiz Armas about it.
ARMAS:
Keep up your soul guise.

>Just how should I handle this?
The problem here isn't that Hillevi wants to do something illegal- the problem is that she is always complaining about lawbreakers but then throw a tantrum when confronted with the law. Basically, this is a chance to begin teaching her how to cheat. So, let's begin by making her aware of what she is doing:
“Hillevi, unless you want to physically force him to break his country's- his clan's- law, you should think about apologizing. You don't have proof that you are old off, after all.”
Then, do:
>>383756
However, Armas should explain to her (softly) what he is doing, and try to convince her that as long as no law are seen as broken, it's ok.

>Do I dare attempt to plan something to do while we're drunk, for after resolving this issue and drinking more?
Armas shouldn't drink anyway. This is becoming a bad habit of his, and he has a 6am lesson tomorrow. What Armas should od, however, is keep up his Soul Sensing orientation and try to see how soul changes while people get drunk or all emotional. He should ALWAYS keep 'soul sensing' on.
>>
No. 383791 ID: 76c597

"Yeah, gimme a minute, friend. I'll talk to her." Then take her aside as Shot suggests.

>>383759
> Take Hillevi aside and remind her she is in foreign lands, under the tutelage and protection of yourself. She must abide by at least some of the local law, lest she be arrested and cause trouble for you, and by extension, her father.

This is good. Then amend it to, "Now, I'll show you how to get around the law. Almost always better than just outright breaking it in these lands that consider themselves civilized.

I mean, sure, you could beat up the bartender with your pinky, or I could organize and officiate a drinking contest between you and the bartender- and half the bar, to make it fair- and that would be fun in its own way. But if you want to be taken seriously at these things like your brother Einrik and not just run wild like your OTHER brothers, then you have to do these things a certain way. Or at least, the appearance of the thing. Call it 'class'."

Then we do as Grail suggested, and SB fills her drink all night. When the bartender turns suspicious that she's been pounding down the same a virgin cocktail all night, SB switches back to non-alcoholic briefly. We turn it into an impromptu lesson, troll a fine, upstanding bartender, and everyone comes away happy.
>>
No. 383805 ID: 81f32a

>they surely would have enjoyed such ambrosia as that.
>and now they've molded and I can't eat them.

Oh man, can you imagine how great those cookies must have been? Shit, we committed a great sin by letting them go to waste. We are the most awful being in the world.
...But, there is a way to fix it. To make things right. We can ask SM to use their NN time-shenanigans to go back in time and bring us the cookies just when she slips them, when they are freshly baked! Yes, we must do this. We cannot let such wonderful thing rot away.
Also, we should become friends with the old woman. We must thank her somehow.... what would she like? She said that she is lonely, I think the best thing she will appreciate is some company. So, we could visit her once in a while and just talk with her (and eat her amazing pies and cookies!). We could also bring our signature Kelpie Crisps for her.

>Going out for the drinks. Having fun.
This is great and all but do not forget that tomorrow you will have training from Meng Yun at 6:00 AM so don't spend the entire rest of the day getting smashed and then either oversleeping the meeting or being tired and having hangover during it.

>[Bartender][In Turkish]"Sure you can. Look, you don't have an ID, you can't prove you're old enough-so no drinks for you, end of line. Look pal, can you explain this to her?"
>end of line
DAMN YOU STANLEY WOO YOU FUCKING JOYKILL!

Also:
GUISE MUST FLOW
>>
No. 383837 ID: 3af16b

>>383805
>Rescue cookies via NN bubble
You are a crazy-man. That's crazy.
:s0::s1::s2::s3::s4::s5::s6::s7::s8::s9:

>Just how should I handle this?

[In Finnish] "Hillevi, the mortal rulers of this country actually changed the laws last year. It used to be you only had to be older than 18 to legally drink in a bar, but now you must be 24 or older. In fact, you must be that age to even be in a bar, without the permission of a guardian. Since he has no way of knowing that I am filling that function for you, he's already done you a service by not asking you to leave. He's obviously trying to be a good steward of the trust his superiors have placed in him, while still trying to accommodate you as much as he can; it's impossible to fault him."

"That said, it is very inconvenient. Since we don't stand to gain anything of substance by antagonizing the poor fellow, we're going to have to be a little tricky. There's an old saying, "Out of sight, out of mind." What the barman here does not see, and is not aware of, will not hurt him. Order a non-alcoholic drink and I'll ask my brother to make sure it is suitably strong. That way, he believes he is doing his duty, you get to have fun, and no one needs to feel slighted."

If she says something about not liking sneaking around, or that she does feel slighted, remind her, "By the law of the land you are actually too young. This, too, is part of experiencing another culture. I'm willing to sneak around the rules sometimes, but blatantly flouting them is a sure way to get everyone involved in trouble if they are not of the same mind."

[To SB] "You can teleport from the drink bottles right to her glass, right? Keep track of how much you take, I'll make sure to inflate the tip appropriately to cover it."

>Do I dare attempt to plan something to do while we're drunk, for after resolving this issue and drinking more?

Put your Reinforcement up periodically while you drink. You want to enjoy yourself, but not be so wasted that you can't keep track of the people you're responsible for.

Plan on hitting Babylon and putting in the right order to get an audience with a knight of Mammon again, and then letting Duke drink it. Make sure you tell him what it will do though, so that he knows what he's getting into. He'll probably be up for having fun like that, but if he isn't, don't bother. You don't need to talk to Mammon's Knight when you've got an invitation to talk to him in the market.

Plan on bringing Arkvad home and telling him the Simo Hayha story with testimony from your star witness Einrik and supporting testimony from Hillevi. Show him how Silja is growing and changing, and show him the Four Seasons so you can get an idea of just how much they're worth in case you need to raise cash for something later.

At some point talk to Camella (in Italian) and tell her about Meng Yun's reaction to the hair tonic. It's pretty funny. The pure glee on his face was like a little kid's.
>>
No. 383840 ID: f354ab

The plan: Once we are sufficiently drunk that this sounds like a good idea, lead your crew over to Babylon. Order Duke a Raki's milk. Remember that drink? See, this is good because it's a troll on both Duke and Mammon Knight, inflicting them both on each other.

After the demon staircase thing absconds with Duke, tell that story to everybody. Do NOT tell Duke beforehand, that would be boring.

Also, ask hummingbird to wake us up with the drill beak alarm clock, we don't want to miss anything. We'll extricate ourselves from whatever crazy situation we ended up in, pound down a redbull (splitting it or each getting one, whatever; I am curious on if hummingbird gets the rush if WE drink redbull, like vice versa) and head off to Meng Yun (without the focus trick this lesson, let's not ALWAYS depend on it).
>>
No. 383848 ID: 490792

>>383805
going to SUST saying "DAMN YOU STANLEY WOO YOU FUCKING JOYKILL!"
just in case.

Additionally, Ask Hillelvi to share a bit about what she's learned so far in our 'tutelage', if anything. Might be able to nip some misconceptions in the bud.
>>
No. 383854 ID: 2096b0

>>383840
>Possibly giving 'i am betraying you' isgnal to duke
:s0::s1::s2::s3::s4::s5::s6::s7::s8::s9:
What are you thinking man? if you want to send Duke against Mammon for a troll (which is really suicidal as Mamon currently is an unfinished business, and do we want Duke to be our spokerman to him? doing that might actually give Duke authority to speak in our Name), at least have the decency ot NOT look like you are betraying him. Great way for him to kill us.
>>
No. 383898 ID: 431fa8

>>383751
>Just how should I handle this?
This is a chance to start teaching Hillevi how to talk to/manipulate people- don't waste it. Nod to the bartender and give a gesture like we'll handle it, then chat with Hillevi.

[Finnish] "Annoying when law or custom stands against something you want, isn't it? By the rules of this country, the bartender is in the right here; no appeal and he's doing his job properly by stopping you. And tempting as it might be to force the issue, that would only bring us trouble with the police and a bad reputation.

"What we need is a way for both him to get what he wants- not having done anything illegal should the law come looking- and you to get what you want- a fun night out. Any suggestions as to how?"

If she suggests a workable solution, go with that. Otherwise:
"Tell you what, order a Coke and have a seat, and I'll show you we're going to pull this off."
Then order a drink, sit with her, and go with the Shadowbro-as-teleporting-bartender plan and explain when she comments.

"The key thing here is, a lot of rules and customs are stupid- and the people who use them are people like anyone else. Figure out what they want and you can use that to figure out what rules can be bent, broken, or circumvented. I think we should talk more about this sort of thing- and a few other points. You have any plans for tomorrow afternoon? We can do lunch and go over some things."

>Do I dare attempt to plan something to do while we're drunk, for after resolving this issue and drinking more?
Maintain our soul guise all evening. Occasionally mix it up with a "stealth" soul guise, something that embodies the concept "completely uninteresting and unimportant, not worth thinking about or paying even the slightest bit of attention to" to wander around and troll our drunken compatriots (or random others present) in a variety of amusing ways. Remember, awesome magic isn't just for work; it's for play, too.

Don't forget that tomorrow is an early day. After we get a nice buzz going, use chakras to do a slow purge of the alcohol from our system even as we keep drinking, and before we go to sleep burn away all of it. Try to keep our chakras burning away the alcohol precisely in pace with our drinking, just to see if we can. A solid night's sleep untroubled by any lingering effects of our revelry should put us in good stead for our training tomorrow.
>>
No. 383939 ID: d97a61
 

>[Matvey has been queued to do the following:]
>Ask Satai to order the following components for his L129A1 Sharpshooter: a bipod, the compatible grenade launcher attachement, and a sound moderator. Offer Satai up to 1.5K to get the proper parts (so long as he gets a respectable amount of grenade rounds to go with the collection).
>Spend one hour a day purposefully away from the others, exploring Istanbul's parks and when possible the surrounding countryside to enjoy outdoors. Begin looking into hiking options near Istanbul.
>While trying to figure out how much time to spend at the range to keep his skills up, runs into Satai. It comes up that Satai's been fond of practicing at an outdoor range that's well-suited to sharpshooting practice. Matvey is invited to Satai's shooting practice. Awaiting Matvey's response.
>Decide that with how irregular life has become, it's ridiculous to not rekindle desire to learn how to ride a horse. Begin looking into ranches and places for lessons in the area, fully aware lessons can be quite expensive.
>[Rostislav has been queued to do the following:]
>As this is a new bar, initiate standard beer-testing practices. (-$150)
>[Igor has been queued to do the following:]
>Check with Boss Laine and be informed the only pre-existing equipment he has for metalworking is handloading equipment, and incompatible with smithing pursuits.
>Acquire supply of ear plugs and encapsulating sound dampening headsets.
>Attempt to secure regular supplies of leather from Satai as quartermaster-be told to sort it out himself, as Satai's still getting the guns straightened out, and has zero time to hunt down leather or other such things.
>Spend $1000 on acquiring leather from the Bazaar-initial prices sub-optimal, prices will improve with repeat purchases.
>Spend $1800 on acquiring assorted types and grades of metal, predominately steel alloys, with the goal of having sufficient amounts of common armor-forging metals to approach most basic projects. Recall that while you bought the metal at the bazaar, the trader you purchased from noted if you want larger orders, it would probably be best to go straight to his supplier-Kardemir Steel, a Turkish metalworks. He cautions that they do not do small orders, and the smallest order he heard was for $3,000 worth of material. Ponder if this information is relevant to the Quartermaster, Satai.
>Acquire an initial two dozen different sizes of ball-peen hammers for metal shaping-half standard, half polished for finishing work. Acquire replacement hafts for each size of ball-peen to prevent hammer breakages from halting work.
>Acquire a dozen different sized blacksmith's tongs, and a half dozen variable clamps.
>Acquire pair of Aviation steel cutters, one twice the size of the other.
>Acquire three fire extinguishers, rig them around room devoted to smithing (complete with a flue that technically shouldn't draw out smoke but does) for ease of access.
>Acquire bench grinder with replacable wheels, and compatible with having flap sanding disks installed for polishing work, as well as polishing compound infused mops.
>Acquire variable tempurature output Mapp gas propane torch. Acquire Oxy-acetaline for fuel-based welding.
>Acquire $350 heavy duty gas forge with twin controllable electric blowers and warranty against breakages for first YEAR of ownership. Spend $85 on a used Rivet Forge. Recieve complementary shaded forger's goggles during purchase.
>Spend tomorrow (Tuesday) properly installing equipment in smithing room, and begin getting operational. In theory, begin Nikifor's work at this point.
>After acquiring smithing tools and sufficient materials to utilize tools, lament how poor he's become. Resolve to charge for work. Igor funds: Currently at $1,719.
>Respond to Nikifor with clarifying question: What kind of metal armguard does he want? Bracer, Gauntlet, Vambrace, does he want it with an inbuilt knuckleduster as was pretty common in medieval variants? Does he want some attached shoulder armor-maybe a simple Couter, or an Ailette or Rerebrace, or maybe something as complex as a full-blown Spaulder. Awaiting Nikifor response.
>Hope that Nikifor will concretely define the desired gauntlets with proper terminology, be aware he'll probably not.
>Make Nikifor aware this will cost money-and currently, Igor's sunk the majority of his funds into smithing. What can Nikifor offer as compensation to the currently underfunded smith? Awaiting Nikifor response.

>>383755
Eh fuck it, I'll buy the bar!
>[Sake]"No you won't."
Okay no I won't-
>>383756
>>383759
>>383779
...Yeah, guess I better be reasonable, for once.
"Okay-one minute. Hillevi, come here."
Still looking frustrated and on the brink of being quite vocal about it, Hillevi begrudgingly accepts, and follows me off so we can share a few semi-private words. I switch back to Finnish as I try to explain, knowing this is an uphill battle.
"Look Hillevi-I'd rather not get into a big old lesson on 'modern versus traditional' practices right now-so how about if you order cokes or something, and I just make sure you end up with properly enriched beverages?"
>[Hillevi][In Finnish]"Not until you explain why they'd reject me!"
"Calm down-you've got a big voice, and different language or no, I don't think either one of us wants to be the center of attention while we talk."
Hillevi crosses her arms huffily-and, glamour as a bodybuilder's bodybuilder or no, she still acts like your textbook teen-indignant, and quick to see personal attacks in constructive criticism.
>[Hillevi]"Then explain to me why it is they think they can refuse me!"
>>383790
Hillevi, unless you want to physically force him to break his country's- his clan's- law, you should think about apologizing.
>[Hillevi]"I have done nothing to apologize for."
"Well, you heard him say how you aren't old enough? That's not exactly something you just brush off. You don't have proof that you are old off, after all.
>[Hillevi]"What does that have to do with anything?"
I suppress a sigh. Okay.....
>>383837
" Hillevi, the mortal rulers of this country actually changed the laws last year. It used to be you only had to be older than 18 to legally drink in a bar, but now you must be 24 or older. In fact, you must be that age to even be in a bar, without the permission of a guardian. Since he has no way of knowing that I am filling that function for you, he's already done you a service by not asking you to leave. He's obviously trying to be a good steward of the trust his superiors have placed in him, while still trying to accommodate you as much as he can; it's impossible to fault him."
I see a hint of guilt in her face-but it's not enough to overwhelm her indignant reaction to events.
>[Hillevi]"So he demonstrated tact in not forcing an issue with a superior force-he's still rebuking me!"
"Yes I know-it is very inconvenient. Since we don't stand to gain anything of substance by antagonizing the poor fellow, we're going to have to be a little tricky. There's an old saying, "Out of sight, out of mind." What the barman here does not see, and is not aware of, will not hurt him. Order a non-alcoholic drink and I'll ask my brother to make sure it is suitably strong. That way, he believes he is doing his duty, you get to have fun, and no one needs to feel slighted."
>[Hillevi]"You already told me that."
"Yes, and you do not seem to be grasping it's that or we leave."
At this, her irritation finally starts boiling off.
>[Hillevi]"What?"
>>383898
"I wholeheartedly agree it's annoying when a law or custom stands against something you want. But the point is that by the rules of this country, the bartender is in the right here; no appeal and he's doing his job properly by stopping you. And tempting as it might be to force the issue, that would only bring us trouble with the police and a bad reputation-and we'd STILL have to leave. And before you ask-yes, we COULD just take over the bar and drink to our heart's content-for, at most, twenty minutes before law enforcement shows up-and trying to resist them would start us on a path of escalation there is no way to win."
At this, my savior arrives in the form of her brother, tidily hidden behind his polite-looking glamour.
>[Einrik][In Finnish]"If I may... dear sister, this ultimately can be reduced to making a choice between two options. Push the issue, have a limited window of fun, and then have a terrible time for the entire rest of the time you're hear in Turkey. Or you can do as your Guardian suggested, capitulate, settle down-and get the alcohol you wanted indirectly.[/i]"
>[Hillevi]"But-"
Einrik flicks her in the nose and keeps on talking.
>[Einrik]"No, little sister. There are no other options-so either choose to value your pride so highly you'd severely inconvenience your guardian and his followers, or concede to his wishes."
It's a bit comical to see her childish pouting on the mannish face of her glamour-but she nods, all the same.
"Great. Come on, let's get some drinks-order a coke."
We make our way back to the bar, where the bartender's still casting us a leery eye.
[In Turkish]"Thanks for being understanding."
>[Bartender]"Eh. We get enough foreign women in here I'm used to trying the polite solution first. So long as she doesn't make a seen or ask for liquor, she can be here."
"I appreciate your understanding."
>[Hillevi][In Turkish]"....May I have a coke?"
The bartender says nothing, still eying her askance, as he serves her up.
"And a pair of rum and cokes on the rocks for me-no, I lie, make that three."
>[Bartender]"...Three?"
"I'm a bit late to the festivities today-and need to catch up."
>[Bartender]"...Normally I'd say yes, but given what we just talked about..."
"I see. If I drank two of them right here, would that assuage your concerns?"
>[Bartender]"That it would."
I pound the first two rum and cokes, and push the empty glasses back to him while I pick up the third.
"Great-nice kick. I imagine you'll see me shortly."
>[Bartender]"Could be."

Hillevi, coke in hand, follows me as I sit down at one of the three tables our group has claimed-next to Duke, Einrik, Vlad, Nikifor and Arkvad. Nikifor looks a bit overwhelmed sitting amongst such booze titans as these-but seems resolute in his will to keep up. Noting that Duke, in the thirteen minutes we've been here, has already gone through three pitchers of beer, a half dozen mixed drinks and a damned score of shots... I don't think he'll pull it off. Vlad, bless his over-boozed heart, is slowly working his way through his second cup. That doesn't sound too impressive-until one factors in that he's buying his own drinks, and purposefully overtipping-so he can get pint glasses of straight vodka. I note the bartender still eying us-no doubt trying to be sure we don't break the law in the establishment, a concern I can't fault him for-and decide to talk Hillevi through my plan.

[In Finnish]"Say Hillevi, mind taking a sip of that coke? Just enough it's not as full as my cup."
She complies as I idly smack my lips, enjoying the lingering burn from my earlier drinks-as I begin raising my glass to my lips.
>"Transporting-"
The cup in my hand wobbles for a moment as its weight fluctuates-and then I find myself drinking simple coke.
"Okay-you're good to go. Drink away."
Hillevi casts me a somewhat suspicious glance that promptly fades away once she tries the beverage, immediately content now that she has alcohol on hand. I note that Vlad seems to be deep in conversation with Arkvad, himself working on his third glass of whiskey: I believe they are discussing guncraft. Speaking of which...
[In Finnish]"Hey Arkvad-how's the Mateba doing?"
He merely grins as he pats the bulge in his jacket's flank.
>[AS]"Ask me after we've left, okay?"
"Will do."
Once I note Nikifor settling in with a bowl of pretzels to help him keep up with the titans he drinks around, and Hillevi's deep in conversation with her brother, I take my coke, spare a glance for the bartender to be sure he didn't notice anything-and begin working my way between the tables, aimably bullshitting with my employees. Along the way I keep an eye on Hillevi-and help her put away nine drinks in the next hour of boozing-even as I only put away another three. I laugh as I hear Boris mentioning he's got plans to catch the errant food-thief, I almost pity Satai as he grumbles about all the inventory cataloguing he has to do, and I nudge Gloom, who's still playing the stoic sourpuss killjoy, and force him to have a few more drinks in the hopes booze will make him open up.

When Duke's reached the point he's idly building a tower on his table out of empty shot glasses that's over three feet tall and there isn't a single patron that hasn't eyed him askance, I decide it's time to switch bars through the happy, mellow haze I'm operating under. As promised, I pick up everyone's tab for the couple hours of drinking-which comes to a staggering-
[PERSONAL FUNDS: -$4,780 $393,063.11
-Chunk of change. I have a hard time resisting the urge to be impressed at our drinking.

Since more than a few of our number are a bit too drunk to keep drinking full-force just yet-particularly Nikifor, the poor bastard-I decide to propose a brief detour as our group exits the bar.

"So..... Kareoke?"
Hillevi is not given the chance to question what it is as the Russians explode into resounding approval. The moment Duke's made aware booze is also available at Karaoke parlors, he's equally amenable-and away we go. Duke immediately lights up one of his cigars, and I warn away the few Russians who inquire after giving a puff-once they're made aware just what's in his Duke Specials, they all try to avoid walking through the cloud trailing after Duke.

I'm not quite sure what the place is called-really, it's more of a hole in the wall than a legitimate kareoke bar-but there is much to be said for having your group be the entire set of customers for a venue-especially when you're not being frugal. Fifteen minutes in, the husband and wife that own the place-never got their names-are happily chatting with our group, promptly bringing more beer and finger-food as requested while we all mock our terrible singing ability. In particular, my atrocious performance is bad enough-and I'm drunk enough-that I decide to show them what realm of music I DO perform well in.

I whistle.

Which ends up with me becoming background music to everyone else's singing-complete with me attempting to distract with ill-timed emphasis that seems to tickle everyone's funnybone-of course, that could be the alcohol.

Two hours of drunkenly singing our way through a medley of songs and with all now given a proper respect for my whistling acumen, I pay the bill-
[PERSONAL FUNDS: -$1,050 $392,013.11
-Again noting that Duke was a sizeable part of the expenditure, and we hit the streets yet again-a bit drunker, a bit happier, and a bit more satisfied with the night thus far. After making sure I still think it's a good idea, I lead the unintentionally meandering path to the second of the bars Hafaz recommended, happy it's a bit of a distance so some small measure of sobering up can occur.

My love of fun is forgotten in a heartbeat, my body dumping some adrenaline into my system in an attempt to sober up-

As I spot a group in the bar.


Hafaz, Ahmed, Hadar, Yomi and Shaya-all five of them are present-along with a sixth drinking buddy: Baki the masseuse, looking just like he did in the file. ....I wanted to slip them these Arrow Charms I grabbed, but.....



We're still at the door, and could probably leave without attracting any attention if we left right now.
Or I suppose we could risk it, and I'll see if I have a decent enough plan to slip them the goods.







What's my plan for how to handle this right now?
It's currently 9:50PM. The next update will be the conclusion of the night of festivities. If you wish to have any further events included in this night, please suggest them now.
>>
No. 383943 ID: 448d82

This is very very simple, we let Shadowbro stalk them and give them the goods when Baki is gone.

As for us, we bail, let's not deal with matters of import while drunk.

>Orders for Lev
Nikifor is trying to get armguards, well, bugger that, make yourself available to Igor as assitant in metalwork, learning some of this stuff will be useful, at the end, after many failures you might even be able to make some sweet gauntlets.

You might want to try out throwing knives while wearing those funky fourscoped helmets.
<.<
On that subject, make sure to keep your stuff in good order, a blunt knife could be fatal for the wrong person(you) at the wrong time.
>>
No. 383979 ID: 81f32a

>>383939
Hmm. Hafaz&Co are working on filtrating the Yakuza through Baki. Right now they are probably trying to befriend him to get an opening. We do not know if Baki knows Armas or not but I think we shouldn't gamble on that, if we enter the bar and make a ruckus here like in other places it will attract attention. Even if Baki does not act upon discovering us (no guarantee that he knows us though) it is still probably a better idea just to avoid them. Besides, I think we will greatly offend Hafaz&Co if we somehow ruin their plans for tonight.
About the Charms. There are several ways to go at it. We use our awesome stealth skills and just plant them on them then send a message to Hafaz so that he knows what's up. We could just call Hafaz and ask him to go outside after a while and there we will hand them over (a bit risky if Baki is paranoid). Or we could do >>383943 but I atill think we should send a message before hand.


Duke told us to share the Arena winnings with him. We should get on that before it becomes a problem. How much does he want? 70 percent? 50? 25? Shouldn't take too long with this or we might run into a problem of having spent all the money and not having any when he claims it.
Also, Duke should get a job! He will drink away ALL of our money in a few weeks if he keeps like this!!! We could propose him to do a job for Wyld Goblins (we will act as intermediary and get appropriate pay of course) and be paid with lifetime supply of liquor (similar deal like ours with meat)

>If you wish to have any further events included in this night, please suggest them now.
Don't think there is anything else to do tonight. Armas should make sure that he will get enough sleep.
Also, he keep on guisin'.

>Iosef:
>3,000$ that were given to Camella will be spent like this: 840$ for 2000 rounds of 7.62x51mm, 600$ for 2000 rounds 5.56x45mm, 380$ for 1000 rounds of 5.45x39mm, 405$ for 1000 rounds of 4.6×30mm, 300$ for 1000 rounds of .45 ACP
>=2525$ .... The rest of the money Iosef gets back if Camella doesn't spend it all on chocolate or something.
http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/fiocchi-shooting-dynamics-rifle-ammunition-46exa-46x30-full-metal-jacket-1900-rdbx-p-108
408.html
http://www.targetsportsusa.com/p-677-prvi-partizan-556x45mm-m193-55-grain-full-metal-jacket-ammunition.aspx
http://www.targetsportsusa.com/p-2561-hornady-custom-545x39mm-russian-60-grain-v-max-steel-case-ammunition.aspx
http://www.bulkammo.com/bulk-45-acp-ammo-45acp230fmjtulablack-500

>His gun training (in the gun-range on manor grounds, which he will ask Armas permission to use) breaks down as following:
>Every practice he will use 1,000 bullets of 7.62x51mm (Minigun) and 5.56x45mm (Gatmalite) each. 500 bullets of 5.45x39mm (AN-94), 100 .45 ACP (Ruger SR1911)
>Remembered to not use Depleted Uranium ammo for Gatmalite while practicing.
>After that, each training he will try out 2 of each of the new guns so that he get at least little bit accustomed to their recoil and range (hopefully Satai will make orders for ammo types we lack before we get to those weapons)
>He will collect the casings of bullets (Or ask Armas to ask Amen to collect them if Iosef thinks that it is something Amen could do with no problem)

>Realized that training with weapons like minigun and GatMalite will deplete bullets very fast and continuing at this rate is going to cost him shit loads.
>Gets the idea to acquire ammo fabrication equipment and runs the idea by Satai
>Satai, being busy as he is will probably tell Iosef to research the stuff himself and later come back with the findings.
>Iosef will spend several hours per day scrounging the internet (Including Turkish and Russian sites) for information and prices. Will ask Vlad to verify his findings in case he makes mistakes
>After couple of days finds out that for ammo fabrication he will need:
>Swaging equipment for 8,500$ (plus 300$ for additional BASIC calibre option)
>Automatic reloading press for 1,700$ (plus 300$ for additional BASIC calibre die)
http://www.dillonprecision.com/content/p/9/pid/23877/catid/1/Super_1050
>= 10,200$ (+600$ additional calibre options) for equipment which can make 1000 rounds per hour

>Some basic material search has found that for 7.62x51mm costs would be:
>lead: 2.4$ per kg / 1kg=250 bullet cores
>copper: 9.5$ per kg / 1kg=500 copper jackets
>powder: 22.5$ per lb / 1lb=175 bullets
>Primer: 30$ 1000 primers
>Result: 360$ for 1000 bullets OR 260$ for 1000 bullets SANS CASINGS (used casings can be recovered and used for new bullets easily)
>NOTICE: the search does not account for bulk prices, there was no bargain hunting involved [will spend more time later trying to find better prices]
>Thinks it would be good idea to visit Kardemir Steel with Igor for bulk metal purchase.

>Brings the results to Satai and asks him to use company funds to acquire the equipment.
>Initial calibre will be 7.62x51mm, additional calibers are: 5.45x39mm and 5.56x45mm (600$ each)

>Will ask Vlads help setting up the equipment
>Will spend 1.5h after the training making ammo till someone tells him or he realizes that Amen can do this 24/7. After that he'll spend 30min just for the expertise (making sure to tell Armas that he tells Amen to vacate the equipment when other company members ask him to).
>>
No. 383981 ID: 431fa8

>>383939
>What's my plan for how to handle this right now?
Leave. Everyone is drunk and mixing drunkenness and a need for subtlety is a bad plan. There are dozens of other quality bars. Screw giving them Arrow Charms; that can happen another time and they're probably not going to be shot in the immediate future.

>other items of interest, some of which are reposts
Maintain our soul guise all evening. Occasionally mix it up with a "stealth" soul guise, something that embodies the concept "completely uninteresting and unimportant, not worth thinking about or paying even the slightest bit of attention to" to wander around and troll our drunken compatriots (or random others present) in a variety of amusing ways. Remember, awesome magic isn't just for work; it's for play, too.

Spend some time talking to Camella while she's drunk. Hopefully we'll learn something interesting about her that we don't already know... aim to get more of a sense of how she's spending her days and how she's emotionally adjusting to her still-new-and-bizarre life, though asking those questions directly would be indelicate.

Don't forget that tomorrow is an early day. Use chakras to do a slow purge of the alcohol from our system even as we keep drinking. Try to keep our chakras burning away the alcohol precisely in pace with our drinking, just to see if we can. Just before going to sleep, burn all the alcohol out of our system and eat a bunch of magical foods. A solid night's sleep untroubled by any lingering effects of our revelry and with good food to fortify us should put us in good stead for our training tomorrow.

Ask our brothers and hummingbird to see that we awaken in good time to make our training without a problem.

Make sure we don't forget to speak to Arkvad again about the Mateba before the night is over.

>>383979
>Duke told us to share the Arena winnings with him. We should get on that before it becomes a problem. How much does he want? 70 percent? 50? 25? Shouldn't take too long with this or we might run into a problem of having spent all the money and not having any when he claims it.
I'm pretty sure that we are splitting the money with him by being a generous host and keeping him supplied with drugs and booze without complaining about it. He doesn't seem the type to care about money.
>>
No. 383988 ID: 2096b0

Keep soul guise up

>>383943
That seems like a sensible course of action. However, Armas should bear in mind that Hillevi might not know not to call out to Hafaz and co, so warn her quietly.

Also, you aren't seeing Baki's soul here- make sure you are in Soul Sensing orientation, and ponder why as you leave.

As for when you get back:

>[EXPERIMENT]
Hey, Armas is now able, again, to gauge his winter/summer energy left better. As such, we should first test 'why' that is. 5 main options are there:
1: Armas' soul sensing Orientation provide just the boost needed in order to bridge the gap for Armas to gauge them when he uses his energy.
2: Armas' soul sensing orientation helped him to 'know' his soul better, and he can now feel his energy better.
3: His whole chakra practice made him more in touch with his own energies.
4: Armas being low on energy helps him see it better.
5: Something i haven't thought of.

As such, Armas could do a couple of test to know why. First, get out of Soul Sensing, and cut your finger then use Hybrid healing. If Armas isn't able to sense his energy levels, this means it should either be 1, 4 or 5. Check further by doing the same but this time with soul sensing orientation. If it works, it should be 1 or 5. If it doesn't, make another check, but this time with Hummingbird giving you focus. If it still doesn't, odds are it's 4 or 5.

2 or 3 are harder to pinpoint, as they are both on "learned" things, though 2 is about Soul Sensing being important while 3 is about general chakra skills. Which means that, if the very first test works, the next batery of test could tell us whether it's 2 or 3.

This next test is about taking it to the next level: trying to gauge our remaining energy without harming ourself. As such, Armas should go (whatever the previous results were) in Soul Sensing orientation, and then try to 'feel' how he is aware of his energy levels while he heals himself. He should then try to reciprocate the same thing without Harming himself. If he manages it, it is either 1, 2 or 5 depending on the previous tests.

>[/EXPERIMENTATION]

>>383981
I am liking this (especially flushing alcohol), but will add a couple of stuff. Firs,t about the talk, you need to get Hillevi/Einrik into a good mood in order to talk about Simo Haya to Arkvad- all of what happened should be told in as big of a theatric fashion as possible. For this, it would be quite incredible if Armas could get a “moment of wonder” soul-guise. Then, Armas should aslo try to make Sure Hillevi is nicely drunk, and get her to talk about how awesome her brother was against Duke. We could also mix it up as a 'report' on her understanding, too.

If Armas wants to practice other soul guises, I upvote the ideas of “No one is there” soul-guise (maybe try to see if, like Armas is able to make his body 'look' interesting via golbinoic stealth, he could use some of those concepts for Soul-guises).

>Igor:
Igor is pleased to now have his very own minion, and try to quietly persuade him of a plot to get that cheapstake Nikifor to buy the molds needed for the his arm armor/bracers . Apparently he wants armor that goes from the upper arm to the forearm. So Nikifor would not only need to buy the metal needed for the arm armor but the mold and 'work' needed. Of course, if the plot works out, Iosef would already have such molds available so it would cheapen the pot. Nikifor already offered 2K$ for the work, so try to look pained and get him to pay a tad more for 'equipment issues'. So far, what Nikifor wants sounds like a Vambrace/Rerebrace combo without elbo joints for better mobility.

Igor should also continue going to Ito's gym and working on getting chakra lessons. He knows that all those hours at the forge would be much easier with extra strength.
>>
No. 384019 ID: f354ab

If Baki's done his homework, he probably knows we know Hafaz somewhat. So be friendly, but not excessively so.

"Hey, Hafaz, right? (and Shoni, et al) It's been a while. How you been?" "Who's the new friend?" That sort of thing.

Don't try to slip them anything, just have shadowbro shadow (heh) them home, staying well away from Baki. If you're feeling gutsy, have SB shadowport the charms into their pockets.
>>
No. 384068 ID: b98dad

Turn right around and leave before anyone in your party starts planning what they want to drink.

See if you can use what Ito taught you to flush all the alcohol from your system. Being sober now and able to remember what everyone else does tomorrow will be much more fun than drinking.

Be careful what you spend on your card. You're leaving a paper trail for the Turkish tax authorities to follow. Remember how they got Al Capone.
>>
No. 384125 ID: d97a61

>[Lev has been queued to do the following:]
>Learn from Nikifor in next joint blades sparring that he has commissioned armor (specifically for the arms) from Igor.
>Approach Igor about being an assistant-no time frames offered, up to Igor to determine what kind of assistance, if any, he wants.
>Make time every other day to spend a half hour practicing throwing knives with the quad-eye helmets in use. Persist despite how foolish he feels.
>Spend additional quarter hour at the end of each day sharpening all knives used that day.
>[Iosef has been queued to do the following:]
>[Amounts modified due to purchases made in person based on what's available in Istanbul at known dealers, rather than online order in search of backorder deals] Details on 3k provided to Camella: 2000 7.62x51mm ($900), 2000 5.56x45mm ($650), 2000 5.45x39mm ($650), 1000 4.6×30mm ($425), 1000 .45 ACP ($325) (Total spent: $2950. Camella also returns with additional $50 worth of cleaning supplies for gun maintenance. Cleaning kit and ammunition turned over to Iosef, who is encouraged to submit them to Satai for storage in inventory.)
>Starting tomorrow, using new ammunition begin daily hour-long shooting practice with: M134 Minigun (1,000 rounds), Gatmalite (standard ammunition, 1,000 rounds), AN-94 (500 rounds) and Ruger SR1911 (100 rounds). WARNING: WILL RUN OUT OF PERSONAL STOCK OF 7.62x51mm and 5.56x45mm at the end of TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19TH.
>Begin habit of spending half an hour after each practice collecting all spent casings-sorting them into two bags, broken and unbroken.
>ERROR: Still lacking ammunition for majority of irregular arms in armory-universal armory practice cannot be implemented.
>Based on cost of ammo for rotary barrel weapons, come up with plan to fabricate ammunition in-house to reduce cost. Satai laughs him away when he approaches without a clear plan. Begin putting together pricelist to get plan in action. Spend two hours Tuesday building price lists and compiling report.
>Find professional grade Swaging equipment priced at $8,500, an automatic reloading press for $1,700, and $600 for initial minigun-relevant dies. Total: $10,200, +$600 per additional die set. Suggest spending additional $1,200 to get dies for 5.56x45mm and 5.45x39mm, to cover most ammmunition-demanding firearms.
>Append to report on cost of equipment a side-by-side comparison of prices for equal amounts of bullets-using the 7.62x51 caliber as a point of reference, show how much cheaper it would be to home-build ammunition with professional tools, cite price range of $260-$360, depending on whether casings can be reused.
>While building report, make Vlad aware of plan. Acquire Vlad's assistance when it comes time to set up equipment-with Vlad suggesting they place the gunsmithing and ammo-pressing rooms side-by-side for ease of access.
>ERROR: Cannot spend time making ammo until equipment to produce ammo is owned (Try to limit orders to things they can actually do at the moment-it'll take time to get such bulky equipment to the mansion and set up-you'd be incredibly lucky if it was available tomorrow. Which it probably won't be)
>Suggest to Igor that the two of them go to Kardemir steel in search of bulk metal deals. Awaiting Igor's response, as well as proposed visit date. (WARNING: This initial visit will take HALF A DAY for those involved)
Dkay, future reference: don't bet on another Russian doing something in the same update so you can get your stuff done. Talking about the 'hope Satai bought ammo' part of your plan. Remember, he's looking to find discounted supply rates largely from arms merchants-no legal purchases, or any of that. He's been in this field... for less than a week. He hasn't even made a purchase yet-because, you know, still finishing up house inventory, creating electric catalogues for ease of reference, compiling personal notes about each dealer's quirks, all that. What I'm saying is: Don't make a plan for your minion unless he already has everything he needs for it-otherwise odds are very good the order's a crapshoot, and you just wasted your time typing it because it can't be followed. I will say, though-no problem submitting a big batch of orders like this, just try not to submit more than one batch of orders to the character per in-game day, so that there's time for turnaround. Incidentally, since these orders were issued at night while everyone is drinking, all the above is what happens TUESDAY, not MONDAY. So that means WEDNESDAY would be when to submit new orders, if any. Clarifying stalled out orders is fine though. Also, until that ammo press is approved, installed, and Iosef's OFF of ammo press duties, this will eat up his free time sufficiently you can't order new time expenditures-only switch existing ones. Satai is laboring under this restriction as well. It happens when you build up a healthy queue of orders. I know I just vomited a bunch of words at you, so if you want to clarify something, pop on IRC. Or ask in Discussion. Also, it's laughable you think ANYONE would find it cost effective to pay Duke with a lifetime supply of booze. Not even Grigori the Mad Drunk would do that.
>[Igor has been queued to do the following:]
>ERROR: No progress made in regards to Lev as potential apprentice, as no time frames or specifics about arrangement have been specified. Amount of time a day or week spent assisting Igor required for progress.
>Explain to Nikifor that, given what he's requested, a paired set of Vambraces and Rerebraces would likely be ideal, as they could be worn under bulky clothing, and would not restrict movement.
>Attempt to get Nikifor to fund purchase of molds for customized arm armor. Engender suspicion as a non-wordsmith asking without having even taken any measurements in regards to requested product. Nikifor now more likely to recheck his price estimates, and wonder if he's getting ripped off.
>ERROR: Cannot want more strength for smithing until he's actually smithed something-thus far everything has been planning, and he's had no reason to need or want to be stronger.
>Zhenya has been queued to do the following:]
>Spend 2 hours a day playing the new violin for a week to become accustomed to it.
>Zhenya attempts to get permission to use magic pistols to become more familiar with them-Armas laughs her out of the room when she also asks about using his buntline. Recieves permission to use all magic pistols save the buntline, Matebas and the Lonesome Judge.
>ERROR: Cannot attend night classes as a student, is attending as an instructor like the rest of the Russians.
>Ask Camella to teach her how to fight like she does-be given mildly condescending speech that she does not have the time to teach her that-Camella asks if the Russians have yet talked about how they want to use her available time to train them. When Zhenya expresses confusion, Camella decides to do the following:
[AS SECOND IN COMMAND, CAMELLA WILL CONFISCATE ALL ALCOHOL IN THE HOUSE UNTIL SHE IS PRESENTED WITH AT LEAST A ROUGH PROPOSAL OF HOW THE EIGHTEEN RUSSIANS WANT TO USE HER 10 HOURS A WEEK OF AVAILABLE TIME TO TRAIN THEM. ALCOHOL CONFISCATED ON: SUNDAY, JANUARY 23RD.]
>Zhenya learns nothing about how to get pistols enchanted beyond 'kill a fuckton of things with it, hope for the best' and 'pay some fucker to do it'. In regards to where she can acquire them, she learns 'From any large magically savvy group' When she expresses discontent at the imprecise nature of what she learned, be laughed at, and told to be a big girl-by Sake. Be confused how to take this insult from a green talking weasel.
>>383943
>>383979
>>383988
Buzzed or no, I'm still on the ball enough to do two things in that first second. The first-how's my Soul Guise doing?
>"Looks good."
Okay-second thing-
[In Finnish]"Hillevi, ignore our friends at the bar please. Pretend they aren't there."
>[Hillevi][In Finnish]"What? Why?"
"They're on a missi-a quest. You talk to them, they can't finish the quest."
Seems 'quest' is a magic word, as she formed her mouth into an 'O' of dawning comprehension, trying (and failing) to nod sagely.

Well, that's that taken care of-but I need to act before I've stood in this doorway longer than a second or two. Ah... how can I forwarn Hafaz, and still give him the crap?
>"I got it."
A martini glass on the far side of Baki abruptly tips over, tumbling to the stone floor with a crash, drawing eyes-including the masseuse's. I see Hafaz stiffen in his seat while Baki's looking away, his neck going rigid as he clearly resists the urge to look around-and my pockets get a bit lighter. I pat them-and find the charms gone.
He has them now?
>"He does indeed."
Excellent-I think it's time to bail.

I turn my pocket patting into a minor event, mostly for the benefit of the doorman and few people looking our way. I wrinkle my brow in confusion, begin patting a great deal more pockets with a more frenzied air-and then slump my shoulders.
[In Turkish]"I might have left my wallet at the last place-detour!"
>[Hummingbird]"You did not leave it behind, it is-"
Bird-please, please hold on-this is a ploy.
>[Hummingbird]"Ah. More of your giant cunning and trickery, then. I did not recognize it-my condolences if I invalidated anything."
No one's paying me any more attention-and I don't think anyone heard the beard's quiet chirp.
Naw, I think we're good.
Vlad and Duke groan at my comment, looking longingly at the bar before us-but offer no complaints, too aware of the awesomeness that is free drinks to not wish to preserve it. Those still outside behind me turn about-and we all migrate back out, with no reason to think Baki saw us-though I THINK I felt Shaya's attention on me when we left, not really sure.

...On that note, what's up with Baki? I looked dead-on at him from thirty feet away, and couldn't see his soul. I'm pretty sure he's not powerful enough that it's just invisible to me-and I've still got my obstruction-piercing soul-sensing orientation up and running. Based on this-I'd estimate he has a pretty well-made charm or some such that blocks his soul.
>"Seems most likely-and from my conversations with out brother, it seems Japan's rather deficient in the realm of high-quality charms, compared to other, similarly heavily magical nations-a problem that China also suffers from. He presumes it's an issue in most Asiatic nations, but cannot say so with certainty."
...Huh. Learn something new every day. Well, point is I couldn't see his soul, and-

>[Gloom]"You didn't leave your wallet at the Kareoke bar."
"No, I didn't."
We're a block away now, should be fine-
"You saw who was in there, right?"
Gloom says nothing-while Einrik responds.
>[Einrik]"I do wonder why that fellow with Hafaz and the others was performing Chakratic Multi-Orientation with overlaping anchoring-that's not supposed to be easily done at all."
Wha-
>[Iron Trick]"Multi-Orientation is not innately designed to allow chakra 'stacking', that is having multiple Orientations based in the same part of one's identity. Think of Orientations as wavelengths-if you put two in the same place, they interact with one another and form a new composite wavelength that isn't identical to either source-and unlike many examples I am sure you can think of, chakra has no way of automatically being decoded to its base Orientations in such a scenario. Once it's been mixed, that's it, you have to live with what that power brings. Reinforcement and stealth, for example, could not be dual run, as both invest power in similar parts of your body. If what Einrik saw was accurate-and giving how he perceives magic I will presume it to be-then this man is at least a respectable expert on Chakra. "
That... was unusually helpful.
>[Iron Trick]"Do not expect it often-in fact, I'm now obligated to mock you even further than the norm for the next day or so. Can't be too helpful-it just would not be proper."
Yeah, thanks ass.
>[Iron Trick]"Any time.

>[Matvey]"So where are we detouring to, then?"
>>383981
"Oh, here and there. Say, Arkvad-you mind-"
I cut off as I see the Mateba's handle in my peripheral vision. I grab the gun, stick it in my volumous inner jacket pocket-and decide on a new location: Babylon. When we get there, I'm treated to a bit of a surprise-seems Einrik and Arkvad have been talking, and they'd like to split the tab this time. Seeing no reason to say no I happily accept-

And we proceed to while away the hours until midnight enjoying ourselves. A few things happen as we amiably knock back brews and bullshit.

-Half an hour in, I realize we have the same bartender as the last time I was here-and, after ordering the very same white drink as last time, I hand it to Duke. He promptly tosses it back, belches appreciatively-and ten minutes later is off to the bathroom. He returns a full half hour later, visibly still pristine in appearance even as he leaves blood-stained footprints that thankfully no one notices with the mood lighting and heavy dark carpet. He slaps me on the back and congratulates me on the prank-he thought it was a fun trip, and enjoyed killing the armored devil he met inside. I decide I am NOT going to go verify his claims.
-I spend some time trying out a more low-key soul guise, doing what I can to replicate Lo Fang's soul's appearance. I have to have SB check it for functionality a time or two-but I get it up and running, and promptly use it to confuse the fuck out of my drinking buddies. Between a soul they subconsciously aren't inclined to notice and booze 'assisting' them with their memories, I manage to briefly convince quite a few that they are hallucinating. Laughs are had-mostly by Ivan, of all people. Seems the quiet man loves a good bit of fun when he's drinking.
-Upon reaching my tenth glass imbibed, and the room starting to become a bit harder to navigate, I begrudgingly switch to Reinforcement, and use the Orientations' ability to filter alcohol from one's blood to start sobering up. Not a lot-I don't know that I could be responsible enough to do that just for shits and giggles-but enough I'm confident I won't be dead to the world come tomorrow morning.
-I get to talking with Camella, and become part of the following exchange.
>[Camella]"So-what was the worst lay you ever had?"
"Worst? I was totally expecting you to say best, or most interesting, or-"
>[Camella]"Yeah, figured you'd figure I'd ask that-which is why i didn't. So spill."
"What would you do if I said your question made me uncomfortable?"
>[Camella]"I'd kill the imposter before me and look for you at the next opportunity. Now spill."
"Fine. Worst would probably be my second time, but only because of my first time."
>[Camella]"Okay, this sounds in need of explanation."
"So, to set the scene: first was your picture-perfect fish. Just... laid there."
>[Camella]"Lazy bitch."
"I thought so. So anyway, the second girl though-she was four years older than me, and way more aggressive. I wasn't expecting an active partner-and got excited. Show ended prematurely."
Camella snorts into her drink, tittering a bit as she replies.
>[Camella]"Ah, I can totally see that."
"You?"
>[Camella]"Guy in Il Nona, believe it or not."
"How'd he end up the bottom ranker?"
>[Camella]"Well, he was the Director's son, right? Important guy, don't get on his bad, side, all that."
"Is this going to turn into a gold-digging story?"
Something nearly breaks my shin as Camella smiles innocently.
>[Camella]"So anyway, he was okay enough to me, and didn't look too bad-but the idiot had never put on a condom before-and when I insisted, he took so long figuring it out that the mood was gone."
".....He blue-balled you."
>[Camella]"That'd be true-if I wasn't an idiot that gave him a second shot. During which he...."
"What?"
>[Camella]"I just realized how inappropriate this is."
"And that matters how?"
Camella glances about the bar, taking in our gregarious group, before shrugging, her eyes partly glassy and lidded.
>[Camella]"....Okay, how bout this-I'll tell you, but if you go blabbing-or your shadow, or your weasel, or your bird-"
"I get it-mutual embarassment, no one wants that, etcetera-so?"
>[Camella]"He attempted to 'surprise' me with anal."
"Ha-I'm going to guess you were not pleased."
>[Camella]"I disciplined him-"
She frowns as her face heats.
>[Camella]"-and there it is."
"There's what?"
>[Camella]"Sobered up enough to realize what I just said. Excuse me."
At which point she's absent for the next twenty minutes, before returning and acting as if the prior conversation never happened.
>>383988
I think about doing some experimentation-
>[RRRRRR Trait activated]
But then I realize how staggeringly stupid it'd be to do that when I'm drunk-especially when I'm trying to curtail my drunkenness to be ready for a practice session tomorrow. WOW, I almost went full retard there. Good thing I caught it.
>Armas scoffs at hideously timed plans, and in his attempts to mentally file them away drunkenly forgets them. Who would have thought a night of drinking would be a poor time to experiment with magic? Oh, everyone except Duke and the Mad Drunk would have realized it was a terrible idea? Ah.

We make it back home, we indulge in drunken munchies that have Boris and I madly bustling to make enough food-and once everyone's fed.... we call it a night, boozed, stuffed, laughing and content. With four people's worth of magical meals in my gut, and my chakras oriented to Reinforcement overnight, I guess I'll be raring to go tomorrow-let's find out.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18TH, 2011
PERSONAL FUNDS: $392,013.11
BUSINESS FUNDS: $497,500.00
CASH: $37.00
SHADOW PATIENCE: 86%
WINTER ENERGY: 65/160
SUMMER ENERGY: 50/50

I awaken not to my alarm, but to a snout in my face.
"...Yes, Sake?"
>[Sake]"I finally found a magic bar in the city! It's run by three people-a Leprechaun, a Minotaur and a Hobgoblin-and they make great drinks! We need to go there!"
"...As exciting as that may be, I've got a meeting to prep for."
>[Sake]"I'm coming with you-it was kind of boring playing tricks on the cities denizens all on my own last night.
"..Okay, you're coming with me."
Bearing that in mind, I go with Green as my go-to color, picking out a forest green sports jacket, navy blue shirt and slacks, a pair of brilliantly shining winged shoes, and a bowtie-neon orange, of course. Sake promptly snuggles into my collar and blends in with the jacket the moment I'm ready-as the bird chirps appreciatively atop my bowtie.
>[Hummingbird]"I like this configuration better. I have a narrower field of view, but it is more defensible."
"Good to know."

Checking my watch, I skip snagging any food after noting how rock-solid my stomach feels, and hurry off to my morning session. I end up getting lucky on the bust, and arrive eleven minutes early. Already back in my 'default' soul guise I decide to see if I can find Meng Yun-and stumble on him checking a pocket mere as he strokes his once more neatly groomed mustache and beard, already looking far wiser than before. Soon enough though he stops-slipping the mirror into his pocket as he speaks.

>[Meng Yun]"Greetings, Mr. Laine."
"'Morning, Meng. Happy with the beard?"
>[Meng Yun]"I believe you have the answer to that already. Now-I'd prefer not to waste either of our time-Lo Fang informed me of what you learned and so I ask-do you wish to continue working on refining your precision with the Reinforcement Orientation? Would you like to instead focus on improving your skill with the new Orientation you learned? Or perhaps you'd like to learn something wholly new?"
"What exactly would the new thing be?"
>[Meng Yun]"It would seem Lo Fang asked me not to tell you unless you agree to be taught it. All I can say now is that, should you be interested, it will take all six hours. The choice, of course, is yours."







How do I respond to Meng Yun?
Do I feel like continuing my Reinforcement training, in the hopes of really building a solid understanding of it's ins and outs?
Do I feel like instead learning how to be precise with Soul Sensing in the hopes of 'catching up' to Reinforcement?
Do I feel like asking for this 'mystery' training Meng Yun offers, apparently with Lo Fang's approval?
Or do I want to request some sort of training he didn't mention?
>>
No. 384127 ID: 467fcd

>Do I feel like asking for this 'mystery' training Meng Yun offers, apparently with Lo Fang's approval?

YES
>>
No. 384134 ID: f354ab
File 132830881479.jpg - (293.12KB , 1700x2317 , Meng Manlybeard Yun2.jpg )
384134

I didn't draw it in time for the Beardening, but now seems like an acceptable time. Hopefully it'll make the guy like us more, or maybe we can buy his extra copy of the 7777 Uses of Chakra, or something.

>Do I feel like asking for this 'mystery' training Meng Yun offers, apparently with Lo Fang's approval?
Come on, we ALL know what we're going to pick with Armas's curiosity being what it is. Let's not kid ourselves.

Meng, we want to see what's behind door number 3.
>>
No. 384147 ID: ac6c03

>>384125
Special Lo Fang training from our buddy Meng Yun? GO FOR IT.
>>
No. 384149 ID: dddab5

Mystery training is go!
----------------
Zhenya: Keep practicing with Violin
-Get in another 2 hours with Pistols, magical and non magical.
-Talk to other Russians about possibly sharing certain training times and setting up a schedule.
-Petition Satai about getting anti-fire charms.
>>
No. 384157 ID: 81f32a

MYSTERY TRAINING!
>Seriously why are you even asking?

Daily reminder: keep the guise up.
>>
No. 384201 ID: 3947e9

This sounds like a personality test, but considering our method of acquiring tutalage it seems more likely of a test to better tailor the teching to our personality or just to learn more about a person you work with rather then a placement test on whether we are worthy of being taught... probably, not certain there.

Focusing on mastering the existing traits feel like it is more likely to be the "correct" desired answer for most teachers were it a worthiness test, but could be the wrong answer for some. For us, focusing on mastering current techniques is invaluable as we asked for them for a reason, but our personality strongly leans towards the mystery.

The fact there are 3 options reminds me that lo fang mentioned that his 3 top desciples focus on one of 3 things. Precision, efficiency, and flexibility
I wonder then if those offers perhaps correspond to those choices or if i am leaping to conclusions

So... in the end. mystery. But not ultimately due to a lack of focus. Beyond all the above there is simply the fact that basic understanding of what you are offered is worth 6 hours in order to decide whether to persue it in earnest or not.
>>
No. 384205 ID: d97a61

>>384127
>>384134 [Fanart Bonus]
>>384147
>>384149
>>384157
>>384201
Lo Fang's special option? That always curious suit's giving me information? Yeah, something's up-and based on how he keeps on trying to get more info about me, I'll venture it's a personality test.


If I gave a fuck, I could spend a moment trying to figure out what the 'right' answer is-but I don't, so I won't.

I smile at the now far more luxuriously bearded disciple of the Triad Boss in Istanbul.
"Meng, is that even a question? I'd like to see what's behind door number three, if you don't mind. Good to see the beard's taken nicely."
A thin, heavily compressed smile briefly dances across his face while he sagaciously appraises me.
>[Meng Yun]"I thought as much. Well then. We shall need to do a few things before we begin the lesson itself. If you will go through these exercises..."

The first half hour? Nothing to write home about-I bring up an Orientation I know, I overcharge it, I bring it back to normal. Overcharge, bring it to normal-again and again. After having me do thirty repitions, he asks me to perform the task faster each time, which I attempt to comply with. All the while, he has... of all things, a stopwatch that, while I hear it beep at the appropriate times, I never see him manipulate, and a clip board, on which he takes notes as I labor. Reinforcement, 'Stealth', Soul Sensing-even the 'Open' setting is tested, though it feels more than passing strange to attempt overcharging passive energy emission. After that-there is another half hour spent meticulously replicating exercises-this time, Chakra flushing techniques, the full gambit of them. I note Meng to chuckle softly to himself once or twice as I vary between simply dispersing energy into my surroundings and shunting it to my soul brothers or spirit animal. Of course, it could be Meng Yun's laughing at some of Sake's commentary. Meng Yun said he wanted to test my remote shunting, to properly assess how I use just my brotherly connection as my energy transfer method. Again, he continues to time me, and make his little notes.

At seven AM, the testing stops as both Sake and the hummingbird return to my side to listen as Meng Yun explains.
>[Meng Yun]"Do you know what I have in my hands here?"
"I could be facetious and say 'a clipboard' or other similarly inane answers, but I'd venture it's some form of statistical analysis of my performance, specifically oriented around time. Or I suppose I could be completely off about why you have the stopwatch."
>[Meng Yun]"Correct. What I have here are the average ratios of speed you have at attaining and dispelling Overcharge, and the average time it took you to flush energy from your system."
"And? How'd I do?"
>[Meng Yun]"You are rather stereotypical of most chakra users in this regard-on average you attain a specific level of Overcharge 490% faster than you can reduce it back to the default state of an orientation. This should come as no surprise to you. This ratio is relatively static throughout all your known Orientations-again, as is typical. I also have constructed a second set of time comparisons. On average, you complete a system flush or shunt in three quarters the time it takes you to reach an Overcharge level-This, I must note, is not typical. Normally, energy flushing is not as rapid as you experience it-but your bodies mutable nature accelerates the process. Mr. Laine, do you care to guess where I'm going with this?
>"I would say-"
>[RRRRRR Trait activated]
Naw, don't tell me-I'm pretty sure I got this.
>"As you wish it."
"Well, I'd say that the lesson will revolve around some way of performing something like an incomplete or partial chakra flush-as I know that a full system flush and subsequently assuming an Orientation is cumulatively more time consuming than simply reducing an Overcharge to normal. ...Yeah, that sounds even better: A way to flush oneself of only the overcharge-pedantic to call it so, but effectively, I say the lesson is on-"
>[Meng Yun]"Chakra Overcharge Flushing (C.O.F), yes that is exactly so. I suppose then, I shall skip the admittedly laborious speech I had."
"You had a speech?"
>[Meng Yun]"Lo Fang provided one should you prove dense-and before you ask, yes, I was specifically given permission to tell you about the speech, but not ordered to do so. On to the lesson?"
"...On to the lesson it is then."
>[Meng Yun]"The reason you can only flush your entire system, is because you see chakratic energy as a singular force, just as one might label the water within a cup a single thing. But that is not so. Chakra is no exception to the rule of the universe-look more closely than one normally does, and what was once a single cohesive whole becomes a network of interwoven fibers-and the more closely you look, the more it divides. I do not imply that you then must learn to sense and identify each individual speck of power within your chakratic energy-it would be a fool's task, and not worth either of our time. Instead-I shall teach you how to distinguish between the different blends of chakra. Each chakra releases energy in a different way-and the dilation of a given chakra will similarly alter the specific form of the released energy. However-commonalities exist for all energies emitted from a specific chakra no matter what level of output is used. And so-there are eight classes of chakratic energy, each with a great deal of variation. Similarly, there are commonalities between all chakratic output of a specific level, no matter which chakra it came out of. Normally... one does not begin studying the nature of the frequently very minor differences in chakratic energy structure based on it's specific origin-however, thanks to how swiftly you can flush energy, it was deemed appropriate to teach you specifically how to sense chakra energy created during periods of high output, such as that of Overcharging. Once you can differentiate between the energy of the Overcharge itself from the rest of a given Orientation, you can then simply flush the Overcharge as normal. ....Before we begin, I will add a personal comment somewhat unrelated to the lesson itself: I am not entirely sure this is worth learning, as it's only truly useful against groups of coordinated foes or those blessed with phenomenal swiftness-in other words, foes that a smart man should endeavor to never face."
"Well, I think I'll enjoy the lesson all the same. Say what you will-but I love planning for those 'what if' scenarios. So-on to the lesson?"

The next five hours are actually pretty damned irritating. It's hard as shit figuring out which chakra energy is which when I can look at my body-but not the soul within the body. Remembering well the pain of trying to look on directly, I yet again make duo with seeing it's outline, it's murky reflection-and that lack of personal spiritual awareness blunts my senses. Then again, Meng Yun doesn't seem bothered at my snail's pace learning, so maybe it's normal. Or maybe he was expecting me to have trouble with it. I don't really know. What I do know-is that it isn't until four hours in that I have better than a 30% success rate, and even then the C.O.F. feels... unnaturally, alien to my hand. Could be because I've used full flushing more-or because I learned it with the hummingbird's aid. Again-I don't really know.

Point is-Noon rolls around with me still not even managing a 50/50 success rate, and still feeling like some oversized, clumsy idiot when trying the new trick. All the same-the ability to rapidly reset myself to an Orientation's neutral state seems too damn handy to NOT put effort into. I mull this over as Sake winds himself back about my neck after Meng Yun makes his goodbyes and heads back off to work. I'm left standing there, listening to some birds as my eye wanders over the few ships currently braving the Bosphorus this day.










So what's my plan for the rest of the day?
>>
No. 384221 ID: d97a61

>>384205
[CORRECTION: Seven energy types, for the seven chakras. Not eight. Probably shouldn't write updates tired.]
>>
No. 384251 ID: b98dad

Get some shooting practice in, with Camella if you can.

Then there is a list to follow.
>>
No. 384254 ID: f6106a

Dmitrii orders: Given noone has gotten back to him, ask Ito about working extra hours. Motivation being slightly more cash(providing others with a really good time is expensive), doing things other then laying about with his freetime, teaching probably helping solidify what he's learned so he ends up less sore and bruised during training, and being a good little minion. Keep friday clear still.

As for Armas... I got nothing right now. Have him ask Sake how easily he think he can slightly throw off the trajectory of bullets with the sorts of magic the Reapers had though. As previously established, gyrojet rounds can be pretty easily fucked with wind, and knowing if the magics in the bullets we've seen from them so far stop that might be nice.
>>
No. 384260 ID: f354ab
File 132838144570.jpg - (80.37KB , 450x545 , professor-badass.jpg )
384260

Might I suggest that Boris be introduced to Cookie neighbor? She sounds a bit lonely, and teaching an up-and-coming chef a little about baking could do them both some good until we get that Chakra book for him. Plus, it would secure us baked goods that are apparently better than sex. We (Armas) could even sit in on the first lesson to learn a thing or two.

Let us (the Russians) also not forget to decide what to do with Camella's teaching time. I'm inclined to start out by learning the ins and outs of the M134 minigun if she knows it. This Doony plan is one of the few times we can use gun emplacements (until we get them mounted on vehicles) to maximal effect.

Step 3 in Ironybot's Plan: Fishy Murder is to acquire Doony poison resistance potions. But we don't have anything good to sell SM right now. We have the Amazon stuff, but I have the feeling if we get Duke to ID that stuff we might find uses for it closer to home (weapon/bullet crafting, the nectar for hummingbird, that sort of thing). Step 4 is to sound some people out on how to allocate our resources to close the trap, which we can do. We can alter the terrain a little to improve it before the fight (making murderholes in the warehouse for us to shoot out from, for example), and I do favor adding a few gun emplacements that can be abandoned as necessary. We also need to plan for the best as well as the worst: how do we get a contact-poisonous creature as big as a car - one that's bleeding away all that precious blood the Redcaps or Silja would find valuable - to the Owner to parlay into being looked favorably upon by him?

There's also Jagda's contact. I'm having a hard time finding Alratan's plan for everything we could do to test out the physical properties of the Reapertech, or even the post with the electrical engineer's name, so I'll have to hope Armas remembers.

The contact is on Jagda's campus, isn't he? I say we go look for him there. Dress up in aggressive professor chic (see picture) or something more relaxed (http://images.thesartorialist.com/thumbnails/2012/01/11012Card_4474Web.jpg) and flex your infiltrating muscles. If he's a student, you could find him in the student directory- if he's a professor (sorry, can't remember), his classes should be scheduled. Drop in on him, see if Jagda's word has preceded you or if you need to convince him (try not to namedrop Jagda if you aren't sure). You may wish to couch this as a chance to learn for both of us, but the person we got this from didn't give us permission to publish.
>>
No. 384263 ID: 252e1b

Lyubov Orders

1) Lyubov will make a backpack for Sake to carry a phone in.
Lyubov will borrow someone's satellite phone long enough to figure out how to make one of those high-end radio headsets in the armory interface with it, and to measure it and draw a suitable pattern for a backpack to hold it it on paper. She'll then pick up a portable sewing machine and sewing kit suitable for doing alterations and simple work ($200), a yard of Sake-colored nylon ($5), a couple of heavy-duty zippers ($15), a green walking harness for dachshunds ($50), and some light aluminum rods and ends (cut and bent to the right dimensions by the hardware store she gets them from) ($50). The plan for the backpack is for it to have two chambers. One chamber will accommodate the cell phone, and the extra storage space will be for whatever Sake wants to put in it. The entire pack will be designed to have a rounded top and bottom, so that it is less likely to get caught on something if Sake has to go into a confined space (and thus incidentally is also more aerodynamic).

Making the backpack should take all morning. When Armas shows up with Sake, she'll catch both of them and suggest to Armas that they need more phones on the company plan, and that Sake should have his own phone, and phone number (since he goes out alone sometimes). She'll then give the backpack to Sake.

2) Lyubov will continue to research building fake identities
While she's waiting for Armas and Sake to show up, she'll be researching the TUIK (Turkish Statistical Institute). She should be able to learn that TUIK employees are chronically underpaid, along with whatever else she can dig up on where they keep their records.

She will also look up private schools which were open in the 1980s and 1990s, but which have since closed down (for fake diplomas to attach to these identities).

3) Lyubov will propose a class schedule for Camella
When she hears about Camella's ultimatum, she'll suggest that they ask Camella to arrange her time into three classes: Sniping, General Marksmanship, and Melee Training, with two three hour classes (marksmanship and melee) and a four hour class.

She'll also ask Camella and Hillevi if they want her to include them in her fake ID scheme. Camella's already got a fake ID, but a second (with a more comprehensive constructed background) could be a good idea.

Armas Orders

Armas needs to work on his Fishy Doom plan some more. He should swing by the house and pick up Hillevi and maybe a Russian or two. As he works on the plan, and makes purchases for it, he should get input from his companions.

Obviously the warehouse needs more cover, and an easy way to get more is to get some inflatable kiddie pools that he can fill with water. The pools will then be able to be flash-frozen by SB/Hillevi/Einrik before the fight, providing disposable cover that should be durable enough to stand up to the Dooney.

He'll also want to make it harder for the Dooney to even find him and his friends. Since it has superb hearing, one possible trick is to buy a bunch of speakers and wire them to a computer playing staggered, randomized, sounds of heartbeats and breathing. Satai and Andrei should be able to figure out how to make a computer do that, right? Hide the speakers all over and have them play when Dooney approaches and he'll think there's a small army of mortals present. If we're lucky, he'll waste time on hunting down decoys instead of people.

Armas will also want to look at getting some cameras set up around the perimeter of the fight. It could be very informative to be able to replay the fight and figure out where mistakes were made.

Talk to Johan about some ice rounds. Ask if he has a way to store ice magic from a third party source in bullets (like, say, having Hillevi invest a bullet with instructions and energy sufficient to make it turn everything around it in to a block of ice a moment after impact).

Armas should go buy enough flashbangs to outfit his entire team. The flashbangs were ridiculously effective against Dooney earlier, and there's no reason they shouldn't still be. He should also buy more .45 Long Colt for Iron Trick, and more ammo in general for the entire team (enough for two engagements, call Satai and ask how much ammo and what type he thinks that would be, he's got better numbers than Armas). Be sure to get some 4.6x30mm for those new MP7s. Easily controlled weapons like that might be reasonably supplied to small allies. Heck, Sake might be able to handle one.

Lyubov's point about needing more phones is a good one. The expense isn't so great, and having the ability to round everyone up at a moment's notice is a good thing (since more and more the Russians are venturing out of the house now). Also that backpack is going to look cute on Sake.
>>
No. 384266 ID: 252e1b

>>384263
Quick addendum: Lyubov will also make sure to ask Andrei what sort of information he'd need to make hacking into the tax databases and the TUIK databases a success.
>>
No. 384320 ID: f354ab
File 132840620519.jpg - (229.42KB , 2039x1598 , Titus\' New Toy3.jpg )
384320

>>384316
Do we really want to tell all our friends about Duke killing a representative of Mammon? I mean, it's hilarious, don't get me wrong, but that may be something we should keep under our hat.

[Now that Titus has Satai's help, he should get a hard plastic polycarbonate to protect the electronics and wrap around to keep the Cobra prods in place. A RlCb30 constructor would be best, it makes a particularly strongly-bonded polycarbonate used in riot shields and many aircraft components. Good at temperatures of 300F (and only starts to deform and slag at 500F), resistant to small arms fire and impact. Flame retardant, heat resistant, electrical insulator. Good luck even scuffing this stuff, let alone cracking it. Barring a good shot with a relatively high-caliber weapon (the faceplate would only be about 3" by 6"), he should be golden.

Relatively cheap, too, $176 for a quarter inch thick, 4'x8' sheet. The website I found it on does two free custom shapings, too, so we wouldn't even need to cut it ourselves. Round it off to 200, and the whole thing only sets him back $500.]
>>
No. 384361 ID: a7b5b4

Since Vlad's going to be unconcious for a good chunk of the day and probably hungover for the rest of it...

