Become The Vampire 30
You spend the next hour goofing off with Meliora, Andrea and Athena, playing video games and having tickle fights. Sammy sits on the sidelines with Jennifer, and occasionally you catch them whispering things back and forth to each other. It doesn't bug you too much, since it seems like Sammy is calming down, but you note it anyway. As you wrap up the second part of your tournament Sammy and Jennifer move closer and sit with you, and the tournament quickly turns into a six-way, all out brawl.
You manage to emerge victorious, but your victory is cut short when Athena begins to cry. She sniffles and sulks, hiding under a blanket, and when you go to comfort her she shies away from you. Jennifer gently pushes you aside and slips under the blanket with Athena, and you sit back a bit, listening.
“Are you mad that your daddy beat you at the game?”
“Yes...”
“Aww. Well, I'm sure he didn't do it to be mean. I bet you really wanted to win though, didn't you.”
“Uh-huh...”
“Well, if you come back out and play again, maybe we can beat him together. What do you think? Should we team up? It'll be you and me against your daddy, and then everyone else can pick teams too.”
“Okay...”
Jennifer emerges from under the blanket with Athena, who gives you a determined smile, wiping her eyes. Jennifer crosses her arms in front of her chest.
“We challenge you, Oliver. We're going to take you down.”
Athena grins.
“Yeah!”
Athena points her finger at you, before grabbing her controller. Jennifer giggles and picks up hers, sitting beside Athena.
>Character sheet
http://pastebin.com/YMGdCy7Q
>Rules
Same system as Become The Dragon Quest. If you don't know what that is, it's best of three d20 rolls. I name a stat that sums up what you're trying to do, and if I don't name a relevant skill, you try to fill in the blank based on what you're trying to accomplish. “Break open the door” might be Strength based, but if you've been playing baseball after school and there's a lead pipe nearby, you could apply your Baseball skill to the roll. A 20 on the die is a crit threat, and if either of the other two rolls is 20 or higher after mods, it's a critical. A crit fail is when you have two or more 1s. So far this system has worked out well enough. We'll get into combat rules as needed, but in basic terms you have wounds, not HP, and the worse the wounds, the more penalties you accrue while doing other things.
Most Important Rule:
Have fun.
>Throw the match
>Victory must be earned
>Send Sammy to their team
>Send Andrea to their team
>Send Meliora to their team
>Other (write-in)
>>44779827
>Throw the match
But gently. We don't want to let her realize we let her win.
>>44779827
>>Victory must be earned
>Send Meliora to their team
Give her the best players besides us and struggle mightily!
>>44779827
>Send Meliora to their team
>Don't try hard, but pretend we do.
>>44779827
>Throw the match
there is no other choice in order to dry the eyes of Best Daughteru
>>44779884
This but also because it helps build bonds between Meliora and BestDaughter
>>44779827
>Victory must be earned
>>44779827
>Victory must be earned
>Send all of them to their team
We will crush them all.
>>44779827
>Throw the match
2cute
Schmooze roll, +1
>>44779827
>>Throw the match
Act sad that we lost. Get hugs from best daughter
>>44779827
>Victory must be earned
>Send Meliora to their team
Rolled 15 + 1 (1d20 + 1)
>>44779936
I don't understand.
Rolled 10 + 1 (1d20 + 1)
>>44779936
you monsters, bullying poor Athena
Rolled 14 + 1 (1d20 + 1)
>>44779936
Rolled 9 + 1 (1d20 + 1)
>>44779936
Bunch of pansies Athena should learn that things won't always be easy early on.
>>44779955
Trying not to look like we're throwing the match.
>>44779972
>Bunch of pansies Athena should learn that things won't always be easy early on
She's only a couple hours old anon. And we promised to raise her with the love & care we never got.
>>44779972
I think that it would be Schmooze + Conceal if we were going for deception.
>>44779967
>Bullying
>Literally won a game once off screen with no input
>Throwing the next match and coddling her
>Bullying
Oh grow up anon.
>>44779994
First 3 votes were throwing the match anon
see
>>44779862
>>44779905
>>44779886
>>44779993
And if we coddle her too much she ends up a vampire's blood/magic well because she's naïve
>>44779999
Nice quads, and ignore the morons.
>>44779999
never
>>44780028
>And if we coddle her too much she ends up a vampire's blood/magic well because she's naïve
Yes, but your suggesting the Jennifer route of parenting, which is too strict. We need a balance. She needs to be daddy's princess, and also stronger & tougher than daddy ever was.
>>44780073
>your
Sorry- you're
You send Meliora over to their team and try to fight alongside Sammy and Andrea. It turns out that you don't need to pretend to throw the match at all, and that fighting against Meliora and Jennifer at the same time was the worst possible plan. You try not to completely lose your cool and manage to succeed, taking your defeat with grace and style. Athena does a victory lap around the room and hugs Jennifer before tackling Meliora, who just lays there looking at you as if unsure what to do. She slowly hugs back, and Athena snuggles against her. Andrea stands up smiles.
“Well, that was fun, but we should head out. There wasn't a track practice because we were late getting here, but a few people want to go for a run in a bit.”
Sammy nods slightly and reaches into her pocket, and a moment later your phone buzzes. She gets up and follows Andrea to the door. You discretely check your phone while everyone else exchanges idle chatter, reading what Sammy sent you.
“Can we talk? During or after the run is fine.”
>I'm gonna join you guys for the run
>Text Sammy that you'll talk with her later
>Tonight isn't a good night. Tomorrow?
