File: 1365626986441.jpg-(22 KB, 403x403, CrassusAmused.jpg)

22 KB JPG

>>24171990

A fine day in this man's Empire! Again!

I suggest we ask about their experiences with the abominations, and whether the amount of trouble Melon and Alex have been having is common. Then move on to small talk, where are they from, hobbies, etc.

Mention our love of books, because Alex is a bit of a dork.

>>24171990
Welcome back, Doc, hope you're feeling all better from that food poisoning.

>>24172044
Seconding all of this. Alex probably turns into a right nerd when he's talking about his precious Demi Pilot novels.

Quest canceled, nothing to see here

File: 1365627687631.jpg-(113 KB, 820x1032, CrassusDispleased.jpg)

113 KB JPG

>>24172189

My sides have reached the heavens.

Actually, no, they have not.

I agree, let's gather info on our fellow pilots. The twins mentioned they met some of our family before. What projects were they involved in? And what family member did they work with?

>>24172295
They already answered that. They did modelling work for the propoganda corps, since they are a pair of attractive twin Demi Pilots, and good for enlistment posters.

Rolled 57

Melon has a gigantic bruise/hematoma across her chest, right? How much of that is from her Demi's feedback, and how much is simply from almost being ripped straight out of her machine last night?

>>24172044
"So is all the trouble with the Abominations normal around here?" You ask, eating slowly. "I mean, when Melon and I got here, we were under attack. Then as soon as night falls we get sent on another mission. Then ambushed on our way home. It's like this place is infested or something." You muse.

"Infested, yeah, that fits. The damn things are all over, we have almost weekly trouble with them. Don't worry though, last couple of days have been really bad, I swear, it's not usually THIS bad." Pitcher explains. "Most of the time it's just little skirmishes, sometimes we get a full assault or a rare breed, but it's not something we have to worry about most of the time."

"Yeah, the most trouble we usually have is Pitcher going through our stuff." The twins tease, bringing a pout from the more voluptuous woman. "I'm not that bad." She mutters. Volunteer rolls his eyes.

"Right... so what do you guys do for fun out here? Like hobbies and such?" You ask. "I like to read, personally. I have a thing for the novels about Demi Pilots." You explain. "Like The Marshall Trials, or the Xander Affair, oh, or the Long Night..." You start to talk about your various books, almost forgetting you even asked a question.

"Sounds... neat?" The twins say... or ask? Either way. "We like to practice and spar, and play a lot of sports. Volunteer plays guitar and paints. Pitcher steals anything not nailed down and hoards it." They explain, getting another pout from Pitcher.

Anything more?

Oops! Sorry about that I just got to that part in the archives.

>>24172377
All of it from the feedback. I've not noted because it's quite minor, but Alex has a little tenderness on his chest from where his Demi got headbutted.

>>24172386

Tell Pitcher to stay the hell away from our novels. They are precious relics to be only doled out reluctantly to the most trusted of comrades.

>>24172386
Let's explore the grounds and ensure the books are safely stashed away.

>>24172413

Oh, and do it *politely*.

Rolled 21

>Don't worry though, last couple of days have been really bad, I swear, it's not usually THIS bad.

"...any idea why? Is it possible the summoners of those abominations are preparing something unpleasant for us?"

Ask to join the twins sparing, we should try to reduce our weaknesses.

>>24172622

I like this idea, Alex is a bit soft.

>>24172413
>>24172448
"You're not going to steal my books, are you?" You ask, eyeing her. "Because I would appreciate it if you didn't." You explain, staring intently.

"...maaaybe." She sing-songs, smiling widely. You stare at her another moment, slowly raising your fork to your mouth.

"I... think I will go look around the camp. Cya later, Melon?" You say, and she nods happily, chewing on ham. You down your eggs and put the platter in the bin, zipping off. First stop: Tent. You gather up your books and do your best to hide them amongst your meager furniture items. You noted, while looking at the other tents in passing, that everyone seems to have added more furniture and decoration. You could probably do to add some more stuff... Make it more like home.

With that done, you set out to looking around camp. There is the hangar, pilot tents, infantry barracks, office, mess-hall, officer's mess, armory, a bar run by a local, what looks like a store... You do have some pocket money if you wanted to check in there.