Armas: Bother Gianni and see if he can fix Sake into a proper male gender at some point, with appropriate comments about weasel handling and so forth, of course.
>>
No. 384431 ID: 9dc4f0

Well, training is all well and good, but we also needs to have our funtime. So... this may mean we need a stricter schedule so that we can have both a coherent training direction as well as time for fun. As such:
Armas should usually train 6hrs a day. While he shouldn't get specific days for specific things yet, maybe he should try to arrange his training so that:
3 days for Chakra- 1 for lo fang, 1 for Disciple (or, later on, Einrik contact) and one for Homework.
1 day for fleshcrafting under GiaGia
1 day Melee training
1 day for shooting training
1 day for experimentations.
Obviously, when possible, we should 'mix' training, like using melee sparring during our chakra training, etc.
Armas might also try, the days where he is not exhausted, to add another two hours of training before going to bed-those on the subjects he feels need the most at the moment.

For the 'experimention' bit, this may include get taught on external soul manipulation by hummingbird, but it should be good to have a day where we specifically experiment- and the rests, we don't unless in special cases. For making sure we don't forget what's going on, Armas should buy a notebook, and jot down his experimentaion ideas in Ta Reo in it.

>So what's my plan for the rest of the day?
Maybe you should go and ask the Russians, as well as Einrik, Hillevi and Camella how Kui Li is fitting in. If Einrik and Camella are together, it might be an opportunity to 'let out' that Kui Li has called one of Mammon's Knight last night. We might also want to look at that charm of Camella that 'patterned' on her with our Soul Sensing orientation for a while, try to discern more about it.

For tonight, why not take Camella and Hillevi to that Magical Bar?
>>
No. 384653 ID: c6ce12

A quick order for Matvey, he accepts Satai's offer to join his shooting practice sessions.
>>
No. 384657 ID: 431fa8

>Satai: Quartermaster Time
Now that obsessively cataloging and repossessing things is done (see http://tgchan.org/wiki/Guns_for_Hire_Armory), it's time to actually buy weapon-related things.

Talk with a contact who has actually purchased from the Korean arms dealer before, get any tips on dealing with him they have and his usual methods of arranging sales so Satai knows what to expect in advance.

Once advice is secured, call him up and arrange a purchase, preferably involving meeting in person since we're looking at being a major repeat customer here and that means attempting to establish a positive personal relationship. Bring Titus along to act as bodyguard/box mover and make Satai look more important.

Hopefully he will have the following:
-30,000 5.56×45mm NATO rounds (est. $6,000)
-90,000 7.62x51mm NATO rounds (est. $30,000)
-20,000 9×19mm Parabellum rounds (est. $3,400)
-8,000 .45 ACP rounds (est. $2,080)
-12,000 .50 BMG (12.7x99mm NATO) rounds (est. $27,000)
-24,000 4.6×30mm rounds (est. $9,600)
-Suppressors for 12 MP7s (est. $10,000)
-36 Spare magazines for MP7s (est. $720)

Satai will also attempt to purchase the following through the Mafia:
-200,000 5.45x39mm rounds (est. $26,000)
-1000 7.62x25mm Tokarev rounds (est. $160)
-L129A1 Sharpshooter bipod, GL, soundmoderator, and 3 magazines (est. $1,500)
-Barret M107A1 3 spare magazines (est. $60)
-Barret M107A1 suppressor (est. $1000)
-200 RGN Offensive grenades (est. $600)
-20 40x46mm HE grenades (est. $100)
-12 spare magazines for micro-Uzi (est. $240)
-5 spare magazines for AVT-40 (est. $100)
-1,000 9x21mm Gyurza rounds (est. $370)

This is spending a hell of a lot of money, and black market prices can be swingy as hell, so Satai will try to be careful. He'll drop (or reduce) any purchases which cost more than twice what he initially planned to spend, and at least attempt to bargain virtually all the prices he can down by pointing out bulk purchases and strongly implying (or outright stating) that there will be future purchases in the same vein- IF he can't find someone in town willing to sell the same or similar stuff for less.

Generally try to establish as good a relationship as possible; given that Satai is quartermaster and might well be pumping millions of dollars into black market arms dealers over the next few months, he should strive to establish himself as a good customer they're interested in catering to immediately.

If all goes well with the Korean, he should also mention that he's acting on behalf of an outfit which puts the sort of things that he's buying to extremely effective use for negotiable fees. Just in case our friendly neighborhood importer has need of any assistance or would care to have his life made smoother.

If at some point he's in a position of seeing hardware which he didn't specifically order, Satai will take note of anything interesting, powerful, or unusual and ask about pricing. It's important to get a good feel for what costs what so that he can improve his grasp of the market.


>>384205
>So what's my plan for the rest of the day?
Now that we can successfully fleshcraft things, call up Gianni and see if he's available for some of the promised instruction- say, 0600 tomorrow morning? We're flexible, but tomorrow would be good. If he agrees to early morning training, be sure to get to sleep in time to be something resembling chipper.

Call up the engineering student that Jagda recommended, Hamlet Hanson. Explain that we were given his name as someone who might be interested in an investigative engineering project- paid, of course- and ask when we could meet him and discuss the details, sooner is better of course. Set time and date.


This afternoon seems like a good time to try out some multi-skill training ideas. Get a handful of Russians (make sure the medic, Feodor, is involved), and have them shoot at us with pistols while we try to sense on their souls when they're going to fire, then avoid it as best we can; chakratic soul sensory boosts might help with this. When they do hit us, try to Reinforce to lessen or negate shots but don't heal them away if we're hit cleanly.

When we're significantly injured, we order the Russians to practice their combat medic skills by pulling the bullets out and binding up our injuries like they would on someone who isn't capable of stupidly effective regeneration. We should strive to completely ignore the pain involved in having clumsy people dig through our innards for bullets, and instead crack jokes and make fun of the Russians while they work.

Shadowbro should stop any bullets from hitting our head during this practice; don't really wany to risk any trauma to our eye. If Camella is around invite her to participate, but Shadowbro makes sure that all her shots miss for trolling purposes.


Eat a lot of magic food after this, then go to the magic bar in the evening- but be sure to avoid anything which would impede our ability to be ready for fleshcrafting training tomorrow.
>>
No. 384728 ID: d97a61

>[Dmitrii has been queued to do the following:]
>Become fed up with waiting to hear back from fellow Russians about picking up hours at Ito's gym, approach Camella and Ito both about possibility of working extra hours.
>Agree to performing an extra two hours a day Sunday through Thursday acting as an assistant instructor at Ito's gym. Pay has increased from the default ($100 every other week and access to free training) to $150 a week, with promises of increased pay when pay rates go up.
>Learn pay rates will go up after a month, give or take, once Ito's confident he or Camella need not be present at all times to insure they instruct properly.
>Attempt to spend more time teaching and less time sparring, to avoid unnecessary bruising or soreness. (slight decrease to rate of practical melee experience gain, slight increase to formal Jukenjitsu experience gain. Dmitrii is now learning Jukenjitsu faster than any other Russian.)
>[Lyubov has already performed the following:]
>Acquired one of the companies twelve satellite phone, to pioneer attempts to integrate one of the appropriated radio headsets with the phone.
>Draw up plans for a two-compartment, egg-shaped backpack based on a dachshund walking harness, taking care to render one pocket capable of holding one of the company satellite phones.
>Spend: $200 on a basic protable sewing machine and kit, $5 on ~1 yard of nylon matched to sake's fur color, $15 on two heavy duty corrosion resistant metal zippers, $50 on a green dachshund harness, and $50 of assorted aluminum rods pre-bent on purchase for constructing backpack framework. (Total spent: $320)
>Construct Sake-sized backpack to hold one company phone and have a pouch for storing a few miscellaneous items of sake's choosing.
>[Lyubov has been queued to do the following:]
>Accost Sake the next time she sees him with present.
>Continue researching fake identities, learn the Turkish Statistical Institute's employee's are notoriously underpaid, and are responsible for a considerable number of records that are vital to her plan of acquiring fake passports of worth.
>Learn that TUIK, the Turkish Statistical Institute, while aware that their employees pose a security risk, have not adequately addressed the issue to dissuade Lyubov from her building plan.
>Ask ANDREI what sort of information he'd need if they were going to seriously attempt hacking into tax and TUIK databases in Turkey, beyond simply having the company computer set up. Awaiting response from Andrei.
>Ask Camella and Hillevi if they would like to also get IDs. Camella notes she'd only want one after having a chance to see an example of the finished product, and Hillevi notes she'd only want one if Armas was certain she needed it.
>Hit upon the idea of using now-closed private schools to provide authentic-appearing diplomas to act as further falsified documentation to back eventual passport acquisition. Feel she is making considerable progress on plan, and admit she's starting to enjoy this.
>Upon being motivated on the sight of a poster featuring a certain band-mate, address fellow employees with a proposed training schedule to avoid living in a dry house. Propose that Camella's time be split into three separate once a week group training classes-a three hour class on melee, a three hour class on general marksmanship, and a four hour class on sniping. If no Russian has rejected this plan by the time the weekend rolls around, this plan will be followed. Sniping practice will be on the WEEKEND, while the melee and marksmanship training will be on WEEKDAYS.
>[Titus has been queued to do the following:]
>With his semi-functional prototype progressing smoothly (relatively speaking), acquire $200 of custom shaped RlCb30 constructor polycarbonate to firmly hold the now rewired tazers in place and protect the internal electronics where the more pliable nomex does not suffice. First prototype will be complete in: eight days, allowing time for polycarbonate to be molded and shipped.
>[Satai has been queued to do the following:]
>As part of preparations for first major purchase as quartermaster, talk with Triad contact that knew most about Korean contact-learn that while he is boisterous, he prefers a passive audience to grandstand before-and as such, a reserved approach is best with him. Be told to NOT bring up anything involving North or South Korea specifically or anything that involves the conflict, for any reason. Be told he is an overprotective father, and can, by paranoia, misconstrue ambiguous comments-it is best to avoid commenting on relationships for any reason, even if his behavioral patterns suggest he'd be amenable to the topic and it'd make situationally appropriate smalltalk. Take this to heart.
>Call the Boisterous Korean Arms dealer who goes by [MR. JUNG, and arrange meeting to discuss a large purchase. Arrange to bring Titus along as a bodyguard and box-mover. Schedule meeting for TOMORROW, TEN AM. (Barter rolls for meeting: discussion post no. 358795)
>At meeting, attempt to procure the following: 30,000 5.56×45mm NATO , 90,000 7.62x51mm NATO rounds, 20,000 9×19mm Parabellum , 8,000 .45 ACP , 12,000 .50 BMG, 24,000 4.6×30mm, 12 MP7 compatible suppressors and 36 Spare magazines for MP7s. Walk into meeting with price estimates based on legal, non-bulk prices-expect to pay approximately $88,800 on this aquisition. (Meeting goes surprisingly well-Satai is well served by his forknowledge, and despite initially facing a price 15% higher than his cumulative estimate, a favorable first impression representing the company sees the price drop into Satai's estimated range, an act Mr. Jung hopes will portend many future purchases of similar size. Total cost: $88,800
BUSINESS FUNDS: (-$88,800) $408,700.00
>The same day, schedule a meeting with the Mafia contact for purchases, and attempt to acquire the following: 200,000 5.45x39mm, 1000 7.62x25mm Tokarev , L129A1 Sharpshooter bipod, GL, sound moderator, and 3 magazines, 3 Barret M107A1 magazines, Barret M107A1 suppressor, 200 RGN Offensive grenades, 20 40x46mm HE grenades, 12 spare magazines for micro-Uzi, 5 spare magazines for AVT-40, 1,000 9x21mm Gyurza. While the purchase is widely spread, the majority of it is a bulk ammunition purchase, the same as the deal with Mr. Jung. The Mafia contact, initially planning to charge 20% more than Satai's estimate, is able to be bartered down to a 12% markup by plying the company's reputation in the aftermath of the German warehouse job. Total cost: $34,750
BUSINESS FUNDS: (-$34,753) $373,947.00
>Become surprised as fuck purchases went so well-and that not a single thing he tried backfired. As paranoia the other shoe will fall soon begins to set in, take refuge in vodka.
>Realize he did indeed manage to inform Mr. Jung that the company he represents is available for hire for professional use of the very type of goods he just purchased-something Mr. Jung seemed to receive very favorably.
>Realize at the meeting with Mr. Jung he noticed several odd high pressure steel cylinders marked 'CW' along with Korean lettering. Realize Mafia had several magical wood-stock rifles on display when meeting, and recall seeing price tags ranging around $55,000 to $90,000
>Finally put together the comments you'd heard while setting up and completing each meeting-and realize the local market's been flooded thanks to a certain massive supply being reintroduced to circulation-and this is why every request was easily met. Wonder how many of the things purchased from the Mafia were recently spoils from the German warehouse job.
>[Matvey has been queued to do the following:]
>Accept Satai's offer, begin spending time practicing sniping with Satai.
>>384251
>>384254
>>384260
>>384263
As I'm exiting the dockyards, I get to wondering-just how can I get Boris to cook like that neighbor? And how can I make her mine?
>"I am fully at your disposal for any and all plotting involving acquiring her baking skills for our regular enjoyment, so long as I get to see at least some memories of her creations."
Deal.
>"Incidentally, I believe I can provide you another package of fleshcrafting information-it's not much at all, just the means of how to manually alter pigmentation in skin, hair and eye. There's nothing for changing bone structure."
You still are totally lowballing an amazing set of tricks. When can I have them?
>"When you wake up tomorrow. Incidentally-Whaitiri seems to be asking less questions now. I think she may stop soon. Or not. I cannot be entirely sure with her."
Cool. Useful for the next time I have to not be recognized, for sure-not certain I want it to need it, though.

As I walk, I pull out my phone-and call the number I was given, Jagda's contact. On the sixth ring he answers with a swift inhalation, as if having just dashed to the phone.
>[Contact][In Turkish]"-ello, yes?"
[In Turkish]"I was provided this number by a Professer Jagda, who believed we might have something to discuss."
For a moment I hear no words, merely the sound of machinery in the background.
>[Contact] "...Yes, yes I know what you speak of. But what exactly is it you need-Jagda wasn't specific at all."
"Well, I can't get into the specifics just now-but I want to test a next-generation attempt at producing gyrojet munitions-and among the things I'll need is access to a wind tunnel. I also have a decidedly curious battery that needs dissecting. Is that enough to pique your interest?"
>[Contact]"I wish it was. I am sorry to be so blunt, but if you want me to help you, I will need pay. I know, it sounds callous and completely against the academic spirit-but I can't afford tuition-not on my own."
"As it happens, I run a rather successful company, and am more than happy to ensure a deserving student gets the education he needs."
>[Contact]"Then it sounds like we really need to talk more."
"Indeed we do. What is your availability this week?"
>[Contact]"The soonest I could be free would be Friday at three-but then I have a full four hours before I need to do anything. Is that enough time to meet?"
"I should think so. I'd like to do the meeting offcampus, if that's all right."
>[Contact]"Sure, so long as we stay close by-I'm on-call for a couple finnicky projects and-well, doesn't matter. How about we meet at Yilmur's across from the universities main entrance? It's a small tavern, outdoor seating-would that work?"
"It sounds acceptable."
>[Contact]"Okay. ...Ah, the Professor implied.... that is to say, ah... how should I make sure you can recognize me? I wear glasses, but so do other people-oh, I could wear my lab coat to Yilmur's-I'm pretty sure I'll be the only one there wearing one. Probably. Maybe not, hm-"
"I'm sure it will suffice. Friday, 3pm, at Yilmur's. Until then."
*CLICK*
He seems delightfully over-earnest. More importantly, it was patently obvious he's strapped for cash-and will be easily manipulated with it. That suits me just fine.

Instead of bussing back though... I spend a bit of time finding a specialty shop-and a handful of minutes later, walk out carrying two bags with several inflatable kiddie pools in them.
>"...I really hate it when you come up with a plan that works on paper and seems very likely to work in practice yet is still innately ridiculous. Using children's toys to make it easier for Hillevi and I to have material to work with when prepping the ambush point? Really?"
Well, if you can come up with a reason why I SHOULDN'T-I'm all ears.
>"...."
Oh, shadowed silence. That's an interesting one-feels quite different from stern turkish silence. A bit duskier-almost makes one think of old moldy tombs, or-
>"Dear brother of mine..."
Yes?
>"...What else do you think will help us prepare? We still lack something of worth to trade to the Sometimes Merchant for enough antivenom for our whole troupe."
Well-another thing I'm thinking about is using a bunch of speakers rigged in the area to play computer randomized recordings of heartbeats and people breathing.
>[Sake]"That should screw with his hearing rather neatly, yes. Do make sure that the devices you use properly emulate the sound-anything that can be readily discerned as false will not deter one with finely tuned senses for long."
Huh. Guess getting something better than bargain bin speakers might be in order. I'll have to mull that over. At least I know Andrei and Satai, between them, could handle the wiring and programming necessary for this.... probably. But speaking of speakers-heh-I think I'll need cameras too-some just motion activated, some able to actually record bits of film. I'll need to get ones with solid zoom and auto-focus to make this work-but I think with, say, a dozen cameras I could cover every square inch of the planned ambush point-and with another four more I could have the warehouse watched too. Having footage of the fight afterwards for analysis... I don't know that I can even quantify the value of it.
>"Not to mention it lets us get a sense of how feasible a certain plan you came up with is."
I can and WILL bring Reality TV to the magical community-I'll find a way to get paid for the privilege of WATCHING us do our work, just you wait.
>"If you say so."

The next person I call-is Johan.
"Hey. Say I told you I'm in the market for ice rounds, or anything I can shoot to make things cold-what would you tell me?"
>[JS]"Hello Armas. I'd say there's three kinds of choices. first choice is something around $50 extra a bullet, and just stays as cold as the freezing point for water. Second choice is a bit costly-$500 to $800 per bullet, but it's closer to liquid nitrogen, rather than ice, in frigidity. Third's for legitimate Enchanted bullets, complete with individual spellwork-act like low to mid-grade freezing spells, once lodged in flesh. $10,000 per bullet, depending. Why do you ask?"
"I've got a job soonish, and I needed to know my options. Thanks Johan-odds are good I'll call you soon."
*CLICK*

Okay-huh. Well, that was more informative than I expected.
>[Sake]"Also we are home."
Yes-yes, I did in fact notice that.
>[Sake]"Just making sure you noticed."
The moment we actually get back in the mansion, Sake tenses on my shoulders and haunches-and I don't know why. His snout furtively investigates the air, snuffling away as he begins to restlessly squirm-as Lyubov turns the corner into the main foyer, smiling.
>[Lyubov][In Russian]"Hey, I thought it was you Boss-hey Sake!"
Sake continues to pay her no mind, his head darting back and forth.
>[Sake]What... what IS that?"
"What's what?"
>"No idea."
>[Lyubov]"Aw Sake, don't be like that! Look, I got you something~!"
At which point her right arm, thus far firmly kept behind her back, pops forward-proferring forth a slightly misshapen, weasel sized backpack. I expect Sake to not care all that much about it-but he stiffens like a post about my neck, resolutely staring down the object in Lyubov's hands.
>[Lyubov]"Remember how I mentioned phones? Well, I'm pretty sure you can use one of the earpieces we've got-and they work with the phones we use. So you can use an earpiece, keep the phone in the bag, and keep your han-paws free. I added another pocket, in case you wanted to store other stuff too."
Sake slithers off my neck, slipping through the air like an eel as he docilely lets Lyubov slip the backpack on him. The moment it's on a shiver runs down his lengthy body, growing more pronounced as it goes untill it ends with a wiggle of his rump.
>[Sake]"Aaaaah-that was it. This travelling case-"
>[Lyubov]"Backpack."
>[Sake]"-Backpack is... is AMAZING."
Lyubov places the earpiece in his shovel paws.
>[Lyubov]"It's synced up. You have to pull the phone out of the backpack to dial-and I don't know how to make it easy for you to do the dialing without taking off the backpack-sorry about that, I-"

She does not get to finish, as her face is promptly subjected to a snuggling tube of green fur rather intent on expressing gratitude-though I'm still not sure WHY he likes it so much-
>[Iron Trick]"Its frame's made of aluminium. Were you a more fervent student of history, you would know that for a long time, aluminium was exceptionally valuable-and indeed, is the source of most legends about mythril that derive from mundane material. It is every bit as much a precious metal, so far as a Ramidreju or any other magical entity is concerned, as gold or platinum."
>[Sake]"You are the best follower ever!"
>[Lyubov]"Ah... don't you mean employee?"
>[Sake]"I said what I meant, you lovable squishy mortal."
At this Lyubov frowns.
>[Lyubov]"Wait what do you mean squishy?"
>[Sake]"Based on texture, you are notably squishy."
I start sidling towards the next room, noting neither one's paying attention to me...
>[Lyubov]"If we're doing that, then I get to call you fuzzy."
>[Sake]"Absolutely not."
>[Sake]"Naw-nope, you're fuzzy. If I'm squishy, you sure as hell are fuzzy. End of story."
I depart the room as Sake and Lyubov continue genially squabbling, and move on to other things. I can ask Sake what he thinks of his chances of redirecting gyrojet rounds and other such completely sensible questions later.

[SAKE HAS ACQUIRED: A BACKPACK!]

>"Just so you know, Sake will now be assisting Lyubov in pestering you about getting more phones for the company."
Yeah-screw that, I'm just ordering another ten here and now.

It admittedly takes me an hour on the phone-but another ten phones are on their way.
BUSINESS FUNDS: (-$6,500) $367,447.00
Welp, in a few days I'll have enough phones for every russian, Sake, Camella, Hillevi and one replacement. Nipped that problem in the bud.

Sake comes drifting out into the living room where I've been working while Nikifor and Lev hav something of a knifefight-purely for fun, of course.
>[Sake]"She is the most impressive retainer I have ever seen. Oh, and-"
"I already ordered more phones."
His tiny weaselly face sags, his snout wilts and his beady eyes dull, his tiny heart crestfallen at the missed chance to pester me.
>[Sake]"....Oh. Okay, yeah, that's... that's good."
>>384431
Arkeus, this belongs in discussion. Armas, as you hopefully have noticed, doesn't really make and actually stick to long term, static plans-even his prior attempts to set up training cycles swiftly were broken. If you want to get players behind the idea of doing this, so that multiple posters suggest training of this format to make Armas do it, that's perfectly fine-but trying to tell Armas yourself to commit to a new way of spending his time each day without any support won't do much.
With Sake recovering from my perfect denial of his impishness, I decide to ask a question, noting Duke to currently be absent, no doubt taking one of his now universally understood to be cataclysmic shits. Seriously, we almost lost Rostislav when he unwittingly went in a bathroom right after Duke. The man's like a hippo with cholera that's been fed nothing but ghost peppers and lava. Thankfully, Amen... just tidies up, after half an hour's passed.

[In Russian]"So all-quick poll, how is our new houseguest?"
>[Vlad]"I like him."
>[Matvey]"He is a baby that, rather than crying, goes on unstoppable murderous rampages, so far as I can tell."
>[Grisha]"A drug addicted baby."
>[Dmitrii]"I think we should seperately pay homage to his drunkeness-it's impressive to a degree that 'drug addicted' just doesn't cover."
"Okay-so he's an insanely dangerous drug addicted boozer of a baby-but what do you guys think of him?"
>[Gloom]"He's tolerable, once one learns how he thinks."
>[Feodor]"Frankly, we interact with worse."
>[Andrei]"He seems to grasp there's such a thing as objects one must be delicate with, so I have no complaints, no matter how eccentric he may be."
"Einrik?"
>[Einrik]"I do not know if I like or dislike him-I can certainly tolerate him."

And that concludes my polling-as the man himself wraps up his business.

>>384657
I decide to spend the rest of the afternoon correcting an error I noticed-I have ceased to make the lives of my workers sufficiently surreal for my liking-and I haven't done any pain training recently. I decide to resolve both problems at once-and round all the Russians up for some live fire practice. What's the target? Mister fantastic himself, yours truly. And I won't just be standing around-no, I'll be actively trying to stay out of the line of fire and out of their scopes. But I won't be using my brother's assistance-so I shouldn't be impossible to catch. The next four hours are spent playing hide and seek in a handy-dandy-labyrinth within the mansion Amen shows us to and swears under order that it exists specifically to provide a challenging to navigate environment. There's quite a few periods where I manage to lose them for more than a minute-

There are also quite a few periods when the successfully shoot me. Which hurts. I probably should care more about that-the hole 'I just got shot, hammerblow of pain to my body' thing-but frankly, compared to being on fire, having my eye explode, losing an arm, having my soul ripped in half, or having my mind warped by a drunken wizard, it's not all THAT high on my scale of 'painfull shit'. Now, while that's enough I only feel like idly clutching at the wound while grimacing and gritting teeth rather than in shock on the ground, I put on an even more cavalier demeanor-and every time I am shot, demand that whichever Russian shot me perform field surgery on me to remove the bullet, if still present, and treat the wound sans anesthetic. I give them helpful pointers as each one that shoots me over our practice works, but for some unfathomable reason they do worse when I give them advice. How absolutely odd.

Over the course of the training, I... don't use Hybrid Healing, simply letting them patch me up again and again, and continuing to be their target as I acquire more and more bullet holes. Thankfully, they've done damned well at complying with my one serious request: not shooting me in the face'. All the same-despite the 'prize' they get for shooting me, all are immensely motivated to succeed-because I've made it my goal to sneak up on one of their member, and inform them they just died by dint of a slap upside the head. Lev in particular is on the warpath, after I tapped him with his own knife.

By the end of the training most of my joints are impaired and I have trouble not shaking while I stand, my bodies too riddled with injuries. Sake, however, at Lybov's urging, heals me, and I'm spared the exertion to use Hybrid healing to restore myself. After the four hour long hunt, I take half an hour to talk with everyone, and get a sense for how they felt pursuing a more complex target than normal. It seems they like the premise of the training very much-and are now much more motivated to practice, both on their own with firearms, and in the group sessions Lyubov set up with Camella. I inform them that next time onward, Bullets that are properly lined up won't be guaranteed to hit me-I don't get specific about how I'll block the shots-and that they'll likely need to bring several guns to bear on me at once if they want to insure I'm wounded. We break with me advising them all to practice how they feel appropriate to be more ready to track a hard to detect, evasive target that requires multiple concurrent assaults to successfully injure. First anti-monster training simulation with my troops: complete. They didn't do too bad at all. I think all those times I sparred with them really helped today.

Now-I did have more plans for the day, other things to do.

But.....

Sake, having wrapped himself about Lyubov's neck, drags her with him as he exuberantly approaches me with Einrik, Hillevi and Camella.
>[Sake]"So-bar time. No, I need to phrase that better: MAGIC bar time."
I want to say no. I do. ...But the idea of getting served booze by a leprechaun.....
"Well, you already knew how I'd answer. ...Lyubov, seems you've been invited. Do you want to come."
>[Lyubov]"Actually, if Sake'd just ASKED, he'd know I think this is a cool idea."
Sake turns to peer at her before sheepishly loosening his hold on her with his tube-like body.

So it is that we eight, I, my shadow, Sake, the hummingbird, Lyubov, Camella, Einrik and Hillevi all venture out into the night-and follow a certain green figure sporting a new backpack. Sake eventually leads us down a seedy alleyway that looks no different from any other-until I notice that, with my Chakra Orientation set on Soul Sensing, something feels faintly... off about the area.

I realize why when Sake taps a brick-and an aged bronze door simply appears, as if it were always there, promptly opening without any visible cause.
>[Sake]"Here we are-aw, this is great!"

I'll admit-the fact we got so heavily stared down on arrival was somewhat offputting. It almost seemed to imply the bar was not accustomed to dealing with humans of any sort-all the same, not a one complained, and eventually the atmosphere loosened up, largely thanks to, of all people, Hillevi, when she succeeds in drinking not one, but a full dozen dwarves under the table while the rest of us mingle and enjoy the atmosphere. The night starts getting more interesting from there-but soon enough Einrik's asking us to leave with him as he brings his now decidedly plastered sister home-it would seem that, impressive genetics or no, Dwarven ale is still not to be trifled with. I resolve to guzzle some the next chance I get.

Once we get back, Sake again rebuffs my questions as to how we paid for our drinks while Einrik puts his sister to sleep. Lyubov wanders to her room in a daze, still mystified at the fact she just saw nearly a hundred creatures she'd only seen in fairy tales before in the flesh, while I check my phone, knowing I got a message within the loud bar. The messages-plural-are interesting.

>[Ricky]"Hey~! How are you meaty one? Are things still going well? We took your words to heart and have really been looking into these human contraptions-absolutely fascinating, like you said! Actually, I was curious-is there any chance you were interested in that footwork you'd asked after? We'd be quite amenable to making a transaction like the one we discussed before. If we are right, we should be reachable on this phone for the next.... day. Hope to hear from you soon!"
>[Jagda]"Just calling to verify that was you the student spoke to. I'd appreciate a call back. I know I'm being paranoid, but would appreciate it if you humored me at your earliest convenience."

I check the time-nearly midnight. And I have a practice session tomorrow morning. ...Eh, guess I'm waiting on these until tomorrow afternoon. I put them aside-and get some rest.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2011
PERSONAL FUNDS: $392,013.11
BUSINESS FUNDS: $367,447.00
CASH: $37.00
SHADOW PATIENCE: 79%
WINTER ENERGY: 83/160
SUMMER ENERGY: 50/50

I wake up. A dim part of my mind realizes I'm still trying to assimilate new fleshcrafting knowledge. I go through the motions-I shower, I shave, I get dressed-this time in a black suit with wide burgundy pinstiping, a deep purple shirt and my signature tie-and head off, not to the docks-but to a restaurant of italian persuasion. Once I arrive, I fine Gianni, his cream silk shirt's sleeves rolled up and vest open, casually sipping on a martini with the day not even fully begun.

>[GiaGia][In Italian]"So.... well, I suppose now that I take a proper look at you, you HAVE done some fleshcrafting. Hm, how delightful. Well, I only see signs of rather basic stuff in your smooth, supple muscles. Would you say it is fair to call you an amateur in the art of flesh crafting?"
"Let's assume so."
>[GiaGia]"Then there is an important question you must answer before we begin: of the following four categories of tissue, which do YOU, in your gut, think is the most important to learn how to improve? Just the one choice, my fine, fine friend."
"The categories?"
>[GiaGia]"Those would be: Muscle tissue, epithelial tissue, connective tissue and nervous tissue. And please-just because as you may have now guessed, I personally prioritize Muscle enhancement does not mean I cannot teach you just as much about the other three categories. So, hot stuff-make your call. Oh, and if you're feeling real frisky, you might even say WHY you make your choice. I bet it'd make our time together even MORE enjoyable, hm~."








So-which kind of tissue do I think it's the MOST important to learn how to augment, improve and amplify: Connective, Muscle, Nervous or Epithelial?
And WHY do I think it's the most important category to focus on as I learn about Flesh Crafting?
>>
No. 384741 ID: b676c3

All are important, but nervous tissue should be the foundation for everything - it's not how big something is, it's what you do with it that counts, and the nerves are how you tell it what to do.
>>
No. 384745 ID: 21a619

Connective. Get the Dick you've always dreamed of!
>>
No. 384746 ID: 1e3433

Well brain death is the one thing SM seems to base his contracts on so learning how to keep our brain alive sounds pretty rad, also another step to immortality.
And considering how often Armas gets memories implanted or goes into accelerated thought.
>>
No. 384748 ID: b6911d

Connective would be useful, it's the first tissue to develope during the healing process, as well as being much more difficult to heal when damaged. Plus, who knows, you may be able to reinforce tendons, they are extremely hard to repair normally and the added strength would be beneficial when limbs are needing to take flight.
>>
No. 384751 ID: e2a0c6

Nervous tissue. Definitely nervous tissue. Learning that might let you heal from brain splatter, and would probably give you quicker reaction time. With your best weapons being magic stuff that aren't dependent on strength, reaction time is probably good. Might also help you make changes to allow you to learn things quicker and easier. Oh, and since we currently lack mind-magic, this might let us have a flesh based defense against it. Most of this is probably higher end stuff, but with Whaitiri we'll probably learn generalities about the others at some point. Picking our specialty should probably be about the higher-end tricks we want.
>>
No. 384764 ID: cc1982

Nervous tissue
>>
No. 384774 ID: 3947e9

They are all invaluable... but nervous tissue is the most important to you because:
1. Faster reaction
2. If you are conscious and mentally well you could repair all other damage, but head injury could cause you to be knocked out or forget how to heal yourself/etc.
>>
No. 384775 ID: 76c597

Connective tissue: protects organs, stores energy, connects to bones and makes us bendier or sturdier as necessary. Our flexibility is fantastic, but it could be so much better.

Also, yes, our cock is connective tissue. So's nose and ears.

Reason given: Either "I can think of so many good uses to being flexible. Can't you?" or "I have an idea for an email spam company (penis enhancement)."
>>
No. 384777 ID: 252e1b

Epithelial tissues will be Armas' focus, and here is why:

[Primary] Armas will be able to make his glands synthesize hormones, drugs and other chemicals (as his knowledge grows). He'll be able to precisely regulate his ability to metabolize poisons (and will be able to manufacture anti-venom specific to poisons he is exposed to). Since he'll have perfect control over his epithelial tissues, he'll also be able to prevent any addiction issues by simply tweaking his own chemistry.

[Trickster] This line of specialization will let Armas be able to secret hallucinogenics and other drugs at will. Literally, he'll be able to sweat LSD and other fun things. Against an opponent that's not expecting it, it will be devastatingly effective. In social combat he'll be able to use pheremones.

[Heavy] Another important feature is that Armas will be able to regulate his own hormone levels. This will be very important if he's growing budding clones, since they'll have their own glands that will be contributing to his body's hormone levels. He'll be able to cheat his way into extra bloodlines by growing clones and then using one of the known methods to make them difficult to posses (implanting a trusted soul, pseudo-soul, or one of the complex work-arounds).

[Escape] Epithelial control will allow Armas to enhance his employees and allies, once he learns a viable method of external fleshcrafting. An ally who can, at will, turn their stored magic energy into extra adrenaline or who can process poisons faster than they're being made sick will be far more potent than enemies will suspect. Since glands are very low signature, there's an element of surprise which will allow everyone more options if the shit hits the fan.

Bob mentioned that Armas would need a little training in general biology and chemistry to make the most of going this route. I propose we hire a tutor or two through Jagda, outfit one of the rooms in the mansion as a private teaching lab, and spend 6 hours or so a week studying general biology and chemistry in as hands-on a fashion as the tutor can manage.

That will allow Armas to be able to ask Gianni intelligent, reasonable, questions that will let him learn Epithelial fleshcrafting to the fullest. Bob said that long as Armas has that sort of hands-on training and access to Gianni to follow up on it, Armas' learning disability won't be an issue. He'll be able to stay interested.
>>
No. 384782 ID: 9dc4f0

>>384777
Well, changing my post to upvote this because that sweating hallucinogenic seems even more Armas, as well as the pheromone stuff. After all, the question was about a GUT FEELING, and Armas gut feeling is all about messing with other people. Also, Armas might want to remember that Einrik told him that most fleshcrafters tended to fight with regeneration and more direct body change, so he could feel like his own little special snowflake.
Another [Primary] benefit is that as Armas learns the basics of brain chemistry, or as soon as he makes it a priority area of study, he will be able to tweak his dopamine and serotonin levels, which in turn will make it much easier for him to focus. The existing literature about dopamine transporters is sufficent that he should, after study and clarifying with Gianni, be able to make up for his greatest disability.

>[Ricky]"Hey~! How are you meaty one? Are things still going well? We took your words to heart and have really been looking into these human contraptions-absolutely fascinating, like you said! Actually, I was curious-is there any chance you were interested in that footwork you'd asked after? We'd be quite amenable to making a transaction like the one we discussed before. If we are right, we should be reachable on this phone for the next.... day. Hope to hear from you soon!"
Well... we aren't ready, at first glance. I mean, we don't want Hummingbird to die, and everything the Smiling One said hints that he might die if we were to do such training- however, she sepcified his FLESH would be overwhelmed. We are currently in the presence of a quite capable fleshcrafter, and one who hates us less than Amen. Let's ask him his opinion on whether our link to the Hummingbird is dangerous to it or its flesh, and whether he thinks he might be able to 'heal' or 'flush' or make it that the hummingbird is able to store/whatever that energy safely.

>IGOR:
Igor should catch Nikifor and take his measurement, and see if he can begin the work. If something is missing, he should ask for Igor's payment upfront, as Igor already spent all of his money building his beginning of a forge.
Igor should also upvote the idea of Camella lessons three times a week, and would like to know if he can, like Dmitrii, spend more time at Ito's dojo-though he would do the opposite, and concentrate more in practical melee application than formal jujikentsu. This is because now that his primary weapon is a grenade launcher, he feels he should up his practical ability if the enemy gets too close.
>>
No. 384787 ID: 048990

Going to vote for the epithelial system as well.
>>
No. 384794 ID: 489b27

Why waste effort on what's basically an anti-mundane gimmic, like the hallucinogens from glands, when Armas ha loads of those?
>>
No. 384797 ID: f6e017

Nervous tissue.
Armas has the benefit of accelerated thought, if he can boost his body to act during this time it would considerably increase his combat prowess. He could also deaden pain receptors in certain areas to help keep himself going.
He could also improve his cognitive functions and help protect himself from lasting effects from brain damage.

Zhenya
-Accept Lyubov's training agreement.
-Go back to the black market dealer Armas introduced her to and get 3000 rounds for her EMF Hartfords(.45) (budget $800) and seeing if he has any rare guns. Pistols preferable.(budget $5000). Buy two sets of full moon clips(Budget $10 in case I have to buy a 10 pack).
-Ask Sake if he knows any musical pieces with magical effects and try and wrangle him into teaching them to her.
-Spend all time not training/drinking practicing music. Start practicing dance macabre (http://tinyurl.com/7cg4ade) if Sake had nothing to offer.
-Attempt to find out if the entity Amen can play the piano.
that should be the last re-queue for a few weeks
>>
No. 384798 ID: 0b1389

>>384777 To add

[Primary]
Epithelial tissues are all about borders, barriers and seals. They define what insides and outsides are. For example the inside of Armas stomach is really an outside as far as Armas's body is concerned. It can allow Armas to create arbitrary sectionings inside his body and use them to define the focus for chakra manipulation. With training and choosing the right approach this can allow Armas to use external skills on some internal tasks.

[Trickster]
Epithelial tissues are not only responsible for secretion, they are responsible for resorption too. They can allow Armas to eat through, or rather with, his skin and to absorb specific things from his environment while ignoring the rest, like absorbing oxygen solved in water or ignoring airborne poisons.

[Heavy]
Epithelial tissues lines cavities, like the cranial cavity, the spinal cavity, the blood vessels and the pericardium, which is the bag containing the heart. They are also responsible for cornification, which produces reptilian scales, feathers, porcupine quills and the claws of various animals. For that matter silk and spider silk are created by epithelial tissues.
That allows to create internal armor by reinforcing epithelial tissues at the cavity linings and external armor and close combat weapons by reinforcing and/or forcing cornification.
>>
No. 384802 ID: c6ce12

My vote for our tissue specialization is going to have to be nervous tissue. Epithelial is definitely going to be a strong secondary in whatever our personal blend of internal flesh manipulation ends up being though.
>>
No. 384806 ID: bfca39

Epithelial
>>
No. 384808 ID: 252e1b

There's an information dump about fleshcrafting here: >>/questdis/358827

In short though, Bob says that epithelial is a good option for Armas, because Armas has the divinity required to get the most out of it (through using belief magic to make a grafted part rejection-proof). The other options are good too, but a focus on epithelial fleshcrafting is solid, and apparently close to linear, compared to the rate at which benefits from focusing on the other disciplines will accrue. The nervous system focus will lead to its best gains being much later, while connective and muscle tissue are more bell-curved in their gain profile.

<TheBeardiestBob>Epithelial is innately the most 'jack of all trades' and does benefit moreso from your personal arrangement of bloodline format (divine, cannibal, god hotline) than the others do.

Anyway, interesting as all that is, that's not the real point of this post. I forgot to put Lyubov's orders in my earlier post, so here they are:

1) Lyubov will learn what each fake identity will need to match its owner well.
Lyubov will first ask to go jogging with Camella. Then she'll spend the morning interviewing each Russian, and Camella and Hillevi, to get a list of things they want reflected in a false school and work history. Her philosophy is that it is best if the claimed skills and diplomas match up, roughly, to what the individuals are actually capable of. She'll spend most of the morning trying to make sure they're satisfied with general categories of potential backgrounds, like "Attended primary and secondary school, did ok, went to a trade school to learn metalworking, did ok, ended up working for a security company until they went bust" or "Attended primary and secondary school, spent a semester in art college, ended up being a chef in a little restaurant that closed a year ago."

2) Lyubov will look for companies and potential residences suitable for those profiles.
Lyubov will then spend the day looking for companies that have gone bankrupt, been sold off, are outside the country and have gone bankrupt, or are otherwise potentially in a state of disarray, with an eye toward building plausible backgrounds conforming to the interview data. Once that is done, she'll go to the library and look at old newspaper want-ads for rooms for rent and boarders in areas where those companies and schools were. The idea being to find landlords who have died since then, so that it's possible to claim those old places as previous residences at the time the false identities were falsely employed.

3) Lyubov will play with the thermal goggles, showing Sake what they can do, and will have another jam session before the night lessons.
In the evening Lyubov will goof off before dinner by playing with a set of thermal binoculars and showing Sake how they're good for looking at heat (specifically showing him what the kitchen looks like when Boris is in all out cooking mode). She'll then jam with Zhenya/Sake, and head out for the night lessons as scheduled.
>>
No. 384865 ID: 431fa8

>>384728
>So-which kind of tissue do I think it's the MOST important to learn how to augment, improve and amplify: Connective, Muscle, Nervous or Epithelial?
Nervous tissue.

>And WHY do I think it's the most important category to focus on as I learn about Flesh Crafting?
Firstly, because nervous tissue is the key to the body. It's the control system. He who controls the nervous system is the one in charge. With nervous system control, we can just shut off our pain, we can force our brain to be focused and learn better, we can take our body's incredible potential and force ourselves to use every last drop of it. We've seen how strong, how fast Camella is- and she's supposedly a normal human close to her maximum potential. With true control over our nervous system we can force our body to push itself just as hard as she forces hers to, hopefully with similarly impressive results- but proportionate to our magically-boosted form.

Second, because nerves dictate sensory response, reflexes, reaction speed. We always, always, always need to be faster. Our enemies are always faster than we are and we need every little edge that we can get.

Third, because we are weak against mental attacks right now. We know, however, that the body, mind, and soul are all in a constant feedback loop, influencing one another in their development- and nervous tissue is the seat of the body's influence over the mind. Take control of that and we should gain at least a certain amount of ability with mind manipulation through flesh manipulation.
>>
No. 384867 ID: 2809c7

Epithelial, so that Armas can make jokes about making his own personal lubricants.
>>
No. 384868 ID: a9f1dc

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_plasticity

See that? That's the big thing in Neural fleshcrafting, the /very first/ thing we'd improve. Things like learning. You know, storing and memorizing information? Put simply, being better with nueral flesh means that Armas picks up more INFORMATION, can analyze that information faster, can put it to use faster, and can connect uses better. Armas could, theoretically, learn to structure his brain to better memorize info. Or he could structure it to better reflexes. Or he could set it up to have a complete and utter blank. Certainly this is all far-off, but are we not shooting for immortality? Why go for something that has a short payoff but falls behind everything else simply for its connection to a function of our abilities we have used maybe four times in as many threads.

Sure, we can make LSD with Epi, but with Nuero, we can make people see whatever the hell we want.

Sure, we can produce poison with Epi, but with Nuero, we can learn Epi even faster.

There is no reason not to take it. Period.
>>
No. 384875 ID: 448d82

>Nervous
Is my vote, plain and simple, I am in it for the trolling.

>Lev orders
Realize two things, Sake, the odd weasel thing, uses wind, this would be fun for tricks with throwing knives...
Lyubov seems to be on good terms.
Conclusion, make friends with the Weasel, get to know Lyubov more.

Try spending about an hour doing a bit of woodcarving each day... might need to get some wood from the market or something... also... that creepy blind guy, Einrik or something... perhaps he knows about magic woods? A wooden dagger is like a stake, isn't it?

>Lev's drunken subconious.
See shadowbro, say hi, thinking it is the boss, try to have drunken conversation, You don't know, I'm just drink filled impulse, you won't really understand what happend till later.
>>
No. 384877 ID: a9f1dc

Rostislav will seek out close-combat training involving bladed weapons with whatever Russians are willing to spend time with him.

He will spend a minimum of one hour and a maximum of four on this endeavor daily.
>>
No. 384887 ID: 135252

Connective tissue seems like a good choice., it should help with our healing and joint lock has proven to been very effective against supernatural strength.
>>
No. 384929 ID: 252e1b

>>384808
>a focus on epithelial fleshcrafting is solid, and apparently close to linear

Arkeus tells me I had it wrong, it's a double bell curve for gains with epithelial fleshcrafting, with large gains to start, a lull in the middle, and large gains in the mastery phase.

Also ADDENDUM: Bob informed me the mansion has a swimming pool. So, Lyubov's going to buy a one piece swimsuit, a two piece swimsuit, and a terry cloth robe ($175). And then she's going swimming, because fuck yeah, pool!
>>
No. 384982 ID: 9718f3

My vote is for an epithelial focus. It seems the most varied in terms of application and the least likely for us to find similar chakra functions to.

Nervous is a close second for me but it seems like it would take the most effort to get any good at, while having the least pronounced gains in the meantime.
>>
No. 385024 ID: f70e5e

I think epithelial fleshcrafting would be the way to go, we have multiple sources of power so its unlikely we will be able to truly master all of them. so something with a decent initial payout would probably be the best choice.
>>
No. 385029 ID: 421737

I am changing my vote from Connective to Epithelial. Connective isnt in the race, its between the Nervous System and Epithelial Tissue.
>>
No. 385030 ID: 7c31d2

I vote for epithelial fleshcrafting partially because of what the other people have said, mostly because I like having powers I can't pronounce.
>>
No. 385031 ID: d97a61

[VOTES CLOSED]
>>
No. 385042 ID: d97a61

>[RUSSIANS HAVE ACCEPTED CAMELLA'S PROPOSAL]
>[Igor has been queued to do the following:]
>Meet with Nikifor, take measurements for vambrace/rerebrace planned armor set. Review materials-realize that he has sufficient material to forge the armor as-is, provided he forgoes the use of molds. If no molds used-projected project completion time, at six hours a day of smithing-two weeks. Igor's player, [Arkeus] will have to make a called 1d100 roll to see how he does with the rivets, and IF CHOSEN a second 1d100 roll to see if he's initially inept (low roll) or perhaps clicks with smithing (high roll).
>NIKIFOR'S ARM ARMOR COMPLETION IN: TWO WEEKS
>Talk with Dmitrii, Ito and Camella-similarly pick up extra hours (ITO PAY ALTERED TO $150 A WEEK), and play the sparring partner/practical demonstrator to Dmitrii's lecturer. Once three weeks of such a practice routine has elapsed, consider Igor and Dmitrii to be a functional pair.
>[Zhenya has been queued to do the following:]
>Go to low-grade Mafia arms dealer. Barter for 3,000 rounds of .45 colt. Attempt to get them for $800, due to poor bartering skills and choice to go to a black market dealer, end up paying $950. Spend $10 on a ten pack of moon clips.
>Ask after rare pistols-be told they have several uncommon Italian pistols, including small-run Berretta releases, Galesi and Mateba pistols. Be told to come back with a clearly idea of what she wants.
>Be bodily thrown from room and into couch when attempting to wheedle magic songs from Sake: be told nearly all magic songs humans can play have either Fae or Divine origins-and to date Sake hasn't heard of one without hooks in it. If she persists in desiring more danger, Sake will happily inform Armas Zhenya's bored and wants to do something more exciting. Resolve to drop the subject.
>Resolve to make do with normal music. Practice danse macabre.
>Ask Amen if he knows how to play piano. Be told he is no longer allowed to. Wonder what's up with that.
>[Lyubov has been queued to do the following:]
>Catch Camella heading out for morning jog. Attempt to keep up with her. Once Camella slows down to a pace Lyubov can match, completes morning workout. Become exceptionally jealous when, feeling like she's dying, she returns to the mansion with a Camella that hasn't even broken into a sweat.
>Gasp way through a few questions directed at Camella regarding false identities-get a sense for what kind of history would fit her.
>Do the same with all seventeen other Russians and Hillevi. Get largely functional answers-but get nothing useful out of Hillevi, who offers a completely unrealistic mix of hyperbolistic soap opera drama and magic-related happenings there's no mundane way to simulate. Wonder if it'd be easier to just list her as some sort of bodybuilder aiming for the Olympics or something.
>Finish constructing rough outlines of history for each Russian's (herself included) passport.
>Lyubov will spend several hours seeking out and comprehensively listing every business that has gone bankrupt, been sold off or is in such a state of disarray that there is no real accuracy or factchecking of employee information. Begin matching relevant companies to planned falsified histories.
>After making a rough map of what business each Russian will claim to have worked at, head back to library, and search archives for old ads for boarders in the vicinity of the above companies, with the goal of compiling a list of people who have since passed away, fell off the map, or been rendered unable to communicate.
>Start matching up addresses and landlords to the proper companies-feel gratified that each individual's profile is actually looking pretty good now.
>After putting in her time today, attempt to wrangle Sake for music funtimes. Attempt to show Sake thermal goggles in between songs-become saddened when they do not fit his tiny weasel head, and instead 'borrow' Armas' thermal scope so that Sake can see the kitchen's heat. Become pleased Sake is impressed.
>Attempt to jam with Zhenya as well-become frustrated when she only knows non-modern songs, and has trouble with improv in any form. Observe Sake comparing Zhenya's playing to Enka singing-wonder if it's a good thing neither of you know what that is.
>While walking in mansion, notice Amen in a room with a pool. Immediately head out, acquire one and two-piece swimwear, and go for a swim. Become confused when swimming pool is not in room she saw it in-and Amen does not answer questions regarding the pool she saw. Wonder if she was pranked, suspect her boss-or his weasel.
>[Lev has been ordered to do the following:]
>Make note of Lyubov becoming seemingly good friends with company weasel.
>Ponder what tricks wind manipulation could provide a knife thrower with-attempt to speak with Sake, continue to get blocked as he's either out, with Armas or with Lyubov.
>Until Ivory can be collected, spend one hour per day carving wood. Spend $500 getting a supply of soft and medium density woods to work.
>While drunk, assume familiar shadow you see is the Boss, say hello, get a response. Next day realize you could see Armas in the living room when you made your greeting. Wonder who the hell you said hi to that sounded like Armas. Multiple Armas'? Scary thought.
>[[Rostislav has been queued to do the following:]
>Seek out close combat training with bladed weapons-attempt to train with Nikifor and Lev. Be mocked for lack of knowledge beyond basic Russian military knife-work. Cut initial pracitice session short due to frustration. Wonder what he could do to catch up to them without putting in far, far more time than them.
>Initially say 'fuck it' and start practicing what you already know (military knifework) and, given Lev in particular though his thrust was sloppy, spend majority of time continually refining speed and precision of thrust. 2 hours a day.
>[Nikifor has been queued to do the following:
>Decide that he is convinced Igor is in fact overcharging him, and demand a list of costs for raw goods used, and counter-offers $1,500.
>Attempt to join Matvey and Satai in sniping practice-be told to bring a good rifle, and then they'll talk.
>Look for SMG-oddly cannot find it in room. By the time it's found-on the third floor, not the second, and on the opposite side of the house, right in front of the Employee of the Month placards, lose motivation to go shoot, be distracted by wall of creepy smiles.

>[10 Nervous, 10 Epithelial, 4 Connective, FOREVERALONE Muscle]
>+1 uncounted vote from someone that put off voting for way too long, even when prompted to do so on IRC
My mind whirls with possibilities spurred on by greed, ambition, and a rather poor high school education on biology.
"Aaah... well, pretty sure I don't want to focus on Muscle tissue-I mean it's important but-"
>[GiaGia]"Not quite something that reaches out and grabs you, hm?"
"You could put it that way. Connective tissue's tempting for reasons OTHER than having fun with my dick-"
>[GiaGia]"Which is, as you suspect, exceptionally fun-"
"But I think I can pass on that too. What I'm having trouble with-"
>[GiaGia]"Is picking which of the remaining two speaks to you more. Very well-perhaps I can help. What about each category intrigues you?
"Nervous-no question, accelerated thought, enhanced bodily control, maybe even organic mental control shielding, learning faster or being smarter-anything I try to think of for a Nervous focus seems very useful."
>[GiaGia]"True enough-all of those and more are possible for a Nervous focused Flesh manipulator, though I will fondly note, my full-figured friend, that if you intend to become a better student through a Nervous focus for future learning you are going to be violently disabused of the notion-years and years of practice is required to so finely modify one's own mental process, rather than simply more easily ply the systems already in place. What of Epithelial?"
"Hold on-so brain enhancing for better learning-"
>[Giagia]"Is a crapshoot-by the time you can do it, you've learned enough you don't need it. Now, spin me a tale of why you cannot choose between that and Epithelial."
"Well I can't help but have a healthy level of respect for drugs, be they battle stimulants, sedatives, recreational or other-"
>[GiaGia]"On that, I think, there is good news-that is PRECISELY what Epithelial deals with, the handling of chemical producing glands in one's body-and eventually their modification and/or the creation of wholly new glands. ...Well, among other things."
"Okay-well, that's the rub. I can't really choose between Nervous, it's mental and control influences, and Epithelial's glandular control."
I put on an easy smile, using a modicum of effort to keep it from being freakish.
>[GG trait activated]
"I guess I'm saying I can't really chose."
>[GiaGia]"Yeah-I got the feeling that might happen. Well, I could get upset that you're ignoring my request, and making this training shtick a bit harder than I'd like-but I think I have a better plan."
"Oh?"
>[GiaGia]"Yes. If you want me to teach you both today-then you have to suck my cock."
.....
>"Bright side-he's NOT Duke."
I suppress a shudder at the memory, and... change my plans.
"You know, I think I'm going to go with Nervous for my focus-"
>[GiaGia]"I knew that'd do the trick, my shapely student. Now before you get all mopey-I WILL spend out next lesson adressing what lessons a first-time Epithelial focused student would recieve."
"Wouldn't I already be set on a Nervous focus at that point?"
>[GiaGia]"Not if I only teach you the basic tricks of a field, rather than the core system those tricks are part of. I suppose if you were exceptionally droll and boring, we could do four lessons before you had to commit, tasting a bit of each."
"So why'd I need to choose before trying any?"
>[GiaGia]"I could say it's because there's a large amount of evidence showing that one's first choice is most often the one they pick even after study-but really I just wanted to put you on the spot."

At this comment, Gianni stands up, having finished draining his martini.
>[GiaGia]"Well, my greedy friend, shall we get started? Those who focus on the Nervous system learn first of how to manipulate aspects of their neural plasticity, and through this..."

The lesson... is slow. Monstrously slow. I need to keep stopping him and clarifying things due to my lack of a solid background in natural sciences, and even taking that into account I learn way, way too slow. Or so I thought, at least-but Gianni doesn't seem to think anything's unusual. Even so-after six hours of intensive study and private tutelage-I've learned how to.... well, how to caffeinate myself. No caffeine's involved, but that's what it boils down to-it evokes a sense of mental energy within myself. It doesn't make me learn faster. Doesn't make me more rational, logical, or objective. It doesn't make me think faster, or more efficiently. It just... gives me a bit more impetus to actually spend time in thought. That's.... that's it.

I keep wanting to feel gypped, but either Gianni's an amazing actor or this really was a 'par for the course' rate of learning.
>"You may wish to consider that you're comparing this against your Chakra manipulation learning rate directly."
Yeah, so.... directly. Right. Okay, that probably WAS a normal training session then.

All the same-that's pretty fucking lame, that the first lesson ends up teaching you something that minor-sounded like Epithelial had much more impactful initial lessons. So to that end-
"Well, thanks for the lesson-"
>[GiaGia]"And thank you for that arm-I learned some interesting things from it."
"Good to hear. When will you be available again?"
>[GiaGia]"Well that depends. If we were being upright and official, sometime next week-probably later in the week, say Thursday evening or Friday morning."
"Or....."
>[GiaGia]"Or.... I could be feeling a bit lonely, and want to spend some time with a fellow Fleshcrafter-say, dinner, at the Asitane. Why, if some fine, upstanding piece of callipygian were to take me to dinner, I'd be so grateful I'd teach them anything they wanted for the rest of the night~"
"I don't suppose you have a reservation, because otherwise that could be hard to make happen this week."
>[GiaGia]"Indeed I do-but there's something of a caveat-you'd have to play a roll."
"I can do that."
>[GiaGIa]"Yes, I'm sure you can. The roll is a bit gauche, I know, but what can one do? You, my delectable delight, would have to pretend to be an AORB agent that is himself pretending to be a veteran Einher that is very poorly masquerading as a normal person. Dare I ask if you can rise to the challenge?"
"That sounds too interesting to NOT like. What's the details?"
>[GiaGIa]"Details? Haha, that's precious. No, there are no details-so long as you cohesively present such a front, then everything is golden."
"Not even details on WHY I'd need to do such a thing?"
>[GiaGia]"Oh, that. Some weres from the always out-of-fashion Wolfenstein family will be there to watch-really, they're quite dim, so long as you don't throw the whole thing it should be fine. So, Mr. Laine, how does a game of pretend over an intimate meal for the promises of secrets of the flesh sound?"
"So long as I can check out Epithelial focused-tricks next time-"
>[GiaGia]"Indeed you will-while it is entertaining to see you childishly refusing to choose, it will grow tedious if not rectified soon."
Eyes still locked on mine, he idly grabs a handful of the orange flowers arranged on the table-and eats them as he eyes his watch.
>[GiaGia]"Well, it would seem our time together is, for now at least, at an end."
"Until next time."

As I'm leaving-I get a message from someone calling themselves 'Mr. Jung' asking for me to call them. After I place the name as one of the Arms dealers Satai's been dealing with, I call him-and get a very informative bit of information.

-Seems Satai tried to sell us as a mercenary group to Mr. Jung-and he's got work aplenty.
-The type of job he needs the most help with is performing hits on small-time arms dealers trying to set up in his turf. To this end:
-1-He offers $8,000 for killing a vagrant that has no friends or family that's been selling Korean grenades near the docks.
-2-He offers $11,500 for killing a small-time local gangmember that recently stole part of a recent shipment to Mr. Jung, and stays near the remaining Orthodox church in Istanbul.
-3-He offers $13,000 for killing a scandinavian migrant worker that's been undercutting his profits on smallarm ammunition, and has been staying in the industrial sector.
-4-He offers $17,500 for killing a pair of arms dealers, presumed brothers, of indeterminate origin selling illegally large magazines for pistols, and offers an extra $2,000 if we bring him the magazines they're carrying.
-Besides assassination based work-seems he's got a few OTHER jobs too-such as protection:
-5-He offers $35,000 for a 'Visually intimidating' bodyguard service for one of his transporters. The bodyguard would be needed for a two-day period to protect the shipment in transit along with the driver. The Driver will also be armed and expected to assist in dealing with trouble.
-6-He offers $12,000 for four guards when offloading a specific shipment-their services will be needed for three hours.
And lastly, he's even got a courier job.
-7-He's offering $22,000 for a 'resourceful driver' to successfully drive a shipment to location. It's a trip from Istanbul to Samandria, with a vehicle provided. So long as the vehicle makes it to the location, the job is complete. The expected opposition is German, attempting to restock their supplies.

Then I notice I'd gotten a call while I was in the training session-and on checking it, see a message from Go Ping-who notes the Triads have work for me too, but to call about it. I do-and learn they have just one job.

For $500,000 kill Mr. Jung.


...Hm.

I had some other plans for the afternoon, but with how expensive getting the Armory up's already proven, I should really prioritize the work options I have in front of me. So it is that, as I amble back to the mansion, I wonder......









Which jobs do I want to pitch to the Russians-and how many people do I think should be sent for each job I feel like following up on?
What do I do about the Triad job?
>>
No. 385068 ID: cf49fc

I think we should eliminate Jung. It's most cost effective, and wins us points with the Triads, who are now the dominant power in the area since we nuked the Mafia and crippled the Nazis.

And I think any dealings with Russians run the risk of being compromised by the Black Ops General, so forming ties there is probably a bad idea.
>>
No. 385089 ID: e2a0c6

We shouldn't kill the guy selling us stuff, and having contacts other then the triads is good. Lo fang is not our bro, pal, or trustworthy in anyway. Let the minions know about the jobs and let them work out who goes where. When one of them goes to collect pay, have them inform him, preferably by slipping him a note that says to tear it up and eat it after reading(the note being stained with jelly mixed with a laxative because hey funny), that the Triads want him dead.

Dmitrii would be willing to take the hit on the gang member near the church. Job #2. He'd obviously needs more information then we've been given to really form a plan for it though. If he gets an address though, stake the area around it out, wait for him to be home at night, and shoot him through a wall and book it. Hit up a second-hand clothing store first and get some clothes, especially something with a hood. Also go to Satai and see about signing out an MP-7 and suppressor for this. Avoid stepping foot in the church because because planning to kill a guy and ran into huge ass priest on the mafia job.

Dmitrii orders: Call up one of the mafia dudes you went out with. Make small talk and get around to asking about shooting ranges that don't ask for IDs, or questions in general. Then head out to Garbage Pete's. Mention Vlad, and how you were stopping by the see about getting something, or possibly things, for him. Ask if he has any odd guns. Say you're not looking to spend as much, so things that really aren't designed well for practical use, but make it known you want to make sure the parts are still good, so ask to head down to the shooting range you found out about and give them a test. Pay for the ammo yourself of course. Also say that anything really odd might be good for the laugh it'll get out of the big guy. Anything that functions better then it should, think about buying. Anything that function very oddly(in an explainable way) or way better then it should, buy. If there's lots of these, which is almost certainly not going to happen as the likelyhood of this panning out at all is probably pretty low, call Satai and let him know. Afterwards, anything that is just weird and not magic like he's hoping, probably everything, goes to Vlad. Budget: 3500$ upper limit, but should be aiming much lower unless there's a bunch of stuff that screams magic.
>>
No. 385090 ID: 3af16b

Lyubov will ask for the fourth mission (double assassination).
>>
No. 385092 ID: f354ab

>>385089
Agreed. If someone kills Jung, well that's a shame, but that's business. But to do it ourselves...

Ask Satai about the Jung encounter to help make up your mind. When we learn Satai wasn't subjected to any kind of markup (Mafia was 12.5%, I think? And no reason to think Triad wouldnt be similar) from Jung, decide to stick with the chump change jobs over assassinating the Korean.
>>
No. 385093 ID: 69c858

Killing Jung isn’t really the best option and the Triads are probably telling you to off him because they want to manipulate you. In this case it would be good to make yourself a loyal friend and safe dealer by DISCREETELY telling him that the triads put a mark on him and for how much. You could do it yourself of have Satai do it to arouse even less suspicion. Using a note scribbled on an order list would be the safest option in case the triads have eyes and ears around the area.

-Zhenya approaches Satai to ask him to help her with a purchase with promises to pay back later and owe him a favour and then goes back to the Mafia dealer and asks for a Mateba MTRC-12 in 38 caliber with Carbine attachments and a Mateba MT1 in .22 with 100 .38 special rounds and 600 .22 LR rounds.
-Become interested in missions Armas talks about especially since she is broke, offer to take on the lone Vagrant by herself (#1) and the driving mission(#7) with Nikifor.
-Spends 1-2 days(or as long as she can if a time limit is given) doing background checks on the targets and mapping routes to take that historically have less police checkpoints and/or chance of violent intervention, taking backroads if needs be.
>>
No. 385109 ID: 46c430

>>385093
Ok, this? SUST. No, we are not betraying the Triads. Sure, we can not take their offered job, but we are NOT betraying them. There is no way they wouldn't figure it out.
>>
No. 385135 ID: f354ab

On the hummingbird situation: the Smiling One said our soul was overpowering. Is the answer as simple as altering as much of the flow as we can to SB/Sake? If it's enough to keep our flesh chakra-free, it may be enough for Bird. Did Lo Fang say something about being able to do the reverse of the soul-power shunt, kinda pulling our soul back into ourselves?

Or can Sake simply 'heal' soul overpoweringness (not a word, I know, but you get it)? To even try the Sake thing, we'd need to speak well... maybe point out to Sake that Bird would then owe him one (does Bird even understand the concept of favors, being a bit of a lone wolf?). Does Bird even register to Sake as ill/injured/whatever, or is he seem in fine health?

On the Gianni dinner: the AORB agent we're going to pretend to be shall be american affecting an accent. Make it Finnish, for our own comfort level. Allow it, over the course of the evening, to drop 1-2 times or slur into a different accent. Allow the AORB agent (us) to allow a sliver of dislike at the 'foreign' food at the Asitane through his facade, while the Einher self devours it with sub-par table manners and loudly declaims his delight at it. Make at least one geography mistake (something a native Finn should know, like the location of Oslo); nothing too blatant, but there.

Wear something homespun - and not Amen homespun, but like something you'd find on a Sami. For the Einher, take your cue from Hillevi's own efforts to fit in as a normal. Explain that you are very normal, that you are a... what do normal people do for jobs that don't involve massive amounts of violence? ... You are a salesman. You sell people things that no one really needs because they are slothful and lazy.

Look about 3 short steps from committing enthusiastic violence on the average supernatural.
>>
No. 385206 ID: c6ce12

Let's not kill Jung, both because he's a good vendor and because the Triad offer is an obvious attempt to manipulate us. The Triads have been keeping tabs on us, they no doubt know our relationship to Jung and have identified him as a valuable new resource to us. There is no particular reason for them to want him dead, he may be competition, but there are at least two other independent arms dealers in the market. Likewise they didn't need to contact us to do it, they could have him killed through their own means, but they chose to contact us anyway and at such a suspicious time. We're playing the game with Lo Fang right now, this the first move in the chess match he intended to play with us from the start and he has made it very clear the game is on. Our options now are to either to forfeit, giving up a useful piece on the board in Jung by killing him, to not intervene and inevitably have our piece taken from us by force due to inaction, or to find a way to win and keep him alive without showing our hand. I say we play.

On a less Machiavellian note we should try to set aside some mental resources towards devising ways Hummingbird could survive for the long term or at the very least acquire protection from the effects of subjective time in a Nevernever pocket would have on our linked soul.

This is made difficult because the natural solution for the removal of dangerous magical saturation in the body is to make use of chakra to filter it, but the alterations Hummingbird made to himself appear to be a bit of a double edged sword. He is a natural gate that draws in energy, our energy, which supplies him with his ample supplies of 'vim'. This is his double edged sword, but I believe we can turn this complication back on itself. His soul can be compared to that of a Wizard's, who are essentially gates the channel the power of the whole world. We know the basic nature of chakras, they are vents through which soul energy passes through flesh in a diffused form. If you look at it the right way Hummingbird is essentially functioning as a chakra, our chakra, just one external to us like a Wizard acts as an external chakra of the world. So while he may not be able to use a chakra in the normal way he might just be able to apply these principles to his own soul, treat it like one would a chakra and control the overwhelming flow of energy. I would confer with our brothers, get their thoughts and see whether this is at all viable or if it's yet another terrible, terrible, idea.
>>
No. 385230 ID: 0996d4

Our relationship with the Triads is very valuable and we should not risk it for Jung. If we decide that we won't kill him despite the 500,000! we would get, we should not warn Jung or accept his guard jobs since we don't want to fight against the triads if they attack him.

Armas suspect that Lo Fang practice unwilling soul manipulation and Lo Fang probably suspect that Armas know about this. So the job to kill Jung might be a test to see if he can have some control over Armas. It is a good idea to reassure Lo Fang about this. This is particularly true in this case since we get 500,000 for it and only lose Jung (we have other arms dealers and the jobs he offers are not particularly valuable).
>>
No. 385241 ID: a7b5b4

Vlad: Ask Satai about seeing if there's anyone that sells 23mm shells for his beloved KS-23. Express interest in job #5 for the bodyguard position. If accepted, bring the KS-23 (with all nine Barrikada slugs) and also claim the Kushnapup with its drum mags to bring along (2 filled with slug, 1 with shot, 1 with Frag-12 HE-FRAG). Also bring an AN-94 and 7 mags of ammo to keep in a bag or something as backup. KS-23 will be used exclusively for neutralizing enemy vehicles by way of killing their engines with a fucking enormous solid steel slug.
>>
No. 385249 ID: ea9fbf

>>383939
>Realize at the meeting with Mr. Jung he noticed several odd high pressure steel cylinders marked 'CW' along with Korean lettering
This could be ammunition for a chemical laser. Most of the fuels are gases under high pressure, 'CW' is a common abbreviation for continuous wave and Korea has some research experience with chemical lasers. Jung has them in his sale room, which means he is willing to sell them. In summary Armas might be able to buy chemical lasers from Jung.

That gives a possible explanation of why the Triads want Jung dead. And why they only contacted Armas about the hit after his group had contact with Jung. They don't want to introduce people to Jung if they don't know him.
It also means Jung might be independent but he is well connected. Chemical laser fuels are generally very aggressive corrosives, which makes errors in transport and storage deadly dangerous and their production and sale tightly controlled.

Thus I believe any plans to kill Jung now are premature. We don't know enough about Jung and what he can do for Armas.

Check with Sb and Sake how magical defenses, like the arrow charms, would deal with coherent light. Order Amen not to lie in his answer to the next question and then ask him "Which magical defenses will work against coherent light and estimate their protection effect."
>>
No. 385256 ID: 431fa8

>Satai orders
With our transaction with Jung complete we're mostly set on weapons for now, but we still need better body armor, vehicles, and communications gear.

