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>>5369036

Before you stands the architect of Venezuela’s misery, a decades-long tyrant who’s bloodied his hands with scores of innocent lives.

As you stare into panic-struck face, all you can think about is how this reckoning has been a long time coming.

You had this bastard dead to rights during your strike on the Assembly, but Task Force X was able to able to bail him out of trouble.

Considering how thoroughly you’ve trounced their strike team and literally ripped the heart out of their heaviest hitter, the chances of that happening again are considerably lower.

Now, you just need to figure out how to handle the bastard.

An uncomfortably large part of you yearns to just take the easy way out and cut his throat.

It’d hardly be a hassle. You’ve still got your KABAR handy, and the war room comes equipped with recording equipment.

But as tempting as it’d be, you keep the impulse in check. After all, this is much bigger than you.

The creeping tendrils of political necessity demand that you attempt to legitimize the takeover somehow.

A televised execution would give the international community the perfect excuse to hammer Venezuela with sanctions, or potentially even dispatch “peacekeepers” to stomp out the Jungle Rats.

And regardless of how things turn out, one fact remains certain. Your fate and that of Venezuela’s has been inexorably linked. You’ve spilled and shed blood for this country, and you’re determined to see things play out as best as you can.

To that end, Pedraza will have his day in court. He’ll get the show trial he deserves, everyone will have a good laugh at his expense, and then he’ll be sentenced to the only fate he deserves. His cronies might actually stand a chance, but Pedraza definitely isn’t making it out clean.

Patience has never been your greatest virtue, but you’re willing to keep your feelings in check so long as it serves your greater objectives.

Besides, it probably won’t be too hard to secure yourself front-row tickets at his inevitable execution.

>>5369038

When you order Pedraza to disable the security system locking your men out, he refuses to comply and instead blusters about his connections and that you’re a dead man walking.

The ranting stops when you jam your carbine in his face and threaten a repeat of his previous beatdown if he doesn’t quiet down. Looks like he’s got a long memory, because he immediately complies and keeps his mouth shut. Still refuses to disable the security lockdown though, but that doesn’t stymie you for long.

When you start grilling some of his cabinet, it doesn’t take long for somebody to crack and offer to shut the system down for you.

When the security doors retract, your men flood into the hall, accompanied by Bonilla and Stalnoivolk. After giving them a brief rundown on the situation, they start rounding up your newly-captured political prisoners and establish a perimeter around the General’s corpse.

If he so much as twitches, your Liberators have orders to drown him in lead and personally alert you.

Meanwhile, a detachment of your men angle the news cameras and count down the broadcast as you take a deep breath and prepare yourself for possibly the most important speech of your life. Good thing that your Spanish isn’t half-bad anymore.

Still, it’s best to keep it short and sweet, plenty of time for a grandiose monologue later when you’re well and truly in the winner’s circle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOCpvHnGvNE

> “People of Venezuela, I come before you on this momentous day with urgent news!”

You gesture at a pair of your Liberators, who seize Pedraza and drag him before you; forcing him onto his knees and angling him directly at the cameras.

> “The hated dictator, Pedraza, has finally been apprehended for his crimes against the people against the nation! His seat of power is under our control, and the nation is soon to follow!”

A white lie, but not a large one.

> “But do not be mistaken; there is still much work to be done! I call upon the true patriots among the sons and daughters of the nation to join hands with the Jungle Rats and make the final push to liberate Venezuela from Pedraza and his corrupt cabal! And to those who still serve at Pedraza’s feet; I have but one message! All government forces will be granted a singular opportunity to surrender and face judgement. Those who continue to resist will suffer the fate of all traitors!”

You allow a beat of silence to pass, to really let the implied threat sink in.

> “This is a day of struggle, for the soul of Venezuela itself!”

Now, for the big finish.

> “JOIN THE GRAND LIBERATORS IN OUR NOBLE CRUSADE TO RESTORE THE HONOR AND PRIDE OF THE NATION! TO ARMS!”

You signal your cameraman to cut the broadcast.

>>5369039

That ought to be the final nail in the regime’s coffin. Pedraza’s grip on the apparatus of state was already beginning to slip, but this is a humiliation that he’ll never be able to recover from.

And thanks to Isaac’s successful seizure of major media channels, this broadcast is going out uncensored to the entire country, maybe even the entire world.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that today is one for the history books.

The knowledge of what you’ve just done is enough to break through even your shield of professionalism. There’s making waves, and then there’s making a goddamn tsunami.

You basically just gave Lok and the rest of Task Force X a big fat middle finger on live TV and confirmed that you’ve got ties to the Jungle Rats. If this revolt fails, there’s going to be a Squad-sponsored crackdown that’d make Pinochet blush.

Jesus, looks like you’re really in it to win it now.

When you get your head back on straight, you realize that Bonilla has been trying to get your attention, specifically about Pedraza’s treatment.

“Captain? We’ve cordoned off this section of the palace, it should be clear to move out. How should we handle the prisoners?”

> “If anyone tries anything, or if I catch a bullet down the line, make sure nobody walks away. Otherwise, leave them be.”

“Understood. I’ll keep the men in line, but they’re not going to like this.” Bonilla states, bluntly.

> “Fine, feel free to let them smack Pedraza around a little if that’ll keep them happy. Just keep him presentable in case he needs to go on camera again.”

Speaking from experience, thrashing the fallen dictator is certainly a therapeutic exercise. Really takes the edge off, guess he just may have one of those faces.

Anyhow, now that your primary objective has been captured, you set the next phase of your offensive in motion by…

> Dividing your forces and sending both Bonilla and Stalnoivolk to capture Delrio. Your next priority is to secure the Ace of Winchesters and the rest of Pedraza’s loot, revenge can wait a moment longer.

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>>5369041

Letting Delrio off scot-free isn’t an option; the bastard sold you down the river to Task Force X and Pedraza, got your moles in the cartel killed, and threatens the lives of each and every soldier in the Grand Liberators.

As much as you’d like to handle him personally, you’ve got bigger fish to fry.

Namely, the Ace of Winchesters.

To that end, you decide to split off from your main element and give Stalnoivolk and Bonilla their marching orders. Bring Delrio back; alive if possible, dead if he really insists on being a nuisance.

Before they head out, Stalnoivolk gives you directions towards the location of the vaults. Shouldn’t be too far, but you’ll have to pass through some unsecured areas of the palace first.

If his intel is correct, the only Suicide Squad member guarding it is Catalyst; that one guy wearing the weird hazmat suit.

Still don’t really know what his deal is, but you’ll handle things as they come.

The rest of your men are divvied up to watch the prisoners, secure the perimeter, or move out on the Delrio hunt.

It’s for the best that you handle this on your own, not to cast any aspersions on any of your allies, but greed can rear its ugly head in the worst of ways if not accounted for.

Doesn’t help that you’re here for a very specific piece, and it’d be a lot of needless hassle to explain your motivations.

At about the halfway point of your trek to the vaults, you come across your first major obstacle; about two dozen palace guards that have taken up a defensive position that blocks your path.

Looks like they’ve formed a makeshift checkpoint out of furniture and have dug in for a fight. Weapons are pretty standard make, apart from some HMGs and a RPG or two.

Some nasty firepower, but you’ve dealt with far worse.

Thankfully, you managed to spot them first. Gives you the ability to think things through without being shot at for once.

With the element of surprise on your side, you decide to…

> Intimidate them into surrendering. You’ve already won, there’s no sense in unnecessary bloodshed when there are viable alternatives.

>>5369044

You’ve got a sort of rough charm about you, might as well see if it can bail you out of trouble once more.

Besides, hostages and other means of leverage could be invaluable if things take an unexpected turn.

There are shouts of alarm when the guards notice your approach, but nobody is eager to pull the trigger quite yet.

You get within a respectable range of the barricade, close enough to speak and be heard, but not close enough that you’ll spook them into immediately firing.

Your armor is mostly untouched, barring that one gutshot that the redheaded psycho managed to slip under your guard, but you’re still not eager to experience another rocket to the chops; even with the upgraded hardening.

Better make it clear that they’re in for a bad time if they choose to continue standing in your way.

> “Pedraza is done for. You have one chance, and one chance only. Drop your weapons and surrender, and you will be treated fairly. Otherwise, I’ll paint the walls with your blood.”

Short, concise, and to the point.

Hemingway would be proud.

Most of the palace guards shoot each other conflicted looks, but everyone holds firm. For a tense moment, you internally sign and begin covertly reaching for the flashbang that’ll be your first step in tearing into them with your carbine.

But then, somebody cracks under the pressure and slowly drops his weapon. And just like that, all his compatriots follow suit as well.

After calling in their surrender, you stand guard for a short period and ensure that nobody gets any funny ideas until they’re detained.

Thankfully, it doesn’t take too long for your boys to pathfinder their way to your location, round up your latest batch of prisoners and return to the war room.

Meanwhile, you’ve barely encountered any signs of life at all. Looks like the majority of the troops either fled when things started getting ugly, or Pedraza was harder hit with the raids than you thought.

