2/4 Buckwheat 2020/04/15(Wed)10:17 No. 962049 ID: 15a025
File 158697106589.png - (5.15KB , 800x600 , 40.png )

I take a few steps back, and then run up and try to jump over the flames. I don't make it and end up jumping through the flames instead, and fall over on my landing. My polearm manages to hook on to the cultist's rope on the way though, and I hear something tear off.

>Erm. May need to avoid damage by throwing light balls after this...
If could throw light balls like Relina, I would have done that instead of trying to jump over fire!

3/4 Buckwheat 2020/04/15(Wed)10:18 No. 962050 ID: 15a025
File 158697109665.png - (5.99KB , 800x600 , 41.png )

Three-tails: "That was close, clutz. Enjoying your fall from grace?"

She grabs me by the neck

Three-tails: "I think it's time I enjoyed myself and smoke this weed."

[color=red]Candy: "Here, need a light!"

I see a flash of red light.

[color=purple]Three-tails: "Gaaah!"

While still holding me with one hand, she fires off another blast of purple flames with her other.

4/4 Buckwheat 2020/04/15(Wed)10:19 No. 962051 ID: 15a025
File 158697113998.png - (8.63KB , 800x600 , 42.png )

The two spells explode into each other and the smoke gets even thicker.

I hear Candy starting to cough.

Are you still grabbed by three-tails? Try to crawl away if you can.

>>962051
Stab!

>>962051
If she's still holding you, then stab her because there's no way she can dodge at this range!

1/3 Buckwheat 2020/04/16(Thu)18:39 No. 962229 ID: 15a025
File 158708754416.png - (5.95KB , 800x600 , 43.png )

>If she's still holding you, then stab her because there's no way she can dodge at this range!
She's choking me, I can barely breath!

>Stab!

I fight to get my arms up, but her hold on me keeps getting tighter. I can feel my neck start to crack a bit.

Three-tails: "You know they say smoking isn't good for your lungs! Maybe you'd still have some fight left in you if you didn't-"

I slowly start working my polearm right into her gut.

Buckwheat 2020/04/16(Thu)18:39 No. 962230 ID: 15a025
File 158708755140.png - (3.16KB , 800x600 , 44.png )

Then everything goes white.

Buckwheat 2020/04/16(Thu)18:39 No. 962231 ID: 15a025
File 158708755850.png - (4.79KB , 800x600 , 45.png )

I groan as I try to get up off the ground. There's a loud beeping sound and the room is thick with smoke. I think I hear someone coughing, but it's hard to hear.

Yay we won. Sorry you got so hurt, Roxie.
Looks like there's some normal fire in here, which means that smoke isn't entirely the magical kind.

Stay low, you two. Cover your mouth with something to filter out some of the smoke.
Priority one is finding Pierce, because he's knocked out and can't escape on his own.
Secondary priority is retrieving the stones the boss was using, don't want anyone to get those.

>>962232
This

>>962231
I think I see some empty purple robes in front of you alnog with what I think are 6 dark stones.

>Coughing
I think that's Candy.

Both of you need to find Pierce and each other, then get out of here! Make sure you stay low to the ground so that you don't die from inhaling smoke.

1/2 Buckwheat 2020/04/17(Fri)18:24 No. 962325 ID: 15a025
File 158717304435.png - (4.77KB , 800x600 , 46.png )

>Looks like there's some normal fire in here, which means that smoke isn't entirely the magical kind.
For a second I look around trying to figure out where that voice is coming from, but then I remember I'm wearing a magic necklace. Then I see the massive wall of fire behind me and try not to panic. If it's real fire, this robe isn't protecting me from that at all.

>Stay low, you two. Cover your mouth with something to filter out some of the smoke.
>Make sure you stay low to the ground so that you don't die from inhaling smoke.
However, it might be the best thing I have to try and filter the smoke. It hurts to breath enough as it is now. I pull down my hood and try to wrap it over and on my nose.

>Priority one is finding Pierce, because he's knocked out and can't escape on his own.
>Both of you need to find Pierce and each other, then get out of here! Make sure you stay low to the ground so that you don't die from inhaling smoke.
That's going to be tough, I can't see much of anything in this smoke. I hope him and Candy are doing okay.

>Secondary priority is retrieving the stones the boss was using, don't want anyone to get those.
>I think I see some empty purple robes in front of you along with what I think are 6 dark stones.
That robe must be that boss's robe. As for the dark stuff on the ground, those would be her ashes. Or whatever Relina was calling it.

>I think that's Candy [coughing].
Where sight and smell fail, I guess my ears are going to have to guide me. I get down on my knees and start listening for her.

2/2 Buckwheat 2020/04/17(Fri)18:24 No. 962326 ID: 15a025
File 158717306141.png - (4.28KB , 800x600 , 47.png )

Crawling around the room I can't tell if I'm getting closer to her or if her coughing is just getting worse. Eventually I find her keeled over on the ground coughing violently. I try to say something, but I end up coughing out some incoherent sounds.

>>962326
I can't see Pierce...
Get her out then go back for Pierce. Unless you find him on the way out?

Get Candy out of there. Have to focus on one task at a time in an emergency situation

...it occurs to me that Candy's helper is very likely to show up now.
Maybe it would be better for Roxie to focus on getting to Pierce.

>>962355
Maybe? I’m not sure. What were the requirements again? Did her life need to be in danger? Like the “I’m going to die in the next few seconds” kind of danger? If the smoke filled room is going to do that much harm to her, then yeah, Candy’s helper will show up.

But just to be on the safe side, let’s act like he might not show up and make an attempt to save Candy. Plus, if he does show up, we’ll want him to see Roxie trying to save Candy, so that he’ll know she’s a friend and will save both of them instead of only saving Candy.