>Other (write-in)
>>44780108
>Text Sammy that you'll talk with her later
>>44780108
>>I'm gonna join you guys for the run
>>44780108
>Tonight isn't a good night. Tomorrow?
We need to get things organized here. Right now. Daughter comes first
>>44780108
>>I'm gonna join you guys for the run
>>44780108
>Text Sammy that you'll talk with her later
>>44780108
>I'm gonna join you guys for the run
>>44780108
>I'm gonna join you guys for the run
>>44780108
>I'm gonna join you guys for the run
>>44780108
>Text Sammy that you'll talk with her later
>>44780128
>>44780140
>>44780153
>>44780154
>>44780159
Leaving daughter again. Shame anons. Shame.
Acting just like our dad.
>>44780193
Nah, we'll be back.
>>44780193
Difference is that Athena has a mom.
You look at Athena and Meliora and smile softly, getting to your feet.
“I'm part of the track team, so I should probably come with you guys, right? I'll join you guys in a little bit.”
Andrea nods and salutes, smirking and ducking out of the room, and Sammy smiles softly as she walks out. Jennifer moves next to Meliora.
“So you'll be out tonight as well then? I suppose the pair of us will be taking care of Athena in your absence?”
You nod and hang your head.
“Sorry. Spinning plates, you know how it is.”
Jennifer pats Athena on the head gently.
“I do indeed. Enjoy your run, you could probably do with some physical activity of some sort. You certainly didn't get much earlier.”
She chuckles softly, and Meliora gives her a confused stare for a few moments.
“I don't really want to know, but at the same time...”
Athena giggles softly and pokes the corners of Meliora's mouth, pushing them into a smile. Jennifer stands up.
“Stay safe, and be wary. We'll hold down the fort for you.”
>Head out
>Take Jennifer aside for a moment
>Take Meliora aside for a moment
>Give Athena a great big hug
>Other (write-in)
>>44780244
>Give Athena a great big hug
>>44780212That's what dad always said too.
>>44780224
Mel has said repeatedly that she refuses to take any responsibility for her.
>>44780244
>Give Athena a great big hug
Love you kiddo.
>>44780244
>>Give Athena a great big hug
>>44780244
>Give Athena a great big hug
>>44780244
>Give Athena a great big hug
>>44780259
>Mel has said repeatedly that she refuses to take any responsibility for her.
Mel is grade A tsun and is still adjusting. Athena also has Jennifer.
>>44780244
>>Give Athena a great big hug
Always
>>44780294
Anon, you're making excuses for passing the buck, especially since she's not even a day old.
But fine, as long as we come back after the run. We aren't staying away all night.
>>44780294
I take it you weren't part of the thread that swore we'd be a better father than our father was.
Don't be irresponsible, it's not how we've been playing oliver.
You nod and walk over to Athena, giving her a hug. She turns and hugs back, clinging to you as you try to stand up and smiling.
“Daddy's coming back soon, right?”
You nod and pat her gently, and she slowly releases her hold, beaming at you before going back over to Meliora and poking her nose. Jennifer hugs you from behind.
“See you soon.”
She releases you, and you head off to the lockers to get changed. You find it a little odd that you've adjusted so rapidly to this, but then again you're not entirely sure you've adjusted properly to everything else that's happened. For all you know you're full of inner turmoil waiting to burst to the surface and ruin everything. You really hope that doesn't happen.
When you get out to the track there's a much smaller group. It's you, Sammy, Andrea and a handful of other people. The course is set for another outdoor run, and after warming up Sammy leads the charge into the forest. The group thins out a lot more this time, and Andrea sticks with the other students, who seem to be giving you and Sammy some space. You're not sure whose idea it was, but it seems like everyone else is trying to nudge you into chatting with Sammy.
>Talk with Sammy, see what's up
>Leave it for later, you're here to run
>Other (write-in)
>>44780383
>Leave it for later, you're here to run
>>44780383
>>Talk with Sammy, see what's up
>>44780383
>Leave it for later, you're here to run
>>44780383
>>Talk with Sammy, see what's up
>>44780383
>Talk with Sammy, see what's up
>>44780417
>>44780383
Second
>>44780383
>>Talk with Sammy, see what's up
>>44780383
>>Talk with Sammy, see what's up
Speed roll plus Endurance, +3
Rolled 3 + 3 (1d20 + 3)
>>44780442
Rolled 15 + 3 (1d20 + 3)
>>44780442
Rolled 19 + 3 (1d20 + 3)
>>44780442
>>44780475
Well Oliver is, as usual, in fine form for running
>>44780383
Talk to Sammy
>>44780383
>You find it a little odd that you've adjusted so rapidly to this
I dunno, she's got a photocopy of our soul. I doubt if it feels too odd at all. It might seem odd from the outside, though.
You focus on the running, keeping your mind clear, and try to run off your stress. You're pent up from the last few days without any kind of release, you're emotionally conflicted because of the reasons you're pent up, and now you're trying to assume the role of father figure for a golem just because you can. By the time you finish running you're drained but strangely satisfied, like some part of you snapped back into place. The run didn't fix anything, but you feel like it helped you sort some things out.
As you walk around the track to ease your heart back into a normal rhythm Sammy moves to your side, walking with you and staying close. She doesn't say anything, and neither do you. It's not that you don't want to talk to her, but you're not really sure what to say. Finally, as though it's taking her a lot of effort, Sammy starts to speak.