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>>5369045

Suddenly, you turn a corner and find yourself at the entrance to the vaults, if Stalnoivolk’s descriptions are to believed.

And standing in your way is another familiar figure from your brief tenure as the Squad’s resident whipping-boy.

Catalyst.

“You never should have come back here, Defcon.”

His voice is branded with a heavy French accent that makes everything seem slightly melancholic.

“Whatever you are looking for, it wasn’t worth what you have brought upon yourself.”

He doesn’t make any aggressive moves, but that doesn’t stop your hackles from going up. He’s up to something, you just don’t know what.

As the pair of you size each other up, you decide to break the ice by…

> Offering him the same deal you presented to Stalnoivolk. He gets a shot at freedom, and you get to avoid a pointless fight.

>>5369046

As quickly as you can blink and without breaking line-of-sight with Catalyst, your 1911 finds its way into your hands and is levied at his head.

Catalyst attempted to rocket forward during your momentary distraction, but it’s still not quite enough for him to close the gap.

The tension is nearly suffocating as you both gauge each other and try to calculate the chances of winning the standoff.

You’ll be able to squeeze off a few shots before he gets in close, but you’ll be in equally deep trouble if you manage to miss.

The moment is broken when you try once more to have Catalyst see reason.

> “Do you really want to do this? The General is dead, and your mission here is a failure. The Squad is going to throw you and the rest of your team overboard, and I’m offering you a lifeboat. You think they’re worth dying for?”

“No. But that doesn’t mean that I believe you. I’ve read your file, how you have a knack for half-truths and veiled lies; that you cannot be trusted under any circumstances.”

> “And I wonder, just who had a hand in writing that assessment of me?”

You let the thought trail off a bit, neatly planting the idea that Lok was trying to smear you after your escape, that he wasn’t culpable in falling for your gambit as well.

“Then prove it, that you possess some kind of ‘magical ability’ capable of freeing me. If so, why didn’t you escape sooner?”

> “There were extenuating circumstances. As for proof…”

Wordlessly, you toggle your radio’s audio settings.

> “Stalnoivolk? Report in, immediately.”

“One moment.”

There’s a nasty tearing sound intermixed with a scream of terror that’s abruptly cut off.

“That’s better. Your men and I have nearly reached the <span class="mu-i">Vor[/spoiler] and his thugs. It has been slow going, they’re dug in for a siege but we are plowing through them.”

> “Keep up the good work, let me know as the situation develops.”

You sever the radio connection.

> “Do you remember Stalnoivolk? Big Russian guy, part of your hunting party for me? It worked on him. I can’t guarantee that it’ll work on you, but it’s a far sight better than any alternative you’re staring down.”

Catalyst gives you a long, hard look before finally backing down and giving you some personal space.

“I don’t like this, but you’re right. The Squad’ll scrub all records of this mission, and that includes me as soon as the news breaks. Do it.”

Much like with Stalnoivolk, you keep a tight reign on your chaotic swirl of magic and channel it into Catalyst with careful bursts.

Sure enough, Catalyst’s nano-bomb is expelled and subsequently crushed like a wayward roach.

That’s another freedman added to your tally, and another asset ripped from Lok’s grasp.

>>5369047

“So, what’s the plan?”

> “What do you mean? You want to tag along?”

“Now that I’m a free agent and all, I might as well stick with you for now. Especially if you really managed to kill the General.”

> “Welcome aboard. Our next stop is cracking open the vault. Watch my back while I figure out a way inside.”

On the short walk there, Catalyst gives you a breakdown on the remaining Squad members currently in play.

Apparently, Karma is actually blind and his helmer gives him a kind of limited telepathy.

In contrast, Warrant is just your stock-standard human with excellent training. It’s no reason to write him off though; and you pass this intel off to your forces.

As for Catalyst, he’s happy to inform you that he’s a walking pharmacy; If he touches you, he can pass the effects of all kinds of substances; be they tranquilizers, sedatives, truth serums, neurotoxins, paralytics, etc. It’s not the most combat-friendly power, but it provides a fuckton of utility, especially against people who aren’t aware.

Good thing you managed to avoid letting him too close.

When you finally reach your destination, there’s just one last obstacle in your path.

There’s a heavy vault door blocking any entrance, and the walls are similarly reinforced. Looks like it’ll take some serious firepower to bust through it, but that needn’t be your first choice.

After some careful thought, you decide to…

> Look for a network terminal and see if you can hack into it. The dangers of unbridled interconnectivity rear their ugly head yet again.

>>5369048
hey axis the last rolls before the qst were 63,12,76

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>>5369048

(If you were late to the session / reading the archives and are confused at the sudden dump of text with no rolls, I was mistakenly banned and the thread was deleted. Kinda had to leapfrog a bunch of stuff, but I promise that everything is roughly as it should be.)

>>5369049

Thanks, anon. I knew that you passed, but I wasn't clear on the numbers.

Back to writing, I guess.

Enjoy my favorite picture of Catalyst in the meantime.

what happened?

>>5369056
The current theory is that it was a rogue janny. The "official" story seems to be some kind of tech error.

>>5369056
this shit:
>>5368921
>>5368925
>>5368926
>>5368930
>>5368930
>>5368932
>>5368933
>>5368936
>>5368937
>>5368951
>>5368953
>>5368955
>>5368961

>>5369060
>>5369056
The truth is that it was intergang getting meta revenge on Sean

>>5369063
A fucking intergang wizard went back in time to kill baby Sean, but Set came in clutch and reset the timeline.

>>5369056
Both of the DC quest got nuked and some others.

Thanks.

>>5369054
oh gods, i almost had a heart attack. i seriusly though you got downed by the glowies. btw, why did you get banned?

>>5369112

Spamming.

Doesn't matter overmuch, although it did derail my plans a bit.

Still writing, nearly finished.

>>5369054
Got spooked for a second when I saw the quest get deleted, good thing it's back up.
>>5369112
Likely a rogue janny did it.

>>5369112
also sorry to bother, axis, but if it helps here is a link to your quest before it got deleted
https://archive.alice.al/qst/thread/5366527/

i hope the rogue janny didnt kill your muse for running today

>>5369114

As fun as it’d be to try and smash a hole in the vault, this is a situation that calls for a more delicate touch.

The vault itself looks pretty modern, definitely built within the last decade or so.

Chances are, that means that it’s got to have some kind of control module nestled inside the door, probably under a block of concrete in the center.

It’d be a waste of time to try and drill for it, so you instead focus your attentions on a nearby security terminal designed to quickly lockdown the area in case of brigands like you.

And that’s where Pedraza’s security detail made their most crucial mistake.

Something that can launch an instant lockdown must also be able to access everything; the perfect transmission vector for your back of grey-hat tricks.

Not for the first time, you offer your silent thanks to Gremlin for giving you a crash course in the ways of the cracker.

Catalyst keeps watch for any errant patrols as you begin sniffing for vulnerabilities, eventually working through some multi-tiered security while making idle conversation.

> “What’d they nab you for? Guessing you already know how they snagged me.”

“Tell me about it; watching the footage of you beating that tin-pot dictator was required viewing prior to the mission. Wish I had some popcorn to commemorate the moment. Anyhow, I specialize in nndustrial espionage. It pays well, but private security is no joke. Got extradited here after inadvertently stealing sensitive research data that pissed off the wrong people.

Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re hired gun, right? A mercenary, freelancer, whatever you want to call it.”

> “What makes you say that?”

“You seem like the type; young guy with a chip on his shoulder and combat training. My advice? Make a clean break from this line of work as soon as you can. It’ll chew you up and spit you out with nothing to show but an empty wallet and a head full of demons.”

> “That’s not always an option. You got someplace to go after all this?”

“French Riviera, most beautiful coastline you’ve ever seen. Might lay low for while, hit up some old reliables for work. Feel free to visit me sometime, could always use a wrecking ball like you on-call.”

> “What happened to making a clean break and going straight?”

“Do as I say, not as I do?”

He chuckles a little, and you can’t help but join in.

Idle banter really helps make the tedium of looking for vulnerabilities go by faster, and you’ve locked in on an entry point in no time at all.

> “Open, sesame!”

With a triumphant flourish, you punch in the last digit of your newly spoofed entrance codes, and watch as the vault door quietly opens.

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>>5369124

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCEwUFtjAr4

Catalyst whistles when he sees the extent of your haul, and you don’t blame him.

The sight of it all is enough to momentarily steal your breath away.

Art, jewels, precious metals, even a massive stack of bearer bonds.

It’d take you a hundred lifetimes to ever earn this much with an honest job.

Guess Pedraza was smart enough to keep a nest egg on hand in case he ever needed to beat a hasty retreat to a non-extradition state with loose banking laws.

It’s even more telling that there isn’t a single scrap of the national currency included amongst his hoard.

But amidst the treasures and other various shinies, you’ve only got eyes for one piece in particular.

The Ace of Winchesters.

A legendary rifle smithed by a particularly unorthodox Texas Ranger who sold his soul for the knowledge to create his masterwork. It’s supposedly a primo demon killer, but you’d rather not put that to the test unless you really have to.