Buckwheat 2020/04/18(Sat)23:30 No. 962537 ID: 15a025
File 158727780165.png - (4.82KB , 800x600 , 48.png )

>Candy's helper is very likely to show up now. Maybe it would be better for Roxie to focus on getting to Pierce.
>just to be on the safe side, let’s act like he might not show up and make an attempt to save Candy. Plus, if he does show up, we’ll want him to see Roxie trying to save Candy, so that he’ll know she’s a friend and will save both of them instead of only saving Candy.

Yeah no, I'm not going to risk her life on the chance some monster thing from hell is going to show up and save her. I also wouldn't want to explain to Sugar why her sister's dead either.

>Get Candy out of there. Have to focus on one task at a time in an emergency situation
>Get her out then go back for Pierce. Unless you find him on the way out?
Getting her around and staying low isn't going to be easy. I try to get her on my back, but there's no way it's happening. I can barely keep myself up. I end up having to drag her over to the door. Then- huh?! It's... it won't open!

No- no no no! I get up and bang on the door and start to panic. It's not opening! Shit!

>>962537
Looks like... a bar or something? Or this is one of those doors you have to push this long button-like thing to get it open. Can you summon your weapon again to get some light in here to see the door mechanism better? Maybe use it as a crowbar to get the door open if needed?

Getting the door open will let the smoke out too, which means you can probably go back and find Pierce easier.

>>962537
You’re enchantment is supposed to be an axe, but you’re using it as a polearm, right? Well, use it as an axe this time and try smashing down the door!

The way firefighters do it, is they aim for the top door hinge, so that the door can easily be shoved open.

>>962572
alternately is it a pull door?

Buckwheat 2020/04/19(Sun)10:43 No. 962619 ID: 15a025
File 158731821968.png - (4.89KB , 800x600 , 49.png )

>Looks like... a bar or something? Or this is one of those doors you have to push this long button-like thing to get it open.
Yeah, that seems to be how it works. I try to push in the button though but the door isn't budging at all!

>Your enchantment is supposed to be an axe, but you’re using it as a polearm, right? Well, use it as an axe this time and try smashing down the door! Aim for the top door hinge, so that the door can easily be shoved open.
I try making an ax, but it's hard to focus and making me light headed. I manage to push myself and make one, though it's a little small. I try putting all my strength into my swings, but hitting the hinges isn't do much. The only thing that happens is that beeping sound is getting louder.

>summon your weapon again to get some light in here to see the door mechanism better?
Looking at the door as a whole. There's the push bar thing to open it, and it looks like some kind of metal brace at the top with some exposed wires? Close to the door is a rusty caution sign. I can't make out what it says though just glancing at it.

>>962619
look closer at warning if that doesn't help, hack at wire thing

Is this the only way out? Take a quick look around to find any red, glowing emergency lights.

If this a powered door, it may have been locked remotely. If so, hacking the wires may be a gamble, depending if they want it to be opened during emergency or locked when it loses power.

Try to locate the beeping

1/2 Buckwheat 2020/04/23(Thu)09:28 No. 963264 ID: 15a025
File 158765931985.png - (4.21KB , 800x600 , 50.png )

>look closer at warning
I stop hacking away at the hinges and take a closer look at the warning. Even shining my ax on it though, it's still kind of hard to read.

"CAUTION!: DOOR LOCKS IN EVENT OF FIRE!

Who approved that design choice?! And I wonder if there's a chance I could sue the safety board for that bright idea?

2/2 Buckwheat 2020/04/23(Thu)09:29 No. 963265 ID: 15a025
File 158765934495.gif - (9.81KB , 800x600 , 51.gif )

>Is this the only way out? Take a quick look around to find any red, glowing emergency lights.
This was the only door in the room I remember seeing. Looking around, I can't see much of anything unless it's in front of me.

>Try to locate the beeping.
Maybe my ears can point in the right direction again though? I try to focus on the beeping and start moving over towards it. When I look up, I see that it's a smoke detector on the ceiling. There's a metal brace with some more exposed wires connected to it. Following it a bit, I'd be willing to bet it goes back to the door.

>If this a powered door, it may have been locked remotely. If so, hacking the wires may be a gamble, depending if they want it to be opened during emergency or locked when it loses power.
Thinking I might only have two options at this point.

I could go back to the door and try smashing the metal brace and cutting the wires and hope the door open. Though like you spirits said, there's the risk it could stay locked if it loses power.

Or, I could try reshaping my light ax back into a polearm and see if I can break the smoke detector. Maybe if that loses power the door mechanism will think there isn't a fire going and unlock? It'd be risky though, it takes a lot of my focus to mess with my enchantment. I'm light headed as it is now, if I'm not careful I could end up passing out.

>>963265
If it locks/remains locked when power is lost we are just kinda fucked. So just attacking the wires is probably the best bet. If this is sensibly designed, the door just gets its power through the detector meaning breaking the detector is almost identical to cutting the wire. (destroy the thing that determines what signal is given means you get no signal, similar to cutting the wires giving no signal) The exception is if you break JUST the fire detecting part and not the rest of the device, which even under better conditions we would probably have a rough chance of making happen, under current conditions that would probably be more like winning the lottery.
TL;DR: Cut wire, ignore detector.

Break the smoke detector. If the door detects no fire, then it won't lock.

>>963265
Destroy the smoke detector!

>>963271
Do this

1/3 Buckwheat 2020/04/23(Thu)19:30 No. 963326 ID: 15a025
File 158769544292.png - (4.68KB , 800x600 , 52.png )

>Break the smoke detector. If the door detects no fire, then it won't lock.
>Destroy the smoke detector!
>Do this
Here goes nothing then. I pour my focus into shaping my ax into as long of a po le a r m a s I c...

I start to fall over a bit, but manage to catch myself a bit. It's getting harder and hurts to breath. I force myself back up.