“I'm... I'm sorry. About what I said, and what I... tried to demand you to do. I know you better than that, I just... It's still pretty close to the full moon, and I'm a little on edge. I don't want things to be over, but I just... I need to know what's going on with us. Are we... still a thing?”
>Things are complicated right now. But yes, we are still a thing.
>After yesterday I can't say yes to that. It's not a no, but...
>Kinda? We've been kinda shaky lately, and stuff is going on. What do you think?
>I'm sorry, Sammy, but I don't think this is working out.
>Other (write-in)
>>44780672
>>After yesterday I can't say yes to that. It's not a no, but...
>>44780672
>After yesterday I can't say yes to that. It's not a no, but...
>>44780672
>Things are complicated right now. But yes, we are still a thing
>>44780672
>Kinda? We've been kinda shaky lately, and stuff is going on. What do you think?
Good news is your Mom is likely about to get a job teaching math here.
>>44780672
>>44780694
Second
>>44780672
>Kinda? We've been kinda shaky lately, and stuff is going on. What do you think?
>>44780672
>Kinda? We've been kinda shaky lately, and stuff is going on. What do you think?
>>44780686
>>44780709
It's a very cunning strategy you have worked out.
>>44780672
>I don't know if you're doing the right thing with that. I'm not a stable person. I've never had stability in my life, and I probably wouldn't know how to deal with it. If you're sure about this, then stuff like this is what you'll have to put up with. For a while, at least.
Why are we still on first to three with ten voters anyway?
>>44780694
>>44780709
nice samefag
>>44780686
>>44780694
>>44780706
>>44780712
>>44780722
These are all really saying the same thing, that it's on her.
>>44780759
Happened last vote too, exact same interval, exact same pattern.
>>44780757
Because it's how QM wants to do it.
>>44780672
>After yesterday I can't say yes to that. It's not a no, but...
>>44780794
Given the number of voters, I think democracy might work better for a little while. All votes within the first three minutes of the post will be counted, don't cry samefag unless you can prove it somehow, starting with the next post.
Unless there's a better idea to avoid someone using a macro to game the system and control the outcomes.
>>44780792
It happened last thread too. Every time we try to make any sort of choice, proxies seem to come out of the woodwork to negate it.
>>44780863
A proxy wouldn't take a minute for a second post.
>>44780854
10-4 boss.
>>44780885
Go back and look. 2 or 3 votes, a minute interval, then two or three more votes for the exact same thing.
Personally, I don't want to betray Sammy's trust. Oliver is an ambitious person, even one who would sell his soul to the devil. But he does at least show some aspects of humanity and compassion from time to time.
>>44780908
I don't think you know what a proxy is.
I never liked Sammy or jennifer. But Jenny girl started to grow on me while Sammy is just...Meh.
>>44780913
If we don't betray her trust, we'll end up betraying jennifer or someone else we've given our word to. There's no way to go through life without hurting someone.
>>44780854
Go with whatever you feel you need to do. You're the QM, you are the one who writes what you think we through majority decided.
You shrug a bit.
“I can't give a definite yes to that one. Yesterday was pretty rough, and I thought maybe you were done with me. I'm not saying that it's a no, but I can't just say yes without considering what was said and the intent behind it.”
Sammy nods slightly.
“I... I get that. I said a lot of things I didn't really mean because I was jealous and worried. Guys have always been more interested in her than in me at home. Maybe it's because she's the mate of the alpha or because I'm a runt, but... It hits a certain nerve, especially since you claimed me. So what are we going to do? I don't want to just give up.”
>I'm going to play the field and see what happens. I don't want to be tied down right now.
>I have commitments to more than one person and I need to make things right with all of them before I can give you an answer.
>Let's give this another shot. No guarantees, but let's try.
>I don't think I can be with someone who doesn't trust me completely.
>Other (write-in)
-
Three minutes starts from the time stamp on the post, FYI.
>>44780952
>we'll end up betraying jennifer or someone else we've given our word to
How so?
>>44780951
Have we really had all that much time with her? It's mostly been Angie, Meliora, and Jennifer
>>44780939
I may be using the wrong word. Perhaps they're using virtual machines or something. I'm not a computer guy.
>>44780913
SAme
>>44780952
So what, we don't even try? Shame on you anon.
>>44780951
To be fair we've spent a lot more time most of the other girls lately.
>>44780966
>I have commitments to more than one person and I need to make things right with all of them before I can give you an answer.
>>44780966
>>I have commitments to more than one person and I need to make things right with all of them before I can give you an answer.
>>44780966
>I have commitments to more than one person and I need to make things right with all of them before I can give you an answer.
>>44780966
>>Let's give this another shot. No guarantees, but let's try.
>I have commitments to more than one person and I need to make things right
leave off the bit about not answering from the commitments option
>>44780979
Because we have commitments to so many people. We can't just abandon them.
>>44780966
>>Let's give this another shot. No guarantees, but let's try.
>>44780966
>I don't know if it'd be good for you to be near me. I'm not exactly a stable person. Athy only showed up this morning, and I'm still making sure that works out fine.
>>44781039
So we're going to abandon a commitment, to not abandon commitments?
10/10 logic anon
>>44780966
>>I have commitments to more than one person and I need to make things right with all of them before I can give you an answer.
>>44781039
So not fulfilling commitments so you can fulfill commitments? What?
>>44781057
We haven't made a commitment to her in truth. We took the claim to protect her from Mark, everything else has been sorta awkward.
Perhaps three minutes was too narrow a window of time... Still, live and learn. Five minutes next time.