Better get this secured as soon as possible.

You ping Jack with your comms sigil.

> “Found the Ace. Do you have a fix on my position?”

“That I do, I’ll swing by momentarily and snatch it. Fantastic work, Sean!”

True to form, Jack materializes in front of you a minute later, shatters the display glass protecting the Ace of Winchesters, gently retrieves it, tips his hat at you, and teleports back to the mansion.

It’d be great if Jack was capable of getting here without using you as a tethering point, but that’d take all the fun and challenge out of it. Besides, the ritual he’s been cooking up is apparently finicky if left unattended. Better to avoid the risk of this all backfiring somehow.

You put a call in for reinforcements to stand watch around the vault, before resetting the security codes and closing it behind you.

You trust your men implicitly, but there’s no reason to unnecessarily tempt fate.

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>>5369126

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCGFfz7LfDQ

Both you and Catalyst begin advancing towards the last item on your checklist, putting down Delrio. That son-of-a-bitch traded you to Pedraza even after you saved his life and gave him a post as one of your advisors and lieutenants.

When you’re operationally deployed, you try to keep things professional and calm. It’s one of the many reasons you’ve managed to stick it out this long.

But even though you know it’s a bad idea, the red mist is starting to take hold.

Let’s just say the results won’t be pleasant when you finally get your hands on him.

Over the radio, you catch a looped message from Bonilla requesting fire support. The pair of you double-time to his position, only to find that the enemy is being thoroughly mopped up.

Looks like your men managed to break the siege without your aid, suffering only moderate casualties compared to what they inflicted.

And judging from the bodies, you’re definitely headed in the right direction.

These aren’t Pedraza’s spineless conscripts or opportunistic guards; these are cartel hitmen that Delrio rallied to his twisted banner.

You’re familiar with the type; they make up for their lack of formal training with high-powered weaponry, suicidal overconfidence, and strength of numbers.

Bonilla’s been hit, but been stabilized. Looks like he caught some lead that took a chunk out of his non-dominant arm. Tough bastard’s still in the fight though.

Meanwhile, Stalnoivolk’s suit has many more holes than before, but the man himself is hale and hearty. All of the blood that he’s covered in belongs to someone else.

Now, you just need to worry about taking out Karma and Warrant. According to Stalnoivolk, they’ve been attached to Delrio as bodyguards; and are probably lurking around here somewhere. You need to get a lid on them before your final confrontation with Delrio, otherwise you risk getting pincered or worse.

In the end, you decide that it’d be best if…

> You and Catalyst deal with Karma, while Bonilla and Stalnoivolk handle Warrant.

> You and Catalyst deal with Warrant, while Bonilla and Stalnoivolk handle Karma.

> You and Stalnoivolk deal with Karma, while Bonilla and Catalyst handle Warrant.

> You and Stalnoivolk deal with Warrant, while Bonilla and Catalyst handle Karma.

> Other?

>>5369132
> You and Catalyst deal with Karma, while Bonilla and Stalnoivolk handle Warrant.

>>5369132

(That's all for tonight, anons; we'll pick up from here on Friday at 5:00 PM EST. I'll close the vote then.

Sorry for cutting it short tonight, but the ban stuff has kinda ruined my flow.

Interlude progress is still going well though, will hopefully have one fully-fleshed out by the end of the weekend.

As always, I hope to see you all there and that you have a good time.)

>>5369117

Thanks, anon. I've copied most of the important stuff over at least.

To the one anon who called Sean a "part-time terrorist, part-time HACKERMAN"; that sounds like a great tagline for a late-night cheesy action movie ala Far Cry: Blood Dragon.

"Sean Clayton will return as Gunsmoke in:

The Red Sands

He's part-terrorist, part-hacker, and all-American"

>>5369132
> You and Catalyst deal with Karma, while Bonilla and Stalnoivolk handle Warrant.

Home stretch boys

>>5369132
can we deal with warrant alone? i know it might seem overconfidant but i prefer our meta human and walking painkiller to be with our second in command. meanwhile, we can get an alone talk with warrant

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>>5369132
> You and Catalyst deal with Karma, while Bonilla and Stalnoivolk handle Warrant.
seems fitting to put the man immune to bullets up against the guy who uses bullets.
>>5369138
>picrel
>>5369142
warrant doesn't seem like he's chipped. Even if he is I don't know if we want to leave him alive given he shot at us. Let's just focus on shooting everyone and ending this arc, and I think sending the bulletproof man after the man with a gun is a good idea

>>5369142

Sure, I'll allow it.

>>5369132
>> You deal with Karma, while the others go after Warrant
We have a big brain shield. Help defeat his telepathy. Everyone else just has to deal with a guy with a gun.

>>5369138
>He's part-terrorist, part-hacker, and all-American"
>towards the end of the film, gearing up for the final confrontation: "These zealots and their sand-demons are about to get Tali-Banished." [guitar riff]
Thanks, I hate it.

>>5369036
Why the fuck was the last thread pruned?

>>5369360
Rouge janny

>>5369363
Damnit, not this shit again. Its like what happened in tg when the troons rampaged and forced quest to become a thing to remove story time from the board.

> You deal with Karma, while the others go after Warrant

Is warrant a suicide squad wagie?
He might not have a head bomb at all

>>5369669
Real talk, I'd want to go against Warrant just to talk with him.

But it's significantly more dangerous than using our flipped assets.

>>5369132
> You and Catalyst deal with Karma, while Bonilla and Stalnoivolk handle Warrant.

Rolled 23, 79, 52 + 50 = 204 (3d100 + 50)

Alright, looks like you and Catalyst are focusing Karma, while Bonilla and Stalnoivolk deal with Warrant.

Go ahead and give me some 2d100

First roll is yours, Second roll is Catalyst's.

You get a +40 bonus to your roll, Catalyst gets a +15.

DC to be determined.

Rolled 67, 98 = 165 (2d100)

>>5370798
Let's test my luck!

Rolled 78 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5370798

Rolled 29 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>5370800
Oops, forgot my other dice.

Rolled 31, 87 = 118 (2d100)

>>5370798

>>5370799
>>5370800
>>5370801
>>5370802

That's a success, since only one of you needed to beat the roll in this case.

Writing.

>>5370801
Nah you just can't do multiple modifiers with a single roll. It'll eat the other inputs if you try IIRC.

Still, Luck Drain pulls through again.

>>5370803

If Catalyst is right about Karma’s skillset, you’re obviously the best choice for the job; thanks to your ability to harden your mind against intrusion.

If it worked on Miss Martian, it’ll hopefully work on Karma too.

But you’re leery about heading into a firefight without backup, you’ll bring Catalyst along. That way, you can keep an eye on him and get some extra support in case you take a big hit.

That leaves Stalnoivolk and Bonilla to handle Warrant. Your temporary partner is no slouch, but Stalnoivolk is virtually bulletproof and Bonilla is no green recruit. They should be able to handle the job.

After relaying your orders, you and Catalyst begin sweeping the hotzones in an attempt to locate Karma.

As the pair of you patrol, a thought leaps in your mind and curse yourself for noticing earlier.

> “By the way, where’s Plastique? Haven’t heard any mention of her at all.”

Catalyst clicks his tongue.

“She was killed during some bombing at the docks. Guess your rebels managed to sneak somebody inside our defenses and do it quietly.”

There’s some twisted irony that the only Squad asset killed in your raid on their logistics routes is the one that you’ve established something of a rapport with. Especially since she was their resident demolitions expert.

The conversation peters out after that revelation, mostly because there’s not a lot of follow-up topics that fit the mood.

Your sweep eventually brings you to another lavishly furnished hall that’s covered in tacky portraits of Pedraza in uniforms, hunting animals, and being an all-around narcissistic jackass.

Catalyst takes a moment to “admire” the ludicrous artwork patterning the walls, before something flickers in the corner of your eye, immediately garnering your full attention.

Sure enough, a bright-red laser blast comes hurtling down the hallway and shears a jagged line straight through Catalyst’s torso.

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>>5370820

At least, it would’ve if you hadn’t yanked him backwards the second you smelled an inkling of danger.

Inside of nailing its intended target, the laser shot only leaves a smoking hole in the face of one of the portraits.

The both of you immediately hunker down into cover, acutely aware that it won’t be enough to stop a second blast.

> “I thought he was just supposed to be some kind of telepath! What the fuck was that!?”

“It’s his helmet, it’s got to be! He must’ve had it upgraded or something!”

Another blast, this one narrowly missing the top of your Catalyst’s head.

> “Fuck! We need to move, now!”

Karma doesn’t seem remotely interested in talking, more preoccupied with spraying your position with small-arms fire and laser bolts.

You need to think on your feet before Karma manages to nail you through cover or eventually lands a lucky shot.

To that end, you decide to…

> Blindside Karma by mentally overloading his helmet. He wants to peer into your thoughts? Let’s see how much he can handle.

> Lay down covering fire for Catalyst to get in close. If he can make contact, the fight is as good as over.