Just as with the Korean, find a contact who has actually purchased something from the Swedish arms dealer and learn something about his personality, habits, and preferred methods of doing things before actually making contact.

Then call him up and attempt to arrange a purchase, once again trying to establish positive long-term relations here. See if he can provide the following:
-20 AN/PRC-148 Multiband Radios (est. $150,000)
-Or AN/PRC-152's, if he has them (est. slightly more expensive)
-25 sets of Type III body armor (est. $50,000)

Once again, plan to bring Titus for assistance/bodyguard/appearance, try to haggle the price down, imply future large purchases, and try to leave on a good note. If things go well, once again mention that we're making this purchase on behalf of a group of independent contractors working in the applied arms business who are available for hire. Also mention as a free tip that we've heard the Triads are planning some moves against independent arms dealers soon- not sure how reliable that information is, but if things go well it would be rude not to warn our new business partner to take precautions.


>>385042
>Which jobs do I want to pitch to the Russians-and how many people do I think should be sent for each job I feel like following up on?
Jobs 1-7 all sound like items well within our company's skillset. Throughout, I am inclined to bring more force than we think we'll need so as to minimize risk of running into unexpectedly nasty threats and losing people- send 3-4 people on each assassination mission, and take their inventory (when possible) for jobs 1-4. There's no reason to take chances, and we're not so overwhelmed with jobs that we can't afford the additional personnel. More people does mean a slightly higher profile in our activities, but since we're aware of that hopefully the Russians will be able to take basic precautions. Jobs 5-7 give specific numbers of personnel, but at least we can choose our men carefully and ensure that they're well armed and armored.

All that said, these jobs all need to be on hold, pending the resolution of the Triad job offer's ramifications. Don't act on them yet.

>What do I do about the Triad job?
We're not going to shoot someone who has sold us valuable gear at the kind of prices Jung offered. Someone like that is a precious gem who must be treasured. It's also rather suspiciously coincidental that Lo Fang is offering us a contract to kill a new potential primary contact of ours- smells like a trap of some kind. He sent us this job within hours of our first business deal with the guy- coincidence? I think not.

A trap for us, likely, trying to cut us off from other contacts- if that's so, we can't allow it to happen. A reputation for murdering business partners- or even having business partners conveniently die- could ruin us, even if Jung wasn't giving us awesome discounts that have saved us tens of thousands already and will save us more in the future.

At a guess, Lo Fang is interested in isolating us from other business partners, ensuring that we're forced to deal with him more. He probably wanted Jung dead anyway- rival arms dealer and all that- but based on Jung's jobs, Jung has no reason at all to think that the Triads are actively moving against him or he'd have been trying to call us in as support against them. The only factor that's changed in their relationship is us, which means that our association with Jung has kicked him up from "someone I'd like to see dead eventually" to "someone I want to kill right now" in Lo Fang's eyes.

We can't afford to let that happen even a little. Armas must not be a death-mark for those who deal with him, and we cannot let the Triads cut us off from other contacts- we need to make it clear through our action here that while we're not opposed to dealing extensively with the Triads, we will not let them kill other people for no other reason than that they've associated with us. Take action on this once, maybe twice, and Lo Fang will hopefully get the message and back off on this particular ploy.

Of course, at the same time we can't turn around and blatantly warn Jung or take a protection job on him; that would stain our reputation in a different way. We need to be subtle here- to protect Jung in a way which ensures that we aren't directly visible, and further which leaves him in business so that we can continue to use him as an employer/someone from whom we can get delicious discounts.

We'll have to move quickly, though- Lo Fang will probably decide something's up if we don't accept or turn down this job sooner rather than later, and might give it to someone else if he grows suspicious.

Initial plan: Lead the police into a raid on one of Jung's arms warehouses; he and his close cadre can flee the city at least for a short while using that as an excuse. We warn him in advance- using largely undetectable magical means, preferably, in case Lo Fang is being absurdly thorough about monitoring us and/or Jung- so that he knows and can cooperate. Einrik or Sometimes Merchant should be able to facilitate that, one would hope. Once he's arranged for more effective personal protection than he has right now and/or it's been a while, he can come back to the city and resume operations.

Get our officers together quickly- Matvey, Camella, Hillevi for her edification, and Satai because he's actually dealt with Jung- and explain what's happened and our interpretation of the dynamics involved in it, plus our preliminary plans for a course of action. Get opinions and ideas.


>Other things
We also have two other immediately pending items. The first is easier- Jadga. Call and see what he wants.

The second is more difficult. The redcaps have offered to teach us in Dunter Footwork, and we have blood plus the makings of the illusion charms that we offered them earlier, and they'd almost certainly be interested in Smets' blood-powered punt gun... hopefully enough to pay them even without the Doonongaes blood that we don't yet have. We also have plenty of magical meats on hand which they might want. But if we go through accelerated training, then the hummingbird's body will go through even more stress from the energies of our soul experiencing tons of time, which might kill him. We need a way to handle this. So let's aggressively pursue solutions and see if we can come up with one on short notice before calling the Redcaps back. So once the Jung business is largely sorted and in motion, try the following:

Talk to the hummingbird and ask if he's been suffering any ill physical effects recently; it's no shame if he is, because we've heard that this sort of bond can be exceedingly stressing on the body of the participant with less power to draw upon natively. If he's suffered any ill effects- or even if he hasn't- encourage him to use Sake's fur to restore them. There's no real reason a warrior shouldn't keep his body as honed as possible and all that, right?

Talk to Einrik and see if he knows anything about magical overload or saturation affecting the body. Considering that he's chasing crazy power, he might have a good handle on what happens when you have too much of it. Hopefully he can offer a solution or point us in the right direction. Even if he can't, perhaps the Sami know how situations like this work- and they do owe us, as agreed. Ask if he's been in touch with any of them and if he could put us into contact.

Ask Duke if he knows anything about living spirit animals and the hazards involved with them- like what's happening right now, say. He might have some decent advice, or be able to give us the phone number of someone who does. While we're at it, if he could identify the goods we got out of the Amazon and what they're good for, that would be nice as well.

Depending upon what we've found out, we might be able to bring Sake and the hummingbird with us to the Redcaps' nevernever training and have Sake maintain the hummingbird's health throughout, thereby relieving the stress on his body inflicted by large subjective amounts of time- and perhaps letting us gain the advantage of the hummingbird's focus while we learn Dunter Footwork. If that doesn't seem feasible and no other solution has presented itself...

...then it's off to Sometimes Merchant, where we can seek both additional anti-Doonongaes poison (enough for twenty-five people for a day should do it) and a solution to maintaining the hummingbird's health regardless of what nevernever silliness we pull or how much power he or we use or send to the other. See what he's got on offer and get a sense of the cost, and then... we'll see what it is that we're willing to pay. We're a bit short on information these days, but if nothing else we can throw a couple hundred thousand dollars out of our personal funds at issues like this these days, and if he was willing to sell disposable charms for tens of thousands of dollars each then we can likely sell them back to him at similarly high value.

Hopefully with our researches concluded, we will have come with with a solid way to keep the hummingbird stable (at least for now) and be able to call Ricky back and cheerily inform him that we would be delighted to host him at our mansion this evening and undertake the transaction we previously discussed. If we can't come up with anything from all this, hold off on calling him back (until next update, when we can hopefully come up with better plans).
>>
No. 385262 ID: 9dc4f0

>[IGOR]
>Decide that he is convinced Igor is in fact overcharging him, and demand a list of costs for raw goods used, and counter-offers $1,500.
It seems Nikifor is under a misinterpretation. Igor isn't currently anything more than a would-be Armorer and dilettante, and is definitely NOT the company's armorer. He does this armor stuff because, frankly, he finds it to be a fun and productive value of his time. Igo mentioned the mold because without those he would take more time doing Nikifor's request- and Igor doesn't have any money left, having used all of it for forging ressources. To be honest, as long as the colleague that makes a request doesn't mind Igor putting it as a “side project” to his own stuff, Igor wouldn't mind doing it for free in most times: currently, he would want to be paid a bit, if only to be able to pick up his own tab when they go drinking. Politeness and all that. The thing here, however, is that Nikifor came across as wanting Igor to do that now, above his own projects- which means being paid. Not only that, but there is a couple of exceptions (that Igor won't tell to anyone because he assumes they are 'obvious') about payments. Someone like Lyubov, who Igor knows has made a present already to one of the company, could actually ask something of Igor for free as a 'special order'. Conversely, someone like Nikifor, who Igor thinks is a stick-in-the-arse with money, would need to pay things as 'special order' if they are not- to 'help' him get over his money thing, of course. Stick in the arse and all that.
Now, this simply means if Nikifor wants Igor to do it quickly, Igor needs molds he has no money for, and Nikifor, having already told Igor he would give him 2K$, would have Igor put the project as “side-project” if he tries to go back on his word. Nikifor should be aware of that, and make his choice (A side project would have Igor working on it only a fourth as much as a real project).

Now, if Nikifor does decide to go for it being a side project, Igor needs a main project for forging- and he remembers the 'trick' Armas used on the nazi. He should look upon doing a similar trick on the yakuza- as in, make old-fashioned japanese armor (like http://www.sengokudaimyo.com/katchu/katchu.ch02.html for example, a design alternating lether and metal). Igor would also bring up the concept ot Sake and Armas as quickly as possible.

>[Armas]
>Which jobs do I want to pitch to the Russians-and how many people do I think should be sent for each job I feel like following up on?
Armas should bring up all the jobs to his officers, and check on whether any of those jobs are simply not what the company want to do. If there is no real objections, he will of course try to pitch all the jobs.

>What do I do about the Triad job?
Armas can't let Lo Fang destroy his other business relations, obviously, so he must make sure to help Mr. Jung.

>>385256
Upvoting all of this, though I am thinking that the Hummingbird, having possible problem in the flesh, could actually have a way for his flesh to be enhanced one way or another to make him either profit from this overload of power or simply resist or flush it. Bring up the idea with Sake, Einrik/Hillevi, Duke, and Camella (mainly because it relates to her problem with going back to her own world).
>>
No. 385269 ID: 490792

>>385259
SUST telling the redcaps, the violent midget murderers who love human blood, about our plans for a highly vulnerable weakness based on blood magic and a shared heart. There is no way that wouldn't end poorly for us.

>>385256
upvoting all of this.

Work on a soul guise that would satisfy the fake-AORB-shitty-Einheir-disguise-disguise
I suppose the base for it would be Business/Military-like, and with a shabby caricature of a Nordic hero over top. Like a bureaucrat with a suit and a wolf-skin thrown over it.

We might not take the job as it sounds dangerous, but the idea is good practice for soul-guises anyway.
>>
No. 385293 ID: 69c858

Posting again so as not to displace the posters that linked posts to me.
>>385275
SUST the ever loving daylights out of the idea of telling the redcaps about the heart much less including them in it. It would be a hard sell attaching anyone to ARMAS much less an inhuman monster...or another inhuman monster anyway.

>Hummingbro
If we can't manage to pull off the imitation chakra deal, it would be good to see if you can sell him on the idea of improving his body to be able to handle such saturation without danger.

It would also benefit you to look into creatures that eat magic. You can use it to lessen someones magic saturation. Hell if you get something like a leech you could put em in Syringes that attach em to the target and pull em off when you are done.
>>
No. 385304 ID: 448d82

>>385298
Maybe Armas could get in on the melee, or more particularly, has SB tried out some physical combat lately?

>Orders for Lev
#6 doesn't sound too bad...

On multiple Armases... Armasii? Anyway... what's up with that? Asking the boss will probably just result in being trolled... Still that other Armas was polite enough to say hi, though, he/it probably was trolling you.

Two can play at that.
Greet the other Armas whenever you see it.
-Take mutual melee training with Ros seriously, it's always good to have someone watching your back in a fight...
>>
No. 385323 ID: 915bfc

-Nikifor will be going on 3(THAT'S RIGHT, 3-WORK FOR MONEY, MONEY FOR WORK) Missions: #7 with Zhenya, #3 alone and #5(optional) with the other Russians. On Job #7, he's taking mid-close range weapons. For Job #3, he's going in casual clothes (if he doesn't have any, spend $300 on them) and snipe the fucker with his MSG90-A2. JOB #5- is optional because he won't be taking this if the other missions' schedules collide with this one's. If all goes well, he's going in full gear (except the MSG90-A2), and try his best to look intimidating. Hmm, maybe buy a pack of smokes, share with Russians ($5). For that extra effect.
-Since Rostislav wanted to train so much with us...invite him this time. Maybe Nikifor and Lev could train him together. Melee training...well, maybe other Russians would like to join?

And NO, we aren't betraying Mr. Jung for now. He's giving us cheap ammo, and I'm sure if we can somehow discreetly alert him that someone's offering half a million for his head, he'd be extremely grateful for us...

>>385275
...wat. Including the RED CAPS?! They'll fucking eat us! They love human flesh! Good at flesh manip or no, it's just not worth it. SUST.
>>
No. 385324 ID: 252e1b

With regard to the 1000 barrel requirement of crappy blood for the redcaps' time bubble, why not just rent a tanker truck, park near a slaughterhouse, and have SB steal blood from the drains?

Also, while we should call the redcaps back, we should not schedule training for tonight. We should schedule a meeting and dinner with them for the day after we have killed the dooneagaes. The footwork is swell, but we're not going to get into melee with the dooney, and this way we'll have potent blood to offer them.

>>385042
>Which jobs do I want to pitch to the Russians-and how many people do I think should be sent for each job I feel like following up on?

Accept the jobs, all of them, but remember: because of the plan to manipulate the cops into providing the screen Jung will need to flee, you need fast turnaround on as many jobs as possible. You want them all done before tomorrow, if possible. Also keep in mind that the pay for the multi-day jobs may be delayed when Jung is chased out of town. That's ok. Just plan on paying the guys that do the work their 25% out of the company account anyway. It's not a good policy to not pay your employees what you agreed to pay them, even if the client has issues getting the cash to you.

Any mission that doesn't have enough people should has people randomly assigned (thinking of the guard mission here, specifically).

Buy some blood drawing needles (like these: http://www.marketlabinc.com/product.asp?P_ID=5034 ) and issue them to your minions. Give them standing orders to pull blood from corpses and kills when possible (with common-sense caveats like "Don't do it in the middle of a firefight, don't get caught, don't drink this stuff unless you have an appropriate bloodline, etc.)

>What do I do about the Triad job?

Gosh, Lo Fang is just playing games with Armas, isn't he? He's not even being subtle, this is a test to see how well Armas can eat his cake and eat it and be polite about taking two slices.

The plan here >>385256 to use the police as a smokescreen was largely outlined last night in IRC, and I think it's a good one. We've got a day to hammer out the details, unless I'm missing something about acceptable windows for taking jobs, so we should make the most of it. We should assume that we, and all our people, are currently under surveillance by Lo Fang, and so when we warn Jung we should do so through a method Lo Fang doesn't know about. Luckily, Shadowbro fits the bill. Have him travel with Satai and deliver the warning verbally, directly in Jung's ear canal, while Satai is NOT speaking, and has no way of passing a message to Jung. We'd also want to give him a warning that the cops will be providing an authentic smokescreen for Jung to get the hell out of town (thus not tipping off the Triads that Jung was warned).

To get the cops involved just 'happen to run into' Adelat and drop hints that make her suspicious that you're up to some new mischief. You actually are, but that's besides the point. The point is to rile her up and get her to follow the breadcrumbs to Jung.

>>385090

Expanding on this now that I have time:

Lyubov will first ask Armas to have Amen turn her armor into something less conspicuous than a vintage German army uniform (something that looks like normal clothes would be ideal).

She'll get the details (spare as they are) about the two arms dealers and figure out their angle. [I actually already asked Bob about that, and he told me the brothers do their selling in the meat packing district, and cater and sell their products mostly to meat plant workers.] Since Lyubov's been on a research kick lately, she should have no trouble figuring out just why the brothers are selling to meat factory workers from tax information and other data about the meat plants. She'll then ask Armas if he knows of a way to magically mask her identity. If he chooses to give/sell her an Amen-made charm, she'll of course use it, but either way will also get herself a multi-tool, some hair dyes, a wig, large sunglasses, inexpensive trench coat, gloves, and scarf (should be a budget of around $200 total for all that crap, though if she can talk Armas into having Amen make her a low-key disposable trench coat and scarf she'll go for that instead of buying anything that could be linked to her). She'll bring the multi-tool, and use an MP7A1 with silencer as her primary weapon, with several spare magazines, two flashbangs, and a grenade. Discretion is the name of the game, despite the grenades: if possible she'll engage the brothers away from anyone, possibly in their home if she can track them down to it, otherwise she'll make the kills when there are both a minimum of witnesses and they're near a place to dispose of or hide the bodies (sewer, trash bin, construction site, wood chipper, etc). If she has time, she'll loot valuables including the magazines requested. She'll also do the blood drawing like Armas asked, but it's a low priority compared to getting away clean. If she has a lot of time, she'll take measures to make identifying the bodies difficult (fingertip/teeth destruction). If she has the low-key armor from Amen, she'll use it for this mission.

Lyubov will request the fourth mission (assassinate the brothers) and will agree to the sixth mission as well (perform guard duty). If the time for the guard mission conflicts with her planned night instruction at Ito's, she'll give the old sensei a call and let him know she's not going to be able to make it as scheduled (without giving away why, of course, just that business came up). During the guard mission Lyubov will keep her eyes peeled, and will check out a quadeye in addition to her AN-94 and Skorpion. If there's trouble, she'll try to put it down fast, and afterwards will search the corpses for clues about who sent them and anything else of interest (including the blood thing, if there's no pressing danger).

Lyubov will of course also have her holdout Walther PPS on both missions.
>>
No. 385425 ID: 89b8b0

>>385256
if we talk with the Redcaps, we should try to include their knowledge of flesh magic in the bargain, and maybe see if they would be interested in being part of the heart
>>
No. 385439 ID: 252e1b

>>385425

See, suggestions like this one are why I made this:
:s0::s1::s2::s3::s4::s5::s6::s7::s8::s9:

It's an incredibly dangerous idea, we don't know the redcaps well enough yet to mention such a potentially important secret to them.
>>
No. 385440 ID: d97a61

>]RUSSIANS HAVE QUEUED FOR THE FOLLOWING JOBS:]
>Zhenya: Job #1. Make plan for multiple getaway avenues and verify target is not a prominent member of society. Fail to plan how to do the hit itself, rather than how to flee upon completion. Zhenya's owner must roll a 1d100 in discussion, and beat 40 to complete the job.
>Dmitrii: Job #2. Plan: acquire baggy, throw-away clothing. Sign out a suppressed MP7 and 30 rounds for it. Shadow known haunt, track target to domocile. Once target is alone, fire on target through wall, retreat when thermal goggles confirm target is dropped. Auto-complete.
>Nikifor: Job #3. Spend $300 on casual clothes, attire self in new clothing, attempt to snipe target with MSG90-A2. TWO 1d100 rolls required: first one for the shot's accuracy (beat 25) second roll is for if anyone tracks the sound back to the sniping point before Nikifor can get his head down (beat 60). Make rolls in discussion.
>Lyubov: Job #4. Has made absolutely no plans, and if asked smiles and says it'll work out. Does not mention she jokingly asked Sake if he wanted to come and ended up with a partner for the job-and, given she has a flying master of wind and healing as support, she doesn't seem to think a clear plan's all that necessary. Have vague, unsettling unease at the thought she's acting like Armas.
>Vlad: Job #5: Be regular giant, intimidating self. Roll 1d100 in discussion, beat 35 to avoid issues during mission.
>Lev, Gloom, Feodor and Rostislav: Job #6.
>Nikifor and Zhenya: Job #7.

>[Dmitrii has been queued to do the following:]
>Call up one of the Mafia grunts that he took out for drinks a few days back. Ask about 'quiet' shooting ranges that don't worry about ID or noise levels... or even legality of weapons, idyllically. Be informed.... of a place that sounds suspiciously like the range Satai and Matvey go to.
>Visit Garbage Pete. Make it clear you're looking for gun parts, rather than full, functioning guns. While seeking parts, keep eye out and ear open for any hints of an assembled gun performing better than it should.
>Spend $700 getting enough Russian long and small arm and Czech long and small arm parts for Vlad to have plenty to tinker with for months.
>When asking, learn that Garbage Pete DID have a gun that performed better than it should-but some punk carrying a sword bought it. When Dmitrii checks, Pete verifies that no, he can't give anymore information than that.
>[Zhenya has been queued to do the following:]
>Spend all her money (and owe Satai a favor) to pick up the following from the known Mafia arms contact: Mateba MTRC-12 in 38 caliber with Carbine attachments and a Mateba MT1 in .22, as well as 100 .38 Special and 600 .22 LR. Giggle like little school girl at delicious walnut wood grips, then wonder how you will make yourself actually use these pieces and thus diminish their splendor. Wonder if it will get easier once she owns more exotic guns-hope this is the case.
>[Vlad has been queued to do the following:]
>Walk by the rooms converted into the armory until you notice Satai to not be actively engaged in work. Ever fearful of the horrors a wroth quartermaster can bring about, he tentatively inquires, while stressing this isn't a priority, if Satai has found anyone that sells 23mm shells for the KS-23. In response to Satai's terso 'No,' Vlad does note he doesn't have that much ammunition left for the weapon, at which point Satai agrees to keep an eye out. Vlad retreats, thankful to have not agitated he whom provides the bullets that go boom, and gets back to his morning drinking.
>[Satai has been queued to do the following:]
>Perform a similar check to the one performed on Mr. Jung, this time in regards to the Quick-Tempered Swede. Learn that he can be incredibly abrasive, but does not mean anything by it-unless you likewise become abrasive. Despite the hypocrisy of it, the Swede does not at all like interacting with other abrasive people: seems the best approach is to simply tolerate his aggressive eccentricities, and remain subdued and professional. So forearmed with knowledge, Satai prepares for the meeting.
>Schedule and meet with the Quick Tempered Swede. During meeting, be told to call him 'Old Ironhead' in reference to a metal plate in his skull. Learn he already knew of our dealings with Mr. Jung-it seems the two get along surprisingly well for black market competitors since they usually have different customer groups.
>Learn that Old Ironhead's actually got several AN/PRC-152 Multiband radios. Purchase 20 AN/PRC-152's, and 25 sets of Level III body armor. Initially be quoted a price of $275,000 for the set-a full 60k more than market value-but be told he'd drop fifty thousand off the price if he can get a private meeting with the head of the company Satai represents (yes, he means Armas). Old Ironhead does no specify what the meeting is for, but does note the refund will only be on offer for the next five days.
>Old Ironhead provides a contact number.
BUSINESS FUNDS: (-$275,000) $92,447.00
>On departure, offer the free tip that Satai's heard word the Triads are preparing to move against some of the arms dealers in Istanbul soon. Caution that you aren't entirely sure how accurate the information is, but thought it prudent to pass on. Old Ironhead says that if the tip's legitimate, he'll knock 5% off our next purchase.
>[Igor has been queued to do the following:]
>Give Nikifor spiel presented in post >>385262 that boils down to 'hey, you said you'd pay $2k, that's really shitty to go back on that after the fact.
>Propose Nikifor choose between full cost to get this done sooner than later-or reduced cost to have this project on the backburner.
>Begin making atrociously ugly replica japanese armor that looks like what a six year old might draw. Decide the issues' twofold: a lack of personal ability to make cleanly uniform punctures in leather for binding, and trouble getting the individual metal segments to not catch on one another-presumably due to not shaping them as precisely as necessary. Decide that research would probably be a better idea than blind practice-and wonder why he's using such a backwards approach given how meticulous he is with watches.
>[Nikifor has been queued to do the following:]
>Grump about the fact he doesn't get to go on mission five because other, less frequently used Russians had priority. Begrudgingly accept it.
>Decide to be less hard on Rostislav as he attempts to learn more knifework.

My thoughts wage war on my own mind as I try to decide which job to take-knowing that being seen as indecisive is tantamount to suicide for a merc, I give Go Ping an answer-of sorts.
"I'll have to call you back about that-say tomorrow?"
>[Go Ping]"May I ask why?"
"I don't like leaping into jobs blind when I can help it."
>[Go Ping]"...Very well, I suppose Mr. Fang could accommodate that. Please return this call by noon tomorrow."
"Will do."

>>385068
>>385230
Hanging up, I wonder if maybe it really would be best to just take the Triad job. half a million's a lot of money, and so far as I understand it, the Triads are the dominant force in Istanbul-partly because of my actions no less.
>>385089
>>385092
>>385093
>>385206
>>385249
>>385256
>>385262
>>385269
>>385323
But.... no matter how prominent, how extensively I work with them... I cannot bring myself to trust Lo Fang. In fact, if I had to say, I'd say I have negative trust for him-and would trust just about any random stranger more than I do him.
>"Personally I'd trust a knife wielding maniac over Lo Fang. At least the maniac does not hide what he is... usually."
>[Hummingbird]"Following someone you cannot trust seems a foolish choice."
Yeah, that's about what I came up with, once I had a moment to think this through. ...Damn near caved at the thought of all that money though. ...Which is even more concerning, as it shows Lo Fang knows my buttons, and how to push them. Which is why I'm not going to do what he wants-the thought of him being validated in his assumption he can blatantly manipulate me is one I'd rather not see become accurate.

Also if I don't do what he wants I have a chance to troll him-and FUCK if I'm passing that up.
>"So, what IS the plan then? I could inform Mr. Jung of the Triad hit on his head-I'm rather confident that short of Lo Fang spending a truly impressive amount of resources on observing you or Jung, no one will detect me passing along a message."
Well-definitely do want that to be PART of what I do-but I don't know that it's enough. Why would he trust a shadow, after all?
>"A fair point. Do you have a potential solution?"
Indeed I do. Last night Satai mentioned he still wants to get us more body armor and whatnot-and that he thinks Mr. Jung wouldn't be the best contact for that. So whoever he speaks to-
>"He informs that there's word the Triads are planning to move on the independent dealers in the area."
Exactly. And this, I might add, I think would work best AFTER you give him your warning.
>"I can leave the moment we get back and Satai's told me where Mr. Jung can be found-I was thinking of telling him something along the lines of 'The Triads are looking for a contractor to do a hit on you. Arranging ulterior motive for fleeing the area for you. Advised to begin selling or relocating more expensive goods, so long as such can be done without overtly appearing to be readying to depart.'"
Hold on, I haven't decided how to give an ulte.....oh, Adelat.
>"Yes-I doubt she's lost her interest in arresting you, and could luring Turkish law enforcement to the location."
And if we can inform Mr. Jung of an impending police raid with enough time to leave-
>"He can depart, avoid Lo Fang's hit and hopefully avoid arousing suspicion in the process-all while we do not openly go against the Triads."
>[Sake]"So... what about the REST of his guns?"
That's right-if he's fleeing like this, he's got to leave enough inventory behind no one suspects him to have foreknowledge-and it'd be a real shame if the police got to impound all those toys, and no one got to play with them.
>"Armas? Soul Guise."
Hm-Ah, fuck.

After I rebuild my Soul Guise, I spend the rest of the walk home pondering my burgeoning plan. The moment we reach the mansion Satai accosts me-or tries to, before he's forced into a rather surreal conversation with my shadow about Mr. Jung before SB promptly departs. Satai, recovering from the distraction, informs me he also wants to get proper radios for the company, as well as body armor. He cautions that it will drain company funds-but would mean our Armory's pretty much set. I give him the go-ahead, and ask him to pass on a message to the dealer he meets with.

That taken care of-I round up all the Russians currently in the house (I'm missing three who are currently at Ito's) and start listing off the job offers we just got. By the end of my spiel I know who wants to go on what job-and find out Sake's quite insistent he gets to go with Lyubov, mentioning something about debts being paid. It is at this point I inform everyone these jobs are on hold-and, after Amen verifies nothing has breached the mansion's security, I explain the Triad job offer. Satai is thankfully already in route to his deal, as I don't doubt he'd have sported a look of indignant revulsion at the prospect of killing a black market merchant that actually gave discounts. When Gloom and Feodor stumble over one another's words, both trying to be first to ask what we will do, I explain. It says something that despite my plan's eccentricity-hm, I'll need to make sure I stay wealthy enough the word stays 'eccentric' and doesn't devolve into 'insane'-that not a one of my employees bats an eye. Even Camella, currently present, has no objections-in fact, she seems to be smiling cathartically as I talk about how to avoid getting trapped into killing Jung or watching him die. Maybe she see's a touch of good Samaritan behavior in my plan-well, she can see what she wants. Surprisingly-no one has any objections to the plan, with Gloom merely wondering if it'd be better to simply murder Lo Fang the next time he trains me and avoid the need for such Machiavellian machinations-and they all set to preparing for the respective Korean jobs they opted for-

While, shortly after SB returns to inform me Mr. Jung's been given the message and was noted to already be placing calls to halt some incoming shipments before SB vacated the premise, I set to preparing for my big project for the night: No, not preparing for Gianni's dinner event or the Triad/Jung issue-no, I focus instead-

On blood.

Specifically, what I can buy with blood from the Red Caps. But before that, I have to adress something about my fine, feathered friend.
>[Hummingbird]"Thou references me?"
Heh, yeah. Actually, I wanted to ask you something, and I need an honest answer.
>[Hummingbird]"A curious preamble to a query."
Are you feeling strange at all? Anything different, or off?
>[Hummingbird]"Why do you ask?"
Well, people in the know mentioned you being connected to me could harm you-I haven't seen any evidence of it myself, but-
>[Hummingbird]"Ah, I believe I grasp your intent. ...Yes, I have felt off, in a way, as if my body did not... fit me as well as it should. Is that what you reference?"
Might be. Point is, though, that I want to do something that might prove a risk to you, and so I'm looking for ways to nullify the risk.
>[Hummingbird]"Why should I fear risk?"
I'm not saying you should-but I am fearful of the risk, and would prefer not to even chance it."
>[Hummingbird]"Hm... a cautious outlook, but not one I can fault. Very well, I shall await your proposal eagerly."
Excellent.

That done-I get to talking to Duke, thankfully in the house, and Einrik, who I have to call as he's out with Hillevi doing another inspection of the spot we plan to do the Doony hit at. I ask about Spirit Animals-and fish for information I can use. I end up learning a few things.
-Duke thinks that yes, in fact I likely could put the bird into a bubble the same as how I recieved him, and that should eliminate the risk-but I won't be able to do anything with the bird until he's back out of the preserving bubble. Duke isn't equipped to start up such a bubble-but Einrik, it seems, is. Out of our joint conversations, this is the first functional plan to emerge.
-Einrik thinks that we could abuse relativistic principles to reduce the bird's perception of time, and stretch out how far he can last-but it relies on acquiring the appropriate charm to allow Hummingbird to move so swiftly. He thinks this plan is probably the fastest, but will cost quite the pretty penny.
-Duke thinks that if we had some Spirit Wine he could probably juice it into a preserving agent to insulate the bird. At best it's only modestly less expensive than acquiring a charm.
-The final solution offered is to have Einrik or Hillevi anchor themselves to the bird, and act as a filter to prevent further oversaturation while so linked. Seeing as Hillevi's still my ward, I opt for this plan, even though it does require Hillevi to stay with me and the bird.

Plan set-I make a call. Turns out Ricky would love to come over tonight-and in fact is quite intrigued when I offer up the Punt Gun as a potential form of payment. It's half an hour later when they arrive, and I meet them in the room Amen prepared for them last time we met. Ricky speaks first, casually flipping his massively oversized, leech-like hat over his back as he begins, staring up at me.
>[Ricky]"Ah, the Delicious One-how are you? Doing well I hope?"
"I'm staying well fed."
>[Ricky]"Haha, always important, that!"
"I would love to chat more, but-"
>[Ricky]"Nono-I understand."
>[Lucy]"We would prefer not to dawdle either. So, you mentioned a magic weapon-what is it?"
"Just this."
I place the sawn off punt gun on the stone table betwixt us, and Smile as I see both focus their purple eyes on the gun while their metal tails and wet caps twitch excitedly. Yeah, I'd say they're interested.
>[Lucy]"This is offered along with the blood, in exchange for the Doonongaes blood and flesh mentioned before?"
"That's correct."
Lucy looks ready to argue, likely planning to try and barter more out of me-but Ricky speaks first.
>[Ricky]"And the blood-where is that?"
"Amen?"
>[Amen]"This one hears, master."
"Please bring the blood we discussed."
>[Amen]"At once, master."
So it is the room's abruptly filled with a thousand barrels of the lowest grade blood I've got in the house. The Red Caps look longingly at the barrels, and I know I have them.
"So-I do so detest being quite so blunt, but do we have a deal?"
Ricky shoots me a Smile every bit as 'friendly' as my own, and for a moment the two of us simply sit there, each manically grinning at the other.
>[Ricky]"Yes, I think this shall work. Are you ready?"
"One moment."
I stand up, and poke my head out the door. Einrik, it seems, have finished briefing Hillevi on what to do, and she's put her phone away. She follows me into the room at my gesture-and as I sit back down, Hummingbird flits over to seat himself atop her head.
>[Hillevi][In Finnish]"...Okay, I'm pretty sure the filter's up."
"Pretty sure?"
>[Hillevi]"Well I've never done it before-I THINK I'll do it right but-"
"I trust you to put in your best effort."

As a certain person blushes blue at the compliment, I turn back to Ricky and Lucy.
"Yeah-I'm ready."

The moment I finish speaking, blood pours out of each Dunter's cap, a deluge, a tidal torrent of burgundy fluid that swiftly swallows up everything in the room.

[DISCONTINUITY]

I am standing inside a hollow sphere of blood and scabs, a sickening, musty realm occupied only by the five of us-Hummingbird atop Hillevi's head, the two Red Caps-and me.
>[Ricky]"Well I'd love to spend some time chatting-but this isn't the time or place. I do hope you are ready for your lesson."
>[Hummingbird]"He is. I will see to it."

So it is that I am trained by a kindly, jovial mentor and a brisk, businesslike and somewhat rude assistant. Both lament the pitiful state of my Flesh manipulation skill-but all the same, teach me everything they can. I learn of where pressures and strain build up the swiftest in my ankles, knees and hips-and how to reinforce them. I learn how one exudes chakra from their flesh to create better footing no matter the circumstance. I learn trick after trick, each one a simple thing-here I learn about setting up self-perpetuating small-scale fleshcrafting efforts specific to Dunter Footwork-there I learn about physically manifesting raw magic as a tangible object-here I learn about how to brace against tangible magic-there I learn about how to combust it to propel me-and slowly assemble an understanding of just what lets them move so fast.
-The first is now my default-it uses nothing but tricks along the same lines as Goblin Stealth, and can be utilized at any time. I can now accelerate at twice the rate that should be physically possible given traction. For now, I'll call it the 'Shoddy Step'.
-The second's a bit more involved-my body has to be clear of Winter energy as it relies on Fleshcrafting. This 'complete' version of Shoddy Step requires energy to maintain, and relies on rhythmic muscle and connective tissue fleshcrafting. As of yet I'm not that great with this one-I still mess up and break the cycle more often than not-but the point is I now know how to do it. For now I'll call this the 'Okay Step'. The Okay Step lets me move 75% faster than the Shoddy Step.

I am ejected from the realm of blood we ran and practiced in for a time that defies quantification-

WINTER ENERGY: 67/160
SUMMER ENERGY: 43/50

I turn towards Hillevi-noting her to be sweating small drops of ice as she lightly pants. The bird on her head looks no worse for wear-and flits back over to his accustomed perch atop my tie.
>[Ricky]"I'd teach you more-but frankly, I don't know that you know enough about... a few things, frankly, to learn the rest."
>[Lucy]"That and we provided you as much time in our realm as can be fueled by one thousand barrels of mundane blood. If you require more training-"
"I'll need more blood-of course. Well, I don't doubt you two are busy-"
>[Ricky]"Indeed we are, haha!"
"So I'll simply ask you two to return whenever you have time, or otherwise feel like it."
>[Ricky]"We'd be happy to take you up on your hospitality-and again, thanks for the blood-and the toy. We'll see one another soon, I think."

With that the Dunter make their way out into the undersewers-and that is that.

I glance at my watch, now that we are once more within the normal flow of time.
>[Hillevi]"...I don't feel so goo-"
There is a dull thump as Hillevi collapses to the ground completely insensate. The only reason my blood doesn't freeze at this is that I can see her soul's still healthy and doing well-

So what just happened?

I check her pulse-

And swiftly pull my hand away, staring at my frostbitten fingertips.

Cold. She's cold-cold enough to hurt me just by being that cold. Last I checked-I was resistant to the cold-so how frigid is she?

...Cold enough her clothes are freezing and starting to shatter off of her-and she's still not waking up. At least she's breathing. Hummingbird, I really hope you have an idea what happened.
>[Hummingbird]"I... am not certain, but she seemed to struggle with the task you assigned her."
Dammit this is not the time for this shit!

It's three o'clock, and her Brother.... is not picking up his phone. Great. Wonderful. Okay.... giant girl in a disturbing looking room, so cold it wounds me just to even touch her-oh, and her clothes are freezing off, so odds are good she'll be naked shortly. ...I have shit to plan regarding Jung and Lo Fang, I don't have TIME for this!
>"It would seem you must make time."
Sake! SAAAAKE!
The wind rumbles as with a gust an emerald weasel flits into the room. Before he can say anything, I point at Hillevi.
"She collapsed. Can you heal her?"
Sake flies a tight circle around her, chittering away.
>[Sake]"Hm... hm. Might be able to. Not sure."
"Try then."
>[Sake]Ah.... not sure that's a good idea. I have no cold resistances-and if she froze YOUR fingers, I could have problems. Considering it's my fur that's got the healing mojo, and that stuff can freeze and shatter pretty easy....."
Fuck.

Einrik's still not answering his phone.


.....Okay. I can do this, I can come up with a solution.








So what IS my plan for how to handle a passed out, supernaturally chilled Hillevi down in the guts of the mansion?
Beyond dealing with that, what else do I need to do in preparation for the Jung/Fang issue?
>>
No. 385541 ID: b83c65

Andrei Orders:

Purchasing 1Gbit/s speeds Internet speed for ~200$ a month.

Late-as-fuck reply to Lyubov: Andrei will just needs to know what it is he has to do. If the Company Super Computer hasn't been finished, he'll need help with that.
If it is, her prep work is appreciated, but unneeded. He'll remotely access there serves and just probe for exploits and go from there. However, Lyubov will stress that these might not be all the records, and there may be physical backups, so those will have to be handled in person - which he won't say no to, it's just not what he's best at.

Oh yes, and he'll work on that programmed sound thing that Boss wants
>>
No. 385617 ID: b66aee

Mundane ways to deal with problems of 'too flippin cold' is to put the target in a bath and to heat the water until they get back to normal temperatures(usually involves introducing pre heated water into the bath. You can tweak this with your current supernatural helpers around. Put her into a pre heated bath, not hot enough that it will burn her on contact but not so cool that the water will freeze over instantly on contact with her. Then have amen either heat the water in the bath or heat some outside water and introduce it into the bath gradually until the water equalizes at what average room temperature water would be without using methods that will cause harm to Hillevi or any of you guys. If she cannot be moved without being hurt, order him to clean up the place and form a bath around her. Ensure that her head stays above the water of course.

On supernatural ways, Shadowbro should know some of those winter energy manipulation tricks from Einrik so talk to him and see if he can drain off her excess energy, at least enough that Sake can do his shit if nothing else.

If nothing else works, remember that you cam eat magic and you can eat the magic HV provides as seen by the initial actions when she tried to heal you. This seems like freely provided energy so dig in and ask Shadowbro to stop you when times up just in case you like the taste a bit too much. If you are having problems starting up the flow, ask SB to help and if all else fails, hummingbird should be able to start it up without problems. If bird does it however, make sure to specify a flow between you and her and not through him as it would be counter productive.

Also have Amen prepare some new clothing for her that won't harm her or anyone around her or magically influence her or their minds. I think she is gonna lose this either way right now.
>>
No. 385624 ID: 6e4ba2

Think about what's happened. Hillevi was serving as a buffer so that the Inperial Divine Winter energy from Armas' soul didn't overwhelm the hummingbird's flesh.

Now, Armas has been inside some form of accelerated pocket not using his Winter bloodline, so the amount of excess energy he's producing would have been increased by whatever multiple he was sped up from, resulting in him generating a massive pulse of energy. Hillevi would have been hit by this energy all at once in a massive surge, which has presumably over saturated her in it. Now, she's quite practiced at channeling winter energy, and the Valkoken arts are based around freezing your soul to extract more power so she should be OK. Any similarities to how you initially bound the Hummingbird, engulfing it in your divine soul's power, should be disregarded for now. Too worrying to contemplate.

This is only supposition though, so order Amen to truthfully tell you what has afflicted Hillevi and how to resolve the situation in a fashion Einrik would most approve of without Amen altering her in any fashion or having any other effect save verbally transmitting spoken information that Armas can currently understand with no substantive modification to any part of him.
>>
No. 385635 ID: a9f1dc

Note: You might want to practice giving yourself Brain Cofee (Which is what I'm calling that plasticity trick) as often as you feel comfortable. Especially in a situation like this, you need to remain aware and focused.

>>385632
Upvotan. :V
>>
No. 385649 ID: 6616f3

Okay, time to bounce a few crazy ideas off Sake and SB.
1) If it's not doing any damage to her soul and her body is, can we simply leave her to burn off all this icy energy on her own? This room would probably be a write-off, but she might be okay.
2) The power she's overflowing with is ours. Can we take it back?
2a) If we can shunt energy to and from Sake, SB and Hummingbird, could we make a similar bond with Hillevi to aid in shifting soul/chakra energy around?
3) Can we pull her mind into our Eye without hurting her body, to get her opinion on this?

Asking Amen is possible, but I don't like relying on him and this isn't really in one of his spheres of mastery.

>>385617
Sticking her in even a boiling water bath is likely to freeze the water instantly. Then we have Hillevi in an ice cube.

Hey Armas, remember how to make hot ice on a budget? All those slightly sadistic pranks back in the army/ranger days where people need to use water- only for the first touch to turn the whole thing solid as an ice cube?

Sodium acetate (trihydrate) - its a supercooled liquid that doesn't freeze until well below the freezing point of water (I believe it will stay a liquid until -40F or thereabouts) and gives off heat even as it freezes. Sodium acetate in water is how you get hot ice. You can find it in those heater pads and gel packs, or as a flavoring in food, or you can make it yourself by mixing baking soda in with clear vinegar (4tbsp to 1 liter vinegar). Put the result in boiling water, stir until dissolved, stick Hillevi in, hope for the best. Be ready to take her out/break her out if it looks like it's actually hurting her, but even if it does, once she's at a more normal temperature Sake can heal her up.


This plan has proven unfeasible by better scientific minds than I- a better substance is actually KY jelly, or possibly antifreeze (proylene glycol) in a jacuzzi/pool.
>>
No. 385670 ID: 81f32a
File 132892570341.jpg - (62.04KB , 500x541 , Nikifor - MISSION SUCCESSES!.jpg )
385670

>>/questdis/358916
>>/questdis/358918

Hang in there buddy!
[Fan-art to have Nikifor flee the scene without being injured, caught or seen close enough to be recognizable]

>So what IS my plan for how to handle a passed out, supernaturally chilled Hillevi down in the guts of the mansion?

Well I don't have any ideas but as the very last resort, if all else fails we could order Amen to keep her stabilized (or in stasis) after making sure that it will have no adverse effects on her and wait till we can contact Einrik.
To clarify: I'm not suggesting to do this as a priority, in fact, I think it is a bad idea to trust Amen. Just to do this if all else fails and we have no more ideas for now.

Also, I think this might be her immune system working. Humans get fever after pretty much anything because it is one of the body's defense mechanisms. Maybe for Valkonens it is the same, but instead of becoming warmer, they become colder?

>Iosef:
>Ran out of bullets already. Be sad.
>Instead of training with miniguns and gatmalite devote freed up time to train with other un-familiar weapons. I say.... 6 weapons a day. And umm.... 50 bullets per weapon? That okay?
>Ask Zhenya if she doesn't mind letting Iosef train once with her weapons.
>[I counted 43 new arms (damn!), including Armas' (expect buntline) and weapons issued to other players. Not sure if "issued" means they own them and that Iosef should ask for permission to use them, or just that they hold the rights to use them first and Iosef just needs to ask Satai to give him the weapon for training]
>Deliver the weapon cleaning set that Camella bought
>Ask Satai if he's going to order the fabrication equipment and when it will arrive.
>Remind Igor about the visit to Kardemir Steel and ask him to set the date.
>>
No. 385873 ID: cc1982

First thing, check with hummingbird to make sure the link is no longer running. Then set chakras to overcharged open to try to suck in the extra power being emitted into the air, hopefully stop everything from freezing. Think back to when you first met Hillevi and she was healing you and you stole some of her power, the power causing the problem was originally yours as well; confer with bros if reclamation is possible here. If none of that works then the wind gun is a possible alternative. A final idea is this, with us providing the power and hummingbro providing the control could sake be insulated with enough soul energy to keep from getting damaged while touching Hillevi.
>>
No. 385874 ID: 9dc4f0

rolled 99, 83 = 182

[SPOIER] [Arkeus] will have to make a called 1d100 roll to see how he does with the rivets, and IF CHOSEN a second 1d100 roll to see if he's initially inept (low roll) or perhaps clicks with smithing (high roll). [/SPOILER]
>[IGOR]
>Begin making atrociously ugly replica japanese armor that looks like what a six year old might draw. Decide the issues' twofold: a lack of personal ability to make cleanly uniform punctures in leather for binding, and trouble getting the individual metal segments to not catch on one another-presumably due to not shaping them as precisely as necessary. Decide that research would probably be a better idea than blind practice-and wonder why he's using such a backwards approach given how meticulous he is with watches.
Igor, while awaiting Nikifor's response, should backtrack a bit and begin making basic stuff for smithing like rivets and so on, while also looking for more manuals. However, Igor might want to try to get more of a hand-on style of learning, and see if there is a blacksmith he couldn't befriend. The Grand bazaar should have at least a dozen smiths of various metals that do things the old way, and he might want to try out his luck there.

>[ARMAS]
>So what IS my plan for how to handle a passed out, supernaturally chilled Hillevi down in the guts of the mansion?
Before doing anything, I would suggest trying to get an opinion from someone who could know about such things: Abloec. While he might not be able to help us, he should be able to tell us if she is in immediate danger, and push us in the right direction. Other options inclue Duke, who hung out with something like 36 godlings for years, and SB, who should be able to tell us if this is 'normal', if SB is around, that is. It's possible this is a standard Valkonen way to meditate or something when they get overloaded with power.
I wonder if Hummingbird could not establish a link to hillevi and try to get back that spirit energy to us- and, if Armas is not able to control it, he could simply redirect it either in a soul bubble, a soul attack of some form, or using the wind gun.

>Beyond dealing with that, what else do I need to do in preparation for the Jung/Fang issue?
Not much, beside the fact that having a Armas-Charm to lure Adelat might be interesting. And we need a way to record her face.
>>
No. 385884 ID: 81f32a
File 132900188266.jpg - (222.62KB , 500x550 , Hillevi.jpg )
385884

Have an art.

It's supposed to be Hillevi. You can tell by the blueness and blondness. Anything else doesn't matter.
>>
No. 385906 ID: d97a61

>[Andrei has been queued to do the following:]
>Opt to purchase for the mansion $200/m 1Gigabit per second internet. Vaguely plan to pay for the first few months while everyone gets used to it, then use that reliance on the new 'normal' internet to convince the Quartermaster the company should pay for it. Be willing to change plan if you must, but immediately find merits of being known for bringing faster internet to fellow employees appealing.
>To Lyubov: Say that once the computer's up and running (shortly), he will remotely access their servers and attempt to acquire the desired info. Stress to Lyubov that there's no guarantee what she needs will be in electronic format, and that he cannot 'hack' his way to hardcopies. Mention he might be able to help with this too, but only if she had a decent bit of information about the working environment they will be attempting to infiltrate.
>Plan to work on 'that programmed sound thing' once company computer's up.
>[Iosef has been queued to do the following:]
>Become sad that he already ran out of bullets. Have visceral connection to intellectual understanding of how resource-intensive the Gatmalite and miniguns are.
>Decide to spend next few days trying six non-magical guns at random that have no assigned owners and Iosef is unfamiliar with to practice. Expend no more than fifty bullets per gun per training session. Plan to stick with guns that use an ammunition the company has a surplus of: be aware this initially significantly limits what he can practice with.
>Ask Zhenya if she doesn't mind him practicing with some of her guns. Become confused when Zhenya bristles like an angry badger being asked to share it's meal, and refuses. Wonder if she might be excessively attached to her collection.
>Deliver weapon cleaning set Camella acquired.
>Ask Satai about ordering the fabrication equipment he'd proposed-especially given they just spent twenty times that on radios.
>Remind Igor about the planned visit to Kardemir Steel and ask him to set the date.
>[Igor has been queued to do the following:]
>[99]Become surprised by how intuitive Rivet work seems to be-wonder why the material about it seems so convoluted compared to simplicity of practice (IGOR'S ARMOR HAS ABOVE AVERAGE RIVETS AND JOININGS)
>[83] Realize that even recognizing how shitty his initial attempts at replica japanese armor are indicative he has a strong natural grasp of what is and isn't quality (IGOR LEARNS FROM HIS MISTAKES MORE QUICKLY, AND IS NATURALLY INCLINED TOWARDS HIGHER LEVELS OF QUALITY. IGOR'S ARMOR TAKES LONGER THAN AVERAGE TO PRODUCE AS A RESULT.)
>Start visiting Grand bazaar, seek steelsmiths he could learn from. Initially be fiercely rebuffed both as a foreigner and as a potential competitor, as well as for lacking proper connections. Wonder how he can 'get in' to the field. Feel confident some form of apprenticeship would behoove him.
The following is for future reference, and is not something that has actually happened yet-it's purely so data can be more easily ordered on the Wiki for reference by players.
>[RUSSIAN PERFORMANCE ON JOBS WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:]
>Zhenyra on job #1: barely complete hit due to poor planning of execution, easily escape thanks to heavy focus on exit paths. SUCCESS.
>Dmitrii on job #2: Automatic SUCCESS. An ideal opportunity presented itself, and turned out to not be a trap. How enjoyable.
>Nikifor on job #3: [FANART BONUS] SUCCSS. Mixed mission execution; terminated target via bullet to the eye, failure to stay hidden. Nikifor was seen by five presumed Scandinavian immigrants, three of which attempted to return fire. No wounds were incurred. Witnesses are presumed criminals. Nikifor did not have a chance to memorize their faces. Nikifor is confident they did not get a chance to properly see his face, but is not certain.
>Lyubov on job #4: Thanks to Sake's assistance, is able to easily separate the brothers from their clients in the meatpacking sector. With use of suppressed MP7A1, terminate both targets. Recover cache of extended pistol magazines. SUCCESS. CAVEAT: Indirectly made the news for Sake creating a wind tunnel inside a meatpacking factory as a distraction. Page 8, near the bottom. Sake insists on Lyubov cutting out the article for him. She obliges.
>BONUS: Lyubov gains $1,365.23 from the brothers.
>Vlad on job #5: due to appearance properly matching job description, end up having a fairly boring job, with only one swiftly aborted threat of violence. SUCCESS
>Lev, Gloom, Feodor and Rostislav on job #6: SUCCESS. After Lev dealt with an initial gang scout, no further activity. Presumed the scout failing to report back spooked the would-be attacking gangers. Lev notice that for some reason, the scout was carrying a cheap replica japanese sword, clearly not designed for use-in fact it was this very object brushing against a wall that alerted Lev to the intrusion. Contribute this information when reporting on the mission.
>BONUS: Each Russian is given a crate of 7.62x51 NATO, totaling to 8,000 rounds. Bonus is stated to be due to a shipping error, an abrupt lack of a client and a need to offload swiftly.
>Nikifor and Zhenya on job #7: SUCCESS Zhenya's recently bolstered knowledge of Istanbul-based back streets means they are able to lose their initial pursuers, and make half of their journey unmolested. Pursuers catch up-and while the vehicle gains several bullet holes, Nikifor is able to deflate one of the pursuer's tiers over the course of six attempts. Pursuers lost. Delivery made.
>BONUS: 1 brown Vandura with signs of rust beneath peeling paint, bullet holes and a shattered driver's side mirror.

>>385617
Okay okay-ideas, ideas. Alright, normal response is to put something in a bath, and heat the water. ...Having said that, if she's so cold I got frostbite faster than I could pull away from even touching her...
>"She'd be more likely to simply freeze the tub faster than we could heat it."
We could have the water already heated, and have Amen take care of continued heating-I don't think her cold could overwhelm him-
>[Sake]"I somehow doubt this will be solved that simply. For that matter-do we even know that heating her's a good thing?"
...Beside that, how do we even move her? Can you-
>[Sake]"She's wreaking such thermal havoc on her surroundings that even controlling wind around her would be difficult-I could move her, but the end result would be... clumsy."
HaHANO, okay so that's vetoed-I am NOT slamming her head into a wall because I used a clumsy method. Okay.... this one's really not a plan A, but can anyone see why eating the magic in her system would fail? It is my energy, after all, right?
>[Sake]"You need to consume matter along with spiritual energy-are you just going to take a bite out of her?"
>"And I just checked-Whaitiri doesn't feel like stopping her lessons to help with bypassing that restriction anyway."
Okay... shit.

I finish blinking, mind afire with accelerated thought.
>>385624
....Wait. Now, I've been inside some form of accelerated pocket, and I wasn't using my Winter bloodline for anything more than some Chakra tricks... but I limited exertion or no, it was still an accelerated pocket. So the amount of excess energy I'd been producing would have been increased by whatever multiple I was sped up by, resulting in me generating a massive pulse of energy.
>"Logic's solid so far-go on."
Hillevi would have been hit by this energy all at once in a massive surge, which has presumably over saturated her in it. Now, she's quite practiced at channeling winter energy, and the Valkoken arts are based around freezing your soul to extract more power so she should be OK.
>[Hummingbird]"Do you claim, then, that this one is... not at risk?"
I can't be certain-but it really, really fits.
>>385635
All the same I utilize my fledgling fleshcrafting knowledge, give myself a dose of Positive Neural Plasticity in the limited scale I'm yet capable of (hereafter referred to as a 'Brain Coffee') and get back to thinking. I can't commit to 'do nothing' unless I'm as sure as I can be it's a good idea.
>>385649
To that end-is there any reason any of us have to think that she personally would be harmed by the cold?
There is a chorus of negatives
Okay-fine, so 'do nothing's my plan C. Back to the idea of pulling power from her-any ideas how to make that work?
>[Hummingbird]"Aye-an idea of a sort. I could reclaim the energy from her-but I am quite doubtful that I'd survive the process, and do not support its implementation. Should it truly be necessary to save her life... then we will re-evaluate."
>[Iron Trick]"What of your shadow's shadow?"
!SB, what about your new shadow? Any way we could dump the power in him?
>"I believe such a thing could indeed work-and would finish destroying what little mind remains in the shadow-it'd be wholly a tool for me to use, not even capable of being a puppet. I could do it-but would strongly prefer not to, given how much effort I put into acquiring this shadow."
Okay, another idea that's not too ideal. Could we... could we ask her about this? As in, pull her mind into my eye, and see if she's got input?
>"....We three brothers, working in tandem could indeed do what you suggest-the problem is we'd be unable to abort midway-and have no way of knowing beforehand if the process would be harmful."
Great.
>>385873
Hey-is the link between you two still up?
>[Hummingbird]"It is not."
Okay-just had to check. ...I'm really liking the idea of trying to jury rig a way to reclaim that power personally-I did something really close to it back at their estate-
>[Sake]"And you have no idea it'd work again, or that this is similar enough to matter."
>>385874
.....I don't know enough-WE don't know enough. This thought consumes my mind as I blink a second time, stumbling out of accelerated thought.

"Amen: I'm going to invite a guest into the house shortly-do not attempt to impede them."
>[Amen]"This one hears, and obeys, it obeys, it obeys."
I briefly clear my throat, stepping back as the frost encroaching the stone floor continues to spread.
"Abloec Woosencraft Hysbryd-Gwarcheidwad, Abloec Woosencraft Hysbryd-Gwarcheidwad, Abloec Woosencraft Hysbryd-Gwarcheidwad, I ask that you answer my summ-"
There is a swelling of presence, a familiar pulsing sense of attention that blooms to my right.
>[Abloec]"Don't go being all formal like that-just the invitation's enough. So, what's.... okay. It's about that?"
I don't even have to look to see the bearded spirit pointing at Hillevi's prone form.
"Yeah, it's about that. I'm really hoping you can offer some advice here."
I hear a grunt, turning around to find the effervescent figure crouching as he peers at the prone Valkonen.
>[Abloec]"...Still throws me for a loop, how different the current Valkonens are from... well, not important. She's fine-it's an automatic reaction to foreign energy.... eh, you know about modern medecine and all that malarky, yeah?"
"Somewhat."
>[Abloec]"Think of this as her body... building antibodies for new diseases-once she's over it, she'll be more robust, that sort of thing."
"So she's not at risk?"
>[Abloec]"If it were any other Valkonen, she probably would be-you're packing a plenty potent Winter line, and that was a hell of a magic infusion she ended up with. I don't know how or what you did to make that happen-and I don't really care. It's not relevant. But since it's this generation-more specifically, because it's her... yeah, she'll be fine."
That... was too heavy with implications of extra information I couldn't pass up on it, especially since he just finished allaying my fears.
"What's different about her?"
>[Abloec]"Well, you know what everyone knows, I expect: Markku, current head, once part of the now extinct Valkonen branch families. He was the third son of a third son of a third son-oh, and his mother was the third daughter of a third daughter. 'Swhy he's so damnably strong-Rule of Three's stupid as all get out, far as I'm concerned-but I can't argue with what it does. What most don't know-is that Hillevi's not the second daughter-she's the third daughter-which, incidentally, makes her the third daughter of a third daughter of a third daughter-while her father's-"
"Third son of a third son of a third son... and because Veiko and Tuomo-"
>[Abloec]"Are twins no boy's got to keep that power chain going. Sure, all Markku's kids are stronger than the average for Valkonens-but that's just the dregs of Markku's Rule of Three boost. In this one though-she got it all."
"So what happened to this second daughter-why haven't I heard about her?"
>[Abloec] "Hm? Oh. Markku hates talking about it-wouldn't be surprised if the topic's out and out forbidden around him. As the rumor goes-first time the Third daughter did some live sparring was against the second daughter-and she killed her in a single strike. Can't speak to how accurate it is-but that's the word 'round Valhalla."
I process this deluge of information-and get back on topic, to mask how much importance Abloec's commentary had.
"Interesting. And thanks to that, she'll be fine?"
>[Abloec]"Should be, yeah. Oh, just a head's up-Gleb and I both noticed a few Einherjar really liked our stories about running into you-and I think a few are putting together a group to have a tustle with you."
"That a fact?"
>[Abloec]"Not... really. The leader of the group's Orkell-he's a braggart and no mistake about it-could be full of shit like normal, could actually mean something by it. Either way, thought I'd let you know since I'm here. ...Speaking of, I can't help but notice I do detect a decidedly... prime host vessel in this body. Is that for visiters like myself?"
What is he talking abou-the Nazinaut.
"It could end up such a thing-but it's still a bit too volatile."
>[Abloec]"I don't doubt it. ...Well, fun as the chat was, I WAS in the middle of a game of poker with Earp-you need anything more, or can I get back to my hand?"
"No, I'm good-thanks for the advice."
>[Abloec]"Sure. ...When you do get that host vessel up and running properly though-give me a call. I've got some ideas to run by you."
"Will do."
Without any further fanfare, Abloec... simply fades away.

I take another step back to avoid having my foot frozen to the floor.

Then.... I wait.

>>385884
Two hours later, Hillevi now completely encased in ice and firmly anchored to the ground where the stone itself is splitting apart from the vicious chill, I finally get in contact with Einrik. I explain Hillevi's condition, and that I haven't really taken any action since she fell insensate. His reply is a bit... vexing.
>[Einrik]"I suppose I owe Duke a bottle of Fire Giant Brandy then-I was certain he'd have to interfere to prevent you from causing harm in your attempts to help. Well done."
It seems he's not concerned-in fact, that this is something that was somewhat inevitable, and if anything he's pleased it happened under comparatively safe conditions. I avoid the obvious and obviously stupid0urge to just blithely ask about this mysterious second daughter of Markku-and I avoid asking why he didn't feel it necessary to warn me-I know he's obsessed with his little experiments, and he just had me run one-I can live with it.

>"It's harder to live with the fact he effectively trolled you."
DAMN RIGHT that's the hard part to swallow about this. ...But he got me this time. I... I can't dispute it. I'll have to get him back another time.

When seven rolls around and Hillevi starts to thaw, the room only partly destroyed in the process, I get a phone call-from Mr. Jung.
>[Mr. Jung][In Turkish]"Is this... Mr. Laine?"
"Indeed it is. Mr. Jung, is that correct?"
>[Mr. Jung] "Some call me that, yes."
"What can I do for you, Mr. Jung?"
>[Mr. Jung] "I wished to speak to your about the... employment opportunities I discussed with your man."
"Oh? What about them?"
>[Mr. Jung] "Do you have any interests in any of the jobs?"
"We do, actually-all of them."
There is a heavy pause before Mr. Jung continues.
>[Mr. Jung] "That... is advantageous to me."
"Why's that?"
>[Mr. Jung] "I'll be blunt-I need to move up the timetables on the jobs. All of them. I am looking for people that can accommodate this request."
"I'm obligated to ask if there's an express bonus on offer for moving so quickly."
>[Mr. Jung] "There is a non-negotiable 20% increase to pay due to the circumstances-but I need the jobs done within 48 hours. Can you do that?"
I wish he could see my Smile.
"We can indeed, Mr. Jung. Who will we be speaking with-"
He rattles off a number to me.
>[Mr. Jung] "Thank you for your time, Mr. Laine. I look forward to similar mutually beneficial arrangements. I apologize, but I'm rather busy, and must make my farewells rather brief-until the next time."
*Click*


...Fuck yeah.

By the time I'm done telling the Russians the jobs are on, and that they need to start moving on them half an hour ago, Einrik gets home. He promptly hands a softly glowing bottle to the jubilant Duke, and follows me downstairs to the Red Cap room, where he inspects the still largely frozen Hillevi mid-thaw.
>[Einrik][Finnish]"Pfaw. Of COURSE she's going to take longer than everyone else has. ...She'll be awake and back to her usual self by tomorrow mid afternoon."
"Hm. "

So it is that, at nine PM, standing in a room alone with the insensate Hillevi and her brother, speaking Finnish as Sake, SB and the Hummingbird watch the door-








That I wonder if I should ask Einrik about the Valkonen history Abloec hinted at.
What should I do with the last few hours of the evening?
What's my overall plan for what to do tomorrow?
>>
No. 385917 ID: a9f1dc

Hey, look at that. Staying calm and being careful saved your ass.

And proved Einrik wrong. :3



>That I wonder if I should ask Einrik about the Valkonen history Abloec hinted at.
How'd you feel if your son (Hypothetical) Asked about your incident of friendly fire, dumbass? Don't fucking touch the subject.

>What should I do with the last few hours of the evening?
Experimenting and testing Brain Coffee - see to its limits of application. How often can you do it? How painful is it? How tiring is it?

>What's my overall plan for what to do tomorrow?
More Dooney planning. Focus on prepping the area and seeing what is necessary. Check over with the Russians and see how they are liking their newfound 'employment'. See about taxes, and if that's ironed out. Spar with the Russians some more, if you have time. Stay on your toes.
>>
No. 385926 ID: e7806b

Ask Einrik if he minds letting us know quite how much of a power up Hillevi's just got, and whether he'll ask her to take it easy on us when she starts learning the restricted Valkonen arts, like the active stealth?

After all, if we don't know the details, ho can we play along with whatever joke he wants to pull on her?
>>
No. 386043 ID: 675914

[IGOR]
>Suggest to Igor that the two of them go to Kardemir steel in search of bulk metal deals. Awaiting Igor's response, as well as proposed visit date. (WARNING: This initial visit will take HALF A DAY for those involved)
>Start visiting Grand bazaar, seek steelsmiths he could learn from. Initially be fiercely rebuffed both as a foreigner and as a potential competitor, as well as for lacking proper connections. Wonder how he can 'get in' to the field. Feel confident some form of apprenticeship would behoove him.
Well... this might actually help for getting connections, this. Agrees to get there with Iosef whenver he is ready (as soon as possible).

[ARMAS]
>That I wonder if I should ask Einrik about the Valkonen history Abloec hinted at.
There is quite a few things we have put in the back-burner when it comes to Einrik, and with the knew knowledge of what he is able to do as 'buferring' for Hummingbird, it does seem there is even more we could ask of him. More specifically, I am thinking about trying to get taught by Lo Fang's disciples in a NN bubble in order to get enough practice at chakra so that we could then focus on our proper bloodline work with that practice serving as background. Of course, as we have no clue how 'long of a NN bubble' Hillevi or Einrik could 'withstand”' energy from, it means either one or both should come with us- and that means we should try to convince Einrik of the opportunity to learn and practice with the disciples, either for him or Hillevi. If we could get a NN for something like a decade or two, it could be possible to convince the disciple to train together and teach us for free (that bubble would need to make the flesh not age, something needed for Hummingbird too), as practicing against each others and Einrik would greatly benefit them, too.
This of course comes back to what we learned from Abloec- Hillevi dearly need to have complete control and precision, and so she may be able to benefit greatly from such training. This is the track we may want to take to convince Einrik. Best possible option would be if we could convince Einrik to help us paying for it, as it obviously would cost a LOT to get such a bubble. Speaking of, Johan new of goblins making bubble as being 'good work', which hints that he might know other people who sell those- we might want to call him and ask him about it, and relative prices of providers.
Another thing to speak to Einrik about would be the laib olmai- has he managed to contact them again and make proper connection with the Valkonenn? Not only do they owe Armas training, but one of them, Davgon, did seem almost interested in working with/for Armas. This might be key to begin learning proper soul work soon.

>What should I do with the last few hours of the evening?
Red Caps footwork were just learned. We NEED to solidify this in a coherent whole. This probably mean sparring- and the person we had the best results with, in sparring, was Camella. We might want to do a repeat of that, though this time wholly HtH. Depending on how badly it goes, Armas should not hesitate to ask Hummingbird for help with mobility (if he isn't too tired) as well as moving in the shadows. Unsure if Armas can use Reinforcement while using Red Caps footwork, though.

>What's my overall plan for what to do tomorrow?
Beside trying to come up with a coherent plan on how to point Adelat toward Jung without having to then kill her or do something that will get Camella to kill us, I want Armas to try to see Cookie lady more. After all, he doesn't go to his old house often enough, and those cookies need to be eaten more often. I am thinking that inviting her to the dojo with some cookies should be enough for her to have permanent access there- and then we could get cookies every time we get there! IT IS PERFECT.
>>
No. 386059 ID: 81f32a

>>385906
>Decide to spend next few days trying six non-magical guns at random that have no assigned owners and Iosef is unfamiliar with to practice.
Ironybot (Satai) gave permission to use bullets from armory. No more than 1000 rounds per day though. So Iosef should go back to minigun and GatMalite training (500 bullets each each per day). When training he should opt for shorter bursts (as opposed to shooting mad, cackling and shouting "Entire team is babies") [just making sure that he doesn't do that].
Besides that, if he has time, he should practice with 2 new guns per day.
I'm going to assign 1,5h for shootan and 1,5h for punchan trainings per day. If this doesn't work, shootan practice takes priority.

>Well... this might actually help for getting connections, this. Agrees to get there with Iosef whenver he is ready (as soon as possible).
Sure, Iosef is ready at any time, even today. He could go as soon as Igor talks to him about it. He should look for lead and copper.

>What should I do with the last few hours of the evening?
If there is time, perhaps try out and practice the Dunther Steps?
Actually, Armas should also practice all other speed-boosts he can use while he is at it then try combinations, finishing with GOTTA GO FAST COMBO.
To elaborate: Dunther Steps is 'A', SB shadow boosted speed is 'B' and Hummingbird speed assist is 'C'
So Armas' practice goes like this:
A -> B -> C -> A+B -> A+C -> B+C -> A+B+C
This way we can see what the maximum speed we can attain, how good we can control it without Hummingbird and then with it, how much energy Armas, SB and Hummingbird spend while doing so. Also, we can try them with and without using our accelerated thoughts and see the difference.
Afterwards we can try it out on Camella and see if she can keep up with our speed.


Our Stealth and 'Shoddy' Steps are completely mundane tricks that we learned. Iirc, Duke also uses shit-ton of tricks and soul-quirks to attain his level of badassery. Maybe he can teach us a thing or two? We should ask him.

>>385917
>More Dooney planning. Focus on prepping the area and seeing what is necessary.
One important thing we forgot about Doony fight is to search for ways to make it more profitable for us. If we can find someone who is willing to pay for it's death (without knowing that we are obliged to kill it either-way) we can combine Business with Pleasure.
>>
No. 386061 ID: 252e1b

ARMAS ORDERS

>>385926
As much as I am usually in favor of Armas being efficient, and being on top of shit, he just isn't in the right state of mind for that right now. Don't know if you noticed it or not, but he spent the last six hours waiting anxiously by the side of his friend.

>>385906

Einrik is one of those friends you can be honest with. You can even admit to him that you are upset and anxious about Hillevi's condition. The best part is this honest worry will make him regret his prank a little. It's the first step in the long process of counter-trolling him.