2/3 Buckwheat 2020/04/23(Thu)19:30 No. 963327 ID: 15a025
File 158769545853.png - (4.48KB , 800x600 , 53.png )

Once I'm back up on two legs I thrust my polearm up as hard as I can and jam it into the smoke detector! It screeches out an ear piercing beep before it goes silent. After that I hear a loud 'thunk'.

3/3 Buckwheat 2020/04/23(Thu)19:31 No. 963329 ID: 15a025
File 158769547330.png - (5.04KB , 800x600 , 54.png )

I carefully race over to the door and thankfully it opens! I grab Candy and drag her out of there.

I start trying to take deep breathes to get some air, but I end up on the ground in a fit of coughs like Candy. I feel like I'm going to pass out, but I need to get back in there and look for Pierce. I don't know what to do.

It hurts, but you can't save Pierce if you're liable to pass out. Try to properly catch your breath. Maybe look back into the room to see if the smoke dissipated enough to see Pierce

leave the door open so the smoke can escape so he can breath more even if you cant get to him

Candy's still breathing right?
Take your robe off your face again so you can breathe easier in the clean air to catch your breath, and make sure to get some air lower down instead of near the smoke.

Once you've caught your breath you can take your robe off entirely off and ball it up in front of your face maybe? You're wearing something under it right? Then you can go back in to save Pierce. Also there's some ventilation now, so the air low in the room should be better.

You can do this, Roxie.

>>963329
Check on Candy and make sure she’s breathing!

>>963333
Also do this!

>>963331
>>963332
>>963333
>>963337
Seconding all of these.

>>963333
>Also there's some ventilation now
that is only true if we prop the door open (or it does not auto close, but given it has a auto lock I assume it also auto closes)

>>963821
We could probably prop the door open with Candy. Just open the door all the way, lay Candy against the door, and tell her to hold the door open.

1/2 Buckwheat 2020/04/30(Thu)17:01 No. 964470 ID: 15a025
File 158829126051.png - (5.08KB , 800x600 , 55.png )

>you can't save Pierce if you're liable to pass out. Try to properly catch your breath. Maybe look back into the room to see if the smoke dissipated enough to see Pierce
Peaking in, I still can't see much of anything other than the fire.

>Candy's still breathing right?
>Check on Candy and make sure she’s breathing!
I prop her up over by me. She's still coughing pretty hard. It sounds like she's taking in some breathes between coughs though. I don't know how to tell for sure though?

>Take your robe off your face again so you can breathe easier in the clean air to catch your breath
Off the hood goes. I try take in deep breaths but start gagging a bit from the rotting sewage smell down here. It beats suffocating from smoke though.
>prop the door open with Candy. Just open the door all the way, lay Candy against the door, and tell her to hold the door open.
I open the door up all the way and rest her against it.

Roxie: "Candy, I *coughs* I need you to keep this open. I'm going back in for Pierce."

She's still coughing, but gives me a nod of approval.

>Once you've caught your breath you can take your robe off entirely off and ball it up in front of your face maybe? You're wearing something under it right? Then you can go back in to save Pierce.
Of course I'm wearing clothes under this, it's way too cold here to be doing that. Since we're probably done running into cultists, I guess I can wrap this around my face. I run inside to look for Pierce.

Buckwheat 2020/04/30(Thu)17:01 No. 964471 ID: 15a025
File 158829127157.png - (4.43KB , 800x600 , 56.png )

When I find him, he's in a corner of the room. I make sure he's still breathing, but seems like he's still passed out. It also looks like he got singed pretty bad from the fire.

>>964471
Welp nothing we can do about the burns right now. Get him out of there. Try to keep his head down while you're doing it. Once everyone's out, just rest for a while, see if you can get pierce awake, tend to his wounds if that's possible... and your own.

We beat the boss, Roxie, and nobody died. This is a win, even though people got hurt.

Get him out of there. If Candy has recovered, have her help you carry him and get out of here

>>964471
we could probably drag him out so both of you can stay low.

We won, even if just barely! Pull him out of there with haste and take a breather.

1/2 Buckwheat 2020/05/08(Fri)16:19 No. 965816 ID: 15a025
File 158897998458.png - (5.35KB , 800x600 , 57.png )

>nothing we can do about the burns right now. Get him out of there.
>Get him out of there. If Candy has recovered, have her help you carry him and get out of here
>we could probably drag him out so both of you can stay low.
>We won, even if just barely! Pull him out of there with haste and take a breather.
I drag Pierce out of the room and sit right back with Candy for a second. I unwrap my robe from around my face and put it back on.

>We beat the boss, Roxie, and nobody died. This is a win, even though people got hurt.
Don't jinx it yet. I'm sure she's fine, but we still need to re-group with Relina and see how she's holding up.

>Once everyone's out, just rest for a while, see if you can get pierce awake, tend to his wounds if that's possible... and your own.
Not much I can really do about our wounds. Nothing to really disinfect or clean them with. I'm probably going to end up needing a trip to the hospital. My neck and nose are killing me, and it's hurting to breath still. As for Pierce, I start tapping his cheeks and face. That is what you're supposed to do, right?

After a bit he starts coming to.

Pierce: "Ah ow! What happened? Why's my face burn!?"

I reply, sounding kinda of rough and stuffy.

Roxie: "You got knocked out, and I managed to turn her into a pile of dust. Then we got trapped in there with a fire."

He winces a bit when I mention the fire.
Pierce: "Guess that explains the burns then."

2/22 Buckwheat 2020/05/08(Fri)16:20 No. 965818 ID: 15a025
File 158898001913.png - (5.71KB , 800x600 , 58.png )

He slowly gets up.

Pierce: "Uh... how far did you haul me?"

Roxie: "Just outside the burning room behind us, why?"

Pierce: "What? We're on the completely other side of where we came in!"

Roxie: [small]"That doesn't make any sense? There's only one door in there."

Pierce: "This isn't even the same type of door we came in through. We went in through those like, double door kind of doors."

Candy manages to cough out a reply as well.