Where would you like to go?

>>24172622
>>24172636
Good plan, we are pretty terrible at melee.

>>24172622
>>24172636
Oops. Did not notice that. I will remember it for next time you see them sparring, alright?

>>24172661

Let's check the store out of curiosity, and then ask if the Twins would like another partner for sparring.

>>24172661
To the armory, and then the store. One day we'll get a gun. One day.

>>24172750
As said, you have a side-arm in your cockpit. You can get it any time you like, though pilots usually do not carry them.

>>24172750
We have a sidearm in the cockpit of our Demi.

>>24172750

Eh, I can settle for checking out the armory. Maybe the armorer is worth meeting.

>>24172767
Can never have too many guns.

>>24172582

So no one cares about the plot hook?

>>24172838

Its not that we do not care, its that we have no reason to think our fellow pilots have the first clue as to what that is happening.

On an unrelated note, we really should look into getting 098 to some training. He can't be getting rattled during battle.

>>24172750
>>24172770
You figure, with nothing else to do, you might as well check out the armory before taking a look at that story. The building is one of the larger ones, and the door is heavy and sturdy. You step in, looking around. Racks of swords, spears, shields, muskets, side-arms, and many cases of Demi-scale ammunition. "Can I help you?" A massive local man asks. Easily six and a half tall, he looks very similar to Volunteer, wearing a warm-weather uniform and toting a large book and a pen.

"I was just looking around? I thought maybe I could pick up a side-arm." You say, looking up at him. He cocks an eyebrow, opening his book. "Alex Hanger, Pilot Rank Three, issued one flintlock pistol, allowed one officer's melee weapon of choice for daily carry. If you want a gun get the one in your Demi. If you want a melee weapon, you have your choice of a hand-axe or a gladius." He explains, closing his book.

Do you decide to take one? And which one?

Maybe the armoury will have some gear to protect 098

>>24172957
We could take a Gladius, provided Alex doesn't grab the wrong end thanks to his terrible melee skills.

>>24172957

Assuming there is no regulation against carrying it, the Gladius. The weapon of a true servant of the Empire.

>>24172975

Can you wear armor while in a Demi? And we sure as hell shouldn't be giving him a weapon.

>>24173004
Pilots cannot, as the various systems connecting you to the Demi would be stunted by any barriers, but Engineers can, as long as it does not restrict range of movement.

>>24173004
>And we sure as hell shouldn't be giving him a weapon.

There are probably regulations against arming slave races.

He needs a helmet or something

>>24173057

I assumed so, yes.

If we can req some armor so 098 loses consciousness less often, I am all for it.

>>24173081
I should note, he's not losing consciousness, he's getting tossed out of his chair and having to climb back into it.

>>24172957
I say we take the gladius.

>>24173081
The stunning is due to being thrown around in the cockpit though, so most armour wouldn't absorb the necessary impact.

I think it was suggested that we invest some future xp in reinforcing his part of the Demi so it wasn't shaken around so much.

Then he needs a harness

>>24173103

Are you saying we need to get him a damn seatbelt? Because, if so, lets get him a damn seatbelt.

>>24173136
That will be 1XP for him to design a harness/belt that lets him have the range of movement he needs while keeping him in place.

Maybe for an upgrade we can get g-harnesses for the Demi.

>>24173160

Well, let's put that on the to-do list and move on then. I believe we are fresh out of XP.

>>24173114
>>24173004
>>24172994
You decide you might as well grab the gladius. You do not know how to use it, but it will atleast help a little in an emergency. Right? You inform him, and he hands one to you from a rack near the front, and shoos you out. You grab a leather helmet for 098 on your way out.

Now you head for the store, strapping the sword's sheath to your hip, and hanging the helmet from your belt. "Hello?" You ask, stepping in the small building. Trinkets, books, clothes, furniture, all have a presence in the shop. "Hello!" An elderly woman responds, standing up from her rocking chair behind the counter in the back of the store. "How can I help you?" She asks, smiling widely.

"I was just looking around, wondering what you had." You explain, snooping around. "Oh, we have a bit of everything. My son and daughter are handy craftsmen too, so if you have anything you would like made or fixed, they could handle it. Look around, look around." She says, happy.