"So, I take it this is a coming of age ritual in your family? Or is it a wider practice among practitioner families with appropriate bloodlines?"

"Well. I'll admit it, you got me good. And you... brought to the fore, for me, a very important personal issue: I'm still too ignorant about how the soul, body, mind all interact with magic. Given my bloodlines it's pretty much inexcusable that my first thought was to try putting her in a warm bath! I've got a lot more to learn. I'm going to make finding a soul sculptor expert I can buy training from a priority."

"Thanks. I still feel that irrational worry, but at least the embarrassment is passing. Aw damnit, I didn't think of that - Hillevi's going to be completely mortified when she wakes up. Do you think her hair will survive this, or should we get her a wig?"

"Ha. Alright. Now, I've been told the Rule of Three works in bloodlines, and that the more recursively three it is, the more powerful the result. And, I understand it's a forbidden topic at home, but the same fella who told me about about bloodline interaction, mentioned something he considered an open secret. Is there anything I'd need to know, especially now that she's out and in the world and has a real possibility of meeting up with well-intended but ultimately indiscreet third parties?"

>>385917

You don't really need to ask about what happened in the Valkonen family. There's enough information now, based on what you observed and what Abloec told you to suss it out yourself. It's an ugly conclusion though.

Markku, being the 3rd son of a 3rd son/3rd daughter union, themselves 3rd sons and daughters, was born with a tremendously augmented bloodline. While the Valkonen family practiced marrying active bloodline branch family members back into the practitioner family, it seems likely that branch family members were seldom powerful enough to legitimately challenge the clan head. Markku mentioned fighting Nazis in their day, which means he's at least as old as Silja. Yet, Einrik's not too much older than Armas.

Markku waited for a powerful 3rd daughter to reach her majority before he married. If she came from one of the branch families as well, that alone could be enough to make "pureblooded" main family members jealous. And we already know how seriously traditional many in the magic community are. All it would take is a poorly timed joke or two to make a jealous member lose his cool and start doing things that are unconscionable. Like, dismantling the branch families.

LYUBOV ORDERS

After a job well done, Lyubov will go home and return her unused munitions and the MP7. Then she'll have a drink and a laugh with Sake about the mission, and will pick through the extended magazines for anything she thinks would be useful. Obviously she's not going to take too many. Just a few. These will be hidden in her room.

In the morning, Lyubov will again go jogging with Camella.

Unless she's pre-empted by another job coming up, Lyubov will get her disguise kit together (different looking coat and scarf, basically, unless she can talk Armas into giving/selling her one of those charms) and will leave the house. She'll take measures to lose anyone potentially following her by finding someplace (a restroom or something) she can change into her disguise, and then going on her way.

In this case, she's going to be hitting all the cemeteries she can, looking for dead children with names and ages that are appropriate for the way each person she's building a fake identity for looks.

She'll spend most of her day doing that, camera in hand (her excuse if questioned will be she's taking photos of interesting memorials for a project). On the way home she will buy a couple of pre-paid phones and 600 minutes for both phones (Figure $120 for two phones and the minutes). She'll then duck into a restroom, change her disguise back, go buy more music books with appropriate music for her burgeoning band ($50) and go home.

At home she'll practice again with Sake and Zhenya, and tell Sake about her old hobby of prank calling people. At this point she should know enough about Sake's power to know he can plausibly mimic any sound, and she'll present him with the disposable phone. She'll explain that it's anonymous, and then spend the rest of the night until her night lessons at Ito's with Sake making prank calls.
>>
No. 386063 ID: 6616f3

Call Jagda back. Reassure him that was us calling the engineering student. Good instincts- a little healthy paranoia keeps your toes out of the fire in this business.

We may want to meet with Ironhead, see what the Abrasive Swede wants.

>>385926
I believe the girls don't learn the Active Stealth. On the second daughter thing... we could just never mention it. I certainly can't think of a delicate way to ask Einrik.

>>385917
Doony can wait a day- we have 24hrs to get this Jung thing done with.

So people seem to want to use Adelat for this, and well- why not? Armas likes living dangerously.

So we buy a camera- the Sony Cyber-shot is compact, nice x16 zoom and cheap ($300). Send SB (or Sake, if he's busy) off with it to take pictures of Jung's operation. Pics of the goods, off-loading/on-loading (without getting a good shot of any of Jung's men's faces). Bonus points for taking them from weird, unlikely angles that a normal person shouldn't have been able to get in to.

Then we send them to Adelat. Probably unwise to go in person, as much as we might want to- Lo Fang has people in the police department. Claim that we're just a concerned citizen - maybe something about bringing down property values or there goes the neighborhood or something if we want to be facetious. Sign the note Thalia if we need a name.

Then we just need to stake out Jung's place, find a good location to set up shop with the vandura and prepare for the police's arrival (to shadowport the goods away at the conclusion of the sting). Then we get SB to leave a note blaming... oh, I don't know, Blackbeard for the theft. "When is a pirate like a bird? When he be a-robbin'! Arr, Blackbeard be claiming this booty." or something suitably corny and pirate-like.

[Titus order: The taser glove design is waiting on the hard plastics to come in, so think about successive designs. How could the idea be made better? The Russians went drinking with Arkvad one night, I'm hoping someone got his number/business card. Do a little online research, then call up H&H and ask if they do business in animal pelts of a peculiar nature as well as their many fine weapons. See if you can get a price check on Raiju wolfpelts.]
>>
No. 386068 ID: 252e1b

>>386061

LYUBOV ORDER: ADDENDUM

Lyubov is still doing that flashbang in the toilet tank thing. Additionally, she's going to ask Armas if he wants Hillevi to have a fake ID as well, since she stipulated she only wanted one if Armas said so. She will also give Armas a report on where she is with the fake identities, stressing she's going for building consistent backgrounds. She'll give the same verbal report to Satai when he questions her about the missing flashbang.
>>
No. 386077 ID: 424a84

>>386061
>>386043
Upvoting these 2 plans, they sound sweet.

Nikifor:
-Err..apologize to Igor for being a dick on the money. Pay the $2k as originally promised.
-Fuck, time to do something. Acquire bag of flour from the kitchen without Boris knowing. Open it up, dump it on the next Russian that takes a shower. All of it, make sure he/she doesn't see you. Hide, watch the results, laugh to self.
-Boss Camella confiscates Alcohol when she wants us to get our shit together. Well fine, we can't go lazying our ass forever...but you can't take the alcohol! Start a hidden Booze stash that only YOU know-build it up slowly, without any of the other Russians suspecting, end result...should at least be enough to keep all 18 happy-drunk for 2 hours. Yeah, that's gonna take a shitload of time, but if it means drinking when it's not permitted, then it's worth it. Keep adding more everyday.
-Pump a bit more time into instructing at Ito's gym. You learn by teaching too.
>>
No. 386119 ID: b66aee

>Talk to Einrik
Don't talk about the family history, talk about that guy Dávgon that's been on your mind instead. Would be nice to have someone like that on the team.

>what do tonight & tomorrow
Ok, you have to plan. Plan how to get the police after you; how to get the info to Jung at the right time so it doesn't actually seem like he got a tip but is still early enough to escape; how to get the weapons/loot you want and last but not least how to get away with it.

One point I want to go over here is if SB can shadowport goods out of police vehicles or if they have some kind of warding. The run of the mill officers might not know about it, but you never know what measures the higher ups take and what they know. So if he can go out and test that while you all plan, remaining in the conversation with speech relay that would be great. If it turns out that he can, you might want to take the possible routes the police could use to get back to base after the sting and manipulate it( just block the other roads somehow or make them seem unappealing to take, fire, accidents, broken water pipes, get creative) so that they have to pass a heavily shadowed area (like say under a bridge or through a tunnel, or in the shadow of a building, though you would have to account for time of day as well) that would simultaneously not be unusual for you to be found in(say a cafe, or just passing by in another vehicle or train of vehicles driven by the Ruskies for maximum enjoyment, winking at Aldeat as you pass) to assist SB in grabbing stuff. Then he can move the loot the police take to your own vehicle or through shadows to his slave who will be located at a convenient area for you all.
If this can work then retrieval is covered and escape is pretty much a hop skip and a jump away from that point.

------------------------
Zhenya orders
-Become happy that your missions went so well and your planning was a success. Become frustrated that the pursuers caught up anyway and you got shot at. Decide to get better at driving, look up stunt driving and ‘special situations’ driving schools in the area, use new cash from these jobs to hopefully enrol.
-Try out all your guns, 50 rounds each. Clean them and store them. Never shoot them again.
>>
No. 386165 ID: 3947e9

Set a table up nearby.
Put out spare clothes, a hot meal, and a nice bottle of wine for her just before she finishes thawing.

>Boris
Boris is hard at work learning brewing and aiming at setting up his first vodka still.
Once he has experience making good brews and a good new fake identity plans on expanding to a full sized still, hitting armas for funds to be co-owners of a "totally legit" brewing company located in the mansion's basement (yes, really!).

For catching the food thief he decides on a delectable cocktail of vomiting agent and ghost pepper hotsauce
>>/questdis/347115
And will get discreet help from one other russians in setting up cameras in the kitchen to record the whole thing.
>>
No. 386277 ID: 9718f3

We've nothing so immediately pressing to do that we can't take a half hour to try something out after speaking with Einrik for a bit so:

[Experimentation]
Adopt a new soul guise. One with the only change being that it is incredibly easy to detect. You are going to make your soul really easy to see. Ideally, seeing it even in a disguised form will break through whatever block you have and let you see it normally. If not, perhaps you could "follow" deliberately dropped guises to your actual soul's appearance.

More likely, you can use varying strengths of "visibility" guises to ween yourself off of them over time as a training method. Make the guises incrementally less "visible" until you can no longer detect it, then repeat. Only use this method enough to see if you are making any gains, you can spend time training later. For now it is a simple bit of exploratory experimentation.
[/Experimentation]
>>
No. 386357 ID: 431fa8

>Satai orders
-Finally get around to reviewing Iosef's list of proposed purchases related to ammo fabrication in >>384125. Place appropriate orders.

>>385906
>"...I can't help but notice I do detect a decidedly... prime host vessel in this body..."
In this body, Abloec said. Not in this place or any synonym thereof. The mansion being either Amen's body directly or the body of a being over which he has direct control is vaguely unsettling- but it certainly explains why he has such complete power over it, and it also explains why the wards it has are so complete- inside the body of a flesh manipulator of Amen's caliber, nothing happens except what the flesh manipulator desires. At least, that would be the case if not for all his crazy bindings.

>That I wonder if I should ask Einrik about the Valkonen history Abloec hinted at.
We don't just need to ask him about the Valkonen history- would be better to convince him that there are reasons he wants to tell us about it. Also, it's vaguely insulting that he thought we were so careless with Hillevi's life that Duke would need to intervene; being stupidly reckless with ourselves is one thing, but with others is something different. Still, no point bringing it up.

"I know there are probably reasons that Hillevi's uninformed, and I'm not part of the family. But I should point out that there's basically no way we're going to go an entire year without hearing quite a bit about others' views on your family, including certain past events. If you want to avoid either or both of us getting silly ideas- or in Hillevi's case, perhaps offended over awkward truths- it might be prudent to make sure we get the right history from you first."

Regardless of that, there are two other topics to bring up. First, if he's talked to any of the Samis recently and how we can contact them; we desperately need soul shaping instruction.

Second, this trick that Hillevi just did- it's essentially based on the Valkonen acting as a filter to our connection with him, right? Why is it necessary to introduce a third party as a filter here- that is, would it be possible to tweak the link so that it's self-filtering, or so that Armas is the place where the filtered power ends up? Even if that would require more finesse and mastery than we currently have, just knowing that it's possible would be more of a lead on an actual solution to this than we've got.

>What should I do with the last few hours of the evening?
Return Jagda's call before it gets too late- he's a normal person, it's rude to call normal people after about 10 PM.

Maintain soul guise all evening.


Generally upvoting >>386063 for the overall course of action here, and putting a more formatted spin on the two objectives.

1. Get the Turkish Police to raid one of Jung's warehouses, while he skips town.
The [Trickster] plan is to be tried first, then the [Primary], then [Heavy Handed] and finally [Escape].

[Trickster] is to arrange for pictures or even video of what's going on to fall into Adelat's hands. Shadowbro can arrange this- Armas should not purchase or touch the camera due to the risk of video or forensic evidence if someone tracks it down, though he might be needed to review the video since Shadowbro can't actually see. Since we have Adelat's phone number, Shadowbro and Sake can steal a phone from someone totally unrelated to us, make a call to her, fake a voice and arrange an evidence dropoff; she can take it from there.

[Primary] is similar to this, but it's the fallback if for some reason dealing with Adelat fails and we can't get in touch with her- we just arrange for the compelling evidence to fall into the hands of a random police officer (or group thereof, at a station if possible) alongside a note stressing the urgency of moving on the information. Less sure, but it's something.

A [Heavy Handed] option is to more directly draw the police into the issue. To accomplish this, Armas should disguise himself as Blackbeard as accurately as he can manage, then get seen by cops and start a violent and highly entertaining chase across half of Istanbul which happens to cut through Jung's warehouse and blow up a bunch of shit in there. As a bonus to this plan, Armas can act like a total dick and pin the whole thing on someone else. Have the company provide occasional supply caches for him to grab as he moves so that he doesn't run out of ammo and can continue being an attention-grabbing violent jackass.

[Escape] is simple- we abort the whole plan to muck about with the police. We have our minions blast Jung's warehouse with a mortar barrage from a hidden position, then bug out before we're identified and rely on the ensuing chaos to provide him with cover to leave Istanbul. Then we proceed to deny being responsible if questioned even though it's not nearly as neat an excuse as having the police raid him.

2. Steal the goods that Jung loses due to plan #1.
In support of any of these plans, either Satai or someone else should pick up another two vans for transport, preferably identical; we can afford $15,000 or so for this given the expected return and utility. A single vehicle is unlikely to have enough space for the amount of loot that we're hoping to snatch here. We should also have the Russians/Shadowbro/Sake put tiny wireless cameras in place to monitor Jung's and keep track of what's happening there; that's within our resources and their skills to easily set up given a few hours.

[Primary] plan is for the police to be retrieving all the goods. After they've begun transporting them home, we shadowport as many weapons as possible from their vans to ours and leave a note implicating Blackbeard. Remember that we can overcharge pumping Shadowbro full of power so that he can teleport more loot.

[Trickster] plan is to be undertaken in the case that we don't think [Primary] will work for whatever reason. It will need to happen before the police get a thorough inventory of the warehouse, but after Jung's people are gone- we stealthily take out as many goods as possible before they realize it, and leave them with the impression that Jung's evacuation measures were more effective than they actually were. Jung figures the police took the stuff, police figures Jung took it, and as long as we were sufficiently careful to obscure ourselves no one should be the wiser.

[Heavy Handed] plan is simply a direct raid, disabling whoever has the goods (preferably nonlethally because police) followed by taking the shit manually. This plan must involve both a way to remain unidentified- say, imitating the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group that got the dock explosion pinned on them for shits and giggles (might need to learn Arabic for that)- and a way to get away safely with the goods in spite of being in the middle of a highly populated city. The best trick we have for this, I think, is rigging one of our vans to explode and then driving it around long enough for Shadowbro to shadowport all the loot out of it and into places that aren't obviously being chased- then Armas, who was driving while disguised, sets the bombs to blow and shadowports out of the van after sending it driving into something impressive-looking but ultimately harmless. Make sure we get photos of Armas' "suicide attack" if we do this. Note that this plan is utterly insane.

[Escape] plan is to abandon our chance to seize the goods and accept that we might not always be destined to get tons of loot from everything we do.
>>
No. 386389 ID: d97a61

>[Igor has been queued to do the following:]
>Get off ass and respond to Iosef about going to Kardemir. Plan to go tomorrow while others attend to the Jung jobs.
>At Kardemir, be turned away without an appointment-make an appointment for one week for JANUARY 24th
>[Iosef has been queued to do the following:]
>Resume using Gatmalite and Minigun each day: 500 rounds expended per weapon, per day. Continue to have problems staying trained on targets during short bursts; keep working on resolving recoil based inaccuracy issues. Ponder if there is such a thing as being 'precise' with a rotary barrel infantry weapon.
>Time spent shooting each day increased by half an hour to accomodate above weapon re-inclusion. Iosef attempts to encourage himself to site and attack a target faster by giving himself less time to practice.
>[Lyubov has been queued to do the following:]
>Drink with Sake post-mission: continue to marvel at how tiny creature can pack away so much alcohol.
>Go jogging with Camella again. Be incensed that despite pushing yourself to the point you had a couple dry-heave moments and effectively collapsed on return to the mansion-it's still clear she slowed down for you. Begin to suspect Camella is not human to assuage bruised ego.
>After a half hour rest, stretches, shower and a change of clothes, Lyubov heads out, and even if she cannot identify followers attempts to shake hypothetical pursuit. Feel reasonably confident no one is tailing her.
>Visit cemeteries in Istanbul with camera, take pictures of any tombstone, grave marker or record of a deceased children with both the appropriate age and a believably Caucasian name to match with the identities she's building. After visiting four cemeteries, finish acquiring a total of twenty names, with one spare male and female child's name.
>When an old couple accosts her about her grave photography, attempt to explain away her actions as collecting pictures of interesting memorials for a project. When the nosy old couple continues to press, fumble way into faking a phone call and retreat. Afterwards, stress over the fact her disguise fell apart the moment it was questioned. Wonder how Armas can keep a straight face all the time-then wonder if it'd require her to smile like him, and drop the idea.
>Use bathroom, remove coat and scarf, place in bag, and go shopping. Spend $50 on music books for 'band'. Spend $120 on two disposable phones and minutes.
>On return home, appropriate a single Stun Grenade from the armory, place it within two layers of plastic bags, seal both-then hide the grenade in the second-closest bathroom to Lyubov's room, within the toilet's basin. Be confident Satai will not find it, and snicker at the thought of how he'll react when he next does inventory and comes up one short. Ponder if you are becoming too much like the boss and his weasel.
>Ferret away-correction by Sake, weasel away two of the extended mags, noting them to be 20 round magazines compatible with most forms of 1911 variants, provided they take .45 ACP. Be ready to claim 'that's all they had' about the remaining magazines.
>BONUS: +2 20 round .45 ACP magazines compatible with 1911's.
>Spend an hour playing with Sake and Zhenya. Wonder why Zhenya was sometimes giving her the stink-eye.
>Ask Armas if he wants Hillevi to have an ID: be told that would be beneficial, but to prioritize IDs for the Russians first. Be thankful you have a spare dead girl in your picture collection for her-immediately be horrified at the shape that thought took.
>Afterwards, show Sake one of the disposable phones, and explain the concept of prank calling to him. Be dismayed he seems completely uninterested, then demonstrate the process for him with a prank call. Be amused as Sake sets to the calling like an obese child going for the last candy bar in the store. Laugh as he impersonates Sean Connery perfectly, and get idea of trolling Hillevi. Deduce idea has immense merit, but would need a careful approach.
>Fall asleep listening to Sake continuing to prank call people as a weasel with a voice like Sean Connery.
>[Titus has been queued to do the following:]
>Sketch schematics for several possible second generation attempts at building a tazer glove. Briefly 'Borrow' some of Igor's books when he's not using them to check how conventional armor handled forearms-jot down some notes about curves, relative thicknesses and some personal ideas of how to adapt the information to protecting the tazer itself, as well as the user's arm.
>Perform online research about insulating materials.
>Place a call to Arkvad's machine: request to speak with him at some point about acquiring the hides of electrically charged animals.
>[Nikifor has been queued to do the following:]
>Apologize to Igor, agree to 2k price.
>Wake up feeling frisky-abscond with a bag of flour from kitchen in the early morning. In hunting for a target, find that Boris is the first Russian foud taking a shower at the moment. Promptly dump the whole bag on Boris' head. Shortly after being dropped to the floor with a knee to the groin and an elbow to the liver, recall that you are all trained soldiers, and surprise-based comedy is not always a wise decision. Boris cautions him not to mess with his kitchen, and says something about stealing food that Nikifor does not understand. Note that Gloom was also showering, and wonder how you missed a 6'4" bald-faced man in the same room.
>Begin ambitious project to start secreting away alcohol for a rainy day. Currently only feel safe taking a fifth bottle every other day.
>Attempt to spend more time at Ito's gym-Camella and Ito call up all the Russians, and inform them all of them are getting increased hours as a result of their popularity as instructors (who knew that patently ex-military foreign instructors were in demand?). All Russians now earning at the $150/week rate, and spend six hours at the gym a day, three during the day, and three at night. Be told by Ito that if they continue to be as popular as they've thus far been, he'll be able to accept requests for further increased hours soon.
>[Zhenya has been queued to do the following:]
>Become happy that your missions went so well and your planning was a success. Become frustrated that the pursuers caught up anyway and you got shot at. Decide to get better at driving, look up stunt driving and ‘special situations’ driving schools in the area, use new cash from these jobs to hopefully enroll. Bemoan the fact you'll need ID to sign up for anything, wonder if she should try to help Lyubov with her project.
>On that note, get jealous of how easily Lyubov completed her mission just because she gets along well with the company weasel. Wonder how she could gain access to a supernatural heavy hitter that could help her on missions-unofficially make this a competition without informing anyone, and become invested in winning.
>Try out all your guns, 50 rounds each. Knowing that it will make no difference, still squeeze triggers lightly in a foolish attempt to reduce wear. Clean them and store them after testing them. Never shoot them again.
>[Boris has been queued to do the following:]
>Become accepting of home-brew beer he is producing, insofar as not feeling disappointed in his product. Still feel confident there is a long way to go. Ponder refusing to allow Vlad input on future batches, as to date all four times he's been asked his only comment was to increase the alcohol content and nothing else.
>Begin preparing to set up a Vodka still. Wonder if this is necessary, given several Russians have already built distressingly haphazard Vodka stills in their rooms-decide at the very least, personally having a still is a good thing.
>On hearing how Lyubov's ID mission is going, decide that after getting an ID he will approach Armas about setting up some form of brewing company in the mansion.
>Become aggravated enough about the food theft he takes action. Acquire $10 ghost pepper hotsauce bottle. Acquire 2 liter bottle of Ipecac. Begin spiking some of the dishes in the kitchen with both substances. If food is not stolen, provide to Duke, who has been witnessed drinking the leftover grease from cooking bacon mixed with Everclear as well as using a can of mace as a breath freshener. Wonder what he will do if the thief is Duke.
>Request that Andrei and/or Satai set up cameras in the kitchen to catch the food thief in the act. Awaiting response from either Russian.

>>385917
>>385926
>>386059
>>386061
>>386063
>>386119
I continue to maintain my Soul Guise as I speak, idly running a hand through my hair.
"So, I take it this is a coming of age ritual in your family? Or is it a wider practice among practitioner families with appropriate bloodlines?"
>[Einrik]"A bit of both. Compounded families of an elemental orientation have a.... let's call it a Maturation Event. Any exposure to Belief-based magic, be it wholly Divine or just partly, will do it. I trust, then, events surprised you?"
"Well. I'll admit it, you got me good. And you... brought to the fore, for me, a very important personal issue: I'm still too ignorant about how the soul, body, mind all interact with magic. Given my bloodlines it's pretty much inexcusable that my first thought was to try putting her in a warm bath! I've got a lot more to learn. I'm going to make finding a soul sculptor expert I can buy training from a priority."
>[Einrik]"I do not know that the issue is in lack of understanding about the Mind/Body/Soul dynamic. Certainly, you could stand to learn more about Soul Manipulation-but that knowledge wouldn't have helped you in this situation. This was an example of niche information relative to particularly old, well-established, compounded Elemental familes. As you no doubt suspect, that is an exceedingly small group."
"Thanks. I still feel that irrational worry, but at least the embarrassment is passing. Aw damnit, I didn't think of that - Hillevi's going to be completely mortified when she wakes up. Do you think her hair will survive this, or should we get her a wig?"
>[Einrik]"I think she will be more focused on her nakedness if made aware of it, than the state of her hair."
"Ha. Alright. Now, I've been told the Rule of Three works in bloodlines, and that the more recursively three it is, the more powerful the result. And, I understand it's a forbidden topic at home, but the same fella who told me about about bloodline interaction, mentioned something he considered an open secret. Is there anything I'd need to know, especially now that she's out and in the world and has a real possibility of meeting up with well-intended but ultimately indiscreet third parties?"

At this, Einrik sighs.
>[Einrik]"...Einher. Such gossip mongers, the lot of them."
"How did-"
>[Einrik]"Quite a few of my family have become Einher, when they did not inherit the family magic-and several that did became Einher as well. There's enough Valkonans in Valhalla that the group as a whole pays a relatively large amount of attention to us, comparative to other clans with less Einher members. As to your question.... she does not know. In point of fact, she is literally unable to know currently-the memories were... frozen. She has no means of accessing them and no awareness they are there-and it is in everyone's best interests that it stays that way until she's strong enough, emotionally, to handle it. ...Friend or no, if you told her I'm afraid we'd have to have Words."
"So what if someone tries to tell her the truth then?"
>[Einrik]"Anyone she does not trust who attempts to talk of the subject to her will be unintelligible from her perspective-while I may not completely endorse what was done, the magic used was well-cast."
"...Well, there's that, then. So-maturation: What'll be different?"
>[Einrik]"Ease of power use, really. It should help a great deal with her insecurity she'll break things if she's not exceptionally careful."

Einrik rubs his heavily scarred chin as he turns away from the slowly thawing Hillevi.
>[Einrik]"Well, nothing to do now but wait."
"She shouldn't be moved?"
>[Einrik]" I doubt you could safely touch her-and there's no reason to. After she's thawed from the ice she'll still have an hour or so until she actually wakes up."
Hm.
Amen, inform me when Hillevi has thawed.
>[Amen]"This one hears, and obeys."
Feeling more than a bit drained-and a bit surprised I got so invested the moment I thought she was in danger-I decide to trigger my Brain Coffee, and hope it clears my mind. ...Instead, I find it even easier to obsess over what COULD have happened as my brain fires a bit more exuberantly. I push myself back out, not wanting to be stuck with such thoughts, and grimace as pain lances through my head and neck, throbbing dully. Mid-throb, Einrik speaks again.

>[Einrik]"For what it is worth, while I most certainly don't regret my... lack of communication with you, were I to do it over again I think I'd elect to fully inform you."
"I figured you were trolling me a bit, once you started explaining."
>[Einrik]"While I cannot deny I took a certain measure of satisfaction from the predicament I placed you in, I was most concerned with learning how you'd handle such a situation concerning my sister. You did the right thing, in absence of contact with a family member consulted an adviser, and refrained from rash action. ...I suppose I really will be telling my father you can be trusted with her care."
"I thought we went through all that already."
>[Einrik]"Yes-and within a week of departing father was already contacting me wishing to change his mind. I've staved him off, but I think that this example you've provided will actually get him to settle down. Thank you for that, incidentally."
I mull over the odds it's purely coincidental I provided Einrik with such information.
>[Einrik]"Well-I suppose I should attend to Ghanem."
"What's up?"
>[Einrik]"I was enjoying a brief moment of recreation when he chose to rudely interrupt with his sycophants. While they were chastised thoroughly enough for my taste, Abdul himself, I fear, will not learn his lesson without more... forceful instruction."
"Not that I'm going to stop you, but do you have any advice on my Ghanem contacts?"
>[Einrik]"Yes-do nothing until I've left Istanbul. Abdul should only have lesser contacts at that point-but all will be only lightly linked to him, and far less worthy of suspicion. I'd personally say the tradeoff is worth it. And who knows-perhaps Abdul will not have learned his lesson even by the time I leave. I'm certain father would be proud if Hillevi could continue my fight-but of course, we are only speaking of hypotheticals here. It's more likely he will learn when to tuck his tail and whimper like a properly dominated dog."
"Always glad you're on my side."
>[Einrik]"I can say the same of you. Until next time."
"Wait-wait hold on. "
>[Einrik]"Hm?"
"I keep forgetting to ask you this. The Laib Olmai shaman-how're they doing, do you know?"
>[Einrik]"I do. They've been busy consolodating power, picking a new heir to the chief-things of those nature."
"...What about that one guy... Dávgon, I think."
>[Einrik]"Him. Well, he was right-he ended up being cast out of the clan-not due to a lack of effort on his part. He actually pled on behalf of his cohort, and earned him the right to be forgiven at his own expense."
"Wow. That's... amazingly altruistic."
>[Einrik]"It is my understanding the individual in question once saved Dávgon's sister from being raped-I presume this was a way of paying back a debt."
"Would fit. What's he up to?"
>[Einrik]"Currently? he's looking for work in Denmark, but given he came from a legitimate isolated nomadic tribe... that might not work particularly well for him."
...A Sami Shaman with nowhere to go huh...
"Can you get in contact with him?"
>[Einrik]"Likely. What is it you want conveyed to him?"
"Frankly, that I'd like to hire him initially as a tutor, and in all likelihood employ him in a permanent sense. No matter what though, the tutoring job-"
>[Einrik]"For future reference-call it mentoring. It's semantics I know, but that's how magical tutelage is referenced in this fashion. That said... I will communicate your desire to him."
"Great. ...That, actually, was genuinely it."
Einrik favors me with one of his tidy smiles as he nods in farewell.

So it is Einrik walks away, and I lean against the stone doorframe, still acting as Hillevi's guardian despite the lack of danger, and ponder what to do as the headache fades. What comes to mind is actually two separate things. The first is calling Jagda-and simply reassuring him that it was indeed me that contacted the student, and that he displayed good instincts in being suspicious. It's a brief exchange-there's still no real camaraderie between us-but I assuage his concerns, and that's what counts. The second thing though... is something to keep me distracted: a stress test, I suppose.
>"You're actually thinking of something appropriate to stress test. Will the wonders-"
Never cease yeah look I know you're planning to go out, have fun like normal tonight, but I got a favor to ask.
>"A dangerous bit of phrasing but I know you meant it in jest. What?"
Could you spend the night getting some solid pictures of Jung's operation? I mean, shots where you can see illegal goods-crate of grenades, rifles, what have you-that does as much as possible to show WHERE the picture was taken-as in notable exterior markings on the structure, shots including adjacent buildings-really, anything that shows WHERE the questionable goods are being handled-and do this without ever catching a clear shot of anyone's face, so Jung and his worker's don't have specific attention on them.
>"Doable. I think I'll elect to simply appropriate a working camera, rather than use one officially purchased by one of our number. It is good for both of us that the warehouse has enough ambient magic I can see reasonably well within it."
Sounds great. Bonus points if you can take the shots from places that are impossible for a regular photographer to have reached.
>"...I shall endeavor to rise to the challenge."
>[Sake]"What about me then?"
>[Iron Trick]"Watch out, you seem to have a bored prankster on your hands."
>[MM,MMMMM Trait auto-activated]
Well, There's another thing I'd like done tonight that you could help out with.
>[Sake]"Name your demand, heh."
Welp, Once SB's got some good pictures-reallly, enough that any law enforcement agent involved in gun trafficking would jump-I also need to do another bit of prep work-I need to find out what, if any, magic the local law uses. Specifically-if they ward transport vans or the actual buildings themselves.
>"I do not have time to find enough to sample and take pictures."
I know-that's why I'm asking Sake to find them, then lead you to them once you're done with the pictures-or network and do some of each, whatever works best for you guys. I know, I know-not really a night of fun-
>"We can make due, I think."
>[Sake]"Sounds fun, actually-something a bit more involved than just 'ambush with overwhelming force'. Not that I have a problem with winning, but... you know what I mean."
>"Time's fleeting-do you need either of us right now, or should we get started?"
...No, that's it.

Without any further fanfare, my brothers depart.
>[Hummingbird]"Curious."
What is?
>[Hummingbird]"You do not lapse between function and entertainment so much as... spread yourself across the border line."
I'll take that as a complement.

I pop open my fridge, reaching past the Pheonix heart still sitting pretty and pour the bird a saucer of Red Bull, which he gracefully indulges in.

While the bird's busy-I do my last act of the night-that Brain Coffee Stress test.

[DISCONTINUITY]

...Ow.

Long story short, seems the more frequently you use it, the more vicious the headache-and I know that either five minutes of brain coffee or ten uses in rapid succession, no matter how brief, will each trigger biting pain sufficient to cause involuntary squinting and blinking. Besides learning where my rough current limits lie, I also became a bit more accustomed to using Brain Coffee-and don't doubt it'll be my best friend for waking up in a hurry.

And so I sleep.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20TH, 2011
[b]PERSONAL FUNDS:
$392,013.11
BUSINESS FUNDS: $92,447.00
CASH: $37.00
SHADOW PATIENCE: 72%
WINTER ENERGY: 83/160
SUMMER ENERGY: 50/50

I awaken at five in the morning, dose myself with Brain Coffee (feeling very vindicated it really is perfect for starting a new day, headache or no), double check my standard Soul Guise-and see the camera sitting beside my bed, waiting for SB, currently in the room, to report.
>"I'd say thirty pictures should be enough. I had Sake look at them since he has, you know, eyes-he said I did not make any mistakes in my picture taking-and yes, eleven of the photos were taken from places that are naturally inaccessible."
"Where's Sake?"
>"Presumably still making prank calls-Lyubov seems to have introduced him to the notion."
"I feel like congratulating her on that-that's comedy gold right there."
>"Be that as it may-how did you plan to do this?"
Give me a bit-need to finish banging my ideas together, and a workout's usually good for that. ...Actually, mind helping out? I've been itching to concretely nail down my speed with varied techniques. Hummingbird, you too, if possible.
>[Hummingbird]"You wish to test your... mobility? A noble goal. What is it you ask of me though?"
You were able to help my focus before-I wonder if you can assist-
>[Hummingbird]"Ah. I grasp what you wish, I think."

What follows is an hour-long test-specifically, ANOTHER brute force test-that teaches me a goodly bit.

-Using just the Dunter 'Shoddy Step', I'm able to reach my full running speed on one stride. This doesn't alter my maximum speed, but I think it has the potential to, based on how it works.
-In a shadowed room, it seems I can move a third faster than I normally can, if SB assists me. I'll go ahead and call this 'Shadow Step'. Corny, I know-but it'll do for ease of reference.
-The Hummingbird's influence... is another thing entirely. While Shoddy Step relies on me properly setting my weight and doesn't really screw with physics all that much, the Hummingbird's trick is something else. For ease of internalization, I'll call what he can provide me with 'Hummer's Momentum'. Hummer's Momentum lets me shift my entire bodies momentum-all of it. My arms, my legs, head, torso-every part of my body can and is affected. It doesn't make me any faster, per say-what it DOES do is make it vastly easier for me to make drastic, repeat micro-adjustments to my velocity.
-Combining Shadow Step and Shoddy Step... actually seems to backfire a bit. There's traction issues while SB's providing shadow assistance to me-frankly, the two abilities get in one another's way. Seems rather pointless.
-Combining Shoddy Step with Hummer's Momentum, however, makes for a considerable shift in mobility. So long as I keep my feet in contact with surfaces I can brace against, I can move at my absolute fastest while turning on a dime, instantly reversing direction or otherwise being too nimble for how fast I move. No real speed increase, but a MASSIVE agility boost. Seems pretty handy.
-Combining Shadow Step and Hummer's Momentum is more functional than Shoddy Step and Shadow Step-but there doesn't seem to be much in the way of potent synergy. I still move a third faster-and I still shift momentum without regard to gravity. Frankly, I'd stick with Shoddy Step and Hummer's Momentum for a power duo.
-Lastly, I try... everything. Shoddy Step while Hummer's Momentum sees me through Shadow Stepping. On paper, it should be the best of all the options-and it is. What I didn't anticipate is the nonlinear power drain-synergizing with MULTIPLE externally provided powers-SB's and the bird's-demands far more control from me, and frankly I doubt I could use all three for more than a minute or so, before SOMETHING starts breaking down and the trio breaks apart. That said... with the Hummer's Momentum correcting for my traction issues, I get to fully benefit from Shoddy Step-and move a third faster than I did with Shoddy Step and Hummer's Step alone. When using all three, I don't think any observer could see me move and not immediately label it inhuman.

...Well, that was productive.
>"Yes, you answered some personal questions, now-"
>>386357
[Four Action Plan, F.A.P., used]
"Psh. Let's see-two parts to the plan, bust Jung's Warehouse, and steal the goods. For the bust, I could use Adelat-I have her number, know which building she works at, all that. If that fails, any police officer will do, if the pictures are solid. ..Say SB, mind cycling the pictures so I can see them? Don't want to touch it."
I verify the pictures are incriminating and blatantly show illegal acts without showing any identities.
"Great. So, if for whatever reason neither option works, I can be more agressive. For one, I could masquerade as Blackbeard, instigate some trouble and lure the police to the warehouse. It'd be dicey, but would do the job. And if even THAT doesn't work-fuck it, we'll just mortar the warehouse. That'll draw police attention."
>"....You really meant it when you said you'd try to build plans with more failsafes in them."
"Yup. For the thieving part-well, I need to hear what you found."
>"Not a single van we checked, of eleven total checked, had any evidence of wards. Conversely, six of ten buildings had at least some form of warding on them."
"So... no reason you can't just shadowport goods out of a van in transit then, right?"
>"No."
I Smile as I get dressed in a silk purple suit, black shirt, orange tie and once more don the albino crocodile loafers. This plan seems very likely to work.
>"Should I bring the camera to Adelat then?"
"Yes-put a sticky note on it saying 'Look inside me' on it."
>"Will do. Thankfully the precinct she works at is not warded."
SB departs, setting plans in motion-

And I endeavor to distract myself until Hillevi thaws.

To this end-after snagging a few plates from the kitchen-I round up the Russians, thankful they rarely teach in the mornings at Itos-and hold another 'Kill the Armas' training session with them. For five solid hours, I hunt them, I mock them, and I evade them-while they put bullets in me as they can. In truth they do far poorer than before-and I lay it all at the feet-of my new Dunter footwork. I end up getting shot less than last time-but not for lack of trying. Counting everyone's ammo use, they expended 7,210 rounds of 5.45x39-I got clipped thirty nine times, and solidly hit only nine times. I attribute the majority of my success to the obstacle-ridden environment we practice in.

Four and change hours in, SB discreetly informs me Adelat took the bait, and is attempting to get a squad put together to head out to the location as we speak. Just about when I'm thinking I should do something-something ELSE happens.

Now, it's not that I wanted to do exactly five hours of training-but I got a call. Specifically, from Rocco. I halt the lesson, answer the phone-
>[Rocco]"Abrupt, I know-but do you know anyone well connected back in the states?"
"Why?"
>[Rocco]"If you happen to have anyone that owes you a favor in law enforcement or the legal system, I'd be happy to cut a lucrative arrangement."
"Not at the moment, no."
>[Rocco]"I suspected-but had to be sure. Very well. Free advice: if you were planning anything in the states soon, put it on hold."
"Thank's I'll-"
A mental communication lances through my mind.
>[Amen]"This one is to inform Master that Master's guest has finished thawing."
...Okay then. It's about eleven thirty-that's nearly noon, really.
"-keep that in mind. Was there anything else?"
>[Rocco]"Not currently, no-but expect some work opportunities soon."
"I'll do that."
*CLICK*

That done, I ask Matvey to wrap up the lesson and trot out of the room, heading down to the room Hillevi languished within, and with SB's help bring her to a room and an actual bed. We lay her down-






And I wonder just how should I greet her when she wakes up?
Clearly I have 'just cause' to troll her, given she made me worry-but what could I do?
And once that's dealt with-what else do I do with my day?
>>
No. 386418 ID: cf49fc

If you want to troll Hillevi, try using Hummer's Momentum to greet her from the ceiling. Combine with trying to convince her that she's on the ceiling for maximum funtimes.
>>
No. 386441 ID: 3947e9

I think she will be sufficiently disoriented and trolled already.
I don't want her to jump to conclusions about someone stripping her in her sleep so put the shattered remains of her clothes here.
We already discussed that there is appropriate and inappropriate trolling back when we bonded with sake.

>The final solution offered is to have Einrik or Hillevi anchor themselves to the bird, and act as a filter to prevent further oversaturation while so linked.
Since SB has valkonen bloodline, is there a reason he cannot do that? And if it requires a body... well he somehow has a bloodline without one.
Speaking of, can SB use any flesh manip on himself?
>>
No. 386444 ID: 6616f3

>>386418
Alternatively, have her wake up in one of the WEIRD rooms. Is there one with all the furniture glued to the ceiling/weird local gravity? One filled with playpen balls?

Or we could just dress her funny. Rainbow 'fro? That red doublet thing Sean Connery wore in Highlander? Xena costume? Whatever.
>>
No. 386461 ID: a9f1dc

>>386444
>Dress her funny
Xena, warrior princess costume. Man, why the fuck not.
>>
No. 386492 ID: 34020c

Darn it people! You all are focusing too much on direct trolling. Trolling can be about subtlety, feelings, someone trolling their own selves far more effectively than you ever could if done properly!

This is not the time for tricks, but to troll through a weapon not often used in the Armas toolkit, Sincerity! (or at least pretend sincerity)

We know Hillevi is shy, that she is likely to be mortified, we must play to this! We must have everything ready for her when she awakes, and Armas must instead play the role of a nervous wreck, the worried parent, the best friend who worried more for her sake than his own. Palpable relief needs to be on his face when she awakens, dear gods, this is the time for Armas to be worried as hell about his charge. To break into the realm of hugging, mixing personal space on her because of obvious concern, to mix her feelings of mortification with concern that she made her guardian fret! If possible, we need to consider acting as if choked up, blubbering about how much Armas blamed himself, how he worris nothing would work, how he called her brother in vein! How glad he is she is alright.

Maybe it is only my taste, but I feel she can be trolled into such an extreme mix of emotions. The mix of hilarious and cute that is likely to be her reaction, the giant of might and power being worried over by someone so small. How her present situation of clothes has to be in his hands, and how she worried and had to be doted upon by a mix of guardian and interest. How the adult who has taken her first step out into a new place has to react to all of this! Conflicting feelings of owing you, how to feel, how to react, confusion over the situation, mixed with her just getting unfrozen/mortified about clothes, all at the same time!
>>
No. 386522 ID: e2a0c6

>>386492
This seems good. I want to avoid overtly messing with Hillevi and everything else suggested is really obvious.
>>
No. 386590 ID: 9718f3

Hillevi wont be up for another hour or so we could try the experiment outlined in >>386277 .

Hillevi's still basically a kid, a sheltered one at that, and she just went through a possibly frightening experience. We don't even know she's familiar with the process, being the youngest Valkonen and not having witnessed anyone else go through it. So no trolling. We are being the kind, concerned, responsible guardian that doesn't end up being murdered by Markku. Minor teasing is okay though.

Things for the day:

We have to phone Go Ping with our response, unless the police raid takes place before noon today, which seems rather unlikely. During the call use ambiguous statements like, "I believe it is safe for you to assume that I am interested in pursuing half a million dollars." when he asks if you are taking the job.

For stealing the arms from the police, we need to secure our own transportation for moving the goods. I've actually got a slightly different [Tricky] plan in mind. Swap goods between the police transports and civilian trucks along their route. Police trucks wont notice a significant weight difference and become suspicious mid-route, we can collect the goods from the civilian vehicles later, and the police will be extremely confused which makes it good trollish fun.
Downsides are that we have to track down all the civilian vehicles with destinations we aren't aware of, and it requires SB to do a lot more moving of things, bro might get tired. Probably easier to move the goods to the sewers to collect later, but that requires dealing with SM which we may or may not wish to do.
>>
No. 386622 ID: 4a0246

For the rest of the day, make some time to practice using Hummer's Momentum to improve shooting, particularly the AA-12 on full auto. It should do wonders for negating recoil. Then, practice using Shoddy Step as well to fire accurately whilst on the move, taking shots in the instant you change direction and pass through zero velocity, whilst zig-zagging.
>>
No. 386753 ID: cc1982

When Hillevi awakes,simply express concern and offer her some clothes, her embarrassment will provide payback enough.

Go ping will be calling soon, when he asks about the job simply say you have decided against accepting. If (when) he presses for more in an irritated voice tell him upon research something turned up that made it unappealing.

You don't want to spend to much energy before heading out in case something goes wrong on the heist so practice the latest fleshcrafting knowledge SB gave you, get a feel for the different col orations possible and how to quickly change them, then have a snack to recharge.
>>
No. 386878 ID: 431fa8

>Satai orders
-Help Boris set up a camera. Then he'll help him set up a separate second less obvious camera, just in case. Shouldn't take more than fifteen minutes.
-See >>386357.
-Hunt up Igor. If he's got a forge, he should be able to smash some metal into basic shaped backing plates for directing explosives, right? Ask him to set us up with a couple dozen for use with our C4 charges. No, Satai doesn't care about the lack of artistry involved in the job.

>>386389
>And I wonder just how should I greet her when she wakes up?
>Clearly I have 'just cause' to troll her, given she made me worry-but what could I do?
The best troll here is not to act trollish at all. Make sure that she wakes up to us sitting concerned by her bedside, herself neatly covered by blankets. Perhaps Sake can arrange to be nestled nearby, somewhere which lightly implies that we used his powers to heal her without actually saying it. We should endeavor to look a bit tired, like we've been worried and not sleeping. Don't push things into overblown drama with crying and hugging and what have you- but make sure that our demeanor, words, and appearance scream that we were extremely worried about her. Have arranged for food to be cooking in the kitchen.

Greet her with "Hillevi, you're finally awake. Do you feel all right?" "After you collapsed, you started to overload with power- so cold you froze and cracked apart everything touching you, even the floor. Sent me into a bit of a panic... it was hours before I could get in touch with Einrik. It's been almost a day, and you only finally thawed a bit before noon. Are you sure you're okay?" "All right. Your brother said it was something he'd expected, when I eventually talked to him- apparently it should have made your magic mature somehow. Presumably you'll notice the difference soon enough." "I'm sorry about your clothes and hair. Hey, do you want me to cook you something? You must be hungry after all that. Wait here, I don't know if you should move yet."

At that point, dash off and leave her trapped in a bedroom by her lack of clothing. Return a few minutes later with immense quantities of food, and insist on having her eat all of it while completely ignoring the fact that she's naked and probably trying to cover herself with a blanket. Act totally oblivious to any embarrassment and like we're only concerned with her health and recovery.

If at some point she requests clothing, have Amen provide her with high quality modern clothing which fits her. It should be suitable for fighting in but emphasize her attractiveness. It should also incorporate a tiny Armas-orange grinning weasel logo on it somewhere subtle. Have the clothing delivered on the bed so that she has to ask us to leave so that she can get dressed. Of course, we issue the specific desired orders telepathically while just telling Amen to provide clothing out loud so that it's not obvious.


>And once that's dealt with-what else do I do with my day?
We need to call Go Ping and politely turn down the job. Apologize for the delay in making our decision, but give no explanation for it. Also mention that we expect to be prepared to move on a certain fishy problem this weekend and would like to meet when he and the others have some time in order to hash out definitive plans. Lunch tomorrow, perhaps? That should give us plenty of time to plan before our meeting at 3:00.

Keep an eye on the Adelat/Jung situation; hopefully the police raid will go off flawlessly but all the arms dealers will escape, but we'll want to know any unexpected twists in that plot. Shadowbro and a few Russians under his command should be more than capable of keeping an eye on this and letting us know what's going on without being detected.

When the police are moving out with Jung's confiscated weapons, have a couple Russians take our vans out to the area and have Shadowbro teleport the goods directly from van to van. We shouldn't even need to stop moving before peeling off with the loot. Still, if everything goes completely smoothly a little teasing of Adelat might be in order- the sight of Armas in an attention-arresting orange suit along the police's path back, even if it's nowhere near the point on their route at which their loot disappears, would probably kick us right back onto her radar even if there's no logical connection between us and her case at all.

Call up Johan and ask him how soon we could get the various bullet types that he listed. These things take time and he's a busy guy, so no need to press if he can't do them quick... but if he can have them ready by Saturday morning, we'd buy a few things. Ask if the enchanted bullets are likely to have any problems working with enchanted guns, just in case; if not, ask for 40 7.62×54mmR bullets of the mid-level enchantment (up to $32,000, personal funds).

Grab Andrei and go to a high-tech store. He should be able to identify cameras good enough to automatically film the whole endeavor, as well as speakers high-quality enough to pass as human to a very discerning ear. Buy several dozen of each (budget like $20,000 on this, no point stinting) along with anything he says he'll need to keep them working properly.

After Hillevi has had a little bit of time to rest/get used to her modified abilities, offer to spar with her so that she can work with them a little more. She's a great sparring partner for us anyway- it'll give us a chance to really work our increasing array of tricks. We can spend most of the afternoon/evening on this if necessary.

Order Amen to have the mansion windows tinted. We don't want people to be able to look into our mansion freely; there are too many awkward things that they might see. We should really have done that already.

>>386590
>During the call use ambiguous statements like, "I believe it is safe for you to assume that I am interested in pursuing half a million dollars." when he asks if you are taking the job.
SUST. When it comes to taking or refusing jobs we must maintain a certain level of professionalism- unambiguously take a job or not, and then keep our word. Anything else will damage our credibility and harm our future employment prospects too much.
>>
No. 386917 ID: 5ec07d

Now that we are really thinking about this police woman, don't you think that if she were truly interested in catching you she would have you under surveillance? With the amount of shady moves you make you should really be more aware of that.
Next time you go out, spend a few moments analyzing the attention focused on you; if they are using technology like normal city cams then you might not get shit, but if they are pulling the old 'stakeout' deal you might pick something up. In either case, ask your brothers and hummingbird to give an eye out too. If you can't shake whatever shadows you have, you might want to look into the 'Other Armas' charms.
Also, ask Amen to tint the windows and shield the walls. Actually blocking them mundanely so that people can't see in via normal or technological means. If he can also identify anyone that has been looking at the house for a long period of time that would be great too.

>things to do today
Execute plan 'milk everything you can from Jung'
Rent a boxtruck or two that you can use to store the loot.
Check on Duke.

----------------------
Zhenya orders
-Take Hillevi out to buy some new threads, invite Lyubov. (budget, $3000)
-Attempt to make friends with Hillevi and answer any questions she has about modern life.
-Offer to help Lyubov with her ID plans.
-Keep playing music in spare time.
>>
No. 386935 ID: b83c65

[Andrei Orders]
Grumble at the time it takes to put together and have the computer shipped.
Wonder who has been getting Red Bull. Grab one, and remember to thank whoever is getting it. Maybe suggest Jolt or making Magic Coffee for another caffeine addict.
Suggest to Boris that Satai set up the cameras, and Andrei can check up the connections and the Wi-Fi and what not.
Decide to brush up on social engineering and dickery by going outside and networking(and lying to people).
Be distracted by Armas and get dragged to look at cameras. Idly bring up the idea of helmet cameras, so that the Russians can have their missions filmed, for cash in pocket, and also as a control center, or 'brain', for the whole crew. Practice lying when with Armas, and be confused if Armas can't join us in social fu.

[Armas Orders]
As for pranking I'm in favor of >>386878 with a bit of >>386492 but we should make sure that we've removed any blankets or sheets from the room. Anything she can cover up with should not be there - the room should be an empty one that has no adornment. So when we leave, lock the door and inform her of nakity, she will get a little frantic that there is no way to cover up. That, combined with our doting, worry should be hilarious.

After we've dealt with trolling/helping Hillevi, look into what the hell Rocco is going on about. News wise the story 'Agents of the United States charge 127 alleged mafia members in the northeast of the country' might jump out at you as being the best guess, but search and make sure. He could be meaning something bigger, like 'The largest rocket ever launched from the west coast of the U.S. is launched carrying a secret payload.' Check Reuters and BBC to see if anything overt jumps out at you, and see if Sometimes Merchant, Arkvad, or Garbage Pete can inform you on anything on the supernatural side of things.

Also, look into if the mansion actual has medical facilities. If it doesn't, have Sake's room turned into the medical faculties.
>>
No. 386936 ID: d97a61

>[Satai has been queued to do the following:]
>Finally get around to reviewing Iosef's list of proposed purchases related to ammo fabrication. Place appropriate orders.
BUSINESS FUNDS: -$12,200 $80,447.00
>Professional grade Swaging equipment, an automatic reloading press, and four dies-one 5.56x45mm, one 7.62x39mm, 4.6x30mm and 5.45x39mm, to cover most of the more ammunition-demanding firearms. DELIVERY DATE: SATURDAY
>Help Boris set up a hidden camera and a not-so-hidden camera observing the kitchen.
>Badger Igor into making shaped backing plates for directing explosions. Give zero fucks when Igor complains about the crude crafting being demanded of him, deadpan way through explaining how it's impossible for Igor to smith something more productive to the company as a whole given time investment. Awaiting Igor response on Satai's request for two dozen. (will use up 72 pounds of steel)
>[Zhenya has been queued to do the following:]
>Once Hillevi awakens, take her out shopping for clothing. Fail to realize no one just HAS clothing properly fitted to a 6'9" woman, inadvertently make Hillevi feel like a freak when no one has clothes her size. Realize she should have thought this through, and that because she didn't she just hurt the feelings of the Boss's Ward. Have mild panic attack that this will mean not-good things for her.
>Fail to make friends with Hillevi as she's too mopey about the clothing issue.
>After miserably failing in this endeavor, on return to the mansion ask Lyubov if she could use some help with the ID stuff. Awaiting Lyubov's response.
>Play a sad series of sonatas to commiserate fuckup.
>[Andrei has been queued to do the following:]
>Like any tech worth his salt, grumble at the time it takes to put together and have the computer shipped.
>Wonder who has been getting Red Bull. Attempt to grab one, hand promptly goes numb-be unsure why. Attempt it a second time-and hand once more goes numb. Decide that's enough testing and currently label the Red Bull as 'not for everyone'.
>Suggest to Boris that Satai set up the cameras, and Andrei can check up the connections and the Wi-Fi and what not. Find out Boris already bugged Satai about this-feel out-of-date.
>Decide to brush up on social engineering and dickery by going outside and networking(and lying to people). Start haunting internet cafes in Downtown.
>Be distracted by Armas and get dragged to look at cameras. Idly bring up the idea of helmet cameras, so that the Russians can have their missions filmed, for cash in pocket, and also as a control center, or 'brain', for the whole crew. Practice lying when with Armas, and be confused if Armas can't join us in social fu. Become worried when he realizes Armas has not lied to his knowledge-and wonder how that can be true with all the things he says. Wonder if that means he's an idiot or a masterful manipulator.

>>386418
How to handle this-I could go full-tilt with the trolling-maybe wait for her to wake up on the cieling, try to convince her she's the one on the ceiling?
>[Hummingbird]"That which you have titled Hummer's Momentum' is a pulse, not a static flow-it can move you, but not hold you in a place you should not be."
...And using wind to hold myself up there kind of defeats the purpose.
>>386444
Ok, okay: we move her to one of the-
>"If I am reading her magical status correctly-and I do not claim to be certain on this-then attempting to move her carries a growing risk she will awaken prematurely. While I see no way this could harm her-"
It defeats the purpose if she wakes up before she's moved-and I don't trust the butler for this. Okay-how about funny clothing?
>[Sake]"Given she HAS no clothes anymore, that might be a wise idea."
That's RIGHT, she never got new cloths past that wooly/feathery workout outfit.
"Amen, I require clothes sized to Hillevi made from the mundane fabrics I provided you with-how about a doublet... ah, I don't know the names of those, but what Sean Connery wore in Highlander-"
>>386461
>"Xena outfit."
"-and a replica of Xena, Warrior princess' garb too."
Amen, appearing at my side, merely bows as he proffers forth properly sized clothing sets, one in each hand, before vanishing. I lay both outfits over chairs in the room, and get back to thinking.

>>386277
I try to distract myself from the wait-and buy myself more time to ponder how to do this while I enact a minor test. In an attempt to see my own soul, I-
....Oh.
>[Iron Trick]"Took you long enough.[/code]
The moment I seriously pondered looking at my soul-I saw it. A swirling, shifting mass of energy, two opposed currents sinuously locked together, never allowed to mix. I see my Soul Guise as if it were an egg shell surrounding me, smoothing out the darker, the rougher, the less 'normal' parts of my Bloodlines and general existence. I... I see the difference, the ugly blue, brown and purple bruising on my soul that's not present in my Soul Guise practically proclaims itself my Cannibal 'taint. I also see the... the pinpricks of light, the stars hidden within my soul that are absent from my Guise-and by process of elimination, realize they are the manifestation of the Divine energy in my bloodlines and soul. I see my over-sized chakras, so firmly embedded in my soul they seem more like pipes from spirit to flesh than simple gates. All of this I grasp in that first glimpse-while therafter my focus is dominated by my soul's shape.

Simply put, what was once a relatively directionless non-Euclidean shape is now far more purposefull, more focused. Where once I had impossible categories of symmetry-now I have a spherical Tesseract containing a mobious strip that is itself comprised of the tesseract's sides.
....Wait, I don't know what a tesseract is-
>"I do. Have been brushing up on magically relevant physically impossible shapes-and that's a tesseract, no doubt about it."
Shared the info huh? Thanks....... all the same-
>[Iron Trick]"[u]Yes, you have been fully able to see your own soul since you first learned the Soul Sensing chakra orientation."

....Motherfucker.
>[Sake]"That... is a bit irritating, especially with how often you experiment, that we did not know your soul was once more visible to you."
I tentatively flush my orientation-and immediately cannot look at my soul again. I set Soul Sensing back up and sight at this revelation.
>>386590
>>386753
Then I get on with another bit of work that needs attending-calling back Go Ping. He picks up in six rings, rather slow by his standards.
>[Go Ping]"Have you made your decision?"
"I have. I believe it is safe for you to assume that I am interested in pursuing half a million dollars."
>[Go Ping]"...I will note you did not explicitly say you will take the job."
"You are correct, I did not. While the pay is certainly enticing, upon research something turned up that made it unappealing."
>[Go Ping]"Is that what you wish me to relay to Mr. Fang?"
"Yes."
>[Go Ping]"Then I shall do so. As an aside, Jet Fang's interested in teaching you next time you need lessons."
"Thanks for the pass on. Actually, wanted to talk with you about the fish problem."
>[Go Ping]"Ah yes-how are plans?"
"Looking rather good actually. You all available this weekend?"
>[Go Ping]"We can be."
"Great-we can talk over the specifics tomorrow at lunch."
>[Go Ping]"How does Kim's House of Pho sound? I profess an inclination to eat there again."
"Where's it at?"
>[Go Ping]"Near the docks, but not near enough to be under my employer's control."
He rattles off an address.
"Okay, sounds good. A late-ish lunch at 3 work?"
>[Go Ping]"Indeed it does."
"Great. Until then."
*CLICK*
that taken care of, I get back to something more important than what my soul looks like, or talking about a coming hit.

>>386492
>>386522
>>386878
While I sit there, talking with SB, Sake and the Hummingbird alike about the viability of Okay step (read: not much use at all yet, since it's so multifaceted it prevents ability stacking that shoddy step allows, without any worthwhile gain in ability) I note Hillevi to stir oh so slightly. Rather soon she's started to stir more fitfully, and her eyes slap open shortly after she kicks off the sheets. -wait, kicked off the sheets?
>"I pulled them up while you were looking at your soul. Moot point now."
Before she can even catch her bearings, I step into the act I forgot to plan yet feels strangely natural.
"Hillevi, you're finally awake. Do you feel all right?"
My gaze doesn't even twitch as I keep looking her in the eye as her mouth works like a fish as she looks at me. I keep speaking.
"After you collapsed, you started to overload with power- so cold you froze and cracked apart everything touching you, even the floor. Sent me into a bit of a panic... it was hours before I could get in touch with Einrik. It's been almost a day, and you only finally thawed a bit before noon. Are you okay?"
>[Hillevi]"I....."
She coughs, her voice scratchy, and a few chips of ice fly out of her mouth as she continues.
>[Hillevi]"I think I'm okay. What... what happened?"
"All right. Your brother said it was something he'd expected, when I eventually talked to him- apparently it should have made your magic mature somehow. Presumably you'll notice the difference soon enough."
Still clearly looking confused, Hillevi nevertheless begins to beam out a wide smile-and it's at this moment she realizes she's naked. I keep speaking as she freezes in panic.
"I'm sorry about your clothes and hair. Hey, do you want me to cook you something? You must be hungry after all that. Wait here, I don't know if you should move yet."
I get up and begin walking to the door, catching her blushing so fiercely blue she looks like a smurf in my peripheral, before pausing at the door, my back to her.
"Those are the only sets of clothing I have in the house right now that could fit you. My apologies, but for the moment you'll have to make due."
I can FEEL the air chilling against my back with her embarassment as I softly close the door-and break out into a grin.

Hah, that went perfectly.

I make my way down to the kitchen, and for once don't steal food-and instead ask Boris for whatever lunch he's got that's the heartiest-and am promptly provided with a large bowl of Borsht filled with strips of meat and liver. I swing by my room, grab the last of my current Valhallan Mead, and bring both back to the room. I blithely open the door-and briefly witness a still-naked Hillevi bounding back under the covers with impressive agility. Before she can say anything-or really, in any way catch her footing-I plop myself back down in the seat, and hand her the food and drink.
"Eat."
>[Hillevi]"B-but-"
"Eat. You just woke up, and I don't doubt you can't tell how hungry you are yet."
SB, bless his shadow of a heart, decides to fabricate the noises of a growling stomach-and have them exude more or less from her side of the room. Still too confused to think straight, she assumes it her own, and sheepishly accepts the meal and mead-and promptly chugs both the borsht and the drink alike, her meal done in under a minute. All the while I continue not to Smile at her, but do a passable impression of Einrik's faint, tidy cheer. After she finishes, she huddles under the covers, wrapping herself in them like armor as she speaks again.
>[Hillevi]"...Um-"
"Feels somewhat familiar, doesn't it."
>[Hillevi]"...What?"
"To how we first met."
She frowns for a moment before her eyes widen fractionally, she blushes yet again. Gone is her soul's impression of being stuck in a fragile world-instead, her uncertainty and own emotional fragility are what define her spirit.... for the moment, at least. It's kind of endearing, really. A reminder that, giant super powered bruiser or no-she's still a kid. I'm shaken out of my brief Reverie as she starts speaking.
>[Hillevi]"...Um....uh-I know it's your house, and so I'm your Guest, and I'm also your Ward, and both of those mean I absolutely have to listen to you and I will but-"
I begin standing up.
"You want privacy as you dress. Of course. I'll be down in the foyer if you need me-incidentally, your brother's currently out."
I hear a pair of heavy footfalls as a chilled hand, rough rather than delicate, wraps about my wrist.
>[Hillevi]"Where's my brother?"
I turn back to glance at her, noting that she rather swiftly forgot her embarrassment and is glaring at me with impressive determination.
"As to where specifically, I do not know. I do know he's addressing an insult offered to him by a local Clan. He did not at all seem like he needed assistance with that."
Hillevi continues to stare at me even as her tension deflates-and she again remembers her attire-or lack thereof. The hand about my wrist is placed on my chest-and I am shoved out of the room just before she slams the door shut. I tumble to my feet with a smirk on my face, and get on with my day.

Specifically-dealing with Jung's situation.
"Hillevi," I call out through the door, "I'm heading out for a bit, and will be back soon, okay?"
>[Hillevi]"I... okay!"

Okay-SB, I'll need you to keep shadowing Adelat so we know when her team's moving.
>"Will do."
Sake, I need you to hang out at Jung's, and do what you must to make sure they leave once we've got confirmation Adelat and co are on their way.
>[Sake]"How much leeway do I have?"
"So long as you DON'T give Jung reason to hate me, AND avoid leaving behind evidence that'd make mundane law enforcement suspicious as hell-however you want.[/i][/code]"
>[Sake]"YEEEE!"
"TRY not to damage too many goods, okay?"
>[Sake]"Yes mom."

With my two brothers heading off, I round up the Russians, looking for two people to be discreet drivers-Feodor and Gloom offer themselves up, for driving acumen and a firm grasp of how to be innocuous, respectively. Each one gets one of our two beat up Vanduras-and are told to drive out and find parking within a block of the warehouse, and hunker down. While they ride, I grab Matvey and make my way to what, according to google, is the closest cafe to the warehouse to... witness the show. I keep my ears alert, continuing to listen to Sake and SB's periodic reports-and watch things unfold.

Two minutes after SB confirmed Adelat was in route the warehouse windows rattle and I see people fleeing into back alleys. I might have seen Jung among them-I'm not sure. Either way, about twenty people spill out and scarper. Shortly thereafter, I see a faintly visible green squiggle fly out of the warehouse, while Sake informs me he's headed back to the house now that his part's done, intent on further prank calling.

Ten minutes later, I hear sirens-and I continue drinking while I look on. Six cars round the corner-one nearly clipping the van Feodor's in-and scream up to the warehouse to promptly vomit forth a sea of gun-toting fellows one truly hopes are actually law enforcement. What follows... is rather boring, frankly. There's an hour where nothing happens-indeed, I spend some of the time on the phone, talking with my other employees as they work on individual jobs for Jung and network with the contact he provided us-before a new team shows up-a trio of heavy vans. It's only now that things start to go slightly off-script.
>"One of those vans is warded-and I'm not sure about the nature of the warding. Beyond that, there's too many people inside observing the merchandise for me to move any before it's been loaded."
Okay. Well, don't risk it with the one van-and just pilfer what you can from the other two. Discretion's more profitable than blind greed for the moment.
>"I wonder how painful that thought was for you."
Eh.

Another hour passes-and three of the seven Jung jobs, all hit missions, are reported as complete-before they actually start loading the vans. At this point, I'm on my seventh beer, and Matvey's finally having something to drink. It takes them a full hour-but they've loaded all three vans-which set out while the police, Adelat included, remain behind.

SB? Now.
>"On it."

I could go into details about how my shadow timed his teleportation to happen as the trucks turned or braked, to hide the shift in weight behind vehicular motion. I could talk about how smoothly the mission went. I could talk about how I'm frankly a bit disappointed I didn't get to shell the warehouse, and admit the idea holds intrinsic appeal to me.

Instead, I'll note we received an entire van's worth of steel cylinders marked as chemical weapons that SB tentatively says are Tabun and Mustard gas. Given the van's tires are near to popping and undercarriage near to buckling with how heavily it's been weighed down, I'll take SB's word for it when he says we've got a shit ton.

The other van though-that's got some varied goodies in it now.
-A pair of 9k111 Fagot model 9S451M2 launchers and six 9M111M missiles for them.
-A single SPG-9 Kopye 73mm recoilless gun, and a 'sampler pack' of projectiles: three PG-9N, four OG-9VM1 and two OG-9BG1.
-A crate of 300 rounds of 30mm PGU-14/B depleted Uranium.
-A crate of 1000 rounds of .50 BMG
-A crate of 5000 7.62x51mm NATO.
-A small box of six(6) .600 NE rounds.
-A floppy disk. SB has no idea why it was there, but figured he'd snag it.

Once the trucks have passed by, and the vans can safely pull out and depart without attracting attention, we get up and get ready to leave-when I spot Adelat exiting the warehouse. Still clad in a fetching purple leisure suit, I enthusiastically wave at her before I walk off. I can feel her attention practically boring a hole in my back as I leave.

The rest of my afternoon is spent making sure we wrap up all seven jobs for Jung-and more importantly, get paid. Interestingly, seems that Vlad's job got cut short-but we're still getting the full pay plus the expedition bonus. Score one for us.
BUSINESS FUNDS: +$145,200-25% $189,347.00

With the spat of missions winding down, I get to making some other calls even as I chuckle at Hillevi wearing the Connery-esque doublet over the Xena outfit while she gets in an Argument with Vlad about what the definition of overkill is while I make some calls.

-First call is to Johan, requesting a set of 40 7.62×54mmR rounds with second tier cold magic. The total comes out to $32,000-and Johan knocks it down to $31,000 for me. I even get him to promise the rounds will be ready for pickup by Saturday morning.
PERSONAL FUNDS: -$31,000 $361,013.11
-Next, I send Andrei, our resident tech expert, out shopping for quality cameras and speakers for the doony mission. He's given a budget of $20,000, and I send Satai with him when he says he'd like an electrician's input given what we'll be doing with the stuff. They get back a bit after sunset, laden with purchases.
PERSONAL FUNDS: -$20,000 $341,013.11
-I look online for why Rocco gave me that strange call-and learn about the massive arrests in the US. I ponder if this creates an opportunity for the company.
-I finally order Amen to tint the house's many windows-which he does promptly.

After that... I set myself in action for my final 'plans' of the day: A spar.

Specifically, with Hillevi.

We end up going at it for six solid hours-with Duke, along with Russians not currently out at Itos or elsewhere, as the audience. At first Hillevi's easy to deal with, as my mobility gains mean I practically dance around her. It's pretty clear though that something's bothering her-as when I tell her to focus on the spar, I abruptly go from 'lalalaa you can't touch me' to 'Girl's got a mean right hook'. It's not that she's faster, or stronger, or anything like that: Instead, all of the difference is in how she leverages the power she has. Gone are those minor hesitations that plagued her before, as if she's finally viscerally accepted that to really put in solid effort she can't be afraid to cut loose under controlled circumstances. I won't say I fought her while she was being serious-but she shattered my ribs, pulped arms and froze flesh more than a few times as I dodged around her-and I got in a heaping helping of practice fighting high-magic foes, and slipping in spats of Hybrid Healing in combat. Win-win, as far as I'm concerned.