>>44780966
>commitments
We need to get our ducks in a row.
>>44781094
Because we've torn her family apart, and almost banged her mom. That'd make ANYTHING awkward.
>>44781101
I think it was plenty. You only missed two votes that wouldn't have shifted anything anyway. The rest is just arguing.
You nod slowly and sigh.
“Right now I have commitments to other people too. I need to make everything right first. I need to know that everyone is going to be alright before I can really answer you about where we're heading. As for what we should do...”
Sammy nods slightly.
“I guess... we just do what comes naturally and hope that it doesn't ruin everything?”
You nod slightly.
“That sounds like what's bound to happen anyway. But hopefully there's a little more forethought involved to minimize headaches and heartache.”
Sammy smiles softly.
“Well... Alright... That's better than what I was expecting... I thought you were just going to tell me no.”
You shake your head and slow to a stop.
“I couldn't just do that. We're in too deep at this point for it to be that easy. Besides, I don't want to hurt you. I'll make sense of it somehow.”
Sammy hugs you tightly before turning and walking off towards the locker room.
“I know you will.”
She jogs off, and you take a moment to look. You hate to see her leave, but watching her go is... You turn and make a beeline for the boy's locker room before that train of thought goes much further and your lovely relaxed frame of mind goes up in smoke.
>Head back to your room, time to sleep
>Other (write-in)
>>44781225
>Head back to your room, time to sleep
>>44781225
>Head back to your room, time to sleep
>>44781225
>>Head back to your room, time to sleep
Read a story to Athena
>>44781225
>Head back to your room, time to sleep
Cuddle pile with daughteru, robot and wolf.
>>44781225
>>Head back to your room, time to sleep
>>44781225
Text Andrea a thanks
Remembers to ask Angie about who sent the assassin at us.
Text Toby and ask when Magic club is next.
>>44781225
>>44781236
Me
>>44781248
This
And maybe >>44781256
that. But we really do need to sleep. Got lots to talk to Angie about
>>44781280
You can sleep in a cuddle pile. Your back won't be happy, but your daughteru will be.
>>44781278
>Remembers to ask Angie about who sent the assassin at us.
We asked that, she wasn't allowed to tell us. We need to talk out how to deal with Zeke and who put the necromancy shield on us
>>44781291
This is truth.
>>44781291
>>44781314
Okay, as long as we get these two questions asked.>>44781301
>>44781301
>she wasn't allowed to tell us
No she said I'll tell you later when you're calm.
>>44781336
Okay, but i'd put money on Vanessa's family, who are probably the opposite branch of the Invidia family than mom was.
>>44781399
I'd bet the same on family, not sure on sin though typing of said family though.
You shower, change and head back to your room, head full of thoughts on what you're going to do tonight. Stories for Athena, a nice snuggle pile on your bed, and a peaceful night of rest where you can talk to Angie about all your questions. What you weren't anticipating was coming back to find Fenright in the hallway outside your room with two droids, Athena hugging his leg and Meliora shouting at him.
“You can't just take her, Oliver is going to have a fit.”
Fenright sighs.
“We've lost two people already because the patrols were missing a unit, and I don't have any more spares. At the very least I need her trained and armed so that people can be protected, unless you want full-time guard duty again. Either way, her core is still mine, and whether he tampered with her or not is irrelevant. The school needs protecting.”
Meliora looks your way.
“Oliver, he's trying to take Athena away and I'm trying to explain to him that he can't.”
>Let Athena go to do her duty
>Fight for Athena to stay, suit up and take down Fenright's droids
>Put on your arguing pants and demand that Athena be left with you
>Ask Athena what she wants to do
>Other (write-in)
>>44781425
Unless Lily's actually one of the Envys, and that's why she likes us so much, cause we're (sorta) family.
I like this shadowrun more. Let's bank on this.
>>44781480
>Fight for Athena to stay, suit up and take down Fenright's droids
Oh fuck no. She's not going anywhere.
>>44781480
>Fight for Athena to stay, suit up and take down Fenright's droids
>>Put on your arguing pants and demand that Athena be left with you
Argue first, but if need be, we will fight for our daughter.
>>44781491
Like he said.
>>44781480
>>Ask Athena what she wants to do
I bet he has a suit over ride.
>>44781480
>>Ask Athena what she wants to do
Let her decide, she is a quantum computer with a body after all, but we should let her know we'd be worried about her and it's not her duty, just an option.
>>44781480
>Fight for Athena to stay, suit up and take down Fenright's droids
A lot of things are going to happen. Athena being taken away to goose-step around the school ain't one of them.
>>44781480
>Fight for Athena to stay, suit up and take down Fenright's droids
>Put on your arguing pants and demand that Athena be left with you
>>44781480
Lead with
>>Ask Athena what she wants to do
then
>>Put on your arguing pants and demand that Athena be left with you
>>44781480
>>44781514
He's right. We'll try to talk first, but...
>>44781491
>>44781520
>>44781515
>>44781516
She's been self aware for less than a day. No matter how smart she is, she doesn't have the experience to make an informed choice.
>>44781491
>>44781514
>>44781520
>>44781531
>Not asking her what she wants to do
>Trying to take down Fenright with shit he invented
>destroying ALL of school security.
yall are retarded.
>>44781480
>>Fight for Athena to stay, suit up and take down Fenright's droids
>>Put on your arguing pants and demand that Athena be left with you
>>44781564
See>>44781558
She doesn't have the experience to make an informed choice. Saying no is part of being a parent too.