You were paid your first proper paycheck before leaving the academy. Your wallet currently has 500 Imperial (short for Imperial Standard Slips). You are paid once a month, your food is all paid for, but booze, treats, and stuff from this store all costs. Ask about what you might like to buy and I will tell you the price.

Currently you have: One cot, one standing shelf, and one stove you share with Melon in your tent. Personally you have a dozen various books and novels, two basic uniforms, and two sets of boots.

I thought we had 1 left

>>24173320
Buy a dart board and some games. Nothing bonds people faster than a fist fight over a game.

>>24173320

Writing utensils. We should keep in contact with our family.

On a whim, a monocle to match Imperator's. Because Alex is a bit of a dork.

>>24173320
First things first, if any new novels by our favourite authors have come out, buy them.

>>24173320
books? Does she have books?

If we are going to be the "High educated dork" we are playing right now might as well play the part.

>>24173390

I believe it is now "High Educated Dogmatic Friendly Career Minded Dork".

>>24173362
10 Imperial for a dart board and darts.

>>24173368
5 Imperial for a pen and some ink. 1 Imperial for 5 pages of paper. 5 Imperial for a monocle.

>>24173377
>>24173390
She has books! Nothing stands out except for The Marshall Gift, the sequel to The Marshall Trials. You heard about that, it's about Mariana Marshall's daughter discovering a reborn Macha and having to convince her willfully ignorant superiors of the threat.

>>24173485

I believe it is time for the old woman to shut up and take our Imperial Standard Slips.

>>24173485
Sounds reasonable for a dart board. Buy it.

>>24173485
Give Imperial, receive books!

>>24173368
>Writing utensils. We should keep in contact with our family.

I was actually imagining Alex as a prolific letter writer given his large family and understanding of the importance of networking.

Have him literally load down the postal service with dozens of letters to parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, family friends, old academy buddies, and letters to Twist and Vortez of course.

>>24173577

That was fluffed up, I remember. I support this.

>>24173485
Buy the darts board, pen and ink, 10 pages of paper and the Marshall gift.

We could use the paper to write up our experiences with the abominations. Study them, write down our thoughts on them, create anatomical models, look for weaknesses so that 098 might make specialised weapons to slay the abominations.

>>24173485
Get them all. We have the money for it. Be sure and buy enough paper and ink for >>24173577

>>24173508
>>24173542
>>24173552
>>24173577
You dole out money as you gather various items. Dart board, pen and ink-well, five Imperial worth paper, oooh monocle. ...is that The Marshall Gift? Checking... first edition, unsigned, twenty five Imperial. Your money almost explodes out of your hand as you flee from the store with your book. You now have 450 Imperial. You flee to your tent, idly wondering if you should have bought some furniture too. Oh well, not like the store is going anywhere.

What do you do now? You could read your book, write some letters, go see if the twins wanna spar with you... What do?

>>24173761
Let's hide the book and go spar, letter writing and reading can be done at less sociable hours.

>>24173782

Agreed.

>>24173782
Sounds like a plan.

>>24173782
Sparring! We need to be capable of using our gladius.

Rolled 39, 83, 81 = 203

>>24173782
You hide your book and the rest of your new acquisitions, and stride out to go find the McGards. They are, once again, doing their slow, dance like sparring in the middle of a dirt ring. "Hey, uh, I was wondering if I could join you two." You say, and they spin to grin at you.

"Join uuus? One of us, one of us?" They tease. "I more meant in sparring? I'm not very good at close range stuff, so I was wanting to get some practice in." You explain. They both grin.

"Step into the ring! We'll see what you got." They say, one stepping out, the other motioning you in. You step into the ring, setting aside your gladius and coat.

Roll me Melee.

Rolled 29

>>24173925

Rolled 94

>>24173925
Time to get our ass kicked.

Rolled 59

>>24173925
Let's see if our boy can dance.

Rolled 15

>>24173925
How many rolls do we get again?

Rolled 12, 90, 12 = 114

>>24173940
You don't like that grin. You try to throw a quick punch... and then you're on your back outside the ring, wondering what happened to gravity. "Ow." You mumble. dragging yourself up.