Candy: "Yeah, it was like coughs like a purple flamey looking door wasn't it?"

Oh don't even tell me we're lost down here now?!

>>965818
Sheesh I'm surprised Pierce didn't get much of a smoke inhalation problem considering he was in there the longest. Must be because he had his face against the floor, while both of you were standing up when the smoke was really going.

Hrm. Well, close the door so no explosive gases can get in and make things worse. Then I guess just get moving. You may be lost, but that mainly means you just can't go back to Relina in any decent timeframe. Roxie, see if you can learn how to attack from a distance like Relina. You're the most beat up of the party right now and I don't want you taking more hits.

...can we switch perspectives to Relina to help her now?

Hmm... we're lost and in pretty bad shape, especially you Roxie, but this is far from over. I doubt we're going to be getting back through the flames anytime soon, so lets organize ourselves so the most capable person takes the lead and start trying to find a path back to where we started so we can link up with Relina as soon as possible. Candy, consider asking for a raise after all this because when you agreed to help the cops out with small time smugglers and swindlers I'm pretty sure fighting legions of corrupted cultists wasn't in the job description.

Shut the door, check the body for any burns.

Password to delete this post is dave

1/2 Buckwheat 2020/06/28(Sun)17:53 No. 970909 ID: 15a025
File 159339200597.png - (5.49KB , 800x600 , 59.png )

>...can we switch perspectives to Relina to help her now?
Relina lacks guide spirits and therefore cannot be given advice or help at this time.

>close the door so no explosive gases can get in and make things worse.
Probably a good idea. I move Candy away from the door and shut it.

>You may be lost, but that mainly means you just can't go back to Relina in any decent timeframe.
>Hmm... we're lost and in pretty bad shape, especially you Roxie, but this is far from over. I doubt we're going to be getting back through the flames anytime soon, so let's organize ourselves so the most capable person takes the lead
Roxie: "Pierce, you mind taking the lead and help us get out of here, or back to Relina?"

He coughs a little as he replies.
Pierce: "I can but I'm not entirely familiar with these parts of the sewer. All I know is we shouldn't be in this end."

Roxie: "Shouldn't be down here in the first place, but that doesn't seem to have stopped anyone here."

2/2 Buckwheat 2020/06/28(Sun)17:54 No. 970910 ID: 15a025
File 159339204630.png - (5.54KB , 800x600 , 60.png )

Pierce takes the lead and guides us until we make a sudden stop.
Pierce: "Carful, someone's-"

Pangolin: "Pierce?"

Pierce: "coming."

Pangolin: "I'd ask if you're out this far hiding from the church, but it uhh... ah shit."

Even twilight is an ally against the threat of true darkness.

Place is on fire, so hiding is not the right choice right now, friend pangolin. Know a way we can safely get out?

Buckwheat 2020/07/05(Sun)17:53 No. 971536 ID: 15a025
File 159399681303.png - (5.43KB , 800x600 , 61.png )

>Even twilight is an ally against the threat of true darkness.
>Place is on fire, so hiding is not the right choice right now, friend pangolin. Know a way we can safely get out?
Roxie: "Unless you're thinking of becoming a chimera or something, I think we're on good terms. Friend of yours Pierce?

Pierce: "Eh...kind of? I don't know Gambeson other than they're nice."
Gamebeson: "Wew."

Roxie: "Hiding isn't a good idea right now, there's a fire not too far back from here going. Do you know a way out?"

Gambeson: "There's lots of sewer grates we can hop out of, question is where you want to be?"
Candy: "Take us over by where the other church member is."

Gambeson: "No idea, everyone's running away from them is all I know. Church got their boss so now they're doing the old vanishing act. Anywhere specific you're looking to get to?"

Off the top of my head, there's the sewer by the bar Candy came in through and heading back to the church. If we head for the bar we might run into Reilna, and possibly some more cultists trying to get away. If we head for the church though, we might be able to get everyone else to safety first, and Candy back to some more clean air to breath.

We need time to regroup and catch our breath; we're in a hell of a state right now. I think its best if we beeline for safety. To the church we go!

Yeah head to the church, this group is in no state to fight.

GO TO THE HOLY LANDS FOR HELP!!!! Wait... that will take some time... Go to church and get some people to help heal "us" and your friends.

1/2 Buckwheat 2020/07/09(Thu)11:56 No. 971840 ID: 15a025
File 159432100022.png - (4.18KB , 800x600 , 62.png )

>we're in a hell of a state right now. I think it's best if we beeline for safety. To the church we go!
>Yeah head to the church, this group is in no state to fight.
>Go to church and get some people to help heal "us" and your friends.
Roxie: "Do you think you could bring us by the church?"

Gambeson: "I can take you there, just don't expect me to stay for the late night service. Just not my thing. But yeah, I think I can manage to get you there."

Pierce: "I'm not sure if it's a good idea if I go there either. I've got that cursed stone on me still and all."

I instinctively look over to him with a dirty look.

Roxie: "Yes, it is a good idea. It's a safe place to get rid of that thing. You probably won't get money for it, but that also means other people aren't getting hurt by it."

Great, I'm starting to sound like Relina now. He lets out a whiney sigh in response.

Pierce: "I guess. Why's doing the right thing gotta suck."

2/2 Buckwheat 2020/07/09(Thu)11:57 No. 971841 ID: 15a025
File 159432102908.png - (6.10KB , 800x600 , 63.png )

Our trip out of the sewers is pretty un-eventful, and Gambeson has us climb out across the street from the church.

Gambeson: "Alright, while you go to church, I'm heading for the bars."
Pierce: "Classy."

Gambeson leaves us as we head over to see Blitz is waiting outside. He gives us all a worried look as we approach him

Blitz: "Please tell me you brought back cultist jars!"

