Thread 3: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2025/6311572/>You find the kidnapped lady by being kidnapped yourself>With a little help, your egg daughter saves you>The group rescues the kidnapped lady, but get shot>Don't worry, you got better by the next day, and are sent out again to look for an anomaly>You talk to an old homeless man and go shopping
"What is your plan with Margaret, anyway?" Zul says, "I love her to death of course, but she isn't exactly the 'motherly' type. What did Tamako say when you mentioned her?"You glance over to the changeling and the goddess ahead. They are looking into a nearby store window and talking about what's inside. It appears to be a second hand clothing store, and though you don't know much about anomalies you doubt what you are looking for is in there. You mutter that you haven't actually told her about it quite yet."Oh. I just assumed with how gung-ho she was about finding a mother she'd know." Zul replies, "Well, if it doesn't work out long term that's probably for the best."You ask a bit defensively if it's so bad to have a little fun while trying to find a mother for Tamako. Honestly, you've never been in a position to play the field so you figure you might as well enjoy it."I suppose checking your options isn't a terrible thing. Just be careful which fairies you get 'friendly' with." Zul says, "Some Fae are pretty well known for drama and jealousy after all."You ask if fae are evolving due to how modern perceptions are changing, if she thinks that anomalies might also be evolving alongside with them. You might be the first known living anomaly, but that doesn't mean you are the first ever. Maybe the ones that came before just exhibited it in much more subtle ways."It's possible I suppose. There are some well known humans in the past that are suspected to have carried anomalies. Perhaps they were just one themselves?" Zul says convesationally. "Hopefully we don't get any more human anomalies for a while though. One is enough."Deciding to get back on business, you say that researching the Gravel Family while you wait for the ghost tour seems the most sensible. Between having an archivist and a researcher on your team it seems to fit the skill set well. You wonder outloud to Zul if the old man might know about the Gravel Family."I suppose he might, if he's been around here for a while." She says with a sigh. "Just take what he says with a grain of salt."
>>6358837>"well, we definitely have the time, we can get some info from the old man and crossreference it with whatever we or the MiB can find to be...well, maybe not 100% sure, but as close as we can get"glad to have you back EggOP! hope you had some nice holidays
Weeee're back!>>6358842+1
>>6358842SupportWelcome back Egg OP. Happy New Year
>>6358836We're back! With an adorable and fun OP image!>>6358837>Go talk to the old homeless fellow again while the others are nerding out at the librarySure, why not? I don't think he'll tell us much, but the other anons love this guy, and you never know.
You wander back towards where you saw the old man, finding him and his chair across from where you were before. You approach him again, and he eyes you warily before giving you a look of recognition."Oh, it's you again. Couldn't resist the allure of immortality, eh? Like I said before, I'm not telling." Ted says.You say you wanted to ask about something else. You ask the man if he's lived here for a while, and if he knows anything about the Gravel Family."Lived my whole life here, and yeah I know about Ol' Otto and Jess. People say they were murdered, or just up and left one day. I know what really happened though." He says, leaning forward conspiratorially. "The mines were too successful. They were digging too deep. Too greedily."You ask what happened."Taken by the mole men." Ted says with a serious glare. "After that I don't know what happened, but it probably wasn't something good. Those things aren't very found of surface dwellers."You heard there was no sign of a struggle or break in, and ask if it could have been the ghost. Or that the Gravel Family themselves became ghosts."The mole men are clever, and well equipped. They've teamed up with the aliens and they've swapped technology." He says, giving a piteous shake of the head like this was the most obvious thing in the world. "Like I said, I haven't personally seen this ghost so I don't know if it's any of the family returned from the grave. Heck, maybe the ghost everyone is talking about is just a mole man? Like I said they are pretty smart."
Also, Happy New Year everyone :)
>>6359023>Molemenoh fuck! this actually makes sense! we dealing with mines, people digging, we know there is a huge chance those are actually real, the lack of evidence could be because they took everything down with them, it there are reports of weird sounds coming from a house (cant remember if that was mentioned before, its been a while since the last thread) those could have been cause by molepeople digging around and then disappearing and covering their holes, elaving everyone wondering why there is nothing.i say this is something worth considering and discussing with Zul
>>6359025Happy New Years.>>6359051I dunno... He also thinks that they're trading technology with the aliens, and we know that "the Aliens" are just fairies. Unless... Maybe the Unseelie making these robot duplicates is involved here, too?
>>6359060Their disappearance happened a fair while ago, so the likelihood of bots being involved is rather low.
>>6359067But maybe the Molemen or ghosts who got them have been trading technology more recently with the Useelie robot manufacturer and THAT'S what Steinsson saw?
>>6359060>Maybe the Unseelie making these robot duplicates is involved here, too?i say its a real possibility.>>6359067>the likelihood of bots being involved is rather low.but not 0...afterall, we ARE an anomaly magnet
>>6359023I suppose get more info on his understanding of the Molemen and the aliens. Hate bright lights, don't like loud noises, etc.
Maybe it's because of all that you've gone through recently, but an underground race of tunneling fae doesn't seem like that strange of an idea. You ask to know more about the mole people."They are a civilization of strange, subterranean creatures. Despite their name, they look more like lizards. " Ted begins, "They are scaly and humanoid with big, light-sensitive eyes. They also have sharp, thck claws that could rend a person into ribbons, though they mostly use the claws to dig. Instead they have a variety of weaponry they use for that purpose. You know... Guns and the like, like we have."You ask if they got that from the aliens."Sort of." Ted says pointing to you and giving a nod, "They were mostly on par with us when it came to technology, but the aliens gave them a slight boost."You ask if they regularly take people like they apparently did to the Gravel Family."Mole people usually keep to themselves. Not because of any sort of pacifistic reasons, but because they are gathering their strength to seize the surface." The homeless man says adjusting himself on his chair. "They only show themselves to stop us when we start to intrude on their domain like the Gravel Pits started to do."You ask with some alarm why the mole people would want to conquer the humans."They really dislike surface dwellers of all kinds for some reason. I don't know why." He says with a shrug. "I heard humans tried to enslave them once, maybe it's a vendetta?"You ask if they have any sort of weaknesses."Well, like I said they have light sensitive eyes, though sunlight burns them." Ted says with a thought, scratching his chin. "I don't think they are any stronger or more durable than humans are, so you could probably just shoot'em."You admit that Ted seems rather calm, considering there is apparently a whole civilization of creatures that want to destroy humanity."I mean, there are quite a few creatures that want to do that. Even other humans." He says with a shrug, then pointing to the top of his head continues, "You should probably be more worried than me. I'm an immortal Psychic Shaman, and I have this hat to hide me. I'll be fine."
>>6359379for a crazy homeless man, he sounds rather put together...if we are actually going against mole people, we need strong flashlights and maybe some guns.We have some good info, perhaps now we can crossreference it with whatever the MiB can get for us if we manage to contact them?
>>6359385I think we should be careful not to buy what he's selling entirely. He still doesn't REALLY know what's going on behind the veil of reality. Let's just go to the library and ask Zul if she's ever heard about fairies like that?>>6359379>Thank him, and go to the library.
You thank Ted for his time, and say you should probably catch up to your friends."No, thank you! There aren't many people who want to hear my truths. I can see it in their eyes, they may listen but they don't believe." Mr. Steinsson says, leaning back in his chair with a sigh. "It's kind of nice."As you walk you sort all this new, dubious information in your head. These mole people might be the culprits, but what sort of anomaly could they be trying to find or be using? You'll have to see if Zul can get someone to deliver some weapons and high powered flashlights.You glance into the consignment store, but don't see your compatriots inside. Walking ahead you spot a slightly older style, single floor building with a hanging "Gravel City Local Library" sign. The inside is barely larger than the bookstore you went into, but probably has just as many books. The only difference is the lack of a stage and cashier, instead having an information desk and a few vintage desktop computers. Sitting in a chair at one of these is Zul, with Tamako and Seshat standing behind her observing."This device can only use a keyboard and mouse as an interface device." Zul says in a library appropriate voice as Seshat pokes the CRT screen."S-so no voice commands either? These are way different than the ones at base..." The goddess says, her decibel level already appropriate for a library naturally."It sorta works like Dad's!" Tamako says, the disguised alien shushing her. In a slightly quieter voice she continues, "This thing is fatter though, and the graphics are worse.""As long as we can use it to search the library and access the internet it should be fine." Zul says, typing."Who is Dewey, and what is his decimal system." Seshat says adjusting her glasses. She spots you, and gestures you over."How was your talk with that homeless man?" Zul asks.You explain what Ted told you, and ask what she thinks about the Mole men."What he says is mostly correct as far as we know. Mole People are uncommon and insular, even in the fae realm and we don't know much about them. It doesn't help that they are Unseelie and don't usually wish to speak with us."You ask if mole men could be the ones that have the Anomaly they are looking for."They could? The MiB said there wasn't any other fairy activity in the area. Did this Ted fellow actually say he saw a Mole Person?"You have to admit that he didn't, but you ask if there is a way to get some weapons or at least very strong flashlights just in case hostile mole men appear."We can try to contact the MiB and ask. We still have some time before this ghost walk we are doing." Zul says, and asking how she'll get in contact with them she says, "We have a liaison for the MiB back at base. I'll have to send a message back to base, and I'm sure we'll have to find a nice secluded area for them to appear at."
>>6359793>Sit back and relax for a change. We have our theory, leg Zul and Seshat work on theirs!
>>6359797+1we did out part of the job and gathered enough info the have a starting point and theory for our investigation, surely Zul and Seshat can take care of it for now, maybe we could go get something for everyone to eat, like a pizza? what time is it anyways?
>>6359793If we're going for flashlights, you could also consider lasers, maybe something like dazzlers, or perhaps something like a lasgun or raygun? Or just something conventional like the handheld ones styropyro has (eye protection required).
You ask if they can get a hold of any sort of light based weaponry, such as a laser or plasma gun."We don't bring future tech to real space." Zul says firmly. "And honestly, I'm not sure our current team is built for battle."You can't argue with that. Zul is rather small, and Seshat would probably just freeze up in a fight. And of course, you don't want to put Tamako in danger. You ask if they can dig up any information on the Gravel City, and on the Gravel family in particular."That's why we came here, right?" Zul says nodding. "Let's see how much truth there is to this."You ask what you can do to help."Don't worry about it, this is our specialty!" Seshat says excitedly, though still only above a whisper. "We got this!"You decide to let them work. They seem to be far more experienced in this regard than you. Tamako eventually wandered off from Zul and Seshat and into the kid's books section. You lean back and give a relaxing sigh. Glancing over to an old clock above the information desk you see it's nearly noon.Lunchtime!Since you aren't doing anything in particular, you approach your smaller coworker and say you'll grab them some food. Zul and Seshat seem to like the idea, and the little green woman provides you with a bit of money. Before you leave the library, you ask Tamako if she wants to come look for lunch."I'm good, I trust you to get something yummy." She says, not looking up from her book. She is reading some manga, but there are also some other books. They are all comics, but a few are in Japanese, there are even some regular books in French and ASL.You step out of the library and look around for your meal options. There is an thai place as well as a bakery, however you spot a chain pizza place just across the street. That's probably your best bet for a four person meal. The inside of the chain is what you expected. Sterile, with just enough room to sit near the counter while you wait for some take out and advertisements for their various deals and signature desserts and dishes. Overhead, there are several flashy screens giving the pricing of each item. You approach the cashier, a rather sleepy looking young woman, and ask for a large cheese pizza half meat and half cheese. Seeing as you are waiting anyway, you ask the cashier what she knows about Gravel City and it's eponymous family."I guess I know a little." She says, leaning on the counter a little bit as she returns your change. "Why? What did you want to know?"You explain your plans for the night, and how your family is going to go on the ghost walk."Ah no way I run those tours sometimes after work. That's kind of why I know about that stuff." The cashier says with a grin. " I think The old Gravel place is on the rotation now. Hope you like spooky mansions."
>>6360193Wait, what does it mean for a book to be in ASL? wouldn't it just be in English?Anyway, our pizza-slinging tour-guide is a cute.>Ask her if she believes in this stuff, and if the tour is likely to be too scary for a young girl
>>6360193oh shit, pizza lady is also teh spooky lady of the tours? neat!>"be honest with me, how much of it all is actually real? we are kinda looking for "the real stuff" and we were hoping this could point us in the right direction">"Also, anything we should know or bring before going on those tours?"
>>6360193Woman with eyebags...cute...
>>6360193Ask her opinion on Pineapple pizza.>>6360206same
>>6360206>>6360291Excellent taste, also anchovies, this is important.
You ask what she thinks of pineapples on pizza, or anchovies."Canadian Bacon and pineapple is one of my favs." She says, "Never tried anchovies though. We have them here, I should toss some on a slice sometime."You ask if you can get a personal pineapple and anchovy pizza, handing over a little bit more money.She makes the transaction with a chuckle and says, "Can't say anyone's ordered that before. Your crazy man."You ask if the tour will be too scary for your daughter. And thinking on it a second, you mention your wife is a bit jumpy as well."Nah man they'll love it." The pizza server says waving off your question. "We can always tone it down a bit if things get too spooky."Considering her position, this young lady might have some useful information To check, you ask if any of the tour is true. You say you are rather interested in the supernatural and are hoping to see the real thing."Oh yeah man totally." the woman says nodding. "A lot of people have seen the ghost."A bit surprised, you ask if she's seen it."Well... No. But with that many sightings there has to be something, right?" She concludes.You ask if there is anything you should bring to the tour. Flashlights perhaps?"Nah, we let you borrow some of ours. I would suggest using the bathroom before you go though. The one's in the mansion are off limits." And grabbing the pizza box just pushed through the serving window she finishes, "Also no outside food or drinks on the tour."
>>6360604>pineapple on pizzaaaaand there she goes as a possible option...shame, she was cute.anyways, that went as i expected it to go, not much left to do other than go back and deliver the pizza and information we got
>>6360606She's cute, but we have enough of a borderline harem situation going on as-is, without bringing in a human who can't even hang out on jobs or at base.>>6360604>Better eat fast, then! Thank her and get back to the others.
>>6360604>"Canadian Bacon and pineapple is one of my favs." She has good taste
>>6360607>She's cute, but we have enough of a borderline harem situation going on as-isGood one, made me chuckle
>>6360604>"Also no outside food or drinks on the tour."Wait, does that mean the tour offers food and drinks?Also, why is the bathroom off limits?Moaning underage "Keyhole Kate" toilet ghost?
>>6360606Pineapple on Pizza is shallow water tier. You haven't known horror until you've seen the shit Brazilians will put in their pizzas.
>>6360606>>6360954Or East Asians lmao.I don't know why some people treat pizza as somehow sacred; it's flatbread with shit on top. Tomato sauce wasn't even a thing until Europeans got to the Americas.
You ask if that means the tour supply food and drinks for the walk."You get a bottle of water, yeah. It's more that they don't want to get the mansion messy. It's a historic building after all. Same goes why they don't want anyone using the bathroom. I don't even know if it has running water actually." The pizza vendor says thoughtfully.Your lunch in hand, you return to the library, but realize they don't want any outside food or drink either. You manage to get Tamako's attention from a window and she comes outside. You ask her to get the others to come outside for food, and when she returns you both sit at a bench. She opens the bigger of the two boxes while you take the smaller one."They say they'll be out in a minute. Hey why do you get your own?" Tamako says, watching you open the personal pizza box, as she grabs two slices from the large.You show her the pizza topped with fruit slices and small fish. She looks more confused than anything."Can I try it?" Tamako asks. You let her have a bite, and she actually seems to like it. "Hey, not bad! I still think I like the other ones better though."You try it yourself. Your daughter was tellng the truth, it's not bad. The flavors actually complement each other nicely.Seshat comes out of the library first. As she grabs a slice of pizza you ask her how the research is going."There isn't much on the disappearance that I've been able to find yet... The history of the area the library has involves the larger metropolis as a whole rather than Gravel city itself... I-I'll keep looking though.""Jimiko! Try this!" Tamako says, handing over a paper plate with a regular slice of pizza as well as a sliver of the pineapple and anchovy one."Oh my. That fish has quite the strong flavor doesn't it? I-I must admit I quite like it!" Seshat says, though you notice as she gets up to return inside that she picked off the pineapple pieces on the slice that Tamako gave her.Zul switches out, and your daughter about forces a small piece of the pizza onto her as she approaches. The changeling explains what it is, and the LGM gingerly eats the small bite."The pineapple is nice, but that fishiness is overpowering." Zul says, abstaining from taking another bite and opting for the plainer pizza. "Oh yeah, base returned our call. the MiB are still in the area, and they say they'll send an agent. We are to standby and wait for more instructions."
>>6360990>Just sit tight and waitI'm not sure what else to do.
>>6361000>tripsnice.anyway, yeah +1 to waiting, maybe ask whats the ETA for the MiB to arrive and perhaps watch a movie or go to some small arcade depending on the expected waiting time
>>6360990Well, we could (sort of) make a date of it by seeing if we can rent some bikes and ride around the town, take it the sights together.Quality time together + light reconnaissance.
>>6361013Hold up there anon. We already got a date today..
>>6361145We're still a free agent, so I don't see that as a problem, but we should probably focus on the matter at hand.
(Tryin' to get back on schedule, so no update today. Instead though, I"m curious.If you guys could have another companion who isn't interested in Marty would you preferA.) Male BroB.) Female (Lesbian wingman?)who isA.) A faeB.) Not a fairy
>>6361326>A.) Male BroNo preference on the other, but Marty hasn't really made any guy pals, and since female fairies are all varyingly thirsty for him, it makes normal platonic friendship a bit tricky because we're always debating them as waifu options.