"Don't put so much into your punches, you're giving me all the chances in the world to toss you or rip out your side. Come on, try again."

Melee roll.

Rolled 62

>>24173970

Rolled 54

>>24173970
>>24173969

I guess that answers my question.

Rolled 20

>>24173970
Trying again.

Once this is done we shold challenge them to a game of darts. We may be able to sooth our pride that way

>>24173995
Well ranged is our forte.

>>24173976
You take that to heart, holding back a bit more as you swing and try to give atleast as good as you get.

Good news, you manage to not get your ass kicked, but you do not land a single blow.

"Keep at it, let's go!" She says, motioning you forward.

How long do you want to spend fighting with her? Not like you have anything else to do, so you can spend as long as you feel you should.

>>24174027

Until we feel we have learned something, or we risk debilitating injury.

>>24174027
Till we can at least touch her and not get knocked on our ass.

>>24174027
Keep going a little longer at least, may as well get some serious practice in, if the twins are willing.

Rolled 54

>>24174027
Stick with it for now. We are Alex "ace" hanger, we do not give in this easilly.

>>24174044
I fully agree with our resident Roman.
Long time Lurker, first time poster. yay!

>>24174027
Well, sparring with the twins is probably a lot more enjoyable than getting the shit kicked out of us by our grizzled drill sergeant back at the Academy in every CC lesson. So let's keep it up for a while.

>>24174044
>>24174055
>>24174059
You go at it for a while longer, and before you know it, an hour has passed. You've been thrown enough that for a little while, you weren't sure which direction was down. "Ow. Ow. Ow. Ok, I surrender." You mumble, laying on the ground. The twins help you up, grinning widely. "You alright?" THey ask. You just nod.

They help drag you back to your tent and dump you in your cot. "You're really good at that." You say, and they grin again. "We know. You're good at ranged, right? Of course, you're a sniper." One of them picks up your dart board and spins it. "Wanna try at that some?" They ask.

Care to show them your RANGED skills?

>>24174128
Time to shine, Ace my boy.

Rolled 70

>>24174128

If we nail it, yell out "ACED!"

Because Alex is a dork.

>>24174128
Hmm, we don't get +1 for 098's calculation's though...
As if that mattered. go for it!

>>24174128
Time to get horribly emberassed by tg dice. Lets go for it.

Rolled 49

>>24174128
Of course.

Time to mass roll nat 1s

Rolled 63

>>24174148
>>24174155
You leap up from your cot as they set up the board. You spin the darts as they step back behind you, waiting your turn.

Ranged! +1 for Sniper, so 3 dice.

Rolled 53

>>24174207

Rolled 89

>>24174207
Time to fail!

Rolled 33

>>24174207
Rolling them bones.

>>24174216
>>24174220
Nice!

>>24174220
I failed at failing.

>>24174231
53 isn't a pass, it's 60+

>>24174253
Damn, linked to the wrong post, Was trying to link to the doctor.

I think we should spend XP on improving Ace himself and not just our demi.

>>24174289
We can do that?

>>24174289
We already did when we boosted our Body, but I agree, making Ace more badass would be handy.

>>24174319
Xp cost is equal to the new stat rating we'll have after raising it.

>>24174220
You and Rock (or is it Roll?) face off, throwing your darts. You both come out with a few points, and end up with a draw. "Wanna do best two out of three?" They ask, as you collect the darts. "Sure." You say, setting up again. "Wanna bet on it?" They ask.

Do you? And how much?

>>24174340
"Sure, but I like to bet big. 50 Imperials."

>>24174340

Is betting allowed?

If so, a hundred.

We can never be sure that we wont be caught out of our demi

>>24174340
"You're on."

100 Imperials, Ace is no coward.

I'll abstain from voting on this. Something doesn't seem right.

Rolled 93

>>24174359
>>24174367
"You're on. A hundred Imperial alright?" You ask, pulling a black slip from your wallet and set it on the shelf. "Sure." They both draw a red slip and toss them ontop of yours. You and Rock (or Roll) both set up!

3 dice.

Rolled 76

>>24174421
Come on Ace, don't screw up now.

Rolled 27

>>24174421

Rolled 16

>>24174421
Rolling.