I mean I assume so, we killed a few cultists and someone must've brought jars. Also deliver the cursed stone.
I do know the leader's ashes weren't collected, so we can tell the church to go grab them, along with any other ashes still left down there. Pierce can act as a guide, for some payment.

Roxie go get treated for smoke inhalation.

Not to put too fine of a point on it, but everyone here almost died. That kind of took priority over everything else.

1/3 Buckwheat 2020/07/20(Mon)19:21 No. 972885 ID: 15a025
File 159529807287.png - (4.78KB , 800x600 , 64.png )

>I mean I assume so, we killed a few cultists and someone must've brought jars.
Roxie: "I'd assume so? Relina probably brought them."

Blitz: "She didn't, and the Lantern Watcher is about to fire Lumein from the church because of it!"

>Not to put too fine of a point on it, but everyone here almost died. That kind of took priority over everything else.
Roxie: "That kind of sucks, but we also almost died down there tonight. The first thing you really want to ask is if we filled some stupid jars?!"
Ow! I groan in pain as my throat burns from that. I probably shouldn't try raising my voice like that.

Blitz: "Sorry, it's just pretty stressful in there right now. And without Lumein around-"

Roxie: "Blitz, can we talk about this after getting some medical attention? We're all burnt, it hurts to talk, and Candy's been coughing non-stop for awhile."

Blitz: "Sorry. Let's head inside and see what we've got for first aid."

2/3 Buckwheat 2020/07/20(Mon)19:21 No. 972886 ID: 15a025
File 159529809544.png - (6.52KB , 800x600 , 65.png )

Blitz takes us inside the church where we're approached by a tall figure.

Tall Cat: "I see the rest of you have returned. What news do you have to bring?"

Blitz: "They need first aid!"

Lumein: "You'll have to go fetch the first aid-kit then Blitz. You know where it's at."

Blitz: "I'll be back with something to treat your burns then."

Lumein: "Don't forget to call off the search and rescue team for them!"

3/3 Buckwheat 2020/07/20(Mon)19:24 No. 972889 ID: 15a025
File 159529824169.png - (6.04KB , 800x600 , 66.png )

Blitz heads off while we stand here and play twenty questions with this guy.
Tall Cat: "As I was asking, what did your group accomplish in the sewers tonight."

I give him a short recap of how we took out a few of the cult and their boss. Pierce also hands over his cursed stone to the guy to get it purified later.
Tall Cat: "And did you collect any of their ashes as proof?"

Roxie: "No, I didn't have anything to collect them in. I kinda forget that was even an important thing to do till now."

Tall Cat: "Is that so."

He turns towards Lumein.
Tall Cat: "I warned you, Lantern Lumein. When I saw Chimera sightings and cultist activity have gone up since this church was established. Another failure and I would extinguish your flame and relieve you of your duties. Now you have shown me you can't even properly prepare and teach our fellow members of the church. Not only of that, instead of taking tonight's matters on your own. You send this lot of hoodlums in your stead? If I leave someone as pathetic as you run around in charge, you'll only continue to sully our good name! You're are a disgrace to the church! As your watcher, I hereby strip you of your title. Pack your things and be gone by tomorrow night."

Lumein: "But! This is my home I moved out here to help. I have nowhere else to turn!"

Tall Cat: "Well now you'll have time to seek shelter elsewhere. Your housing situation is not of my concern anymore."

Lumein's on the ground now practically sobbing at this point. What crawled up this cat and died? I'd love to interrupt here, but I feel like I'd speak without really thinking here. What do you spirits think I should say?

>>972889
Ask the cat why he's kicking Lumein out instead of demoting her, and why the church isn't acting on its community outreach role by giving her a place to stay until she can find somewhere else to go.
Why are jars so important? Are there really that many churches inflating their cultist kill numbers? Why doesn't he just go confirm your kills himself, since he's here in person and can do so easily.

>>972889
If a church cares more about confirming kills then it's not a church, it's a military base. People that work in the church shouldn't need to confirm kills because we're not soldiers in the military.

Also he can't fire her, the church is already short handed and reducing the number of people here just makes it harder for us if anymore cultists show up. He should just reduce her rank so that we're not running low on people available to help.

>>972889
Well if it's that big of a deal, then why don't you do it yourself?!

Threads dead :(

What do you mean "failure"! We just dispersed a cult while severely under-supplied and out numbered. We didn't have jars but I fail to see how that is so critical, the evidence of our success is down there. Its not like we have any reason to lie about this. Furthermore we have a whole other team down there as we speak that needs help and we need medical attention yet you're standing here quibbling over Lumein's competency rather than actually doing anything even remotely helpful. Go either help us with first aid or help the other team instead of standing here posturing uselessly, sir.

>>972915
Actually, I think Relina's team is already back here at the church.

But other than that, yeah, I agree. He needs to stop uselessly standing around and start helping out!

1/3 Buckwheat 2020/07/28(Tue)15:42 No. 973438 ID: 15a025
File 159597614343.png - (4.80KB , 800x600 , 67.png )

>Why are jars so important? Are there really that many churches inflating their cultist kill numbers?
>If a church cares more about confirming kills then it's not a church, it's a military base. People that work in the church shouldn't need to confirm kills because we're not soldiers in the military.
Roxie: "Is this a church or a military base? What's so important about these jars and confirmed kills that you'd kick a fellow member out on the streets over?"

Tall Cat: "It is not about 'confirmed kills' or some numbers game. It's about getting funds. In case you've forgotten, the king has set a bounty on all cultists and chimeras. We send them securely sealed remains, they send us more funding. In these times of diminishing belief, it's become our main funding source."

I feel like Relina might have mentioned something like that before. The whole thing seems kinda odd to me still.

>Ask the cat why he's kicking Lumein out instead of demoting her, and why the church isn't acting on its community outreach role by giving her a place to stay until she can find somewhere else to go.
>Also he can't fire her, the church is already short handed
Roxie: "Instead of firing her, why don't you just demote and let her stay here. This place is short handed enough as it is. One less member is one less person to kill chimeras. Not to mention kicking someone out like that isn't going to reflect well on our community outreach."
He pauses and makes a show of thinking for moment.