>>6361330+1 to thisnot that im complaining, but there are too many clams in this party, another sausage wouldnt hurt
>>6361326>A.) Male BroHate yuri, even for side characters
>>6361326The only time I want to see a lesbian character is if she's gonna end up with a man.
>>6361326>>6361330 +1
>>6361326>A.) Male BroB.) Not a fairy>>6361373>>6361373Fucking this
You ask Zul how long until the MiB will come."If they are still in the area, probably not long. Just relax a bit. I'm sure we'll hear from them soon."Unsure of what else to do, you sit and wait. You and Tamako polish off the rest of the pizza and then just sit and enjoy the midday sun."Hey I learned some new words in ASL! Look!" Tamako says. She then spread all five of her fingers wide. She then touches her thumb to her forehead.You ask her what it means."Guess!"You throw out the words "anime", "pizza", "lunch", "manga", "Fairy"... But none of them are right. You give up and ask what it means."Not gonna tell! Keep guessing!"You throw out a few more guesses, and about half an hour later Zul reappears out of the library entrance. She says, "The MiB wants to meet in the alleyway behind the library. The codeword is 'white zinc spider'."You ask Tamako to go back inside and stay near your two co-workers, and then head off. You head around back and peek down the alley. There is one there but some pigeons, who scatter as you walk in. The last time you went down an alley didn't end too well, and you nervously look around. It's a narrow, concrete path with between the backs of buildings with little more than the occasional dumpster or trashcan. It's actually cleaner than most alleyways you are used to. Unsure of what to do, you whisper the words Zul told you. As you glance around you see someone step near you out the corner of your eye.Had you not half-been expecting the incredibly quiet well dressed gentleman with a briefcase he would have scared you half to death. In fact, his generically faced appearance brings you a comfort for some reason.You greet him. He nods back, and then lifts his bag. Holding it flat, he presses some buttons and there there is a satisfying click. Inside the briefcase are two long, solid looking flashlights as well as a single handgun and a box of ammo being held neatly in place with EVA foam."Two 10k Lumen tactical flashlights, a SIG Sauer P365, one twenty round box of 9x19mm Parabellum rounds. Do not lose the gun." He says, pushing the case into your arms. "We heard something about Mole People. Are you sure? Our agents haven't had any contact with any other fae while investigating the area."
>>6361737>"Nothing confirmed yet, but given the area, the involved sites and the...info...we got from a local, its not entirely out of the realm of possibilities">Take the case, thank them and go back
>>6361737>"It's that or a ghost, I think">Have they got gear to deal with ghosts?
>>6361737The talk of a local that get fantasy and reality confused. But maybe he actually witnessed something that other people would interpret in a more "normal" manner, so a non-zero chance.
You explain your reasoning to the mysterious agent, mentioning your talks with the people around town. About a lot of rumors about ghosts. You were Mole People, and possible murders and deaths. No to mention what you found out about the Gravel Family's."But your team hasn't spotted a ghost or Mole Person?"You admit that you have not."Well, the gun is not going to be helpful against a ghost. The flashlights might be." He says in a You ask if they have anything to fend off ghosts."Of course we do, as does the SHR. But until we see some evidence of either a ghost or mole person this is all the aid i can offer." The Man in Black says. "Zul seems to think this will lead somewhere, so let's hope your hunch is correct."You ask him what a good explanation might be, and he responds. "I can't say for sure, but my guess might be something more mundane. A group of you humans must have obtained the anomaly and are hiding it."With that, the fairy walks away, turning and walking behind one of the dumpsters. There isn't anywhere for him to go from there, so you go and take a peek. He's gone. You were kinda hoping he'd still be there hoping you wouldn't check. Hefting the briefcase, you walk back towards the library. Inside you spot Tamako reading in the kid's corner while your two co-workers look over a small pile of paper. They've went from the computer station to a small table near the back."Oh? What do you have there?" Zul asks as you join them.Suddenly realizing you've brought a weapon into a government building, you murmur softly what the contents of the attache are."Ah, you can take that gun. Seshat and Tamako can take the flashlights." Zul says, nodding.You ask what she is going to do about defending herself."I have a raygun." she replies.You ask what happened to the ban on future tech."Do you have a weapon that warps back to base if it's taken too far from you or your life signs stop? Didn't think so." She says, with a satisfied grin.You turn your attention to the stack of papers and ask what they are."O-our findings!" Seshat says happily. Zul goes on to explain, "It seems there have been quite a few disappearances in the area, and mostly after the Gravel Family went missing. There doesn't seem to be any links between the victims, but they do seem to be linked to the forest to the east and the mines."
>>6362131>Mole People theory intensifiesAlright, ghost tour time!
>>6362131>they do seem to be linked to the forest to the east and the mines."well, looks like thats our next stop
>>6362131if we have time lets go to forest, otherwise of to the ghost tour
You nod, satisfied that mole people are a real thing. As you still have a little time left, you look around the files that the pair gathered up. Like Zul mentioned there doesn't seem to be much of a link between the disappearances, other than most were workers or regular townsfolk who wandered into the tunnels or the nearby forest.It appears they never found any of the missing people. The most they ever recovered from them were the occasional wallet, discarded piece of clothing, or broken electronic such as a camera or phone. There aren't even any witnesses to the events, just to the last time the victims were seen. Seshat and Zul even went through old newspapers, though these don't seem to add any more information. You glance up at the clock and see it's about time to head over to the tour meeting place, which seems to be the nearby Gravel City's old town hall. Tamako (and funnily enough, Seshat) try to convince you and Zul to let them check out some books. Zul points out that you probably won't be coming back to this place any time soon, and then set off.You don't even have to step into the brick town hall until you see the gathering spot for the ghost tour. They have a small table with canopy set up in a tastefully spooky purple and orange. Several posters are set up along the sides of the fixtures reading hours of operation and pricing, as well as contact information. One even reads "Things you might experience: Floating Objects! Horrible Wailing! Pale Visages! Fear!"You recognize the lady standing at the table as the same one from the pizza place, except wearing a bright orange vest with "GUIDE" on it as well as a a hat advertising the tours. At her side is a bright red backpack with a patch that also advertises the tours."Nice, you made it. I don't think anyone else signed up so we can head off whenever." She says, and spotting Tamako comments, "Hey kid, if things get too spooky on the tour just say something and we can come back."Tamako seems to take offense to this and says, "I think I'll be fine. It can't be any worse than the other ghost I've met.""Is that so? Ha-ha. Cool, cool. Anyway..." The lady clears her throat and raising a hand towards the four of you. She announces, "My name is Ann and I'll be your tour guide this evening. A few rules. No food inside the house and don't break anything. I have first aid and some water, though we probably won't need either. What you will need are some flashlights."You and Zul take a flashlight, but Ann sees the ones Tamako and Seshat have and say, "Ah got your own? That works too. Might wanna switch down the lumens if you can. Might ruin the atmosphere."
>>6362505>Might ruin the atmosphereaaand this is our first hint that she might have something to do with this>inform Zul QUIETLY AND DISCREETLY to keep an eye on her, just in case
>>6362530She may just be concerned for ambience! But we should totally>>6362505>try to find an excuse for one of us to sneak off and check the bathroom while the others distract our guide
>>6362530Getting a bit paranoid there
(Forgot I had a work thing tonight so no update, my bad.)
>>6362727No worries. See you tomorrow, QM!
"Alright, everyone ready? No one has to use the bathroom? Let's set off!" Ann says, motioning you to a nearby van with "Gravel City Town Hall" decaled onto it's side. After a short drive off the main road the van turns east. You note the grocery store and old housing as you pass. The dwellings become fewer while trees increase in number, and soon you can spot the mansion sitting on the side of a hill. Past it down the road in the distance you spot an area stripped bare of forest with a factory beside it, likely the mine.The mansion is three stories high, and about the size of a small apartment building. Despite it looking to you like any other mansion you've seen in movies it does have a heavy, looming atmosphere to it. It's well kept, and done so under a historical society's dollar, as a plaque informs you.The tour guide unlocks the door and though you see a foyer with a grand staircase, however your party is quickly lead into a side chamber. In this room sit a polished wood bookcase with several elegant armchairs and a table complete with decorated porcelain tea set. In a corner is what you think is a mirror, though you can't tell for sure as it is covered in a silk cloth. There is a window, but the velvet curtains are shut tight enough across it that the evening sun barely illuminates the room at all. There is a taste of dust is in the air, and the creaking floorboard groan with every step. The atmosphere is ruined a bit when Ann lights a flashlight under her chin standing in front of the door across from the one you entered. Though she looks appropriately spooky like this it allows you to see some of the decorations on the around the door that seem to come right from a Halloween supply store."Good evening, my friends." Ann starts in her best theatrical voice. "Welcome to the Gravel Family Mansion. I'll be your guide through a place most locals only talk about in hushed tones or when they've had a little too much to drink. We start here in the Drawing room of the mansion."At this she reaches near her and flicks on a light switch. The old glass fixture lights up, but with some very dim bulbs, casting dark shadows on the furniture of the room."They lady of the house liked to greet guests here and relax. No business, no debates. Just pleasant conversation. At least, that's what she liked to pretend." Ann starts in a deeper, more serious voice.The guide is mostly giving this speech in Tamako's direction, which suits you fine as she seems to be enjoying it. You lean over to Zul and Seshat and ask if they sense anything. Funnily enough, the goddess' attention is on Ann as well and she doesn't seem to hear you. Zul responds,"No... And is our plan just to follow along with the tour, or did you have something else in mind?"
>>6363384>that face>still wearing the pizza place hatholy cute! she is adorable...anyway>"follow her for now, at least until we get deeper into the mansion, highly doubt there is anything in the first rooms"
>>6363384Dang, Ann is a cutie patoot. And so is Sehsat!Oh, right, planning. Uh..>try to find an excuse for one of us to sneak off and check the bathroom while the others distract our guideStill this.
>>6363384>>6363394 +1
You comment that you want to sneak away and look around a bit. You should probably wait until you get a bit deeper in as any of the good stuff is going to be better hidden. Zul nods, and you re join the group just as they are about to leave for the next room. There is a short hallway leading to a two doors, one of which is a bathroom. The hall also turns and comes back around to the grand staircase. You mention these to Zul as you enter the other door that leads to a room filled predominantly with a long table and chairs."The Gravel Mansion's dining hall hosted any banquets, though under the levity and celebration they were deciding the fates of those not only working at the mine, but the people of the city as a whole. Some say, you can still hear the clatter of silverwear and the scraping of chairs at night, and the smells of succulent roasts and flavorful soups with seep into the rest of the house."Ann continues to an enthralled Tamako and Seshat, and as you watch your alien co-worker nudges you in the side and motions that this might be a good time to break off from the group.You slip away, backtracking through to the hallway and to the other door. You turn the handle, but the door doesn't budge. It's locked it seems. The door has a sign hanging from a nail. It reads:"For display only. Fixtures are brittle and are not connected to waste system. Do NOT use!"The rest of the sign is just a flowery description of it's construction materials. Seems like you aren't getting in there without a key. Should you head back? Or maybe go back out the staircases?
>>6363780We can't let a little lock stop us, surely? Anons... Ideas?
>>6363780How can something be for display if it's be behind a locked door?
>>6363780How about we sabotage the front door so it can't be locked and we can get back in after the tour?
>>6363796I'd be down to give that a go.
>>6363794either its a decoy or a cover up, there might be something in there!i wonder if we should finish the tour to sus out the place and then come back later at night when everything is closed so we can inspect everything with more time and detail
>>6363796Seconded, though depending on the nature of the lock and security elsewhere, we might not need to sabotage it. If the MIB were around, I'm sure they could pick it if necessary? Or have some gizmo to unlock it? Otherwise we could use the tour to scope out the place, look for potential entrances, security devices, etc.
>>6363813It's an old door lock. A piece of random debris in in the lock is enough
>>6363813As an anomaly that attracts fairies, though, we'll see stuff that the fairy-feds won't.
As usual, Wednesday is my day off.That doesn't mean I don't have a question though.Out of curiosity, is there any constructive criticism or comments you have for the quest? Any questions, comments, or concerns?
>>6364153I sometimes am not really sure what to do when it seems like we're already on an agreed-upin course but not much as has seemingly changed, like when we were waiting to start the ghost tour. I think that at times like those, when our ducks are in a row, it might make sense to skip to the next natural decision-point.Beyond that, no notes. I'm loving the quest! Just keep doing what you're doing. maybe shill i the QTG if you want more players, I guess?
>>6364153Just don't flake and I'll be happy, I need to see Tamako her get her moms
>>6364154>I sometimes am not really sure what to do when it seems like we're already on an agreed-upin course but not much as has seemingly changed, like when we were waiting to start the ghost tour.pretty much this, on that same topic tho, sometimes it feels like the updates are too open ended or vague for us to choose or do something else, but besides that, no complains
>>6364513I would also say that it's also because most anons usually don't like doing write ins. This is why most quests have set options + write-in. Still, that's pretty much a non-problem.
You wonder why the bathroom would be locked away if it was part of the tour. You know you've heard of toilet ghosts, you are sure they could of have worked something in. Very suspicious. For now, you leave the bathroom and head back towards the front door. Because of it's age it's rather simple. You decide to just shove a bit of debris from the floor into it so you can get back in later if needed. Glancing to the side, you see one of the curtained windows. They don't appear to be particularly modern either. Worse comes to worst, you could probably jimmy them open from the other side. With that complete, you turn the tour provided flashlight to the rest of the area.The foyer is quite large and elegantly tiled, atop which is worn and faded carpet. There are several french provincial accent tables against the walls with expensive looking vases on them. It doesn't appear they've had flowers in them for quite some time.You see quite a few doors along with the staircase from before. The last of the daylight flows in from the courtyard door in the back, slightly illuminating the foyer. Luckily, many of the doors have plaques similar to the one outside the bathroom so they are easy to identify. Other than the rooms you've seen, there is a den connected to a study, an unlit hallway going east. North of the dining room is a kitchen, with a ballroom across the foyer from it.You suppose you could go back to the dining room and continue the tour, but perhaps a little bit more poking around is in order?
>>6364560>Rejoin the tourLet's not create undue suspicion. After all, edging the door was so we can come back and check out whatever isn't on the tour, or requires a longer look, at our leisure.
>>6364560maybe take a quick look at the study? if there is any info regarding the past of the family and their activities, is should be there, right? after that we should go back to the tour to not raise too much suspicion
>>6364560Rejoin the tour
>>6364560Rejoin the tour, no need to cause trouble now, it'd make coming back later more difficult and may give us a bad reputation around town.
You decide it's probably best to head back to the group for now. You can always come back later and give the place a good search. You head back, making sure to turn off your flashlight before slipping back into the Dining Room.Ann doesn't seem to notice you re-enter, and she is walking back towards what you now know will be the kitchen."At first glance, it will look harmless enough, maybe even 'quaint'... But don't be fooled. The Gravel Family were thought to have a very eclectic tastes." She says in a spooky voice.You ask if you missed anything.Zul opens her mouth to answer, but before she can Ann wobbles worringly, and then collapses. You all rush over. Zul already has some sort of machine in her hands. You have no idea what it is, but it appears like a thick, rectangular tablet with a radar dish on top of it. Seshat stands back a bit, a look of worry on her face. "She's fine." Zul says, focusing on the handheld device. "Other than the fact that she's, you know. Passed out.""Hey, wake up!" Tamako says, who had been propping up the tour guide's head. She then smacks her a few times. You tell her to stop it, and then ask Zul if she knows what happened."I'm not sure. This can only diagnosis most common conditions." She says, quickly putting the device away as Ann starts to stir.The guide sits straight up, a very dazed look on her face. Turning to you she says, "Can we speak alone for a moment?""U-um, we should probably get you to a hospital." Seshat offers."There is no need for that." She says, standing up and dusting herself off. She starts towards the door leading to the foyer. "Anyway, shall w-"The tour guide is interrupted as she walks back into the middle of the door instead of opening it."I... Do think we should probably get you some medical attention." Zul says, an eyebrow raised. "Opps. It's fine. Anyway, shall we?" She says, looking to you.You should probably do something.
>>6364916Ask Zul if she has any way to check for fairy activity
>>6364916placing money on her getting some sort of message magically transmited into her brain somehow>"Zul, be ready to call for back up, im going with her"
>>6364916Motion to the rest of them to secretly follow, then agree to be "alone" to talk with Ann.
>>6364920+1>>6364917>>6364950I think the others will sort of know without a signal to be on alert for other fairies, and to be ready to lend us aid.
You say that you'll agree to talk. Ann gives a glazed smile and nods, fumbling with her keys As Ann clumsily unlocks the door, you murmur to Zul and ask if she can sense any fairy activity."Yes. Sorry, I got interrupted by this young lady collapsing." Zul says.You ask her to follow surreptitiously if she can. You then ask them to watch Tamako while he's gone and go to follow the tour guide. Once Ann gets to the Foyer, she looks around, and then starts to walk towards the front door, turning and going into the already unlocked Drawing Room. You follow and make sure to not close the door all the way as you enter.She spins around and with an annoyed but still slightly dazed look says, "So... Who is that?"Confused, you ask Ann what she means."The new one! I can tell that's the little green grandma in disguise , and Tamako isn't trying to hide." The tour guide motions to herself and then says, "And this is just some human. But who's the bookish, plain one? The one that the alien says is your 'wife'?!"You are quite certain you introduced Seshat already, but as you are still trying to figure out what's going on you realize something... The way she is standing and the wide-eyed glare seem familiar. The jealousy. Looking into her eyes for any signs, you ask with a bit of alarm if she's actually Camelia."Come now, you know it is." Waving the question away as it was the most obvious thing in the world. "But don't think you can change the subject. I already let you wander around with that... Large demon, and here I see you bringing another woman to the real world? This was supposed to be OUR trip!"You say that Seshat is just a co-worker. She doesn't seem to be entirely convinced, but you ask her if she's the ghost that Ted was talking about. The one that has been wandering around town."What are you talking about? No, I followed you after you left the base. And it's a good thing I did. Hmph." Camelia says, crossing Ann's arms. Noticing this, you ask why she had to take the tour guide's body anyway if she can just physically manifest."It's harder for me to do in the real world. It's one of the reasons I asked for a body in the first place." Camelia pouts, "This one is fine and all for a little bit. But I'll need to properly prepare a vessel if it's going to be permanent."Absentmindedly grabbing at your exorcist charm. Shouldn't it be keeping her away? You don't remember the priest saying anything about having to actively use it. What do you do?
