Become The Vampire 22
You get into your fighting stance as the vampire charges you, keeping your eyes peeled for anything sneaky. He isn't a trained martial artist or anything, just a street thug, but you're not in peak form and he's a vampire. You keep on the defensive, trying to figure out a way to counterattack without leaving yourself open, dodging around his strikes.
“Stand still!”
He throws a wild haymaker at you, and then another, and another, swinging his fists almost blindly. You smirk a little bit and give him a bit of a push, shoving his arm a bit when he misses his punch.
“Not very good at this, are you. I wanted a challenge. Should I have tried your friends?”
The vampire's eyes turn red, and you watch as his fangs lengthen and his body trembles. You're reminded of a passage from your father's notes, about vampires and their hunger. Vampires can contain their need for blood so long as they retain their focus and self-control, but the longer they're hungry for, the weaker their hold on their sensibilities. And this guy has probably been starving.
He lunges for you, trying to tackle you, and you barely get out of the way in time. He tries again, nearly knocking you over, and when he hits the wall he immediately bounces back to take you down. You try to pry him off, but the sting of your burnt hands makes it hard to get a solid grip on him, and he scrambles to try to force your head to once side.
“Hey!”
An acorn bounces off the vampire's head, and he turns towards Andrea. You look over and spot two piles of ash behind her, with saplings growing out of them. She tosses a handful of acorns into the air, catching the largest one.
“Let me tell you a little story. It's about the acorn and the oak tree. A man sat under an oak tree and asked it how it got so tall, and the tree replied that it simply was that way, and always had been. The man, confused, asked an acorn how it would become a tree, but the acorn didn't know, and got really sad.”
The vampire stands slowly, glaring at Andrea and snarling. Andrea turns the acorn over in her hand.
“Another acorn fell from the tree and asked the first why he was sad, and the first told him how he'd never become a great big tree. And do you know what the second acorn said?”
The vampire charges, and Andrea's fingers glow with a soft green light. She thrusts her hand forwards, a tree branch growing from the acorn and piercing through the vampire's chest. She twists her hand, and branch snapping, leaving a fresh stake stuck in the vampire, which quickly turns to dust.
“The tree was inside you all along.”
Andrea kneels down, setting the newly formed sapling down. Her hands glow brightly and the roots pierce through the tarmac. She collects a few acorns from the branches as they form and pockets them, walking over to you.
“Well, that was exciting. And unlike you. I was expecting you to have the edge there.”
You shrug slightly.
“Burnt hands and no magic, plus I didn't pack my weapons with me. Neat trick, by the way.”
Andrea nods a bit.
“I learned it from my friend. Apparently I've got a talent for it. It helps when you can just bring a strawberry or something to the woods, make a whole plant and just gorge yourself on fresh fruit at lunch.”
You nod a bit and glance around. No sign of any other vampires around, which is a plus, but you should probably be careful.
>Text Sammy, let her know you were attacked
>Head out of the alley and back to the main roads
>Use the alleys to sneak around town
>Talk to Andrea about what else she can do
>Text Jennifer and tell her you were attacked
>Other (write-in)
>Character sheet
http://pastebin.com/sYia7YGa
>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.
>>44410157
>Text Sammy, let her know you were attacked
>Text Jennifer and tell her you were attacked
>Head out of the alley and back to the main roads
All three.
>>44410228
I'll second this. Reasonable start.
>>44410157
>Text them both, tell them you were attacked, carry on with your night as per normal.
>>44410157
>Text Sammy, let her know you were attacked
>Talk to Andrea about what else she can do
>Head out of the alley and back to the main roads
>Text Jennifer and tell her you were attacked
>>44410157
>Text Sammy, let her know you were attacked
>Head out of the alley and back to the main roads
>Talk to Andrea about what else she can do
>Text Jennifer and tell her you were attacked
I think it's time to focus on the last item on our character sheet's goals.
what happened to number 21?
>>44410303
I'll update that after this post
>>44410303
Nah.