>>44781566
Strength roll plus Brawl, +4
Speed roll plus Dodge, +5
>>44781583
And this way we're going to get ourselves killed, fuck up school security so more people die, IF he doesn't just shut us down. Furthermore we'll get kicked out of the school and reaped by Zeke because Angie can't cover for us.
Rolled 18 + 4 (1d20 + 4)
>>44781616
Brawl
Rolled 5 + 4 (1d20 + 4)
>>44781616
Strength
Rolled 13 + 5 (1d20 + 5)
>>44781616
Speed+Dodge
Rolled 12 + 5 (1d20 + 5)
>>44781616
Speed
Rolled 20 + 4 (1d20 + 4)
>>44781616
Oh look the fighting tards won, Morons. Well looks like we're dying sooner rather than later.
Strength
Rolled 19 + 5 (1d20 + 5)
>>44781616
Dodge
>>44781622
>we're going to get ourselves killed
Nah.
>fuck up school security so more people die
Repairs will go quickly with cores, and they ain't muh daughteru.
>IF he doesn't just shut us down
>Implying Miniora doesn't just reject the override code
Rolled 9 + 5 (1d20 + 5)
>>44781622
speed
Rolled 19 + 5 (1d20 + 5)
>>44781616
Dodge
Jesus, don't threaten Oliver's daughteru I guess.
>Inb4 we get recruited to make up the difference
>>44781622
>IF he doesn't just shut us down
Remember, Mel reprogrammed all her systems in a language he doesn't know. Our suit, and Athena, use the same language
>>44781616
>>44781642
>>44781625
Crit brawl
>>44781650
>>44781645
Ninja mode activated
>>44781650
>>44781645
>>44781642
>>44781625
WELL FUCKING THEN
>>44781645
>Repairs will go quickly with cores, and they ain't muh daughteru.
Cores CAN'T be repaired or made, and people are already dying. We're basically making this place human season.
>>44781668
>Destroyed All the school security,
>hurt a teacher,
>is responsible for countless people's deaths by destroying security.
No we're going to get expelled, making us lose Angie's protection from Zeke, so he reaps us and Athena.
>>44781705
>No we're going to get expelled
Nah, I doubt if Fenright has the right to compel anything with a soul, otherwise he'd tell the vamps to police themselves or be expelled.
>>44781705
>Cores CAN'T be repaired or made
Okay. The point was that we aren't destroying or taking their cores, the only part that can't be repaired or replaced.
Are you retarded or something?
>>44781650
I really hope my roll made the cut.
>>44781705
Besides, it's been done. Just come along for the ride. Whether it be to glory or doom is yet to be seen.
>>44781728
that's still weeks worth of repairs, and with a crit we probably are.
>>44781726
No not Fenright, the faculty for attacking one of them and fucking the balance up. Also for making a massive masquerade breach they can't cover up.
>>44781757
>that's still weeks worth of repairs
Wasn't Mel half-melted and missing an arm like two hours ago?
>with a crit we probably are.
>Critical successes mean bad things happen
That GM detected.
>>44781757
Wouldn't destroying a golem's core result in a huge fuckoff explosion?
>>44781757
>No not Fenright, the faculty for attacking one of them and fucking the balance up
Except Fenright is trying to compel something that has a SOUL so he's in the wrong here. That was my point.
And besides, I doubt if he really wants to answer questions about WHERE he was getting his cores from (miss child-sacrificing witch who is now dead.)
>>44781781
>Wasn't Mel half-melted and missing an arm like two hours ago?
Yeah and she ahs to get a spare body, there likely aren't that many combat capable frames for replacement given they're fighting supernatural shit constantly.
As for Crit doing something bad? Taking their core out is the fastest way to take them down. Oliver instead of being rational and talking, charged into RIP N TEAR mode from onset.
>>44781801
Only if it was hyper charged like Athena's was.
>>44781829
>there likely aren't that many combat capable frames for replacement given they're fighting supernatural shit constantly.
That actually sounds like a very good reason for them to have a large number of redundant combat frames.
>Taking their core out is the fastest way to take them down.
Or kill us all, since that might still be a pretty big explosion, just not tac-nuke levels.
>>44781829
Because we ripped out Patrick's still-beating heart with our bare hands when we crit on him...?
>>44781827
>Except Fenright is trying to compel something that has a SOUL so he's in the wrong here. That was my point.
Implying they care, we snubbed their authority, ruined their shit, and got a bunch of humans killed which they can't cover up. This is a private school, if we fuck up enough, we're out, and we have no recourse.
As for where he got the cores from? They knew he got them from her, her sins are irrelevant on the joint school security to keep thing from not cocking up.
>>44781859
>That actually sounds like a very good reason for them to have a large number of redundant combat frames.
Except at any given time most of the frames will be trashed and take time to repair, possibly lots of it.
>>44781902
If they're keeping a sane number of redundant frames, two isn't going to break the bank. If they aren't, this would've happened anyway.
You look at Fenright for a moment, then at Athena.
“I'm not letting you take her. I'm the one responsible for the way she is, and I have a duty to take care of her. And what if she can't protect herself like this? What if you force her into this and it just ends up with her suffering?”
You put on your suit and helmet, and the droids both drop into fighting stances.
“I'll fight if I need to, but I'm not going to stand here and let her go just like that.”
Fenright hangs his head.
“Either she comes with me or people are going to get killed. I'm going to do my job, as her creator and a member of faculty at this school. Take him out, but don't kill him.”