>>6365379Cute yandere ghost wife. I suppose the sooner we track down the ghost in question the sooner our trip can begin. After all she went to that magic academy I bet shes so smart.
>>6365379Listen, uh, honey...we're just pretending for the mission. Obviously we're not related to Zul either, so it's clearly fake. But you really shouldn't do that! If they found out, they'd probably exorcise you, or make things really hard for us. If you go around following us, all it takes is running into a Fae with ghost sight.So let's make a deal...you stop following me around, and I'll uh...do something? Any ideas here?
>>6365389I think making a deal with Camelia beyond what we already have done is dangerous. Likewise being any more cutesy with her than we have to in order to assuage her ego. We don't necessarily want to feed into her fantasy more than we have to as as to not die.>>6365386+1, make it clear we're on a mission, and she's interfering in it to our mutual detriment. We can discuss a trip when work isn't in the way.
>>6365395I'm just worried if we don't get her to stop following us she'll see our date with Margaret and go berserk.
>>6365379Fellas...i got an idea>"You know that you doing this is only gonna make it harder for them to agree to give you a body, right? if anything they might even separate us for ever because you are interfering with official business here! But i have a plan, we might be dealing with a ghost here, and since you are a ghost, perhaps you could help us track it and trap it...or whatever we might need to do, so we can get this over faster and get back home!"
>>6365398I though we were getting her exorcised first?>>6365401That's a good way to phrase it, I think. Good work, anon.
(No update tonight, sorry.)
>>6365927No worries, we will remain patienthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlQfIZQUNa0
You tell Camelia that possessing people randomly is only gonna make it harder for the SHR to agree to give her a body. if anything they might even separate the two of you forever because she is interfering with official business. You say you have a plan that might get her in their good graces. Your team might be dealing with another ghost here, and since Camelia is a ghost, perhaps she could help you track it and trap it...Or whatever it is we might need to do."I didn't sense any other ghosts here." She says, but tilting her head slightly continues, "I did sense some sort of obfuscating aura hiding... Something. I don't know what though."You ask what Camelia means, and say that if a spell that hides things cast an aura that sort of makes it useless doesn't it?"I doubt any of those MiB cronies or any of you could sense it. I'm beginning to think you don't know how strong I am. For instance, this little bauble..." She says, giving your charm a poke. You notice a little sizzle and some smoke from her finger, but it quickly dissipates and she seems otherwise unaffected. "Against me? Nothing. Though, it might scare away any ghosts you were looking for."Your heart sinking slightly for a moment. You lie and say that it's good it doesn't keep her away. You ask why it won't stop her and if there is anything you should watch out for."Oh honey, don't worry! There isn't anything you can do that'll keep me from you!" Camelia says grinning and giving a creepy laugh. Straightening up she proudly says, "I'm a Scholomance elite, after all. If I was at my peak, I could talk to animals and master the weather. I could even ride and command dragons."She already seems to have forgotten how the base and Kamiko kept her at bay. After all you are still alive, something you wouldn't be if Camelia knew about the date with Margaret. Remembering something else, you ask how Kiki was giving her such a hard time if she was so strong."Hmph... Is that that broom rodent's name? How original. If I had a body she would be nothing, but in my current state and in her lair I don't stand much of a chance, especially since it's inside that blasted SHR's base's wards." She mutters something about Kiki under her breath, but you couldn't hear it.
>>6366225I'm starting to think that the only way to stop this woman is to give her a body and fuck her crosseyed
>>6366236So it seems. To tame the maiden heart of an evil magic princess. >>6366225She can sense the aura maybe we can find the source. If its a spell maybe theres still a magic circle or whatever it is people use somewhere nearby, and hopefully that can tell us something. We can tell the others and then pursue this lead since shes the only one who can sense it. So helpful, such an asset.
>>6366225Supporting >>6366254>Try to get Camelia to play bloodhound for you
>>6366254supporting, using her as a hound dog is the best optioni knew my plan was a decent idea!
You ask if there is anyway Camelia could track down what's being hidden by that aura. It sounds like just the sort of thing that might hide an anomaly."Anomaly? I thought you were looking for a ghost." Camelia says, "Nonetheless, If it gets you away from that bespectacled harlot quicker I guess I could took a look around. You should come with me! It could be our first real world date."You say it's probably best to not leave the others behind. You aren't even sure you can. Technically you are being held by the SHR. You wouldn't exactly say you are a prisoner, but you don't have complete freedom of movement."You saved me, and yet you are being confined yourself..." She says, sadly. "My poor baby... Once I get a body I can free you. Anyway, I shall be off."You ask when you two should meet up again, maybe in an hour or two?"If I find something I'll come to you. Don't worry, I can always find my way to you." She says giggling to herself. Ann suddenly starts to slump, and you go up to catch her. As you drag her over to one of the Drawing Room chairs you see the others enter from the door you left open."B-bespectacled harlot? What did I do...?" Seshat asks, looking at the tour guide with some concern."Ugh... She's so creepy. Don't worry about her, Jimiko." Tamako says with a loud sigh."Who even was that?" Seshat says, "NOT my mother." Tamako exclaims.You say you'll explain later, but she's something like an ex-wife. Seshat opens her mouth to say something but you all go quiet as Ann stirs. She sits up, and then attempts to stand. She stumbles down to her knees and confusedly says, "A-ha... Whoa. What happened?""You passed out, so we brought you back to the Drawing Room to rest." Zul says quickly. "Take it slow, we aren't in any rush."As you help Ann up you ask the tour guide if she is okay."Yeah, ha-ha... I'm fine, I think. Might just be a little tired." Then leaning closer to you Ann whispers, "Between you and me, I smoked a bowl before coming and I guess it might have been a little too strong. Don't tell my bosses."She then claps, checks herself for her possessions and says, "Anyway, shall we continue?"
>>6366771>"Anyway, shall we continue?"guess we should at least check the rest of the tour to check the place around and make a bit of time in case Camelia finds something
>>6366771Holy moly, a dorky-cute stoner who slings pizza and haunted mansion tour guide? If she was a monstergirl, she truly would win the Martinbowl.>>6366775+1
>>6366771Before the tour begins again, I'd like to ask about the contradiction we noticed about the bathroom door.
>>6366775support
I am thinking the ghost might not be the worst waifu, her loyalty and care is endearing
>>6367091Our daughter doesn't like her, though, and she is possessive and murderous.
>>6367091didnt she tried to kill us before?
I'VE GOT IT!Get Ann some really dank skunk, weed brownies and THC gummies, the sort of stuff that mellows out people after a long day of work or familial bullshit. While she's toking, find some way to get Camelia to possess her. BAM! Mellowed out magic yandere ghost.
(Wednesday!)>>6364154>>6364513>>6364521Pacing problems? I can see that. Should I always try to stick a prompt at the end of a post? I don't want to limit things too much.Also shill on QTG? Like advertise?>>6364313There seem to be quite a few in the running. Let's see where it goes.
>>6367239>Also shill on QTG? Like advertise?only necessary if you want more players or want to update them without cltutering your own thread.i do that for my own quest, results vary and depend on the popularity of your quest.>Should I always try to stick a prompt at the end of a post? I don't want to limit things too much.no need for that, its just that sometimes, when you update your quest, you do it in such a way that voting for something becomes almost unnecessary because what we already have to do was voted in previous posts, so it slows the story down to a crawl, this usually lasts for 1 or 2 posts before we move on with other stuff in the story.its not a serious problem, but its something thats noticeable. I wouldnt really worry too much about it, just keep doing what you are doing, its been working so far so no real reason to mess with it.this is my point of view anyway, dont know what everyone else thinks about it
>>6367239>PaceNot so much pacing problems as sometimes, you could probably write a little longer and just assume what we want to do a biiiit more.What >>6367243 said, eventually.>QTGAdvertising the quest in the QTG is a good way to get people to check it out, sometimes.
"A-are you sure it's fine if we keep going?" Seshat says."I'm sure it's fine. You all paid for this and I'm not gonna stop you from finishing it." Ann says, and then sadly admits, "A lot of times we don't even get anyone for these anymore..."Seshat looks to Zul piteously. The alien rolls her eyes and playing along says, "Just tell us if you are going to pass out again."Ann wants to get you back on track, so you exit west out the Drawing Room to get back to the Dining Room. As you walk, you ask about the toilet and why it's locked away if it's part of the tour."Oh, I thought I told you." Ann says stopping in front of the door to the water closet as you pass by it again. "Once someone snuck away from a tour and used it. Since it's not attached to the plumbing, so you can imagine the mess. I think he even broke some of the mechanisms.""Did you have to clean it up?" Tamako asks, the first look of horror on this ghost tour you've seen from her."It was before my time here." Ann says, examining the plaque on the door."You know, what fu-" Ann starts, been then looking at Tamako says, "-dge it, let's check it out. You guys deserve a little treat for helping me."The other human in your group then tries various keys from her chain, eventually unlocking it.The room is plain wood and quite small. It's large enough to fit you, but Kamiko or Emogen would probably find it a tight fit. There is a single bulb hanging from the ceiling which Ann turns on. The only thing in the room is the toilet. With an involuntary disgusted frown, you realize there isn't even any place to wash your hands. The only part of the john you recognize is the porcelain bowl. The rest is a mess of old and slightly rusted flanges, metal bars, and levers. You spot the flushing mechanism, but examining closer you don't even see a tank for the water."Well. There it is." Ann says simply. "Not sure what I was expecting.""Why does it look so weird." Tamako asks."I dunno. Never learned the history of the bathroom since it generally isn't shown off anymore." Ann says with a shrug. "I mean I this mansion has been around for like, two hundred years. You would have thought they'd update the crapper along with the rest of the place.""My goodness, two hundred years. I didn't think of it, but this couldn't possibly be the original house could it?" Seshat says, fixing her glasses and glancing back around at the hallway."Nope. The mansion has had a ton of repairs and add-ons since it was first constructed. Heck, the whole east wing of the house is only half as old, and I know they did some maintenance and refurbishing less than a decade ago in the main house." Ann says, still staring at the toilet. "Anyway, shall we move on?"
>>6367549Make a mental note to investigate the bathroom later... I'm betting it's a secret elevator. >"What room would you say was the most recent addition to the mansion?"
>>6367574+1if they rebuild or messed with any of the older rooms, they are either falling to pieces from being so old and couldnt allow that OR they are doing it to hide something.probably the newest areas?
>>6367574Sure, makes sense! +1. I'm thinking less elevator than tunnel down to Molemantown, though.
>>6367549If it's been refurbished multiple times, I wonder if there are any hidden rooms?
"Welcome to the stomach of the house, the Kitchen." Ann says spookily as you enter the kitchen.She flicks the lights on, revealing a kitchen that might have looked cozy were it furnished, but the closed and curtained windows along with the lack of kitchen tools and empty well-carved shelves makes it feel rather lonely. There is a large, bare wooden prep table, a well as two other doors and a staircase going up. The glass panels of the door reveal them to lead back out into the foyer and backyard."The Gravel Family was known to have chopped, filleted, diced, baked, and boiled all sorts of... 'Ingredients' here." Ann says, running a hand along the counters and stopping at the stove. It's a pretty nice gas stove. "Many servants went missing over the years, who knows where they went... Or if they actually ever left alive.""Whoaaa... Hey, where does this go?" Tamako says, glancing around and spotting the staircase."Whoa, careful, kid. Those stairs are pretty old." Ann says. "They go up to the servant's quarters. That way guests couldn't see the help come and go.""Ah yes! The palaces had something similar." Seshat remarks, looking over to the staircase as well."Palaces? Ah-ha, you guys are pretty well traveled, huh?" Ann comments."O-oh well you know... They uh, just, I mean I've only been to a few, mostly the Pharoh's-" Seshat babbles.You move in to interrupt and ask if there are more secret passages like these in the mansion."Okay, cutting ahead in the script here a bit but..." Ann says, and then readopting the spooky voice says, "They say the Gravel Family might have been rum runners during prohibition, and that they installed secret storehouses throughout the mansion. For the booze of course, but also for... Their rivals.""Oh cool can we see those?" Tamako asks, her attention taken away from the passage upward."They are apparently so well hidden that most historians haven't been able to find the biggest one." And then returning to a normal voice says, "They turned it into a giant freezer for the other kitchen."They have two kitchens here?" Tamako says confused."This historic one and a more modern one in the eastern wing, yeah." Ann nods."So we do get to see it?" Tamako asks."Yeah, it's like the only other spooky room on that side. The rest of the rooms in the east are a bit too new to have any fun stories." The tour guide remarks.
>>6367987so there ARE secret rooms, you just know they havent found everything yet, there has to be a secret entrance somewhere, gotta remember to search the kitchen when we infiltrate the place
>>6367987>Let's check out that old secret fridge!(We can check it for anomalies or signs of fairy activity)
>>6367987Check the freezer, but...MAKE SURE TO STICK SOMETHING BETWEEN THE DOOR AND THE DOORJAMB!Not gonna get locked in the freezer and get Jack Torrance'd by a "gust of wind" or any bullshit like that.
You continue with the tour, making sure to make a mental note about the secret rooms the mansion might have. Ann then takes you to the ballroom and tells a story of dancing ghosts straight out of a ride from a certain theme park. From there you go to the eastern wing. Though the area fits the grand elegance of the first part of the mansion, it feels noticeably less old. Ann ushers you past the more sterile but modern and efficient kitchen and to a spot near the back."As I said before, this freezer was believed to be a storehouse during the prohibition, but converted into a walk-in freezer. Even before the refrigeration was installed the room had had a cold, deathly chill. Some say you can still hear the clinking of glass and the thumping of kegs being moved. Others say that there are even people who will call out to you. If they call you by name, be sure to run."She then unlatches the freezer and you shine a flashlight in. It's nothing but bare metal panel walls with a machine high in the corner with fans on it and a pipe leading into the floor. There isn't any food. There isn't even any shelving units.You ask if we can look inside."I mean, if you want." She says, leaning on the wall near the door. "I hate going in there. Reminds me of the freezer from my job."Seshat doesn't seem that keen on entering either, which is good because you would not like to be put into a position to be locked in. You, Zul, and Tamako walk around the square steel box. You take a quick look at the refrigeration unit, but it's not like you know much about that kind of thing anyway. It's not making any noise and the fans aren't moving so it's probably off. Tamako quickly gets bored and starts knocking on the walls like a drum, and it's at that point you decide it's best to move on. As Ann she latches the fridge close you lean over to Zul to see if she found or sensed anything."...I'm pretty sure there was a fake wall. One of the panels Tamako was knocking on sounded oddly hollow." Zul says, thinking to herself.Ann takes you aside and says in a low voice, "Anyway, we could hit the second floor back in the main building if you'd like. Just a few of the doors up there. You know, the master bedroom and stuff. We went a bit long though, probably because I passed out. Maybe I should go to the hospital, ah-ha. You want to keep going? I don't wanna keep up the kid on a school night unless you are okay with it."
>>6368489>Nah, she's right, let's call it her...>(We'll come back on our own, to check out the false wall and remaining rooms ourselves)
>>6368493+1this, it should be getting late by now, perfect time to plan our return and sneak in in the night
>>6368493+1
>>6368489>>6368493 +1
(Sorry, no update today.)
>>6369033Thanks for keeping us in the loop, QM.
You say that you are ready to go, and everyone but Tamako seems okay with this."Aww... I wanna hear more spooky stories." your daughter says, a little disappointed."Well you can always come back and get all spooked up again." Ann adds, which seems to pacify the changeling. As you leave the mansion Ann offers to drive you back, but you claim you'll get a ride share."Really? Well, suit yourself." Ann says, packing up the flashlights and backpack. She climbs into the van and while driving off shouts, "And thanks for taking the Gravel Mansion Tour!"Once the van is out of sight Seshat asks, "S-so, what now?"You say that you plan to head back in and examine the mansion a little bit closer. Seshat nods, Zul pulls out a handheld device not unlike the one you saw before. Tamako is already heading back towards the front door.The jammed door gives you easy access, and your first stop is the bathroom. It's locked, but Zul makes short work of it. You thought she was going to use one of the machines she has, but she just pulls out her laser gun and shoots the lock. You ask if it was a good idea to do that."I doubt any humans will even comprehend what happened." Zul says, pointing to the door knob now melting out of it's socket like ice cream.You open the bathroom and fumble around with the mechanism on the antique loo, but nothing seems to happen. In fact, while pulling on part of the plunger it snaps at one of the joints. Placing it back gingerly, you say that there probably isn't anything here."Aww... I was hoping there'd be a secret elevator or something... Oh well, have a good rest Mr. Toilet." Tamako says disappointed, giving the toilet seat a few slaps.You head over to the large freezer next, knocking on the metal walls until you find the hollow panel that Zul mentioned. You and Tamako paw and knock at the wall, and eventually the panel pops out. Four of them do in fact, revealing a dark, roughly hewn stone tunnel going down. However, as you and Tamako stick your heads in to take a closer look you pull back almost immediately. There is a sharp, unpleasant odor. It sort of reminds you of fish covered in piss."What's that smell?" Your daughter asks, crinkling her nose up. When you say you don't know she turns to Zul."I don't have that particular sensory organ." Zul admits, "But my antennae tell me it's ammonia along with some other things I can't identify.""A-are you sure it's a good idea to head down there? I mean... I mean there is so much more of the mansion we have yet to look through! Perhaps the anomaly is hiding out in one of these rooms?" The Egyptian goddess blurts out. " I mean we never went to the s-second floor or anything! Who knows what might be there."