Tall Cat: "You make a compelling argument. Public perception of the church is rather unfavorable right now. If word got out we're kicking our own to the streets, it could soil our name. The bird may stay for now, under a stipulation. She is no longer allowed on jobs involving chimeras or the cult."

Lumein slowly stops crying and wipes some tears away.
>What do you mean "failure"! We just dispersed a cult while severely under-supplied and outnumbered.
Roxie: "And as for our job, it's disgusting that you'd say our job was a failure over a small mess up. We stuck our lives on the line tonight and took out a large amount cultists and one of their bosses-"

Tall Cat: "With almost nothing to show for it."
He lets out a annoyed sigh.

Tall Cat: "At least you brought back an enchantment stone."

What an ass. Honestly I wish we didn't find that thing just to spite him now.

2/3 Buckwheat 2020/07/28(Tue)15:43 No. 973439 ID: 15a025
File 159597618469.png - (6.53KB , 800x600 , 68.png )

Blitz comes back with a first aid kit and breaks out some ointment. He goes over to Pierce and starts rubbing it all over him.

>Go either help us with first aid or help the other team instead of standing here posturing uselessly, sir.
>He needs to stop uselessly standing around and start helping out!
Roxie: "You going to keep standing there all stuffy looking now or are you going to help with first aid."

Tall Cat: "I'd keep that tongue of yours in check, dog. Perhaps if the bird wants to show she isn't completely incompetent, she'll help. I have other matters to fix now."

3/3 Buckwheat 2020/07/28(Tue)15:43 No. 973440 ID: 15a025
File 159597621169.png - (5.85KB , 800x600 , 69.png )

Good riddance I guess. Not sure how much of him I could stand. Lumein flies over to Pierce and starts flapping ointment on him while Blitz slathers my face with it too.

>I think Relina's team is already back here at the church.
Roxie: "Hey Blitz, where's Relina?"

Blitz: "She came back here with some officers to report what was going on and then went to the hospital."

Roxie: "Hospital? What happened?"

Blitz: "Hurt her leg, she slipped off the ladder trying to climb out of the sewer. Thankfully we get free insurance through our position in the church."

So uh, how about a few people in good shape go back to the sewer and collect ashes? Since it's super important and all, and it's not like the ashes are going anywhere.
You can write a detailed enough report for them to find your kills, and Relina can do the same.

You've done all you need for now, Roxie. Start tending to yourself. At least try to get a hot beverage to calm yourself and sooth the pain until you can get better treatment

>>973478

This sounds like a good plan

1/3 Buckwheat 2020/08/23(Sun)18:18 No. 974940 ID: 15a025
File 159823191479.png - (5.78KB , 800x600 , 70.png )

Roxie: "Free insurance? Do I get that as well?"

Blitz: "Yeah, you're a member of the church now."

That sounds almost too good to be true.
>So uh, how about a few people in good shape go back to the sewer and collect ashes? Since it's super important and all, and it's not like the ashes are going anywhere.
Roxie: "Back to the ashes thing. Couldn't somebody just go back down there and collect them?"

Blitz: "If they're even still down there."

Pierce: "I'd scoop them up in a jar for some cash."

Blitz: "The money goes to the church, not the person who turns them in."

Roxie: "I can hook you up with some candy from Sugar Cane's line if you do it."

Blitz: "Now we're talking. Can't say no to free dr-drinks. Soda's included in that offer right?"

Roxie: "Of course."

Blitz: "I guess once we're done with first aid you can bring me down there then."

>Start tending to yourself. At least try to get a hot beverage to calm yourself and sooth the pain until you can get better treatment

Once Blitz is done slathering ointment over my face I have him get us all some hot tea to sip on and relax.

2/3 Buckwheat 2020/08/23(Sun)18:18 No. 974941 ID: 15a025
File 159823193908.png - (4.30KB , 800x600 , 71.png )

Perspective has changed to Candy.

Can't say I care for this tea too much, but it feels really good on my throat. I let out a little cough while I thank Blitz for the drink. Blitz tries to say something when a soft ringing interrupts him.

Blitz: "I'll get it!"

He rushes off to presumably answer a phone call. Then a few moments later he shouts out for me.
Blitz: "Candy! It's for you!"

3/3 Buckwheat 2020/08/23(Sun)18:19 No. 974942 ID: 15a025
File 159823197517.png - (4.91KB , 800x600 , 72.png )

I walk down a short hall and over to a small closeted room.
Blitz: "It's the police."

I take the phone from him and answer.

Candy: "Hello? This is Candy speaking."

Officer Nibbles: "About time I get a hold of you! Why aren't you answering your phone!?"

Oh crap, I left it in my sweater back in the sewers.

Candy: "It's uh... probably melted by now. Took my sweater off in a fire and kind of forgot to take it with."

Officer Nibbles: "I wonder if insurance will cover that? Just have to try and get you a replacement! Anyway, glad to hear your safe! We got more to discuss in person though. Things on our end are...we'll talk it over later. Can you meet us at the cafe over by the mall?"

Yes! Even if it's not for social reasons, enjoying some drinks at the cafe sounds like just the thing that the soul needs.

Wouldn't miss it for the world officer!

Buckwheat 2020/09/06(Sun)20:19 No. 975812 ID: 15a025
File 159944876678.png - (4.93KB , 800x600 , 73.png )

>Yes! Even if it's not for social reasons, enjoying some drinks at the cafe sounds like just the thing that the soul needs.
>Wouldn't miss it for the world
Candy: "Sure, I'm over at the church-"

Officer Nibbles: "Obviously. Otherwise I wouldn't be talking to you right now, would I?"

Candy: "Oh, right. Can you pick me up?"