Still, the match is exhausting, and while I'm happy I got Hillevi's mind off of whatever funk she'd gotten in while I was out, I'm exhausted. After stealing some food from the kitchen (and being impressed with the kick) I retire for the night.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21ST, 2011
PERSONAL FUNDS: $341,013.11
BUSINESS FUNDS: $189,347.00
CASH: $0.00 Spent on beer watching Jung's warehouse
SHADOW PATIENCE: 65%
WINTER ENERGY: 69/160
SUMMER ENERGY: 42/50

I am woken up at four AM by a phone call from an unlisted number. I have some Brain Coffee and answer, pleased I actually don't sound like I just woke up.
>[Mr. Jung]"I can't say I'm completely grateful for what you did-but I recognize it's necessity. I'll be returning in the near future-but actually called regarding business."
"What's the business?"
>[Mr. Jung]"I want you to kill Lo Fang, and will pay you four times what he offered you for my life. I will also not place a time limit on this contract-and do not require you to even respond to the offer."

I mull this over.









What do I say to Jung-about the offer or otherwise?
What's my plan for today?
Don't I have a meeting I need to go to today?
When am I going to do the Gianni dinner thing?
>>
No. 386937 ID: a9f1dc

HELL NO we are not taking a measly two million to kill Lo Fang, local leader of the Triads. Because holy fuck, Go Ping and his boys would be on us like flies on shit. And while I think we could hide out in the Mansion until the issue cools, we'd never be able to work with the Triads again.

I'd ask for ten, even twenty million. Two is almost insulting, practically asking to put everything we have on the line.

Don't be angry, just be firm - you'd need a shitload more cash and some up front if he wants to make an offer like that.
>>
No. 386983 ID: f70e5e

I think we might want to have a general policy of not killing the higher ups of organisations who regularly employ us, with exception for suitably large piles of cash of course. 2 million is not a large enough pile of cash to piss off the triads. especially considering we would probably have to leave Istanbul if we did so. the only other underworld power that would hire us is the mafia, and they are fairly close to the triads so even they would not be a sure thing. not to mention killing lo fang would be incredibly difficult. we have no idea of what lo fang is capable of, aside from like his disciples but more so. that is not the level of Intel we would want before going after someone in lo fangs weight class.
>>
No. 387003 ID: cf49fc

>>386936
Dude. Lo Fang took out SAVLOY. Apparently EASILY. Taking him on is suicide, AND loses our Triad connections. This is a horrible deal, and not worth mere MONEY. If he were offering something like "Unlimited Magical Rocket Jetpacks That Shoot Lasers And Blowjobs And More Jetpacks", maybe, but not a paltry two MILLION dollars. That's a pittance.
>>
No. 387008 ID: b83c65

[Andrei Orders]
DIBS ON THE FLOPPY DISK!
Get good cameras with Satai. Raise the possibility of helmet cameras and bring up some editing software if Boss wants to actually broadcast this. Go to music store. Say we are on a mission from god. Get awesome speakers. After shopping, chill out. Go to Turkish coffee house. Enjoy. Idly mention boss
Curse whichever fucker restricts access to Red Bull.
Begin ordering Bawls Geek Beer ($34.95 for a 24pac, Milligrams of Caffeine per bottle: 100), Jolt ($9.99 for a fresh 6pac, Milligrams of Caffeine per bottle: 280), Rage Inferno in the Fire Extinguisher Bottle ($29.99 for a Twelve Pac, Milligrams of Caffeine per bottle: 375), Chameleon Cold-Brew (3 pac for $27.00, Milligrams of Caffeine per bottle: 2160) and 5150 Juice (1 Gallon is only $39.95, Milligrams of Caffeine: 64,000).
When sweet, sweet caffeine arrives, place in fridge beside tampered Red Bull. Write 'ANDREI' with a big, red, marker on everything. Feel smug. Indulge caffeine addiction.
Continue making contacts and 'friends' at the internet cafe.
Use Internet Cafe to brush up on actual hacking.

[Armas Orders]
"Mister Jung, I don't know what you know about the hit placed on you, or about the Triad in Istanbul, but let me be perfectly clear in saying that four times the price for your head is nowhere near the price needed to suggest killing Lo Fang. If that is all you can offer, then goodbye."

>What's my plan for today?
Train, train, train. Have another 'Hunt Armas' session, and include Hillevi. Do some dodge training, too. Just flat out avoid getting shot as you're standing down range, and the Russians shoot at you.
>Don't I have a meeting I need to go to today?
Friday, 3pm, at Yilmur. Wind tunnel testing with big guns, Armas. Big guns. I'm sure we can
>When am I going to do the Gianni dinner thing?
When you can find something good to wear. Go shopping! You need to dress up pretty for him.
>>
No. 387011 ID: cc1982

Susting all the responses advocating refusal to jung. He is asking for long term thing that we wouldn't be undertaking soon anyway, but in the future we may want to kill Lo Fang for reasons of our own and at that time there will be a 2million bonus for something we'd be doing anyway. Also he offered 4x rate not 2million, he could very well think the price on his head was larger.

>response to jung
say nothing, simply hmm and hang up the phone.

>Meeting
Hamlet said he had 4 hours free so call him up and ask to meet for dinner at 6 instead, that'll give enough time to finish with Go Ping.

>Gianni
Call Him up and ask him if tonight works for him, anytime after eight is good.

>Plan
withdraw 20,000 dollars for walking around money. Practice the fleshcrafting knowledge SB gave you for a new look to take to Gianni's dinner as well as a suitable soul guise, think back to the souls of the Einher you have previously met and look for commonalities amongst then to base it off. Pick up the dullest off the rack suit you can find for the civilian portion.
>>
No. 387016 ID: 6616f3

>>386983
What? The mafia isn't close to the triad, they're enemies. Big time. If Lo Fang died, Gianni and Rocco would attend the funeral in party hats.

Anyway, thank Jung for the offer, but don't expect that to happen any time soon. Explain that while we're not really against the idea in theory, even dropping a Javelin on him (yes, we have one) wouldn't be enough to see that one dead. Jung should probably resign himself to working around that guy.
>>
No. 387050 ID: 252e1b

ARMAS ORDERS

>What do I say to Jung-about the offer or otherwise?

>>387003 >>386937 >>386983 >>387016

As these gentlemen have said, we can't take that job offer yet. But we should NOT admit to any ill will toward Lo Fang, either. Think about it. What's Sake been doing the past couple of nights? Imitating people on the phone. This is an unlisted number, not the one you had for Jung earlier. This could be some kind of trap.

Simply say, "Well, that's a dangerous offer. I mean, even if I turn it down, you're going to leave it open. Anyway, whatever you think I did, we can talk about it in person sometime, along with whatever other business you want to talk about. When you get back in town, maybe over dinner?"

>What's my plan for today?

Evaluate your minions' souls and see how they look now that they've spent a few weeks with you. Perhaps the last couple of missions have seen them grow.

Ask Boris what he put in the food yesterday, and mention that you liked the kick it had. Do some cooking yourself, you've been lazy/busy the past couple of days. Either look up a recipe for a phoenix heart, or devise one based on the meat being able to grill the food around it, and needing to be cooled quickly before being eaten (try a very light roux that you allow to cook on the meat, and a yogurt-based dipping sauce of some sort)

Brag about your new recipe to Go Ping later.

>Don't I have a meeting I need to go to today?

You double-booked, you retard! You are supposed to meet the student engineer, Hamlet Hanson, at 3 p.m. in Yilmur's by the University, AND you scheduled to meet up with Go Ping at 3 p.m. in Kim's House of Pho by the docks! Bad Armas! Bad!

Luckily, Hamlet also mentioned that he had a four hour block of time free. Call him up and reschedule for 5 p.m. in Yilmur's instead of a 3 p.m.

Either research yourself, on your laptop, the rates a student engineer in Turkey can expect to make (and what tuition at Hamlet's university is) or have a Russian help you by doing the research for you. You need to know what Hamlet will expect, so that you can properly haggle and offer the right perks. And keep in mind you've got a lot of gear that many engineers with give up a tooth or two to get a good look at (those Javelins, for one).

>When am I going to do the Gianni dinner thing?

Dinner at 7 p.m., if he's up for it. Expect to be up all night.

LYUBOV ORDERS

[Thursday]
*Started the morning off with another jog with Camella. Spent another half hour spent contemplating how many athletes Camella could put to shame. Decides "All of them, probably."
*Hunted the Armas!
*Boring research into checking the collected identities to be sure no one else had the same idea and stole the same names she chose. [Bob says: "So, she found three in use, all male."]
*Made a note of the three names in use, groused about having to go to another cemetery soon.
*Spent a half hour looking up a good electronics store (one with geeky-sounding reviews)
*Go out to the chosen store, ask for help getting connectors suitable to hook cell phones up to a computer to play music over the phone to friends and record their response. Also bought more cell time ($120 for misc connectors and another 20 hours of airtime).
*Watched the spar, watched Zhneya moping around.
*Asked by Zhenya "How can I help?" pondered how to best use her. Responded to Zhenya, "Uhm, I need more boy names. If you go to some cemeteries I didn't, maybe out of town? Then maybe you can find good names that sound right. I need two, so try for eight. And get any girl names you see that sound ok too."
*Hooked up the computer so it can record the phones, recorded the fun with Sake for posterity. Asked what was up with Hillevi, got the low-down.
*Went off to night lessons.

[FRIDAY]
*Another jog with Camella, asks her "What is it you do besides the running to be so fit? Can you give me advice on what I should do?" After run, recovery, vow to one day manage to not feel halfway dead after a jog with Camella.
*Visit favorite bookstore again, buy books on mundane body building and body conditioning ($100).
*Return home, look up boutiques and shoe shops that specialize in clothing for tall and large women. Try to pick out ones that either also cater to normal sized women, or are near other boutiques that do so. Call ahead to be sure they can accommodate Hillevi. If she can't find any boutiques that can accommodate her guessed dimensions for Hillevi, she will seek tailors who can do it.
*Catch Hillevi and give books to her. Explain that since the simplest mundane cover (stressing how important appearing mundane is for less-than-legally acquired identities) is to have her claim to be a professional body builder for her fake ID background, she should study mundane techniques about body building so that if it comes up she can present a consistent story. Mention that the fake ID will be good for bars as well as other things (be SURE to assign Hillevi an identity that's the correct age for that).
*Talk to Hillevi a little about how things are going. Lead conversation to topic of her clothes yesterday, ask if she wants to go to some shops that cater to athletes and other top 1% of the human population (Lyubov will be sure to stress how people with Hillevi's height are almost all world-class athletes of one sort or another, and how shops and tailors specialize in serving them, rather than the hoi polloi). If she learns about Zhenya's failed attempt yesterday, say, "Zhenya has a good heart, but she jumps in without looking sometimes. I have already found the right places." Mean it, too. Remind Hillevi to bring cash card, mention that, "$500,000 can buy a lot of clothes."
*Call a taxi for them after looking at both vanduras and realizing #1 would look out of place in the upper-crust areas, and that #2 is still all shot up. Mention to Igor that #2 is still full of holes, hint that it would be less suspicious if it were not.
*While out, buy pajamas, a couple of dresses for herself, two more sets of workout clothes, skirts and tops, a couple of bags, shoes, and misc items (jewelry, undergarments, accessories, etc) ($3000-$6000). Lubov will give Hillevi the best advice she is capable of, and encourage her to have fun with clothes and pick a variety.
*Stop in sewing supply store on the way home. Buy elastics, snaps, slim tension buckles, a bolt of black nylon and another of white nylon, 10 yards "slip-not" or other PVC coated fabric, and wadding. ($400)
*At home, start getting materials all sorted for her project, offer Hillevi a drink. Get to talking, mention stories about how her mother taught her how to do alterations and basic sewing. Complain about living in a 101st kilometer city (residential communities established well away from urban centers to keep their residents politically impotent) as a kid, "So boring! I was always getting into trouble and doing stupid things. I smoked horrible cheap cigarettes and wore counterfeit Levi jeans and played pogs. Pogs! My friends and I were stupid. It is a game where you flip over cardboard coins with a brass coin."
*Abandon idea of getting any serious work on her holster project done today. Play back some of Sake's prank calls for Hillevi, if Hillevi doesn't grasp the humor, explain, "This is like verbal sparring. If you challenge people's expectations in the right way, it is funny. It can make the prank caller more creative, and the person being prank called more quick to recognize when they are having a joke played on them."
*Prank the rest of the night away with Sake and Hillevi until Night Lessons. Apply alcohol to all three parties, but Lyubov will steadfastly remain sober enough to perform her duties at the dojo.
>>
No. 387145 ID: 675914

[IGOR]
>Badger Igor into making shaped backing plates for directing explosions. Give zero fucks when Igor complains about the crude crafting being demanded of him, deadpan way through explaining how it's impossible for Igor to smith something more productive to the company as a whole given time investment. Awaiting Igor response on Satai's request for two dozen. (will use up 72 pounds of steel)
Give zero fuck about Satai's delusions on what is 'good enough', and decide that If he limits his sleep and do nothing but his lessons at Ito's and crafting, he may have time to do a decent job at it. Igor will re-evaluate Saturday morning if he has not advanced far enough on those, but for now it's full time smithing.

[ARMAS]
>What do I say to Jung-about the offer or otherwise?
An offer for an unspecified amount of money where there is no timeframe for killing someone we almost certainly will end up killing? Well, Armas can't say yes, but should definitely be having a great inner cheer here. If his greediness wants more, he can easily try to get lo fang to up the bounty on Jung's head, too, which would bring up Lo Fang's. Deliciousness. So, say nothing but a pleased mmmh.

>What's my plan for today?
>Keep up your soul guise, and keep in mind that we can now see it, which means Armas should see if there is a difference between different amount of focus on it.
Armas should re-evaluate the training he has been doing with the Russians- while it is fun and has helped him see how to use his footwork a bit more, it definitely is not really pushing him, and he hasn’t been really planning how to get the most out of it. IF Armas decides to do another of those, he could spice things up by trying to take on a soul guise that says “friendly”. In order to do that, he may want to begin by having a soul that share components with the Russians, and, by process of elimination, try to get a universal “i am a ally' soul-guise.
Armas can't really do anything that's really dangerous, as he need to recuperate his winter energy by the time he fights Doony if he wants any chance of capturing his soul. This mean live-fighting in the Arena for Armas or some such is out of the question, though maybe Camella could do that. However, if Camella is here, Armas might ask Amen to lead them safely to a non-dangerous room that is covered in shadows, and Armas might get into a serious spar with her there, preferably with the Russians and Hillevi cheering Camella on (it will feel so weird for Hillevi). This will be Armas' best bet to have a comprehensive feel/example of how effective his new mobility is against someone as broken as Camella before the Doony fight. Armas might want to tell Camella not to kill him or some such as as they have a job this week end.

[PRIMARY]Armas should begin with Shadow Step, then switch to shoddy step + Hummingbird’s momentum, and then try to use his practice with precision chakra to 'add' shadow step to the previous duo for instants at a time in order to destabilize Camella and try to either score hits or get our of bad situations. Hummingbird's momentum is of course especially good for having crazy movements that could confun Camella, as well as for using the walls/objects around for movements. Of course, Armas should also look at his soul and at Camella's when he has his soul sensing orientation (which may not be that much, as Camella might be using reinforcement) in order to get information for why he has trouble with using shadow + Shoddy+ hummingbird at once, as well as try to 'get' Camella more and manage to 'anticipate' her like we did in our spar at Ito's. If Camella is using chakra, Armas should try and match her strength. If she is using an orientation he doesn't know of, he should obviously try to 'understand' it.
[TRICKSTER] Armas might want to change his soul-guise during the spar in order to 'Bluff' her. Soul-Guises have a high-chance of stacking very well with Ego-less, and now that Armas can see his own soul he can adjust them that much more precisely. This might not only make Ego-less work once again against her, but it could be used in the opposite fashion by making her believe she has a good grasp on what Armas is going to do and then either capitalize on her overreaching, or if impossible just 'break the flow' by doing something truly unexpected.
[HEAVY HANDED] If nothing works (or if Armas just wants to test this mode), once Armas has gotten a good enough grasp, when looking at his soul, of using shoddy+Humming+shadow for instant, he might want to try and use them all for a longer amount of time as well as overcharging reinforcement to the max (or simply stay on Soul Sensing if Armas manage to “anticipate” Camella's attacks that much better when he has this orientation on).
[ESCAPE] Armas may need to 'escape' from Camella's assault from time to time, and we can't constantly rely only on Hummingbird's momentum to get us out of this- this is when we should switch to our sucky Stealth orientation and use the shadows as well as a soul-guise to hide. While Armas might not know a good “no one is here” Soul-Guise (though he should try to get it), he might be able to bluff Camella with using a soul-guise of one of our audience. I am sure Sake could tell Lyubov to go away for a minute or so, so that Armas could get a “Lyubov soul” and thus confound Camella, or some such things.

>Lo Fang lesson.
Well, we want to get rid of the doony this WE. If we manage to get everything pumped up for it (Go Ping and Labombard and so on agree), this means that we need to be in top form when we do it. This mean that unless we get our Lo Fang lesson saturday morning and go against Doony sunday night, we WILL be too tired- and if we do that, we most likely will sleep all of Saturday, which may make our plans to get rid of Doony half-assed as well as make it impossible to get a Gianni lesson. So i'd suggest either begging off this week's lesson- and try to get a double one next week- or else have this week's lesson to be for the Hummingbird. He did help us out a lot last time, and Lo Fang might be his only way to learn Chakra- if he can, that is. Brings up the idea to Hummingbird. Whatever we decide, we should call Lo Fang about it- it's already Friday, and he wants a day's warning.

>Don't I have a meeting I need to go to today?
You, once again, overbooked. Put that meeting with Hamlet at 5pm (this means only 2hrs for Go Ping Doony planning), and TRY to get there on time.

>When am I going to do the Gianni dinner thing?
Very, very soon. Really, if armas managed to get his epi first lesson before getting rid of doony, he might be able to get enough lessons from Whaitiri that he could get some nice Doony glands. Also, given we want to deal with Doony this WE, we better do this tonight after Hamlet meeting. Armas should of course plan that meeting (certainly not date) with GiaGia.
First off, obviously, is soul guise. Given the 'level' of AORB, this means taking on a soul guise that looks almost completely like a “Einher”, but with just a trace of 'professional American' left. Luckily, Armas has seen enough einherjar to help, and he knows what an American is. For 'professional', well, Armas might think of Riker. Second is the clothing- for this, Armas may ask help from Einrik and Duke- they both almost certainly know better than Armas what a einher would consider 'Common' clothing for mundanes. Especially a bit of a gauche Einher. Last is the attitude. Of course, the Einher “barbarism” should shine through a half-assed businessman attitude, but there should be some “too ingrained to be discarded” professionalism there. THIS MEANS ARMAS SHOULD PRACTICE THIS NEW SOUL GUISE FOR A HANDFUL OF HOURS (while looking at his own soul) during the day, preferably when he is doing other stuff at the same time.
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No. 387146 ID: 448d82

>What do I say to Jung-about the offer or otherwise?
Say, that Jung should keep his head low, making such offers is a dangerous thing to do, then hang up. Then tell Go Ping another hit (probably already bounties on his head) is out on Lo Fang.
Fair is fair and the more foes Lo Fang has, the better for us.

>What's my plan for today?
Knife fight! Seriously, do some melee training with the Russians, no guns allowed. Get Amen to make a harmless wooden mere for you.
On other notes, you need to get a guise for Silja that makes her look like a cane, then you can talk with her more and take her more places with you.
Settle for feeding(Shapeshifters and female things, preferable humanoid... Amen should have human blood stored) and talking to her each night before you sleep.

>Don't I have a meeting I need to go to today?
Overbooked, fix problem as suggested by almost everyone.
When at the Go Ping meeting, if Lammy isn't there...
Realize you haven't heard from him since the reaper incident... question Go Ping about this. Lammy seemed to have paid a large price for his actions that day... he may not have regained full sanity...
Einrik(headmessing) and Duke(knows his drugs) might be of aid there...
We might have to “extract” Lammy from the triads if all else fails. Heh, then we'd have a company dog!

>When am I going to do the Gianni dinner thing?
Make sure to change your skin and hair colour before going, wear coloured lenses too.

>>387145
Upvote everything here as sound plan, Not the bit about Jung though, sounding pleased about a contract to kill Lo Fang isn't the kind of tell we want to give, even though we'll have to kill that man someday, that day is not yet upon us.

>LEV orders.
Seek out Feodor, recall the times he has patched up your wounds, drink in celebration of the awesomeness of medics, recall the weasel has also done healing, raise drink in praise; construct a shrine in Sake's honour from random shiny junk in the middle of somewhere, it will probably catch fire, you don't care, medics are great; *hic* Especially magical ones.

At some point, either before, during or after drunken thanksgiving, realise how many times you seen boss without his shadow, recall that weird encounter you had with a another one of the boss.

A TALKING LIVING SHADOW. Be confused as to whether this is a cool thing or a scary thing, come to the conclusion it is both. Shadows... sometimes in the old stories, the folktales Babushka told, they are good things and sometimes bad things...

Well, at any rate, it seemed civil. If you see it again, ask it if you can get it anything, or if there is anything it wants, being in with the boss's shadow seems a safe idea... man this is weird.
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No. 387153 ID: 733518

For the rest of the day, make some time to practice using Hummer's Momentum to improve shooting, particularly the AA-12 on full auto. It should do wonders for negating recoil. Then, practice using Shoddy Step as well to fire accurately whilst on the move, taking shots in the instant you change direction and pass through zero velocity, whilst zig-zagging.

Don't do melee training.
>>
No. 387154 ID: 3947e9

Boris is somewhat disappointed at the lack of screaming and vomiting when more food was stolen.
He looks up the video footage to see if he can find out who it was.
>>
No. 387162 ID: e2a0c6

Fuck Lo Fang, but taking him out right now without, say paying the Redcaps to do it and giving them enough blood for their blood bubble trick isn't feasible. And he's not really offering enough for that.

Dmitrii orders: First make sure to return the weapon you checked out along with the magazines and unused ammo.

(Budget $6500. Less mafia dudes and no other Russians should offset a more costly vice) Head out pick up seven or eight mafia dudes for another party. Ignore bringing other Russians this time. Last time was booze, food and whores. This time drugs, food and whores. Going need to ask them about where to get a hold of drugs here. Since you gave them a taste of high-ish life last time, you can't just stick to weed and cheap stuff. Crack in Turkey should on average cost about 70$ per gram. Most of it'll probably have crap mixed in and in general be a bit shitty, but try and at least make sure there isn't stuff that'll kill you in the mix.

Any mafia guys who aren't used to crack, make sure you tell them how to keep from ending up as some shivering crackhead. Won't do for the mafia to blame you for their guys turning into worthless druggies. When your high starts to fade don't immediately try and smoke some more so it. You build up resistance pretty quick and you'll need so much after a few hours that it's an easy way to OD. Varies a bit from person to person, but fifteen minutes high, fifteen low, thirty normal(or smoking weed instead), and then you can start back on the crack again. Also let them know they should probably wait at least two weeks before hitting up again. Again, helps to make sure you don't end up some crappy crackhead. As long as you pace yourself and don't do it all the time you should be fine.

After a couple hours ask if they know where to get some magic drugs. There's gotta be magic drugs around. That'll be expensive, but the others should enjoy it and might be able to sell that sort of info to Duke.
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No. 387180 ID: 81f32a

we're not killing Lo Fang. That's balls on head retarded.
But we shouldn't say anything to Jung either. Do not accept or deny the proposition. Do not comment it in either way. Do not start circuitous monologue. There is absolutely no need for it.
He said we do not need to reply, so we shouldn't.

Like it or not, we are deeply entangled with the Triads. Labombard who sees us as a 'little brother' (and thus our ally) is an open ally of the Triads, we are good friends of Lo Ping and Meng Yun, we made it so that Camella became friends with Lo Ping, we introduced Hillevi to the Triads, the Triads became acquainted with Ito, we have gained a measure of respect from Lo Fang and have become his STUDENT (student-mentor relationships are still important, guys). We have gained Lo Fang and his protegees as Chakra mentors for indefinite time. He's a 80 year old grandmaster and no matter how fast we learn Chakras I cannot see anyone better to learn from than Lo Fang at the moment. The training we get from the Triads is priceless on its own.
Whenever we trust Lo Fang or not is unimportant. Frankly I am appalled that some would even consider this proposal if the pay was better, or thinking that we will definitely have to kill Lo Fang at some point in future (this is dangerously paranoid thinking)
The little stunt we made with Jung situation could be chalked-up to friendly manipulation game. I don't think that Lo Fang would be angry at us for pulling it (maybe he'll be even slightly impressed how we made everything play out in our advantage).

Really, unless we fuck up big time or the Triads go full-retard villain mode and betray us, I do not see us moving against them now or ever.
>>
No. 387310 ID: 431fa8

>>386936
>What do I say to Jung-about the offer or otherwise?
We're not going to kill Lo Fang right now, but there's no reason to tell him that- if it's a standing contract that we don't need to state acceptance of, then there's no reason at all to turn it down. SUST to any suggestion to do so.

"Understood. I hope your operations were not disrupted too badly. My company remains available for employment, of course."

>What's my plan for today?
Maintain soul guise all day.

Order Andrei to figure out a way to read whatever's on that disk. With that problem properly delegated we can move on to more pressing matters.

If our soul sensing chakra orientation lets us see ourself- does it also let us break through any of the other barriers that we'd previously identified in our abilities? Can we sense souls that we haven't yet seen or gotten Attention from, for example? Try to sense random people outside or in other buildings to test. Likewise, we might consider using our soul sensing orientation to get a more thorough read on others' souls than we have thus far; spend a bit of time staring at someone, and see if we can get more than the simple summaries of personality that we usually get. Try to identify details, memories, minor facets of personality and if they tie together with each other or with memories somehow- whatever we can find. Overcharge our orientation if we have difficulty to see if that helps.

Call Gianni and see about a certain dinner invitation- perhaps this evening?

Spend some time talking to Silja this morning. She makes a decent confidante and might have some insight into the situation with Hillevi... not that we should actually tell her the details, but the general idea of Hillevi being apparently in danger yesterday, our reaction, what Einrik said about it, and our discovery that she has the memory of a terrible mistake sealed away- in what mirrors our own repression of certain errors rather closely. Even trapped in a gun, Silja is probably wiser than us when it comes to emotions- and now that we know about it, isn't it sort of our job to try and build Hillevi up emotionally to the point where she can handle remembering it, since she's our ward?

>Don't I have a meeting I need to go to today?
We have two, in fact. Withdraw $20,000 or so in cash before going to them, and call Hamlet Hanson to delay our meeting with him by a couple hours since we double-booked for some bizarre reason even though we specifically knew that we had a meeting at three and had nothing else planned all morning to stop us from meeting Go Ping for lunch at a normal time.

At our meeting with Go Ping, don't mention the Doonongaes by name- we agreed to meet him at an unsecured location for some reason, instead of inviting him to our mansion for a magically delicious lunch in a pleasantly warded locale, so the Doonongaes might be able to pick up on us with its super-hearing if we're insufficiently circumspect.

Some things to say:
"I've got a fair number of resources together- you know Hillevi is staying with me; her brother has agreed to assist so far as ensuring that our fishy friend fails to flee, should it try. Aside from that, I've got paired pistols, a shotgun, and another pistol that should be able to go a long way towards keeping it down rather than letting it get back up, if we're able to hit it with all of them- the enchantments should stack up nicely. And as far as sheer damage goes- I was thinking several miniguns, an automatic sniper rifle with rather frigid ammo, and explosive charges planted wherever we think it will probably go should be enough sheer firepower. I've also got guys to man any weapons we can't handle ourselves, if we need them. What have you guys put together?"
"I've got a line on some poison resistance and should be able to pick it up on short notice, in quantity if we need it. Expensive as hell, though. Have you got any solution that isn't incredibly costly?"
"A little intel on its movements- it looks like it spends most of its time patrolling the Bosphorus, mostly on the south end in the evenings and the north end in the mornings. Doesn't keep to a perfect schedule, though. Still, if we're on the north side and start shouting things into the sea, I think we can be fairly certain that it will hear us. Anyone have a better plan than shouting insults until it shows for luring it in? That would be fun, but... not as certain as I'd like. And it would leave the chance that it brings friends."
"Any objection to moving on this Sunday morning?"

Before we go, ask that Go Ping arrange for us to receive tutoring from Lo Fang on Monday. And get a solid look at all three Triads' souls, if we can.


Our second meeting is with Hamlet Hanson. Bring the gun components in a sealed container that conceals what they are, along with a diagram showing what they originally came from. Inspect his soul before talking to him, for the conversational advantage.

Then aim to push fast to get him into working for us. "Mr. Hanson, yes? A pleasure to meet you. I am sorry for rescheduling- a last-minute business meeting, I'm sure you know how these things go. In any case, to business. As I explained on the phone, I need several items investigated and analyzed- their characteristics mapped out in as much detail as possible, as well as any items on the market which closely resemble them identified. I trust this is something you can handle?"
"The compensation is significant, of course. Paid in cash- I have a retainer here, which should cover whatever you need for your examinations. Depending upon the quality of your results my company can also provide further pay, and if you have any particularly costly expenses while the investigation is ongoing, covering those is negotiable."
Give him $10,000 or so, cash. Then go somewhere non-public and go over the details of the Reaper gun with him so that he can get started.
>>
No. 387318 ID: 6eb846

>>387310
Upvoting this. Try to spend as little winter energy as possible until the Doonongaes fight.

SB said that there were gaps in his flesh manipulation knowledge that made it unsafe to share it with Armas. Ask SB if there are some gaps that might be filled by asking questions to GiaGia and thereby unlocking some of the knowledge.
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No. 387349 ID: 6616f3

>>385135
I still like my ideas from this post for the Gianni dinner.

>>387145
Okay, a few thoughts if we get into a big spar/fight thing. I'd like Armas to organize and integrate his martial arts so its easier for us, the questers and simpler for Armas to remember in a fight - a la his jukenjitsu high-low stances. I figure we could break it down into Hard and Soft styles, or maybe Basic Striker-Grappler-Other, or something like that.

Krav Maga's basic fighting stance is balanced and flows really naturally into the other styles we've learned. It shares with LINE's basic warrior stance the 'arms up elbows in face the enemy' bit. That's the Striker/Hard stance.

Hard stance lends itself to strikes and thrusting attacks, very angular. Boost with Shadow Step/Shoddy Step and count on spot Reinforcement to protect you. Hummer's movement if added would be to turn missed strikes into elbow/backfists/instantly rechambered kicks to keep us from overextending. Using everything together would give you a blindingly fast thrust (Hummingbird Thrust!) but not much else.

Knees are bent and center of gravity is low, back leg heel is up off the ground, which it shares with Kas pin. Shift one arm up and one down. That's the Soft stance, and the one you use the mere with (the lower hand is the one using the mere).

This is the one to use Hummer's movement on, I think. It already involves really complicated looping hand movements, switching dominant hands from move to move to make things more confusing for an opponent, nerve strikes, the gentle touch, etcetera - crank that up to eleven and the opponent will need really good eyes to follow you, whereas you only need a few good nerve strikes/mere hits.

Shift weight onto front foot and it becomes Sambo's grapple-heavy stance good for swift clinches/throws, not that we're very good with that.

I'd also like to, just once, try something like tae kwon do's 520 degree kick with Hummer's Movement. 520 degree kick becomes Tatsumaki Senpuukyaku.

Now, on to the actual fight- fighting Camella is always fun, but I think we need to start learning team tactics. We're more likely to fight alongside Hillevi or Camella than against them, and we should remember that. If they're up for it, try a few matches of you and Camella versus Hillevi. Together we're more likely to give her a challenge, particularly with her matured ice magic. Just have Camella wear her wheel charm to be safe, and we can all cut loose.

Now get used to making complementary attacks (high and low, different but complementary angles of attack, that sort of thing), flanking attacks, etcetera.

Practice two types of tag-team fighting. In the first, you're the primary attacker/tank. Work on keeping Hillevi's attention with flashy attacks (heavy use of reinforcement to keep from needing a bunch of new organs, have Sake on healing duty), set up opportunities for Camella. Use Gyaketsuote offensively (yes, I just told you to stare at Hillevi offensively) to keep yourself alive and disrupt Hillevi's timing.

In the other, we're the shadow. Use Camella to screen your own attacks and strike from blind sides. Try using gyaketsuote on your ally to synchronize/complement your movements- instead of using the soul bridge to disrupt and confuse the enemy, use it to understand instinctively what your ally is going to do. From Hafaz we know that just one soul bridge can last the whole fight and you don't need to keep looking in their eyes, so I really think this should work.
>>
No. 387357 ID: d97a61

>[Andrei has been queued to do the following:]
>The moment you are made aware of its existence shout DIBS ON THE FLOPPY DISK! Mad cackling may or may not be involved. Wonder where you'll get a proper reader.
>Get helmet cameras during camera purchasing outing and bring up some editing software if Boss wants to actually broadcast this. Realize 'oh wait we got way too much money for this just to cover things like this.'
>Curse whichever fucker restricts access to Red Bull, and through it access to all energy drinks in the house. Resolve to Correct this.
>Begin ordering Bawls Geek Beer ($34.95 for a 24pack), Jolt ($9.99 for a fresh 6pack), Rage Inferno in the Fire Extinguisher Bottle ($29.99 for a Twelve Pack), Chameleon Cold-Brew (3 pack for $27.00) and 5150 Juice (1 Gallon is only $39.95). Total spent: $152
>When sweet, sweet caffeine arrives, place in fridge beside tampered Red Bull. Write 'ANDREI'S DO NOT TOUCH' with a big, red, marker on each individual container. Feel smug. Indulge caffeine addiction. Feel oddly self-conscious, as if someone is glaring at you, each time you partake-wonder what's up with that.
>Continue making contacts and 'friends' at the internet cafe. Use Internet Cafe to brush up on actual hacking.
>[Boris has been queued to do the following:]
>Be disappointed by lack of screaming and/or vomiting despite continued thefts.
>Review video footage-find a purple-clad arm that can't be accounted for that grabs food from a doorway. Be reasonably certain thief is the Boss.
>Wonder how to handle this, given Boss' relative position (that being: the fucking BOSS) and disposition: does Boris have enough to act? Is doing anything a good idea? Boris does not know.
>[Dmitrii has been queued to do the following:]
>Be conscientious of the hassle managing the Armory is/display respect for the quartermaster by not only returning your weapon and unused weapon, but also informing Satai of how many bullets were expended so he doesn't have to count (two bullets used)
>Connect with Mafia drinking acquaintances, plan another night on the town. Get the feeling your plan to be 'Fast Friends' with the Mafia underlings is proceeding apace.
>Spend $4,150 on food, whores and drugs-specifically, crack cocaine and weed. Be willing to provide advice on 'safe' use of Crack-find out the Mafia are already aware.
>One of the Mafia comrades has some of his own crack, and adds to your contribution for the night of fun.
>Long story short, end up hotwiring a fleet of mail trucks and parking them all in a low-budget car park before wiping down handles and steering wheels for prints and then removing the wheels and placing them in random truck beds. Afterwards be uncertain exactly how you collectively came to the conclusion that this accomplishment would prove your manhood.
>Noting that the Mafia fellow's crack was a bit more potent than you expected, nevertheless inquire after magic drugs as the night winds down-be told there's a man by the name of Doctor 'So-Great' Ace, and be provided with an address one of his flunkies can be encountered at. Fail to find out exactly what it is he could offer, or how much.
>[Igor has been queued to do the following:]
>In response to Satai give zero counter-fucks about Satai's delusions on what is 'good enough'. Decide that If he limits his sleep and does nothing but his lessons at Ito's and crafting, he may have time to do a decent job at it. Igor will re-evaluate Saturday morning if he has not advanced far enough on those, but for now it's full time smithing. ROLL A 1d70+30 in discussion-on a score of 75 or higher, finish personally approved quality backing plates by Saturday. For every five rolled below the DC, add an additional day to fabrication time. By the end of this smithing project, feel more comfortable enacting gross change in metal with hammering.
>[Lev has been queued to do the following:]
>Seek out Feodor, recall the times he has patched up your wounds, drink in celebration of the awesomeness of medics. Be surprised this small effort of camaraderie is amazingly well received-realize Feodor is feeling a bit out of his depth with multiple magic healers around, and really appreciated being acknowledged for his own efforts. Recall the weasel has also done healing, raise drink in praise only after leaving Feodor's company; due to state of drunkenness when leaving meeting with Feodor, construct a shrine in Sake's honor from random shiny junk in the middle of somewhere, it will probably catch fire, you don't care, medics are great, even the magical ones.
>At some point, either before, during or after drunken thanksgiving (for the rest of his life he's not quite sure on the exact timing), realize how many times you seen boss without his shadow, recall that weird encounter you had with a another one of the boss. Mull this over in a boozed mind for an hour before a thought pops free.
>A TALKING LIVING SHADOW. Be confused as to whether this is a cool thing or a scary thing, come to the conclusion it is both. Shadows... sometimes in the old stories, the folktales Babushka told, they are good things and sometimes bad things... Mull this over with such intensity the entire sequence is fully remembered the next day.
>Decide the shadow seemed civil enough. When the shadow is seen again, ask it if you can get it anything, or if there is anything it wants, being in with the boss's shadow seems a safe idea... man this is weird. Be even more wierded out when the shadow replies by asking for 'black lights'. Wonder what's up with that.
>[Lyubov has already done the following:]
Buttz I love the characterization you're putting in your minion, but if you could dial back the amount of orders just a bit I'd appreciate it.
>Started the morning off with another jog with Camella. Smack into a wall near the end when so fatigued she nearly passed out. Spent another half hour spent contemplating how many athletes Camella could put to shame. Decide "All of them, probably." Do not ponder if this is to assuage ego.
>Hunted the Armas! Find him in Foyer. After watching him for a few seconds, note him to directly turn about and Smile at Lyubov before getting up and walking out of the room. After pursuing him down the hallway, fail to find him. Feel something in her pocket-turn about, see no one. Check pocket: there is a note saying 'If you want to play hide and seek, you have to try harder than that'. Have minor epiphany of 'Oh that's right, my boss is both insane and a magic man'.
>Boring research into checking the collected identities to be sure no one else had the same idea and stole the same names she chose. Note down the three male names already in use, for future blackmail of the name users.
>Spent a half hour looking up a good electronics store (one with geeky-sounding reviews). Locate two.
>Go out to the chosen store, ask for help getting connectors suitable to hook cell phones up to a computer to play music over the phone to friends and record their response. Also bought more cell time ($120 for misc connectors and another 20 hours of airtime).
>Watched the spar, enjoy these non personally painful reminders of the golden rule of monster fighting: don't let them touch you. Watched Zhenya moping around.
>Asked by Zhenya "How can I help?" pondered how to best use her. Responded to Zhenya, "Uhm, I need more boy names. If you go to some cemeteries I didn't, maybe out of town? Then maybe you can find good names that sound right. I need two, so try for eight. And get any girl names you see that sound ok too." Awaiting action on Zhenya's side.
>Hooked up the computer so it can record the phones, recorded the fun with Sake for posterity. Be sad when Sake's voice sounds gratingly squeaky as a recording-wonder how that could be fixed. Asked what was up with Hillevi, got the low-down. Face decides to ignore brain and have its own civil war for what expression is the proper response to this. Realize this is probably how the Boss's Smile started.
>[Lyubov has been queued to do the following:]
>Attend another jog with Camella, ask her "What is it you do besides the running to be so fit? Can you give me advice on what I should do?" Be informed that while she's always been big on fitness, she wasn't quite this enduring until after she'd survived for a week alone in the Undersewers. Decide that an ironman survival training regime of life and death is probably not for her. After run and subsequent recovery, vow to one day manage to not feel halfway dead after a jog with Camella. Make a note on said vow to try and do so without following her crazy crazy example.
>Visit favorite bookstore again, buy books on mundane body building and body conditioning ($100). Snicker as you realize not a one of the women featured looks like anything more than a child next to Hillevi's stature-laugh harder when you realize in many countries she's still not officially an adult. Thanks to surreal nature of current job, give zero fucks at the strange looks the older patrons of the store give her.
>Return home, look up boutiques and shoe shops that specialize in clothing for tall and large women. Try to pick out ones that either also cater to normal sized women, or are near other boutiques that do so. Call ahead to be sure they can accommodate Hillevi. Realize that there isn't any listing of a place that does large and tall clothing large ENOUGH for Hillevi. If she can't find any boutiques that can accommodate her guessed dimensions for Hillevi, she will seek tailors who can do it. Begin to question how costly a shopping outing with Hillevi will be if everything has to be tailor made to her.
>Catch Hillevi and give books to her. Explain that since the simplest mundane cover (stressing how important appearing mundane is for less-than-legally acquired identities) is to have her claim to be a professional body builder for her fake ID background, she should study mundane techniques about body building so that if it comes up she can present a consistent story. Mention that the fake ID will be good for bars as well as other things (be SURE to assign Hillevi an identity that's the correct age for that). Once Hillevi's been made to grasp that Bodybuilding is considered rather 'manly' and that adhering to this cover will help with her goal to get 'permission' to drink, she accepts the task with Gusto. Smile as Hillevi shows how much of a kid she is by frequently asking Lyubov to explain things in the books.
>Talk to Hillevi a little about how things are going. Lead conversation to topic of her clothes yesterday, ask if she wants to go to some shops that cater to athletes and other top 1% of the human population (Lyubov will be sure to stress how people with Hillevi's height are almost all world-class athletes of one sort or another, and how shops and tailors specialize in serving them, rather than the hoi polloi). If she learns about Zhenya's failed attempt yesterday, say, "Zhenya has a good heart, but she jumps in without looking sometimes. I have already found the right places." Mean it, too. Remind Hillevi to bring cash card, mention that, "$500,000 can buy a lot of clothes." Be agog that Hillevi hardly seems to care about the half million she has-offhandedly drool over the money.
>Call a taxi for them after looking at both vanduras and realizing #1 would look out of place in the upper-crust areas, and that #2 is still all shot up. Mention to Igor that #2 is still full of holes, hint that it would be less suspicious if it were not. Awaiting Igor and/or Vlad input to repair Vandura.
>While out getting Hillevi measured and helping her order custom fitted clothes (Hillevi: -$72,000), buy pajamas, a couple of dresses for herself, two more sets of workout clothes, skirts and tops, a couple of bags, shoes, and misc items (jewelry, undergarments, accessories, etc) (Price $4,150). Lubov will give Hillevi the best advice she is capable of, and encourage her to have fun with clothes and pick a variety.
>Stop in sewing supply store on the way home. Buy elastics, snaps, slim tension buckles, a bolt of black nylon and another of white nylon, 10 yards "slip-not" or other PVC coated fabric, and wadding. ($400)
>At home, start getting materials all sorted for her project, offer Hillevi a drink. Get to talking, mention stories about how her mother taught her how to do alterations and basic sewing. Complain about living in a 101st kilometer city (residential communities established well away from urban centers to keep their residents politically impotent) as a kid, "So boring! I was always getting into trouble and doing stupid things. I smoked horrible cheap cigarettes and wore counterfeit Levi jeans and played pogs. Pogs! My friends and I were stupid. It is a game where you flip over cardboard coins with a brass coin." Laugh as Hillevi's examples of stupid games sound decidedly... suicidal. Example: seeing how far one can stick their head in an Ika-Turso's mouth before it attempts to bite.
>Abandon idea of getting any serious work on her holster project done today. Play back some of Sake's prank calls for Hillevi, when Hillevi doesn't grasp the humor, explain, "This is like verbal sparring. If you challenge people's expectations in the right way, it is funny. It can make the prank caller more creative, and the person being prank called more quick to recognize when they are having a joke played on them." Be sad Hillevi still doesn't get it-but note that post-shopping, Hillevi is acting very.... little sister-y towards her.
>Prank the rest of the night away with Sake until Night Lessons. Apply alcohol liberally, but Lyubov will steadfastly remain sober enough to perform her duties at the dojo. Be unaware that after this night's training she acquires the nickname of 'Booze foot' for an accidental stumble placing her foot firmly on the leading leg of her sparring partner and tripping them. Wonder how to feel about the first time you really 'got' a vampire one on one being while she's drunk. Be a bit creeped out by the old Asian vampire toothlessly smiling at her.

>>387011
>>387050
I grunt into the phone even as I start getting up and pulling out clothes.
"Well, that's a dangerous offer. I mean, even if I turn it down, you're going to leave it open. Anyway, whatever you think I did, we can talk about it in person sometime, along with whatever other business you want to talk about. When you get back in town, maybe over dinner?"
>[Mr. Jung]"Now I must stress I'm likely not to be back for some time-I hope you understand this."
"It's understood. I hope your operations were not disrupted too badly. My company remains available for employment, of course."
>[Mr. Jung]"Yes-I find myself curious enough where you found individuals with the skillsets your employees have-but sadly am in no position to inquire. Perhaps some day you can share your secret with me-or perhaps not."
What, he wants to get all pseudo-sagely on me? Two can play at that.
"The winds of change are ever fickle. Who's to say what the future may bring."
I grimace at the taste of the words-as Jung chuckles.
>[Mr. Jung]"True enough. The intermediary your men were paid through is still in town-if more employment opportunities arise, you will be informed. Have a pleasant day, Mr. Laine."
*CLICK*

While I slap on a silver suit, I briefly toy with the idea of being so paranoid I worry about Lo Fang having compromised my phone-about the caller not being Mr. Jung-

And then I remember how damned good I've been doing at NOT being a paranoid shit-for-brains these last couple weeks. Fuck if I'm ruining that hot streak. Now that I'm able to see my own soul, I briefly self-assess to see that indeed my soul 'appears' normally spherical if one does not look too deeply. Or maybe I can see past it so easily because it's my own Guise? Not sure-
What I do know, though, is that I only just now realize I double booked today. Engineering Student Hamlet Hanson at a pub: 3pm. Go Ping and co at a Dockside eatery: also 3pm. This needs correcting.
>[HH][In Turkish]"....Who is this?"
[In Turkish]"My, do you get many restricted calls?"
Theres a momentary pause as the academic mulls this over.
>[HH]" You know, it would have been nice if you'd more clearly identified yourself on the phone-"
"Had I, then you would not have, with proper caution, reached out to a certain Professor. It is good to encourage caution, after all."
>[HH]"Yeah-the Professor told me some things about what you're involved with-"
"Which, I think, would make excellent dinner conversation."
>[HH]"Dinner? I thought-"
"Yes-and I am calling to request a minor rescheduling from 3 to 5. Can you accommodate that?"
>[HH]"..Yeah, sure I can. ...So how'd you know I'd be awake?"
I didn't. I didn't even consider how early it is. So-I imply a nontruth with truthful words.
"Can you tell me how many Engineering students get the recommended amount of sleep?"
>[HH]"Point. So, five?"
"Five."
>[HH]"I can do five. I'll see you then?"
"Indeed."
>[HH]"Great."
*CLICK

Okay-that's dealt with. ...But still-I've got another plan. If I'm doing meetings all afternoon, might as well keep the chain going-so I call Gianni's number, and leave him a message asking if we can do the dinner tonight at seven. We'll see what he says.

With my calls done-I decide to do a little bit of productively professional creeping. Specifically-I wander the halls looking at sleeping Russians. Now yes-on paper that's HORRIFICALLY creepy-but I'd say that being their employer and wanted to check on their soul's passive state is a good enough excuse. What I find-is a bit interesting.

-Everyone's soul has a discernibly larger amount of weight-no surprise, given the extreme nature of some of the jobs they've had. The change is, at best, maybe a five percent increase over what was already there.
-The other thing that applies to every single soul is some sense something's off-like looking at a microwaved hotdog that's on the verge ot splitting it's skin. At least, that's the mental association that first comes to mind. Not sure what to make of it-even when I bounce this off SB and Sake.
-Two souls seem the most different of them all-and I'm not certain the changes are particularly positive. Lyubov's soul... looks a tiny bit more like Sake's soul now. It's got... a weaselly air to it. Very minor, very faint-but it's there. Gloom, on the other hand-his shattered mirror soul looks even more broken now, and I don't know why.

I mull these observations over, filing them away for future reference.
>>387153
I decide to spend the remaining time until dawn and everyone else is up and about-after preparing myself a plate of Minotaur blood sausage and a cockatrice omelette-on some personal time. Specifically-finally putting both Matebas to use again, and seeing just how awesome I can be at shooting with them. I bring the AA-12 along too, because why the fuck not.

...Well, I succeed in eating up the time until everyone's awake. That's good. The down side is that I realize something: The exact same problem I had when trying to go from fullbody muscle conversion to partial body conversion is cropping up here. I try to move just my arm, or my hand-and my whole body moves. After a couple hours of trying, I STILL have not even succeeded once at just moving a part of my body with Hummer's momentum. The practice is an utter and abject failure, and since I ONLY learned this doesn't work, is likely a larger waste of time than most of my recent endeavors. Score one for Armas, yay.
>[Hummingbird]"I know thou did not ask, but my knack was not designed for moving individual body parts, but the whole self."
...Kinda wish you'd told me that already.
>[Hummingbird]"There are enough forms of commentary within your skull, Sir Giant: I do not wish to impose."
What does one even say to that?

Well, everyone's awake. That's good. I catch Camella springing through the door with a light step, idly wiping her brow from her morning run, as a wobbly-kneed, panting Lyubov stumbles in after her half a minute later.
>>387145
>>387349
Eh-I've got a relatively busy afternoon, but my morning's pretty free-
"Hey Camella, how'd you like a chance to punch my face in?"
She does not even bat an eye at my choice of words, even as I see Hillevi looking on with a decidedly impish look in her eyes.
>[Camella]"'sfine, sure. What, you want to spar right now?"
"If I said yes-"
>[Camella]"I'd tell you to wait-I need to shower first."
"Fine. So, we can spar-"
>[Camell]"Nope."
"Nope?"
>[Camella]"You're the one that wants the spar-so I get to pick where-and I say right here, in the foyer. You were probably going to be a childish prick and fight me somewhere where I can't even see, weren't you, weren't you?"
Yes.
"Camella-"
>[Camella]"Don't even try it-now wait."

Fifteen minutes later, the Mansion's budding rumor mill has drawn every last Russian to the Foyer. By the time Camella walks back out in shorts and a tank top, I'm already down to my underarmor and finished stretching.

"Shall we begin?"

[PRIMARY]I should begin with Shadow Step, then switch about between other things. That extra third of speed should have meant my first step caught her off-guard. Sadly, since it's daytime in a massive window-filled house, I don't HAVE big-old pools of shadow, so I can't use Shadowstep.
>"I know you've been doing rather well lately, but that is rather stupid."
There's shadows everywhere, I-
>"No, do not try to cover your error. You are fully aware that Shadow Step requires you to be FULLY submerged in shadow. You are not-and in fact, no such place exists either within the mansion, or at Ito's gym during daytime-both locals are too well lit. Had you specifically picked a location rife with shadow, there would be no error."
After I pick my ass up from the ground after pretty much stepping right into Camella's fist face-first rather than slipping around it, I switch to shoddy step + Hummingbird’s momentum. Both of those work without any regard for light levels. In fact, they work so well I avoid having my brain rattled long enough to realize that, were I NOT fighting a much more skilled opponent, I could probably classify my unarmed fighting similar to how I classified my armed fighting. I've got my [Hard] style, where I use a Krav Maga and LINE influenced stance that's easy to make vicious, direct and brutal strikes and thrusts. It mixes wonderfully with shoddy step, more so even than Hummer's momentum. It's not too great on the dodging part, but does pretty well with counters. Kas Pin, on the other hand, has given me a bent-kneed, low-center staggered stance, from which I can leap into a bevy of looping hand movements and nimble dodges. This [Soft] style is every bit as well suited to Hummer's Momentum as the Hard style is suited to Shoddy step-and I would do well to remember this. It takes me some time to figure this out-but I have plenty of time to work on this as Camella whiffs again and again-

Until she manages to touch me.

This is where the fight gets a bit interesting.

I'm still pretty much boned against Camella. Same as before, I may be able to move faster, but she's more economical with her motion. I'm bigger, she's more slippery. I have a hard time properly integrating Kas Pin with my smattering of LINE, Sambo and Krav Maga knowledge-and it shows. Conversely, Camella doesn't once seem to hesitate, picking between moves. Even with accelerated thought speeding up my choices, her reflexive use is still beating out my deliberate actions. Fists and feet glance off her as she rattles off well-connected blow after blow. Pretty much the only positive thing I can say about how I'm doing is that I'm not too bothered by her strikes-they impact me, and maybe alter my momentum, but they don't hurt, they don't give me pause or slow me down. It's probably the only reason I bounced back from my disastrous shadow mistake.

With Shoddy Step and Hummer's Momentum though-the rules change. Every time she attempts a strike-I Step back and/or use Momentum control to scoff at physics while dancing my cumbersome form away from her dainty fists. The first time it happens, the first time I simply ignore conventional laws of motion, Camella's soul changes. What was once a hyper-dense smorgasbord of memories, crystal clear monuments to her past accomplishments-opens its eyes.

Which wouldn't really bother me-I've seen souls with an eye motif before-except that meant she opened up 108 eyes all over her soul.

The second time I dodge one of her blows I manage to get the timing right and hip check her: she manages to keep her footing only after an impressive amount of hasty flailing.

The third time I feel her knuckles catching against my shirt.

The fourth time she brushes against me-and wraps an arm about my wrist while I counter. She tries to throw me-and fails as I use Hummer's Momentum to keep myself on the ground, dancing back as I break her grip.

Seriously, she's adapting that fast? Come on, that's not fair. I don't even have any big old piles of shadow to move faster in.

The battle... continues to slip from my fingers, bit by bit. First she's learned how to commit to a variable punch and match it to my movement-to be sure, she's not striking with any real force, but the point is what should be a simple dodge is still being caught. I mix it up with evasive flanking, and for perhaps five minutes this halts her. As I expected though, she follows her modus operandi, tries harder, and manages to come up with a nasty trick. While striking, she keeps a leg ready to sweep one way for a low kick, and the fist ready to hook the other way. No matter how I dodge-she twists and whips a limb into me. Did I mention she strikes a little bit harder each time? I should mention it.

Half an hour in-just half an hour-and we've gone from her getting slapped about while she couldn't catch me to her locking down my counters and striking me every time she tries. It's damnably irritating to look at her every attack and say in retrospect 'oh so that's how she moved, that makes sense' and still be unable to adopt any part of her improved economy of motion. What's she got that I'm missing? It's a thought that for a time festers in my mind, and dulls my movements. Even when that's dealt with though-her soul's so focused around observing me I can't get a pre-emptive read on what she's going to do-her Attention is on me-on every part of me-at all times. There's no 'tell' informing me where she's going to strike-and as such, Attention sensing does fuckall for me. I don't know what exactly is going on-but she took away my ability to fractionally predict where she'd strike.

The thing that really bothers me? I don't... I don't think she's using Chakra. The bitch.

[TRICKSTER] Getting more than a bit tired of the increasing frequency of fist-to-face events I'm experiencing, I decide to use her perceptiveness against her-and throw up not just the Ego-Less state, but also start randomizing my Soul Guise. For a beautiful moment, she's utterly perplexed, her soul eyes looking dazed and unfocused-as I sweep her legs from under her, rebuff her own counter attempts with some Krav Maga, and throw her to the ground with a thud that echoes around the room.

I am rewarded with a foot to the balls the moment she slams into the ground. I keep my feet-barely-as she slips from my grasp like an eel to stand up, eyes narrowed. The next quarter hour sees her apply the Camella method-and simply apply more focus and drive until she overwhelms my tricks. And just like before-it works. ...Man, does this mean I got lucky against her before? I hide a fist and try the same tricks that bothered her before-and they don't phase her. Every attempt I make to disrupt her focus fails the moment I try something I've already used on her.
>"The magical man is complaining because his foe's a fast learner?"
Hey, any complaints I keep inside my head can be as irrational as I want-push off.
>[HEAVY HANDED] NO SHADOWS, CANNOT BE DONE
Oh fuck it-maximum Reinforcement. Let's stop being dodgy and try some overwhelming power.

....Ow.

As I pick myself up off the floor amid the laughter of the Russians, I rub my neck. Okay... so she's got a plan for Reinforcement that so far looks like it's 'use his increased momentum to push my own strikes in hard enough it hurts him'. Sure, I can see her working her hand, clearly having strained it a bit-but the point remains she throat-punched me with all her weight behind it while I was charging, and even when I used Hummer's Momentum to duck to the side. This was a sufficiently forceful strike to flip me over backwards. I cough up a couple drops of blood as the minor blood vessel damage in my throat starts to heal, and get back up.

[ESCAPE] I....may need to 'escape' from Camella's assault , since I can't rely on Hummer's Momentum to get us out of this-
My knees go wobbly as it feels like someone drove an ice pick into my skull.
>[Hummingbird]"You think my knack is not reliable? Pfaw."
I see the bird opening a flower of soul from it's beak not unlike the one it injected in Silja-and slams it into my spine.

With an oddly passive feeling, I observe my body moving forward lightly, my hands limp at my sides.

Frowning, Camella feints a jab, immediately slips into a low kick that rises up into a knee as her elbow drops down, clearly intent on catching my right arm in a vice and snapping it.

For some reason I'm not there-I'm in the air as if I'd done a high jump. What?
>[Hummingbird]"You learned my knack was not long-term sustainable-and with that, you lowered yourself to using it like any other flightless creature."
Camella's head whips about only after her bodies in motion, darting after me-and catches naught but air, as my body 'bounces' higher up into the sky.
>[Hummingbird]"Yes, it only creates a brief surge of momentum adjustment-but the effect generated is great enough to wholly lift one off the ground. The obvious conclusion from this is that while you cannot fly-you can still touch the sky."
Having seen it twice, this time Camella leaps, performing a spinning axe kick in an attempt to smash me back down to the ground-as my body shifts momentum once, twice-and abruptly I'm inside her guard, my face mere inches from hers.
>[Hummingbird]"The issue is in making the proper choice on where to throw one's momentum, not a flaw in the method itself."
And with that-I'm back in control of my body-

In time to have an elbow planted in my face right before I could actually grab Camella. Wonderful.

I smash to the ground, rolling upright from a tumble as I raise a hand and idly yank my nose back into place. Camella smiles at me-it can't hold a candle to my personal Smile, but it's creepy all the same-that sickeningly sweet, patently false smile of the victor mocking the loser.
>[Camella]"My-those are some interesting tricks you picked up-but they seem rather similar to your old tricks. I hope you didn't assume I wouldn't correct those flaws in my own method."
"Wouldn't dream of it. Ready for more?"
>[Camella]"I'd like to say so-but I've got a dislocated shoulder, a broken fibula, both ankles are sprained, a broken wrist and three broken fingers. If it's all the same with you, I'd rather stop here, and maybe get some healing."
"Oh. Well, then rub my weasel."
Camella's smile vanishes as she stares at me ominously while the Russians lean in closer to watch the drama.
>[Camella]"What did you just say."
Amen! Put up a Sake poster behind Camella-do it RIGHT NOW!
I see a poster materialize just in the nick of time for me to point at it.
"Well Sake IS the company healer-just one rub of that fellow and you'll be right as rain."
Sake, lazily draped over a pillow, raises his head.
>[Sake]"It's true-I give the BEST rubs ever."
"Could you at least verify said rubs are restorative?"
>[Sake]"They could hardly be the BEST rubs if they didn't restore, could they?"
I sigh as Camella's ire drains in the face of inanity after looking at the poster and hearing out back and forth. She fails to immediately reject the notion, and Sake floats over to vigorously rub himself against her before she can sort out how to respond. Her eyes flutter open in shock and a small gasp escapes her lips, sounding almost like a squeak.
>[Sake]"There-bet you feel better, right?"
Initially frowning fiercely, Camella slowly stretches like a cat with a smile that grows more pleased and full of wonder by the second.
>[Camella]"I most certainly feel better."
She check the clock and frowns.
>[Camella]"...Damn."
She darts off-and five minutes later is heading for the door with her usual gear for teaching at Ito's-
"OY-next time team sparring!"
>[Camella]"However you want me to kick your ass is fine with me!"
-And the moment the door shuts, the Russians begin laughing. I respond to this with a single question.
"SO-who'd like to spar one on one with Camella next?"

Nobody offers to be that guy-and the laughter dies a rather swift and painful death while I ponder just how hard Camella had to push herself-I didn't even touch her ankles-did she sprain them keeping up with me? Maybe. I spend some time talking with Silja, and take a very great deal of pleasure from how easily she ruffles Hummingbird's feathers with her constant adoration of his cuteness. She seems to be more cheerful every day we speak-but all the same she puts that aside as I tell her about what's happening with my Ward. Particularly-when I get to Hillevi having a terrible memory sealed within her that she can't access, Silja's commentary takes on a troubled tone. I know she's thinking in some way about her own repressed memories-and leave it at that for now. It wouldn't do to back her into a corner.

I have an early lunch with the Russians yet in the house, talking with Duke and Hillevi about 'soul eyes' and feeling a bit put upon when neither of them know what I'm talking about. ...What kind of soul quirk WAS that? On the plus side-during said early lunch, curiosity strikes-and I find myself, now that I can see my own soul, fully able to perceive unshielded souls through walls-I had to ask Amen to allow me to sense through the mansion's walls, but the point stands that I can do it. My only complaint is that for souls I have yet to actually connect with, either by genuinely seeing them with my own eye, or by having the soul direct it's Attention my way. As it is, all I can tell is at-a-glance information without having witnessed a soul the 'usual' way.


>>387310
Fuck it, I've got other things to worry about. I clean myself up, withdraw some cash ($20,000 to be precise) and spend a couple hours searching for average pay rates for student engineers in Turkey-and reflexively clutch my wallet. That... that's EXPENSIVE. Well, guess I'll have to try and win him over with toys... but the money won't hurt. Nor will bringing a pair of Reaper bullets.
PERSONAL FUNDS: -$20,000 to Cash $321,013.11
CASH: $20,000.00

I shower, I shave, I put on new underarmor and I re-don my snazzy silver suit. It takes me half an hour to walk to the meeting with Go Ping and co-and I arrive two minutes early. We share some brief platitudes and small talk as Long Wang places orders, and immediately get down to business the moment she departs.
"I've got a fair number of resources together- you know Hillevi is staying with me; her brother has agreed to assist so far as ensuring that our fishy friend fails to flee, should it try."
>[Long Wang]"Excuse me, I would just like to verify-that would be the Valkonan Heir, Einrik, correct?"
"The same. Aside from that, I've got paired pistols, a shotgun, and another pistol that should be able to go a long way towards keeping it down rather than letting it get back up, if we're able to hit it with all of them- the enchantments should stack up nicely."
>[Diao Yuan]"If you allow it, I would be happy to ply whatever weapon you offer-though as you may recall I am most comfortable with shotguns."
"I remember. And as far as sheer damage goes- I was thinking several miniguns, an automatic sniper rifle with rather frigid ammo, and explosive charges planted wherever we think it will probably go should be enough brute force. I've also got guys to man any weapons we can't handle ourselves, if we need them. What have you guys put together?"
>[Go Ping]"We have secured a supply of exactly six-and if all are not used, we will need to return the unused ones, I must stress this-Magitech grenades-it's easiest to conceptualize them as thinking that once triggered, the cover everything within ten feet in a layer of liquid nitrogen. It is likely not enough to kill the Doonongaes-but they should work most admirably as distractions, or towards slowing him down while causing harm."
>[Long Wang]"We have learned that the creature has a cursed wound that manifests whenever tit akes a form with a pelvis-it's supposed to be only marginally off to the right from its spinal column, and only reachable from the back. Due to the fact it's a shapeshifter, we have no photos for reference concerning this discovered weakness. The wound's nature causes it to weaken magical resistances in the wounded area-anything that strikes it should cause more harm than should the creature be struck elsewhere. This is of course offset by the wound being fairly far from any genuinely important organs."
>[Diao Yuan]"We also secured the assistance of some of the ships that police the Bosphorus-they won't help us fight, but they will stay at see as a deterrent to dissuade the beast from fleeing, as it is wont to do when it cannot easily win. That should assist the Valkonen in his own endeavors to prevent the creature's retreat."
"Great. I've got a line on some poison resistance and should be able to pick it up on short notice, in quantity if we need it. Expensive as hell, though. Have you got any solution that isn't incredibly costly?"
>[Go Ping]"No. Doonongaes poison is particularly vicious and multifaceted-the lesser panaceas do not treat it, the lesser boosters do not prevent it. The most economic solution is to not be touched, as foolish as the advice sounds. Do not feel obligated to provide us with such protection-we will cover our own."
"Well, that's about what I expected. A little intel on its movements- it looks like it spends most of its time patrolling the Bosphorus, mostly on the south end in the evenings and the north end in the mornings. Doesn't keep to a perfect schedule, though. Still, if we're on the north side and start shouting things into the sea, I think we can be fairly certain that it will hear us. Anyone have a better plan than shouting insults until it shows for luring it in? That would be fun, but... not as certain as I'd like. And it would leave the chance that it brings friends."
>[Go Ping]"We do have an alternative-simply put, a 'white noise' generating device designed for use in water. It will create decidedly bothersome noises for anything that is highly sensitive to vibrations in the water-such as our target."
"What about other creatures?"
>[Go Ping]"The only things sufficiently keen to vibration that are not the Doonongaes are not sufficiently dangerous to pose any threat to our group-and we have procured the services of an Encantado to dissuade these potential interlopers from interfering-lethally, if necessary."
"An Encantado huh? Hm. Any objection to moving on this Sunday morning?"
>[Go Ping]"I have none."
>[Long Wang]"That's fine."
>[Diao Yuan]"We'll pay him back for May whenever you wish."
"Great-Saturday morning it is. I'll call you first thing in the morning, and we can start setting up. Oh yes-Go Ping, would you please ask Lo Fang if he can accommodate a Monday training meeting?"
>[Go Ping]"I can and will-and I'll preemptively tell you that he'll accept if you wish the training to be in the evening-perhaps from 4pm to 10?"
"Okay, works for me."
All are in agreement-and for a time I simply enjoy my meal, relaxed as I feel not a single whiff of attention on my beyond that of my companions and the mundane waiter. All too soon it's time to leave-and I depart for my next meeting.

The pub I meet Hamlet at is... rather similar to the eatery I met the Triads at, actually. That same 'gritty but not outright dirty', that same lack of interest in aesthetic appeal beyond grunge-the only difference is the age of the occupants. Frankly, besides the bartender I'm probably the oldest person here. I spot Hamlet rather easily, as his is the brightest soul in the room, replete with boundless curiosity, and sit down across from him, the lone person in the bar sitting alone at a table, rather than on a stool.
"Mr. Hanson, yes?"
The rakish, narrow-shouldered, pinch-faced man looks up at me from behind wire framed glasses, and merely nods, visibly swallowing, his pendulous adam's apple bobbing.
"A pleasure to meet you. I am sorry for rescheduling- a last-minute business meeting, I'm sure you know how these things go. In any case, to business. As I explained on the phone, I need several items investigated and analyzed- their characteristics mapped out in as much detail as possible, as well as any items on the market which closely resemble them identified. I trust this is something you can handle?"
>[Hamlet Hanson]"What... kind of items?"
"Items that need to be tested in wind tunnels and the like. The compensation is significant, of course. Paid in cash- I have a retainer here, which should cover whatever you need for your examinations."
I pass across the table to him a simple unsealed envelope filled with $10,000 and containing a pair of the damnable bullets. His eyes widen when he peaks inside, though whether it's due to the cash or due to the nature of the items he's investigating I could not say. I do know for certain he's interested.
"Depending upon the quality of your results my company can also provide further pay, and if you have any particularly costly expenses while the investigation is ongoing, covering those is negotiable."
He looks up at me, back down at the envelope and then back up to me, admirably avoiding gaping like a fish.
>[Hamlet Hanson]"...I won't ask the question you'd have to lie about-but I do have one I really, really have to ask before I can accept your request."
"Oh?"
>[Hamlet Hanson]"Are there people who don't want these to be studied, that would be looking for someone studying them in this country?"
Sometimes, I don't like my dedication to truthfulness.
"I can tell you that it'd be wise to be discreet with your studies-and to never reference the items in detail on paper-or anywhere, save in your eventual report to me. I can also tell you that if at ANY point you feel uncomfortable, or become suspicious something is wrong that you should not hesitate to call me. I am not in the habit of bringing trouble to my business partners-and should trouble find you, I will ensure the situation is corrected."
I can see the war he fights with himself. He doesn't want to be in genuine harm's way-and he also would rather rip off his dick than pass on this money. In the end, the motivator I knew would win triumphs. Hamlet accepts the money and the envelope, shakily offers his hand for a quivering handshake, drains his beer, and is on his way. I'm confident he'll bounce back-his soul had the look of having a candied shell over a steel core-he's pushed around pretty easy to a point, and then rebounds with a vengeance, is my guess. So long as I actually keep my word and keep him out of harms way as he researches this, I can think of no reason he won't complete the job.

Eying the clock as I pay my tab along with his (ever mindful of how valued free beer is to college goers), I head back to the mansion-and along the way get a text"
>[GiaGia]"[code]2nite's purr-fect. Cum with ur act-but don't let the cat out of the bag!'
....Oh Gianni.


I get back to the mansion at six twenty, giving me fifteen minutes before I need to head back out so I can meet him at the Asitane.