> Use Abyssal Shield to create some cover and sprint for them. If you move fast enough, you should be able to avoid being struck by gunfire or worse.

> Bring out the Claw and have Catalyst form up behind you. You’ll be a makeshift battering ram that tanks anything Karma dares to throw your way.

> Trigger Kinetic Frenzy and make a beeline directly for Karma. You’ve never shown off this ability before, and should be able to get the jump on him; doesn’t matter if he knows you’re coming if he can’t get out of the way.

> Other?

>>5370821
> Blindside Karma by mentally overloading his helmet. He wants to peer into your thoughts? Let’s see how much he can handle.

Think of Two Girls One Cup

>>5370821
>> Use Abyssal Shield to create some cover and sprint for them. If you move fast enough, you should be able to avoid being struck by gunfire or worse.
THE WALL

>>5370821
>Use Abyssal Shield to create some cover and sprint for them. If you move fast enough, you should be able to avoid being struck by gunfire or worse.

>>5370821
> Use Abyssal Shield to create some cover and sprint for them. If you move fast enough, you should be able to avoid being struck by gunfire or worse.

>>5370828
>>5370830
>>5370834

Roll me some 1d100+15

DC: 70 / 90

Rolled 80 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>5370837
Block

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>5370837

Rolled 36 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>5370837

Rolled 15, 67, 58 + 35 = 175 (3d100 + 35)

>>5370838

That's an excellent success, roll me some 2d100

First roll is yours, the second is Catalyst's.

You get a +50 to your roll, Catalyst gets a +25.

DC to be determined.

Rolled 55, 14 = 69 (2d100)

>>5370841

Rolled 68, 154 = 222 (2d200)

>>5370841

>>5370844
bruh

Rolled 43, 19 = 62 (2d100)

>>5370844
Oof

Rolled 35, 99 = 134 (2d100)

>>5370841

>>5370844
Man, Catalyst is juicing.

>>5370847
He sure is

>>5370842
>>5370846
>>5370847

That's a success for you both.

Now that you’ve managed to close the gap, what’s the next move in your plan?

> Have Catalyst give you a quick jolt of adrenaline and blitz Karma. If you can take him down non-lethally, you might be able to secure another ally.

> Flush Karma out of cover with a frag grenade and shoot him with your carbine. Now that the positions have been reversed, let’s see how he likes.

> Nail Karma with a Lightning Bolt and try to fry his helmet. It’ll be tricky, but it’ll definitely knock him out of the fight if you can pull it off.

> Attempt to break line-of-sight while Catalyst distracts him. While Karma’s busy, you’ll flank his position and shank him with your KABAR.

> Other?

>>5370852
> Flush Karma out of cover with a frag grenade and shoot him with your carbine. Now that the positions have been reversed, let’s see how he likes.

>>5370852
>> Flush Karma out of cover with a frag grenade and shoot him with your carbine. Now that the positions have been reversed, let’s see how he likes.

Rolled 73, 17, 56 + 5 = 151 (3d100 + 5)

>>5370857
>>5370866

Alright, roll me some 1d100 for the grenade throw.

DC to be determined.

>>5370867
That was meant to be a -5 modifier, messed up the weird option rule for negatives.

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>5370867

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>5370867

Rolled 54 (1d100)

wish>>5370867

Rolled 50, 97, 19 = 166 (3d100)

>>5370869
>>5370870
>>5370872

That's a success, go ahead and give me some 1d100+20 to line up the shot.

DC to be determined.

Rolled 3 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

upon a star >>5370874

that was almost funny.>>5370875

Rolled 60 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5370874

Rolled 79 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5370874

>>5370875
>>5370877
>>5370879

That's a success, writing.

There's a joke to be made about karmic retribution.

Rolled 69, 93, 39 + 40 = 241 (3d100 + 40)

>>5370881

You’re in quite the hotspot this time. Karma has the advantage of familiar territory and momentum on his side, but you’ve got a few tricks up your sleeves that’ll equalize things.

If you can break this stalemate and get a read on Karma’s position, you’ve got just the stratagem in mind.

The only problem is that any advance would require exposing yourself to Karma and risking a direct hit.

Your armor might be able to bounce it, but Catalyst won’t be so lucky, and you’d rather not tempt fate.

Like a thunderbolt, the idea strikes you; Abyssal Shield will prove to be your bulwark once again.

And as an actual shield this time!

> “Here’s the plan. We move from cover to cover, get within range, flush him out with explosives, and finish him off.”

“What cover?!”

You’re still a bit magically winded from your encounter with the General, and Abyssal Shield isn’t the easiest spell to case under pressure, especially when you’ve got to properly space them out and ensure that they’ve got enough size to shield both you and Catalyst.

But despite your fatigue and the complicated nature of the job, you do an excellent job in crafting emplacements capable of withstanding blasts from Karma’s weaponry.

> “That cover. Now move!”

You take off in a full sprint towards the first of your makeshift walls, with Catalyst hot on your heels. He manages keeps pace with your frenetic charge, which is no easy feat.

From there, it’s simple enough to steadily work your way to a more advantageous position, one where you can reach out and remind Karma that he’s not the only one packing fancy tech.

Beyond a few close calls, neither of you suffer any damage of note.

Even better, you manage to trace the origin of Karma’s shots and have a concrete idea of where he’s dug himself in.

Now, it’s time for the phase two.

You reach for one of your grenades, carefully gauge the distance, and throw it overhead, banking it off an atrocious painting of a shirtless Pedraza riding a tiger.

Once the grenade leaves your grasp, you count down the time to detonation and spin out of cover when you’re certain that it’s driven Karma into the open.

You managed to time it just right, and get a clean sightline of Karma as he attempts to fall back to another defensive position. Before he can make it too far, you raise your carbine and line up a kill shot.

Despite not even looking at you, he attempts to dodge your attack before you even pull the trigger. Thanks to Catalyst’s forewarning, you made sure to mentally telegraph your strike and get Karma off-balance.

Before he can recover, you pull the trigger for real and send a laser of your own into Karma’s chest, sending him crashing to the ground. A few more shots ensures that the first half of Delrio’s last line of defense has crumbled into oblivion.

Hopefully, things are going equally well for Stalnoivolk and Bonilla.

Roll me some 2d100 to see how their fight is going.

First roll is Stalnoivolk (+50), second roll is Bonilla (+25).

Rolled 86, 12 = 98 (2d100)

>>5370902

Rolled 4, 80 = 84 (2d100)

>>5370902

Rolled 50, 9 = 59 (2d100)

>>5370902
Axis is trying to kill Bonilla with rolls like that.

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>5370904
>>5370905
>>5370906

That's a success for Stalnoivolk and a minor failure for Bonilla, writing.

>>5370906

You know I only roll high for hostiles. Observe.

>>5370907
Axis only rolls high when the General is present

>>5370907
High for Hostiles. A new hit Album by Jack and the Graverobbers.

Thinking about Karma and his telepathy made me wonder. If Martian Manhunter or Miss Martian tried to read our mind and we thought REALLY INTENTLY about fire, would that be enough to give them a PTSD attack and get outta there?

>>5370907
I am still waiting for your triple 100. I believe in your luck.

File: Stalnoivolk.jpg (15 KB, 251x598)

15 KB JPG

>>5370907

You turn on your radio and give a status report.

> “Karma is down, how are things on your end?”

Bonilla’s pained voice answers you.

“Target eliminated, captain. Bastard clipped me, but I’m still fit to fight.”

Stalnoivolk chimes in with his own two kopeks.

“Warrant fought well. But not well enough.”

> “Understood. Time for the final push, let’s link up first in case there are any surprises.”

After exchanging locations, you head for a nearby wing of guest rooms that sequesters the only wing of the palace that hasn’t been swept yet.

Bonilla is busy performing some makeshift first aid after agitating one of his earlier wounds when Catalyst saunters over and smacks him on the back.

Almost immediately, Bonilla looks a little better, like he’s regained some of his edge.

Catalyst notices your questioning gaze and shrugs.

“Just a little cocktail of my own design. Slight painkiller mixed with a combat stim. He’ll be sore later, but he it should keep him on his feet for now.”

> “Thanks, but run that kind of thing by me first next time. Got it?” Your tone, while polite and sufficiently appreciative is one that implies that you will suffer no disagreement on this matter.

Catalyst shoots you a thumbs-up and helps Bonilla finish patching himself up.

Now that Bonilla and Stalnoivolk confirm that they’ve finished off Warrant, there’s only one last place to check; Pedraza’s private rooms.

As your ragtag unit of freedom fighters and marauders moves closer to your final objective, all you can think about is finally finishing this bloody business once and for all.

Stalnoivolk, Bonilla, and Catalyst stack up against the door, while you do some perfunctory recon.

Thermal Sight confirms that there’s only one occupant inside, most likely Delrio.

You give the all-clear to engage.

Time to end this.

>>5370932

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvd-HnVI61U

With a nod, Bonilla plants his foot solidly against the door and breaks it off its hinges.

Stalnoivolk surges inside as the vanguard, with you right behind.