The droids both nod and charge at you. You take a deep breath and rush at them. You've had a chance to have a real fight, and despite their flawless coordination you manage to avoid getting your shit kicked in during their first few charges, winding up with a few minor bruises. When they change their tactics from hit-and-run to a proper fist fight you turn the tables on them, throwing them around like ragdolls and damaging the plating on their limbs.
It's only when one of them starts to spark and twitch when you punch her chest that you notice Athena's expression. She's utterly horrified by the sight of you and her sisters fighting, and she's crying as she watches you. You focus on defending yourself instead of hurting them further while you try to come up with a plan, but the moment you do it just makes things worse, and she begins to sob.
“Stop fighting!”
>>44781859
>Or kill us all,
Well, it won't kill US. And Athena will probably be fine too.
>>44781902
>her sins are irrelevant on the joint school security
Not true, we have no information about that. You're just making assumptions, and we know at least PART of the school faculty opposed her methods.
I know you're just trying to be paranoid and bring up the worst case scenerios, but it's too late to cry now. The dice have been rolled.
The droids continue their assault on you and you focus all your effort on keeping them from landing another hit on you, trying to disengage. When one of them lands a lucky hit on you, Athena's chest begins to glow bright blue, and after a moment so do her eyes.
“I said... stop... fighting!
She vanishes, and an instant later one of the droid's heads flies off. There's a blue flash and the one behind you falls to the ground. As you turn around, helmet disengaging, you see Athena. She looks a little older than you are, her suit ripped in places but quickly repairing itself to fit her new body. She's panting, wobbling slightly and falling to her knees.
“No more... fighting...”
She slumps forwards and stops glowing, and Fenright runs over.
“No... No! No no no! Please, don't burn out on me, don't you die!”
He skids to a halt next to Athena, clutching at his face and trembling.
“Come on, think, Steven, think! There has to be a way...”
You sit down, trying to figure out what to do. You did what you thought was right, and you were doing so well, but it turned out all wrong. You could have won and taken Athena by force, but now... And now her core might go out again. You take off your suit and move closer to her.
>Stand back, Fenright. I might be about to blow myself up here.
>What should I do?
>Tend to the others. I'll save Athena.
>Other (write-in)
>>44781984
>Tend to the others. I'll save Athena.
You worthless moron.
>Loop mana with our daughter again.
>>44781984
>>Tend to the others. I'll save Athena.
>Tend to the others. I'll save Athena.
>>44781984
>Tend to the others. I'll save Athena
OH LOOK we should have ASKED her. Violence fuck things up unless there is no recourse assholes. Way to kill the daughter.
>>44781984
>Tend to the others. I'll save Athena.
We're effectively variations okf the same person. Let's loop mana til sge stabilizes.
>>44781984
>>Tend to the others. I'll save Athena.
give the child a recharge
>>44782029
>We're effectively variations of the same person. Let's loop mana til she stabilizes.
>>44782028
Nobody can take you seriously, you know.
>>44782028
We tried to talk first. Selfish teacher there didn't want to hear it.
>>44782012
>>44782029
>>44782031
There we go.
>>44782058
Good then we can kill off the quest and BTQM can start a new one without all the retards.
>>44782075
Yeah, not really helping your case. Namely by being the type of cancerous faggot that's worse than genuine stupidity.
Spirit roll plus Endurance, +3
Smarts roll plus Monster Lore, +1
Rolled 4 + 3 (1d20 + 3)
>>44782097
spirit
Rolled 1 + 3 (1d20 + 3)
>>44782097
spirit
Rolled 6 + 3 (1d20 + 3)
>>44782097
Spirit
Rolled 16 + 3 (1d20 + 3)
>>44782097
Smarts
Rolled 20 + 1 (1d20 + 1)
>>44782097
Smarts
Rolled 19 + 1 (1d20 + 1)
>>44782097
smarts
>>44782112
>>44782116
>>44782120
boom
>>44782123
wrong mod
Rolled 9 + 1 (1d20 + 1)
>>44782097
Smarts
Hopefully critical on smarts can cover for the bad spirit rolls.
>>44782097
>>44782120
9 Spirit
but >>44782133
21 Smarts.
We'll gamble again if we need to boss.
>>44782159
I'm hoping the spirit was just "how badly do you get fucked up by all of your mana flying into Athena's core" or something and that's why it was endurance.
>>44782168
we critted smarts thankfully
>>44782204
Think it's how long our mana reserves last.
>>44782133
>>44782137
It shouldn't be surprising we critted smarts, she is us, within a reasonable margin of error.
>>44782120
Not surprising, if we are linked to her on some sort of spiritual level, as she was wonky to begin with.
>>44782204
You almost burnt yourself out just bringing her into the world. It was to see if your meager reserves were up to the task. The crit means you have an alternative route though.
>>44782237
More blood? It's worth it.
>>44782237
Is the route "horribly maim ourselves and risk death to revive daughteru?"Because I'd take it.
>>44782266
Seconded. Hell, she can permanently have a hand or an eye.
>>44782288
I like the eye route
>>44782288
If she takes an eye, can we rename herMuninn?
Can we make a second one that's a boy named Huginn?
>>44782307
I thought we were Zeus, now we're Odin?
>wanting to give up an eye for somebody we just met
You rub your hands together.
“Tend to the others, I'll help Athena.”