Officer Nibbles: "Can't. Me and Freeze are off duty right now."

Candy: "Off duty? Aren't you supposed to be the head police chief or something?"

Nibbles: "We'll talk it over some snacks and drinks. If you can manage to get a ride here."

Candy: "Right. I'll hopefully see you soon then."


I hang up the phone and then start dialing up the bar.
Marsh: "Sorry, we're closed and don't do deliveries at this time."

Candy: "Wait! It's Candy!"

Marsh: "Oh, it's about time you called. I've been waiting here taking inventory for like, hours."

Candy: "How long have I been out?"

Marsh: "Well it's eight at night. Good chunk of time past curfew. You ready to head home and call it night?"

Candy: "Actually I was wondering if I could get a ride over to the cafe at the mall?"

Marsh: "Candy, it's eight. The mall closed two hours ago."

>>975812
Uh, that's weird, why did Nibbles ask to meet you there then?
...is she kidnapped? I think this warrants a call to the police department asking them where Nibbles is. Either that, or you go to the mall in a group that should be able to handle whatever ambush is waiting.
Another possibility is that the cultists took over the police department. If they had no light magic then they'd be defenseless against an assault...

To cover all our bases we can drive over near the police department and see if anything suspicious is going on. Binoculars would come in handy here.

>>975812
Nibbles said she wanted to meet at the cafe by the mall, not the one that’s in the mall. Maybe there’s different cafe that’s open right now since the one in the mall is closed?

>>975813
That’s a possibility.

Then again, she might want to meet us there because she believes it’ll be safer than meeting at the police station. And if that’s the case, then if meeting at the police station is considered “not safe”, we might be dealing with a corrupt police force and Nibbles and Freeze are the only good cops we can trust!

>>975812
>"Off duty? Aren't you supposed to be the head police chief or something?"
You think just because she's in charge, she's not allowed to go home and take a break? She doesn't work 24/7.

>>975813
Nibbles was with Relina the entire time, so nothing could've happened to her in the sewers. And I'm assuming Nibbles and Freeze were the ones that gave Relina a ride over to the hospital, so nothing could've happened there, since even with an injured leg, Relina could still use her magic.

I think they might just be waiting in the parking lot for us.

But you're right, this is really suspicious.

1/4 Buckwheat 2020/09/26(Sat)20:18 No. 977300 ID: 15a025
File 160117671541.png - (4.92KB , 800x600 , 74.png )

>You think just because she's in charge, she's not allowed to go home and take a break? She doesn't work 24/7.
I mean, if she leaves, who's in charge then? I assume since it's such an important position you'd always be on call.

>Nibbles said she wanted to meet at the cafe by the mall, not the one that’s in the mall. Maybe there’s different cafe that’s open right now since the one in the mall is closed?
Candy: "Is there a cafe close to the mall then?"

Marsh: "Not that I know of. Even if there was, it's past the curfew. Everything's supposed to be closed up right now."

>Uh, that's weird, why did Nibbles ask to meet you there then?
...is she kidnapped? I think this warrants a call to the police department asking them where Nibbles is. Either that, or you go to the mall in a group that should be able to handle whatever ambush is waiting.
>That’s a possibility. Then again, she might want to meet us there because she believes it’ll be safer than meeting at the police station. And if that’s the case, then if meeting at the police station is considered “not safe”, we might be dealing with a corrupt police force and Nibbles and Freeze are the only good cops we can trust!
Great, now I'm paranoid too.

>we can drive over near the police department and see if anything suspicious is going on. Binoculars would come in handy here.
They would, if only I had them on me though. I forget if they're back in my now burnt up sweater or if I left those home?

Marsh: "You still there Candy?"

Candy: "Huh? Yeah. Just lost in thought. Anyway, I'm sure that place in the mall is open. I need to meet someone there."

Marsh: "Sounds kinda shady to me. 'Least you got me with any case anyone causes problems then. If they're closed though, you owe me some gas money."

2/4 Buckwheat 2020/09/26(Sat)20:19 No. 977301 ID: 15a025
File 160117674859.png - (5.10KB , 800x600 , 75.png )

I wait a little bit and she pulls up outside, and I hop in. I hear her start to gag a little.

Marsh: "Eugh! What the hell you been doing tonight Candy? You smell like a garbage fire!"

Candy: "Long story. Short of it is I was in the sewers with Roxie stopping a kidnapping."

Marsh: "Eugh. Guess we're stopping over at Sharcole's after this and see if we can't get you cleaned up."

3/4 Buckwheat 2020/09/26(Sat)20:19 No. 977302 ID: 15a025
File 160117677142.png - (5.31KB , 800x600 , 76.png )

The ride to the mall is uneventful. The place almost looks closed, but there's a few lights on. We head inside and instead of Vienna greeting us, it's a red panda.
Red Panda: "Marsh? I was only told a sheep was coming here."

Candy: "She's my driver for the night."

The red panda shouts out into the dining area,
Red Panda: "Hey! Your friend here has another with them!"

Freeze: "That's okay! We'll pay for their way in as well!"
Red Panda: "Alright, follow me then you two."

4/4 Buckwheat 2020/09/26(Sat)20:20 No. 977303 ID: 15a025
File 160117681050.png - (5.14KB , 800x600 , 77.png )

The red panda seats us with Freeze and Nibbles. After he leaves, Freeze starts talking.
Freeze: "So uh, Candy. Who's your friend here?"

Marsh: "Names Marsh. We're work buddies."

Nibbles: "Ah, same here. Me and Freeze work together."

Candy: "So-"

Marsh: "So you two cops or something?"

Freeze: "Yes, but we're off duty right now."

Marsh: "Uh huh. Right. Off duty, but you got this place to break the curfew?"

Candy: "Yeah, I'm a little curious about that too, and why I'm meeting you here instead of the station?"

Freeze: "We uh...kinda got the off duty boot after tonight."