Standing in the center of the room is Delrio, unarmed and seemingly unafraid by the predicament he’s found himself in.

“Well, well, well. Look who’s managed to drag himself back from the dead. Come back for more?”

Something’s wrong, Delrio looks entirely too cocky for a man who’s been surrounded on all sides by hostiles, with no bodyguards in sight.

You frantically rack your brain for an angle that you’re missing, but nothing seems to make sense. He’s not wired for explosives, and you already checked the room for any potential hostiles.

He’s totally alone, but that doesn’t seem to faze him at all.

Despite your reservations, you decide to…

> Wipe that annoying smirk off his face with a punch, then zip-tie him for transport. You’ll have plenty of time to come up with a suitably traumatic end later.

> Have Catalyst whammy him with something that’ll leave him out cold. You don’t plan on taking any chances with this bastard.

> Let Bonilla do the honors. Delrio sold him down the river too, same as you; only right that he gets his pound of flesh too.

> Torch Delrio with a flurry of Fire Bolts. The fires of vengeance should burn as fiercely as the ones that await him after death.

> Order Stalnoivolk to crush his skull like an overripe melon. The big man has a talent for ripping and tearing, might as well let him have a little fun.

> Other?

>>5370907
>>5370916
It'll happen when there's a chance wee could get strong armed into working for the JL

>>5370934
Can we take out one of his legs with the carbine then nab him? He shot us, only right that we shoot him back.

There are demons here. We have the gun, that music is a hint, we need to use our magic to scan the fucking room.

>use all our senses to figure out whats up

Don't we have a book on demons? We should read it when we get downtime. Also, he's goading us. It's either a hero or demons. He should be curled up in the fetal position. my guess is he made a deal.

>>5370940
Support, I really don't trust what we can't see

>>5370940
+1

>>5370948
Adding this:
>Shoot him with the carbine

>>5370940
>>5370943
>>5370948

Go ahead and give me some 1d100+40.

DC: 100

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>5370950

Rolled 98 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5370950
Come on.

Rolled 100 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5370950
Plz

>>5370953

I really should've known.

>>5370953
Here we go again

Almost double nat 100s. Eat that Axis.>>5370952
>>5370953

>>5370953
>>5370950
DELRIO CAN SUCK MY ENTIRE ASS, TAINT, AND BALLS FIRST HUNDRED BABY LETS GO YEAAAAAAA

JK love you man crits are the best part of this quest

>>5370958
Im proud of you anon

File: 1655834776966.gif (5.19 MB, 480x204)

5.19 MB GIF

>>5370953

>>5370951
>>5370952
>>5370953

That's a critical success, give me some time to work this one out.

File: 1624815387947.gif (748 KB, 320x180)

748 KB GIF

>>5370953
Fuck you Delrio

>>5370955
What's the running % chance of the over 90 under 10 of this quest again. It's wild.

>>5370967
Honestly, capturing him alive completely unharmed and unconscious would be a perfect outcome.

Dying is too good an outcome for him. We're chaining him into a bathtub full of milk

>>5370996
i want to boil him alive

>>5370962

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8QNTsOJ1kc

This isn’t right.

You can’t explain it, but it’s an undeniable fact that you’re missing something huge.

It’s subtle, but something about Delrio is wrong and whatever’s causing it has triggered a primal fear that you haven’t felt since you were very young. The kind of fear that distorts reality and never truly leaves you, only waiting deep in the background for its chance to rise to prominence once more.

The kind of fear that makes children call for their parents in the night, as the shadows twist their imaginations into a twisting labyrinth of fear and terror.

Every alarm bell in your head is ringing, frantically hollering that you are in imminent danger.

None of your regular senses notice anything out of the ordinary, so you try an alternative; Magesight.

And when you turn it on, you’ll never be able to forget what it reveals.

Generally, Magesight identifies arcane energy with a bright glimmer or a silhouette of some kind. It’s not a hard and fast rule, but it typically reflects the intent and composition of the caster or their state of mind.

Delrio’s is pitch black and churning like rotten sludge; the very sight of it causes the hairs on the back of your neck to rise and an overpowering wave of disgust rolls over you.

> “Get back!” You practically scream, as the full implications of Delrio’s last gamble quickly overrides your ability to compartmentalize.

The others are confused by your sudden outburst, but withdraw when they hear the genuine horror in your voice.

Delrio only continues to smile as you slowly connect the pieces together.

In your studies, you’ve come across scraps of legend and myth about those who paid the ultimate price in search of greater powers, either to strike down their foes, become immortal, or insatiable greed.

You’ve never been an avid student of demonology, but you know enough not to ever risk messing with something that dangerous, at least not without proper training and preparation.

In contrast, Delrio’s gone and crossed the theological Rubicon in a way that can never, ever be truly redeemed or recalled.

>>5371005
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlAPrdJ1HO8

>>5371006

You’ve only seen something like is one very specific case; back during the Rockwell affair when the man himself shifted into a horrifying abomination that proceeded to try and tear you to bloody shreds.

In short, Delrio has gone and sold his goddamn soul, a genuine Faustian bargain.

There isn’t a word in your vocabulary that can describe how how self-destructive and existentially horrifying such an act would be.

Part of you is trying desperately to cobble together some other explanation, but there’s nothing else that makes sense.

Delrio must be able to sense your palpable disgust, because he just lets out a long string of broken laughter.

“So, the gringo finally figures it out. Congratulations!”

His face twists into an expression that no human being should ever be able to form; a mix of perverse glee and deep-seated gloating.

You’ve got one hell of a chip on your shoulder when it comes to Delrio and traitors in general.

But this?

This is something else.

You’ve done some fucked up shit in your day, but this blows it all out of the water by an unfathomable magnitude.

> “Jesus Christ, Delrio! What the fuck have you done!?”

“I’ll tell you what I’ve done! I’ve traded something useless for the keys to the kingdom! I’m free of that irritating little voice trying to keep me in line, and in return? I CAN DO WHATEVER THE HELL I WANT!

Towards the end of his rant, the mask slips for just a split second and his voice is accentuated with the bestial tones of something clearly not of this plane of existence.

> “You’re crazy!”

Your head is spinning, trying desperately to stay grounded in the face of something that no human being was ever meant to witness.

“Says you. You know what real craziness is? Having power, and not using it. Look at you, with your pathetic little parlor tricks and quaint little plans. You stumble through the darkness, unaware of the predators that hide in the shadows between worlds.

Haven’t you realized it yet!? I’m you, but superior in every way.

And now, I’m going to prove it. The bosses downstairs? They’ve got big plans, and you’re going to be a part of it whether you like it or not.

Once I drag you kicking and screaming to your new home, I’m sure you’ll fit in just fine. They’ve been saving a special spot, just for you.”

Without even changing expression, Delrio snaps his fingers and Catalyst, Bonilla, and Stalnoivolk all vanish.

>>5371008

This is bad.

Really, really bad.

But you’re not out of options, you’ve killed soulless abominations before. Just need to keep yourself centered and focused on the task at hand.

You grit your teeth, force the whispering nightmares back into their hole, and prepare yourself to storm the breach once more.

Delrio seems more than happy to let you make the first move, and you capitalize on his hubris by…

> Trying to talk him down. There’s gotta be some hint of the man left inside, maybe you can set it loose. (Include general subject / point to make)

> Engaging him in CQC with the Claw. It’s time for you to quite literally beat the devil out of him.

> Figuring out some way to sever his magic. You’ve got a solid read on his magical signature, which will be key to the process; you just hope you’re strong enough to weather the storm.

> Calling Jack to drop off the Ace of Winchesters. If you need a demon-killing weapon, you might as well use the one that’s on your speed-dial.

> Baiting him into gloating further. The more he talks, the more he reveals; the more he reveals, the easier he’ll be to fight.

> Other?

>>5371010
> Calling Jack to drop off the Ace of Winchesters. If you need a demon-killing weapon, you might as well use the one that’s on your speed-dial.

>>5371010

(That's all for tonight anons. I'll hopefully have an interlude done over the weekend, but I'll hold off on posting it since it likely won't mesh with the overall vibe at the moment. Next session is Monday at 5:00 PM EST.

As always, thanks for playing!

It's been a while since I've written any real horror, so let me know what you think.

And I haven't decided entirely on your reward for the crit just yet, but I'll post it later.

It'll probably be a perception boost.

I'll be lurking for a little while if anyone has questions / just wants to shoot the shit)

We need a get out of hell free card if the opportunity comes up

>>5371012
Honestly, yeah a perception boost makes the most sense. You could even say that it was from touching the ace of winchesters and getting a magical feel for how it affects demons. You need to be able to feel them out to hunt them after all.

> Calling Jack to drop off the Ace of Winchesters. If you need a demon-killing weapon, you might as well use the one that’s on your speed-dial. NOW

And if we are blocked we bring out the Claw.

Also, I know we are not an avid students but can we try and understand the situation a little better? What kind of demon is this?

>>5371021

I'd be willing to tack that on as a roll.