What's my plan for the Gianni meeting?
...What was the convoluted disguise I had to shoot for?
How exactly am I going to pull off that disguise?
Reminder: Please do not issue more than one batch of orders to a minion per in-game day.
>>
No. 387360 ID: a9f1dc

Orders for Rostislav: Will get tired of that 'left in the dust' feeling, and kick up his training as much as possible without interfering with preset orders (such as the Best Beer Hunt) or causing irreversable mental/bodily harm. Will focus on more close combat, aiming on shoring up weaknesses like his general knifeplay and shooting. Open to sparring with anyone.
>>
No. 387379 ID: f37f49

So you want to pretend tobe a guy pretending to be a guy that is badly pretending to be normal eh?
Ok, few things you want to look into using mundane and/or magical means.
1)Changing hair colour/texture. You were in the south, you know how the people there look. If you can get your hair to change colour to more their style and texture and then change colour to one that would be common in on of Finnish decent it would be good. If you can't get a wig.
2)Changing Voice. I would think something like this would be handled better via soul or using chemicals. You have seen the souls of some people in the south, try and remember the early imprints, the things that look old, ask SB to help you recall the memory. What you are doing is looking for the things that shape accents and languages of a child growing up. Convince yourself that that is your voice. That IS your voice, how could you have ever thought otherwise. (if you don't want to go that route then ask Duke or do a quick netsearch about chemicals that change voice texture.)
3)setting your Bearing. This is where you bring in the Einher layer to the guise. You have seen Einher before, how they act, how they think, how they speak. Live it, feel it, walk with confidence and strength, be prepared to take on any challenge with a laugh in your voice and a smile on your face. Layer this into your soul guise and also act it mundanely.
4)The average Joe. Finally you need to try and fail to act like a normal person. Your best influence for this is Hillevi. You have seen her soul and described it on multiple occasions to look like a giant trying hard not to hurt those around it, stepping carefully and such. This is going to be one half of your 'Average schmuck' guise. The second half is culture shock. You have to completely omit, get wrong in some way or get right after a few moments hesitation a lot of the 'expected' social relations in the common world. Careful not to take this step too far though or you will fuck up everything. One of the only things that come to mind right now to help you in this area is loud laughing and unrestrained eating.
Last but not least, you have to integrate the AORB guy again. Moves a bit too smooth for an einher at ceratin occasions, and sharp eyes looking around.

IF you can do all of this, and we all know you can, you will have this in the bag.

--------------------------
Zhenya
Break self out of funk and focus on this new job Lyubov has for you. Yea you kinda screwed up with Hillevi because you didn’t do your research first, resolve to not let that happen again.
Spend some time planning out a circuit of medium sized cemeteries that are not yet full and routes to, between and back from them that avoid major routes that you may find police presence on. Also plan escape routes in case you get in any kind trouble.
Spend some time constructing a fake family in your mind.
Call ahead to the chosen places to explain to the curators that you have a recently deceased in your family and you are trying to find a good resting place for them.
Borrow a camera. If one cannot be found go buy a few disposable ones and resolve to pester Satai about getting company cameras.
Borrow Vandura #1 and set out, take the H&K P7 K3 pistol for it’s ease of concealment.
Take at least 20 pics each of boy and girl names. Take pictures of the grounds themselves and such to assuage suspicions from curators. Be prepared to talk if necessary.
Dedicate any remaining free time to music.
>>
No. 387380 ID: 6616f3

Okay, we're an AORB agent pretending to be an Einher pretending (poorly) to be a mundane. Plus our soul guise (I think Veiled Danger should serve well enough, here: a bloodthirsty berserker trying to hide his light in a bushel, but beautifully crafted as if by an AORB hand), and I'd like to try that pigmentation change to something lighter and fairer-haired. Test out beforehand to ensure we aren't going to explode ourselves.

Wear something homespun - and not Amen homespun, but like something you'd find on a Sami. If we have any American cologne, put on just the lightest touch- then douse ourselves in a couple Finnish beers.

When we get there, we adopt English with a Finnish accent. I figure once or twice we'll forget or slur the accent, which is all to the good. Allow the AORB agent (us) to allow a sliver of dislike at the 'foreign' food at the Asitane through his facade, while the Einher self devours it with sub-par table manners and loudly declaims his delight at it.

In fact, we should generally be loud and boisterous. For the Einher, take your cue from Hillevi's own efforts to fit in as a normal. Explain that you are very normal, that you are a... what do normal people do for jobs that don't involve massive amounts of violence? ... You are a salesman. You sell people things that no one really needs because modern people are slothful and lazy.

Have a general air of barely-restrained bloodlust whenever you identify a supernatural that would be a good fight.
>>
No. 387393 ID: d97a61

>>387357
[Correction: Doonongaes appointment was made for SUNDAY, not Saturday.]
>>
No. 387445 ID: 723705

This disguise needs three parts (corresponding to Soul, Body, and Mind), namely a Soul Guise, physical appearance, and behaviour.

The soul guise is probably both the easiest part, and the least likely to be noticed. Simply form a soul guise that looks like an AORB agent pretending to be an einher. Since soul guises rely on conceptual formations, presumably one can be made to look exactly like we need. In the event that it's not self-forming with regards to the details, form one around professionalism, American "patriotism", and the mysterious kind of intrigue that your typical "secret agent" would have around them. Upon this partially layer, in a manner that's particularly easy to see through, what a modern man would think were typical einher traits: the urge to fight, Viking barbarism, etc.

Next we have the appearance. This may require some fleshcrafting help from Amen, so a particularly stringent set orders will need to be thought up. Obviously Armas has a very distinctive look, and that needs to change. Skin and hair pigmentation, especially. Go with an American Mid-west look, since they have a high proportion of people descended from Nordic ethnic groups, and would be more likely to be chosen to impersonate an einher. Fairly pale skin, blonde hair, and here's where Amen's help will be needed, a restructuring of the facial features to something a little less incongruous. Make sure it can be changed back without permanent damage. For clothing wear a suit, slightly damaged, showing that the "einher" has perhaps been fighting a little even so recently, but have it be made out of something too expensive to really fit.

Finally, your behaviour. Act like an uncivilised Viking, but play it up to a ridiculous extent, making it obvious that you're pretending, and slip in more American idioms and knowledge than an einher should have. Use a Finnish accent, but slip into a Mid-west accent every so often.
>>
No. 387537 ID: c6ce12

>>387357
Orders for Matvey:

Recall from the Boss' briefing that the mansion's regular supply of tasty treats is delivered by Brownies. Ask the Boss-man if we're currently leaving gifts for the helpers like you're supposed to, be disappointed when finding out we aren't. Decide keeping the invisible delivery monsters happy sounds like a pretty good idea. Make some porridge with honey in the kitchen, locate a normal and unused room in the mansion and leave it there with a note thanking them and warning off other Russians. Ask Boris if he'd be willing to contribute some Wort for the project.

Go to a barber, get a nice clean shave and a haircut to stave off scruffiness, but also to see how good the lauded service is. Drink the tea they give you. Avoid cringing if they bring out a flaming hair singeing device. Expect to pay about $20 which includes a generous tip to both barber and shop sweeper.

On a whim born out of respect for his elders and a desire for storytime decide to make something of tonight's night lessons at Ito's and purchase some fine tea and alcohol (Up to $500). Ask Boris to make some snacks from the cookbook that will travel well. See if Ito and perhaps any of the straggler's are up for some fun, trade stories of a life of travel with Ito, be fully prepared to run out far before he does.


(Asking for an update on the search for horseback riding lessons as well, it's been at least four days.)
>>
No. 387591 ID: 252e1b

ARMAS ORDERS

Don't come off as a bumbling idiot, you need to act competent enough to at least be a credible AORB agent. Your soul guise shouldn't actually be multilayered, but instead should be designed to just LOOK multilayered. A single guise with all the details involved in pretending to be an Einher.

And about that, you should pretend to be a modern Einher, not someone hopelessly out of date.

If you need stuff to talk about that will keep your cover while still seeming a plausible AORB agent, say things like "how big and capable are your assets...for combat" and "how's your staying power... in Istanbul?"

Before you go to the meeting, summon Amen.

"Amen, change the German Army uniforms I had you make into armored clothes that would not look out of place in an average crowd in Istanbul this time of year, and which has underwear in the color of orange I favor. Make sure they're as protective and flexible as they were earlier. Tell the Russians and Camella that this has been done. Before you change the clothes, seek input from each person about what their respective outfit will look like. Use their input, and my the requirements, and your own undeniable sense of style when you re-make the uniforms."

"I have a question for you: have you ever seen the film 'Monster House'? The one from a few years ago?"

"Was Abolec's comment about the house correct? Is it a body of some sort?"

If he confirms it is, ask "Is it your body?"

If he says yes, ask "So, it's like I'm inside you when I'm home. How does it make you feel to have me inside you?"
>>
No. 387593 ID: c6ce12

>>387357
Orders for Matvey:

Recall from the Boss' briefing that the mansion's regular supply of tasty treats is delivered by Brownies. Ask the Boss-man if we're currently leaving gifts for the helpers like you're supposed to, be disappointed when finding out we aren't. Decide keeping the invisible delivery monsters happy sounds like a pretty good idea. Make some porridge with honey in the kitchen, locate a normal and unused room in the mansion and leave it there with a note thanking them and warning off other Russians. Ask Boris if he'd be willing to contribute some Wort for the project.

Go to a barber, get a nice clean shave and a haircut to stave off scruffiness, but also to see how good the lauded service is. Drink the tea they give you. Avoid cringing if they bring out a flaming hair singeing device. Expect to pay about $20 which includes a generous tip to both barber and shop sweeper.

Gather up whatever Russians aren't busy with company projects and run some basic team building exercises like a group obstacle course which requires teamwork to finish. Attempt to locate potential problems in group dynamics and areas that could be improved.

On a whim born out of respect for his elders and a desire for storytime decide to make something of tonight's night lessons at Ito's and purchase some fine tea (matcha and sencha) and alcohol (sake, sochu, and Japanese whiskey), spending up to $500. Ask Boris to make some snacks from the cookbook that are salty/sweet and will travel well. See if Ito and perhaps any of night class regulars are up for some fun. Chat with regulars and get to know them better. Trade stories of a life of travel with Ito, be fully prepared to run out far before he does.

(Asking for an update on the search for horseback riding lessons as well, it's been at least four days.)
>>
No. 387738 ID: 675914

>What's my plan for the Gianni meeting?
The plan is basically to follow Gianni's lead here- we don't have any clue what we are getting into, so we can't gamble on assumptions.

>...What was the convoluted disguise I had to shoot for?
We have to look like a Einher that is failing to look like a businessman- with just enough of a AORB agent showing that the best people at the Asitane could feel it.

>How exactly am I going to pull off that disguise?
The first thing to do, I think, is to scrub ourself of any kind of smell, and then adding some blood of beasts Einherjar hunts or something so that werewolf could 'smell' Einher on us (make sure it's not poisonous or at least of no real danger to Armas). Then, Armas should cloth himself in a suit. He should change his pigmentation and hair color to fit Finnish types. When he is at the Asitane, he should begin acting like a normal person, but forget every so often and instead act like a honor-bound nordic , until he just completely gives up on it. The soul-guise should be of 'Veiled Danger', but only if it doesn't show his godling/cannibal/imperial bits. If it does, and as Armas doesn't have time to learn a new soul-guise for this (new soulguises demand his full concentration), he should put on the 'mundane' soulguise he worked on before, and put on a Amulet or some such that would look like the origin of the guise. The 'AORB agent' part should be subtle. Two ideas for that: for specifc 'instants', make your soul feel 'American' when discussing politics or military or whatever, just to show bias. Thos isntants should be very, very short, so that you can then go back to the soulguise we master more easily. Then, when it's time to pay, there should be a US-only card in our wallet.

>>387372
WB if it's you Alratan (if it's you and you want to keep Gloom, you better notify Bob as he'll soon be taken over). But, hell SUST this experiment on changing how Armas think without any fallback, and SUST on deciding that something is useless when we made some great progress.
>>
No. 387750 ID: 048990

>>387591
Upvoting this. While Einher retain the lust for battle, it's a more elegant disguise if you don't act like an over-the-top Viking. Try to sprinkle any mannerisms you might recall from Gleb or Abloec in underneath the outer mannerisms of the mundane, and talk to Gianni about hunting expeditions (the ones you did with Markku and the Valkonen, but don't mention names). For the 'imitating mortal badly part', accidentally-on-purpose start mentioning a specific supernatural beastie then cut yourself off, that sort of thing.
>>
No. 387751 ID: 81f32a

Iosef
>While quietly contemplating during beer, think about the ammo fabrication
>realize that making ammo could become a monotonous, time-consuming task
>resolve to find a way to preemptively alleviate boredom
>conclude that getting a wall-mounted TV with a Blueray player to watch favorite movies/shows would be perfect. Or at least a radio.
>Go to the workshop and make a mental plan where to put the equipment and where to mount the TV for perfect viewing pleasure.
>Ask Vlad if he approves of the idea though.
>Search the web for TV ands player. (400$ for a good FullHD 42" Flatscreen and ~100$ for a blueray player)
>Before spending personal cash, try to convince Satai to chalk it up to company expenses
>If he refuses, then use personal cash.
>While doing all this, think about movies and television in general. The though train eventually brings to old, favorite Soviet classics. Get nostalgic and a bit depressed.
>Think it would be a great idea to organize a drunken, Russian movie-night.
>Contemplate what would be the best to show.
>...
>OLD SOVIET CARTOONS!
>Everybody loves childhood soviet cartoon [Seriously, I've never met anyone who doesn't.]
>Spend the entire afternoon searching for best quality cartoon shorts that can be found.
>Search for English subtitles and add them to the files for the people who do not speak Russian. Get Andrei's help if things prove to be too difficult but otherwise use google for help.
>get a play-list with cartoons like these (among others):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgxHIWBt5yg (I recommend Armas to watch this for some ideas for verbal kung-fu)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYGE_8xSKgM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3yhBEQlH_Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_7gV83yPw4
Classic Tom&Jerry are also universally loved in Russia
>Schedule the Movie night so that everyone is present to participate [all russians, Armas, Hillevi, Einrik, Camella, Duke]

>In the evening, during beer/dinner hear Lev talking about 'living shadows in the mansion'
>Apprehensively ask him to elaborate
>When Lev tells him about a living, talking shadow that has been with them since Armas hired them get a minor panic attack.
>The more Iosef thinks about it, the more nervous he becomes. Spend entire evening drinking.... this only proves to worsen the paranoia.
>During drunken haze somehow find a night-lamp for babies. Resolve to sleep with it on.
>The next day during shooting practice suddenly feel uncomfortable being alone at the gun range
>Decide to cut the practice short due to rising stress and find a place with other people around. [45 minutes instead of 1.5 hour training]
>Start seriously contemplating about this situation in the afternoon and the evening. Ask around among Russians. Learn more from Matvey about Armas' shadow.
>In the end, after reflecting how helpful the Shadow has been in the past (learn about somethings it did during Nazi warehouse raid, for example) and getting information from fellow comrades decide that even if it is a living embodiment of his fear, Armas' shadow is pretty cool dude (alcohol may or may not have been involved when Iosef managed to think this though, ignoring his phobia).
>From next the day continue as normal.

[color=##FFCC00]ARMAS[/color]
>>387357
We don't know much about AORB to make a proper disguise, I think. Call Matvey and ask him to tell you everything he learned about the AORB spook they had the meeting with. His mannerism, his body-language, etc. With this info, we could have a better basis to build our AORB persona. When on-route to Asitane, call Camella and ask her the same thing.
>>
No. 387754 ID: 448d82

>What's my plan for the Gianni meeting?
Follow his lead, act like you are supposed to.

>...What was the convoluted disguise I had to shoot for?
An Aorb agent, predending to be a einherjar who is badly trying to be normal.

>How exactly am I going to pull off that disguise?
Base Is the AORB
This is Agent, the hidden steel, it is what anyone who digs deep is supposed to find.

Above that is the Einherjar, who should be obvious to anyone with the right senses.
Then you have the poor normal man, this should only just pass muster with normals.

You should dress in a plain but messy suit, make sure to look like you aren't used to wearing such.
Have bad eating habits, be a bit too loud and brash, and be vaguely baffled by seriously mundane things.

Quaff.

On occaision the steel of the Aorb should glint, enought to put doubt in the mind, but not reveal anything.

LEV ORDERS
Well, If shadowboss wants blacklights, then black lights he'll get!
Though, might be an idea to look that up...
Check local hardware and furnishing stores for blacklights.
Then buy/order a varity, get fixtures and torches, that kind of thing.
Make sure to pick up a black umbrella for ShadowBoss, An umbrella casts a shadow, right?
When handing over the good, express curiousity as to what he wants them for, casting shadows in darkness? You don't know, not a physicist or shadowmage or anything like that.

...
Realise you will only get so far teaching yourself the blade...
That glorious mountain woman, you'd almost think her a huldre, she seems to be... traditional in combat, humbling approach her asking to be taught the ways of the sword, be prepared to be shot down like a clay pidgeon.
>>
No. 387782 ID: 6616f3
File 132969488665.jpg - (195.73KB , 1978x1501 , Food\'s On2.jpg )
387782

Screwed up on the coloring on this one, gave up - poor Boris doesn't even have any feet. You know what I want, though, bob - we are going to force Boris to apprentice to Cookie Lady. She's lonely, we need delicious treats. Problem solved.

So we go to her, tell her our friend really wants to broaden his experience in the kitchen, and we thought of her. We get Boris on board by... I dunno, telling him this is the first step to the creation of our gingerbread man golem army. Whatever. (Gingerbread man army pic will come later)

>>387591
Don't forget "I want to see what you are capable of, someday."

Softball them in for Gianni, don't make it seem like you're in on the joke.
>>
No. 387810 ID: 431fa8

>Satai orders for Thursday-onward
-Spend some time getting more familiar with the lesser arms dealers in the city; should know some by now. Visit a half-dozen or so and get a sense of their operations, drop $5,000 or so at each location buying miscellaneous spare magazines, bullets, grenades, explosives, silencers, or useful sights; don't hesitate to spend a few thousand bucks extra if someone has an unexpected gem.
-The objective here is to get a sense for what each dealer is like, their prices, what kind of goods they stock, and to be recognized as a customer worth paying at least some mind to.
-Spend some time working with Andrei installing helm-cams and working with those expensive electronics Armas wanted set up so that they'll be ready for deployment as a fairly subtle deployable recording/observation/speaker system on short notice.

>>387357
>How exactly am I going to pull off that disguise?
Don't rely too much on soul guises- the key to this is going to be acting properly. Unfamiliar soul guises are difficult to hold while making plans and thinking original thoughts, so we must not try for a new and creative one. Keep up our usual soul guise, or modify our veiled danger one into something familiar enough that we think we'd be able to hold it. Regardless, make sure that it's something we can stick to absolutely- anything else can go wrong this evening, but our soul guise must not break when we are at the Asitane, because there will be powerful people with magical senses watching.

Use our fleshcrafting powers to turn our skin white and our hair blond. Make our clothes not stand out in terms of modernity, but definitely be something more suitable for a northern climate than for the Mediterranean.

Any AORB agent is going to be a competent disguise, so don't worry much about that aspect of it. Try angling the conversations like who loves fighting and is really enthusiastic about it, but keeps stopping themselves from talking about anything really interesting. Keep bringing the conversation back to fighting and Gianni's experiences with it; our Einher persona does this because he likes it, and the AORB persona behind that does it because he's fishing for information.


When the dinner over and Gianni offers to teach us things, focus on the epicanthic powers. There is a ton of trolling to be done with it- maybe he can teach us about pheremones so that we can mess with people by smelling specific ways; wouldn't that go delightfully with our soul guises? And if we actually get an epicanthic specialization, perhaps when we kill the Doonongaes we'd be able to take its poison gland and learn how to integrate it into ourselves along with an immunity so that we could use Doonongaes poison ourselves- Whaitiri might be able to do that, at least.
>>
No. 387816 ID: d97a61
File 132970991166.jpg - (446.62KB , 550x1168 , Asitane Owner.jpg )
387816

>[Rostislav has been queued to do the following:]
>Find new favorite bar of the few yet sampled. Only problem is it's on the far side of Istanbul, well away from downtown. While continuing beerhunt, wonder how one could access Rotgut Ronny's Irish Pub more readily. Also wonder why not a single person seems to know why Ronny and his pub are in the middle of Turkey.
>Invest additional time in personal training in both firearms and melee. -1,000 5.45x39mm / week from armory. +$50 a week (to a total of $200/week, $50 above the current norm) from additional time spent teaching.
>Lose ready availability for morning missions without forewarning due to longer sessions assisting with night lessons as part of the above.
-[Zhenya has been queued to do the following:]
-Give self some form of pep talk about Hillevi fuck-up. Do not notice a shadow shaking with laughter observing her verbalized pep talk.
-Plan out a circuit of medium sized cemeteries that are not yet full and routes to, between and back from them that avoid major routes that you may find police presence on. Also plan escape routes in case you get in any kind trouble. Continue learning Istanbul backstreets, and some areas immediately surrounding Istanbul.
-Attempt to construct fake family in mind. Fail to construct fake family in mind as no fake family was imagined within Zhenya's mind. That means you, Falcon, Zhenya's player, should come up with it, or have Zhenya approach someone about getting a fake family.
-Borrow camera that was found within the house, with intent to return it.
-Call ahead to the chosen places to explain to the curators that you have a recently deceased in your family and you are trying to find a good resting place for them. Upon arrival, realize this means you are being shadowed by a curator, and as such taking pictures is highly questionable. Realize you again did well on planning the route-and didn't plan enough concerning what needed doing before the escape routes became relevant.
-At next cemetery, attempt to get away from curator, having already called ahead and thus being expected, but fail to gain enough privacy to take pictures of tombstones. Return Vandura, return unfired gun, feel confidence in pep-talk beginning to crumble in face of back-to-back flubs. Place camera back where it was found, unused.
-Attempt two at cheering self up: jam on violin. Wonder what's up with hearing until Sake is spotted doing something to produce the sound of other violins. Play with green weasel. Feel better. Wonder if problem with ignoring early parts of plans in favor for later parts will get better.

>[Matvey has been queued to do the following:]
>Recall from the Boss' briefing that the mansion's regular supply of tasty treats is delivered by Brownies. Ask the Boss-man if we're currently leaving gifts for the helpers like you're supposed to, be disappointed when finding out we aren't. Decide keeping the invisible delivery monsters happy sounds like a pretty good idea.
>Make some porridge with honey in the kitchen, locate a normal and unused room in the mansion and leave it there with a note thanking them and warning off other Russians. Ask Boris if he'd be willing to contribute some Wort for the project. Awaiting response from Boris on whether he will assist by providing Wort, and if so what kind of Wort.
>Go to a barber, get a nice clean shave and a haircut to stave off scruffiness, but also to see how good the lauded service is. Drink the tea they give you. Avoid cringing when they bring out a flaming hair singeing device due to having expected it. Expect to pay about $20 which includes a generous tip to both barber and shop sweeper. Be unsurprised when $20 does indeed pay for the shave and both tips. Feel like a boss while striding out of the barbershop, cool wind on a freshly shaven cheek.
>Finally get a response from a place 40 miles out of Istanbul that charges $65 an hour for lessons. Wonder why no other places have responded. Learn this location does not sell horses.
>On a whim born out of respect for his elders and a desire for storytime decide to make something of tonight's night lessons at Ito's and purchase some fine tea and alcohol ($500). Ask Boris to make some snacks from the cookbook that will travel well, recieve the staple Kelpie Krisps, along with a mandragora base vegetable soup. See if Ito and perhaps any of the straggler's are up for some fun, trade stories of a life of travel with Ito, be fully prepared to run out far before he does. Still be surprised by Ito's story about getting caught by the Chinese in a brother and getting his pursuers laid while stealing their guns. As well as the old matron's story of burning down an arson's house told as a haiku, much to Ito's amusement.
>Chat with regulars and get to know them better. Still think Iskandar's a bit of a dick, but be largely okay with him as he is honest about his smug assholery and doesn't get upset when mocked. Learn names of most of the vampire fledglings present this night, save the matron. Note Ito scowling at the tea once when he thinks no one is looking. Wonder what you did wrong with the matcha.
-[Lev has been queued to do the following:]
-Check local hardware stores, on a mission to find blacklights.
-Spend $500 getting several variety of blacklights, torches and fixtures alike.
-Spend $10 on a black umbrella.
>Freely provide blacklights (and black umbrella) to shadow next time it is seen. Profess curiosity what it's doing-insinuate it might be trying to cast shadows in darkness. Be given retort of 'I am studying the nature of shadow itself, and it's relation to light'.

>[Iosef has been queued to do the following:]
>Have Satai laugh in his face when attempting to get the company to comp a television. Spend $400 on online deal for 32" HDTV. Delivery in five days. Spend $100 on bluray player-pick up at store.
>Attempt to construct mental plan of where items will go in house-bring up with Vlad. Be told by Vlad to get 'ass out of gun-tinkering room until you have something to do, or something to install.' Resolve to bring this up again later.
>While drinking, decide on new Best Idea (Tm): acquiring old soviet cartoons to watch. Try to pick brain and remember names of old cartoons. Wonder what they were called. Wonder why Tom&Jerry also comes to mind.
>Ask Lev to elaborate when he mentions buying lights for a 'shadow man'. Have minor panic attack at thought of a living shadow sharing the house with you.
>Attempt to use power of alcohol to calm nerves. Fail. Resolve to sleep with light on.
Can't do the rest of the orders because they are a different day's orders. One day's orders at a time, unless you've okay'ed retroactive actions with me either via IRC or discussion. Also jumping the gun a bit on color coding minion orders. But that's okay.
-[Satai has been queued to do the following:]
-Attempt to spend some time getting more familiar with the lesser arms dealers in the city; while some are known, all are currently laying low after the large-scale dealer Mr. Jung left the area. Manage to visit an acquaintance of Garbage Pete named, funnily enough, Homeless Harold. Drop $5,000 buying miscellaneous spare magazines, silencers, or useful sights, the only goods Homeless Harold has anything of substance.
Acquire 15 5.45x39mm compatible suppressors. Acquire 4 10x zoom scopes (AN-94 default is 5x zoom). Acquire 30 30-round magazines compatible with the AN-94. Acquire 11 40-round MP7 compatible magazines.
-Spend some time working with Andrei installing helm-cams and working with those expensive electronics Armas wanted set up so that they'll be ready for deployment as a fairly subtle deployable recording/observation/speaker system on short notice. Realize some more involved tools than the two of you possess are required to refit the standard issue russian army helmets to hold the cameras. Approach Igor about providing assistance-be given completed strike plates. Igor assists, and all the helmets are properly altered to allow the cameras to nestle properly.


Okay okay-let's get to work.
>>387738
First things first-I take a shower and scrub the everloving fuck out of my skin and scalp, trying to clear up every oil, every particle that could give away my scent. Can't hurt to reset to ground zero, right?
>>387379
Second, I'm going to need some new colors. Specifically-blond hair and lighter skin. It's more than a bit disconcerting to watch it happen, but I pull a Michael Jackson and soon enough all that I can point to as 'me' is my bone structure. ...Okay, I'd say I pulled off my dad's coloring pretty well. I think about changing my voice-but then I realize I don't really have any chemicals on-hand that could do the trick long enough to last a meal, don't trust Amen, and I'm not that hot on impressions. So I'll have to forgo voice modulation.
>>387380
I've got part of the Look-let's get the rest of it. AORB agent playing an Einher-well, that'd be an American take on what an Einher should be, even if well-done that should come through. I use the can of Axe that's survived my entire mercenary career to add a light scent, then, lacking any place I could get authentic homespun Sami clothing, I order Amen. I figure the phrasing 'Make for me a set of clothing that is visibly hand-made, can be accepted as mundane in nature by observers and conforms to modern Sami garb] will work-and it does. I get Deerskin pants, surprising well-cut to the point they look more or less like normal leather pants. I get a bear-skin vest and a shirt Amen assures me is moose hair. I have Amen do some minor alterations-adding sealbone buttons and a collar to the shirt, regular leather shoes in place of the moccasin-like slippers and a wide belt give me a look I'd s ay works: A man that is officially dressed professionally but immediately makes one think of a biker-a nordic biker.

If anything would be a stereotypical disguise for an Einher, I'd have to bet on biker.

My look and scent now complete, I start talking to myself, practicing a purposeful Finnish accent. I... do passably, and good news is I won't have to try to have my accent slip up during the meal. I'm ready to call myself a salesman and do it in a way that evokes as much suspicion as possible....

>>387445
Hold on, let's back this up a bit-now that I can see my soul, maintaining a Soul Guise is way easier-and I think I'm okay to use a brand spanking new one. Specifically-something that looks like an Einher, but makes the perceptive suspect a professional actor. I build up a rough shape based off the few Einher souls I've ever seen, and let the shape of a 'normal' soul bleed through from beneath, to suggest a ruse to those most perceptive to such. ...Okay, In attire, in form and in spirit, I match my part now. Good stuff.
>>387591
Well, with my disguise ready-I have a couple things to finish up before I head back out. To wit:
"Amen, change the German Army uniforms I had you make into armored clothes that would not look out of place in an average crowd in Istanbul this time of year, and which has underwear in the color of orange I favor. Make sure they're as protective and flexible as they were earlier. Tell the Russians and Camella that this has been done. Before you change the clothes, seek input from each person about what their respective outfit will look like. Use their input, and my the requirements, and your own undeniable sense of style when you re-make the uniforms."
>[Amen]"This one will do as ordered, ordered, ordered."
"Ahuh. Another question: have you ever seen the film 'Monster House'? The one from a few years ago?"
>[Amen]"This one has not watched a 'film', if master references that which is sometimes called a 'movie'."
"Was Abloec's comment about the house correct? Is it a body of some sort?"
Amen smiles.
>[Amen]"Yes."
"Is it your body?"
>[Amen]"Again, yes."
....Thought so.
"So, it's like I'm inside you when I'm home. How does it make you feel to have me inside you?"
>[Amen]"More turbulent than it was to have prior masters within this one. If master had a more specific question, this one could answer."
"...No, that'll do for now."
>>387782 [FANART BONUS]
On my way out the door, I meander into the kitchen, spot Boris-and call my apartment's neighbor, she whom is known as 'The Cookie Lady' while watching Boris.
"...Yes? Hi, yes, hello. ...Yes, you do recognize my voice-your neighbor? ...That's right. ...Very well, and yourself? ...Wonderful. Listen, I was calling because I've got a student of the culinary arts here-and we were wondering if you could teach him a thing or two about baking. That seem doable? ...Excellent, I'll be happy to tell him. ...No, thank YOU-....well, if you insist."
I hang up and turn to Boris, who'd stopped what he was doing to watch me.
"So. You've got a new teacher in the fine art of baking-here's the address, and her number. Pretty much any time works, but I expect you to spend at least five hours a week learning from her. Also, and I cannot stress this enough, do not sample any baked good she gives you unless it's for you-it will not survive the sampling."
Boris might have some issues with the new orders for him-entirely possible. And compared to how I lust after those delicious delicacies-I couldn't care less.

My last duty dealt with-I head out.

I run into Gianni sitting outside of the expansive restaurant, chatting with two creatures I instantly recognize as being Vampires. The moment he sees me he waves them off, welcoming me with a decidedly frisky hug as he pulls back to take a look at me.
>[GiaGia]"...Well. How delightful."
"To your liking then?"
>[GiaGia]"Oh-la-la~"
"Can I humor you inside? I could use some meat."
>[GiaGia]"Yeah, I bet you could."
It's hard ignoring the joke I set up-but the Einher wouldn't have noticed, so neither can I. Gianni gets us in and within five minutes we're sitting at a table, we've both placed our initial orders (a rack of ribs and mead seems a solid call) and shortly enough we begin conversing as I doublecheck my new soul guise.

>[GiaGia]"So glad you could make it."
"Well, I've been busy but I made time."
>[GiaGia]"Glad to know I'm worth making time for, sweet cheeks."
There's some minor banter, nothing of import-as Gianni glances twice over the course of five minutes to the same table. I wait until it doesn't look like said table's occupants are directing Attention our way, and glance over. I have to look away swiftly-they aren't distracted for long-but I can feel certain underlying commonalities to Labombard's soul-I can feel the beast within them. So... weres. All right.

After the appetizers arrive, the conversation has drifted into a hypothetical discussion of work-with Gianni attempting to hire the 'Einher'.
>[GiaGia]"You know it'd be good for both of us if you just gave in-why not just say yes, hmmm?"
"how big and capable are your assets..."
Gianni quirks an eyebrow at me indulgently.
"...for combat?"
>[GiaGia]"Well, I've been brushing up on my golem work-a certain special someone gave me some very interesting material to study, and I think I can make my toys much, much harder to break. Beyond that-well, you of course know what happened to our friends back in the States."
That massive Mafia arrest that Rocco called me about.
"So how's your staying power... in Istanbul? Are you expanding here, or looking to reclaim?"
>[GiaGia]"Oh, I'd say staying power's something of a strength. For now, let's talk about that: what do you say to working here?"
"Well, it's warm-the environment's a bit off for my liking, but I'm sure we can work something out."

The drinks keep flowing, and soon enough a salad and a soup alike have vanished before us as we hammer out the details on this fictitious contract. All the while I feel the Attention of those weres in the corner table-so it is with some confusion that I witness them, all four of them, turning about to stare at a door leading farther into the restaurant, toss down some money and immediately leave. Without turning to face them Gianni rolls his eyes to follow their exit as he sighs in a huff.
>[GiaGia]"Oh, of course he's got to show up and ruin the game...."
Who-

The Owner. I've seen him only once, but I won't forget that face. The heavyset man with the salt and pepper Wagnerian hair in the blue suit begins pacing through the restaurant, stopping at every table where I can detect patently magical souls or can't see anything at all-not saying anything, merely sharing a brief gaze with the diners. A fifth of their number leave.
>[GiaGia]"Pfaw. I suppose he doesn't like all the intrigue in his house."
The Owner begins walking our way-and his eyes meet mine like a wall of granite crashing down onto a mirror. I'm nearly blown out of my seat by the sheer intensity of it and only barely notice Gianni speaking to me, abruptly a great deal more tense than normal.
>[GiaGia]"Muffin, why's the Owner actually-"
A gravelly voice that makes me think of movie trailers speaks up with a most curiously blended accent, as if both Germanic and a speaker of Oxford English.
>[The Owner]"Well, hopefully I won't need much of your time. In fact-"
Without so much as a whisper of magic, a card with two numbers on it appears on the table before me.
>[The Owner]"I simply wished to give this to the one who's got the bet with the esteemed Corn of Zos."
I look down to see a set of coordinates, 39.836223 by 49.531982, written in a neat cyrillic script. I look up to see the Owner leaning in a bit closer.
>[The Owner]"Perhaps another time we can discuss that."
He smiles once more while tapping his finger on the card-and walks away. Gianni, for his part, immediately orders a bottle of scotch and forgoes the glass.
>[GiaGia]"Why's The Owner interested in you-and don't bother with the act-our marks have left."
"Would answering that get me some more training?"
I am favored with a lopsided smile.
>[GiaGia]"...I suppose it wouldn't. Keep your secrets then."

The rest of the meal's a bit more productive-as I get to talk with GIanni and learn that even though he's personally a muscle tissue specialist, his next best category is Epithelial-and he's confident he could teach me quite a bit in the field.

It's a bit surprising to me that it's already ten thirty when we leave the restaurant-and I get Gianni to agree to a lesson TOMORROW, which can either be morning or evening (starting at 6 AM or PM). All I've gotta do is call him and set the time.

On my return to the mansion, I ignore Sake once more plying his disposable phone and making prank calls-as I find a book in my room.

It's a pop-up book.

It's titled 'My First Ascencion and Mutation: a Beginner's Guide to Experimentation'

I can see the listed authors as Einrik Valkonen... and Camella Delarosa.

I stare at the book for a few seconds longer, confident not a single person is spying on me. I cautiously open the book to the first page-to see the following:

STEP ONE: Don't be Armas Laine. Don't be That Guy. That Guy does not represent a safe experimenter.

Accompanying this disclaimer is a caricature of me farting thunder and vomiting lava while people run away screaming.

[Te Reo]" [Paternal orientation] ................... "

I put the book down-and I go to sleep.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22ND, 2011
PERSONAL FUNDS: $321,013.11
BUSINESS FUNDS: $189,347.00
CASH: -$650 dinner $9,170.00
SHADOW PATIENCE: 51%
WINTER ENERGY: 103/160
SUMMER ENERGY: 50/50

I wake up at five AM on a Saturday morning.











What's my plan for the day?
When do I want to do the training with Gianni-morning or evening?
Of the three remaining focuses of Flesh Manipulation, which should I learn next?
When am I going to tell the Russians about the Doony hit being Sunday?
>>
No. 387853 ID: 07eaf7

>When am I going to tell the Russians about the Doony hit being Sunday?
... You haven't briefed them? Get a hold of as many as possible at once and let them all prepare in their own way.

>When for the lesson?
Morning! Brain coffee, yo. You can brief the Russians in the afternoon.


>Of the three remaining focuses of Flesh Manipulation, which should I learn next?
Epi, why the fuck not. Might even prep you a little for your upcoming fight.

As for the rest of the day... Might want to see what the Owner of the Asitane wants. He seems Important. And it has to do with Doony.
>>
No. 387931 ID: 81f32a

Orders for Iosef:
>The ordered equipment should arrive today. Receive it and set it up.
>Also, pick up the Blue-ray from the store.
>[I'm not sure if I need to repost my orders for to day. If so, then these >>387751 orders still apply]


Orders for Armas:
>When do I want to do the training with Gianni-morning or evening?
Morning.

>Of the three remaining focuses of Flesh Manipulation, which should I learn next?
Connective. Focused on improving our Dunther Steps.

>When am I going to tell the Russians about the Doony hit being Sunday?
After the morning training with Gianni. We should also discuss and finalize our plans.

>What's my plan for the day?
The bullets we ordered from Johan should be ready today. Get someone to pick them up.

If we have time, we should have another sparring session with Camella. This time convince her to do it in a pitch-black room. She is our second-in-command and her being stronger will do our company good. During the last sparring, we basically forced her to level up in safe enviorement, now foes using the same techniques as we did will not find any advantages against her. If she didn't have this experience then during an actual fight to the death, someone utilizing the same level skills as we did could seriously harm her. Sure, Armas doesn't get as much out of these spar-sessions as Camella and it might make him look weak, but people forget that Armas does not focus on and perfect one or two paths. Instead he has many different powers he can develop.
Now, if we can get Camella to fight us in a dark rooms where she cannot see anything (or has really low vision) and us being much faster then before, we will forcibly evolve her into EVEN BETTER fighter.
As far as convincing Camella goes, I don't think it will be that bad. Tell her how beneficial these spars are for her (like the one we just had). How it is a good thing to improve at such great rates in safe environment (as opposed to wrestling vampires in the undersewers for a week). Hell, we can tell her that we could visibly see her improve before our own eyes, and that is a great thing.
>>
No. 387990 ID: cc1982

>What's my plan for the day?
First thing is to look up the coordinates the owner gave you, then wake up Matvey and tell him there is a job coming up tomorrow, you’ll explain in the afternoon. After that grab a snack and head to training, bring a something for Gianni as well. After training ask the usual suspects what the deal is with the hotdog souls the Russians are sporting. Have one of the Russians rent/buy a suitable transport for moving the doony corpse after explaining its possible dimensions. Ask SB if he wants to have a meeting tonight or just talk now, to discuss the possibilities of rewards from Whaitiri, and if rewards are possible, what he thinks she would be most amenable to granting. Some desirable options would be, Beefing up hummingbro to no longer age and/or deal with our soul power better, expanding our bloodline, or flesh manipulation training.

>When do I want to do the training with Gianni-morning or evening?
Morning

>Of the three remaining focuses of Flesh Manipulation, which should I learn next?
Epi

>When am I going to tell the Russians about the Doony hit being Sunday?
After training when Matvey has gathered the Russians, Explain its capabilities to the group then have them sort out among themselves who is best suited for the spots needed to be filled. Setting up cameras, making claymores and manning the mini-guns we’re bringing.
>>
No. 388001 ID: 15c788

Don't spend any Winter energy.

As soon as it's light, find Camella first, and after talking to her the rest of the Russians, and explain how Hummer's Momentum and the rest of your speed upgrades work. Ask them for their advice first about how you can use those abilities to make you a more effective gunman, and then more effective in general.

Spend the day exhaustively briefing the Russians and any of the rest of the team who can make it on the Doonegeas' capabilities. Do a series of paper exercises where each person takes it in turns to play the part of a shapeshifting regenerating superfast superstrong monster who can spit deadly poison operating against your team. Remind them that it doesn't need doors, and can hear every sound you make.

As the building is already wired for sound and vision, set up a tactical direction team to watch the cameras and sensors and provide direction about what the monster is doing and where it is. This is critical to prevent it finding and replacing someone.

Apologise to Iron Trick and Silja for leaving them behind. Given that there is plenty of firepower available and the Doonegeas can easily tear anyone who gets within close range apart, being able to Shadowport into better positions has to be the priority, which Iron Trick blocks being able to do, and Silja would eat him, which is inefficient.

If the plan is to use the Miniguns someone needs to track down and buy the very specific equipment needed to supply power to the electrical engines that rotate them, and to install the portable generators to run them. These also need to be installed in strong points, as they're not man portable.

>>387990
If we can trade anything to Whaitiri, top priorities should be upgrading the Summer Bloodline to be royal, paying for the mere to be upgraded, and getting a graft from the Doonegeas. She may even be able to find a teacher for divine soul manipulation.
>>
No. 388027 ID: d06067

Voting on Epithelial training.
>>
No. 388045 ID: 3947e9
File 132979819872.jpg - (175.40KB , 1023x635 , 39836223by49531982.jpg )
388045

The coordinates are for the center of an island in the Caspian sea.
You need to cross two borders from turkey to reach it (Armania and Azerbaija respectively)
Attached is a satellite map of it courtesy of google.
>>
No. 388046 ID: 07eaf7

>>388045
That only makes me more interested...
>>
No. 388054 ID: 252e1b

Armas' orders will be in another post.

LYUBOV ORDERS
*Pick a nice chambric women's casual suit as the basis for her armored outfit, with trenchcoat.
*Wake up at 4:30 a.m. Realize by 4:45 a.m. that sleep will not come again today. Eat an apple, browse computer for news about herself on a whim.
*Cry a little for putting her mother through thinking her daughter is dead. Get good and angry at the rest of what she learns, smoke a cigarette, stalk around the house in her pyjamas with a palpable bad mood.
*Bump into Boss, decide to distract herself by asking, "Did you read that book in your room?" referring to the Communication for Couples book she put in there last week, completely oblivious about the pop-up book. Be baffled by the Boss' weird responses about vomiting lava. Change subject, ask Boss flat out, "Why is Amen hiding the swimming pool?"
*Check the camera she lent Zhenya yesterday, be baffled by it being blank. Wonder aloud why today is starting off so badly.
*Write a note to Andrei asking for an update on where he is with the hacking project (hack the TUIK death record database, and change the biomertric data if it exists), mention that she'll get him the last of the names today, stuff it under his door.
*Get ready to go on jog with Camella, think about problem. Talk to Camella before jog about problem, explain issue in detail (including conclusion it's an obvious trap), and nascent plan to move messages and money through the Orthodox Church. Ask for input, ideas. Don't cry. Go on jog, cleanup and rest afterward again.
*Get dressed in something low key, find Zhenya and ask what she did. Don't be angry, just mildly confused about what the problem was. Assign her a new task: "Find some notaries who can be bribed to rubberstamp forms for us, so we can get official replacement birth certificates for the identities. Ask for help if you need it, I'll have my phone."
*Find out which cemetaries she hit, and avoid them entirely. Pick different ones (hour+ bus travel). Follow same plan as before, with the addition to her lie if questioned: Her Boss is a surrealist artist who is coming up with something new, and isn't ready to discuss it yet. He uses an orange color instead of a name, like that one American who was a symbol.
*Speak Russian. Call Andrei up on satellite phone, give him the names and let him finish researching them to be sure they're clean. Ride home on bus. Hope the hack goes well.
*Check in on Zhenya during bus ride. If she's having problems, give her suggestions: "Try researching the public records for ones who let their licenses lapse for a short period, then renewed at the start of the month. They are probably people who are having money issues. Find at least three please."
*Have moment of inspriation on bus ride home about vampire fight last night. Realize the vampire could, somehow, read her intentions. Realize the Boss does the same thing. Wonder what he is.
*Go home, find Sake napping, decide that seems like a swell idea.
*Wake up, research church. Learn about the 1955 Pogrom, be angered for the second time today. Smoke another cigarette. Think about things and realize that the sole remaining Orthodox Church in the city must have a protector of some sort.
*Go to Church for evening vespers, donate $400. Make sure to linger for a little while longer than normal for emotional comfort. Go home. More research on the church, try to figure out who exactly she will need to talk to, guess what questions they will ask.
*Try being "unintentioned" during the night lessons against vampire foes. Talk to Camella about it afterwards.
>>
No. 388061 ID: b83c65

Andrei Orders
>Wake up. Find entity 'Amen' asking what clothing he wants suggestions for clothing. Don't freak out. Don't freak out! Grab a labtop - if they're being used, get it anyway. http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts-apparel/unisex/sciencemath/2891/ and any other nerdy shirt like http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts-apparel/unisex/sciencemath/2891/. Maybe some nice dress shirts, whatever Amen thinks is good. Quickly correct self by saying gray slacks and white shirts. Hope this doesn't bite later.
>Find note from Lyubov.
>Ponder that not every one of the Russians has a laptop. Correct this, after talking to Satai. If Satai doesn't want to correct, buy them anyway. (13 laptops - one for every russian who doesn't have one, minus one for Igor who will break it. Price: $702 http://www.ecrater.com/p/11154586/cheapest-netbook-7-inch-mini-laptop ) Debate getting PDAs. Put that on the back burner for now.
>Andrei does not wonder where get a proper reader. He has one, right next to his old computer. In Russia. FUCK! Grumble bitch, get on computer. Wait. Check to make sure the Crazy Castle doesn't have one. Find Amen to make sure. If not, order new reader for about 20 dollars. Continue bitching in Russian about the Russian military and being caught.
>While bitching out Russia, remember that there's a Laserdisk that needs viewing. Check to make sure we don't already have one with Amen. If not, then get one for 60 dollars.
>While on computer, look into that thing that Lyubov wanted. First, double check all the names as well as Andrei can. Grumble about putting off plan to crack into NSA, but shrug. Look up and check for criminal records, news records, and tax records of all the names Lyubov has given.
> Hack the Turkish Statistical Institute death record database, and change the biomertric data if it exists. Pride dictates that the TUIK will be a job forgoing onsite assistance, so just ping vulnerable ports and unpeel it like an onion.
> Use identity information that was in the wallets to match up cards to names. Using precautions like proxies, check if cards are still active with small purchases. Siphon money off the active ones.
>While busy, look into Nazi computers. If encrypted or password protected, be careful and go slow. Look for work arounds and known vulnerabilities on the Nazi computers, that's the easy way. If Andrei can't find any vulnerability, then code breaking those passwords. Check the contents of the wallets again, check the credit and debit cards for personal info, try combinations of important dates to Nazis, that kind of thing. If THAT doesn't work, brute force encryption breaking.
>Take a breather. Wear camera-helmet. Check to see the video feed and how good the packet loss and what not is. Continue to wear camera-helmet while going outside. When outside, lie about its use. Something about being for a reality TV programming or his own vblog. See what funny antics people will do because Camera-Helmet.
>After returning home from social networking, social hacking, hacking, shooting and filming to check the film on the computer. If good, share any amusing video with other Russians. While on the computer, remember that odd presence watching Caffeine. Ask Satai or Boris about using the cameras to check out the kitchen. If they say no, use it anyway.

Armas Orders
>What's my plan for the day?
Armas, you just got a new book that will teach you how to fart thunder and vomit lightning. READ THAT! Even if it doesn't, we can use the book to troll Camella. And isn't that what's best in life?
After you read it, follow its instructions. First is 'Do Not Be Armas Laine' and we really don't look like Armas anymore, so you're just gonna have to change your voice.

After that, I suggest doing some planning and training and, as we have a VIP box in a nice magical fight pit, we should go there and see if we can train against bigger foes, and maybe get the Russians to come down and fight too.

Also, limitation hide-and-seek with the Russians. Train them up in fighting the supernatural while you are gurgling glass, or have your left arm cut off. That kind of thing.

>When do I want to do the training with Gianni-morning or evening?
Morning. Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed to learn all about Giagia's muscles.

>Of the three remaining focuses of Flesh Manipulation, which should I learn next?
Well, we have been ogling Giagia's muscles, and it makes for easier jokes. I suggest going that route. We can find magical ways to make our brain meat better.

>When am I going to tell the Russians about the Doony hit being Sunday?
It would be hilarious not too, but I think they need to be ready for what they're going to take out. But, before we actually out right tell them, I suggest going out with the Russians for sushi, and then get some nice squid-ink noodles. Then go to the aquarium.
>>
No. 388139 ID: ac6c03

Orders for Ivan
*Suggest that the entity Amen model armored clothing similar to [ http://tinyurl.com/8y892u2 ]
*Purchase a nice hat and shoes to go with the overcoat. Budget: $350 [ http://tinyurl.com/7kubql9 ] , [ http://tinyurl.com/7dorlam ]
*Purchase a new pocket watch Budget: $125 [ http://tinyurl.com/74a8wjc]
*Practice stealthfully navigating the mansion, attempting to avoid other occupants for at least one hour per day.
*Spend extra time attending night training sessions at Ito's Dojo.
*Make a request to Satai to be issued an L129A1 Sharpshooter and a HK45.
*Spend two hours daily practicing shooting with both guns.
*Ask to join in with the melee training session group with Andrei and Boris
*Spend some time simply politely observing what the other guys do, particularly boss' weasel, attempt to glean information where possible.
>>
No. 388140 ID: 252e1b

>>388054
As promised:

ARMAS ORDERS

>When do I want to do the training with Gianni-morning or evening?
Take the morning offer.

>Of the three remaining focuses of Flesh Manipulation, which should I learn next?
Epithelial holds interesting secrets, and will lead to fascinating new powers.

>When am I going to tell the Russians about the Doony hit being Sunday?
Make Camella do it, after you've briefed her.

While we're still thinking about Amen and souls and stuff...

>Talk to Amen
"Amen, there's an actual binding added to your soul each time I give you a binding order, correct?"

"And each binding adds a pressure to your soul, correct?"

"There's a limit to how many you can take, then?

"What happens when you can't take any more bindings?"

"That's... not good."

"Alright. You are to inform your master through the same method of communication aforementioned master most recently used with you when the pressure on your soul from your bindings changes due to a new binding or order, and to what degree the change has occured, using a linear system where the pressure from the order I gave you to ignore Savoy represents one point on the scale. You may not lie about a change in pressure."

"Great. Now, truthfully, how many points do you estimate your capacity to be before you will be so tightly bound that you explode?"

"Huh. Ok, new topic. If seeing your soul would not warp my mind, subject me to memetic attacks, or otherwise cause harm that would take me more than a few minutes to recover if I were a complete mundane and had no outside help at all, show it to me."

"Amen, why do my Russians' souls all remind me of overcooked hotdogs? To clarify, their souls feel like they are going to burst."

"Well that's alarming. What are the options for fixing this? I want my employees healthy, emotionally stable, happy, and to retain intact personalities and free will."

"Thanks for the advice."

>What's my plan for the day?
First things first, call Giannia, schedule a morning training session.

Then go get some breakfast, and get ready for training.

After training, call Camella up and ask if she'd like to have lunch with you. Don't take no, you've got stuff to talk about with her. Then go home and cook for her. Serve her lunch in a private room. After lunch, look into getting a truck big enough to move the Dooney corpse. In the evening, go out with the Russians who are setting up the kill site. Make sure SB fills the pools. Buy Dooney-poison resistance potions Sometimes Merchant. Provide your own shatter-proof water bottles to contain them, and ask for potions sufficient for 4 hours. That should help bring the price down. You want enough for yourself, your company, and Hillevi.

>Talk to Camella

"Hey, hello! I bring lunch! And thanks! And other stuff. And my bodacious self. But first things first: Amen, deactivate any spy devices in this room, and personally pay no attention to the room for the duration of this conversation."

"Now, I want to say thanks for that book. It's a really touching and funny gift. It's exactly what my descendants will need. My bloodlines practically demand to be used in experimental ways and I can't see my kids being any better at self-restraint than I am, unless their mom is some incredibly self-disciplined and patient woman... actually I guess she'd need to be, huh? Anyway, I'm going to have to do something really nice for Einrik too. I was thinking something to do with helping him see text, he's got trouble with that. I'm just not too sure what, right now. I'll figure it out."

"No, I'm not just here to talk books. Yesterday I noticed something during the fight. You developed a soul quirk, a really awesome one too. What's with that look?"

"Oh. Well, yeah, I can see your soul. It's part of my bloodline ability. I can see most people's souls. My shadow sees in just magic, or so he tells me, so I'm sure that he's seen it too. Actually, you've got enough magic energy in your body now that I bet he can see it. I haven't bothered asking, it didn't seem important since he can see with my eyes when he wants to. He's complained a couple of times about not being able to see mundane materials on his own. Kinda like Einrik now that I think about it. Anyway, that's way off topic."

"Your soul quirk. Right, first, a soul quirk is like a certain shape to a person's soul that gives them an ability to do something. Like, see, a normal person's soul is just a round ball, right? Well the shape of the soul helps determine what it can do. Round balls can't do anything unusual, they're just normal. You, though, your soul is very beautful. It's a compact form of dense layered experiences made smooth by self-discipline and... call it a sureness of self. Healthy, and whole, and full of vitality, that's you."

"Hey, it's true. If you don't believe me you can ask Einrik. Anyway, the quirk is an added layer of complexity, literally sensor shapes on top of it that are like eyes. There's 108 of them, which is a magically important number."

"Right, and in Draconic magic too, though I'm no expert in that. So, that's the thing I wanted to tell you, and congradulate you on. It's how you beat my Goblin Stealth. And as to Gyaketsuote, well, I suspect that I'd need another 54 people practiced in it to overwhelm you now. Or someone with a similar soul quirk focused entirely on you."

"I've been thinking, the past few weeks actually, how to help you be a little more durable. The sparring yesterday highlighted it; you're awesome, but against an asshole with magic like mine you're going to need some sort of magic yourself. Now, there's a couple of ways to do. Short of building a bloodline in you, there's a couple of options. Chakra training is one, but it's slow. I've only made great gains in it because I'm a big fat cheater. I'm thinking of learning how to make NeverNever bubbles, but I suspect it's an expensive option. Still, it'd let you learn subjective years worth of training in a single real moment. There are charm arrays, like what Blackbeard uses. Or used, rather. I gave him a scare and shook up his faith in them. Turns out there's ways to slip around them, if you've got a mind like mine."

"Well, why not tell you? Just remember this is literally a multi-million dollar secret. The intent of the attacker matters. If an attacker can convince himself that each individual pellet in a shotgun shell is its own attack, that the act of pulling the trigger isn't the attack but just an event that triggers a bunch of them, then each pellet counts as its own attack. The simultanious nature of it lets shots that would normally be stopped by a good array slip through."

"Yeah, I figure most people can't use that trick. So charm arrays and other magic items remain an option, and there are probably ways to build them that remove that weakness. Another option I've found would be to get you a spirit animal. I spoke to Big Crazy about this awhile ago. He has two spirit animals, a sensor type and an endurance type, both bound directly to his flesh using a ritual method that he taught me. I didn't ever need to use it myself, but he was able to shrug off bullets and lift cars. And he had no chakra training to my knowledge, no bloodline that he ever exhibited. Just the spirit animals and his gun play. And because the spirit animals aren't corporeal, unlike a charm array they're not vulnerable to most sorts of attacks."

"No, what the hummingbird and I have is a little different. Hummingbird and I are bound together by a soul link that formed when I released him from his prison. The method Big Crazy taught me, which any mundane person can use, requires that you kill the animal's body in the process of binding its soul to your flesh."

"Yes, I know. Unfortunately, short of some extreme measures involving meddling with your soul directly (that I'm frankly not yet qualified to carry out), I don't know you could perform a binding that's less traumatic than that. I'm also not sure what your personal capacity for spirit animal bindings would be. BC said most people only get one, and that he was unusual for having two. I do know that the sort of animal you pick, beyond its general orientation, matters. A sensor snake and a sensor hummingbird are going to be very different. I've given it some thought and talked to Duke about it, and I think a honey badger may suit you very well. They're little destroyers, incredibly durable, they never give up, they fight animals many times their size, they shrug off wounds... well, you get the picture."

"Think about it. Ask Duke what he thinks, he might have better suggestions about animals that would suit you. I'll help, when you're ready."

"There's one more thing I wanted to talk to you about. I talked to Go Ping and the others yesterday. We're ready for tomorrow morning to do the Dooney hit. Now, based on the intelligence reports the best time to set up all the prep work on the site is in the evening. I tasked Andrei and Satai to design a system for playing decoy sounds, to confuse the fucker when we fight him. They'll need to get it set up tonight. I've also got some inflatable pools, to hold water that can be turned into ice cover. I purchased 40 ice bullets in 7.62×54mmR from Johan, this fella who does special weapons. They're supposed to be ready this morning. The Triads are going to be bringing six magitech cold grenades. And there's all the normal fun stuff too, the explosives in the armory, the miniguns; hell I wouldn't mind breaking out the big stuff. Having a javelin on standby wouldn't be a bad idea."

"Well normally I'd agree that wasting a $40,000 javelin on a target we have bottled up is stupid, but I was at the Aistane last night with Gianni talking fleshcrafter stuff and Owner walked right up to our table and gave me some coordinates he implied were related to this. My guess is it's got something to do with the Dooney's master, instead of Dooney himself, since Owner said he wanted to talk about it after the fight sometime. I looked them up, it's an island in the middle of the Caspian Sea. I'll show you; maybe we can put someone on it and see what we can learn. I'd like to be prepared before I talk to Owner, show that I'm not totally irresponsible."

"Of course, but to my credit, I did realize I needed you. To be an officer for the company. Ahem. Look, can you organize everyone for this? Let them know, and brief them?"

"Yeah I want everyone, and I want anyone not manning an emplaced gun or one of the cameras-"

"Yes, cameras. I figure we've got a chance here to record the entire fight. We'll be able to go over it later and review for things we could have done better. And if it's really good, there are plenty of supernaturals who would pay to watch Dooney die. Most of the community hates that guy."

"Anyway, as I was saying, I want the ones who aren't occupied otherwise to be carrying weapons with wooden stocks, if possible. I know it sounds weird, but the last time I fought Dooney, I had a pair of weapons turn magical on me. The stress of the situation, and the magical saturation, and the weapons having so much natural material all helped. Their roles are to provide support, not directly engage, but I'll buy poison resistance potions for them anyway. Rather not lose anyone. Oh, and Long Wang gave me this tip: The Dooney has a wound on his back, off to the right from his spinal column, whenever he shifts into a form with a pelvis."
>>
No. 388151 ID: 307b84

Have time during the day? Then try to make some mind-blowing security tape footage with ultimate goblin stealth. Spend a long time in the kitchen with Boris and his security cameras without him noticing. Do things like read the newspaper, stir the boiling pans and add a little salt and pepper when his back is turned, put some food on a plate, take your time eating it, walk circles around him and anything else you can think of. Also have an iPod with large, visible earphones on.

If questioned about the WTF-worthy footage just act puzzled like you thought for sure he knew you were there despite you being engrossed in your music. I mean why wouldn't he notice a large man moving around in the same room as him for several minutes?
>>
No. 388153 ID: 015a5f

>What's my plan for the day?
>When am I going to tell the Russians about the Doony hit being Sunday?
>>388140 This is good except for Amen orders.

Apart from that, Armas should NOT spar or fight with anyone who would force him to use hybrid regeneration, as he needs his winter energy. I am thinking that Armas might want to spend a handful of hours with Camella's help to try and see how to use shooting with his shoddy step, especially for rapid fire while moving quickly. When talking to Camella, we might also want to tell her that Duke probably has a lot of soul quirks, and should know how to both gain soul quirks or gain a spirit animal. Also, our talk with her shouldn't just be about Armas 'giving advice', but also asking for help: he saw that she somehow was much more efficient in body movement than him, so maybe he could ask some help with that. We should also definitely comment when Camella is around that Einrik is a masterful manipulator, managing to force Armas into further insane experimentation he can observe by doing a book that supposedly help to do safe ones.

Armas should make sure to rent trucks or have a way to take Doony's body.
>When do I want to do the training with Gianni-morning or evening?
morning
>Of the three remaining focuses of Flesh Manipulation, which should I learn next?
Epi.

>Also, limitation hide-and-seek with the Russians. Train them up in fighting the supernatural while you are gurgling glass, or have your left arm cut off. That kind of thing.
SUST to using hybrid regen today.

>Spend the day exhaustively briefing the Russians and any of the rest of the team who can make it on the Doonegeas' capabilities. Do a series of paper exercises where each person takes it in turns to play the part of a shapeshifting regenerating superfast superstrong monster who can spit deadly poison operating against your team. Remind them that it doesn't need doors, and can hear every sound you make.
Upvote.

>Apologise to Iron Trick and Silja for leaving them behind. Given that there is plenty of firepower available and the Doonegeas can easily tear anyone who gets within close range apart, being able to Shadowport into better positions has to be the priority, which Iron Trick blocks being able to do, and Silja would eat him, which is inefficient.
We are taking them, al. SB can also shadowport us with IT, it just is much more exhausting.

>Ask SB if he wants to have a meeting tonight or just talk now, to discuss the possibilities of rewards from Whaitiri, and if rewards are possible, what he thinks she would be most amenable to granting.
If we want to gift Whaitiri some flesh/soul of Doony and get reward, we might also want to discuss with SB the possibility of having her do NN bubbles for us, for learning stuff. We might even get her to do a NN bubble for learning soulsculpting if soulsculpting can help us restore her eyes.

IGOR
>>In response to Satai give zero counter-fucks about Satai's delusions on what is 'good enough'. Decide that If he limits his sleep and does nothing but his lessons at Ito's and crafting, he may have time to do a decent job at it. Igor will re-evaluate Saturday morning if he has not advanced far enough on those, but for now it's full time smithing. ROLL A 1d70+30 in discussion-on a score of 75 or higher, finish personally approved quality backing plates by Saturday. For every five rolled below the DC, add an additional day to fabrication time. By the end of this smithing project, feel more comfortable enacting gross change in metal with hammering.
>>/questdis/359239/
Once Igor is finished with this, he should spend another day in the Bazaar looking around the various metal smiths. Even if he can't convince them to mentor him immediately, it should not hurt to just make our presence known, as well as observe them. Try and see if any of them stand out to you, either in the quality of their product on in their personality.

>>
No. 388156 ID: b83c65

Addendum to >>388061 regarding >>388153 worries. If gargling glass, or limb removal doesn't work then act as if your limb was removed - can't use a limb for the hunting period. As for the pain training, if we can't use Hybrid Healing, then do something else. Gurgle Ghost Peppers, or do the hunt with ghost peppers in your eyes. Or your thumbs in thumb screws.
>>
No. 388157 ID: 170ee1

>Of the three remaining focuses of Flesh Manipulation, which should I learn next?
Epithelial
>>
No. 388166 ID: 6616f3

Morning practice with Gianni. On type, consider our long-term goal. What style do we need to fleshcraft someone a new form? Potentially all four, or would muscle help the most? While there, maybe bring up we may be able to get him a fresh Doonongaes poison sac in return for cleansing the flesh of the beast of poison, and - one day - teaching us how to re-create it ourselves? Doony poison would be amazing with his new and improved golems.

>Pop-up book
Walk around the house muttering, 'Thunder farts... brilliant! Now how...' and have whiteboard with bulletpoints like 'worship thunder goddess (subheading: build altar: jade?)', 'whistling + chakra = ? (subheading: check 7777 Uses of Chakra, 7 Gates, Peruvian Whistling Vessel)'

Okay, so what was Owner trying to tell us? Doony's lair, Zosimus stronghold, a job of his own? We need to find out, today. Do we (by which I mean Einrik) still have the Valkonen jet?

For further setup on the Doony fight, we have the heartbeat fakes, right? We also need something like ATVs to allow the russians to retreat quickly from their encampments if the Doony turns towards them. Also, it would be nice to punch some holes in the walls of the office and warehouse buildings. Put latches on them so they open like a pirate ship's broadsides, and at the right height for our M134s. Add a running stripe at eye level, like for a medieval murderhole, but with wider field of vision.

Will the Amazon cache (minus nectar) be enough for some more Doony antivenin from SM? Who does SM know that would pay for Doony's death within 36 hours? Paying him a 20-40% finders' fee, I bet he'd be motivated to turn up some people.
>>
No. 388171 ID: 431fa8

>Satai orders
-Arrange meeting with Old Ironhead for Armas when requested.
-As it is now apparent that Armas wants to move the entire company+lots of heavy hardware on short notice whenever he pleases, acquire three more largely nondescript vans. Estimate cost at $24,000.
-When Igor's quality backing plates are completed, break into our C4 stash and spend some time turning them into actual, usable shaped charges.
-Ask Hillevi if she does any kind of long-range combat or would like to practice it, and if so, mention that she can feel free to come to sniping practice whenever if she wants; it's every day. Blasting things at long range with magic can't be that different from blasting them with a rifle, although Satai would issue her a rifle if she wanted one. Or goggles with magnification, if they'd help. Actually if she wants pretty much anything as far as military supplies go she can ask him for it.
-Double-check outfitting before the Doonongaes mission; make sure that everyone has the equipment they'll need and nothing is likely to malfunction. Persuade/dragoon a couple other people into helping with this (Titus, Dmitrii, Iosef, Vlad, and Zhenya are likely prospects due to personality and/or past relations).


>>387816
>What's my plan for the day?
Do the following, in order or as simultaneously as is feasible:

0. Hold our soul guise all day.
>1. Eat a large breakfast
2. Call Gianni, tell him 6 AM it is
>3. Leave orders for Satai to call Old Ironhead once it's a business-friendly hour and arrange the requested meeting for early this afternoon
4. Leave orders for passing to Camella and Matvey that the Doonongaes job is happening tomorrow. Give a quick summary of the assets the Triads listed, and tell them to make sure the company is ready to move out and prepare our ground- no partying tonight, we'll be moving out long before dawn.
>5. Call Einrik, tell him/leave a message that the Doonongaes plan is coming together for tomorrow morning.
6. Go to Gianni's training at 6 AM. Tell him that after due consideration we've settled on an epithelial specialization. Get epithelial training.
>7. Go pick up our ordered magical rounds from Johan.
8. Attend meeting with Old Ironhead. See what he wants; anticipate there being a job involved.
>9. Visit Sometimes Merchant. Purchase enough Doonongaes poison immunity for 24 people for 12 hours. Pay with cash if possible; if it would cost us more than $200,000, trade Arrow and Blade charms. Those should trade for immunity doses on at least a 1:1 basis, maybe far better if we can argue it well. While we are there, inquire as to if he would be willing to serve as our middleman in gathering contracts to kill the Doonongaes on short notice- our purpose here, of course, being to get paid repeatedly for something that we're inclined to do anyway. He would, of course, offer him a cut of any pay that he arranges for us to receive- say, 10%.
10. Return home. Ensure that everyone is aware of the Doonongaes tomorrow, its capabilities, the general assets that we'll be devoting towards it, and will be ready to move out before dawn. Go over general strategy. If Duke wants to come he's invited but we don't want him killing the Doonongaes for us.
>11. Read Camella and Einrik's lovingly crafted pop-up book.
12. Sleep early. Call a meeting with our brothers/hummingbird in our eye. Make sure we wake up in enough time to rustle the troops into being at the killsite in the predawn (call our planned arrival time 6 AM).

SUST to ANY kind of sparring or training outside of Gianni's. We want very full energy stores for fighting the Doonongaes.

>>388035
>have whiteboard with bulletpoints like 'worship thunder goddess (subheading: build altar: jade?)', 'whistling + chakra = ? (subheading: check 7777 Uses of Chakra, 7 Gates, Peruvian Whistling Vessel)'
This is an excellent concept. Order Satai to acquire a gigantic whiteboard. Preferably large enough to cover an entire wall, like in a university lecture hall. Tell him we need it by the end of next week, along with a wide variety of high-quality markers to use with it. And also fun, colorful magnets.

>>388140
Not a huge fan of the rambling infodump and at least some of it drifts into OOC knowledge. Regardless, if we talk about spirit animals be sure that Camella knows that any animal with a soul- meaning all viable spirit animals- is fully sapient, if not particularly human in outlook. She will care about that a great deal due to her moral outlook on things.
>>
No. 388231 ID: f70e5e

we need to try and contact the Mongolian wizard before we kill doony. we might be able to swing at leas a minor favor for killing one of his foes, and even a minor favor from a wizard is nothing to scoff at.

also an idea for an alternate use of the speakers. doony probably has a much broader hearing range than we do, what if we rigged a few speakers to put out a huge amount of noise in frequencies we can't hear? if its too late to buy a few more speakers we could use this as a back up plan if doony manages to identify and ignore the false sounds of heart beats.
>>
No. 388356 ID: 6616f3

I'd also like to take this time to nominate something to actually learn charms from the goblins: battery charms. Specifically, charms that can hold a charge of our energy to be taken out later.