>>6369391...I can't resist the puppy dog eyes, anons...>"That's a good point, Seshat... Might as well look for clues upstairs, see if there's anything we missed out on the first go around."
>>6369391Well, I can. We gotta go down there. She can hold onto us if she's afraid or something.
>>6369391Possibility of hidden corpse(s)?
>>6369391>ammoniamuch as i want to go down there, im pretty sure that thing is toxic, specially in enclosed spaces and something tells me there is a lot of that thing down there, we should get some gas mask before going down, maybe Zul could call the MiB again requestion for some cave diving equippement?but for now, i think the smart choice is to look on the 2nd floor
>>6369403+1. Molemen don't live upstairs, they live downstairs. Everyone knows this. I'm sorry, Seshat, but our journey leads into the bowels of the hollow earth.>>6369391
>>6369473I'm sure Zul will tell us if it gets too thick and we need to turn back. She has antennae for that!
>>6369391>>6369473 +1
You aren't sure that there is going to be anything upstairs, especially if they have a hidden stairyway here. Seshat's pleading eyes are a bit too much for you to disagree with however, so you agree to check it out.Seshat let's out a relieved sigh, which your daughter responds by raising an arm and saying, "Are you scared, Jimiko? Wanna hold my hand?""N-no I'm not- It's fine. Thank you though. It just might be dangerous down there. I mean should we go back and tell someone about this passage?" Seshat says, taking the Changeling's hand despite her words."I'm not sure we have much to say yet. We haven't found the Anomaly, and I'm not sensing any fae activity below." Zul says, glancing at the hole behind the metal panels. "I suppose I could report it, but I doubt we'll get any additional support when it could just be some old cleaning supplies."The east wing doesn't appear to have a second floor, so you return to the grand staircase and walk up from there. Behind the ornate double door at the top is hallway as refined as the one below. There are several doors here, all with the same plaques as the first floor's rooms. They read Master Bedroom, Guest Bedroom's #1-4, a bathroom, and the Servant's Quarters. The only one of these that is currently unlocked is the Master Bedroom, so you start there. It's rather large, though surprisingly sparse. There is a four poster bed, as well as a padded wooden bench.with a carved wooden coffee table. Across from the bed is a fireplace, gracefully patterned brick fire place. There are two other doors, but one just leads to a large empty walk-in closet while the other goes to a bathroom."So what else can your antenna do?" Your daughter asks, flopping onto the fancy bed and looking at the top of the disguised alien. "Is it just like, two noses on your head?""I suppose that's one way to describe them." Zul replies coughing slightly at the thin layer of dust Tamako kicked up, "To be more exact they are chemical receptors. Sort of like an insect's feelers. I can sense infrared for a short distance as well.""Infrared? Like the night vision goggles soldiers have and stuff?" Tamako asks, "So you can see in the dark? Cool!""I can't see in the dark, I can just sense the radiation coming off of objects. It gives me a general knowledge of where things are but it's not really sight." Zul explains. "In fact the dark is the only time it's really useful. The visible light spectrum generally serves me better otherwise."So what can you all see or whatever? People and furniture and stuff, or just invisible things?" Tamako inquires confused."I can sense anything with a temperature above absolute zero." the alien replies."Oh. Uh, okay!" Tamako says, clearly pretending to understand what that means.
>>6369891>Give our egg-daughter a lesson n thermodynamics while the others look around
>>6369891>"I can sense anything with a temperature above absolute zero."ooh, for a moment i thought it was regular 0º not absolute 0, i was going to suggest if she could use her senses to "sense" underground and see if she could find and "absence" of anything, if it were underground and shaped weirdly it could have been a tunnel system.But i dont think that would have worked anyways...in any case, since we are already here and we know that there are secret passages, we could look under the bed or inside the chimney, look for an signs of wear that could reveal a moving wall or something like that.
>>6369891>>6369915 +1
>>6369915Support
As you search the room, you explain it's the lowest possible temperature to your daughter."What temperature is that?" Tamako asks."-273.15°C or 0 Kelvin." Zul adds, fiddling with the buttons and knobs on her handheld device and holding it up in the air, "Or -459.67°F if you prefer that.""What the heck is a Fahrenheit and who is Kelvin?" Tamako questions, confused.You are surprised she doesn't mention Celsius, but then you remember she's been watching anime so is probably used to that temperature scale. This is starting to get above your knowledge level, so while Zul continues to explain science you instead examine the bedroom closer. You check under the bed, though considering you'd have to be somewhere above the Dining room you doubt there is a passage below you anywhere. You walk over to the fireplace and shine a flashlight up the chimney. You don't see anything suspicious, and it's not nearly wide enough to fit a person. You take a good luck at the bricks, and even try pushing at a few, however no secret rooms here either.You spot Seshat examining the ground, and ask what she's looking for."Signs of wear on the floor. Trying to see if there is heavy foot traffic somewhere. Signs of scrapping or scratches as well." The ancient Egyptian says, "I haven't r-really found anything though... Maybe the other rooms? Or you know the servant's quarters might have something!""Aww, can't we do the underground passage? I think we were closer to something there." Tamako says, and as Seshat starts to work herself up a bit she continues, "It'll be fine! Don't worry Jimiko, I'll protect you! Dad will be there too, and he has a gun!""I-I'm a Goddess you know, I can take care of myself." Seshat mumbles, flustered."Oh, so what are you worried about then?" Tamako says, pulling at Seshat's arm."N-Nothing, I suppose." The Goddess says apprehensively.You lean over and ask Zul what she thinks."I'm just along for the ride, Mr. Anomaly." Zul grins, stashing her device away. "Though, I must admit to being curious to see where the freezer passageway goes."
>>6370572Alright, "Jimiko" this can't go on forever. We have to investigate. I'm sorry.>Down the freezer tunnel
>>6370572>>6370576 +1
>>6370576fiiiiine +1but if we end up choking on the ammonia and passing out i swear im gonna tell everyone "i told you so!"at least bring a rag or something to cover our mouths/noses to filter the air at least a bit>>6370572why is it that Zul looks gorgeous in this pic?also, why is Tamako calling her Jimiko? i either forgot about this or wasnt paying enough attenion when that started...
>>6370572Does she have a problem with being underground?
>>6370603>why is it that Zul looks gorgeous in this pic?She's pretty cute>also, why is Tamako calling her Jimiko? Because there are multiple Seshats, so we started calling this one Jimiko to differentiate. I think.
>>6370603"Jimiko" is also a Japanese character archetype essentially referring to a nerd-girl (plain, mousy, quiet, serious, you know the type), so our weeb daughter decided that it was a good descriptor.>>6370603>>6370643>cute ZulThe things half-lidded eyes and a blush will do to a nigga...
Making your way back to the freezer, you all check your equipment. Seshat and Tamako test out the flashlights, and they are indeed quite bright. In fact, it's literally a beam of concentrated light. Not exactly the level of a laser but you wouldn't want it pointed at your eyes. Zul seems to be calibrating one of her instruments, and you take the opportunity to look check if your pistol is ready.You and Zul take the lead, with Seshat and Tamako keeping the way lit from behind. The stone staircase continues downward in a spiral, until it opens up into a a tunnel. The tunnel is braced with wood, and you nearly trip over some rails running down the center of the path. With the help of the powerful flashlights, you can all the way down the hall until it turns a corner. Across from the staircase is another room. There is no door, but there is a lot of trashbags around the entryway.You peer into the room, and spot a bunch of old tables. Atop these are a variety of containers. There are glass jars, beer bottles, and even large plastic soda containers and water jugs. Plastic tubes snake and intertwine between them, and the scent of chemicals and ammonia is even stronger here."Man, they sure go through a lot of batteries." Tamako says, peering into a nearby trashcan. "I wonder if there are any more around. Are these the kind that our flashlights use?" This does seem to be some sort of cleaning chemical storage, as you look into the trash can and there are indeed quite a few batteries as well as other things in there. You find bottles and cardboard packaging for over-the-counter cold medicine, anti-freeze, drain opener, paint thinner, hydrogen peroxide, and bottles of "Freon"."What sort of alchemy is this?" Seshat asks, looking apprehensively at the collection of containers on the table."I'm not sure." Zul says, glancing between the mason jars and two liter soda bottles. "Considering the reagents they must be making some sort of poison.""H-huh? But why?" Seshat asks, stepping back from the table. You yourself pull Tamako back as she reaches for some sort of aerosol can on the table."I haven't the slightest idea." Zul says perplexed. "Or more to be more exact, I'm not sure what sort of fairy would go to the trouble of putting it under a mansion like this. And what could it possibly have to do with what we are looking for? Perhaps the Anomaly is some sort of alchemical catalyst?"
>>6370922this certainly doesnt look like its work of a fairy...what if its other humans that stumbled upon fairies and are now dealing with them however they can? in this case, chemical warfare?honestly im just spitballing here, i got nothing this time other than to follow the plastic tubes, they are probably for ventilation, so they probably go outside?
>>6370922We can check the type of batteries used and the dates on the batteries to get an idea of how old this setup is.It's possible that all this has been sitting for decades, and it's also just as possible it was just used yesterday.Might tell us the likelihood of running into the owner, at least.
>>6370935Good thinking! +1>>6370927I also think maybe you're onto something... Could it be fairy molemen versus actual humans who squat here living like molemen? Maybe the old Gravel Family or a descendant,, or even more homeless trash-wizards?
>>6370922Oh goody, a meth lab.
>>6370935The inclusion of plastic bottles implies it's a more recent venture.
(Tablet acting up a bit, no pic for today, sorry)You realize in horror what this combination of ingredients is for. This is a meth lab! You ask Seshat to take Tamako outside the room and pull Zul aside, informing her of your suspicions."I see. I'm afraid I don't have much knowledge on these modern human drugs. They don't tend to create the kind of stories that make fairies." Zul says, rubbing her chin while she carefully glances from container to container. "Too new, and still all too real."You feel like lot's of artists are on drugs, considering what they create sometimes."And they are. That's why the SHR has a lot of info on older kinds of mind altering substances your kind used. For instance alcohol, peyote, cannabis, mushrooms... Ones deeply steeped in your culture and religion." Zul explains. "But other than LSD we haven't touched many modern drugs."Glancing around, you wonder how recent this set up is. Very carefully and without moving anything you check some of the packaging to see how recently this place may have been used. Zul seems to have gotten the same idea and says, "Just based on some of these expiration dates, I'd say this is still in regular use."She then glances around the room as a whole and says, "No anomaly, and no other doors anywhere. What now? Shall we keep exploring down here? It looks like it's connected to the mines."You motion around to the lab and ask what they should do about it. We can't just leave it here, right?"This is a human problem, not an SHR one. We can call the cops later if you'd like." the alien says.Thinking for a moment, you ask if they should tell the MiB."They'll probably just suggest calling the cops as well." Zul says.
>>6371425>It looks like it's connected to the mineseither we go there and prayt nobody is IN there, or we go there and the current inhabitants of this meth lab are in there...i say we explore the mines, this appears to be a clandestine entrance into the mine, should we have any problems there should be another exit somewhere...hopefully
>>6371430I'm inclined to agree with>Explore the mines>>6371425Maybe also>Ask Zul if she has any better ideas
>>6371425What does Zul have in her repertoire that can discretely deal with crackheads? I'm pretty sure it'd be a pretty bad idea to just start putting holes in them with our nine.
You decide a quick look around the tunnel might not be such a bad idea. Considering the mine cart tracks running down the center, you wonder if it connects to the gravel mine of the eponymous family. Using the high-powered flashlights, you make your way slowly down the track. You and Zul in the lead, Tamako in the center, and Seshat watching the rear.You've never actually been in a real life mine before, and you have to admit that it is much more claustrophobic than the media you have consumed would suggest. The wood buttressed walls and ceiling only extend out enough for two of you to walk side by side. The air here is cold and stale, and it's deathly silent except for the shifting of dirt and gravel as your party walks. You wonder if it's going anywhere, but every few steps you keep spotting leftover items on the ground. Luckily it's not drug paraphernalia, but discarded beer and cleaning supply containers, as well as food wrappers and what appear to be heavy, torn burlap bags.You ask Zul if she has something to deal with any people they come across, drug dealer or meth-heads might be trouble but they are still human. It's probably best not to go around melting people."Hmm, I suppose I could turn down the projectile strength so it just stuns. If there are fae here though it might not stop them." Zul says, pulling out her lasergun and turning a knob on the side. Each setting is labeled, but not knowing any Martian you can't make out what it means. You ask if she has any better ideas where the anomaly could be, since this whole thing turned out to be some sort of drug ring."Well, the anomaly could still be linked to the drug den, possibly." Zul remarks. "I suppose we could try to find your ghost friend. Wasn't she looking for something as well? If I'm honest, I kind of want to see where this ends up. I don't know much about mining, but aren't gravel mine usually pits, or quarries? Why is there a mine shaft at all?"Honestly, you hadn't thought about that.
>>6371936I'm sticking to my molepeople theory. I agree with Zul: press on! I don't think we even know how to find Camelia, do we? We kind of just have to wait for her to find us.
>>6371936Possibly tunnels for smuggling alcohol. Barrels aren't that easy to transport covertly after all.
>>6371942+1 lets keep going, there wouldnt be any signs of recent human interaction in here if it was just a tunnel, it HAS to go somewhere>I don't think we even know how to find Camelia, do we? We kind of just have to wait for her to find us.didnt she found us despite wearing the dream catcher thingy? if we are still wearing it then maybe taking it off would be like a beacon to call her
You say you aren't sure you can get in contact with Camelia. She doesn't seem to have any problems finding you though, so you are sure you'll see her sometime. You fiddle nervously with the charm around your neck. You aren't even sure why you are still wearing the thing, but despite it's ineffectiveness versus the ghost stalking you it makes you feel safer. She seemed to know what the necklace was. Maybe she can sense it? Would you be able to summon her if you take it off?You ask Zul if these tunnels could be related to the bootlegging operation from the past that Ann mentioned."That does make sense. They simply swapped one illegal substance for another." Zul remarksYour party continues on silently, walking for a few more minutes you think you hear some voices and the rhythmic hum of some machines, a few moments later your group spots light coming from around a distant corner.. You motion to the others to stay silent, and Zul motions back to turn off the flashlights. As you get closer you can hear what sounds like the squeaking of metal and wheels, of tumbling rock, as well as the grunts and heavy breathing of hard labor. The air feels crisper, and as you approach the turn in the mineshaft you think you can even feel a slight breeze. You carefully peek into the lit area of the tunnels, and see it opens up to the outside, though you can't see much more than some trees and some hills of loose stone.The first thing you see is a bulldozer, it's blade lifting and tilting gravel into one of two dump trucks set near the exit about fifteen meters away. The dump box on the other truck is empty, and you see that there is a false bottom on it. Currently there is a wooden board acting as a ramp leaning on the vehicle. This is allowing the three other people present to load it. Not with gravel, but with boxes. The workers aren't talking about anything in particular. Mostly just shit talk and work communication."What now, dad?" Tamako whispers excitedly, her eyes shining up at you."W-we go back, right?" Seshat murmurs.Zul says nothing, but you notice she has pulled out her laser gun.
>>6372420Let's wait and try to get one of the boxes, then run away and check it out in safety, to see if it's just drugs or if it's supernatural.
>>6372421+1but depending on the size of the boxes we might need more people to make a speedy retreat with it.if its small enough, we go ourselves and ask Zul and Seshat to cover us and keep a look out respectibly.If its too heavy/big, ask seshat to help us carry the box away while Zul covers us and Tamako keeps a look out
>>6372420Unless they can sense the anomaly, it's better not to do anything that'll get us noticed. Considering that it's night and they're loading something other than gravel, I bet their using the gravel shipments to hide what they're trying to smuggle.
>>6372420You know, considering that the mention is known for being haunted, perhaps we're actively repelling the phenomenon with the charm we are wearing?
(No update today, I'll update tomorrow instead)
>>6372829Sounds good. See you then, QM!
>>6372421support
You decide to wait and watch. They workers are having trouble loading up all the boxes, with one left behind. They begin arguing, and then the bulldozer finishes with the first truck. From the way they point and speak they seem to just resign themselves to leaving it behind. Two workers take off with the first truck while the others laze about and wait for the bulldozer to finish. They are talking again, but the gravel being transported is making too much noise to hear anything. You wait for them to finish up and leave, and decide to take this opportunity to get the box. You tell Tamako to yell if someone comes, and then quickly dash over to the box, swiping it. Luckily despite it's size it's quite light, just a bit awkward to carry. You bring it back to your crew, and using the light from the entrance you pop open the box, revealing tightly packed bags of translucent crystals."What's that? Candy?" Tamako asks.You tell her in no uncertain terms that it's not candy, and in fact something she should stay far away from."Not that there was much doubt, but I guess that confirms what this operation is." Zul says, gazing into the box.You ask if she can sense anything supernatural about it."Nope. Mundane." Zul says, picking up a brick briefly to look at it, and then putting it back."W-well, no anomaly here! Shall we head back?" Seshat asks, "I mean, there was a whole other tunnel path! M-maybe there is something less... Likely to get us caught that way?"
>>6373313>non-anomalous drugsas much as i want to investigate this, if Zul confirms its non-anomalous, i dont think there is much for us to do here...unless its also conected somehow.i refuse to believe there is a clandestine operation happening under an actual anomalous location, too much of a coincidence.Can we make sure of the workers are actually human before going back to the other tunnel?