>>5371010
> Baiting him into gloating further. The more he talks, the more he reveals; the more he reveals, the easier he’ll be to fight.
Our mad talking skills can probably get some more details out of him. The fact that he was willing to talk about what he did at all shows that he wants people to understand him. Understand that he is superior. And the only way to do that is to tell others why.

>>5371010
AAAAAAAA
> Calling Jack to drop off the Ace of Winchesters. If you need a demon-killing weapon, you might as well use the one that’s on your speed-dial.

>>5371010
>> Baiting him into gloating further. The more he talks, the more he reveals; the more he reveals, the easier he’ll be to fight.
"Y'know I met another guy like you. Same deal. Now he's dead as a doorknob. You think you'll do any better?"

Great! We need all the help we can get for this since DC has literally dozens of different kinds.

https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Demons#Other_Demons

After this i think we can all agree we are going to study the fuck out of our demon book. We can not get caught with our pants down again. Also, that shit was super ominous great job. Btw did you just imply we may have had a demon encounter when we young? We know virtually nothing about our family or childhood a d coupled with us having a shit ton of magic talent my shadowrunning brain is going crazy.

>>5371031

I was angling more for "This experience is like genuinely seeing a boogeyman in the closet, despite being a rational adult."

You know intrinsically that it shouldn't exist, and it yet it still does.

But it's open to alternate interpretation.

>>5371037
Task force X really made a huge ass booboo if they let this happen.

If we let the magical community know, there'll be hell to pay.

Here's a question.

If (and this is a big if) we can get them back from wherever Delrio sent them, will we be taking Stalnoivolk and Catalyst back to Gotham? I think they'd be really useful in adding more unconventional muscle to our operation (and Batman's reaction would be funny), but they might bring some unwanted attention to Jonah and Gunsmoke.

>>5371091
Bringing them along is WAY too big in alter-ego overlap.

Getting contact info or otherwise providing a REASON the other egos would

>>5371091
The most I could see is shooting their contact info over to Genghis and his boys. Let them join the merc lifestyle.

>>5371163
My idea would be to set them up with their own hideouts in Gotham while Sean stays with Jack, and only bring them on Adjutant Tango missions. Knowing how schizo-paranoid Batman is he has probably already/eventually will put 2 and 2 together and realize that Adjutant Tango and Defcon are the same person, so taking our new buddies back home isn't that damning of Gunsmoke and Jonah.
Another option would be to get them set up in Bludhaven instead of Gotham. Keep them close but not incriminatingly so.

I really just don't want to leave our new friends in Venezuela desu.

>>5371179
As far as international supervillany goes, Venezuela is actually optimal for them. They have extradition protections as X cannot hazard being associated with the previous dictatorship. Especially now that they were literally defending a man who traded their soul to literal demons.

We so much as let Bobo know about this shit and the magical community is going to proper SHIT on the government into not playing with that shit. Especially if we're able to provide evidence of it.

Quiet enough to not make the US go into international incident mode. Loud enough that it's a shitshow in all the dark channels.

>>5371177
What if we slowly turn Gremlin into one of the top fixers in Gotham simply by setting him up with our alter egos.

He's the only one who knows Adjunct Tango is Gunsmoke. Even then, he doesn't know the full picture of our capabilities.

It'll put a target on HIS back just due to the power he weilds, but nobody would expect him of knowing any real details about any of our egos. He's simply a fixer.

>>5371184
The thing about Venezuela is that it's kinda in the middle of fucking nowhere geographically. Basing our "not quite MSF" group in/around Gotham for the time being, where Jack can easily teleport us around the world and back would be best, in my opinion.

The only way I could see keeping them in Venezuela and still being able to efficiently send them on their own missions is if we got our own teleportation caster or a high-speed private jet, both of which (I assume) we lack the funds for.

>>5371187
>gremlin ends up meeting a fuckton of underworld light and middleweights
>he's the only one who knows how to jailbreak an iphone so they treat him alright and don't fuck with him
>he gets a rep as a sort of kingpin
>literally just the IT guy
It hurts to be the nerd.

>>5371202
Lol, now that we have the vault of Venezuela we can afford it.

Main issue is we need to make sure we don't wipe the country's budgets. That said, I'm sure we can appropriate el presidente's jet and some other resources as payment for our services.

Also, if we're taking 'responsibility' for Venezuela, we're going to need to obtain experts and diplomats for the country. That will have to be done either by kidnapping or purchasing via monetary means. That's proper supervillain shit still, even if it's for a good end goal.

Also while I remember...

It may make sense to shoot the demon with conventional weaponry so that when we pull our Ace, he's not expecting it.

It's better for him to think he has the upper hand than for him to think we have a tool for the job.

>>5371238
I mean if we're shooting him with a space gun, and then a regular gun, and then a random ass ghost teleports in and hands us an old folky-looking gun he may be suspicious of it. He may be drunk on power and stupid as hell but his rat brain might sense the danger anyway.

File: 1640289113053.gif (1.99 MB, 320x240)

1.99 MB GIF

>>5370953

>>5371010
>> Baiting him into gloating further. The more he talks, the more he reveals; the more he reveals, the easier he’ll be to fight.
I don't want to mess up Jack's ritual with the gun.

>>5371163
Well. Jonah is a supposed expert in paranormal affairs and issues. This is a very big paranormal issue. If, say, Jonah had taken a vacation to Venezuela and stumbled across some evil demon stuff while Defcon/Tango disappeared right as it happened then I don't think anyone's going to ask too many questions if he starts buddying up with the locals. This is actually a great opportunity to dig ourselves deeper in the secret identity hole.

>>5371233
These are pedraza's personal founds. We can use it all us as a reward.
Also. We shoul learn a teleporting and mobility spell

>>5371010
>Calling Jack to drop off the Ace of Winchesters. If you need a demon-killing weapon, you might as well use the one that’s on your speed-dial.
It's the premiere demon killing gun and we have a demon right here, so let's use it.

>>5371339
If you really, really want to use it, why not ask Jack to teleport in to the side of Delrio (as to avoid crossfire) and immediately blast him?

>>5371010
> Engaging him in CQC with the Claw. It’s time for you to quite literally beat the devil out of him.
This, fuck the devil and his plans, we'll be dealing with that soon enough if jacks ritual goes awry

>>5371343
If he can do that then sure great but it's more likely that Jack will have to teleport next to us, also this is a demon we're dealing with, it can probably hurt Jack so we wouldn't want him to teleport next to this demon, just a quick in and out to drop off the ace of winchesters.
>>5371238
I'm pretty sure every demon knows about the ace of winchesters so that probably wouldn't work.

>>5371010
> Trying to talk him down. There’s gotta be some hint of the man left inside, maybe you can set it loose.
Maybe part of this can be merged with the “bait him” tack instead, but we can point out he just traded his “little voice” for actual demons. The worst his conscience could do is make him feel bad, but the demons that gave him powers can rip him apart.

He thinks he has power? That nothing can stop him? His power came from something else, and it’s been in the game far longer than he has. He’s not an all-powerful creature to them. He’s a pig they’re hoping to fatten up before taking him to the butcher’s block.

My suggestion to him would be to run. Jack has the Ace, and he’ll be out for blood if we die. Thing is, Jack doesn’t even need to kill Delrio with it. He just needs to bloody him enough that another shark comes in to finish the job. And if he runs now, he may surprise the demons that elevated him long enough that he can find a way to hide from them. Then he can grow in power until they can’t beat him without opening themselves up to attacks of opportunity from other demons.

He’s in the big boy pond now. The longer he spends reaching over and splashing people still in the kiddie pool, the better the chance something comes along and violates his insides through his unprotected asshole.

> Figuring out some way to sever his magic. You’ve got a solid read on his magical signature, which will be key to the process; you just hope you’re strong enough to weather the storm

The only way to give him the punishment he deserves is to undemon him
We don't really know what demon world or hell is like even if we do manage to kill him

>>5371408
"Next to" doesn't necessarily mean "within arm's reach". I'm just saying Jack is proficient with firearms. And it would be quicker for him to just pop in and immediately start blastin'.

Real shit though all we need to do is start praying very enthusiastically in Spanish and Delrio will start to convulse. Central/South American exorcisms are wild like that.

>>Call Jack and tell him you need him to come asap to teleport to us ready to fire the Ace at a demon possessed traitor! AKA Jack teleports in and shoots Delrio and does so as many times as he possibly can without fucking up his own ritual!

Out of curiosity, Axis do we end up getting an upgrade to mage sight due to the Nat 100?

I would like to point out that pulling out the ace of winchesters right now might actually be a bad idea. The demons might not actually know we have it yet. But the instant they do they will try to take it or get us to lose it. Which would mean interruptions to Jacks ritual. This might be a trap to see if we took it, and know what it does. Wouldn't that be exactly like what a demon would do? Lay a trap with big bait that costs them next to nothing to setup? A little bit of power for someones soul that is likely to die quickly? I can only see this as a winning scenario for them.
We pull out the winchester? They know where it is and they know we know what it does.
We kill this bastard? They get a free soul and they get to know more about our power level as they will certainly torture all the information of this fight out of Delrio.
We get killed by him? They took out a magician who could potentially oppose them. Less magicians is always good for them.
We run away? They get to keep their pawn and learn that we are afraid of them.