Nibbles: "Which has us doing a little investigating now. After Freeze made a report about the sewers tonight, we got completely blown off! They made us go off duty to think about focusing on why I was sent down here!"

Candy: "What? I thought the cult was the reason you were here."

Nibbles: "No, they wanted me down here originally for my keen sense of smell."

Freeze: "Originally, we suspected that 'Berry' guy was a dealing drugs. Then we learned he was involved with the cult and had to act fast."

Nibbles: "Can you believe the only thanks we got was for busting that 'Berry' guy?"

>>977303
Hmm okay... so there's something fishy going on. Well, it makes more sense that the higher ups in the police department are getting paid off by the cultists than straight up on their side. It's not like they have any defense at all if the cultists decide they want to raid the police station and kill everyone inside, so they must've made a deal to turn a blind eye.
I really don't want to think about the possibility that the higher ups are outright taking orders from the cultists.

Ask Nibbles what she wants to do about it. Any plans for busting the corrupt cops?

>>977304

I support this course of action. The police higher-ups are extremely suspicious

Buckwheat 2020/10/05(Mon)20:03 No. 977988 ID: 15a025
File 160195341459.png - (5.18KB , 800x600 , 78.png )

>there's something fishy going on. Well, it makes more sense that the higher ups in the police department are getting paid off by the cultists than straight up on their side. It's not like they have any defense at all if the cultists decide they want to raid the police station
Well, I'm not sure how defenseless they'd be if a raid happened. Nibbles did have a light enchantment back at the station. I don't know if they have any offensive enchantments though?

>Ask Nibbles what she wants to do about it. Any plans for busting the corrupt cops?
>I support this course of action. The police higher-ups are extremely suspicious
Candy: "So what's your plan here for taking on corrupt higher ups? It kind of sounds like the cult might be paying the cops to look away here. Or threatening to raid the station."

Nibbles: "Oh I don't even want to think about that possibility. I hate to sound selfish here, but I'm pretty high up on the chain of command here. If I'm not careful looking into things, I could be targeted!"

Freeze: "I could snoop around a bit myself on the higher ups, but being just an officer I only have so much clearance."

Nibbles: "You wouldn't know anyone that could...dig up some dirt on people, would you Candy?"

Candy: "I've cut off any connections or ties with people like that awhile ago Nibbles."

She snaps her fingers.
Nibbles: "Rats."

I wonder though. Sugar's got connections with that mafia guy? Maybe he's got dirt or something on the police.

Marsh: "I hate to interrupt here, but you sure this is anything I should be listening to?"

Nibbles: "Too late to ask that, you're in the know now."

Marsh: "Okay then. Well anyway, you're a tiny mouse. Sneaking and eavesdropping can't be too hard for you, can it?"

Nibbles: "There's enchantments that can track and detect life or movement. It's becoming a pretty common security at the stations lately."

Freeze: "For the meantime, we might have to just dig through papers and see if anything stands out."

Nibbles: "Hey! Speaking of papers, I think you got something to write out for Candy!"

Freeze: "Oh right!"

She pulls out a check book and fills one out before handing it to me.
Freeze: "Sorry it isn't much, but we also have to compensate the church for helping as well."

I can't stop looking at it. If five-hundred dollars isn't much, I'd love to see what's considered normal!

>>977988
Speaking of which... ask who's funding the church via ash-bottle turnins. I have a perhaps-paranoid worry that cultist ashes can be used for nefarious purposes. Like resurrecting cultists, or summoning chimeras.

>>977989
>who's funding the church
That was explained earlier. Its the Royal Family, who also controls access to light magic enchantments.

>>977988
>500 buckaroos
Nice! Looks like you can finally pay back Marsh for always treating you.
Remember to thank Nibbles and Freeze for your paycheck. You'll need to deposit or cash out that check though and the bank is probably closed already today.
You could try an ATM, but do you even have an active bank account?

1/2 Buckwheat 2020/10/06(Tue)19:27 No. 978040 ID: 15a025
File 160203764664.png - (5.25KB , 800x600 , 79.png )

>ask who's funding the church via ash-bottle turnins
>That was explained earlier. It's the Royal Family, who also controls access to light magic enchantments.
Right, I think?
Candy: "Real quick, the king is the one who's paying for the church to collect the cult's ashes, right?"

Nibbles: "Right. The king wants proof the churches are doing their job to fight the cult and lower their numbers."

>I have a perhaps-paranoid worry that cultist ashes can be used for nefarious purposes. Like resurrecting cultists, or summoning chimeras.
I wouldn't rule that possibility out. Who knows what the jerks are capable of doing. That might even be why their ashes need to be in jars?

>Looks like you can finally pay back Marsh for always treating you.
After I cash the check at least. Banks are all closed at this time probably, given the whole curfew thing. I can't remember how much it was I owed her though? twenty bucks or something? I should probably give her a little more though for gas too. Remind me when I cash this to give her fifty bucks. That sounds fair, right?

>You could try an ATM, but do you even have an active bank account?
Nope. I've got an account back home, but that's in another province, so I can't access it here.
Candy: "Thanks again for the check you two."

Marsh: "Hey where's my check for gas then. You know, for being her ride and all that stuff."
Freeze: "Uh..."

Marsh: "I'm just joking, kind of. How about a drink for the road?"

Freeze: "Sure!"

The red panda comes over and takes Marsh's order. We relax to some of the music that's playing in the jukebox and try to put away everything that's happened tonight.

2/2 Buckwheat 2020/10/06(Tue)19:27 No. 978041 ID: 15a025
File 160203766678.png - (4.74KB , 800x600 , 80.png )

After we finish up at the cafe, we hop in Marsh's car and make our way to Sharcole's. Hopefully whatever's going on with the cops, Officer Nibbles and Freeze is able to get to the bottom of it.

End of Thread 9

Great thread, I enjoyed it!