>>6373313Yeah, looks like some pretty normal drug dealing stuff to me. Kinda feels like a modern Hanna-Barbera cartoon where a gang of oddballs solve a mystery that starts off with a monster and ends with the crew pulling a rubber mask off them…So then, who’s playing what role in this show?
>>6373313Put the box back where we got it from so as to avoid tipping off the crooks
You decide to head back for now. You slip the box back to where you found it, and then quickly make your way back down the tunnel. If it is just a regular ol' drug smuggling ring than there probably isn't an anomaly to be found. You decide to take Seshat suggestion, and head back to see where the mineshaft leads going the other direction from the freezer staircase. Because you don't have to fear what might be ahead of you, returning is much quicker and soon enough you are past the meth lab and into the unknown. From here you take a more careful pace, though the tunnel terminates much quicker into a circular room about as big as the meth lab room. You guess that whoever dug this tunnel stopped here, as the wooden bracing goes up all the way to a barely touched stone wall ahead. Oddly, unlike the rest of the path this room doesn't seem to have been touched, and it doesn't have any trash in it at all.As your party scans the room closer, you spot Tamako on her knees pawing at something on the floor. You ask her not to get herself filthy, which she responds by holding something up at you excitedly."Hey look a tooth!" Tamako announces, "Do you guys know the tooth fairy? She gives money for teeth right?"Zul sighs and says, "It's supposed to be your own teeth, but all the tooth fairies I've met haven't been so picky about that.""Nice! Oh hey another one!" Tamako says, pointing at the floor. She glances all around the gravel beneath and then says, "man, there are a lot of them."True to her word at closer inspection you that the floor has various bits of what appears to be bone. Most of the pieces are to broken or small to be identified, but you think you see some vertebrae and maybe a rib or two."Y-you don't suppose there is some sort of man eating beast here is there?" Seshat says in horror."I'm not so sure. These bones look a little old for some sort of predator to be responsible." The alien says, kneeling down and examining some of the bone fragments. "I don't sense any blood either. And there should be incidental items from it's kill. You know, bits of clothing, wallets, coins, phones... But it's just bones and dirt."
>>6373775thats....not good>no leftover evidenceeither that skeleton is ancient or whoever dragged the body here made sure to clean up nicely.either way, im not sure what to do here...do we dig the body up?
>>6373775>>6373782Could the drug operation have disturbed someone's final resting place and awoken a ghost?We might need Camelia after all... I'm at a loss.
>>6373775There could be many reasons why there may be bones here, and there is no indication so far that these are human bones. Do the teeth resemble human teeth? Do any of them having signs of previous dental work like fillings and such?Again, perhaps the charm we are wearing is suppressing whatever phenomenon we're trying to find?
>>6373775It's possible to destroy the flesh elsewhere with acid and dump the remains in a place nobody wouldn't look.
(Dangit, probably not going to get an update out again. Sorry.)
>>6374103It's okay OP. Thanks for the heads up.
"So are these like, new people or old skeletons?" Tamako comments picking up a few more teeth, flicking away broken ones."Some do appear to be older than others. They seems to span quite a bit of time actually." Zul says, pulling out her devices and examining different fragments in turn.You ask if this was some sort of body dump, maybe for the drug dealers."They certainly have the chemicals to dispose of a body. " The alien remarks. "C-can we talk about something else?" Seshat asks nervously.Zul drops the bone she was holding then turns to you and says, "What's our next move?"You honestly aren't sure now that this all turned out to be just be for regular ol' drugs. You suppose you should find Camelia. This seems like the sort of place a ghost would haunt, so maybe she could find out something from them. You say you are going to take off your charm and see if it will get Camelia to come. After removing the necklace you ask wait a few moments in the dark of the mineshaft, the only noise being a low rustle of earth caused by your parties nervous shuffling. "Did anything happen?" Seshat asks, looking at the charm with some curiosity.You shrug. You don't really feel any different. You ask the fairies if they know any sort of... Seance or something they could do."Not without different equipment." Zul says, then looking to the goddess continues, "This seems like your thing more than mine.""S-same for me, I can't do anything on the spot. " Seshat repeats.Well shoot. What now?
>>6374620>nothing usefuldang...im a bit stumped here.obviously confronting the workers is a no go, thats just asking for big trouble>noticed something wrong with the picture...besides being upside down>download>flip>pic relatedoh shit!quick! pull our flashlight and look around!
>>6374623Oh shit, right next to a pile of human(?) bones, too...
>>6374623support, zoinks scoob
>>6374623>mfwOh shit oh shit oh shiiii->>6374620>quick! pull our flashlight and look around!
(Sorry, computer is being in the fritz. Give me a day or two to get things back up and running. Also not sure why it posts upside down all the time. It's rightside up on my phone. )
>>6375150No worries OP.>Also not sure why it posts upside down all the time.It added an extra element of challenge/surprise this time, kek!
(Okay, should be good for an update tomorrow.)
>>6377661ayy, glad to hear that! i was starting to get worried about you...
The hairs on your neck stand on end as you feel the warm breath of someone behind you. Seshat let's out a gasping cry. You spin around as the flashlights that the others are holding light up the newcomer. Even before you turn fully around you know who it is. In fact, you are surprised you didn't smell him earlier."Alack! What what that for?" The tinfoil hat wearing man asks, shielding his eyes from the high lumen flashlights now shining upon him.Trying to keep the shock out of your voice you ask Ted what he's doing down here."That's not the homeless gentleman." Zul says, walking up beside you while looking appraisingly. "That's your ghost friend.""Indeed. So I was correct. This filthy beggar is what's being hidden away." Camelia says, frowning. "Now, who is he? You seem to know him.""I told you, a homeless gentleman." The green woman replies.You say his name is Ted and he calls himself an immortal psychic shaman."I have never heard of a psychic shaman, much less an immortal who let themselves get to this state." She says, making Ted motion to himself. "He was just sort of wandering around near some abandoned houses, muttering to himself.""To be fair, he clearly suffers from some sort of mental illness." Zul says."And? Most immortals do." Camelia remarks with a shrug, then glancing to something behind you continues. "Honey, you can put that down I'm not going to hurt you."You turn to see Tamako in a stance like she could throw something. On closer inspection, it seems to be a rock. Your daughter drops the stone and says, "Yeah... Wouldn't want to hurt this dude I guess.""I'm confused, why can't we sense you? What was all this about being hidden?" Seshat says, coming into the conversation."Just a little something between my husband and me, harlot." The possessed body says with a sneer to the goddess. She then returns to you and asks, "Anyway, what now darling?""Yeah, what now, Mr. Anomaly?" Zul says with a wry smile. You hadn't thought whatever Camelia sensed was going to be Ted. He isn't a ghost, at least as far as you know. Perhaps he is important for some reason? You ask what the aura or field he has on him is being generated is."I'm not sure, to be honest." Camelia says, looking down at the vagrants body. "This man isn't doing it to himself, and it doesn't seem to be any sort of outside influence masking him. At least not that I can sense."
>>6378078so...the hobbo IS anomalous, but there is no real way of knowing what he could possibly do besides probably being immortal? thats...interesting.sadly, i got nothing this time, anyone got any ideas?
>>6378078>>6378097Huh... Maybe the tinfoil hat on his head could be the anomaly?
>>6378078I'm with >>6378105: either the tinfoil hat is the anomaly, or his theory that it's shielding him is true and taking it off could bait the REAL anomaly.>take off the tinfoil hat, Camelia
>>6378078Yeah, I'm with those other guys. That tinfoil hat probably IS working as a shield. From which direction I guess we'll soon know.
alright, looks like removing the tinfoil hat is the best move, +1 to it i guess
You remember the previous conversations with Ted you had, and remember him mentioning that his hat hid him away from what you know to be the MiB. Perhaps he wasn't so crazy when it came to that?You ask Camelia to give you the possessed man's tinfoil hat. It's heavier and more solid than you would imagine the crumpled metal sheets to be, but other than that doesn't seem to be any thing special to you. You ask the others if they can sense anything."Now that you mention it..." Seshat says, leaning closer.Camelia let's out a derisive snort and says, "Oh, just seeing it now? It was a good thing I was here, right my love?"You say you appreciate her help, but ask her not to be rude to your fellow co-workers. Zul takes the opportunity to squint at it. You offer it to her, but she declines to touch it."There is something there, but it doesn't feel like an anomaly." Zul says taking out the remote looking device from before she says, "I'm not picking up much on this either. Very strange.""Darling, explain everything this man said to you about his... Unique chapeau." Camelia says, trying to be nice. You say what you remember about your conversation with Ted and the ghost replies, "He turned it into a tinfoil hat, you say? Did he mention what it looked like before hand? Or how he did it? No? Hmm...""I'm pretty good at changing, maybe I can figure it out! Can I try it on?" Tamako holding out her hands towards the hat, "I want a tiara to go with my scepter.""Don't touch that, it's filthy." Camelia says, "I wouldn't be surprised if it has lice. Speaking of which, are we done with this 'gentleman'? I'd prefer to not possess him any longer than I need too."
>>6378597unravel the tinfoil, either the "tinfoil" can be unfolded into its previous original state or something is being covered by it
>>6378603Worth giving it a go. +1
(No update today. Will update tomorrow. )
>>6378967See you then!
>>6378597We could also try the hat on, first...
You attempt to unwrap and smooth out the tinfoil, but it's surprisingly solid. Try as you might, you can't seem to morph or twist any bits of it. You put it on your head, not wanting Tamako to wear something that could possibly be dangerous without you trying it out first.You don't feel anything, and ask the others if you look any different or if something happened."You look crazier." Zul remarks."Is this actual human fashion? Boy, things sure have changed from galabiyyas and usekhs..." Seshat says, pushing up her glasses.You remove the hat, a little flustered. After a moment, you ask if it's actually the anomaly you were looking for."I mean, it seems like it." Zul says, looking curiously to the hat, and then back to her device.You ask if it's okay to leave. You still feel like it isn't the right thing to leave behind a drug ring with a room full of skeletons, but Zul doesn't seem very concerned about it at all."Yes, we should be getting the anomaly back to base before anything else happens." your green co-worker remarks.Your party turns and returns up the staircase."W-what an adventure. I'm glad it's wrapping up though. This last bit with the illegal drugs freaked me out a bit." Seshat says with a nervous laugh."I must admit to being intrigued about anomalies being able to sense each other. I might have to put more research into this." Zul says, taking notes on a notepad."Man, if we had just taken the hat from that guy earlier we could have gone home way sooner!" Tamako says as she hops up the steps."Indeed. Let's pretend that's not true though." Zul mutters as you make your way out of the freezer and out of the mansion entirely.As you exit you hold the door open for others. Everything seems fine until you see Camelia come through, as she appears to be less homeless looking than she was before. You ask her where Ted is."Huh? Oh, I left him down below." Camelia says, and then seeing your face continues, "W-what? I asked you if we were done with them and you didn't answer. I'm sure he'll be fine down there."
>>6379400She left him in a pit containing human remains a stones throw away from the drug lab of some criminal organization
>>6379400ooh man, i dont think he deserves that, he was cool and kinda useful.>Ask her to bring him back, its dangerous down there
>>6379400Camelia, what the fuck!!>Go get poor Ted out of there
>>6379400>Get uncle Ted some help.
>>6379420Is it possible that Ted and the tinfoil hat, together, is the anomaly, rather than one or the other?
"Please don't leave a mentally ill elderly man in a dark cave full of bodies and drug dealers." Zul says, rubbing her temples."We are done with him aren't we? What does it matter what happens to that man. It's not like you'll ever see him again." Camelia replies in a guarded manner. "You want him out so bad you go and possess him."You say you are going back to get Ted. Zul joins you. Seshat is reluctant to come, and says she'll watch Tamako. Camelia on the other hand huffs and says there isn't really any point to getting the homeless man. As you return to the caves you see Ted just starting to stir. You help him up, and he briefly glances around."What's going on? Why are you here? Where even are we." The homeless man asks in a surprisingly calm manner as he dusts himself off. "Last thing I remember is finally finding that ghost everyone kept talking about and now I'm here. Wait, why are you wearing my hat."You lie and say you found it outside the building. That's why you knew he was in here somewhere. You quickly make up an excuse about finding a trail leading to the freezer and down to him."How strange... Well, I'd like my hat back now please." He requests."I'm sorry Mr. Psychic Shaman, but we require your headwear. We were looking for it, and it's actually the reason we are in Gravel City in the first place." Zul says, "If it's possible, could you part with it?""I can't just give it away." Ted replies indignant."I wasn't really asking, as we will be taking it one way or another. I'm sorry, but is there anything we can offer in recompense?" Your coworker asks."My main concern is going around without any protection from those who seek my secrets of immortality. They are a crafty bunch, and are fond of both magic and red tape..""My friend here has a very powerful ward on him, would that do?" Zul says, pointing to your Exorcist charm on your chest."May I see it?" Ted says, and you sheepishly give it over. While he examines the necklace you whisper to Zul and ask if it's okay to give it away."We can always get you another one." Your green co-worker murmurs back to you.You comment that your concern is more that you are just trading one magical item for another. Won't that cause problems?"That charm isn't on the same level of an anomaly." Zul whispers back. "I'm sure it'll lose it's glamour over time if it isn't taken in to the exorcist to maintain.""The sun, a cross, the sword... Even a rabbit's paw! Yes, I think this will do nicely! You know, If I had a kid he'd probably be about your age now. Make good use of that hat." Ted says, giving a big wink. "To make it work, just put it on your head and say 'sœma'. Make sure you have a good idea of what you want it to turn into, or you may end up with something silly. I once got a propeller hat out of it."
>>6379872>Make sure you have a good idea of what you want it to turn intoSay the word and think of a cool hat, maybe a cowboy hat?
>>6379872We should get out of here soon. We noticed both a meth lab and human remains while you were out.
>>6379872Seconding >>6379877>>6379876Hilde's head cannon... hat
>>6379872>Think of a cozy knitted beanie, MANIFEST>Then GTFO before the gangsters come back
>>6379872Trucker hat with the words “I visited the Gravel Family Haunted Mansion and all I got was this haunted hat and meth!” on it.Or Ann’s face like picrel.
>>6380062Or Ann’s face like picrel AS A PATCH ON THE TRUCKER HAT.Forgot to be specific about that. For all I know, it’ll turn into an Ann Pogchamp Halloween mask.
>>6380062...Shit, the trucker hat is a good call. Not Ann's face, but the >“I visited the Gravel Family Haunted Mansion and all I got was this haunted hat"would be great.>>6379872I'm >>6380008, and I'm changing my hat vote.
>>6380062ok, damn, thats a fun idea, i like it.chancing my vote from >>6379876 to this
(Lol! Great suggestion. I'm not going to be able to get an update tonight though, sorry.)
>>6380172thats ok, take your time
>>6380172No prob, looking forward to it!
"You should probably turn that into something else." Zul says glaring at the sculpted tinfoil, "We don't want to draw attention to ourselves."You consider your options for a moment, and then don the metal hat and concentrate hard. You come up with a beanie, or perhaps a cowboy hat. Something that will blend in. On the other hand, if you can make any hat you want why settle for something you can already find? After all, who knows when you'll get another transforming hat again?"That's... Certainly a choice." Zul says flatly, giving a raised eyebrow to your headpiece as she shines a light on it."Oh, I think I know that young lady." Ted says, pointing to your new cap, "That's the lady who works at the pizza place, isn't it? She gives out the timed-out food at closing. Nice girl."You take the hat off your head and take a look at your work. Like you had imagined it, the anomaly became a truckers hat with a green mesh and bill. The front panel is a blank white save for a chariacture of Anne making a memetically enthusiastic face."Anyway, show me the way out of here. You said something about meth labs and dead bodies?" The homeless man asks, scanning the darkness of the cavern the best he can."Quite a large operation, it seems." Zul says unconcerned as you make your way back to the surface."Nasty business. This is probably pretty obvious, but getting involved in that stuff is definitely not the path to immortality." Ted says, shaking his head. "You should report them to the authorities."You say it'd probably be best if that information came from a local."Not so much. The police don't listen to me anymore." The Psychic Shaman says, "Bought by the illuminati, I think."You make it back out to Seshat and Tamako, who are sitting on a bench near the entrance. Camelia has thankfully made herself scarce."S-so we all done? Time to go home?" Seshat asks nervously.
>>6380459>ask Ted where he originally got the tinfoil hatThe anomaly must have come from somewhere, right?
>>6380459>"S-so we all done? Time to go home?" Seshat asks nervously.i dont think we are even close to that, we found A anomaly but i dont think its THE anomaly we are looking for at all.Also, lmao, that hat is amazing>>6380462+1
>>6380459Oh my fucking god, I didn't think you'd go for the second one. Thank you for the laugh.>"Yeah, but just before we leave the mansion, let's get a picture of all of us together.">After we take the pic, look up the website of the Gravel City Ghost Mansion tour and give them a shining review.>Don't forget to mention the souvenir hats we bought (both the "All I got" and "Ann Poggers" versions). Hopefully the tour company will take the hint and start making them for tourists.
>>6380465We are going to humiliate this nice young lad, holy shit, lol...