Rolled 31

>>24174421

say with a smile as they take the money " my arms are sore from the spar. Really..."

Rolled 54

>>24174432
You end up drawing again! "Feeling lucky today!" They cheer.

3 dice again.

Rolled 91

>>24174499
Go Ace go!

Rolled 74

>>24174499
Let's do this.

Rolled 87

>>24174499

>>24174517
>>24174533
>>24174534
Oh wow.

Rolled 80, 30 = 110

>>24174517
>>24174533
>>24174534
You smirk and lazily toss your darts. "Oh come ooon." They whine, as two hit the bull's eye and the third hits nearby. They don't manage anywhere near as well.

"Come on, Rock. You can do it. Real actual money is riding on this." Roll says, stepping up and rubbing her sister's shoulders. "I know, I knooow. I got this!"

1-0.

Three dice!

Rolled 76

>>24174585

Aced?

Rolled 97

>>24174585
Here we go again.

Rolled 31

>>24174585
Let's do it.

>>24174596
>>24174600
"Aced~!" You grin, tossing your darts and dusting off your hands as you land one on the bull's eye, one near, and another on the edge of the board. They do ok, but again, nowhere near.

"Damniiit." Roll whines, dropping her had. Rock sighs and picks up the bills, handing them to you. Your wallet is 550 Imperial now. "You won. Unsurprisingly. Roll still kicked your ass." She teases. "Yeah, and now I'm going to kick yours!" Roll cheers, pushing Rock out of the tent. "Cya later, Imperator!" She says, pushing her sister along.

What do now?

>>24174706

Let's get to writing letters, to our family and to Twist and Vortez.

Then find Melon and perhaps the other pilots, I imagine they may be at the bar.

Rolled 26

>>24174706
I think we can buy them drinks as thanks for helping with our sparring later, since we did just take a whole load of their money.

For now though, I guess we could do some letter writing. Let family/friends etc. know what we've been up to and so on.

>>24174706
I suppose we write those letters. How about we do them in as dramatically as possible.

File: 1365636994584.jpg-(38 KB, 627x352, CrassusWaves.jpg)

38 KB JPG

It is time for me to sup, gentlemen. Good fortune to you all. I may return before the final hour.

>>24174803
Of course, we are the son of two propaganda corps members, dramatic is the only way we know how to write.

>>24174751
>>24174757
>>24174803
>>24174836
You settle in to write your letters. Your father, mother, father's two sisters, mother's brother, Twist, and Vortez. You've always had a dramatic, novel-style way of writing. It takes you a little over an hour to get everything written, you're as quick as you are dramatic. You take them to the office and get them mailed off, then go looking for the other pilots.

As luck would have it, you manage to find them all in the local bar. A young local woman in a red dress is serving them, and they're joyfully drinking and chatting. Volunteer is sitting a bit to the side with his guitar.

Join them? What do you order to drink? What do you say? You are in control.

>>24174960
buy they a round, to celebrate our previous win of darts.

>>24174960
Of course we'll join them, as for drinks, who knows, what sort of stuff are the others drinking from the looks of it, and what does the bar have in stock?

"Good evening my friends! First and second rouns are on me. Or Rock and Roll, I should say." Said with a friendly smile and body language. We don't want to insult our friends

>>24174960
I say we don't drink anything alcoholic. We may need to go into combat later.

>>24175026
>>24175033
>>24175035
>>24175083
You buy the next round for everyone, doling out 20 Imperial. You get yourself a light beer and sit with everyone else, chatting happily with them. You get a good chance to relax and unwind, and to rest your sore and bruised body.

And I actually have to stop now. I'm feeling ill, and need to lay down a while. We will continue Friday, and we will be able to do a longer thread, with any luck.

>>24175299
Alright, thanks Doc, hope you feel better soon.

I agrre with the no booze part

Rolled 16

>>24175299
Thanks for the quest Doctor. Seeing our resident roman is out, i'll take over his duty right now:

Ave Imperator!

>>24175299
right, hope you'll get well soon.

File: 1365642549478.jpg-(15 KB, 570x200, CrassusMeetsYou.jpg)

15 KB JPG

>>24175382

I thank you for remembering.

Ave Imperator!