Fenright just stands there, as though the droids will be fine on their own, and you rest your hands on Athena's back, trying to get her magic going again. You try to push a little magic into her, but you're swiftly reminded by a sudden aching sensation that you're running dry. You're just about to risk burning yourself out in the vague hope that it will be enough when you remember a fragment of knowledge from your dad's notebook.
“Frankenstein wasn't just a book.”
You turn to Fenright.
“We need lightning.”
Fenright looks at you for a moment like you're insane before he suddenly grins.
“Yes. Yes! Oliver, you're brilliant! Quick, get her legs, we need to hurry to my lab! Meliora, grab your sisters!”
You nod and take her ankles while Fenright grabs her shoulders, and you cart her off in the direction of the science wing, with Meliora following behind you hauling the droids and their parts. Fenright kicks open one of the supply closets and knocks over a bottle of floor wax, pressing a big red button hidden behind it. The back wall opens up, revealing a rather old-fashioned lab full of wooden furniture, flickering lights and strange bottles of liquids that bubble, hiss and change colors. Fenright helps you set Athena down on a work table.
“Oliver, I'm going to simulate a bolt of lightning and hit her with it, right in her core. She's designed to take much worse, I assure you, but I need you to do what you can to help her remain stable. We don't have time to analyze this before her core gives out completely.”
You nod and stand beside Athena as Fenright assembles what, from what you can tell, will be a lightning cannon of some sort. Athena is rapidly turning pale, and you brace yourself.
>Energy control, don't take a big risk with this
>Rune magic got you into this, it'll get you out again
>Other (write-in)
>>44782334
>Energy control, don't take a big risk with this
Free styling this could go horribly wrong really fast.
>>44782315I'm okay with this.
>>44782319
They're based on the same archetype.
>>44782334
>Energy control, don't take a big risk with this
Don't want to lose her.
>>44782334
>>Rune magic got you into this, it'll get you out again
>>44782334
>Energy control, don't take a big risk with this
Minimal risks with daughteru.
>>44782334
>Energy control, don't take a big risk with this
We can always through blood and runes at her if it doesnt work.
>>44782334
>Rune magic got you into this, it'll get you out again.
Magic runes, book runes, and House runes. I assume we have those three.
The intent is to maintain stability, cohesiveness, and maintain her mental capacity.
>>44782404
We don't know how to string them together properly. Freestyling runes is like trying to program in binary with rocks. incredibly easy to fuck up.
>>44782404
All we have consciouss knowledge of are magic, curse, and magic power. All the smaller runes manifested in answer to our will.
Spirit roll, +2
Rolled 10 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>44782455
better rolls please!
Rolled 14 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>44782455
Rolled 20 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>44782455
Rolled 19 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>44782455
Rolled 11 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>44782455
>>44782480
>>44782481
so close to a crit
>>44782480
Well done anon.
>>44782480
YO
Fighting for daughteru grants us mighty crits!
>>44782525
not quite just missed it
>>44782525
We will lecture the Daughter on not overextending herself, followed by a long cuddle as we try not to cry. We JUST got new FAMILY and almost lost them again.
>>44782553
the MOST overprotective father.
You take a deep breath, place your hands on Athena's shoulders, and brace for impact. You shut your eyes tightly and wait, and at the sound of the air around you exploding and the sensation of your hands feeling like they're about to catch fire you grit your teeth and focus. You redirect every burst of magical energy that pours out of Athena's core, drawing it into yourself and bouncing it right back. Every weak spot is reinforced, and when her core is venting normally again you ride it out, letting yourself recharge just a little bit from the excess and giving it one last check before opening your eyes.
“Oh.”
Your hands are blackened and numb, and you can't quite move your fingers. You try to force blood into them to move them, or even get them to twitch, but they won't budge. A side effect of touching something being struck by lightning, no doubt. Fenright runs over with a jar of something and smears it onto your hands, and you howl in pain as it soaks into your skin, slowly returning it to normal, and as you flex your fingers the pain subsides. Fenright caps the jar and slaps you.
“You're an imbecile. Clever in a pinch, but what were you expecting? At her heart, Athena lives to protect people. She wants to save lives. Were you really going to demand that she give up the thing that makes her who she is? You're a worse father than I am, and that's saying something.”
Meliora sighs.
“It's kinda true. It really is saying something.”
Fenright hangs his head.
“Thank you for that...”
>So that's it then? I have to give her up?
>I still refuse to let her go.
>I'll let her do as she likes, but she's still my daughter
>Other (write-in)
>>44782553
>Athena, earmuffs
>Fenright how fucking DARE YOU TRY TO ENDANGER HER! SHE'S BEEN SENTIENT FOR LESS THAN 6 HOURS I SWEAR TO GOD I WILL RIP YOUR SPLEEN OUT THROUGH YOUR NOSE IF YOU TRY THIS SHIT AGAIN! I DON'T CARE IF YOU OWNED HER CORE, YOU CAN NOT OWN LIVING BEINGS, AND SGE IS ALIVE GO ASK ANGIE IF YOU DOUBT ME.
>Athena, you can take them off now.
Chop her lightly on the head.
>Don't you ever scare me like that again. Now come on, Mel's going to ve worried about you.
>>44782665
>>I'll let her do as she likes, but she's still my daughter
Guys really
>>44782669
Ooo, I like this.
>>44782665
Yell that at him.
He doesn't even know WHAT she is now. She's not the golem she was before. Once she has the experience necessary to judge properly, we'll let her make her own choices, but a parent is supposed to protect their kid, not throw them into danger.
>>44782665
>So that's it then? I have to give her up?