>>5373104
This anon is using his noggin.

>>5371010
>> Calling Jack to drop off the Ace of Winchesters. If you need a demon-killing weapon, you might as well use the one that’s on your speed-dial.

>>5373104
I'm at least 90% sure that they already know we have the ace, it's something that they would want to keep constant tabs on and is probably why a demon popped up here in the first place, iirc this was also discussed earlier in the quest when we decided to go after the ace.

>>5373456
Still no reason to make it 100% if we can avoid it. Keeping it in our back pocket seems prudent.

>>5371010
>CQC with the Claw.
THE CLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW.

>>5372235

You've hit the nail on the head, anon. I'm torn between a straight boost to perception, or a buff to Magesight.

I'll chew on it for a bit longer, but I'm currently leaning towards Magesight. It won't play a part in the ensuing fight, so I feel comfortable pushing it back a little.

Anyhow, give me a moment to tally up the various votes.

>>5374083

Alright, looks like calling in Jack wins, go ahead and give me some 1d100 to see what you can glean about Delrio.

DC: 75 / 100

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>5374085

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>5374085
Let's do this

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>5374085

Rolled 23, 18, 80 + 30 = 151 (3d100 + 30)

>>5374088
>>5374089
>>5374090

With your +12 from Luck drain, that puts you right at 100, excellent success.

Go ahead and give me some 1d100+20

DC to be determined.

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>5374091

Rolled 52 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5374091

Rolled 16 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5374091
finally caught up with reading through the archives, what a wild ride

Rolled 6 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5374091

Rolled 63, 83, 21 + 35 = 202 (3d100 + 35)

>>5374092
>>5374093
>>5374097

If I have my math right, looks like Luck Drain puts you over the top.

Just need one more stack of rolls, and then the writing shall commence.

Roll me some more 1d100+20 to see how you do with the Ace of Winchesters.

DC to be determined.

>>5374097

Tell me about it.

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>5374101

Rolled 40 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5374101

Rolled 16 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5374101
pew pew

>>5374102
>>5374103
>>5374105

That's a failure, writing.

Rolled 40, 21, 62, 3, 18, 76, 80, 19, 52, 42 = 413 (10d100)

Test

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>>5374106

Alright, get a goddamn grip and a take a deep breath.

Step one to engaging any kind of unknown hostile is to to get a feel for what makes them tick, and how to dismantle them.

If you had taken the time to peruse your copy of the Grimorium Verum, this’d be a hell of a lot easier.

But that’s spilled milk under the bridge.

Delrio is more than happy to let you run your practiced gaze over him, looking for the signs of demonic possession or influence.

And upon further observation, you make some interesting discoveries.

For starters, Delrio’s posture is all off. For as long as you’ve known him, he’s always been a bit of a slouch in the way he’s carried himself.

But now? He’s stiff as a ramrod and has the body language of an entirely different person.

It’s almost as if he’s being pupated by something else, something with a vague approximation of how human beings are meant to move and behave, but no real experience with the mechanics of how its performed.

And the real smoking gun is trickier to find.

Carved on the right side of Delrio’s neck is some kind of twisted seal, all jagged lines and oddly-shaped crosses.

Surrounding the seal is a name, one that sends a minute shiver down your spine when you recognize its provenance.

BELIAL

Shit, you’re vaguely familiar with the name as one of the bigger demons, but you don’t have much in the way of specifics.

Definitely not a good sign though, especially since Delrio’s produced the ceremonial knife that he ostensibly used to carve the sigil.

It’s still dripping blood, which is an observation that never leads to good things.

You better open things up on the right foot, otherwise this could go places you really don’t want it to.

Good thing you popped by the vaults before heading off to do battle, if you need a demon killed; might as well use the tool crafted for it.

Hopefully, Jack hasn’t already started something critical with the Ace of Winchesters.

Might as well hit him up and make sure.

You activate your comms sigil and broadcast an emergency message.

> “Jack, I need the Ace, now! No time to explain!”

Rolled 67 + 35 (1d100 + 35)

>>5374131

Your erstwhile mentor comes through once again, as the Ace of Winchesters is in your grasp within twenty seconds of your potentially literal SOS; and you level it towards the surely possessed form of Delrio.

It’s arguable if he even deserves a human name anymore, but you might as well stick to something familiar unless given reason otherwise.

The Ace of Winchesters has a peculiar aura to it, one that seems to be both equally bloodthirsty and resigned.

You’ll have time to delve deeper into that later though, you’ve got one hell of a mess to deal with.

Your first few shots land just wide as you try to adjust to the unfamiliar weight and recoil, but you eventually get a feel for it.

Delrio’s a slippery bastard though, and manages to dodge your shots with contemptuous ease.

Worse, you lose track of him for a second and that second is all he needs.

> Roll me some 1d100+50

> DC to be determined.

Rolled 45, 94 + 35 = 174 (2d100 + 35)

>>5374134
Fat-fingered the options, here's the other pair of rolls.

Rolled 85 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>5374134
MOVE

Rolled 47 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>5374134

Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>5374135

>>5374136
>>5374138
>>5374140

That's a success, writing.

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>>5374135
>>5374134
>>5374140

>>5374141

A glint of light appears in your peripheral vision, and you throw yourself to the side, narrowly dodging Delrio’s attempt to ambush you.

You’re keenly aware that your trained reflexes are the only reason you managed to avoid a knife to the throat.

Your armor is built to last, but you’d rather avoid getting hit in the first place if at all possible.

Delrio takes a moment to steady himself after his failed charge, sporting a cruel grin that does not bode well.

“The Ace of Winchesters.” Delrio practically savors the name as he speaks.

“And here I thought that I’d be rewarded for dragging you into Hell. But the Ace of Winchesters? That’s a game-changer.”

Delrio’s tone becomes spiteful and filled with malice.

“You wield it like a frightened child. The magnificence you hold in your hands is wasted upon the likes of you.

But then, you’ve never been the sharpest knife in the drawer.”

“Isn’t that right, Sean?”

Delrio’s face begins to morph and twisted into a mocking amalgamation of your own, interspersed with the screaming visages of your Marine fireteams.

“That’s what got your men killed, wasn’t it? Taking the easy way out, stumbling right into things that you had no real right to be involved in? You’re consistent if nothing else.”

Motherfucker.

The knowledge that your name is known to the infernal hordes is only slightly outmatched by your visceral desire to beat Delrio into a bloody pulp.

He’s got you fired up, and you’re more than happy to use it to bolster yourself.

To that end, you decide to…

> Shut him up with another burst from the Ace of Winchesters. He’s dodging for a reason, just keep at it.

> Toss something equally vitriolic his way. If he wants to press your buttons, you’re more than happy to reciprocate. (Feel free to include a topic / general taunt)

> Bring out the Claw and trigger Volcanic Rage. Time for Delrio to understand the danger of getting on your bad side.

> Nail him with a flurry of Hex Bolts. Slow and steady wins the race, just need to lock down his options.

> Draw your KABAR and trigger Kinetic Frenzy. Maybe if you fuck up that sigil on his neck, it’ll do something nasty.

> Other?

>>5374157
> Toss something equally vitriolic his way. If he wants to press your buttons, you’re more than happy to reciprocate. (Feel free to include a topic / general taunt)
>"Tough talk for one of the retards who tried to fight God himself. What, getting a Holy boot in your ass straight down to Hell didn't knock any sense into you?"

Demons constantly seethe over this, which is why they're petty assholes

>>5374157
> Shut him up with another burst from the Ace of Winchesters. He’s dodging for a reason, just keep at it.
>taunt
behold the most powerful spell of all
are you ready to meet god?

>>5374161
lets NOT get the demon to stop playing with his food.

While he's playing with us, we have SOME breathing room.

>>5374157
> Shut him up with another burst from the Ace of Winchesters. He’s dodging for a reason, just keep at it.

>>5374157
>> Shut him up with another burst from the Ace of Winchesters. He’s dodging for a reason, just keep at it.

>>5374157
> Shut him up with another burst from the Ace of Winchesters. He’s dodging for a reason, just keep at it.

Rolled 13, 81, 36 + 35 = 165 (3d100 + 35)

>>5374165
>>5374167
>>5374169
>>5374170

Give me another round of 1d100+20

DC to be determined.

Rolled 46 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5374171
I refuse to lose to one of the eternal jobbers

Rolled 65 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5374171

Rolled 48 + 22 (1d100 + 22)

>>5374171
We got this.

>>5374171
Don't forget the luck drain

Rolled 49, 86, 100 + 40 = 275 (3d100 + 40)

>>5374174
>>5374177
>>5374178

That's a failure, go ahead and give me some more 1d100+50.

DC to be determined.

Rolled 62 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>5374184
AAAAAAA

>>5374184

It all comes full circle.

>>5374186
Have we used Roll The Dice already?