>>44410312
it was last night. >>44399383
>>44410345
>>44410335
thanks guys
You get out your phone and text Sammy, letting her know some vampires were causing some trouble for you, and then send the same to Jennifer, except you elaborate a bit. Not because you don't trust Sammy, but because you don't want to ruin the evening by making her worried. You pocket your phone and head for the street.
“So, what else can you do? Weird dryad stuff, plant magic... Anything else you wanna share with me?”
Andrea blinks, then chuckles.
“Well, I can mix drinks, I can skateboard, and I've got the roots of an ancient plant growing in my veins, which means that I don't have blood, I have sap. As if I wasn't sweet enough.”
You check your phone messages. Sammy lets you know that something came up at her house and she has to duck out early, but that you're welcome to come over with Andrea to hang out. Jennifer informs you that Patrick is acting up, and that Stephen might have to fight him tonight if things get out of hand. You glance at Andrea.
>Tell her what's up with Sammy, head over with her
>Part ways, head to Sammy's home alone
>Tell Andrea to visit Sammy, head to your room
>Continue hanging out, pretend you didn't hear back
>Other (write-in)
>>44410382
>Tell her what's up with Sammy, head over with her
>Put on suit under clothes, like we did going into the file room. Shit could go down hardcore, and we need to be ready.
>>44410382
>Tell her what's up with Sammy, head over with her
Ancient plant, huh? So, do you photosynthesize and stuff?
>>44410382
>Tell her what's up with Sammy, head over with her
>>44410382
>>Tell her what's up with Sammy, head over with her
http://pastebin.com/bywDryAG
Vaguely updated character sheet. Current inventory consists of phone, keys, wallet and lighter.
>>44410469
Track club have a sponsor?
“So I think Sammy's dad is going to freak out tonight, and bad stuffs gonna happen.”
Andrea pauses for a moment, looking down as though deep in thought, before nodding.
“The big guy, the really scary one who acts like a big softie around Sammy?”
You nod.
“That's the one. He's like her, a werewolf, but a proper one. But he can't control himself when he shifts forms, and he only just found out. We should probably head over there and help out.”
Andrea shifts from one foot to the other.
“It's kinda far away. We need a ride. I can get there no problem, but I'm not carrying you. I wouldn't be able to handle the weight.”
You sigh softly and nod.
“Well, let's see...”
>Maybe Meliora has a sweet robot car. Or maybe a jet.
>Call Jennifer, ask for a lift
>Ask Sammy to meet up with you if she hasn't left already, get a ride together
>Tell Andrea to go on ahead, double back to your room to get stuff
>Other (write-in)
>>44410528
Yep.
>>44410602
>Text Sammy, ask if she can send her cousin to pick us up.
>>44410602
>Ask Sammy to meet up with you if she hasn't left already, get a ride together
>>44410602
>Maybe Meliora has a sweet robot car. Or maybe a jet.
If we can't reach her
>Call Jennifer, ask for a lift
Our phone can give us the silver knuckles we need for wolves
>>44410630
Second
>>44410602
>Ask Sammy to meet up with you if she hasn't left already, get a ride together
>>44410602
>>Ask Sammy to meet up with you if she hasn't left already, get a ride together
>>44410602
>>Ask Sammy to meet up with you if she hasn't left already, get a ride together
Soon....95 days, 7 hours, 27 minutes to go BTQM.
You text Sammy to ask her if she's left yet, and if she hasn't, to swing by and pick you up. You head back to the main road, and head back towards the theater, letting her know to meet you there. You can hear tires screeching in the distance, and Andrea tenses.
“We're not getting a ride from him. Please. He drives like a maniac, and he acts like a moron.”
You smirk.
“Who, Blake?”
Andrea nods.
“You've met him, right? He treats Sammy like she's broken or something.”
You pause before nodding and shrugging.
“Pretty much. But we do what we need to do sometimes. We'll put up with him and get to Sammy's house. Maybe we can stop this from turning into an incident.”
Andrea hangs her head.