Then we branch out from there; charms able to hold, move and redirect energy seem like a fascinatingly useful field.
>>
No. 388402 ID: 7c31d2

We need hats. For our guns.
Order amen to make hats for our guns, make sure to tell him to hang them at a jaunty angle.
>>
No. 388461 ID: 593c76

>>388402
>>388449
And all of the hats will be orange.
>>
No. 388473 ID: 53575d

>>388402
...Yes. Let's order him to do this, with the hats in styles popular when the guns were made in the country of manufacture.
>>
No. 388591 ID: d97a61

>[Iosef has been queued to do the following:]
>During shooting practice suddenly feel uncomfortable being alone at the gun range. Have poor performance due to distraction.
>Decide to cut the practice short due to rising stress and find a place with other people around. [45 minutes instead of 1.5 hour training]
>Start seriously contemplating about this situation in the afternoon and the evening. Ask around among Russians. Learn more from Matvey about Armas' shadow: specifically, that it's as much a member of the company as the Boss. Mull this over.
>In the end, after reflecting on how helpful the Shadow has been as well as getting information from fellow comrades, decide that even if it is a living embodiment of his fear Armas' shadow is pretty cool dude. Alcohol may or may not have been involved with this decision.
>Swaging equipment, reloading press and dies delivered. Get back to Vlad-begin working on room arrangement. Come up with a solution that seems workable to both of you.
>Pick up Bluray player from store.
>[Lyubov has been queued to do the following:]
-Pick a nice chambric women's casual suit as the basis for her armored outfit, with trenchcoat. Be sad when trenchcoat isn't all that long.
*Wake up at 4:30 a.m. Realize by 4:45 a.m. that sleep will not come again today. Eat an apple, browse computer for news about herself on a whim. Find out not only did Chugainov have them declared dead, but also declared as traitors, complete with attempts to extort 'compensation' from family while slandering them.
*Cry a little for putting her mother through thinking her daughter is dead. Get good and angry at the rest of what she learns, smoke a cigarette, stalk around the house in her pajamas with a palpable bad mood.
*Bump into Boss, decide to distract herself by asking, "Did you read that book in your room?" referring to the Communication for Couples book she put in there last week, completely oblivious about the pop-up book. Be baffled by the Boss' weird responses about vomiting lava, and his questions about what volatile chemicals are preferable to excrete. Change subject, ask Boss flat out, "Why is Amen hiding the swimming pool?" Be told that the pool must be earned. Wonder what's up with that.
*Check the camera she lent Zhenya yesterday, be baffled by it being blank. Wonder aloud why today is starting off so badly. Then wonder why saying this in Zhenya's presence seemed to make her rather sad.
*Write a note to Andrei asking for an update on where he is with the hacking project (hack the TUIK death record database, and change the biomertric data if it exists), mention that she'll get him the last of the names today, stuff it under his door. Find out computers are up.
*Get ready to go on jog with Camella, think about problem. Talk to Camella before jog about problem, explain issue in detail (including conclusion it's an obvious trap), and nascent plan to move messages and money through the Orthodox Church. Ask for input, ideas. Don't cry. Go on jog, cleanup and rest afterward again. End up crying anyway-but hey, wheezing and sweating from exhaustion can cover that up.
*Get dressed in something low key, find Zhenya and ask what she did. Don't be angry, just mildly confused about what the problem was. Assign her a new task: "Find some notaries who can be bribed to rubberstamp forms for us, so we can get official replacement birth certificates for the identities. Ask for help if you need it, I'll have my phone."
*Find out which cemeteries she hit, and avoid them entirely. Pick different ones (hour+ bus travel). Follow same plan as before, with the addition to her lie if questioned: Her Boss is a surrealist artist who is coming up with something new, and isn't ready to discuss it yet. He uses an orange color instead of a name, like that one American who was a symbol. Acquire seven new boy's names.
*Speak Russian. Call Andrei up on satellite phone, give him the names and let him finish researching them to be sure they're clean. Ride home on bus. Hope the hack goes well.
*Check in on Zhenya during bus ride. If she's having problems, give her suggestions: "Try researching the public records for ones who let their licenses lapse for a short period, then renewed at the start of the month. They are probably people who are having money issues. Find at least three please."
*Have moment of inspiration on bus ride home about vampire fight last night. Realize the vampire could, somehow, read her intentions. Realize the Boss does the same thing. Wonder what he is.
*Go home, find Sake napping, decide that seems like a swell idea. Attempt to claim weasel as belly warming agent for napping purposes. Succeed.
*Wake up, find Sake gone. Research church. Learn about the 1955 Pogrom, be angered for the second time today. Smoke another cigarette. Think about things and realize that the sole remaining Orthodox Church in the city must have a protector of some sort. Wonder if that's the Inquisitor everyone ran into at the Warehouse with the Mafia.
*Go to Church for evening vespers, donate $400. Make sure to linger for a little while longer than normal for emotional comfort. Go home. More research on the church, try to figure out who exactly she will need to talk to, guess what questions they will ask.
*Try being "unintentioned" during the night lessons against vampire foes. Talk to Camella about it afterwards. Be uncertain if this was successful in any way.

>[Andrei has been queued to do the following:]
>Wake up. Find entity 'Amen' asking what clothing he wants suggestions for clothing. Don't freak out. Don't freak out! Grab a labtop - if they're being used, get it anyway. Order nerdy hipster shirts.
>Initially when queuried, begin to agree with whatever Amen thinks is good. Quickly correct self by saying gray slacks and white shirts. Hope this doesn't bite later.
>Ponder that not every one of the Russians has a laptop. Correct this, after talking to Satai. If Satai doesn't want to correct, buy them anyway. (13 laptops - one for every russian who doesn't have one, minus one for Igor who will break it. Price: $702
>Andrei does not wonder where get a proper reader. He has one, right next to his old computer. In Russia. FUCK! Grumble bitch, get on computer. Wait. Check to make sure the Crazy Castle doesn't have one. Find Amen to make sure. Sadly none are to be found. Pay used tech shop tech to get an 8" reader for $25 dollars. Continue bitching in Russian about the Russian military and being caught, even while spending a further $68 to acquire a Laserdisc player.
>>While on computer, look into that thing that Lyubov wanted. First, double check all the names as well as Andrei can. Grumble about putting off plan to crack into NSA, but shrug. Look up and check for criminal records, news records, and tax records of all the names Lyubov has given. Find red flags in too many places for two of the male names for them to be realistically rendered 'safe'. Verify that these were unremarkable individuals that were not photographed often, lack outstanding warrants, and were referenced in tax documentation. Find that one female name and three males have potentially overly sporadic tax records-they'd need to be shored up or their users would have to be prepared for a potential audit. Mull this over.
> Plan to hack the Turkish Statistical Institute death record database, and change the biomertric data if it exists. Pride dictates that the TUIK will be a job forgoing onsite assistance, so the goal is to just ping vulnerable ports and unpeel it like an onion. Be a bit sad that it really is that easy. Wonder if moviehacking will ever be for you.
>> Use identity information that was in the wallets to match up cards to names. Using precautions like proxies, check if cards are still active with small purchases. Siphon money off the active ones.
>ANDREI: +$12,100 BONUS
>Become somehwat alarmed when only making the connection after the fact that one of the cards was with Oyak Securities. Discontinue theft attempts to reappraise if it's really worthwhile to mess with one's own bank.
>While busy, look into Nazi computers. If encrypted or password protected, be careful and go slow. Look for work arounds and known vulnerabilities on the Nazi computers, that's the easy way. If Andrei can't find any vulnerability, then code breaking those passwords. Check the contents of the wallets again, check the credit and debit cards for personal info, try combinations of important dates to Nazis, that kind of thing. If THAT doesn't work, brute force encryption breaking.
>Take a breather. Wear camera-helmet. Check to see the video feed and how good the packet loss and what not is. Find it reasonable enough. Continue to wear camera-helmet while going outside. When outside, lie about its use. Something about being for a reality TV programming or his own vblog. See what funny antics people will do because Camera-Helmet. Realize swiftly it makes for easy future blackmail of those that are encountered drunk, and gravitate towards bars.
>After returning home from social networking, social hacking, hacking, shooting and filming to check the film on the computer. Find film somewhat patch, and find shake of helmet cam more than a bit distraction, even given the medium. Share amusing video of drunks being drunks with other Russians. While on the computer, remember that odd presence watching Caffeine. Ask Satai or Boris about using the cameras to check out the kitchen. Then realize you're the one that manages the cameras anyway and just do it.
[Ivan has been queued to do the following:]
*Suggest that the entity Amen model armored clothing That's mostly a double breasted vaguely military suit.
*Purchase a nice hat and shoes to go with the overcoat. Spend $325
*Purchase a new pocket watch Spend $130
*Practice stealthfully navigating the mansion, attempting to avoid other occupants for at least one hour per day. Do rather poorly, but stoically, stonily carry on.
*Spend extra time attending night training sessions at Ito's Dojo. (Pay increased to $225/wk, current maximum)
*Make a request to Satai to be issued an L129A1 Sharpshooter and a HK45.
*Spend two hours daily practicing shooting with both guns.
*Join in with the melee training session group with Andrei and Boris. Personally enjoy but do not outwardly flaunt satisfaction at being noticably superior in unarmed prowess to each companion. Wisely do not listen to rash voice that suggests sparring with Lev, Vlad, Dmitrii, Iosef or even worse Gloom. Quest; Avoid making fool of self: Success!
*Spend some time simply politely observing what the other guys do, particularly boss' weasel, attempt to glean information where possible. Readily observe bossweasel to be entranced with prank calls, spending at least two hours a night at it. Also notice weasel is proportionately the next heaviest drinker after the one that calls himself Duke. Idly wish to have such an easy camraderie with the man as Vlad.
>[Igor has been queued to do the following:]
>Successfully complete all blast plates to personal standards reasonably swiftly. Be confident this will be a solid 'so there' moment with Satai. Be disenchanted by Satai's apathy, fail to capitalize on chance. Mutter while wandering away.
>Head to Bazaar, looking around the various metal smiths. Even if he can't convince them to mentor him immediately, it should not hurt to just make our presence known, as well as observe them. Begin to doubt this after no less than four different smiths run him off for simply standing and staring. Try and see if any of them stand out to you, either in the quality of their product on in their personality. One of the ones that shouted for him to leave, specifically a knife-specialist smith that pantomimed raising a blade, and one of the less prickly smiths that worked in gold each seemed to have such a lazy grace and economy to their motion to make anyone confident they know their craft well. Stay aware that less than a quarter of the smiths have yet been seen.
[Satai has been queued to do the following:]
$-Arrange meeting with Old Ironhead for Armas when requested.
$-As it is now apparent that Armas wants to move the entire company + lots of heavy hardware on short notice whenever he pleases, acquire three more largely nondescript vans. Estimate cost at $24,000. Be pleased when the man you bought the last van from directs you to someone that sells you a trio for $20,000 flat. Don't be particularly concerned, as the man does swear to the barrel you have Dmitrii put to his head that they were not involved in any kidnappings, major drug trafficking, acts arsons or murder. Find this acceptable, conclude deal. Find estimation of man's pseudo-thuggish demeanor accurate-he knocks an additional thousand dollars off, and seems to now greatly respect you. Assume he may believe you professional killers. Be amused at so right and wrong he is.
$-When Igor's quality backing plates are completed, break into our C4 stash and spend some time turning them into actual, usable shaped charges. Be surprised at the smoothness of the parabolic interior of the plates, and estimate they will do an admirable job focusing a blast into a wide cone.
$-Ask Hillevi if she does any kind of long-range combat or would like to practice it. Be informed she likes to build javelin of ice and hurl them at foes. Demonstrates by skewering a stone wall without much effort. Mention that she can feel free to come to sniping practice whenever if she wants; it's every day. Blasting things at long range with magic can't be that different from blasting them with a rifle, although Satai would issue her a rifle if she wanted one. Or goggles with magnification, if they'd help. Actually if she wants pretty much anything as far as military supplies go she can ask him for it. Find Hillevi highly receptive to the concept of learning to perform long-range, pinpoint spear-chucking.
$-Double-check outfitting before the Doonongaes mission; make sure that everyone has the equipment they'll need and nothing is likely to malfunction. Persuade/dragoon a couple other people into helping with this (Titus, Dmitrii, Iosef, Vlad, and Zhenya are likely prospects due to personality and/or past relations). Succeed too well, and get everyone helping in the wake of the boss idly mentioning the job.


>388140
Stop.
Brain Coffee time.
Now then-
Eh, I've got time until the morning training. Enough, at least, to put to rest some vague assumptions I've built. I clear my throat, stretching as the Hummingbird flits back down from the windowsill to hover in place and watch me-while I have a little chat.
"Hey Amen, there's an actual binding added to your soul each time I give you a binding order, correct?"
I don't jump, for once, as Amen simply begins to exist beside me, mere inches from my face.
>[Amen]"Master is indeed correct."
"And each binding adds a pressure to your soul, correct?"
>[Amen]"Master has thus far accurately paraphrased the mechanics of the situation, yes."
"There's a limit to how many you can take, then?
>[Amen]"Oh, indeed there is a limit."
"What happens when you can't take any more bindings?"
>[Amen]"Let this one answer with a rhetorical-what happens if one squeezes grape too tightly?"
"That's... not good."
>[Amen]"It is dependent on one's viewpoint, this one would posit."
"Alright. You are to inform your master through the same method of communication aforementioned master most recently used with you when the pressure on your soul from your bindings changes due to a new binding or order, and to what degree the change has occured, using a linear system where the pressure from the order I gave you to ignore Savoy represents one point on the scale. You may not lie about a change in pressure."
The small secretive smile growing on its face fades as Amen briefly ponders this.
>[Amen]"This one would say more than one point, and less than two, have been gained from accepting this new order."
"Great. Now, truthfully, how many points do you estimate your capacity to be before you will be so tightly bound that you explode?"
>[Amen]"This one is not entirely sure there is a clear answer to this-the rate this one is used, what one does, how much one feeds, if the bindings are added evenly or in an asymmetrical binge-this one cannot truly answer."
"Huh. Ok, new topic. If seeing your soul would not warp my mind, subject me to memetic attacks, or otherwise cause harm that would take me more than a few minutes to recover if I were a complete mundane and had no outside help at all, show it to me."
Amen simply stands there, its smile returning. ...Well, that's an answer of a sort.
"Amen, why do my Russians' souls all remind me of overcooked hotdogs? To clarify, their souls feel like they are going to burst."
The smile thins.
>[Amen]"They are becoming oversaturated relative to their innate absorbent abilities and spiritual coherance. It is not that unlike bruising, only without a means to wait it out."
"Well that's alarming. What are the options for fixing this? I want my employees healthy, emotionally stable, happy, and to retain intact personalities and free will."
>[Amen]"Given such stringent requirements, this one has very little to offer. They could not ultimately be termed healthy if this one opened their chakras. They could lose their stability if altered to be capable to adapting themselves to externally absorbed foreign energy. They could lose what master refers to as 'happiness' if simply fleshcrafted into more resiliant and enduring forms. They would not retain their personality for the majority of what this one can offer. That said, the best this one can advocate within the guidelines is prioritizing their instruction in control of Chakra until they can readily internalize energy, and until then feeding them exclusively mundane foods."
"Thanks for the advice."

I look at the clock-Yeah, I can make it. I ring Gianni as I get dressed, and tell him I'm headed over shortly. I ignore him purring into the phone as I hang up, getting dressed in a genuine full cloth-of-gold suit, lapels so sharp a gnat could shave it's ass with them-and start heading out. I catch Camella and Lyubov heading out for a jog-and decide to skip alongside them with the aid of Shoddy step, off to a lesson while having a chat. Or at least, trying to.
"So Camella,"
>[Camella]"..."
"Hey, hello!"
Her Attention stays on me, but she continues to visibly ignore me.
"So, I'll bring lunch when I get back! And some thanks! And other stuff-probably not boring stuff though. And my bodacious self, heh. But seriously-I did want to talk with you."
I continue dodging those few feeble bits of Attention to be found in the early morning, smirking all the while, a bird perched on my shoulder.
"Now, I want to say thanks for that book. It's a really touching and funny gift. It's exactly what my descendants will need. My bloodlines practically demand to be used in experimental ways and I can't see my kids being any better at self-restraint than I am, unless their mom is some incredibly self-disciplined and patient woman... actually I guess she'd need to be, huh? Or a hellion. Anyway, I'm going to have to do something really nice for Einrik too. I was thinking something to do with helping him see text, he's got trouble with that. I'm just not too sure what, right now. I'll figure it out."
I note Lyubov stumbling mid-spiel, and ignore it. Camella, for her part, almost looks at me. Hey, progress!
"No I've got more, I'm not just here to talk books. Yesterday I noticed something during the fight. You developed a soul quirk, a really awesome one too."
That got her-she eyes me like an imperious hawk, looking stern and austere-even as her voices sounds quite a bit warmer than her demeanor would suggest.
>[Camella]"Short version's that I had a dream, was chasing something while I got chased-and realized both my pursuer and my prey were me. Woke up, and I could still see as well as I could in the dream."
She continues in silence for a few seconds before continuing.
>[Camella]"So how'd you notice that?"
I can tell she's watching for me to be crestfallen at the patently underwhelming storytelling. Fat chance of that.
"Oh. Well, yeah, I can see your soul. It's part of my bloodline ability. I can see most people's souls."
I ignore Lyubov tripping over the curb as she goggles at my idle comment.
>"It's like she doesn't get that I'm keeping an eye out for magic observers in the area, and you're watching for mundane, and we're actually not being as cavalier with our secrets as we appear."
Yeah. On that note.
" My shadow sees in just magic, or so he tells me, so I'm sure that he's seen it too."
At this a voice comes from the alleyway beside us-Shadowbro's, specifically, a gravelly whisper filled with ash and soot.
>"He has."
I nod at the alleyway as Lyubov finally seems to crest the hill of surrealism and just keeps trucking.
"And there's some confirmation for you. Actually, you've got enough magic energy in your body now that I bet he can see it. I haven't bothered asking, it didn't seem important since he can see with my eyes when he wants to. He's complained a couple of times about not being able to see mundane materials on his own. Kinda like Einrik now that I think about it. Anyway, that's way off topic."
My rambling and continued nonchalant Red Cap themed skipping continue to wear down her wariness, and my storytelling begins to take hold of her curiosity. Where AM I going with this, I bet she's dying to know.
"Your soul quirk. Right, first, a soul quirk is probably like a certain shape to a person's soul that gives them an ability to do something. Like, see, a normal person's soul is just a round ball, right? The ones I've seen are, anyway. Well the shape of the soul helps determine what it can do. Not just the shape, but... I guess the aesthetics of the soul? I can definitely see something like 'quality' I'd wager. Example:"
I idly motion at a portly man two blocks away.
"Pretty shitty soul. He's lived a dull, flat, boring life I'd say. You, though, your soul is painstakingly beautiful. It's a compact form of neat, densely layered experiences made smooth by self-discipline and... call it a sureness of self. Healthy, and whole, and full of vitality, that's you."
And it's true-with my soul sensing getting ever sharper, even if at a snail's pace, and this prolonged observation, I really am commenting on what I perceive. I also may have been spoiled with such an easy mark as Hillevi-but I miiiiight have seen a bit of color in her cheeks at that. Just as she opens her mouth, I continue.
"Hey, it's true. If you don't believe me you can ask Einrik. Anyway, the quirk is an added layer of complexity for you, sensor shapes on top of it that are like eyes. There's 108 of them, to be specific. Pretty sure that's magically significant, that."
Now it is Camella's turn to have her feet stutter on the ground, her hypnotizing rhythmic pace oh so briefly disturbed. I see the look of dawning comprehension on her eyes-but hell if I'm interrupting this gravyboat to ask right now.
>"Draconic magic does hold the number 108 in high regard."
"Oh, also way important in Draconic magic too, though I'm no expert in that. So, that's the thing I wanted to tell you, and congratulate you on. It's how you beat my Goblin Stealth. And as to Gyaketsuote, well, I suspect that I'd need another 54 people practiced in it to overwhelm you now. Or someone with a similar soul quirk focused entirely on you."
She furrows her brow at this.
>[Camella]"So if I can got all those eyes, I wonder... well, whatever. Go on, you've clearly got more to say."
Pssh, like she's not all ears at this point.
"I've been thinking, the past few weeks actually, how to help you be a little more durable. The sparring yesterday highlighted it; you're awesome, but against an asshole with magic like mine you're going to need some sort of magic yourself. Now, there's a couple of ways to do it. Short of building a bloodline in you, there's a couple of options. Chakra training is one, but it's slow. I've only made great gains in it because I'm a big fat cheater."
I have about half a second to recognize Camella's soul venting energy and sense the crystal clear, almost primally raw-feeling chakra she Reinforces herself with as she punches me in the arm.

And promptly BREAKS my arm. Which I completely ignore, not even bothering to heal it and keep speaking. Just because she's, ah, a wee bit better with Chakra than I thought doesn't mean my point isn't valid. I still have to listen to her snide little comment of:
>[Camella]"You cheat, and you're still like... well, you?"
I grin.
" I'm thinking of learning how to make NeverNever bubbles, but I suspect it's an expensive option. Still, it'd let you learn subjective years worth of training in a single real moment. There are charm arrays, like what Blackbeard uses. Or used, rather. I gave him a scare and shook up his faith in them. Turns out there's ways to slip around them, if you've got a mind like mine."
>[Camella]"So only psychopaths can disrupt it?"
Oh, that's how it is huh? Enjoy a little of this...
"If you've got to twist my arm.... Well, if you REALLY want to know I guess I could tell you. Just remember this is literally a multi-million dollar secret."
She did in fact pick up on my implying implications. Look at that. Scowl's back.
>[Camella]"Then keep it to yourself. I'd rather figure it out on my own-which shouldn't be that hard, given I know it exists."
That... that's....
>[Hummingbird]"Proof she's a superior giant to you."
Say what you will-cheaters DO prosper.
>[Hummingbird]"And the fact she matched your Overcharged output when tapping you?"
ANYway-
"If that's how you want to play it. So yeah, I figure most people can't use that trick. So charm arrays and other magic items remain an option, and there are probably ways to build them that remove that weakness. Another option I've found would be to get you a spirit animal. I spoke to Big Crazy about this awhile ago. He has two spirit animals, a sensor type and an endurance type, both bound directly to his flesh using a ritual method that he taught me. I didn't ever need to use it myself, but he was able to shrug off bullets and lift cars. And he had no chakra training to my knowledge, no bloodline that he ever exhibited. Just the spirit animals and his gun play. And because the spirit animals aren't corporeal, unlike a charm array they're not vulnerable to most sorts of attacks."
>[Camella]"Like your bird?"
I can see the tiny figure puffing out his chest to preen and flash plumage. I smile regardless of intent.
"No, what the hummingbird and I have is a little different. Hummingbird and I are bound together by a soul link that formed when I released him from his prison. The method Big Crazy taught me, which any mundane person can use, requires that you kill the animal's body in the process of binding its soul to your flesh."
>[Camella]"Not wholly appealing, but palatable. You're omitting something, aren't you."
"Did I mention you have to Duke it up to do this?"
Fown dimples. My god, that's amazing.
"Yes, I know. Unfortunately, short of some extreme measures involving meddling with your soul directly that I'm frankly not yet qualified to carry out, I don't know you could perform a binding that's less traumatic than that. I'm also not sure what your personal capacity for spirit animal bindings would be. BC said most people only get one, and that he was unusual for having two. I do know that the sort of animal you pick, beyond its general orientation, matters. A sensor snake and a sensor hummingbird are going to be very different... I think. I've given it some thought and talked to Duke about it, and I think a honey badger may suit you very well. They're little destroyers, incredibly durable, they never give up, they fight animals many times their size, they shrug off wounds... well, you get the picture."
>[Camella]"Did you just call me small?"
Do NOT get drawn in!
"Think about it. Ask Duke what he thinks, he might have better suggestions about animals that would suit you. I'll help, when you're ready."
>[Camella]"You sound like you've got more."
"Ayup. There's one more thing I wanted to talk to you about. I talked to Go Ping and the others yesterday. We're ready for tomorrow morning to do the Dooney hit."
Lyubov loses her precarious sense of calm and nearly faceplants at that, no doubt recalling the threat assessment of the beast.
"Now, based on the intelligence reports the best time to set up all the prep work on the site is in the evening. I tasked Andrei and Satai to design a system for playing decoy sounds, to confuse the fucker when we fight him. They'll need to get it set up tonight. I've also got some inflatable pools, to hold water that can be turned into ice cover. I purchased 40 ice bullets in 7.62×54mmR from Johan, this fella who does special weapons. They're supposed to be ready this morning. The Triads are going to be bringing six magitech cold grenades. And there's all the normal fun stuff too, the explosives in the armory, the miniguns; hell I wouldn't mind breaking out the big stuff. Having a javelin on standby wouldn't be a bad idea."
>[Camella]"This sounds like a decidedly... American approach to battle."
"Well normally I'd agree that wasting a $40,000 javelin on a target we have bottled up is stupid, but I was at the Asitane last night with Gianni talking fleshcrafter stuff and Owner walked right up to our table and gave me some coordinates he implied were related to this. My guess is it's got something to do with the Dooney's master, instead of Dooney himself, since Owner said he wanted to talk about it after the fight sometime. I looked them up, it's an island in the middle of the Caspian Sea. I'll show you; maybe we can put someone on it and see what we can learn. I'd like to be prepared before I talk to Owner, show that I'm not totally irresponsible."
She smiles.
>[Camella]"You didn't make a fool of yourself in front of him? How precious. But are you just reporting this to your second, or...?"
"Well of course, but to my credit, I did realize I needed you way before I got the date set for this. To be an officer for the company. Ahem. Look, can you organize everyone for this? Let them know, and brief them?"
>[Camella]"Sure, since Lyubov's obviously going to help me with that."
The still silent companion to our jaunt, growing increasingly winded, merely looks on.
"Yeah I want everyone, and I want anyone not manning an emplaced gun or one of the cameras-"
>[Camella]"Cameras?"
"Yes, cameras. I figure we've got a chance here to record the entire fight. We'll be able to go over it later and review for things we could have done better. And if it's really good, there are plenty of supernaturals who would pay to watch Dooney die. Most of the community hates that guy."
>[Camella]"That's.... rather morbid but I can't specifically say it's wrong, all things being equal. Backtracking here, give me Johan's address and number."
I provide them as she simply nods at me to go on.
"Anyway, as I was saying, I want the ones who aren't occupied otherwise to be carrying weapons with wooden stocks, if possible. I know it sounds weird, but the last time I fought Dooney, I had a pair of weapons turn magical on me. The stress of the situation, and the magical saturation, and the weapons having so much natural material all helped. Their roles are to provide support, not directly engage, but I'll buy poison resistance potions for them anyway. Rather not lose anyone. Oh, and Long Wang gave me this tip: The Dooney has a wound on his back, off to the right from his spinal column, whenever he shifts into a form with a pelvis."
>[Camella]"Down low?"
"You know it."

I glance at my watch-and sigh.
"Well, I've got places to be-enjoy your run."
Camella almost says something to me, but instead simply nods her head and keeps going as I veer off, slowing back down to a normal pace as I walk the last four blocks to the meet with Gianni. Now..... what am I going to have him teach me...

>>387853
>>387990
>>388027
>>388153
>>388157
Epithelial manipulation. Even putting aside the potential gains from manual glandular command, the constant considerations of the poisonous doonongaes keep me well aware such a focus could be rather... varied. When I tell Gianni, he doesn't seem that surprised-

Then proceeds to touch me. It was a good touch.

He took command of my adrenal glands and gave me a first-hand experience of what control means. He shows me how the right chemical balance can create any result a sufficiently skilled user can want. He even goes on to say sufficiently precise control allows one to 'correct' for their own tendencies-a curious parallel to soul sculpting, the act of chemically shackling oneself to prevent disadvantageous known personal traits from being an issue. Just as I wallowing in the thought of having a Soul Guise, a fleshcrafted appearance and a way to force myself to eschew my own tendency to distraction, Gianni genuinely surprises me: He cautions me as he continues to milk my adrenals, the steady throb of shifting focus heady, intoxicating.

>[GiaGia]"Well gosling, this one must confess so many things can go wrong with this approach that really it couldn't be advised. The soul is, after all, linked to the body-which is itself the host of the remaining two thirds of the personal triumvirate. Having Body alter Mind is... doable, certainly, but the problem lies in what repeat use does to the soul-it's not so pretty. I'm not refusing to teach you about it-once you know enough you could do it, at least-but I do have to be clear on this: if you cannot tread carefully, this path is not well suited to you."
I muse upon the seemingly out-of-character warning-and press on with the lesson. Seems that after he's flooded, then flushed, flooded, then flushed my system with adrenaline again and again, he directs me to take the helm. I've felt the foreign magic working on me-I witnessed the shape of the Flesh magic, when it was shoved in my flesh. So it is with not even a hint of trepidation I... sidle back into a haze of focus, energy and distorted thought. From the adrenal, we go to a real treat: the liver. I get to really feel that which handles my booze... and I make some personal plans even as the lesson rambles past blood filtering by dint of glandular control. To complement on-command Adrenaline and a newly manual liver complete with overdrive, Ginna next traipses his lessons through me to my neck to focus on my spine even while staying attentive to my torso: specifically, to show me how the parathyroid and the kidneys can work in concert for rather impressive internal filtering. Coupling this with the liver, I abruptly feel far, far more confident about facing poisons... other than the Doonongaes', at least. Finally, he moves on to my bones-specifically, my bone marrow, wrapping up the personal resilience tolerance with the revelation that there's some distinction in the adrenal gland that I hadn't previously detected-

Gianni ends the lesson with my homework being to figure out what that difference is, and get to the point I can recognize the difference between my attempts to manipulate adrenal, liver, kidney, parathyroid and bone marrow, from his. Obviously there's a difference, but he's adamant I need to be able to define it.... which I don't have a snappy come back to, what with the complete lack of such an ability. Homework, fun.

Armas has learned how to manually begin flooding his system with adrenaline, with all that this entails
Armas has learned how to manually choose what particular toxins are filtered when by his liver, and how to metabolize more quickly.
Armas has learned how to manually ply his kidneys and parathyroid towards gaining heightened internal filtering ability.
Armas has learned how to manually ply his bone marrow to slowly thin or thicken his blood with red blood cells.

...Yeah, I see why he said you could learn more initially about Epithelial than Nervous. Sure there's supposed to be a bigger payoff in the endgame with Nervous, but.... this is a lot to play with. We part ways as noon rolls around, the bird seated atop my golden tie content to snooze for the first time I've seen.

>>388171
As ever happy my soul guise is now readily perceptible to my senses, I verify my default's running smoothly and head back to the house. I ignore the incredulous looks a few throw my way, asking Satai to go ahead and schedule that meeting for today with Old Ironhead. Be surprised when Satai is able to confirm a meeting for this afternoon before I even make it to the kitchen.
"...So, when you say this afternoon-"
>[Satai]"He's inviting you to join him for lunch."
Steady...
"Where at?"
>[Satai]"The Pitstop to Valhalla."
No shit... can't question his taste.
"Tell him I'll be there in half an hour."

The best part is having the Pitstop be on the opposite side of Johan's shop relative to the mansion. I pick up my bullets, and slot them in the magic over-sized 40 round magazine for the AVT-40, the gun itself obviously absent. I shake hands with the craftsman and head on, having spent all of two minutes in his shop. I make it to the Pitstop, that familiar belligerantly resilient yet perpetually ramshackle tavern and take a seat across from the only interesting soul I see outside-who happens to look patently swedish.

I smile.
"So, we have-"
The man flies into a passionate spurt of bluster, plowing headfirst through my attempt to speak.
>[OI]"Alright so here's the deal: big name's off the market. You damn well know who. Now, certain slant-eyes are looking to muscle in. I say fuck them. I say that when a certain trader left, he left a great deal of wares. I say that I want those wares-and I say-"
>[MM,MMMMM[/code] Trait auto-activated]
Two can play the interrupting game motherfucker!
"That you want what certain-"
He merely gets louder.
>[OI]"WHAT? Anyway, I want what our local enforcers that dress in uniform. So-"
Oh it's on.
"SO HOW much is the questio-"
>[OI]"I WANT IT ALL, AND I WANT IT... AS SOON AS I CAN GET IT."
We're practically shouting now, and both starting to rise.
"HOW MUCH?"
>[OI]"THIRD OF MARKET PRICE, PERMANENT DISCOUNT."
"HOW MUCH?"
>[OI]"A TENTH."
"A THIRD."
>[OI]"FUCK YOU MONGREL, EIGHTH."
>[WTN Trait activated and advances to Level four trait, JUST WON'T TAKE NO, ]
"TWO SIXTHS."
>[OI]"THINK I CAN'T DO MATH FUCKHEAD ONE SIXTH."
"TWO SEVENTHS"
>[OI]"QUARTER./b]"
He's stopped that manic shout-grinning he'd been doing-and I take that as my cue to take the deal.
"[b]TIMEFRAME?
"
"THIS WEEK."
>[OI]"EXPRESS FEE-"
"FREE TANK."
I can't even resist.

I falter in the shouting match that the customers continue to completely ignore-and find my hand being shaken.
>[OI]"SHIT BASTARD HAS A DEAL."
He finally stops shouting, and returns to his admittedly vocal self.
>[OI]"...Heh. Alright, but seriously get out of here, you're like this close to pissing me off, funny bullshit or no."
Why ruin a good run? I bow out, simple as that.

A third the market price for all that's in the lockers, someone ELSE to deal with selling all that shit, a sizable discount and a tank.
>"You are a child... yet I can't really put much.. fire into my complaints this time. Curious."
Obviously because shadow or no you still love tanks.

On the way back from THAT, I stop in a manhole, and have a chat with SM. after eventually haggling my ass into giving up Four blade charms and one arrow charm to get a grand total of 24 people's worth of half-day long complete Doony poison immunity. Now, we only have to worry about the monstrous strength and claws and shape shifting and... still, one less thing to worry about. And this time, I get a carrying case. No breakages this time, nu-uh!

I return back home, this time finding the Russians far less agog-and asking questions about tomorrow's target. I give them a rough play by play of my prior two experiences, focusing just on actual observations, coupled with my own thoughts. Camella must have done a good job talking to them, because they seem far more receptive and placated by my brief blurb than they really should be. Score one for the team. With the lot of them now thoroughly trapped in arguing over potential alternative conclusions to what the Doony's like, I slip away to the kitchen, shadow Boris for a half hour as I eat a half dozen plates without ever leaving the room, then head upstairs to read that popup book.

...I'm not sure what to make of the fact it's five hundred and eleven pages of a tiny eyepatch sporting caricature that looks vaguely like me suffering various mishaps. There's examples from every school of magic, and each one looks mundanely fatal. ...I read it eight times, belly laughing the whole time, before turning in early.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 23RD, 2011
PERSONAL FUNDS: $321,013.11
BUSINESS FUNDS: $189,347.00
CASH: $9,170.00
SHADOW PATIENCE: 44%
[small]WINTER ENERGY: 121/160
SUMMER ENERGY: 50/50

I wake up so chipper I could sour the sun's dazzling smile with envy. It's not hard at all for me to wake up well before dawn, finding the Russians far more easily roused than normal. I should be a bit miffed my meeting with my brothers wasn't all that productive-though I'm wholly occupied with feeling like I came from a comedy marathon, given we spent the night joking so much I heartily enjoyed myself.

So.

Three twenty five, and the last of the Russians have finished waking up and getting dressed. Camella's present, Hillevi and Einrik are both present and accounted for, and Duke's thoroughly not giving a fuck while stroking Sake, with the Hummingbird watching over us all like a diminutive yet unfathomably stern shepard.






So, what's the loadout we're taking on this?
And more importantly-what's the nitty-gritty of the plan?
Assuming it doesn't take all day-what else do I plan to occupy myself with today?
>>
No. 388685 ID: b83c65

>[Andre Orders]
>Realize that today's the day. Make sure that the audio program is ready, and the cameras are adjusted for the shake - or at least the video editing software can handle reducing the shakes.
>Have cunning idea. Hope that Amen hasn't finished clothing. Order this too:http://img456.imageshack.us/img456/7096/borisshirtgq2.jpg
>>
No. 388694 ID: 6616f3
File 133013352229.jpg - (44.29KB , 258x251 , russian male.jpg )
388694

[I rather like the look of this outfit for Titus, even if it is very, very Russian.

He'd also would like to pick up some lengths of kevlar, nomex/kevlar/P155 weave, maybe some UHMW or Teijin's Twaron fabric to assist Amen's armored clothing line. It's all very reasonably priced, only $10-30 per square meter. Buy, oh... say $500 of it. That's about 250 sq.meters of fabric, which is enough to outfit that trenchcoat someone wanted, about 60 times over. Eventually he'd like to look into ceramic armor/trauma plate, but we'd need to make our own or something, prices for boron carbide and the like are absurd (mostly because they expect you to buy it by the ton when I've found it for sale at all).

Also, Titus looked into the Armstar Bodyguard on the 12th, got Satai to help him on the 14th, and it is now the 23rd. The taser gloves mk.I are ready for a trial run.]

Can Amen put together a magic item to bring Doony's blood right to the mansion in this short amount of time? Some kind of dessicating knife? We don't want Doony bleeding away more valuable blood than necessary.

>>388650
I think we should be focusing on Doony right now. Taking Trick, Silja and Lonesome should be enough for ourselves. That leaves the matebas (with DOOM rounds), season pistol, AA-12 to be passed out among the Triad. Diao may be interested in the hate gun- fighting the creature that killed her cousin, I assume she has enough hate in her to put some oomph into it.

We may want to spend a little time bringing Silja up to speed on what we're fighting here. No emotional hangups here; Doony is a monster, he eats entire boatloads of people. She's taken his blood into herself before - quite a lot of it - which hopefully provides bonuses (bonii?).

The fake heartbeat stereos... I dunno. If we decide not to use a building we could put them there to lure Doony in, or leave the heartbeat machines in place while the russians retreat from the gate booth to give Doony pause, or just leave them strewn about so he can't trust his ears (or whatever Doony has).

Layout of forces:
(4) The snipers (Ivan, Matvey, Satai and Andrei) should be stationed in the hills to the north. That'll give them some distance, but not so much they should need spotters. Give them one of the vans (since we didn't purchase ATVs) to make a quick getaway if it seems necessary.

Triad and us (and maybe Hillevi and Camella; I'm unsure if we should have Hillevi try out the pinpoint distance ice lance or not) should be out in the open, to draw Doony into the killing zone. Space us in between the docks and warehouse- the snipers will be able to get a shot if placed correctly (the office building could block some shots), the gate booth and warehouse and office building can also contain russians. We may want to again have SB and Sake set up a nasty surprise on the dock, with us funnelling power to them until and unless Doony is close enough we need spot reinforcement. Don't have them drain themselves dry, but wounding Doony before the fight even properly begins seems good to me.

(3) The gate booth should contain our heaviest ordinance russians; GatMalite, M202 Flash, a M134, maybe even the Javelin. Again, a van should be placed to allow them to flee. May want to plant some mines/bricks of c4 in front of the booth - even if Doony rolls right through them, it may give him pause.

(5) Office building's roof we can do mortars, and M134s in the windows.

(6) The warehouse won't get much use owing to the lack of windows, unless we knock some holes in the walls or prepare an ambush. If we place the Javelin in the warehouse or the booth group retreats to there, it'll draw Doony in and we can place russians and multiple M134's within near the back loading doors. Shoot the hell out of him, then retreat again.

The office russians can only make a difference if Doony is on the northern end of the docks, the booth on the southern half - between the two and the snipers, they'll be able to cover anywhere.
>>
No. 388698 ID: d06067

The hour of Doony has arrived. How fun.

But before that i suggest consulting Einrik on the issue of near exploding Russians BEFORE the fight as that all the magic that will flying about (see wanting guns to become magic) it might just overload them. this might be paranoia but we have time and it wont hurt to address this.

Speaking of paranoia; Is there any way Armas can direct his PPP trait using M7 into everything Amen says? that way Armas will "over"-anilize everything Amen says, get more out of him from vague answers, and be very careful in giving him any order/bindings.

Silja will need careful talking to to convince her to help i think. I cant think of much except to say things like:
"He killed a boat full of people for no other point but sport and idle hunger" and/or
"Poisoned a friend/comrade and had to watch her slowly die." also
"You may well be my best weapon for this foe" but definitely
"When he recognizes your vessel and how much its/you've grown, he WILL fear you"

Im no wordsmith in this but i think using lines like that will help the most.
>>
No. 388767 ID: bc0e80

Ask who the best pistol shots are, they get the anti-Season pistols and Mateba loaded with Doom bullets, and give them to them to use. This probably includes Camella. Get a detectable shoulder stock for them if we have time to fit into. When they're fired, we don't want them to miss. Ask Johann if as a rush job he can modify his cold bullets to fit the anti-Summer gun.

Bring Silja, but plan not to use her, as she'll eat the Doonegeas. Leave her in a secure location for SB to teleport to you if things go dreadfully wrong.

For use, Take Iron Trick and the AA-12, and nothing else. With the Doonegeas' regeneration then the Taste of Ruin is the only weapon we have that can reliably harm him - it's partially what we sold the strikes for, to enchant it to deal with this fight. It would be a real shame not to actually have it meet its destiny. Iron Trick should only be used to Shadowpin, as the Regneration means that unless we gamble it's futile shooting the Doonegeas with it. The anti-Season and Mateba with Doom bullets are more useful in better shots' hands, as they need to hit. The other guns we have won't do enough damage.

Initial plan should be:

>Set up very bright spotlights on the walls to cast very long shadows.
Engage the Doonegeas in banter.
>Switch on the spotlights and shoot the Doonegeas' shadow with Iron Trick to pin him.
Have whoever has the anti-Season guns and the Mateva immediately fire at the Doonegeas whilst he's motionless, whilst everyone else opens up as well to disguise the source of the suppressing bullets. If they can hit it in its weak point that's even better.
>Switch to Taste of Ruin and unload a full magazine of HEAP shells into the Doonegeas whilst he's pinned, timed for the moment after the first set of anti-Season/Doom bullets hits. As necessary, switch back to Iron Trick to keep him pinned.
>You need to be firing the automatic shotgun as you can use accelerated thought and Reinforcement to manage the recoil better than anything else.
Then, you want to throw Iron Trick aside and have ShadowBro teleport you to another location. The Doonegeas will be after you, and so you don't want to be there any more.
>Be ready for the shadow pinning simply not to work, and plan accordingly.
>>
No. 388888 ID: 015a5f

>So, what's the loadout we're taking on this?
Armas should take IT and Silja (We should be careful with Silja, as she may eat too much), AA12 for either Long Wang or Camella, Season postol (Summer) to the other. Apart from that, the russians should use the mini-guns as well as their normal weapons.

>And more importantly-what's the nitty-gritty of the plan?
Note-letter guy told us Devil might want to interfere with this fight. It is unknown if he still wants to, but we migh think about asking Duke if he wants to watch the fight- and maybe have fun in case a Devil comes. If we do so, however, we must make sure he let us deal with the Doonegaes. Hummingbird and Sake both should definitely take some of that poison immunity too I think. Also, Armas should definitely look at Long Wang and other Triad people to see if he can learn some kind of chakra orientation from them. Likewise, it might be worth it to barter with them to learn some. Maybe a couple of arrow charms?

We should definitely ask SB if Whaitiri wants Doony's soul: If she does, we will need to keep as much winter energy as possible to capture it, and THAT might be risky. So we need a straight answer. We also need SB to tell us if we can take it within our eye without problems. Keep in mind what happened with the reaper.

>Assuming it doesn't take all day-what else do I plan to occupy myself with today?
We definitely need a party celebration if we manage to deal with Doony.


IGOR
Igor should definitely make sure he got a Arrow and Bladeward charm during the Doony encounter (and that every Russians has one). He should use his XM25 to deal as much damage as possible on Doony patiently and methodically.

>>
No. 389091 ID: 252e1b

>>388888
>Armas should take IT and Silja (We should be careful with Silja, as she may eat too much), AA12 for either Long Wang or Camella, Season postol (Summer) to the other. Apart from that, the russians should use the mini-guns as well as their normal weapons.

Be sure to talk to Silja about the Dooney before the fight. Get buy-in from her on this.

TT-30 or Summer Pistol to Long Wang. Wind Blunderbus to Go Ping if he wants to wield it (he will). Issue the AA-12 to Diao Yuan, and tell her what it does. Camella should be rocking a sniper rifle (either hers or the ATV-40, her preference). The Russians with special shooting traits or experience are Dmitrii (used to using that large bore contender pistol), Grisha (grenades) Igor (heavy weapons), Iosef (heavy weapons), Lyubov (small arms and grenades), Matvey (designated marksman), Vladimir (shotguns and explosives), Zhenya (pistols).

Obviously, Iosef and Igor should be manning miniguns. Assign Matvey have whichever sniper rifle Camella doesn't use. Zhenya gets the Matebas if you're willing to trust her to not miss with the doom rounds. Vlad is on bomb duty: he's to trigger the placed shaped explosives at opportune times. Lyubov gets the Autumn Pistol and an ice grenade if the Triads want to pool. Grisha gets one or two of the magitech grenades as well, and should get priority for them if the Triads don't want to give up three. Hillevi should be tossing ice javelins.

I know it's tempting to put Satai on that big fucking sniper rifle he has, but you'll need at least one knowledgeable man helping to run the cameras. Since Andrei will be busy with e-war (you ARE bringing one of those cell jammer packages, aren't you?) and the audio decoys, it sorta falls on Satai.

Issue the Spring Pistol as well to whomever is a good shot, but NOT the winter gun. That stays at home.

After the fight, decide what to do based on how many men you lose (hopefully none) and how much attention you attract (hopefully not much).

>>388767
Man you write just like Alratan.

Anyway, I think we should have the AA-12 be put in the hands of a shotgunner, either Long Wang or Vlad (but Vlad's best used being the brains behind the bombs).

ARMAS ORDERS

Is there any reason to not issue extra sword charms? Any? The charms may be expensive, but the Russians aren't supposed to be getting into melee. If they're surprised, they might need more than one melee charm to get away. Issue three each (54 sword charms issued to them). Each Russian is worth more than that, honestly (consider the value of the money they bring in through contracts and looted materiel).

Also, give Sake 5 sword charms. Stick them in his backpack or something, just as long as they count as being worn you're fine. He's your most powerful healer, so you want to be absolutely sure harm doesn't come to him. That'll leave 6 sword charms for you to distribute: 3 for you and 3 for Hillevi (Camella already has her superior ritual charm, and Einrik and Duke are much more durable than anyone else on the field, save yourself and Dooney). If Hillevi refuses the charms, or she or Einrik argue that she won't need them, assign them to Sake.

Give Amen the following order: "Please make little armored and insulated pockets on the clothes of those using charms for their charms to sit in (as long as being in said pockets won't interfere with the idea of them being "worn" nor with the charms protective functions). And please move their charms to the new pockets as appropriate."

Distribute the anti-poison potions to everyone and remind them to not drink them until you give the order, or as soon as possible if the Dooney puts in an early appearance. Give the order to drink them when the Triads signal their hydrophone.

Might as well get some of the bad news and other shit out of the way while you've got everyone together.

Armas Speech

"Ladies, Gentlemen, and Weasels. Before we begin our final preparations for today's job, I have a few items to bring up with you. They're unfortunately all serious, so I'm going to set aside the cracking wise. I know, it pains me too."

"First, I learned about an issue that affects every single one of our Russian comrades in arms: Those delicious, nutritious, and more than a little magical meals we all enjoy? They're not so healthy for people who either don't have bloodlines, aren't innately magical, or who are not good at using their chakra to manipulate internal energies. In fact, three weeks of good eats has left you all saturated with magic."

"Well, your body will start to fall apart, and if you push the issue your soul will burst apart, and you'll die horribly."

"So, since that's not good, you're all going to have get used to eating mundane fare while you either radiate the magic out, or we figure out a safe way to drain it. And by safe I mean a method that doesn't leave you unhealthy, unhappy, mindless, or wiped of your personalities."

Stare at Amen for that last sentence. Let him respond as he sees fit.

"The problem is that not a one of you are proficient enough with chakra to integrate that extra energy. And since it can't get used up by being spent on reinforcement chakra or some other magic manipulation, it just pools and starts to put pressure on everything in you."

"I'm going to be keeping an eye on you all for the duration of the radiating period, by the way. Regular soul screenings have been added to your medical plan. Hopefully, between Camella, Ito, myself, and any guest who feels like it, you'll all be able to become skilled enough with your chakra that this issue will be behind us soon. I intend to order a book about novel chakra orientations as well, next week, so eventually you'll be able to learn more than just the reinforcement orientation. Not that the reinforcement orientation is anything to scoff at," flop your broken arm around as disgustingly as you can, and say, "Camella did this to me yesterday with a single reinforced punch. Sake, help a bro out?"

"Thanks. In fact, if anyone else needs him to take care of an aliment, speak up now."

"Great, then on to the second item I wanted to talk about: While the majority of you are not supposed to engage the Doononegas in melee combat, I'm going to issue all our sword charms anyway. Sake gets the most, since I like him best."

"He's not nearly so durable as our friends Einrik and Duke. And unlike Officer Camella, he doesn't have a superior charm allocated to him already. And I'm going to be wearing some too. Normally I'd just rely on my personal healing ability, but it occurred to me that if something tragic happened and, somehow, despite our plans and preparations and efforts, someone died, that I might be able to do something about it."

"I'm distributing the charms so that most of us will end up with three, except for the aforementioned exceptional individuals. Three hits should give you a buffer to react, to get away, and for everyone else to lay down fire on the target so that you can get clear. Combined with your body armor to protect against friendly fire, the anti-poison potions I'm providing for you, the field surgery training opportunities I've provided, and Sake and Hillevi's healing prowess, you all stand an excellent chance of surviving this fight."

"But, if you don't, there are a few things you need to know. Death sucks. And the afterlife is no great shakes for most people, too. In general, a soul without a body slowly dissipates into raw magical energy that is reabsorbed by the NeverNever. There's other possible eventualities, but they're not really germane. If you really want to learn about all that, catch me later, or butter up one of our guests. What you need to know is that if your body ends up damaged to the point where you can't stay in it anymore, you will end up as a disoriented and possibly damaged soul."

"Any memories that are only in your brain, but not imprinted on your soul, you will lose. You'll certainly remember how you died. You might remember who your allies are. You probably won't remember what you had planned to do next week. But you have to remember this: sunlight burns souls. If you die, get under cover, fast. Otherwise you'll burn, and the raw magic energy that your soul is built of will boil off, and everything that's left of you will simply unravel."

"Good question. I was getting to that. I have a way to move consenting souls to a safe haven, if the worst happens. The mansion is already properly warded to prevent magic dissipation, so I would be able to bring the recently deceased back home, and let them hang out in the mansion while we worked on a solution to that. In any case, death would be painful, it would suck, and you'd lose a lot. But if you got into cover and if I'm not dead, you wouldn't lose everything. With luck, you'd be back in a body, maybe even your old one rebuilt. Or maybe in something else. Eventualities like that are best pondered when you know what you have to work with."

"I wouldn't normally be so formal about this, but we're going to have outsiders participating in the fight. I'm going to need everyone who wants this piece of insurance to consent now, ahead of time. Meddling with the course a soul takes after death is a touchy subject with the most powerful beings, but you all have free will, and so are able to have a say in your own destiny. If you give me consent now to move your soul in the event you get killed on this job, I'll do my best to shelter you and provide protection until we get back to the mansion."

LYUBOV ORDERS
*Lyubov will ask Zhenya to help her stash their instrument cases in one of the vans, and will convince both her and Sake that the perfect low-key victory song is "Irlandaise," by Claude Bolling. [See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x5QsFP0otQ for an example, Lyubov's "arrangement" of it just replaces the piano with a guitar, and the flute with a violin, leaving the cello and percussion to Sake's care]

*Lyubov will, after hearing the Boss make his macabre little speech, agree to a soul rescue. She'll also make sure to fit her Skorpion with its wooden stock before the fight, and will remind Boris to do so to his.

*During the fight Lyubov will use the Autumn pistol and her skorpion when the Dooney is in range for it. She'll also bring the extended magazines for the SR 1911s, and will either use them herself or badger someone into using them.

*Lyubov will keep an eye open for trouble, periodically checking the road when she's not the focus of the Dooney's attentions.

*If Lyubov gets attacked personally by the Dooney, she'll move to disengage with an eye toward getting the Dooney into allied lines of fire. If injured she'll get under cover, get the bleeding under control, and wait for either the fight to end or their team to win.

*After the fight Lyubov will decide what to do based on if anyone she likes died.
>>
No. 389100 ID: 448d82

Welp, I think everyone has Armas' back covered here, so Imma going to be a lazy swine and just do some orders for Lev.

ORDERS FOR LEV

Unless you are impaled upon a tentacle or something, melee is not your friend in this fight.

Stick to shooting and more particularly Doony shouldn't pay much attention so make sure to throw knives at large wounds at the time where it is most focused on something, also, never stay in the same place for too long.

Lev will after Armas' prouncement of gloom (and accepting it, afterall Boss never seems to lie), begin to harbor a distrust of open sunlight. It seems not only does the light of day reveal all actions and exposes you to foes, it also BURNS YOUR SOUL UP IF YOU DIE. Spend more time in the dark, eat more fruit and fish, since you'll be avoiding sunlight.

Keep to the shadows, the shadows hide you, keep you safe... On that note, in the interests of survival ponder that if shadows are safer than foul soul destroying sunlight, then ShadowBoss is now your favorite scary being.

Also since it seems Chakra manipulation is now vital to your surival... might start learning that... though...
It's a long shot, but what if ShadowBoss could 'steal' the excess energy from you? I mean shadowbeing often have a thing of draining and stealing connected to them...

(If the uniform thing is still open then...)
Lev when asked by Amen with regards to uniform, would ask for something that can hold a lot of daggers and knives consealed silently in it. Also hooded long jacket, with a vest, undershirt and pants with a good amount of pockets, bland and nondescript is the idea for the colouring.

>>
No. 389114 ID: 6616f3

On the subject of Armas's speech of post-death and the eye, you could add, "If you see a giant hummingbird, or something that looks like me in there, they're fine. Something in a bone motif, or with black and orange coloring, should be part of my territory. If you run into... uh, well, you'll notice the monster if you see it, believe me. He should be under lock and key, but I'm serious- don't poke it, free it, or feed yourself to it. Previous guests were very unwise about that."
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No. 389121 ID: d97a61

>[Igor has been queued to do the following:]
>Acquire arrow and blade charm alike for mission. Attempt to bring XM25. Be refused by Satai who cites he is the only person to have yet crashed the software on the weaponry. Make do with normal armaments.
>[Lyubov has been queued to do the following:]
*Lyubov will ask Zhenya to help her stash their instrument cases in one of the vans, and will convince both her and Sake that the perfect low-key victory song is "Irlandaise," by Claude Bolling. [See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x5QsFP0otQ for an example, Lyubov's "arrangement" of it just replaces the piano with a guitar, and the flute with a violin, leaving the cello and percussion to Sake's care].
*Lyubov will, after hearing the Boss make his macabre little speech, agree to a soul rescue. She'll also make sure to fit her Skorpion with its wooden stock before the fight, and will remind Boris to do so to his. She becomes uncertain if Boris gave a shit.
*During the fight Lyubov will use the Autumn pistol and her skorpion when the Dooney is in range for it.
*Lyubov will keep an eye open for trouble, periodically checking the road when she's not the focus of the Dooney's attentions.
*If Lyubov gets attacked personally by the Dooney, she'll move to disengage with an eye toward getting the Dooney into allied lines of fire. If injured she'll get under cover, get the bleeding under control, and wait for either the fight to end or their team to win.
*After the fight Lyubov will decide what to do based on if anyone she likes died.

>[Titus has been queued to do the following:]
>Ponder picking up some lengths of kevlar, nomex/kevlar/P155 weave, maybe some UHMW or Teijin's Twaron fabric to assist Amen's armored clothing line. It's all very reasonably priced, only $10-30 per square meter.
>Buy $500, ~250 square meters worth of P155.
>Balk at higher prices for boron carbide and relatives. Shake fist at unspecified target, vow 'some day'.
>Be pleased initial prototype gauntlet has been 'working' for two days, and that a few more easily identified bugs have already been worked out. Decide 'why not' and equip self with gauntlet for mission. Hope it will not need active use.
[Andrei has been queued to do the following:]
Realize that today's the day. Make sure that the audio program is ready, and the cameras are adjusted for the shake - or at least the video editing software can handle reducing the shakes. While not altogether satisfied with the result, decide it is at least tolerable.
Have cunning idea. Hope that Amen hasn't finished clothing. Attempt to order this too:http://img456.imageshack.us/img456/7096/borisshirtgq2.jpg and be crestfallen when Amen assures him it's too late.

[Lev has been queued to do the following:]
Try to avoid melee, but still be very keen on idea of getting close enough for knife throwing. Display impressive cognitive dissonance on the subject.
Begin to distrust sunlight due to boss' comments, begin to feel more positively about Boss' shadow.
Seriously ponder asking Boss' Shadow, or Shadow Boss (SB) if it can absorb excess magical energy from someone's body.



>388140
Alright, time for some speech bullshit.
"Ladies, Gentlemen, and Weasels. Before we begin our final preparations for today's job, I have a few items to bring up with you. They're unfortunately all serious, so I'm going to set aside the cracking wise. I know, it pains me too."
No one laughs or even grins. ...Fine.
"First, I learned about an issue that affects every single one of our Russian comrades in arms: Those delicious, nutritious, and more than a little magical meals we all enjoy? They're not so healthy for people who either don't have bloodlines, aren't innately magical, or who are not good at using their chakra to manipulate internal energies. In fact, three weeks of good eats has left you all saturated with magic."
Now I get a reaction: concerned confusion.
"Well, your body will start to fall apart, and if you push the issue your soul will burst apart, and you'll die horribly."
Yep, that rather solidly captured their attention.
"So, since that's not good, you're all going to have get used to eating mundane fare while you either radiate the magic out, or we figure out a safe way to drain it. And by safe I mean a method that doesn't leave you unhealthy, unhappy, mindless, or wiped of your personalities."
I stare at Amen for that last sentence, but the Russians don't turn away.
"The problem is that not a one of you are proficient enough with chakra to integrate that extra energy. And since it can't get used up by being spent on reinforcement chakra or some other magic manipulation, it just pools and starts to put pressure on everything in you. I'm going to be keeping an eye on you all for the duration of the radiating period, by the way. Regular soul screenings have been added to your medical plan. Hopefully, between Camella, Ito, myself, and any guest who feels like it, you'll all be able to become skilled enough with your chakra that this issue will be behind us soon. I intend to order a book about novel chakra orientations as well, next week, so eventually you'll be able to learn more than just the reinforcement orientation. Not that the reinforcement orientation is anything to scoff at,"
At this I flop my still broken arm around as disgustingly as I can, and go on with, "Camella did this to me yesterday with a single reinforced punch. Sake, help a bro out?"
I keep talking as a green tube wraps about and writhes on my arm, leaving me healed.
"Thanks. In fact, if anyone else needs him to take care of an ailment, speak up now."
When no one acts on that offer-
"Great, then on to the second item I wanted to talk about: While the majority of you are not supposed to engage the Doononegas in melee combat, I'm going to issue all our sword charms anyway. Sake and I are going to be wearing some too. Normally I'd just rely on my personal healing ability, but it occurred to me that if something tragic happened and, somehow, despite our plans and preparations and efforts, someone died, that I might be able to do something about it. I'm distributing the charms so that most of us will end up with three, except for the aforementioned exceptional individuals. Three hits should give you a buffer to react, to get away, and for everyone else to lay down fire on the target so that you can get clear. Combined with your body armor to protect against friendly fire, the anti-poison potions I'm providing for you, the field surgery training opportunities I've provided, and Sake and Hillevi's healing prowess, you all stand an excellent chance of surviving this fight."
They seem warily optimistic about my declaration, but clearly are not that easily convinced all will be well in engaging a daunting beast.
"But, if you don't, there are a few things you need to know. Death sucks. And the afterlife is no great shakes for most people, too. In general, a soul without a body slowly dissipates into raw magical energy that is reabsorbed by the NeverNever. There's other possible eventualities, but they're not really germane. If you really want to learn about all that, catch me later, or butter up one of our guests. What you need to know is that if your body ends up damaged to the point where you can't stay in it anymore, you will end up as a disoriented and possibly damaged soul."
The sheer weight of their Attention's starting to get grating-see, yet another reason to hate teaching.
"Any memories that are only in your brain, but not imprinted on your soul, you will lose. You'll certainly remember how you died. You might remember who your allies are. You probably won't remember what you had planned to do next week. But you have to remember this: sunlight burns souls. If you die, get under cover, fast. Otherwise you'll burn, and the raw magic energy that your soul is built of will boil off, and everything that's left of you will simply unravel."
>[Grisha]"So say we do get to cover-then what?"
"Good question. I was getting to that. I have a way to move consenting souls to a safe haven, if the worst happens. The mansion is already properly warded to prevent magic dissipation, so I would be able to bring the recently deceased back home, and let them hang out in the mansion while we worked on a solution to that. In any case, death would be painful, it would suck, and you'd lose a lot. But if you got into cover and if I'm not dead, you wouldn't lose everything. With luck, you'd be back in a body, maybe even your old one rebuilt. Or maybe in something else. Eventualities like that are best pondered when you know what you have to work with. I wouldn't normally be so formal about this, but we're going to have outsiders participating in the fight. I'm going to need everyone who wants this piece of insurance to consent now, ahead of time. Meddling with the course a soul takes after death is a touchy subject with the most powerful beings, but you all have free will, and so are able to have a say in your own destiny. If you give me consent now to move your soul in the event you get killed on this job, I'll do my best to shelter you and provide protection until we get back to the mansion."
>[MM,MMMMM Trait auto-activated]
Ultimately it goes more or less as I expected. I've gotten to know them well enough to know how to move them-and as such, it is only the ever wary Gloom that rejects the offer I decide not to press the issue, noting a determined air about his focus. No reason to make a scene now.

>>388694
We get to the nitty gritty. I take Silja, who's actually pretty okay with the idea of Shooting the Doonongaes after I explained what kind of monster it was, Iron Trick and the Lonesome Judge. I earmark the hate gun and Taste of Ruin for Diao Yuan who had a real personal bone to pick along with a real competence with shotguns, hand Camella the AVT-40, set aside the Summer pistol for Long Wang, and distribute the winter, autumn and spring brothers, along with each mateba preloaded with Doom rounds, to the Russians. I note Zhenya grabbing a revolver, while Gloom and Matvey both grab a mateba. Iosef packs both the Gatmalite and M202 Flash, Vlad covets his shotgun and many attachments even while bringing a Javelin missile 'just in case', Ivan, Matvey, Satai and Andrei all grab their assorted longarms, and in general we're suited up rather swiftly, all things being equal. Sadly Einrik, Hillevi, Duke and I all have to hoof it, not quite fitting in after the Russians and Camella, with all the gear. It's not a major inconvenience, Hillevi, Einrik and Duke aren't burdened with questionable weapons, and shouldn't be questioned-beyond that, Einrik's commented he knows more than a few back alley paths in the city. For me, between shadow teleportation, Attention sensing and soul guise use, I think I'll manage, six foot plus rifle and all.

We all arrive on location and after meeting Go Ping et all, likewise early, we get set up by five in the morning. Go Ping, Ivan, Matvey, Satai and Andrei all plying long arms from the hills to the north, and similarly watching for undue external attention while we operate. Diao Yuan, newly armed and touting grenades as well, joins Long Wang, Hillevi and Camella in being part of my force, those charged with keeping the beast's attention while staying out of allie's line of fire. It's a challenging job, and I let Long Wang and Diao Yuan know up front I hope they'll hang a bit back with Camella while Hillevi and I are a bit closer. Neither object. We all set up in the warehouse, complete with abusing those inflatable pools to provide Hillevi plenty of ice to work with-as well as pre-weakening several sections of wall opposite the dock to allow us all easy exit. This works rather well, as eleven of our group are set up on the office building's roof with mortars, already aware they should shell the building to shit the moment we exit it, on the off chance to collapsing it on the target. Even better, Einrik pre-built them a set of ice ramps to retreat down, should the Doony charge them, along with reinforcing the walls of the building with ice. Should the brute choose to try and smash the building beneath them, it will find it far more resilient than they expect. My shadow and Sake alike elect to patrol the water under Einrik's watchful gaze as he meditatively continues to suppress his spiritual state and, according to my brothers, his magical presence, fading from view while staying close to the docks. With Einrik to prevent his escape and my brothers waiting to preemptively ambush the beast the moment it shows, I hope to start this off on the right foot.

Hillevi's prepared a full dozen hyperdense thigh-chick javelins she keeps at the ready, while I check with Andrei the helmet cams are all working, and that the speakers were set up in the warehouse. Hillevi's fussing over the placement of ice for barricades and weaponization for the third time when Go Ping radios that he intends to start the lure. After verifying everyone on my side has downed their poison resistance elixers and are wearing their charms (sadly worn in direct skin contact about the neck only, unable to be placed in an armored pocket as I'd hoped) I give the go ahead.

There proceeds a period of just over half an hour of intense waiting-before a single discrete message from my shadowed twin.
>"It's here."
I glance through the rusted hole I chose to set up beside, glancing over to Einrik's still and desceptively hard to find form, to see his lips twitch. He senses it too. I whisper into my reciever, using the setup Satai and Andrei coached us in for the first time.
"Target Incoming."
I can almost taste the abruptly intensified weight of attention all over these abandoned docks, the sun's first rays starting to lighten the sky.

There are a few heavy, wary breaths as we wait, Diao Yuan reminding me of Amen as hatred seethes and boils within her.

The silent night explodes into sound as a memory flashes into my mind from my brothers: I see immense interconnected through rippling shadows on and under the water, cast by fish, by grit, by trees and docks-creating a viciously chilled zone held separate of and just above the water. I see Sake, ready and waiting for this zone of cold, massing all that air together and hurling it like a cannon ball made of thousands of razor blades bent around one another into a solid mass. Between their sensations, I see their target a bare instant before the blast strikes-a primordial, leviathan form slipping free of the water.

The blast promptly freezes the creature's back and hits with such force it's hurled a few feet into the warehouse' entrance. I discretely fire the Judge looking to get some magic mojo for the piece while Hillevi hurls a spear of ice, Camella plies her grenade launcher and Diao Yuan chucks a pair of specialy grenades that shatter into expanding masses of chilling vapor and fluid, as the beast, just now starting to rebound to it's feet, admittedly swiftly, is caught midway, unable to overcome the surprise of the ambush.

Proving it's mettle at least in the field of durability, with it's flesh sloughing off in frozen chunks it stands, ripping Hillevi's ice lance from it's chest while taking a one-legged leap.

To be promptly knocked from the sky by Hillevi's second lance, while Camella unloads with the AVT, giving the beast forty more chilling issues to deal with., and Diao Yuan gives it a third grenade with one hand while pulling the trigger on the hate gun, sending a dull, pulsing mass or baleful scarlet light plowing deep into the beast's flesh.

Showing the tales of it's cowardice true, the beast, mid-stagger, reverses towards the rear of the warehouse-

To find the whole of it frozen into a wall, courtesy of Einrik. There is no path back to the water for the bleeding, maimed beast.

In roughly three seconds, I watched the beast, dazed and alarmed, recognize the gravity of its current situation-and that it cannot flee as it is wont to do. I see its eyes locking on me even as a second Ice Lance catches it mid-dodge, holding it down while Diao Yuan opens up-and the beast's bleeding intensifies. All of this, for me at least, is a realization that happens behind the scenes-a backdrop to what my true focus is: The beast's soul.

I see a shackle ancient as the bones of civilization, drawn with the blood of slaves-a binding of power, responsibility and servitude. I see the soul that was once within the binding-a poor, shriveled shell, no luster left to its name. And I realize the Doonongaes I face, the thug of the magic world loathed by many, does not truly have a soul-the binding that empowered it won out, and now.... A soul sculpted facet of the beast comprises it's identity. I wonder what the beast was, once-and for the briefest of moments, I pity it, pity someone that was consumed by their own choices.

That does fuckall to stop me from ordering a retreat and ordering the shelling to start. I find the wall I slam into as fragile as once-wet cardboard and tear through it with ease, watching as Long Wang practically has to force Diao to withdraw with us. A good thing he got her-the Doonongaes, having begun shifting into a mass of hooked, sucker-sporting tentacles around a central hardened core, is mid-way through the warehouse and about to close on us.

When ten mortar rounds smash into the building-not from above, but from the side, taking out half of the cieling's support and starting a collapse. A mere moment later, a second volley lands from above, shoving down the collapsing ceiling. Seems Long Wang wasn't kidding when he said he had some mortar advice to give to our office building group-timing an arc volley then lateral firing immediately after for a larger initial assault? I like the way he thinks.

In a manner not unlike a mouse trap slamming shut, the warehouse collapses amidst a flurry of explosions while the snipers keep an eye out, Duke quietly drinking as he observes the fight from his position in the audience. The mortar group is already rushing to fire again when the rubble rips itself apart, dozens of torso-thick tentacles flying out right for us.

Hillevi, purposefully sticking close to the Triads, snap-forms an ice barricade that walls off the tendrils coming her way. Tired as SB is, he's still got enough juice to teleport me-while Camella tumbles through the air like a dancer, switching to her WA2000 and putting a bullet through one of the barely visible eyes in that central node of the shapeshifting beast. The wails that arise as it gets hammered with a direct volley of mortar fire while the snipers assail it, Diao Yuan continues to shut down it's regeneration while I draw Trick, I laugh as I see a hail of bullets coming from the mortar's direction-and see glowing maroon sigils forming as the bullets impact the beast's hide. Broken, bleeding and limbs beginning to spasm even as it scrambles to at least take me with it, a sixth sigil appears on it's flesh-and the beast's body flops to the ground, gasping and undefended as it gets hit with yet another volley of mortar fire and finally lays still.