>>44782665
>I'll let her do as she likes, but she's still my daughter
We're not just going to let him destroy this precious new piece of our family.
>>44782665
100% this >>44782669
Think we're tied within the time limit.
>>44782665
>First off, she's no longer a golem. She's a homunculus. I have an angel named Zeke that will bring down heavenly wrath on her head if she ever leaves school grounds, because of how much of an accurate replica she is to a proper human soul and mind. She is lifelike enough that the heavenly division devoted to putting down putting down imitations of God's Work has taken an active interest. You can't just treat her like a robot anymore.
>>44782808
I like that a lot better than the angry yelling wasn't-actually-intended-for-this-vote version.
>>44782669
Can we not have a autistic sperg at this guy? Please?
>>44782669
>>44782721
>>44782732
>>44782784
>Not letting her choose, despite the fact she's probably smarter than ten Oliver's put together.
You all are just going to smother her like Cersei did Tommen aren't you?
>>44782721
>>44782732
But it doesn't actually work properly in this context?
>>44782827
Well it tied at the five.
>>44782665
>>44782808
I like this instead. Can we do this?
The first to three rule is stupid if it lets poorly thought-out write-ins to have precedence over smart ones.
>>44782797
I think we are as well since the first version of it wasn't technically a vote, which means calling for a tie-breaker. So...
>Acknowledge that she can choose her own path
>Chew Fenright out for trying to lay some sort of claim on her
>Explain, calmly, that she's truly alive and sentient and that he can't impose his will on her.
>Other (write-in)
>>44782827
He's suggesting putting our daughter, our only living family, in the line of fire, constantly. I'd say anger is perfectly acceptable.
>>44782836
She's 6 hours old. It doesn't matter how sharp her brain is, she doesn't have the information to make an informed decision.
>>44782885
>Explain, calmly, that she's truly alive and sentient and that he can't impose his will on her.
>>44782878
We've been doing voting within the first five minutes of the post being made now because of the number of votes and possible attempts to derail things.
>>44782885
>>Explain, calmly, that she's truly alive and sentient and that he can't impose his will on her.
>>44782885
>Explain, calmly, that she's truly alive and sentient and that he can't impose his will on her.
As long as calmly includes some icy anger.
>>44782665
>Explain, calmly, that she's truly alive and sentient and that he can't impose his will on her.
>Other (write-in) She's my daughter and my only other living family member. She's been alive for less than a day. Of COURSE I'm protective of her!
>>44782893
Yeah, but the way it's worded just makes me cringe.
>>44782885
>Explain, calmly, that she's truly alive and sentient and that he can't impose his will on her.
We aren't happy calm though. We're calm-so-we-don't-kill-you calm
>>44782885
>>44782915
Second.
>>44782885
>>Acknowledge that she can choose her own path
>Explain, calmly, that she's truly alive and sentient and that he can't impose his will on her.
>>44782893
Like how Cersei thinks Tommen can't even wipe his ass as King. You're denying her free will as much as Fenright is. We should ask her and at least take her input into account instead of arguing over her like a piece of fucking meat.
>>44782924
So? QM always rewords write in votes. What we're voting on is intent and general message.
>>44782915
How about 'She's literally my flesh and blood.' The word daughter might hurt our case if we speak from a point of emotion instead of logic.
>>44782969
But we are acting from emotion. And Fenright's not an autistic sperglord, he's Krieger.
>>44782969
To be fair, you don't really want the wizard that was just beating up two combat robots barehanded to be in a place of negative emotion directed at you.
Can we at least get her input? Because right now we're ignoring her for our own happiness. Doing the exact same shit that makes kids run away from home because they think their parents don't care about them or what they think.
>>44782941
My friend, you are watching too much Game of Thrones. And in the books, Tommen is 10 when he becomes king. Cersei is a controlling bitch, but he wasn't prepared for the responsibilities, either. And that's still 10 years more of emotional development and the self-interest necessary for living beings that she lacks.
>>44783048
She's unconscious as of last post.
You look at Fenright for a moment.
“How dare you... When Athena wakes up she can tell me that herself, but you? You don't just get to decide who she is anymore. She's alive, sentient. She has an imprint of my soul, Fenright, she's close enough to being a human being that an angel tried to destroy her, and me for making her this way. So when Athena wakes up, neither of us get to decide who she is at her core. She does. I'm not going to let you just snatch her away for your own purposes. If she wants to protect people, then... then I'll figure it out from there. But I'm going to protect my family. Alright?”
Fenright claps slowly.
“Well put. Now we just need her to wake up. Fortunately, it won't take too long. Unfortunately, you're standing in my lab, using my technology, and trying to get in the way of my job. I'm going to ask you once, just once, to leave. When she wakes up, I'll have Meliora escort you here, and Meliora can stick around to help me repair her sisters and keep an eye on Athena. You're being emotional and unbalanced, and the last thing I need is for her to wake up and give up on who she really is as a person just because you won't stop crying about her.”
>Fine then. I'll leave. For now. But I'm coming back in a little while to double check.
>I'm staying right here, Fenright.
>Meliora, keep a close eye on her for me, alright?
>Other (write-in)
>>44783086
>And that's still 10 years more of emotional development and the self-interest necessary for living beings that she lacks.
She's a quantum computer and likely got a good bit of understanding just by us creating her. The assertion she can't think for herself when we haven't even talked to her about in depth matters is rather asinine.
>>44783171
>>I'm staying right here, Fenright.
I don't trust you.