You ask your new homeless friend where he even got the hat from."My late brother gave it to me." Ted explains, "One of my great grandfathers passed it to him. He passed it down to me. Now, I pass it to you and your... Group. Whoever you are. Please take care of it.""What is it's original form? Has it always been a tinfoil hat?" Seshat asks, seemingly feeling a bit more comfortable around Ted now."A helmet. It had sort of a bowl shape, and a long nose guard." The elder man says, "I think my brother called it a Huliðshjálmr."As you make your way back to town you, Tamako, and Ted say the word between yourselves, trying to get the pronunciation correct. After that, you decide to add to the hat. Concentrating again, you had some words to the anomaly. They mention how you went on the ghost tour, and all you got was this hat and some meth."Absolutely not. It does not seem like a good idea to parade around the knowledge that we know about a meth lab here." Zul says as Ted gives a chuckle, and after asking if you can at least get a picture without the words to send to the City's website. Your green co-worker vetoes the idea by saying, "I want to leave as little evidence as possible that we were here."Soon you and your new friend must part, and he gives you a firm handshake and a clap on the back before he goes. While he leaves, You ask if Zul is sure this was the anomaly they were looking for. The MiB couldn't track it down after all. Perhaps there is another one?"They knew an anomaly was here, but couldn't pinpoint it despite their best efforts. Sounds like this concealing helmet fits the bill." Zul says, waving goodbye to the homeless man as he dawdles off. "I'll have to contact the MiB again soon anyway. We can ask them what they think.""Can I have a turn with the hat?" Tamako says, reaching up at the anomaly despite being far to short to grab it. You place the trucker's hat atop your daughter's head, and moments later she has a girly, metallic pink tiara decorated with a few flowers. Paired with her wand she is a frilly dress short of looking the part of a magical girl. You tell Tamako she looks cute, and she beams."Well, don't get to used to it. It's probably going to Research once we get back" Zul says.You ask if that's what usually happens with Anomalies the SHR finds."Yes. If it's something we can handle we'll catalogue it's traits and store it away. If not we'll send it off to the main office. I must admit though, our branch is particularly good at research." Zul says, some pride in her voice.
>>6380803awww she looks so proud and cute, reminder to get her a tiara when we get the chancebesides that...idunno, mission accomplished i guess??? maybe research more of on that helmet in the library while we wait for extraction?
>>6380803>sœma>Huliðshjálmr>It had sort of a bowl shape, and a long nose guard.>"Sounds Norse or Icelandic... Should probably do some research into Viking legends, we might get a few hits.">"Hope Ted gets back on his feet eventually... I'm thinking he'd be good doing an Art Bell Coast to Coast radio show. Now that I think about it, that could also be a good way to keep an ear open for anomalies, does the SHR do that already, Zul?"
>>6380807Oh, and take a picture of Tamako when we get back with the tiara before we have to give the hat up.
>>6380806>>6380808+1>>6380803
You are momentarily distracted by Tamako's adorableness, and you make a note to yourself to get Tamako a tiara. You really wish you had a phone to take a picture with, but a lot of that was confiscated when you were taken in by the SHR. However you then focus up. You ask how they are going to get home."Same way we got here." Zul says, checking a wristwatch. "The bus comes every thirty minutes if it knows someone is waiting for one, so we should probably head back to that stop we came in on."As you walk, you consider what you know about the anomaly. "Sœma" and "Huliðshjálmr" sound nordic to you. A bowl-shaped helmet with a nose guard sounds like one of those realistic viking helmets you remember after hearing that viking didn't actually have the horned ones they are so often portrayed with. You inform Zul of this."I was thinking the same thing. I've never heard of a Huliðshjálmr before, but it sounds like many of the other kinds of concealing clothing." Zul says."Perhaps it's related to the Tarnhelm? Germanic and Nordic people are close to each other, r-right?" Seshat asks. "I think the Greek's had a cap of invisibility as well."As the subject dies down you begin to lament Ted's situation, and you say you hope things get better for him. You ask if the SHR has any human informants. Perhaps they can get Ted to run some sort of podcast where people call in and he can gather information that way."I'm actually not to sure on the specific methods that we use track down anomalies. Obviously when we get close enough we can sense them, but before that some sort of investigation must be done. The MiB is part of that for sure, as is HQ. But if there are human contacts the SHR uses it isn't something I've heard of.""Hey, can I talk to you for a second?" Camelia says, appearing right in front of your group, causing most of the party jump slightly in shock. You look around, and luckily you are still close enough to the forest that there aren't any people around. You ask if it has to be right now. She nods her head enthusiastically and you ask the others to continue on, saying you'll catch up in a moment. You have a feeling that even though the others agreed that it was a lie, and that they'll stick around nearby to eavesdrop. You take the ghost behind some trees just off road so you can pretend to get some space and also gives the others a place to hide.Camelia gets right to the point, her transparent cheeks flushing a bit as she asks, "I-I know we wanted to wait until I got a proper vessel for myself, but how about we take a later bus and instead go on a date? We are in the human world and everything, seems like a perfect opportunity! I can go find another body to possess. You were eyeing that pizza wench, correct? Perhaps we can track her down again."What do you do?
>>6381193Is... Is Camelia suggesting she'll just possess women we find attractive for date nights? That is as hot as it is sinister, and so I must sadly decline. We have an example to set for our possibly homophagus monster daughter. Even if she means it in an innocent way, we can't just hijack Ann's life for a lark, right?
>>6381193boy...this broad cant take a hint, huh?>say that not only thats morally wrong (and most likely also kidnaping) but that you are also exhausted from walking around the city all day, besides, we cant exactly separate the group, so making them stay here for more than necessary just for a date wont fly with them.
I have to admit that pizza girl *is* cute, and going on a date with her, even if it's just with a posessed ghost, sounds a bit hot.
>>6381304while i do agree that she is cute, this is not something we should be teaching our daughteru
>>6381524True, but it's hard being surrounded by so many cute women and not doing anything.
>>6381207>boy...this broad cant take a hint, huh?We have been leading her on a little bit, in fairness, albeit only o she doesn't do something drastic like murder us or our friends.
(No update today, but will update tomorrow)
You say that you don't find Camelia possessing someone to use to go out on a date particularly palatable. The ethics of possessing Ann aside, you say you probably shouldn't split from your team. You aren't even sure you can, sense you are technically a prisoner and all. You also lie and mention that it's been a rather long day, and you'd just like to get back to your room for the night."You won't even ask? I'm sure your little alien friend would understand wanting to spend some time with your wife! Honestly, I feel like I'm the only one trying in this relationship." Camelia announces. "All I ask for is a body so that we can finally be together, and you take days to find me one."You mention that it isn't quite that easy for you to find a body for her, in particular because of the whole prisoner thing. Technically that's true, which is good because Camelia may not like your real answer."Sure it is, like I mentioned before there are plenty of women just like that pizza woman." The ghost huffs. "And you clearly find her attractive. I saw the way you look at her. Don't worry, I'm not mad as long as it's just a human. You bounce your eyes away from that ogre and the Egypcian, alright?"
i kinda want to rip the band-aid off and tell her off already...but i dont know how that would go...any ideas?
>>6382043>but i dont know how that would go...>any ideas?She won't take a no and outright kill us so we can be together. C'mon anon, why do you think we been dancing around this issue for this long? She can literally breach the Magical-FBI and were not for the kiki on our room we be dead on our sleep. Me and the others anons aren't happy about this situation but until we can either A- Give her a body or B- find a way to make her leave like exorcize her or the likewe need to keep entertaining her.>>6382036How about an alternative take, rather than have her do something questionable like killing or possessing someone or killing us how about instead she have a talk about with the people from our prison/workplace? They deal in all sorts of magical/supernatural/scientific stuff, surely someone there could help with her situation about resurrection or finding a temporary body so she can possess, like mechanical body or something like that.
>>6382043>>6382093Ask for consent from pizza girl?
>>6382113>Do you mind letting a yandere ghost possess you so we can go on a date with her?
>>6382121You never know if you don't try.
>>6382093I believe we should just tell her that we need to get her a REAL body we can interact without it being rape.Momma didn't raise no rapist.
>>6382093fine fine, i get it, we cant rip the band-aid yet.in this case, i would go with >>6382148maybe appealing to what little humanity she has left and guilt tripping her could work here
>>6382148>>6382243She was going to leave Ted Steinsson for dead. She is fine with us being attracted to humans because she sees them as so far beneath her that they can't even cuck her. She does not care.>>6382036>Agree to ask our coworkers and Anne and, if both say it's okay, have a date. But nothing too steamy!
>>6382270Y'all are forgetting about our real date with a willing woman?
>>6382271Sorry I am not used to those so it must have slipped.
>>6382271What? The date with Margaret that we won't be able to attend if we're dead or being closely monitored by a vengeful ghost? No I'm not forgetting. What does that have to do with this? We just need to appease her and then, if worse comes to worst, raincheck. Margaret is unlikely to begrudge us being in, like, a hostage situation.
>>6382319We can appease her without going on some forceful bodyjacking date with a girl we just met.
>>6382330In fact, what do you think is gonna happen to the girl if she says no? Even if we go "Welp, sorry, can't do it" and she doesn't do anything at the moment, She's just gonna think "I was finally gonna have a date and then this bitch ruined it" and take her revenge the moment we look away.
>>6382330I did suggest asking permission. If anybody says "no," well, we tried! If Ann says yes, this could be amusing.>>6382332We have to do something, and I don't think Camelia is open to reason or moral appeals, because we just tried that and she no-sold us.
>>6382337And as I told you, asking for permission is a bad idea because if she says no, then the anger will be redirected at her.But you know what, if you're so sure she'll agree to be possessed by a ghost for a date with a guy she's known for one day...just have the decency to tell our friends we didn't just randomly lose 50 IQ and decide to be a double-timer out of nowhere when we already have one later today.
You ask her if he should really just walk up to Ann and ask her if a ghost can possess her body. She seems pretty chill but you are pretty sure not even she would be cool with that."Well, we don't have to ask..." Camela mutters, but you quickly veto the idea, making it clear again that you are also not cool with the lack of consent in the situation. This makes the ghost let out an exasperated sigh.Your starting to wish you could just rip the band-aid off now and tell Camelia that you don't like her in that way, though how you could do that without making her go on a murder spree is beyond you. Apparently even at home base you might not be free of her. You thank your luck she somehow hasn't found out about Margaret, because that'd probably make things way worse for both of you.You ask what she expects you to do, just walk up to everyone in the SHR and ask if they'd be okay with giving up their body? You feel like that'd draw the sort of attention that Camelia would want."Have you even tried asking anywhere? I know there is a dungeon and some sort of laboratory in that place." The ghost says with a frown, "Just ask some of the prisoners and test subjects! They have to have all variety of fairy and human in there. Just remember it has to be a flesh and blood body, and if it's dead it has to be pretty newly deceased or it won't work for my purposes."You need to find a way to get her a body, or a find a way to keep her away from you. At least for now you just need a way to get out of this conversation and hopefully figure out the rest later. You sure hope the others are listening in at this point, because you may need some ideas.
How stupid do you think it would be to say that we'll give her a "show" if she promises to give us some time to convince them to give her a body? The caveat is that she has to PROMISE on her love that she will not follow us into the base because they will find out and will say no, even if she thinks they won't, because there's people who can shoo her out like the maid.What we mean by "show", we'll let her decide. Just something to "keep her happy" for the moment since we can't get a date.And genuinely, giving her a body is the only way we'll get her to stop being a threat.
>>6382429pretty stupid...but it might work if it "satisfies her needs".willing to support that idea
>>6382435At the very least, it'll make her go red enough that she'll fuck off for the moment.But, we do have to make her promise that she will not follow us...for obvious reasons.
>>6382426>pretty newly deceasedIs a Frankenstein's monster kind of scenario an option? Just asking, not promising anything.
>>6382341>double-timerMost people who have not formally committed to be boyfriend/girlfriend do not consider it cheating to date other people, too, as long as everyone's honest about it. it's the distinction between going on "a date" and "going steady." Margaret herself is, if we take Zul at her word, just looking for a bit of fun.>>6382429>>6382435I can also back this, but I think Camelia wants to actually, like, go out and hold hands and do couple things, not just watch us strip or whatever. Rather than just offering that, it might be worth asking...>>6382426>ask Camelia what sort of date she has in mind
>>6382463The issue, anon, is that we can't give her a date right now. We can't just force a girl to get possessed.My logic is that if telling her we'll go shirtless or polish our knob in front of her is enough to get her to sod off for the day, that will be very useful to us. Especially more so if we can get her to NOT be around when we have a date with another woman, which would probably otherwise set her on a murderous rage.
You ask her what sort of date she is expecting."We'd start with a sunset meet-up and a nice, cozy, scenic place, maybe a viewpoint at a park or a waterfront somewhere. You'll compliment me, I'll blush and take it in stride. You'll have a nice bouquet of flower for me." Camelia starts, a dreamy look in her eyes. "We'll go to a romantic dinner. Italian with nice, warm lighting and candles. There will be light teasing and laughter, thoughtful questions... We'll share an appetizer or a dessert."You open your mouth to comment but she seems a bit absorbed and continues, "Maybe we can take a post-dinner walk somewhere. A night market, or a promenade somewhere. After that, you'd walk me home like a gentleman, giving a a kiss at the doorstep before you leave."She seems to have quite the plan already worked out. You say you can't exactly give her that spur of the moment. First of all it's already night so a sunset meet-up isn't possible. It does sound nice, but she wants a body Camelia will have to let you handle it. You say you need her to stay away from the SHR base or it might ruin your chances to find a suitable vessel for her."You know, just because I worked with Unseelie doesn't mean I am one. I was a human once too after all" She pouts, "Maybe put in a good word for me there? Oh! Maybe I can work alongside you? That way you wouldn't have to worry about being tempted by all these other hussies."Unseelie or not, you are pretty sure she wouldn't be very welcome in SHR. She has a bit of a dark streak, and doesn't think very highly of life in general. You quickly say you'll look into it and then ask her why she needs someone freshly dead."The magical of the ritual to transfer me into a body permanently requires it." Camelia says. "Does that mean you are going to find me one? I can start prepping the spell now, it shouldn't take you more than a day or two to find a body, right?"
>>6382833i know we were talking abour morality in the last update...but would it be so bad to go back down to the tunnels...kill a female (if there even is one) member of the drug dealers and use that body?we would be removing a bad apple from society, giving her a freshly deceased body and might give us an opportunity later to finally get rid of her?
>>6382839That's still murder.
>>6382833Still want to ask about whether or not it's possible to create a body.
>>6382833Let's tell her that we will look into it, but we can't really rush it unless she wants to accidentally be stuck in a crappy body.
>>6382839We don't know that every member of the gang is equally evil. Some might be coerced or trafficked, essentially victims. I'm against it.>>6382833>Tell her you'll do your best>Talk obliquely about the situation with the others, so they can start working on a solution
>>6382465She seems a little too classy or old-fashioned for that, based on the new update.
>>6382932It's moot since the choice didn't go through but she seemed to get real flustered when we first breached that topic some time ago. If we offered it she'd probably blush and leave but ultimately agree.
>>6382839Learn alchemy or find someone who does know it for a body? Full Metal Alchemist hours would be pretty cool.If someone beautiful and tragic was dying of an illness I suppose a hospital would be the place to go. What if she was in a coma? Would she work out a deal where the lady gets to live and share the body.
You say you'll look into finding Camelia a suitable body, but you don't want to rush. She wouldn't want a crappy body would she? She needs to give you a few days to figure things out."...My ritual will transform the body a bit, so I wouldn't worry about the looks or anything too much." Camelia announces happily. "It doesn't even need to be female, just alive or fresh."Trying to think of other ways, you ask her if it's possible to just create a body. You feel like that's something that magic would be able to do."Yes, of course! I had thought body harvesting and organ farming had fallen out of favor over the years but perhaps I was wrong?" Camelia asks hopefully. "I mean, it'd still be quicker to get an existing body. Plus creating a nice new body takes a lot of dead ones. Oh! You know those criminals below had a lot of bone in that cave didn't they? We can use flesh from animals, we'd just need a lot more... Plus, that cave would make a nice place to set up the ritual, especially since it's surrounded in so much death already."Getting a bit worried, you tell her that you don't think the drug dealers would appreciate her as a neighbor. Come to think of it, you aren't sure the SHR would want her doing evil sounding magic in the real world either."Well I'd like to see either try and stop me." She mutters to herself darkly, "Oh! But how about we take one of those drug peddlers? That would be okay wouldn't it?"A little alarmed the conversation has went this way, you ask why that would be any better."These peddlers are evil people, correct? Then are doing some good then by getting rid of them. And if they are evil then does it matter how we do it, or what we do with the bodies afterwards. Ultimately, the amount of righteousness increases, right?"
>>6383249Hmm... This line reasoning actually counts as a moral improvement over her previous total lack of comprehension for good and evil!>Praise her a little for her keen moral clarity!>But remind her that we want the SHR to take a merciful stance to yourself, Camelia, and your adopted daughter from a sinister fairy race>Also, there's no way they'll let us murder that guy, anyway... It's one thing to ask for a delay to do a date, and another to ask permission to kill a guy on our secret mission>Maybe we can ask them, ask Ann if they let us, and if this gets (conveniently) stopped befroe it goes too far, we can at least say we tried?
>>6383258this sounds good, i like it.+1
>>6383258We really shouldn't even be asking. "Hey so can we murder all these people and harvest their flesh"? Do you think they'll really accept that? I support the other parts but not asking. We really just need to go
>>6383316I just want to alert them to the fact we're under duress. Asking about date options such as crafting a flesh golem or possessing anninnocent woman should tip them off to the sorts of comversations we're being forced ot have and the urgency of getting Camelia under control.That said, if we want to get ehr a body adn animal meat will do... Could the SHR just buy a bunch of fresh pig carcasses or something from a slaughterhouse?
(Been having trouble keeping up with updates recently, sorry. No update tonight.)
>>6383601No worries, OP. We'll see you when you're ready.
>>6383601Waiting warmly.