"Hold fire."
After a few seconds, in which Diao Yuan finishes emptying the AA-12 into the monster's unresisting form, silence returns to the night, as I patiently confirm the beast's 'soul', that laughable mockery of a real mind, shatters while the nigh-aborted soul within is finally allowed to break, not even needing the sun's light to unravel. Again, I have a brief feeling I can't quite place-

Before I focus on the positives.


We just executed our second full-company, zero casualty mission in the space of about half a minute. That's two for two.
I just got my hands on several tons of dead Doonongaes.
I just won that bet with Cornelius Zosimus.
I just fulfilled The Owner's condition for talking with him more about that island in the Caspian Sea.

Just as I'm pondering this deliciously easy outcome, pleased proper planning and stacking tactical advantages rendered a prior problem nigh-insignificant, Einrik speaks up, followed by Duke, shouting from the hill.
>[Einrik]"It's flesh is best butchered soon-it's poison can corrode its own tissue if the magical stability of the flesh isn't being sustained by life."
>[Duke]"Looks like we might be having company-saw some lights go on, maybe fifteen hundred meters away."

...Very likely people calling the police about a mass bout of explosions and gunfire.

I've got vans that already could only barely contain my company, and now have a beast big enough to fill each and every van on its own to contend with. ...On that note, why are Lyubov, sake and Zhenya headed to the vans-and why do I hear music?

..Wait. Let me gloat just a liiiittle more-lalalala~ the Doony's dead, the Doony's deeaad, No Vampire blackmail hanging over-my-heeaad!

Okay, Back to business.













So what's my next move?
>[Expenditures: 33 mortar rounds, ten rounds apiece from each sniper, one full magazine from the AA-12, the 40 Ice-attuned bullets, one hate blast, two loads of Doom ammunition, and 23 .45 rounds for the magic revolvers, and three 40mm grenades.]
>[Ally Expenditures: Hillevi: 101 Winter Bloodline energy, Einrik: 27 Winter Energy, 3 Liquid Nitrogen based grenades, eleven third tier ($10k a pop) Johan Ice rounds from Go Ping, 65 Winter energy from SB, 47 Summer energy from Sake.]
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No. 389160 ID: cf49fc

>>389121
Quick, rip out its' heart! As we heard back in thread one, that thing had real power. Maybe we could get its' shifting or poison abilities if we ate it, or an affinity with water.

Even if we are forced to dump the rest of it, grab the heart. Or, if you want a convenient way to hide it temporarily, have Hillevi freeze it in an enormous block of ice and stash it on the bottom of the river for a day until you can come back with a truck. Become the magical equivalent of Birds' Eye.
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No. 389211 ID: f70e5e

normally cold would be the way to preserve things, but doony was summer aligned to that may makes it worse, heat may actually preserve the corpse in this instance. if we can't find some way to butcher it ourselves we could see if the sometimes merchant would be willing to help with this. that should be a last resort since his help will probably be somewhat expensive.
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No. 389233 ID: cc1982

First thing order the russians to pack up and prepare to evac, make sure no one tries to sneak a magic gun. Then a quick chat to the bros can Sake properly butcher the corpse and can we pull it into the eye. If that is unfeasible call SM say you wish to make a deal and ask if he is able to operate in your location, if he is then sell the fact that doony is dead, this fact alone should secure transportation and proper butchering a preservation if necessary, Then sell the story of how it died towards time in a NN bubble to be redeemed later.
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No. 389253 ID: 1b5cdc

Ask Einrik if he has any ideas for transport, and Sake what the music is.

SM has a deal that prevented him from accessing the Nazi's property. A warehouse belonging to the Triads is likely no different. Before ringing him, get one of the Triads to get Lo Fang's permission to make use of magical transport from the place. Say you're asking as a courtesy. Before actually asking SM, confirm he can make the transport and block decay. Do not sell any body part to SM for this service if you can help it, only the knowledge that it is dead.

Use Silja to sweep up anything that would otherwise be left behind, and make sure you retrieve any weapons that were lent to non-company members.
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No. 389254 ID: d06067

>>389121

cadaverific
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No. 389266 ID: 4161fd

eat its' heart
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No. 389282 ID: 779afe

Do not eat the heart. We do not gain powers from eating hearts without proper ritual or preparation.
Order everyone to grab everything (like cameras and shit we had set up) and quickly evacuaye.
Sirens, police already!? HALF A FUCKING MINUTE, thats how long this battel took. There is simply no way some citizen called the police and they had such a lighing fast response (it will take them only coupleof minutes to cross 1500 metres and get here). At best it should have taken 15 minutesfor them to get here.
Someone set us up.

We cannot leave the body. We could call SM and ask for his service, like we did when we stored the shaman bodies. We also could ask help from our guests: can Duke and\or Einrik move body and hide it smewhere or maybe even discretely move it to our mansion?
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No. 389291 ID: 3947e9

>Doon meat
Sigh, not enough loot trucks AGAIN? We need to fix this ASAP! In fact, I motion that from now on ALL JOBS must have a plan for LOOTING!

Ok, so... lets get our brain juices flowing and then FAP all over this doonie meat.

Primary - Take just the important organs. (heart, polyglut organ, venom gland, brain. If anyone else has an organ to mention, mention it).

Trickster - Make a bunch of ice on land and especially nearby sea for distraction. Freeze meat in ice and put it in water (ice floats) and then drag it to triad docks. Or heck, make an ice BOAT with ice sail and sake can blow wind on sail and you can shunt your energy to sake as lo fang taught you.
Trickster alt - Pack meat into hollow magic ice sphere and roll it, FAST. (SB using his thrall shadowvamp aka "gothy", sake using wind... hilevi, einrik, and duke welcome to help too and make it a competition to see if we can beat the cars to the mansion with it)

Heavy - Throw some parked cars to form a roadblock, potentially blowing up the road too to block the police and buy time. To clarify, drive our cars away from sirens, hilevi and einrik and armas go towards sirens and create the roadblock up ahead.
We chose that as a remote-ish location so it will still take them some time to arrive. Enough time to enact that plan.

Escape - Call SM to transport the meat & poison for a cut of the meat / poison (amen can separate the poison for us without deactivating it... or maybe giagia)...
Or we transport meat & weapons in vans and he allows the russians passage through sewer (not guiding, passage. Armas' shadow will guide them... and if they get lost they just exit at a random manhole and call us for pickup).

>Boris
Boris will help Matvey appease brownies with some beer Wort (no whiskey wort available since boris is currently only making beer, mead, and vodka). In fact, will make sure to thank them and talk at them when placing it (make a daily habit of it).

Make fun of Lyubov for being out of shape as per her condition after the jogs with camella. Join them on a jog to show her how its done. Lose.

Boris will train in cookie making with the legendary cookie baking master as per AB (Armas Boss aka Asshole Boss).

Boris is VERY SAD he can no longer eat kelpie krisps... he tries to avoid them but occasionally slips and will cook some. Which strengthen his resolve to learn chakra from the various named instructors in order to be able to safely indulge in such deliciousness.

>Hummingbird Magic Poisoning:
hilevi was able to use valkonen bloodline to filter harmful to hummingbird energies when he was boosting you AND get to "eat" your magic in the process.
SB has aspected his blank bloodline with a valkonen component... can he not learn to do the same and keep a constant filter (AND gain more energy as a result)? Yea, you need a body, but he somehow has bloodlines so maybe this will work... Bring up the idea with einrik, point out that SB should not have bloodlines so maybe it can do other things that require a body.
Remind SB to consider he might freeze like she did if he tries so to make arrangement appropriately

Hummingbro is probably not going to consent to a memory transplant for chakra manip learning.
Lets tell him that drawing on too much warrior vim from us for his body to handle would harm him. So he should limit the quantities he takes until his body can handle more... and the path to handling more is chakra manip. Make more concentrated effort to perform chakra demonstrations for him yourself as well asking camella, einrik, sake, SB, hilevi, and ito for other demonstrations for him to study.

>Russian Magic Food Poisoning
Does lo fang or his desciples know a chakra config to allow us to draw the energy oversaturating willing mundane humans? Because it could very well mean that we turned a problem into a combat power battery!
If we do that we should create a false impression (via deceptive truthfulness) in the Russians that it under performs so that they remain dedicated to learning chakra.

>Godling
Isn't sake a Kami? We should ask sake to clarify the definitions of god, godling, kami, and name other in betweens he knows of. Oh, also if he knows what is the definition of a devil, what is it the makes a devil a devil?

>Prisoners
Also, I think it is time we met/examined the various prisoners amen has. Also lets reexamine the mangled reaper soul (now that we have improved soul detection).

>Chakra Practice
I think armas should try to spend time practicing holding multiple simultaneous chakra alignments with hummingbirds assistance. Keep at it until he increases assisted duration by a second and then try by himself. Repeat it until he can do it by himself for a second. Ideally we want to be able to have an array of multiple detection alignments running concurrently (although I guess we could also cycle between them)... speaking of, I want to learn all the different detection configurations lo fang could teach us for that purpose.

>Chugniov
Lets approach SM with the idea of ordering jidovka to steal and deliver to us a sample of chuginov's blood. With an offer to sell him non exclusive access to chuginov same as we did to jidovka. Where he vets our order for amen to order jidovka to steal the blood in exchance for a discount on his purchase of chuginov ordering rights.
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No. 389323 ID: 057cd0

>Take just the important organs. (heart, polyglut organ, venom gland, brain. If anyone else has an organ to mention, mention it)
Take a good few square meters of skin, too. If nothing else someone can turn it into leather and make Armas a suit. But if Amen, Einrik or Hellevi can store the skin without fully killing it, it might be raw material for flesh crafting.
>>
No. 389336 ID: 431fa8

>>389121
>So what's my next move?
First order of business- com our team and tell them mission complete, get all gear loaded back up for transport out of here. We'll want to be well gone before anyone interesting shows up.

We do want the corpse, of course. The easiest and most effective way at our disposal to move it is through Sometimes Merchant. We can make a decent guess that he doesn't have another one of those agreements- because not only is this no one's territory, we also know that he fought for the wizard's side in the recent conflict. Call him.

"I have news. My team and I, as well as several Triads, killed the Doonongaes about thirty seconds ago after luring it into a trap. More details are available if you wish- but for now, I need its body transported out of here and stored for me in stasis before it starts to corrode or any other parties arrive to investigate or steal it. Can you provide that?"

Regardless of how we deal with the body, here are plans for its final disposition, most of which can be implemented starting this afternoon:
1. We must get its poison gland intact. With that, epithelial fleshcrafting, and assistance from Whaitiri, there is the possibility of being able to produce Doonongaes poison ourselves (and being made permanently immune to it, of course) for an extremely potent sleeved ace.
2. Its head. This should contain its knowledge and memories for the viewing by a sufficiently powerful/skilled magic-user, like Dorjpalam or one of his agents- who, conveniently, would also likely be interested in those. Camella or Go Ping should be able to provide contact information to reach him. Dorjpalam or another wizard is Camella's best bet for going home- I'm not sure how much wizards normally sell their services for, but a quick dimension hop or better still a dimensional traveler Wizard Contract would be the thing to try for in exchange.
3. Choice organs and meat must go to the Owner. In addition to being a statement that we completed our bet with Cornelius, we know that we'll have an incredibly valuable soul-damaging elder artifact when the mere is successfully reforged; the favor of this area's Ruling Dragon could mean the difference between keeping that weapon in our hands and having it stolen by greedy, jealous dragons.
4. The blood should be extracted if possible, a small amount for storage and a large amount for use in bribing the Redcaps- or perhaps vampires, should we want to do so in the future. Sending Cornelius Zosimus a sealed flask of Doonongaes blood would certainly be a more stylish way to declare our victory in the bet than a mere phone call.
5. Any flesh which we cannot transport should be either fed to Whaitiri through the shadowmere, or to Silja through Silja if that's impractical in the necessary quantities.
6. The bones should be kept for crafting purposes if possible. The teeth should be removed, at minimum- we can gift a dozen of them to Johan for his most excellent help in crafting the weapons and ammunition we used to bring the Doonongaes down.

On the way back home, talk to Hillevi. We want to make sure that she drew the correct lessons from this- because there are a number of aspects to this situation that might not occur to her, and noticing them could keep her alive someday. Give her a chance to respond as we talk, of course, and handle her commentary as best we can.
"Any comments on this battle?"
"There are several lessons to be learned here- important ones that might not be immediately apparent. Would you care to take a guess as to what they are, in my view?"
"Understand that the Doonongaes died today because it fought five mundanes in October. That would be myself and the Triads who assisted us today- I had no bloodline powers at the time, they have just moderate chakra skills. One of their friends died in the battle and I was severely injured- after, we resolved to kill the creature. That was one of several reasons that I've been so bold in my pursuit of power. The lesson about leaving people with grudges alive behind you, and another about not underestimating what someone can achieve just because they seem weak, should be obvious."
"It also died because it was an overconfident idiot. We lured it in with basically a noisemaker- something blatantly obviously meant to piss it off, and it charged right over to stop it. If you're dumb enough to walk into the middle of a location specifically prepared to kill you, it doesn't matter how powerful you are personally- you're probably going to die. At that point all that can really save you is if for whatever reason the trap wasn't set properly- being more powerful than your enemies think, having hidden skills they didn't know about, or sheer carelessness or incompetence on their part. Remind me to talk about the value of deception with you more, later; it can save your life in situations like that."
"Last, if you really want to kill something, don't mess around. Pile on allies and equipment until you're sure you'll win, then throw on more. Challenges are great for when you want to grow personally, but when things are serious and you have time and resources, shoot for overkill- and hope that your enemies don't have enough unpleasant surprises to live through it."

Back at the mansion, the Russians need chakra training organized. They're spending many hours every day on melee training right now, which is useful- but also not moving them towards staying alive. They're getting paid for it, but no pay is worth your life. If any Russian is spending less than eight hours a day on chakra training at any point in at least the next two weeks, they're doing something wrong. Announce that. Of course, inconveniently, requires someone to be teaching them for that 56 hours per week. Give Ito a call and explain the situation; see if he can arrange to carve out solid blocks of time for this purpose- or, perhaps, start pushing a full chakra class for both the Russians and any of his other students that he thinks could use the training. Talk to Camella and see how much time she can carve out- she's been stingy with training time for the company thus far, but this is literally a matter of keeping them alive and one would kind of think that would fall squarely in her job description as an officer. She can abort whatever other training with the Russians she's doing and do chakra instead. We can try to provide other training ourselves- though we'll be bad at it. Aside from that, does Hillevi know chakra? She seemed to like teaching at Ito's, and likes some of the Russians, so she might be willing to help out. Try to make some kind of reliable many-hours-per-day training schedule come out of all these conversations and then communicate it to the Russians.

>>389282
>Someone set us up.
SUST. No one set us up, there are no police here, and this is ridiculous paranoia fodder.
>>
No. 389344 ID: 252e1b

Plan A: Butcher most of the corpse here and now, with Sake's help. Feed what you intend to feed to Whaitiri to her right now. Put all the useful bits aside. Clean up the remaining blood and bits with Silja ("You'll be preventing innocent people from contacting it and getting sick from it"). All the valuable parts we keep should be sent home through Sometimes Merchant. Ask if he'll charge less if the parts are frozen for transport.

Plan B: Just send the entire corpse home through Sometimes Merchant.

Plan C: Turn the corpse into an ice-boat and float it away. Land somewhere isolated and finish packing it up and trucking it home from there.

Plan D: Call http://www.globalvanlines.com/ for a rush-job.

>>389291 MrTT
>Asking Lo Fang and Disciples about chakra to drain accumulation

Not really wise if you ask me, Lo Fang hasn't seen the Russians recently and won't know about that vulnerability if we don't tell him (by asking for a way to deal with it). It'd be better to request lessons in how to flush someone's chakra energies out of them. That way Armas could touch the Russians and flush the energy from them, and would also have learned how to turn a utility ability into one with offensive capabilities.

>>389336 Ironybot
>Dooney Meats
I agree with saving the brain (give that to Amen, he should be able to get everything from it). Choice organs and meat being used to butter up the Owner is fine. We should save the heartsblood, but the rest can disposed of to either Silja or Whaitiri.

The majority of the meats should go to Whaitiri, we will directly benefit from that in both empowering our summer bloodline by empowering her, and by being in a better position to beg a boon from her (like help getting that poison gland integrated).

Teeth, of course should be saved. Bones and cartilage should be saved for crafting materials (scales too, and other parts that are suitable for making fish glue from). We'll be able to use the fish glue from these parts to make laminated wooden gun stocks. If we use the right wood, we'll have magic guns... potentially many.

The heart should go to Silja. It's a powerful shapeshifter and regenerator's heart.

Bob mentioned that there are enough poison glands in the corpse to outfit three human-sized bodies with a full set of them. I'm thinking we could use a set with the Nazinaut golem, a set with Armas, and a set with Gianni (who we will steal away from the Mafia because he is utterly awesome). We should offer him the poison glands for helping Armas set up his.

>>389336 Ironybot
>Intense chakra training
Agreed on all counts, but I think we should include weekly tests of their ability and rewards to those who are best each week. Give them all the incentives we can think of to learn this stuff, and learn it well.

>>389233
No one's going to steal a magic gun. You know exactly who was issued what. But do pack up fast, you don't want to leave much evidence if you can help it.
>>
No. 389346 ID: b83c65

ARMAS ORDERS

As I see it, we can divide the carcass into three broad 'cuts'. The list is thusly:

Armas' Cut:
Doony's Poison and the associated Poison Gland, his Heart and Bones, maybe his Blood and we can't forget that Penis for a weapon and conversation piece. Check in with anyone who has more history then you to figure out if there cuts or peices of Doony that, if we ate or used, would be advantageous to us, Silja, or the company of Laine as a whole. Armas' Cut should not be more than two Buicks. There is no need to be greedy, as the body can be used as gifts and bartering chips.

Prime Cuts:
Prime cuts are usually the fatty parts of a fish usually around the middle, the head, the eyes, the tongue and the tentacles. However, Doony is not a fish or a squid. Check in with anyone who has more history then you to figure out if there are better cuts.

Leftovers:
Anything not listed for Armas or Prime Cuts. Offal, lesser cuts of meat, fin-meat, and what not.


Dividing these cuts, I suggest we need to take Armas' cut for ourselves - getting that is our most important goal before we have to leg it.

Next, we give one Vanduras of Prime Cuts to the Owner, and another to Cornelius. As two Vanduras should not be all of the Prime Cuts, this will leave at least half a vanduras for an auction and half for Whaitiri, if not more.

We will divide the leftovers between Silja, Whaitiri, and an auction as hosted by Sometimes Merchant.

ARMAS EXIT STRATEGY
While everyone else as some very nice ideas, remember that we are at the dock, so there should be some very large containers, as well as some flat bed trucks not too far away - if they weren't cleared away before. We could use this to transport the dead guy, if magical transport doesn't work.

>Andrei Orders
>Realize that, for a minion, you don't really use guns well. Practice long arms and check out the Uzis to practice with those. Because shaking from combat, use them for five hours today. Cut back to two hours afterward.
>Realize that exploding due to food sucks. Learn as much as possible about Chakra on-line before going to class.
>Before going to class, start on editing cameras to make BEST MONSTER KILLING MOVIE.
>Before going to class, also take a crack at those Nazi Computers. Comb through them for useful data.
>>
No. 389363 ID: ce0cf7

[Saturday] Zhenya followed Lyubov's advice about going through the public records looking for notaries with financial problems
>>
No. 389373 ID: 252e1b

LYUBOV ORDERS Part 2

*Go home, unpack, clean up, help out with putting all the gear away in the armory.
*If Camella goes on a jog, Lyubov will go with her. If she doesn't, Lyubov will go on her own. If Boris comes along in either case, Lyubov will out-do him. She will!
*Rest up, clean up, go to church. Donate $50. Notice the nice old Russian lady, talk to her a bit. Be reminded of, and miss grandmother (deceased), and mom. Invite Cookie Lady to lunch. Go to that place Armas brought everyone for brunch ($30-$60). Talk and chat in Russian, socialize. Learn about the priests. Before parting ways with Cookie Lady, be sure to get her phone number and name.
*Go home, check out the data Zhenya collected on notaries. Find out their hours.
*Go to Andrei, ask him to please requisition up a decent printer.
*Get the forms for replacement birth certificate, replacement ID, and replacement passport prepared (printed out either on the home printer or at the library). Make copies at a copy shop, including some spares.
*Give each person their new identity (using the clean identities she and Andrei built backgrounds for), work/school/residence history, names, and the forms they'll need to fill out. Ask that the forms be returned, filled out, by tomorrow morning.
*Realize that there's always a chance of some other asshole picking the names they used the same way she did. Ask Sake for ideas on making the memorials seem unremarkable to people looking for "foreigner-appropriate" names.
*Do further research by talking to Duke (and buttering him up with a couple of nice bottles of wine ($300)).
*Go talk to Hillevi (hopefully catching her and Einrik together) about the problem, mention research and ideas from Duke and Sake. Ask for ideas, try to estimate what should be budgeted for this part of it.
*Later, when Einrik is elsewhere, ask Hillevi how her brother got so scarred up. Be impressed, and very glad Einrik is on Armas' side. Remember what Armas said to Camella about SB and Einrik, ask if he has trouble reading with his magic sensor. Bounce idea off of Hillevi for getting him an iPod loaded with books on tape. Find out what stories and music he likes.
*If Hillevi thinks it's a good idea, go get an iPod for him. Settle on getting a good bone conducting headset for him too. Bring Hillevi. Buy an iPod for Sake, herself, and Andrei too ($1200).
*Find Andrei. Thank him for the hacker work on the identities, present him with her gift, ask if Armas ever did anything with those credit cards. Ask him to fill hers and Sake's up with music (Hillevi's too, if she wants), ask for a "good selection" and wait with baited breath as to what he'll put on them.
*Give Zhenya the two extended magazines for the SR 1911s as a thank you for helping with the identity project.
*Fill Einrik's iPod up with books selected according to Hillevi's advice and some of Lyubov's personal favorites ($600).
*Present it to him as thank-you for the advice.
*Write up a budget for bribing the notaries (three months their estimated pay for three, estimate: $37,500) and a plan for getting the spells put on the right tombstones (ask Armas to consider using his 'merchant friend' if the experts she consulted don't offer to help do it). Report in to Armas. Point out how these are far superior to the Mafia and Triad offerings in that they have a consistent background built up for each one, and that with the spellwork on the tombstones the likelyhood of someone noticing that the original bearers of the names are dead is very low. Point out the estimated price of 20 fake passports through either side would have been $166,110 and that this way the identities are not in the hands of a criminal organization (that isn't us, anyway). Ask for three fourths the difference between the price of the fake passports and the budgeted price of bribes (estimate: $128,600). Ask that $8,000 go to Zhenya, and $30,000 to Andrei. If Boss tries bargaining down, be willing to give up a tenth if he'll open the pool. Be willing to give up half if he's willing to personally teach her how to do chakra, one on one, minimum 6 hours a week.
>>
No. 389380 ID: 252e1b

>>389373

ADDENDUM:

Ironybot doubted the quality of the fake identities produced, so here is a little more to the arguments Lyubov will present to the Boss:

"These are genuine Turkish citizenships, we're not going to risk deportation with these. These will also hold up to a background check with all the data Andrei hacked into place. With the Mafia and Triad passports if we got into trouble, we would be relying on delaying from bribed officials in the issuing country for protection and that protection could disappear if we displeased the Mafia or Triads. So these are quite a bit superior, both in the background and in being citizenship. And if you're looking to have independence of any other group, this is the best way."
>>
No. 389392 ID: aa0b4f

As the Doonegeas had divine Summer based cannibalistic regeneration, very similar to Armas, he should certainly eat the heart. If he has a Phoenix heart, eating that at the same time would be sensible. That does not mean now, unless we fail to find any transport.

If there is anything SB has learned from Whaitiri/Amen about using directed flesh magic to improve the absorption of traits, now would be the time to come clean, whilst we still have the anti-venom in our system.

To keep Whaitiri sweet, if there's any residual magic in the area released from the Doonegeas' disintegrating soul, hopefully ShadowBro is able to sweep it up with the ShadowMere.

Armas (and Einrik, if he's willing), should carry all the magic weapons, as they're the best at stealth. If anyone arrives to investigate, they should at least be able to slip away and prevent their loss.

P.s. Upvoting the idea of asking Einrik and Hillevi to make an ice-ship to sail into the harbour on. The Triads can then make their own way home whilst the Russians can hire an articulated lorry and we can arrange a pick-up via satellite phone later. If we take this option, we should try to hire a charm that will prevent decomposition of the Doonegeas body/residual magic from SM, to be returned in eight hours, or a temporary eight hour duration charm, whichever is cheaper.

>>389389
Downvote getting drunk or buying any alcohol. Armas can't trust himself not to eat any and all magical meat available when drunk, the Russians might explode if they do, and the Doonegeas' death should be treated like the anti-climax it is, just another day at work. Why give him honour in death he wasn't due alive? On top of this, we don't want to set a precedent. Since the Russians came back there has been an awful lot of drinking, and as this kind of mission should become the new normal, we don't want to encourage every mission to result in a party and a wasted day. On top of that weren't we warned by the letter writer that the devil may try to exploit the Doonegeas situation? If so, a fine time to get us to make a bad Deal would be when we're drunk, as he elf and vampiress demonstrate.
>>
No. 389400 ID: 0a2032

Bargain with SM for transport of the entire corpse back to the mansion. Amen can handle the preparation and preservation of the meat and blood. Don't give Sometimes Merchant more info than absolutely necessary; that leaves more to sell him later. Make sure to ask Amen which parts are magically potent, and if he knows any rituals to make them more so. While on the topic of rituals, ask Einrik for the rituals he has for the preparation of werewolf and vampire hearts. Also ask Amen if there is a way to force the corpse to regenerate, so we can get more from it.

After the corpse is butchered, the poison removed, and everything is stored, separate it according to >>389336

Make sure to go over the fight with everyone. Just because the operation was a magnificent success, doesn't mean you can't get some use out of debriefing and review. If possible, view Andrei's head-cam footage. At some point during this, ask Camella to try to contact Dorjpalam and see if we can't get a meeting with him to discuss a reward of some kind.

>Feodor Orders
>
>Help get all the equipment stowed in the vans, and drive back to the mansion
>Once the debriefing is over, all the equipment's back in the armoury, and there's no more pressing business, get drunk - drink as much vodka as possible without getting alcohol poisoning
>Loudly complain about Sake and Hillevi: they're stealing your job, and depriving you of your life's purpose
>Get so drunk-angry that you start a fight with Sake - lose because it's just a poster of him
>>
No. 389404 ID: 9718f3

See if you can bargain with SB for transport of the corpse to the mansion and butchering/poison removal services. Stipulate that methods used not reduce the magical potency of the meat, unless absolutely necessary, and that the poison also be brought to the mansion, stored in a way that is safe to handle.

Going to try to pay for this with only the knowledge that the Doonongaes is dead, but with the added bonus of an exemption from our normal non-disclosure deals. We don't really care who knows that we are the ones that informed him of Doonongaes' death, and in fact we kinda want people to find out we were the principle actor in its demise. But we don't tell him that.

If that isn't sufficient, up to 3% of the body. Excluding heart, brain, bones, claws/teeth, poison glands, all the interesting stuff basically. He can have simple muscle-meat.

If SM is a no-go for some reason I guess the ice boat thingy is the next most reasonable bet.

However we do it, we should ask knowledgable folks their advice before deciding what we do or do not want to give away to curry favour.

>>389282
SUST. Duke saw lights turning on 1500 meters away. Like, our explosions woke people up and they are most likely calling the police. The police are NOT 1500 meters away.
>>
No. 389456 ID: a0e17b

Nikifor #003300 is officially mine now, bitches.
-Training with the Dagger and Sword is fun, but isn't enough. Search for any places that practice "Historical European Swordsmanship", or "Renaissance Martial Arts" as something more than just flashy techniques. If there is, ask what lessons they offer, how much is the membership fee, mention you have an "interest" in combat/battle reenactment, and could invite a few friends-see if they have discounts for that. Later on tell Lev and Rostislav about the place-they both use stabby/slashy things, but have no expert/official training, ask if they'd like to join along with you.
-Bring the MSG90-A2 to Matvey and Satai. They told us to bring something "good" for training, this beautiful machine here should be enough. Time to start sniper training-you don't need to become the best, just be able to hit them reliably and well-enough like an expert.
-Lev mentioned the Shadow of Big Boss? That's...cool and creepy at the same time. Drunkenly wander around dark rooms, while shouting at the darkness for confirmation if Big Boss' shadow is really there. Then stare at your own shadow, attempt to make it move around and high five you or something. Fail.
-So yeeep, you're like a ticking mojo-bomb right now. Hog Ito again on chakra training, though don't be too aggressive on him.
-Your role is 'the assault guy'. And that means you've gotta move FAST. Jog in the morning with Lyubov and Camella-if she keeps ending up winded and almost fainting from exhaustion, then that means it's GOOD. Don't give up!
-Discuss with one of the officers if organizing a little tournament only between the Russians would be nice. Everyone seems so focused on training/work. It's a competition of...well, pretty much all the skills everyone's got. Shooting, punching, drinking, lying/deceiving people, etc, etc.
>>
No. 389467 ID: b83c65

>More Andrei Orders
>Tell Lyubov it's no problem. Realize, again, that the Printer is Home. Curse, loudly, in Russian, and get a printer or two. Cheap ones, for now: 2 cheap Canon PIXMA MP495 Color Ink-jet - Printer - $43 for one, two for 86.
>Be first suspicious, then kinda touched at the gesture. Tell her that it'll be easy. Realize that, fuck; the Russians have the old computer. Promise self to use Chugniov as target practice. Tell Lyubov that it'll take a little while, a day or two, to get enough music. Ask Boss what music Sake likes other then Japanese traditional, wind instruments, and Jethro Tull, and get Lyubov some jazz, and classical and nice Russian songs, or whatever music Lyubov liked.
>Check kitchen video for thing that is watching Caffeine Supply.
>Hear rumors about the weasel, and boss's shadow. Casually, and sneakily, ask if anyone has heard boss lie.
>>
No. 389470 ID: d06067

Once all the important stuff is done:


PARTY


you earned it.
>>
No. 389477 ID: 323292

>So what's my next move?
>>389336
Generally upvoting this. We may want to pay SM with an invite for the dinner we are making to Owner (if we are making one) so that we actually don't have to pay 'anything'.

>Someone set us up.
SUST on useless paranoia here.

With all that meat we are going to feed Whaitiri, we really should try to get some lessons for her. Basically, have Gianni help us get the glands in us and try to corrupt him away from the mafia with his own sets of glands as well as looking at the full Nazinaute, and then have Whaitiri teach us enough Epithelial in order to be able to use those glands in an efficient manner, as well as making sure they are properly integrated. This could really power up our fleshcrafting ability as well as give us Doonengoes poison.

Other things to do with the day is reward our men with a job well done- that is, reward them with a party- they are obviously not allowed to eat any of the delicious magical meat, and sadly Armas can't do that right now- he needs to grab all the delicious rewards he can for the doony, but they should have their reward. Speaking of that, 1500$ each should be given to them for the doony hit. Armas should also speak to Camella:
“Hey Camella. About my men having a magical saturation problem... can you help? You certainly know I am not the... most... gifted when it comes to teaching, and I am hoping you quickly enough reach a level of chakra proficiency where you can help teach them. I do feel responsible for this mess up, and I know you are the best qualified- that is, the best qualified that I trust to not place any trojan horse, for this that I can afford.”.

>Armas lo Fang lesson tomorrow.
Hey, Armas has a lesson tomorrow with lo fang, and hasn't practiced in forever. If he has time, he should spend a handful of hours practicing his multi-orientation until he can gets it without hummingbird. For tomorrow's lesson, I am hoping for any of these: a real Stealth orientation, a lesson to our Hummingbird, or the ability to flush magical saturation in someone else's body.

>>389344
If we can't use SM, this isn't a bad idea for the Doonengoes.

IGOR ROUTINE
Igor should look at the other jobs he was asked about from other people of the company- Lyubov and Nikifor, as well as party. Igor also is going to look into having a minimum of 10hrs a day of chakra practice for the next two weeks, even if it limits his forge time.
>One of the ones that shouted for him to leave, specifically a knife-specialist smith that pantomimed raising a blade, and one of the less prickly smiths that worked in gold each seemed to have such a lazy grace and economy to their motion to make anyone confident they know their craft well. Stay aware that less than a quarter of the smiths have yet been seen.
Continue to look at the different blacksmith when you have the time, as well as try to learn the names as well as reputation of the ones who stroke you as talented. Try to see if any of them have ties to the underworld. If some have ties to dealers, Satai could help in establishing contact.

>>
No. 389480 ID: 6616f3

Titus Orders
Titus tries to strike up a friendship with the Crash Course gym sambo instructor outside class (he’s currently been going 1hr/day. If that works out, consider asking instructor if he needs an assistant master at the gym.

Did Arkvad ever get back to Titus about the pelt?

Armas
>SM Corpse Delivery Service
“Hey SM. I have several tons of corpse here on the outskirts of Istanbul. Should be a claim-free area. Can we Deal?” Hopefully the knowledge of Doony being slain by a handful of mundanes, a few Triad and three practitioners will suffice as payment.

Go Ping’s group: “Well, that went well. Scratch one menace to the shipping lanes (among other Laines). Care to take some Doony home with you? Mind the poison, of course. I think maybe I’ll break out the phoenix meat from the larder to celebrate…” Maybe we should do something nice for the Triad, even if they had their own reasons to be here. Invite them to dinner?

The phoenix heart, the old one… well, if Einrik doesn’t have any old Valkonen recipes, we could either put it in a broth with veggies like a corned beef and cabbage dish, make a nice rue with yoghurt, cook it with alcohol to get a constant flambé effect, or some kind of sweet and sour sauce…

What HAS Lammy been up to, anyway? Inquiring minds would like to know.

The Russians: give ‘em a 3k bonus for performing well when faced with a being that could snap them like a Twix bar. Do not put it in those terms, though.

Gianni: Allowing him to study Doony’s corpse in return for: tuition on how to integrate the poison organs (I‘m a little worried if we have him stick them in us and turn them on, that we won‘t be able to turn them off at will), leeching poison from the meat, and maybe installing the sacs in the Nazinaut we have on ice. Mention casually that if someone were to make a few promises (vis a vis ally pacts or something, I’ll work it out later), he might be able to study our (Nazinaut) body…

While the flask of Doony blood IS classy, I think we should at least call Smets’s contact; we don’t know how to get in touch with Corn of Zos. We could say, “So the pest has been dealt with. When would Cornelius care to make good on his part of the bargain? Let me know.”

Call Riker back. It’s been like a week. “Sorry for the hold-up, Chief. Stuff happened. Busy, you know how it is; being in charge just seems to suck the fun out of things.” Note: this is only true if you actually take your responsibilities seriously. “How’d your friend like my 2IC?” If Riker seems in a good mood and/or hasn’t heard the story, consider sharing. If - for some reason - didn’t like Camella manhandling his man, feel free to lie (facetiously) about disciplining her later.

I wanna do the sword job soon. For that, investigate the museum online., Keep an eye out for anyone that works there that’s about your size. With out change-melanin trick, a blood-illusion (I believe Amen can ensure it won’t be picked up by the wards/sensors, it just costs lives), a blood-teleport bag as a way to let Amen put together the aforementioned illusion, and a really realistic mask (a Japanese company makes ‘em, or Amen would do) for the cameras, we would be totally ready to impersonate anyone.
>>
No. 389493 ID: ac6c03

Orders for Ivan
*Boss said no more magically delicious food until you have the proper level of chakratic ability? Best get to work. Spend no less than 8 hours each day practicing with Chakra.
*Try looking for Shadow Boss (SB) and asking him if he can help you find a way to use chakra for improved stealth or sight. Offer to assist Shadow Boss in any way that you can with his own endeavors.
*Continue shooting training a minimum of an hour each day with your L129A1.
>>
No. 389529 ID: eb922f

>>389336
>>389346
>>389343
>>389344
SUST dividing up the corpse now. It's massively premature, and we need to research what the various options give us. Also SUST incredibly long posts that try to do too much.

>>389477
SUST trying to graft the Doonegeas glands to you. If we want access to the poison for our weapons we can have them grafted to a cow or something. There's no substantial benefit for someone with Armas, skill set to have them inside him, only risks.

>>389480
SUST allowing Gianni to examine the Doonegeas' corpse. The Mafia are not friends, not allies. They're our sometimes employer, and by showing them the live Nazi, we've already shifted the balance of power in their favour. It does not help a merc get business if his employer has been strengthened, as then they have less need to pay for outside assistance with all the risks that entails.

If choices do have to be made about what to recover, the glowing language translation part of his brain should be considered. At the very least it should be fed to Silja before the magic fades, so we can have a translator on tap. If not, we were warned how rare potential neural grafts were, so we shouldn't waste this one.
>>
No. 389544 ID: 421737

>>389480
If we can poach Gianni from the mafia we should. He's a golem expert and he seems to personally like Armas. Once he's part of the company his strength will be our strength. Upvoting.

>>389477
Poison glands will make Armas less likely to be eaten by something that thinks he is delicious. It's a good idea. Upvoting.

>>389336
>>389346
>>389343
>>389344
We have a timelimit on how long the corpse will last, and it isn't that big. Upvoting dividing the corpse up now.

Once the corpse is chopped up and the choice bits arranged to to go people Armas wants to bribe, and after he has finished having Gianni and Whaitiri work on him today, he should call up Lammy and catch up with him. We haven't talked to him since Wayward Wednesday.
>>
No. 389647 ID: 07eaf7

Orders for Rosti: Remember something about magic and soul explosion. Remember that the thing you just killed is explicitly magical. Treat it like nuclear waste and get the fuck back to the manor in the least suspicious way possible that doesn't hold back anyone else's departure.
>>
No. 389651 ID: 431fa8

>Satai Orders
-This going-to-die bit from Armas is rather ominous and demands a change in activity patterns as follows:
-Stop eating delicious magic food. Be more than a little sad about it. Avoid the kitchen.
-Cut melee training down to an hour or so per day, more to keep fit than anything else. Some things just aren't that important in relative terms.
-Refuse random tinkering jobs unless they come with pay to compensate for the lost precious time. Satai currently values his time at $150/hour for this purpose due to the perceived opportunity cost of not learning chakra/sharpshooting (drastically increased risk of death) and the perceived opportunity cost of failing to do quartermastering well (losing access to massive amounts of cash).
-Throw self at chakra training, trying for Armas' recommended 8 hours/day. Figure out who available teachers are, bounce wildly between them as necessary to get required time.
-After hearing wild rumors about a magical gunsmith, ask Armas what his deal is and if he's worth building ties with for quartermastering purposes. Regardless of what Armas says, attempt to use underworld contacts to learn more about this Johan guy on principle.
-Also use underworld contacts to get more detailed information on the Serbian arms dealer. Don't approach the guy yet due to the current mood amongst the black market arms types, but learn more about him.
-Squeeze sniping training, Titus' stun gauntlet project, and some desultory attempts at life into tiny remaining amounts of time. Question how life became so crowded.

>>389336
Addenda. Speak to the Triads before we leave. "Nothing quite like a plan going off perfectly- that was almost too easy, but I'll take it. It was a pleasure working with you. If you have some more free time this morning, I would be happy to invite you to my home for a celebratory meal- which might not taste quite so sweet as victory, but I think it will come close. My treat."

If they agree to come, treat them to an excellent magical meal courtesy of us. Hillevi is invited if she wants to be there, everyone else can shove off. Break out our craziest meats and such; snack on our old phoenix heart as a kicker since we should be getting a new one and there's no reason to keep it. "Enjoy. It's been an interesting couple months- you can get all kinds of things and learn some really interesting stuff if you deal with the right sort of being, it turns out."

Try to have a pleasant meal and learn something about Go Ping, Diao Yuan, and Long Wang as people while we're doing this- and get a solid look at their souls. Learning a little about their individual histories, how they came to be where they are today and all that, wouldn't hurt.

Make sure that we get all our magical guns back.

Our company needs to be paid for this job- $1500 each should be plenty considering how smoothly things went. No officer bonuses because our officers didn't do anything worth paying them more this mission. Spend a bit of time reviewing the video footage of the mission from all our cameras and give Andrei and Satai an extra $1000 if it's high-quality, though.

Ask Shadowbro if he can perhaps learn the Valkonen power-filtering trick from Einrik or Hillevi so that he can protect the hummingbird from taking damage when using its abilities on our behalf. That would be quite convenient for training purposes- and Shadowbro can always use more power, right? Also call a meeting in the eye tonight- and this time no mucking about; we have serious matters about planning the future to discuss now that the Doonongaes is dead.

>>389477
>We may want to pay SM with an invite for the dinner we are making to Owner
If you are suggesting that we try to put Sometimes Merchant and Owner in the same room, SUST. The goblins' feelings on exceedingly powerful beings have already been made known to us and we'll only make a fool of ourselves inviting him.

>Armas should also speak to Camella:
That respectful request stuff is adopting entirely the wrong attitude here. We can try it, but if Camella tries to beg off- we need at least 20 hours/week of dedicated chakra teaching from her, preferably more- then push harder. Much harder. We need frank, aggressive conversation with gesticulation and possibly yelling. Use the following if she is reluctant to really help out.

"Let me rephrase. The troops are going to constantly get sick and die if they don't learn chakra, so the faster they learn it the better. This company has three officers- you, me, and Matvey- and between the three of us we are responsible for the welfare of everyone in it. Matvey cannot teach them because he doesn't know chakra. I cannot teach them because I'm quite possibly the shittiest teacher I know. That means it falls to you. I didn't make you an officer because I thought it would be funny- I wanted you to actually help me with things. Now, you hardly say anything useful when planning missions even though you should be an expert at exactly this sort of small elite strike force business, you don't give the troops much in the way of small combat tactics training or advanced modern combat like I was really hoping you would, in fact it seems like you treat this as mostly spot jobs combined with a swanky hotel- well, whatever. You can do that, it's disappointing but I don't really care. But if you don't help me with this when the people I promised would do well if they followed me are going to sicken and die, I will not forgive you for it. Make time."

If she remains stubborn/tries to blame us for this situation: "Yes, this happened because I don't know what I'm doing. Didn't you hear me the very first time that I fed you magic food, I knew there might be crazy negative side effects? I have to go forward anyway- because for the rest of us, things are hard. When we chase power we break our bodies, twist our minds, and bind our fucking souls into service to ancient maybe-evils for scraps of prowess! We don't get to quickly pick up more chakra than my the blood that I paid through the nose for can grant me talent for in a matter of weeks and evolve our souls into crazy beautiful sensor suites from dreams. Shit goes horribly wrong all the time and all we can do is play damage control. And if you're passing out blame, do you really think that Einrik didn't recognize exactly what was happening to the Russians from the moment he walked into this place? The man can sense a flea-sized bit of magic from hundreds of yards away. Ten to one odds he let it run its course just to see what would happen- watch them pop or see me scramble to fix it and see if I did something unusual or interesting again. It doesn't matter how the problem happened or who didn't catch it early enough, we need to fix it."

>>389480
>call Smets’s contact
Good call. Upvote.

>Call Riker back
If we do talk with him, remember what happened last time- keep a solid grip on ourselves so that we don't reflexively spill more information than we want to. Hopefully our headvoices will help out.
>>
No. 389663 ID: 252e1b

>>389651
>I wanted you to actually help me with things.
>Bitchy ranting

Dude, don't be a bitch. Can I just SUST everything after "I wanted you to actually help me with things." ?

The first few sentences are great. The rest aren't Armas.
>>
No. 389671 ID: d97a61

[Zhenya has been queued to do the following:]
--Follow Lyubov's advice about going through the public records looking for notaries with financial problems

>[Boris has been queued to do the following:]
>Help Matvey appease brownies with some beer. In fact, will make sure to thank them and talk at them when placing it (make a daily habit of it). Fail miserably-and be mocked by the boss when discovered-because Brownies don't like being seen. Once again make an error when trying to do something not explicitly cooking related. Ponder if true calling is kitchen-and nothing else.
>Make fun of Lyubov for being out of shape as per her condition after the jogs with camella. Join them on a jog to show her how its done. After rolling both ankles and having a minor heart attack after explosively vomiting from overstrain, decide she might not be out of shape. Begin to hate Camella, who unlike the boss does not have the excuse of being made of magic for amazing physical prowess.
>Boris will train in cookie making with the legendary cookie baking master as per AB (Armas Boss aka Asshole Boss). Have massive nostalgia attack on first meeting cookie lady, who reminds Boris of every grandmother he's ever met. Lose remaining reservations about studying under her after eating a cookie she made 'just for her visitor'. Wonder if her baked goods could be used as rewards to encourage chakra training.
>Boris is VERY SAD he can no longer eat kelpie krisps... he tries to avoid them but occasionally slips and will cook some. Which strengthen his resolve to learn chakra from the various named instructors in order to be able to safely indulge in such deliciousness. BORIS BEGINS CAUSING FURTHER DAMAGE TO HIS BODY VIA OVERSATURATION. GOOD JOB BORIS.
[Lyubov has been queued to do the following:]
*Go home, unpack, clean up, help out with putting all the gear away in the armory.
*Jog with Camella again. Once more, fail miserably at keeping up. Be pleased watching Boris bite the dust after implying you are unfit. Decide second place is pretty awesome when it's not also last place.
*Rest up, clean up, go to church. Donate $50. Notice the nice old Russian lady with a snaggletooth and a lisp, talk to her a bit. Be reminded of, and miss grandmother (deceased), and mom. Invite Cookie Lady to lunch prior to Boris going to her to begin training. Go to that place Armas brought everyone for brunch ($30-$60). Talk and chat in Russian, socialize. Learn about the priests-specifically, Nikolai, a man that follows god not due to belief, but because it is the way he chooses to do good. Before parting ways with Cookie Lady, be sure to get her phone number and name. Be aggravated when shortly after parting a car splashes water on pants, and renders note with name and number illegible.
*Go home, check out the data Zhenya collected on notaries. Find out their hours. Find out they have douchey 'mid-day only' hours. Harrumph and pout briefly.
*Go to Andrei, ask him to please requisition up a decent printer. Awaiting Andrei response.
*Get the forms for replacement birth certificate, replacement ID, and replacement passport prepared (printed out at the library). Make copies at a copy shop, including some spares. Acquire thirty sets of each form. Spend $60.
*Give each person their new identity (using the clean identities she and Andrei built backgrounds for), work/school/residence history, names, and the forms they'll need to fill out. Ask that the forms be returned, filled out, by tomorrow morning. Fail to respond to Sake's bet that they will not be done by tomorrow morning-not all of them.
*Realize that there's always a chance of some other asshole picking the names they used the same way she did. Ask Sake for ideas on making the memorials seem unremarkable to people looking for "foreigner-appropriate" names. Be a bit put off when Sake simply suggests desecrating the graves to the point they are illegible.
*Do further research by talking to Duke (and buttering him up with a couple of nice bottles of wine ($300)). Fail to find out anything personally useful-acquire manifold personal accounts of adventures had with the 108 Liangshan heroes. Feel confident you could probably recognize other Heavenly Spirits if they at least act how Duke remembers them.
*Go talk to Hillevi (hopefully catching her and Einrik together) about the grave problem, mention research and ideas from Sake. Ask for ideas, try to estimate what should be budgeted for this part of it. Be told that 'notice me not' related magics, particularly sustained ones that do not require regular maintenance, can be prohibitively expensive to set up.
*Later, when Einrik is elsewhere, ask Hillevi how her brother got so scarred up. Learn about him deciding to tango with a Dragon when Hillevi's age. Be impressed, and very glad Einrik is on Armas' side. Remember what Armas said to Camella about SB and Einrik, ask if he has trouble reading with his magic sensor. Be told by Einrik such is indeed an issue. Bounce idea off of Hillevi for getting him an iPod loaded with books on tape: render Hillevi ecstatic enough at the notion she's ready to go off and buy one for her brother herself. Find out what stories and music he likes-find Hillevi is absolutely no use on this, and wonder how this data could be acquired without tipping her hand.
*Go with Hillevi while she gets an iPod for him. Settle on getting a good bone conducting headset for him too. Personally buy an iPod for Sake, herself, and Andrei too ($750).
*Find Andrei. Thank him for the hacker work on the identities, present him with her gift, ask if Armas ever did anything with those credit cards. Be given noncommittal techno babble response. Ask him to fill hers and Sake's up with music (Hillevi's too, if she wants), ask for a "good selection" and wait with baited breath as to what he'll put on them. Find out Andrei is quite the fan of several genres, including Electrohouse, Technoswing, Punk and Trance.
*Give Zhenya the two extended magazines for the SR 1911s as a thank you for helping with the identity project.
*Fill Einrik's iPod up with books from among Lyubov's personal favorites. Wonder if a bunch of fiction works will float his boat. ($600).
*Present it to him as thank-you for the advice.

*Write up a budget for bribing the notaries (three months their estimated pay for three, estimate: $37,500) and report in to Armas. Point out how these are far superior to the Mafia and Triad offerings in that they have a consistent background built up for each one, and that with the spellwork on the tombstones the likelyhood of someone noticing that the original bearers of the names are dead is very low. Point out the estimated price of 20 fake passports through either side would have been $166,110 and that this way the identities are not in the hands of a criminal organization (that isn't us, anyway). Ask for three fourths the difference between the price of the fake passports and the budgeted price of bribes (estimate: $128,600). Ask that $8,000 go to Zhenya, and $30,000 to Andrei. If Boss tries bargaining down, be willing to give up a tenth if he'll open the pool. Be willing to give up half if he's willing to personally teach her how to do chakra, one on one, minimum 6 hours a week.
*Attempt to resist boss' persuasive ways. Use following argument: "These are genuine Turkish citizenships, we're not going to risk deportation with these. These will also hold up to a background check with all the data Andrei hacked into place. With the Mafia and Triad passports if we got into trouble, we would be relying on delaying from bribed officials in the issuing country for protection and that protection could disappear if we displeased the Mafia or Triads. So these are quite a bit superior, both in the background and in being citizenship. And if you're looking to have independence of any other group, this is the best way."
*Still end up only getting a sixth of the difference for getting four hours of training a week from Armas, Sake, the shadow (and apparently his bird) in chakra. Be uncertain how he convinced you of that.

>[Feodor has been queued to do the following:]
>Help get all the equipment stowed in the vans, and drive back to the mansion. Smugly ignore Zhenya's grumpiness that you are a better driver.
>Once the debriefing is over, all the equipment's back in the armory, and there's no more pressing business, get drunk - drink as much vodka as possible without getting alcohol poisoning. Be sad this is less than Vlad's daily intake.
>Loudly complain about Sake and Hillevi: they're stealing your job, and depriving you of your life's purpose. Take offence with sniggering weasel.
>Get so drunk-angry that you start a fight with Sake - lose because it's just a poster of him. Endure more sniggering from Sake. Think you may have seen Ivan actually smirk at personal shenanigans.
[Nikifor has been queued to do the following:]
-Training with the Dagger and Sword is fun, but isn't enough. Search for any places that practice "Historical European Swordsmanship", or "Renaissance Martial Arts" as something more than just flashy techniques. Find a place. Ask what lessons they offer, how much is the membership fee, mention you have an "interest" in combat/battle reenactment, and could invite a few friends-see if they have discounts for that. Be disappointed on all fronts, as it, and it's afiliates are focused on performance swordsmanship, not practical use swordsmanship. Later on tell Lev and Rostislav about the place-they both use stabby/slashy things, but have no expert/official training, ask if they'd like to join along with you, note that at the least you can all have fun mocking sissies if it's a worst case scenario and the place is worthless to them.
-Bring the MSG90-A2 to Matvey and Satai. They told us to bring something "good" for training, this beautiful machine here should be enough. Become modestly indignant when they initially seem resistive even to that. Time to start sniper training-you don't need to become the best, just be able to hit them reliably and well-enough like an expert. JOIN SATAI'S SNIPING PRACTICE GROUP.
-Lev mentioned the Shadow of Big Boss? That's...cool and creepy at the same time. Drunkenly wander around dark rooms, while shouting at the darkness for confirmation if Big Boss' shadow is really there. Get no response. Then stare at your own shadow, attempt to make it move around and high five you or something. Assume you will fail-freak the fuck out when shadow waves at you.
-So yeeep, you're like a ticking mojo-bomb right now. Hog Ito again on chakra training, though don't be too aggressive on him.
-Your role is 'the assault guy'. And that means you've gotta move FAST. Jog in the morning with Lyubov and Camella-if she keeps ending up winded and almost fainting from exhaustion, then that means it's GOOD. Don't give up! Decide to start TOMORROW after watching Boris shakily drag himself back.
-Discuss with one of the officers if organizing a little tournament only between the Russians would be nice. Everyone seems so focused on training/work. It's a competition of...well, pretty much all the skills everyone's got. Shooting, punching, drinking, lying/deceiving people, etc, etc.

>[Andrei has been queued to do the following:]
>Tell Lyubov it's no problem. Realize, again, that the Printer is home. Curse, loudly, in Russian, and get a printer or two. Cheap ones, for now: 2 cheap Canon PIXMA MP495 Color Ink-jet - Printer - $43 for one, two for 86.
>Be first suspicious, then kinda touched at the gesture. Tell her that it'll be easy. Realize that, fuck; the Russians have the old computer. Promise self to use Chugainov as target practice. Ask Boss what music Sake likes other then Japanese traditional, wind instruments, and Jethro Tull. Be informed he is known to convert his normal wiggling into swagger at the sound of Baroque. Get Lyubov some jazz and classical but rename it to Electroswing songs. Chuckle at this.
>Check kitchen video for thing that is watching Caffeine Supply. Find odd blur, too indistinct to be made out. Note that far more sophisticated recording equipment might be needed to catch it-ponder high speed and high def video.
[Titus has been queued to do the following:]
!Try to strike up a friendship with the Crash Course gym sambo instructor outside class (he’s currently been going 1hr/day. Be surprised when this is patently easy, as by coincidence both were present for the same Sambo tournament in Russia six years ago. Small world.
! Ask instructor if he needs an assistant master at the gym. Be told he does indeed-also find out such obligations would clash with previous obligations to daytime training at Ito's. Ponder how to resolve this.

>[Igor has been queued to do the following:]
>Look at the other jobs he was asked about from other people of the company- Lyubov and Nikifor, as well as party. Decide that Nikifor's arm-armor is nearly done-probably ready tomorrow. Igor also is going to look into having a minimum of 10hrs a day of chakra practice for the next two weeks, even if it limits his forge time. Fail to meet this goal because fuck, Chakra training's hard.
>Ponder knife-specialist smith that pantomimed raising a blade and the less prickly smith that worked in gold: each seemed to have such a lazy grace and economy to their motion to make anyone confident they know their craft well. Stay aware that less than a quarter of the smiths have yet been seen.
Continue to look at the different blacksmith when you have the time, as well as try to learn the names as well as reputation of the ones who strike you as talented. Try to see if any of them have ties to the underworld. If some have ties to dealers, Satai could help in establishing contact.
>After being permanently banned from six different smitheries for horrifically heavy-handed phrasing and lack of any substantial subtle social skills, finally find a smith you THINK might have ties to arms dealers-decide to ask Satai sometime about someone called 'Old Ironface'.
[Ivan has been queued to do the following:]
#Boss said no more magically delicious food until you have the proper level of chakratic ability? Best get to work. Spend no less than 8 hours each day practicing with Chakra.
#Try looking for Shadow Boss (SB) and asking him if he can help you find a way to use chakra for improved stealth or sight. Offer to assist Shadow Boss in any way that you can with his own endeavors. Fail to find him after two hours of on and off searching. Wonder why.
#Continue shooting training a minimum of an hour each day with your L129A1.
#Ponder joining Satai's sniping practice group to show them how it's really done.
#Continue being stoic man of few words.

>[Rostislave has been queued to do the following:]
>Due to paying a deplorable amount of attention when Armas was talking about shit that will kill you, only remember something about magic and soul explosions.
>Remember that the thing you just killed is explicitly magical.
>Treat it like nuclear waste and get the fuck back to the manor in the least suspicious way possible that doesn't hold back anyone else's departure. Since the only options are 'drive back with everyone' or 'hoof it on your lonesome' impotently do NOTHING because there's no way you could walk back faster than driving.
>Wonder why you didn't pay attention when Armas was talking about things that can kill you.
[$atai has been queued to do the following:]
$-This going-to-die bit from Armas is rather ominous and demands a change in activity patterns as follows:
$-Stop eating delicious magic food. Be more than a little sad about it. Avoid the kitchen. Feel bad for Boris when seeing him ignore the warning and eat Kelpie Krisps-but don't help him because you don't baby people.
$-Cut melee training down to an hour or so per day, more to keep fit than anything else. Some things just aren't that important in relative terms.
$-Refuse random tinkering jobs unless they come with pay to compensate for the lost precious time. Satai currently values his time at $150/hour for this purpose due to the perceived opportunity cost of not learning chakra/sharpshooting (drastically increased risk of death) and the perceived opportunity cost of failing to do quartermastering well (losing access to massive amounts of cash).
$-Throw self at chakra training, trying for Armas' recommended 8 hours/day. Figure out who available teachers are, bounce wildly between them as necessary to get required time. Be peeved Lyubov somehow got Armas to agree to train her.
$-After hearing wild rumors about a magical gunsmith, ask Armas what his deal is and if he's worth building ties with for quartermastering purposes.Be told by boss that 'Johan Straus is a pretty cool guy, he makes guns and doesn't afraid of anything'. Wonder why the boss chuckled at his broken sentence. Regardless of what Armas says, attempt to use underworld contacts to learn more about this Johan guy on principle. Find out that last time someone tried to skip out on paying him they were found burned to death in their sleep. Pencil in a note of 'do not fuck with this guy' into file.
$-Also use underworld contacts to get more detailed information on the Serbian arms dealer. Don't approach the guy yet due to the current mood amongst the black market arms types, but learn more about him. Find out that NO ONE knows his name-or even what he looks like, as he only makes sales via phone, and has middlemen make the actual handoffs. Wonder what's up with that. Be slightly relieved he's got an excellent track record of being fair so long as one can put up with his paranoia.
$-Squeeze sniping training, Titus' stun gauntlet project, and some desultory attempts at life into tiny remaining amounts of time. Question how life became so crowded. 'BONUS': Satai temporarily gains the Trait 'sleep deprived'.


>>389477
While I'm trying to work out just how to handle this-I decide that now is actually a GREAT time to try and pressure Camella into helping train the Russians in Chakra. I initially come up with platitudes and smarmy requests-
>>389651
Then I remember that's just not my style and go with a different approach.

"Hey Camella."
>[Camella]"What."
"Train the Russians."
>[Camella]"...What, you mean in Chakra?"
"Let me rephrase. The troops are going to constantly get sick and die if they don't learn chakra, so the faster they learn it the better. This company has three officers- you, me, and Matvey- and between the three of us we are responsible for the welfare of everyone in it. Matvey cannot teach them because he doesn't know chakra. I cannot teach them all because I'm quite possibly the shittiest teacher I know. That means it falls to you."
I see her looking a bit resistive at my comment-and press on.
"I didn't make you an officer because I thought it would be funny- I wanted you to actually help me with things. Now, you hardly say anything useful when planning missions even though you should be an expert at exactly this sort of small elite strike force business, you don't give the troops much in the way of small combat tactics training or advanced modern combat like I was really hoping you would, in fact it seems like you treat this as mostly spot jobs combined with a swanky hotel- well, whatever."
...Yeah, she didn't like that, I can SEE her bristling at it-and I keep plowing onward.
"You can do that, it's disappointing but I don't really care. But if you don't help me with this when the people I promised would do well if they followed me are going to sicken and die, I will not forgive you for it. Make time."
At this... she sports an expression I can't quite decipher, which pisses me off, and gives my following words a bit more heat than I might have wanted.
"Yes, this happened because I don't know what I'm doing. Didn't you hear me the very first time that I fed you magic food, I knew there might be crazy negative side effects? I have to go forward anyway- because for the rest of us, things are hard. When we chase power we break our bodies, twist our minds, and bind our fucking souls into service to ancient maybe-evils for scraps of prowess!"
Yeah, definitely more heat in my voice than I intended. But dammit-I cheat like MAD and she still learns just as well as me. Shit ain't fair.
"We don't get to quickly pick up more chakra in a matter of weeks and evolve our souls into crazy beautiful sensor suites from dreams. Shit goes horribly wrong all the time and all we can do is play damage control. Seriously, do you have any idea how much bullshit was required so I could grow comperably to you?"
Did Camella just take a step back?
"And if you're passing out blame, do you really think that Einrik didn't recognize exactly what was happening to the Russians from the moment he walked into this place? The man can sense a flea-sized bit of magic from hundreds of yards away. Ten to one odds he let it run its course just to see what would happen- watch them pop or see me scramble to fix it and see if I did something unusual or interesting again."
Einrik, up until now a silent observer, chimes in.
>[Einrik]"That's accurate-I was morbidly curious how you'd handle that."
I turn towards him briefly.
"See, I EXPECT that from him-he made it patently clear he's out for experimental data."
Before she can use the brief pause to gather herself, I turn back to her.
"It doesn't matter how the problem happened or who didn't catch it early enough, we need to fix it."
Pretty much the ONLY reason I'm not flinching away from her is because I've got to the point that the physical harm she can dish out is (mostly) negligible to me. All the same, lo and behold.....

Looking like she's having teeth pulled at her own funeral, Camella works her mouth for a moment before responding.
>[Camella]"....You.... are right. Fucker."
She rounds on the Russians.
>[Camella]"Set your alarm clocks to five for every day. Five to eleven AM every day, we'll be marathoning basic chakra instruction-and attendance is mandatory."
"And I will FULLY endorse whatever measures she thinks necessary to keep your asses at the lessons-and you are STILL expected to fulfill your obligations to Ito."
Seeing the boss AND the second in command actually wholeheartedly agreeing, not a single Russian objects to the spartan change to their schedule-an event notable enough I nearly miss the second unreadable look Camella throws my way.

Back to the corpse, and the likely semi-imminent police presence.
>>389160
>>389266
I could just rip out the fucking thing's heart and eat it-
>>389211
I could try, fuck I don't know, freezing the meat, but I'm betting that wouldn't work too well for something that's weak against winter energy-
>>389233
>>389282
Wait why are we ALL still here?

"Okay chaps-"
>[Matvey]"Chaps?"
"Fine: Okay assholes, back to base with the lot of you-MOVE."
They don't need to be told twice. Sure, I COULD have ordered them to retrieve the speakers and such-but how the fuck would they dig those smashed bits of electronics out of the rubble in a timely fashion? Andrei assured me no one handled the goods without gloves, and that he's got the video files. Good enough for me. All the Russians-Camella included-pile into the vans, and depart, leaving me, my brothers, the Triads, the Valkonens, the Duke and the Bird remaining.
>>389253
"Einrik-transport ideas?"
>[Einrik]"Honestly? Goblin."
"Yeah, that's what I thought you'd say. Duke-any other lights?"
>[Duke]"Now? Sure, five more lights now-all stationary. Probably homes."
"Hm."
>>389291
>>389344
SB=>Bird idea will not work-you'd either need to have spent more than a decade learning how to use a compounded bloodline-which SB has sure as shit not done-or be the one the Spirit is anchored to-which SB is not. So no dice dude.
I start coming up with some hairbrained schemes to get that meat home, even ways to barricade roads and shit-but I reject them because they're retarded.
>>389226
Wait why am I making this complicated?

I place a call that's answered in my far ear, making me feel decidedly lopsided.
>[SM]"Yes, Mr. Laine?"
"I have news. My team and I, as well as several Triads, killed the Doonongaes about one minute ago after luring it into a trap. More details are available if you wish- but for now, I need its body transported out of here and stored for me in stasis before it starts to corrode or any other parties arrive to investigate or steal it. Can you provide that?"
I can damn near feel his smile through the phone.
>[SM]"Yes, I think that request can be honored. To be clear: do you grant we, the Wyld Goblins of Turkey, permission to store your trophy within our realm until you wish to use it?"
"I do."

Just like that, the Doonongaes' corpse up and vanishes, bloodstains and all.
>[SM]"A pity you couldn't kill it in it's natural state, but such things happen. Is there more for us to discuss now, or was that all?"
"Well, eventually I'll need it seperated into the following categories: poison glands, head, choice, relative to taste, organs and meet for consumption, blood, and lastly bone, cartilage, scale and fang all together."
>[SM]"Such preparation does require a modicum of skill, as the poison in its flesh must be dealt with to prevent such spoils from liquefying. To fund this partitioning there will be a non-negotiable tithe required of a twentieth of the creature's mass relative to each category you named."
"Would that tithe be linked back to me?"
>[SM]"As prior arrangements prevent it, no."
"Then all yours."
>[SM]"A pleasure doing business with you."
*CLICK*

The prize safely stored-I turn to my ward, trying to ignore Einrik's blind stare.
"Any comments on this battle?"
The youngest Valkonen seems at a loss for how to respond-as usually, she becomes far more clumsy when forced into social situations rather than martial.
>[Hillevi]"...I, what?"
I ignore Einrik's small smile.
"There are several lessons to be learned here- important ones that might not be immediately apparent. Would you care to take a guess as to what they are, in my view?"
Her brow furiously furrows as she mulls over my 'riddle'.
>[Hillevi]"Uuum, is it that numbers usually beat talent?"
I don't even bother trying to not smile at that as I continue.
"Not quite. Understand that the Doonongaes died today because it fought five mundanes in October. "
Seeing her confused look, I clarify.
"That would be myself and the Triads who assisted us today- I had no bloodline powers at the time, and they have just moderate chakra skills. One of their friends died in the battle and I was severely injured- after, we resolved to kill the creature. That was one of several reasons that I've been so bold in my pursuit of power."
Einrik tactically muffles his chortling at my comment, valuing the lesson I'm trying to impart on his sister over his own amusement.
"The lesson about leaving people with grudges alive behind you, and another about not underestimating what someone can achieve just because they seem weak, should be obvious."
She hesitantly nods, clearly trying not to disappoint me by her lack of comprehension. I try not to sigh as I keep pounding the point home.
"It also died because it was an overconfident idiot."
THAT she understood.
"We lured it in with basically a noisemaker- something blatantly obviously meant to piss it off, and it charged right over to stop it. If you're dumb enough to walk into the middle of a location specifically prepared to kill you, it doesn't matter how powerful you are personally- you're probably going to die. At that point all that can really save you is if for whatever reason the trap wasn't set properly- being more powerful than your enemies think, having hidden skills they didn't know about, or sheer carelessness or incompetence on their part. Remind me to talk about the value of deception with you more, later; it can save your life in situations like that."
Einrik clearly wants to say something here, but again abstains to avoid disrupting the lesson.
"Last, if you really want to kill something, don't mess around. Pile on allies and equipment until you're sure you'll win, then throw on more. Challenges are great for when you want to grow personally, but when things are serious and you have time and resources, shoot for overkill-hell, shoot for overkill relative to overkill- and hope that your enemies don't have enough unpleasant surprises to live through it."
Hillevi slowly nods at my blurb-and I decide that's as good as I'll get from her for the moment.

Go Ping, for his part, merely bows to me, before offering a succinct segment of parting words.
>[Go Ping]"I thank you for helping us derive vengeance for our comrade-and I wish we could honestly call one another comrades, rather than competitors currently working towards the same goals."
It's a somewhat cryptic message-but then, that's his thing, so I'm not bothered by it. After the Triads bounce, I lead my brothers, the Valks and Duke in a rog back towards the mansion-and scoff when, ten minutes into the journey, we pass by the first responding police car, observing it from the woods beside the road. On our return to the mansion-I find Camella living up to her word, and playing the merciless taskmaster to the Russians, forcing them to push themselves as hard as possible to learn more about chakra. I can see the soul weight gains the Russians are undergoing as she keeps them in a sustained state of strain and trial, forcing them to grow. Again, she looks at me with that damn look I can't figure out-the fuck's Camella doing NOT looking pissy?

Whatever.

I end up talking with Boris about a certain cookie baker, and Lyubov about IDs during the brief breaks Camella offers from her merciless regiment-and delight in the abruptly empty house when, right as their lessons conclude for the morning, she leads them all over to Ito's for their teaching obligations-at a brisk jog.

A brisk CAMELLA jog. I almost pity them.

And what do I do with my free time? Why, I chat with Einrik, wheedling some info about the book he and Camella authored out of him. Turns out he was planning to just make a single page printout-it was Camella that pushed for them to put in the extra effort to make it a legitimate book. Interesting stuff, that.

When the early evening rolls around and the Russians return from Ito's, all looking half dead with exhaustion, I decide to let them off a little easy-and call for a party.

The rest of the day from four pm onwards gets a bit hazy after Duke trades me a bottle of booze for a mug of Valhallan mead. I don't black out amidst the neverending festivities, the celebration at having kill the Doony-but all I really remember is having a really good time and successfully refraining from making a total ass of myself. I'll call that a win.


MONDAY, JANUARY 24TH, 2011
PERSONAL FUNDS: $321,013.11
BUSINESS FUNDS: $189,347.00
CASH: $9,170.00
SHADOW PATIENCE: 37%
WINTER ENERGY: 144/160
SUMMER ENERGY: 50/50

I wake up a bit later than normal-and feel so deliciously rested I take a moment to just lay there in bed, enjoying that relaxed feeling before glancing at the clock and seeing it's five past five.

And I think to myself-it's a wonderful day to be.....

Well:

Me.








GfH THREAD 4: TO MAKE YOUR MARK COMPLETE!
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