“Fine, but I'm hitting on his girlfriend when we get there as payback for what he said to me last time I saw him. I'm not explaining, I'm just letting you know in advance.”
You chuckle softly and watch Blake's car speed towards you, coming to a screeching halt. He lowers the window and smiles at you.
“Oliver! Andy! Get in already, we're gonna miss the show!”
You hop into the back with Andrea, and Sammy turns to look at you as you strap in.
“I'm kinda worried... Usually all the fighting is ritualized and significant, but there's no special day today... It's getting pretty serious...”
Blake steps on the gas immediately, shifting to high gear and racing towards the house. You're almost flattened against your seat by the force.
>Ride it out, come up with a plan in your head
>Discuss what's going on, get some details
>Text Sammy for info, keep it discrete
>Other (write-in)
>>44410799
>Ride it out, come up with a plan in your head
>>44410799
>Ride it out, come up with a plan in your head
>>44410799
>Discuss what's going on, get some details
>>44410799
>Ride it out, come up with a plan in your head
We're probably going to have to confront patrick again. Better get psyched for it.
Do what we can with blood magic to limber up.
And put the suit on under our clothes.
>>44410799
>Eh, it's not my place to talk about why.
In terms of plan, how do you want to approach this?
>Watch and wait, see what happens
>Confront Patrick directly, in front of everyone
>Lead Patrick to one side and try to talk to him
>Talk to Stephen and work with him on the issue
>Other (write-in)
>>44410907
>Lead Patrick to one side and try to talk to him
>Talk to Stephen and work with him on the issue
>>44410907
>Lead Patrick to one side and try to talk to him
>Talk to Stephen and work with him on the issue
>>44410907
>Lead Patrick to one side and try to talk to him
>>Talk to Stephen and work with him on the issue
Try to keep it low key if we can.
>>44410907
>Lead Patrick to one side and try to talk to him
>>Talk to Stephen and work with him on the issue
>>44410907
>Lead Patrick to one side and try to talk to him
>Talk to Stephen and work with him on the issue
It's always nice to see the group in sync
>>44410959
I have a feeling we're gonna splinter again soon though.
>>44410975
Probably. Oh well
You consider your options, and decide that a direct confrontation doesn't suit this situation. It also doesn't really suit you personally, come to think of it. You opt to talk to Stephen and Patrick, possibly together, away from the group. The drive passes in silence while you consider ways to tackle the various topics, from Sammy to Jennifer to Patrick's position in the pack.
When you reach the house you can see a few broken windows, and the sun is slowly starting to set. There's some howling, a few werewolves out front drinking and laughing, and music playing inside. Sammy immediately runs inside, with Andrea right behind her, and Blake looks at you before shrugging and heading inside.
Time to go to work.
>Try to find Patrick
>Try to find Stephen
>Try to find Jennifer
>Try to find Sammy and Andrea
>Sneak around and observe for a bit first
>Other (write-in)
>>44411031
>Try to find Jennifer
Let's get some details first.
>>44411031
>Try to find Jennifer
>>44411031
>Try to find Sammy and Andrea
If Patrick gets drunk and goes berserk, it might be while they're around.
>>44411031
>Try to find Jennifer
We can get better info on the current pack politics from her, and advice on the best way to approach this.
Sleuth roll plus Perception, +2
Your burnout has gone away
Rolled 16 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>44411092
Rolled 19 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>44411092
Rolled 7 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>44411092
>>44411092
>Your burnout has gone away
Awesome! Is our magic still low, though?
You head into the house and search for Jennifer, starting with the best place to find her when Patrick is drunk and there's a party going on. You find her in her room, sitting on her bed all by herself. The door is repaired, but it's wide open. She's nursing a glass of clear liquid, sipping it slowly.
“Hi there.”
She looks up at you and her eyes go wide.
“You shouldn't be here. If Patrick sees you he'll lose his temper and go berserk. He's already acting sullen and vicious, and seeing the person who beat him and can take his mate from him will made his mood exceptionally foul. You need to leave, right now.”
You slip into the room and close the door.