You say you are pretty sure the SHR aren't going to approve of murdering anyone at all, even if they are evil people. You aren't even sure you can ask about it. It would look supremely suspicious, especially since you are under their custody.Camelia opens her mouth to say something but you are interrupted by a shaking of some nearby bushes."H-hey! We were wondering where you want." Seshat says, popping up out of one of the shrubs. Looking you dead in the eye and clearly trying to not avoid Camelia's. "T-t-t-the bus is going to be coming we should probably get going!""Well my dear, I'll come visit soon, hopefully you'll find an appropriate vessel by then." The ghost says. She gives you a kiss on the cheek, and despite the icy chill it leaves behind you can feel the warmth behind the action. She slowly floats away, the last thing you see being her soft smile as she slowly becomes more transparent before completely vanishing from sight."S-she's gone, you are safe now. Are you okay?" Seshat asks concerned, looking you over.You say you are fine, but that you aren't sure what to do now. You can't imagine someone is just going to give up their body for a ghost to inhabit."Ha ha... Yeah, p-probably not." Seshat admits as Zul and Tamako join you. Your party starts to walk back towards the city, continuing the conversation."No, the SHR doesn't have fresh dead bodies lying around nor is it in the habit of offering living ones, with or without their consent." Zul says, as you make your way down the darkening forest and towards the streetlamps of the business district you were at before.You ask if they have any animal meat in the base he can use if necessary."I know Research uses real world animals some for experiments. I think some agents use them for sacrifices and magical rituals as well." Zul replies."We could ask Emogen for some! She says she can get all kinds of food!" Tamako says, swinging around her toy wand absentmindedly as she walks.You hadn't thought about that. It is flesh after all, and she said for building a body the freshness didn't matter. Your group stops outside the town's limits, near the welcome sign you arrived at. As you wait you take a deep breath of crisp dusk air, trying to take in the moonlit scenery of human habitation. You'll be going back to the fairy world for a bit now and who knows when you'll be back to the real one. It is a shame you couldn't stay longer. Who knows what you could have missed in just a few days?You thank Seshat for stepping in and helping you disengage from Camelia."Oh! N-no problem!" She says, surprised. "I could see how nervous you were. If I were in your shoes I think I'd want someone to help me so... I helped."
>>6384357Well, nothing much to do but go back to base for our actual date...even if it's somewhat likely it won't go anywhere if what Zul said is true.
>>6384358Oh, I can think of one place it can go to: pound town>>6384357More seriously though you never know, Kimiko-Seshat is a cute. She may actually be the one I favor for the Martin Medal of Approval.
>>6384357you can tell we took too long figuring this one out, EggOP had to give us the answer so we could move on.Sorry EggOP, you just out us ina really awkward situation there.In any case, i guess all we can do now is go back to base and get ready for our date, also, we could give Tamako a small "mission" and tell her to let Emogen know that we might need some meat in the future, that ought to keep her entertained for a bit while we go on our date and she can have fun exploring the base
>>6384367Hey, I came up with the answer, if it's just collecting a bunch of animal meat! Though perhaps I only picked that after it had been choreographed, in restrospect...>>6384357I'll support this vote.
>>6384368honestly, could be either, but if that was you then i´ll give credit where credit is due
>>6384357I think SHR should build a body for her, it'd make it easier to keep tabs on her and grant an opportunity to question her about the Unseelie organization that previously possessed her.
Your bus arrives, and you all board. Despite the lateness of the hour there are still quite a few fae riding the transport. In fact, you are quite sure there are more here than when you first rode it. If you hadn't gotten used to all the recent strangeness these people may have frightened you. Many of them are human looking with one odd part of their body, such as a dapper looking man with the head of a bat. Others are humanoid, such as what is very clearly a werewolf sitting down the aisles from you. Still others you can barely see other than shadowy shapes out of the corner of your eyes."It's around the time a night shift would start." Zul replies when you mention this. "A lot of fae are nocturnal so it's not that unusual. Granted, most of them are Unseelie but there are some among the SHR."You ask if the SHR will get Camelia a body. Not for free of course, but for information about the Unseelie that put her in the ring."Hmm... She was with the group who used that 'spider-bot' as you like to call it, correct?" Zul says, rubbing her chin. "Hmm... Let me ask around and I'll get back to you."The rest of the return trip is uneventful, and after deboarding you all huddle up for goodbyes."W-well... That was enough field work for me for a while." Seshat says with a nervous chuckle. "A-anyway, um. Think I'm going to go to bed."You give her a farewell wave, and thank her again for saving you from Camelia.She grins and nods, then wanders off. You notice she doesn't head towards the living area but deeper into the base's structure. Zul goes next. "Think I'll go get started on the reports for this mission." She extends an open hand to Tamako, who blinks in confusion for a second. After a moment she continues, "The Huliðshjálmr please.""Aww, can't I use it for a bit longer?" Tamako asks, but the alien gives her a stern look and so the changeling removes the tiara on her head and hands it over. Zul tucks it away at her side and says, "Good night. I'll let's you know about tomorrow's mission in the morning. Try not to have to stay out too late tonight."You give a sheepish grin and she walks away. You were worrying about the mission so much that you aren't sure what your date with Margaret will entail.You can't exactly leave the base after all. While you ponder, Tamako tugs on your sleeve and says, "C'mon! Dinner time! Let's go eat!"
>>6384972Hmmh, well, sadly, it's date time for dad. Let's just see if we can get something for Tamako and get someone to take care of her while we go.
>>6384972Let's make some dinner for Tamako and Kiki (and leave it with a note to babysit if she wouldn't mind, and ask her if she wanta us to bring her back anything), but let's not fill up right before our date. What if Margaret wants to eat?
>>6385007this sounds good, i like this idea
>>6384972GAH! We forgot to ask Zul to let us take a picture of Magical Girl Tamako for posterity!Other than that, +1 to >>6385007’s suggestion.
You decide to go grab some dinner from the Commissary. You decide to grab something small, which ends up being a cobb salad. Tamako grabs what appear to be Chinese dumplings of some kind. Wanting to thank your live in fairy maid, y0ou decide to grab a little something extra as a present and then leave back to your room. Inside you find your house fairy friend in there, folding laundry as you walk in."Kiki! We're back!" Tamako says walking in and placing her toy scepter on the bed."Dobro pozhalovat' domoy." The elder fairy says, pausing for a moment to greet you properly. "How was your mission?"You say it went well, and then give her the food you saved from the Commissary. A flan. Kiki seems to quite happy with it. While she eats, Tamako explains what happened during the mission. You take the opportunity to get washed up and changed into your nice clothes.Tamako you up and down and says, "You are going to sleep in that? But you'll get them all wrinkly and stinky."You say you are going to go out for a bit."What? But it's almost bed time!" Your daughter says, indignant. "No fair, I want to go out too! Where are you even going?"You do your best to answer vaguely or otherwise change the subject, but your daughter doesn't seem to accept any of it."What are you even doing? Why can't I come? Just because it's late? I'm not tired!" Tamako asks.What do you do?
>>6385407"Listen Tamako, it is a date. I can't promise this will work out and get you a mom but if you come along it will ruin the mood for sure so be a good girl and go to bed okay."
>>6385409I don't know, with Margaret it seems like the choices are to either just have a one night stand or nothing at all. If we choose the former, we don't want Tamako to know. If we choose the latter, it'll just be disappointing to her.
>>6385409Basically this, but mention it’s a practice date to help polish up our skills we let languish. We’ll ask the next person we date if she’d be alright with Tamako coming along.
>>6385414>bringing your kid to a dateHaha no.
>>6385409this, but dont mention that it will "ruin the mood" thats only going to hurt her feeling and maybe even find a way to sneak her way.just say that its an adult date and that adult stuff might happen, she is smart enough to realize we might need privacy, no need to mention any details of any kind
>>6385415That is NOT a first date move. That is confusing for the kid and a lot of pressure (and impediment to natural chemistry) with the person you're trying to get to know.
>>6385470Agreed on this as well. Just tell her it's part of maybe, one day, securing her the mom(s) she wants.>>6385407See above, for my vote.
We do not need to say "there will be adult stuff", just "this is a date so you can't go"
>>6385474Those are effectively the same thing, no? We don't need to get into what "adult stuff" or "date stuff" means, though since Tamako formed her entire personality by absorbing anime she probably has a vague idea.
>>6385513No, saying adult stuff implies we will do something, saying date just means it's a date, and you can't go to someone else's date.
>>6385516>implies we will do somethingi mean...wasnt that implied already? remember WHO are we dating, i think it was implied by herself, she is KNOWN for this kind of stuff, isnt it?
>>6385520Not by Tamako, though. We don't wanna plant any ideas in her head.
>>6385524Fair. Just say a date, then.>>6385473Updating this as above, QM.>>6385407
You decide it's just best to be honest, you feel like your daughter would be the sort of person to follow you if you don't give her a satisfying answer. You admit that you are going on a date so she can't come."A date! You're finding me a mommy?!" Tamako asks excitedly, "Sneaky, sneaky daddy. When did you have time to ask one of them out? Who is it? Kamiko? Emogen? Did you pull aside Seshat without me noticing?"You quickly say it isn't any of them."Wait it's not the ghost lady is it?!" Tamako says looking horrified. You quickly assure her that it isn't Camelia and says, "Oh... Who is it then? Mrs. Zul? She's like, the weakest one. She's smart and all I guess but..."You say it isn't Zul either."Is there anyone left?" Tamako says, and then spotting the fairy folding laundry points to her and says, "Is it Kiki?""No, I am happily married to a good man." Kiki says with her heavy accent, not turning to join in the conversation. " His name is Dom, I'll bring him over sometime so you can meet."You try to ask questions about her husband, but Tamako says, "Don't try to change the subject! C'mon, tell me a bit about this lady who might be my new mommy. Is she strong? Pretty? Wait, it is a woman right?"You tell her that you don't want to get her hopes up so you're going to keep it a secret. You admit that you don't exactly have the best dating skills, so if you are going to woo a proper mother for Tamako you have to get a bit of practice in.Tamako doesn't seem to happy about it but responds, "Well... Alright. I guess. I can't know anything about your date at all?"
>>6386039>If things go well, you will know. It's time for bed now.And off we go to our date.
>>6386054+1, but add:>She's very tall and probably pretty strong, for what it's worthMartin Knight has a type, and that type is "giant woman."
>>6386070You imply as though we wouldn't be just as happy with Zul or Pizzagirl or Gyaru Goblin or Seshat
>>6386072Out of character, maybe. I really like Seshat and Anne, and I'm a sucker for a goblin shortstack. In-character, our only two dates have both been with enormous fairy ladies, and Emogen is also up there on the list I'd say.o the smol girls, only Seshat even seems like a viable candidate. Swebe has expressed romantic disinterest even in spite of being attracted to our anomaly power, Zul is a businesslike divorcee or widow who seems to prefer keeping things professional, and Anne is a normie we'll probably never see again and aren't allowed to let in on our secrets.
>>6386054>>6386070+1 to these
>>6358836>Find this cool drawquest about hatching an egg>Art is full of soul and the concept is fun>We raised an egg on music and anime>Follow and participate in the first thread religiously then get hit by life and the site hack>Unable to find EggOP anywhere and just assume he didn't start a second thread or join one of the quest servers>Realize I'd missed threads 2 and 3, and thread 4's already been going on for monthsI hate the rapid encroachment of time, but it is a good day today. I've been enjoying catching up, OP, and while I'm still not caught up on this thread to participate yet, it's been a treat to be able to read these. The faeworld and rules the universe operate on are fun, the cast has been enjoyable especially the 'non-fed' fairies of the story and mime-jester-clown lands (which, btw, was the mime-clown princess supposed to be the same trapped princess from the first mission? I was confused when she didn't show up despite the request for Kamiko specifically to be included), and I'm excited to see where things go.Thanks for sticking with it, OP.Also, all the girls are a cute, but Camelia is utterly gobsmackingly adorable and I know it's a terrible choice for a wife but that smile and blush she has I'm a sucker for. Yandere tendencies aside. Towergirls Ghost Princess still lives rent free in my head after all these years.
Trying to think in vague terms your daughter might appreciate, you tell her that your date is very tall and probably pretty strong. Before she can get too excited you comment that if the date goes well you promise to tell her all about it. Once again, you don't want her to get her hopes up yet."Hmph, well fine, I guess I don't want to know about another potential ghost mom... Just make sure to be nice! Don't mess it up!" Tamako replies.You chuckle, and tell her you'll do your best. You get on your nicer clothes while your daughter gets ready for bed. You tuck her in, and tell her you'll be back late probably. If anything happens, you are sure Kiki might be able to help."I can always call up someone on the thingy too, right?" She says, pointing to the big multi-purpose screen near the door. "Kamiko and Seshat sort of showed me how to use it to send messages and stuff."You nod, and give her a goodnight kiss on the forehead, and then get ready to go. You know you'll be meeting Margaret in the Commissary, and it's about that time. Anything else before you head out?
>>6386252(Heh, glad you found the thread again. Also Camelia does look like Ghost Princess doesn't she? Maybe I put some of her in the design unconsciously since I was a fan of Tower girls for while. Up until the third batch of princesses maybe? Can't quite remember.)
>>6386410>Anything else before you head out?should we take some...protection? just in case?
>>6386252Camelia is nice but the future I want for our guy is the one where he goes to sleep as the meat in an Emogen and Kamiko sandwich. Our daughter wants more than one mom and she deserves it.>>6386410Well, just freshen up a little and then go, don't wanna be late.
>>6386415The way I see it either she planned for the night to end that way and has it handled or she didn't and it's not an issue.
>>6386415Always keep a spare around, in case of holes or other nonsense.
>>6386420>holesA quest protagonist getting baby trapped? That would be a first.
>>6386415>should we take some...protection? just in case?If we have some handy, yes. It's responsible. Also, is there anywhere we can get a flower or something nice as a token?>>6386423It would not, actually...
>>6386906Expand on that.
Trying to think of any last preparations, you wonder how protection works for fairies. You already have a daughter, and you certainly aren't ready for another child. Half-fairies exist obviously, so you would have to assume fairy contraceptives exist. It's not like you can hit up fairy convenience store. You even pass by the bathroom and check if there is a dispenser, but no luck.Your mind cycles back to the fairy convenience store, as you wish you had a gift you could give her. You wonder if you can find a flower somewhere, but the futuristic hallways are bereft of any flora at all. You sort of wish had hit up a store when you were in the real world, but you were focused on the mission so it slipped your mind.You make your way to the Commissary and you spot Margaret rather quickly. Not only are there fewer people here because the hour but her tall, slender figure and teardrop shaped headpiece stand out. She is dressed nicely, wearing a long, red tube dress with a tasteful necklace and gloves. Seeing that she has some sort of beverage, you look among the machines and find a highball. You sit across from Margaret and she says, "Hey there stranger. How was your day?"You sit with a bit of a performative sigh and explain what happened during the mission, though mostly leaving out the part with Camelia. However even with the little bit you did mention the cursebreaker picks up on who you are talking about."That ghost is still following you around? That's... Concerning, especially if she is as powerful as she says she is. I doubt she can do much more than see into the base however, and probably not even in all parts of it." Margaret says, thoughtfully. "But listen to me talking work, let's put that aside for now. Let's get to know each other, shall we?"What do you do?
>>6387612>So, you're, like... THE Flatwoods, uh, entity... Right? What's that all about? or is that a work thing?
>>6387612>have to actually roleplay datingf-fuck, thats not fair, i cant do dates for shit...fine, lets go with:>"I know you enjoy your freedom, but how is it possible for such a lovely...fairy...to have been on her own all this time?">>6387622Better not to mention work stuff, she just said she rather not talk about that
>>6387629Well, it might also not be work stuff? Emogen's dad is a legendary creature from the Isle of Man, but that was true befroe she ever joined the agency and she's fond of her origins. Maybe Margaret here has fond memories of West Virginia? Maybe she's into country music, or... Uh, I dunno, cattle mutilations and crop circles?
>>6387612>What do you do?
>>6387612Alright, buckle up, anons. No spaghetti spilling today!>Talk about Camila and the exorcists' extra stuff not keeping her out>or our time getting used to being in the base and working for the Fed>Wait that's work related>Mention her friendship with Zul, and casually chat about that and if alium fae get along with other alium fae generally>Wait that's talking about other women during a dateEvery Idea I come up with for topics all of vaguely spaghetti spilling DON'T PANIC, PANIC A LOT.At the very least let's...>Assuage the Camila issue for now offhandedly, it's being worked on.>Complement her dress. That's just polite, and she did put a lot of effort into dressing up for us. I'm sure she'd appreciate it.>>6387622I think it'd be fine to ask a bit more about her... origin? Story? Whatever fae refer to the source of their tale they come from is, i guess. That's not so much work related, as just trying to learn more about her, and might be a decent segway into other topics like >>6387630 brings up. Plus, we're still obviously new to this, and we've recently learned that multiple tales of the same 'origin story' can diverge like the two Seshats. Maybe she has some relation to the mothman, if that's how that works for cryptid style fae vs myth fae? Could be neat to hear her take on her own story if nothing else.>For some general small talk topic, ask her what kind of drink she got, and which ones she's partial too.
>>6387655i can get behind these ideas, supporting this
>>6387655Oh, yeah, compliment the dress for sure, too. And order the same drink for our first one if it sounds good!>>6387622Adding the above to this.>>6387612
>>6387612>Compliment her dress and ask about her being the flatwoods entity
You compliment her, and say she looks very lovely and she has a great sense of style."Well thank you! Much appreciated." Margaret says, sitting up a little straighter for a second to show off before leaning back over to be closer to eye level.You ask if she is the Flatwoods Entity. It's obvious to you she is, but you feel like it's probably a good idea to double check."Yup, that's me. Braxie in the flesh. Well, mostly." Margaret says, 'subtly' pushing up her breasts by squeezing her arms together. "Though I've had a bit of a glow-up since then."You ask what her background is like. You apologize, but you don't actually know her history too well."I must admit, It's not terribly interesting." She says chuckling, "My ship crash landed out in the forests of West Virginia and I was spotted a few times by some locals while I was trying to fix up my ship. It's actually how Zul and I met. She fed the humans some story about me being an owl or something. Honestly, I'm not sure how that even worked."You ask if she knows the Mothman."A lady doesn't kiss and tell." She answers simply.You say there are a lot of alien encounters in that area, and ask if she was part of those as well."I've done a few crop circles in my time, but that's about it." Margaret says with a titter. "Abductions of people and cattle is more of a Martian thing."You notice she has finished her drink, and ask what she had and if she wants another."It's a Manhattan, and thanks." Margaret says, handing you the empty glass.