Rolled 45 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>5374184

Rolled 19 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>5374184
Welp someone has to roll so here is another.

Rolled 34 + 35 (1d100 + 35)

>>5374187

Yep, it was used earlier against the General, I believe.

>>5374185
>>5374188
>>5374190

That's a critical failure, go ahead and give me another set of 1d100+40.

DC to be determined.

>>5374157
Also VALIDATION. I knew they didn't know that we had the Ace of Winchesters!

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>5374192

Rolled 68 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5374192
God, I don't deserve it, but please gud roll

Rolled 95, 21 + 35 = 151 (2d100 + 35)

>>5374192
Screwed up again, incoming pair of rolls.

Rolled 51 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5374192

Rolled 94 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5374192

>>5374194
>>5374195
>>5374197

That's a success, writing.

Looks like Delrio has...

The luck of the devil. *badum tiss*

gun no work, time for go full VENGEANCE with the claw.

>>5374199

You attempt to remind Delrio of the value of politeness and humility by blowing his head off his shoulders.

Unfortunately, the tricky bastard was prepared for such an eventuality, and quickly zips towards you, much faster than you had been anticipating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grFQygwA27k

Before you know it, he’s grappling with you for control of the Ace of Winchesters.

You’re no slouch when it comes to brute force, but Delrio’s inhuman strength gives him the edge in your impromptu wrestling watch.

With a cackle brimming with malice, Delrio slowly but surely tears the hallowed rifle from your grip.

You try desperately to hold on, but are forced to relinquish it when he drives his ceremonial dagger clear through your armor and into the meat of your thigh.

> (Temporary) Debuff Gained! Flesh Wound: -10 to agility rolls for the remainder of the mission)

The pain is excruciating when you pull it out, but you’re given plenty of time to recover. Delrio goes for a cheap shot while you’re down, but you’re able to roll away before he can connect.

From there, Delrio cedes some breathing room to you, content with watching you struggle back to your feet. He’s already wrestled your greatest asset away, now he’s happy to let you sweat a bit. Cocky fuck hasn’t even teleported the Ace away, probably wants to rub it in or something.

He’s keeping the fun going, playing with his food, crushing your hopes, prolonging your torment, however you want to put it.

Regardless, things aren't looking so good.

You need to start gaining some ground, otherwise….

No. Don’t even think about it.

That’s not going to happen.

You’re not losing to this bastard, not again.

Not when you've come so far and came so close.

You decide to…

> Reclaim the Ace of Winchesters. It’s probably a trap, but it’s one that needs to be sprung. (Feel free to include a strategy / general tactical plan)

> Try to exorcize the demon possessing Delrio. You’ll be flying blind on this one, but you might just be able to cap its power or banish it somehow.

> Bring out the Claw and trigger Volcanic Rage. Time for things to get messy.

> Activate your Avatar of Disorder. It’ll burn the remainder of the magic you’ve got in the tank, but you’re running out of options.

> Fall back deeper into the palace. You need to rally your troops and figure a way out of this mess.

> Other?

>>5374220
> Bring out the Claw and trigger Volcanic Rage. Time for things to get messy.
FIST HIM GOOD AND HARD
also this should help us get the ace back, if we say, mess up his arms

>>5374220
> Bring out the Claw and trigger Volcanic Rage. Time for things to get messy.
> Activate your Avatar of Disorder. It’ll burn the remainder of the magic you’ve got in the tank, but you’re running out of options.

>>5374221
He can block with it. We'll need a gambit

> Bring out the Claw and trigger Volcanic Rage. Time for things to get messy.

We only bring him out to smight evil. This option makes the most sense in character. Its how we killed the last demon. We will use it to kill this one too.>>5374220

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>>5374220
> Bring out the Claw and trigger Volcanic Rage. Time for things to get messy.
ASSUME THE POSITION

>>5374220
> Try to exorcize the demon possessing Delrio. You’ll be flying blind on this one, but you might just be able to cap its power or banish it somehow.
Jesus take the wheel

Rolled 53, 77, 45 + 65 = 240 (3d100 + 65)

>>5374221
>>5374222
>>5374224
>>5374225

Looks like you're bringing out the big guns.

Go ahead and roll me some 1d100+80.

> DC to be determined.

>>5374232
B a n i c

Rolled 30 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374232
Pandion buddy, do your thing

Rolled 69 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374232
Bonilla, get the cross.

Rolled 85 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374232
bless

Rolled 7 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374232

Rolled 51 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374232

Rolled 2 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374232

Rolled 53, 89, 54 + 80 = 276 (3d100 + 80)

>>5374235
>>5374236
>>5374238

That's a success, go ahead and give me another set of 1d100+80

> DC to be determined.

File: image-25.jpg (78 KB, 640x594)

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>>5374238

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>5374244

Rolled 5 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374244
cool it down a bit would you

Rolled 11 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374244
fbfbfbbbrbbrbebrb

Rolled 49 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374244

>>5374246
>>5374247
>>5374248

That's another success, looks like things are finally starting to turn around.

Writing.

File: meme 5.png (369 KB, 701x724)

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>>5374250

>>5374250
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGnZMQg8MXQ

File: 1358045807448.jpg (101 KB, 1022x874)

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>>5374253

>>5374250
>POV: Delrio and Belial
>https://youtu.be/teYFeGD6Ilc

File: avatar of khaine art 1.jpg (134 KB, 1280x720)

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Us right now.

File: 1392065874912.png (622 KB, 729x611)

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>>5374257

>>5374257
>>5374263
Man that's an old reference...

>>5374250

Time to kick things up a notch.

As you summon the Claw of Horus, you take a moment to reflect on the winding journey that your life has been up to this point.

You’ve never been a particularly pious man.

But kicking the living shit out of a bonafide servant of hell?

That’s gotta earn you some points with the big man upstairs, no matter how you do it.

The power of the Claw washes over you, but it just isn’t enough. You’ve got to go all the way.

You channel your hate, your rage, your fear, and every other negative emotion that you can muster.

It threatens to overwhelm you, but you harness it into the Claw and let your uncontrolled bloodlust take the wheel.

With a billowing explosion of black flames, Sean Clayton the man, ceases to exist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-qQgjJyUAU

In his place stands Sean Clayton, the beast, who draws from the darkest depths of your anger and spite to reclaim his bloody mantle.

In that moment, everything becomes shockingly clear.

You have no plan, no grand stratagem.

The rest of the world might as well not exist.

All that remains in your sight is the shambling shell of a man that doesn’t realize he’s dead yet.

>>5374283

Before Delrio can realize the danger he’s in, you’re upon him with a vicious full-body tackle that crushes him against the wall. Once pinned, you begin punching, clawing, and ripping everything you can see and touch.

The Ace goes clattering away, but you only have eyes for your quarry.

Delrio’s trying to say something, but the red mist keeps it muffled.

He eventually breaks free, but you continue the assault, pummeling him with every ounce of muscle that you’re able to bring to bear.

This culminates in a vicious bodyslam that most certainly would’ve snapped the spine of a dozen normal men.

Eventually, even your stamina has its limits, and you pause for a moment to examine the results of your handiwork.

Delrio looks more patchwork than man, torn skin revealing a black carapace of sorts that’s hardy enough to withstand the might of your blows.

The little flesh that you’ve left hanging on his face seems to look surprised, and he begins to violently convulse.

“WARRIOR! NOW IS YOUR CHANCE! THE DAEMON IS POWERLESS BEFORE OUR MIGHT!” Pandion’s familiar voice manages to cut through your bloodrage and reboot your thoughts.

He’s right.

Whatever Delrio’s up to has him temporarily occupied, this is a golden opportunity to finish the bastard off, once and for all.

In the end, you decide to…

> Plunge the Claw deep into his chest and tear out whatever remains of his black heart. It worked on the General, after all.

> Execute him with the Ace of Winchesters. It seems the most fitting that way.

> Tear into him like a wild animal and rip him limb from limb. Delrio chose to swim with the sharks, and now he’s going to be eaten by one.

> Rip his head off and boot it through the window. It’s got a little something for the whole family.

> Just keep punching until there’s nothing left besides a stain on the floor. There’s no need to hold back when you’ve got such an excellent punching bag.

> Other?

>>5374285
> Plunge the Claw deep into his chest and tear out whatever remains of his black heart. It worked on the General, after all.
> Execute him with the Ace of Winchesters. It seems the most fitting that way.

>>5374285
>> Execute him with the Ace of Winchesters. It seems the most fitting that way.

>>5374285
>> Plunge the Claw deep into his chest and tear out whatever remains of his black heart. It worked on the General, after all.
I just can't see us stopping in this rage to pickup the Ace and actually fire it at him.

>>5374285
> Tear into him like a wild animal and rip him limb from limb. Delrio chose to swim with the sharks, and now he’s going to be eaten by one.

This is the most satisfying, plus using the Ace probably wouldn't kill Belial himself, just Delrio.

>>5374285
>Execute him with the Ace of Winchesters. It seems the most fitting that way.
Anti demon weapon for the demon possessed.