>>6388634Unfortunately, I've got no dating experience, but I do have an interesting drink recommendation for ourselves. A Kalimotxo, basically equal parts red wine and Coca Cola over ice with a slice of orange, lemon or lime. It's basically sangria for cheap, especially if you use something like two buck chuck for the wine.
>>6388638i know nothing of drink, but sounds fancy enough, i support this.>>6388634well, that seems to have worked well so far, perhaps we could move to more casual topics now, perhaps something like: what does she enjoy to do in her free time? maybe we could find something to bound about.And if everything works out, we could lead on with "what are her plans for later?" hinting to a more...interesting night, IF she looks like she is cool with it, of course
>>6388638Ooo, let's do that for ours, order her a Manhattan, and offer her a sip of ours to see if she likes it and vice-versa. Classic first-date intimacy-building measure: you gauge each others' tastes, get to make conversation a bit off of that, and there's an immediate "indirect kiss" without drawing attention.>>6388634I vote for the above, but am also into segueing into current hobbies as per >>6388640. Maybe not the question about her "plans for later" juuust yet, IMO, but crop circles are a sometimes thing... So what does she usually get up to when she's not on a date or at work, besides that?You watching any anime??
>>6388634Yeah I like these ideas >>6388640 >>6388644 . Though if Martin's first choice is a highball, maybe we should stick with a whiskey-based drink. In favor of trying out the others drinks regardless.On the more self serving side of things, hearing what other more normal, er... less-probationary members of the SHR are able to get up to on their down time would give us an idea of how often we might be able to leave the base while on leave, if at all. At the very least between her personality and history with UFO and crop circle business, she might be one of the more likely fae to get out of the base and not stay cooped up in it all the time. Compared to some of the others at least.
>>6388678If we're looking for a whiskey cocktail I nominate the Rattlesnake. It's essentially a Boston Sour with absinthe, I think it's apt to be drinking something with the "green fairy" in it.
You look around the various vending machines for a Manhattan, along with any other alcohol that might be interesting. There are many different types of wine and beer. There are lot's of pure spirits, rum and absinthe especially. Cocktail variety is rather sparse however."Ah, what do you have there?" Margaret says, as you return with her Manhattan. You say it's a 'kalimotxo'. You have no idea what it is but it sounded more interesting than a martini."Cheers." Margaret says, raising her glass. You clink yours to hers, and then try the cocktail. "How is it?" the Phantom of Flatwoods asks. You respond that It's sweet and slighty tart, and has a smooth sort of carbonated texture as well."Sounds pleasant."You ask her if she'd like to try it, and she accepts. She pushes her drink towards you, and though you know what a Manhattan tastes like you aren't going to turn down an indirect kiss from such a lovely lady.You discuss various drinks you've both had for a bit, and then ask Margaret what she does during her free time."It is a bit embarrassing, but I lean about magic. You wouldn't believe how many different systems there are." Margaret replies "It's sort of why I work with curses. Each one is a bit like a puzzle to unravel and break. It gels well with my more scientific leanings.You ask her what sort of spells she can cast."Oh I don't have any talent actually using magic." She giggles, "Mostly I just study the history and the methods. I can't use a lot of types of magic anyway. A lot of systems are linked to the glamour of certain fairies. Some types of magic only humans can use. Others force you to give up something precious in return for power, or swear allegiance to some unpleasant entities. All in all actually using magic it's more trouble than just diving deep into STEM."You ask how often employees are allowed to leave the base. Honestly, you've been kinda wondering when you'd be able to leave the cramped spaces of the corridors behind."I can't say for sure, since Idon't live in base. I commute." She says. "Also, I'm not technically a prisoner. You'd probably have to ask Zul."
>>6389075>I don't live in base. I commutewait, what?! so they can just leave any time they want? then what the fuck? not cool that we get to be stuck here.Back into flirting tho.>tell her its not embarrasing and that instead that actually sounds cool>Ask if there is any magic system that might be worth for us to get into (it could even help us give her a "magical time later" wink wink nudge nudge)Might be of use to use later if the bad doesnt outweight the goodShould we push the conversation a bit back to us? i feel like we have asked about her but we havent really given her anything to continue the conversation, maybe tell her about our hobbies, perhaps she has something in common with us?
>>6389075>>6389079 +1
>>6389075>nerd our about magic systems from anime and other fandom we're intoShe gave us an opening, now it's Type-Moon o'clock.But mention that since we can't go joyriding in her UFO as a prisoner, we'd be super into learning abut magic and helping solve puzzles sometime.Good mental dexterity AND physical, wink.
Okay, I'm just gonna have to ask...are we actually planning on having a hookup with flatlady over here?Like, yeah, she's cute and all, but our general goal was to find an actual partner(s) that might have interest in something long-term, not to sleep around. You know it might have consequences with that goal to do this.
>>6389193We’ve gone over this multiple, multiple times in previous threads, anon. We’re doing this to practice dating after a long time, like a gameplay tutorial in a puzzle game. Just tell her that we’re not looking for something serious tonight.
>>6389204And again I'm saying that our actions have consequences.
>>6389193>>6389204I am not of the opinion thay flirting on a fun date commits us to marriage. If she wants to have sex later, and it makes you uncomfortable, then we can consider making Martin rather trad and saying we're saving ourself for marriage I gues... Though desu I see no need. I see no indication that our anime-watching fairy-raising giantess-loving Mr. Knight here can't have a good time while he's playing the field, as long as he's transparent about it.If it turns out she's cool and wants something more, we can debate if we want to go full waifu. For now, it's just a date and maybe a fling.
>>6389209It's not about saving ourselves from marriage, anon. Let me repeat you what Zul directly told us>"Some Fae are pretty well known for drama and jealousy after all."
>>6389210And yet again, I am telling you that you said this to us multiple times before. And that you forgot about what Zul said about Margaret in the second thread, someone who knew her since 1952, and has been frank and honest with us.>While pondering a squad set up, you ask Zul what she meant about Margaret having a bit of a reputation.>The alien thinks for a second, clearly trying to pick her words carefully and then says, "You are looking for a mother for Tamako, correct? I love Margaret to death, but monogamous relationships isn't quite her style. I believe your kind refer to her type as a 'cougar'.">You raise and eyebrow, not sure how to even react to information.>"I'm not judging or anything, just be sure to think it over before coming another notch on her bedpost." Zul finishes with a sigh.That does not sound like someone who will become obsessed with human dick.
>>6389223You are not getting what I'm trying to say, anon. Margaret might not care. But what about the other girls? Do you think we can just sleep with whoever we want and none of it will affect our relationship with the others?
>>6389226Probably not, but to be frank I'm not sure a fae who feels possessive and jealous over us before we've even committed to a relationship or been on a date is the kind of wife we need, or a good role model for Tamako. I don't see the value in forestalling or avoiding good times and pleasant evenings for the feelings of someone who might, hypothetically, no longer want to be with us if we have kissed or canoodled this pleasant ultraterrestrial.
>>6389229I don't think sleeping around is a good example to set for Tamako, either.
>>6389231I acknowledge your feelings but do not share them. A person getting laid while he's singkr, as long as he's not dishonest or creepy about it, isn't bad or wrong IMO. I don't think it will cause Tamako any distress, especially if we maintain the boundary we established where we don't tell her who we're seeing or get her hopes up by introducing anyone until we're sure they're wife-and-mom material.
It's a little annoying to find that others can come and go as the please, but you but that aside for now. Instead you question more about the different magical systems, and ask if Margaret has any recommendations."Hmm... Runic magic, though which kind specifically I can't be sure of. For the most part runes low commitment, but also lower power and lot's of preparation required." Margaret explains, "Usually you have to carve runes carefully and into specific size and kinds of rocks. Usually it's granite or sandstone, but some use obsidian and-"She continues to speak quite excitedly about rune magic, and it isn't until she goes into the intricacies of Mesopotamian magical cuneiform style before catching herself, "Sorry. I can send you information later on it if you'd like."You thank her, and say she can continue if she likes. You comment that you found her passion for it quite adorable. You admit the only magical systems you know of are from shows and video games."Spell casting like that does exist, but it requires quite a bit of time and practice if it isn't part of your glamour." She says with a slight blush at your compliment. "I'm not sure humans could live enough to learn how to do it, unfortunately."As you two finish up your drinks Margaret stands and says, "It's a shame you can't leave the base. We could have gone for a nice ride in my ship. I'm assuming you've never been on a spacecraft before."You stand as well and ask if the SHR medical transport counts."Hmm.. Well I think it's based on martian tech, so maybe?" She says with a laugh. "Shall we take a walk then? Perhaps we can take a nice stroll around one of the forests in Access."A forest? In the Access room? You ask what she's talking about. You don't remember a forest being up near the entrance, but then you realize you've never actually been up there. You've been close, but you always seem to turn off into one of the many hallways leading to the transports you used for your missions."Oh? Have you not been up there?" The Flatwoods Entity asks, "This will be fun, I think."
>>6389702oooh! we going to her home turf!fellas, i think it might be happening! lets gooo!
>>6389702...If we get too closr to the natural glamour of the Flatwoods Monster encounter, will we get radiation sickness??
>>6389702Wait, is she floating? Does she not have legs?
>>6389763she does, you can see her bent thick legs here >>6387612 her dress is just long...and she probably levitates too
>>6389763it's part of her glamor.
>>6389702Anyway, anxiety about radiation aside, I'll back >>6389705 with a +1
>>6389702This could be nice, there's still several whole wings to the base we've never had the chance to visit yet. Access proper among them.I wonder, is the surface of the base located in the Real World, or the Fae World? Would make sense if the forest above us wasn't a Real forest but one somewhere in the faewild to prevent people from stumbling upon it as easily.
You say that you wouldn't mind exploring a little bit, and you both make your way towards Access. You take a glance at your date and admire the way she walks in a graceful, almost ethereal way. Completely silent, in fact. Looking down, you see that she doesn't seem to have any feet touching the ground. With a bit of surprise, you ask how she levitates like that."Trying to find out what's up my dress already, are you?" She says, giving a little twirl in the air. "It's part of my suits abilities. I can touch the floor if I want but it's generally easier for me to move around this way."You also note this in effect makes her appear even taller than she was before. You ask how far up she can fly."Maybe slightly higher than I am right now. I can only hover. It's not true flight." She says floating higher briefly before slowly floating back down. "That's what the ship is for after all."You go back to your previous topic before your shock at her levitation, and ask her about magic again. You mention how she said curse breaking is a bit like solving a puzzle. You are rather fond of puzzles, so you wouldn't mind helping if she ever needs it."Oh? A little test then." She says, floating in front of you and stopping. Lot's of rune magic for instance, involves controlling the flow of certain kinds of magical energy from one rune to another. A bit like a magical circuit board. So as you can imagine, logic is kind of important."---Gertrude is one of three women representing their country as diplomats from Mars, Nibiru, and Carcosa, got distracted when her transport arrived at Galactic Central Spaceport. Now she's at the Lost and Found with two other women who, by coincidence, are the other planet's representatives, each waiting to retrieve one lost piece of luggage of a different color - black, green or red. Each woman is traveling from her home planet to that of one of the other women. From this information and the clues, for each woman, can you determine her home planet, her destination and the color of her suitcase?1.) The three women are Gertrude, the Carcosan with the red suitcase and the one traveling to Carcosa.2.) Agnes wants her suitcase to stand out, so she is not the person with the black suitcase.3.) Of the woman with the lovely red suitcase and Gertrude, one is traveling to Mars and the other is the Carcosan citizen4.) Ethel is neither the Carcosan citizen nor the one going to Nibiru, and she does not have a black suitcase.---What is the answer?
>>6390272...this one is up to you guys...im not good with these
>>6390272Gertrude has a black suitcase and is going to Mars, from NibiruAgnes has a red suitcase and is going to Nibiru, from CarcosaEthel has a green suitcase and is going to Carcosa, from Mars
>>6390272Seconding >>6390288 (had to use a spreadsheet lol)Also>checked, 88
>>6390272Ethel is Green, Agnes is Red and Gertrude is Black.
>>6390288+1, checks out.>>6390272
>>6390272Wonder what the "reward" for getting it right will be...Is it just me, or do her tits look larger?
>>6390433I dont know about that but I do wonder if OP is gonna become one of the few who draws full lewds and posts them off site.
>>6390433>do her tits look larger?In the picture Proportionally yeah. I just assumed it's angle.
(No update today, sorry.)
>>6390814See you tomorrow, QM. Thanks for the heads up!
You try to work this out in your head, but you comment that you wish you had a piece of paper. Surprisingly enough, Margaret provides both a pen and sticky note. After some thought, you present the answer:>Gertrude has a black suitcase and is going to Mars, from Nibiru>Agnes has a red suitcase and is going to Nibiru, from Carcosa>Ethel has a green suitcase and is going to Carcosa, from Mars"Well done!" The alien says, "Handsome and smart? You're just the whole package aren't you?"Eventually you pass by the parts of Access you've been too, namely the long, forking hallways leading to the buses and trains you took to missions. After this is a staircase and a door which leads to something you have a hard time believing exists. At first you thought you had left the base entirely, as the door opens to a lush forest and a large ancient ruin, split by a path between the two. Margaret pulls you towards the forest, and you follow the clean sleek metal path as it slowly turns into a paved stone one half covered in roots and grass. The forest feels ancient, and many of the tall, gnarled trees are covered in moss and mushrooms. There are pale white and purple flowers around, and you even see a creek flowing through the center. Despite being indoors, the forest is lit by soft moonlight and the feeling of fresh air blows through the trees. It's surprisingly quiet, except for the occasional sound of some creatures among the bushes and trees."Impressed?" Margaret asks, giggling at your shocked face as you look around.You ask how this is possible, and why it's even here."To make fae visitors more comfortable. Even in modern times, most fairies prefer forests. Heck, some literally can't survive outside of them like Dryads or Leshy.." The Flatwoods entity replies, "As for how it's here, I'm not sure. I don't maintain the Access area. I assume magic? There is also a snowy forest and a rain forest around here. I think I even saw a desert."
>>6391335>Tell her this was a nice idea, and thank her>mention that the nighttime forest ambience really brings out the glow in her greenish-orange eyes>cheekily ask if there's any kind of reward for getting that puzzle rightShe's been flirty as hell, time to make a move
>>6391335a walk through a pretty forest with a pretty lady, neatmaybe we could ask her if the forest reminds her of her home planet? she is an alien, right? so she must come from another planet, perhaps forests like these are familiar to her?
>>6391342also support this, we need to flirt back
>>6391335Feels fitting to do a bit more of the "flabergastered tourist/stranger in a strange land" thing at first. Just kinda wide eyed taking it all in as we walk with her for a bit. I was expecting this to be just sticking out into some normal (fae) forest, maybe with a convenient front for a building like your typical fed center. But this all being inside or underground, including multiple conflicting biomes? That's just downright astonishing.>>6391342Yeah, all that sounds pretty good.
You cant help but to be overwhelmed, and Margaret gives you a moment to take in the astonishing sights before you. To think, this was here the whole time! You turn to her and say exciredly that this was a great idea."I'm glad you like it." She says happily, "It's not big, but let me give you the tour."The path you take is worn and relatively flat, but still there are points where you have to step over the thick roots of wildly jutting trees, or push back some particular large and colorful mushrooms. You even end up stepping into a stream besude the path while watching some fireflies. Margaret chuckles and asks what happened. After you explain she sits on one of the nearby mushrooms, holding a hand out to the bugs."These are will-o-wisps, actually. Probably shouldn't make a habit of following them around." She says with a titter. On closer inspection you can see they are not insects at all, but floating balls of nearly transparent flame. You ask her what her home world looks like. "Much the same as this, just with different plants and animals filling each niche. Our trees are much squatter at the trunk and branch bit have huge, feather- like leaves to make up for it."You mention that the nighttime ambience and the soft bluish glow of the wisps is really bringing out the greenish-orange of her eyes. You sit close beside her as those eyes give you a sultry look. You ask if you get a reward for getting the puzzle right. 'I'm beginning to think you should. " She says, leaning on you slightly, "Why, what did you have in mind?"
>>6391758>"Why, what did you have in mind?"Well how about a ki-...Huh. Well, I hadn't thought this through at all. She has no mouth. She can't even do an eskimo kiss. Dang.Hmmmmm
>>6391765dont rule it out yet, we still dont know the scope of her glamour/abilities, im sure she didnt earn her..."fame"...without a mouth or an equivalent.i say we go for that kiss
>>6391766I don't think she can quite just create a mouth outta thin air.
>>6391766I mean, there's many other ways to engage in cougar behavior, with other body parts. None of them are quite something I'd lead with when teasing her lightly during a stroll, though, ya know?>>6391758Fuck it, I'm >>6391765 and I'll go for a cheek kiss. In my experience, chicks don't mind that so much as a surprise, provided you have a rapport, and we're literally on a date.
>>6391765I am very much down to figuring out
Maybe we should...make sure there ain't no ghosts around before we do anything
>>6392003We're still in the base, and if Camelia is spying on us, she's already going to be furious we're obviously on a date with another woman. Postponing the date was the safe play, and we didn't do that.