“I couldn't just sit back and let things happen here. I'm part of this pack, it affects me. And it affects people I care about, too.”
Jennifer stands and walks over to you. She wears an angry expression, but she can't hide her worry from you.
“Leave. Now. If you stay... I don't want to see you get hurt. You beat him once before, but that was by yourself, not with other werewolves around who might back him up.”
>I'm staying and I'm fixing this.
>I'll sneak out your window then
>I'm sticking around, but I'll keep out of sight and out of scent
>Other (write-in)
>>44411198
Yep, but if you don't use it needlessly you could probably squeeze out a decent spell or effect. You'd need a solid roll though, and you don't have enough consistent control for anything too big. You could blow yourself up again though, that's easy to do.
>>44411233
>I'm sticking around, but I'll keep out of sight and out of scent
>>44411233
>I'm staying and I'm fixing this.
Where's Stephen?
>>44411233
>>I'm sticking around, but I'll keep out of sight and out of scent
I can stop him again if need be, but I'd rather not.
>>44411233
>I'm sticking around, but I'll keep out of sight and out of scent
>>44411250
In the right circumstances, that could be just what we need.
>>44411233
That post number is pretty great.
>>44411233
>I'm just here to make sure he doesn't do anything stupid. He comes after me all crazy in front of others, they're not gonna interfere.
>>44411284
Thank you
“I'm not going to leave. But I'm not going to make myself obvious. If you need me, I'm here.”
You take out your phone and activate your suit.
“There. Now I can't be detected by scent. If he sees me in or out of the suit it's a problem, but now I just need to stay hidden.”
Jennifer rolls her eyes and heads back to her bed.
“Keep out of trouble and don't make me worry about you.”
You nod and open the door slightly, glancing around. You're not really sure what exactly you should be doing right now.
>Head downstairs and look around for Stephen or Patrick
>Stick with Jennifer to keep her safe
>Try to find Sammy and Andrea
>Other (write-in)
>>44411329
>Stick with Jennifer to keep her safe
See if our phone can do some long distance listening?
>>44411329
>Stick with Jennifer to keep her safe
She's the only one in danger
>>44411329
>Try to find Sammy and Andrea
Give em a sit rep, see if they can Get Stephen to us
>>44411329
>Try to find Sammy and Andrea
The last thing Sammy needs is to get in the way of berserk-o-dad
>>44411329
>Stick with Jennifer to keep her safe
Text Sammy, ask her to send Stephen to us if she can.
>>44411329
>Try to find Sammy and Andrea
>>44411329
>Try to find Sammy and Andrea
>>44411329
>Stick with Jennifer to keep her safe
>>44411329
>Try to find Sammy and Andrea
>>44411376
>>44411377
>dat simutaneous posting
>>44411329
>Stick with Jennifer to keep her safe
>Text Sammy and Andrea
>>44411355
Anyone could be in danger. In particular, I'm worried about Andrea since we know she was going to be making an ass of herself and she's a non-pack human.
>>44411411
She's not human, she's got sap instead of blood.
Text her and Sammy. Jennifer's the one who usually suffers when Patrick goes berserk.
>>44411426
>She's not human, she's got sap instead of blood.
This is partly true. She's not entirely human any more, and I really doubt if she's in any danger. The wolves wouldn't want to piss off the forest.
>>44411426
>She's not human, she's got sap instead of blood.
Still counts as human to pig-headed werewolves, and she is definitely non-pack.
Furthermore Patrick might have lost it entirely, which means anyone is fair game. Since he's acting rabid at this point.
>>44411426
She's close enough to human. Not a werewolf is the point.
Jennifer's not actively planning to do something that could very easily make a scene.
>>44411450
>>44411461
Didn't we just say we were going to stay out of sight? Text them first, if they don't reply, then we'll go find them.
>>44411470
>Didn't we just say we were going to stay out of sight?
Yes, and?
>>44411461
>>44411450
And besides, seeing US is what's likely to set Patrick off. We shouldn't risk it.
>>44411500
Seeing anyone or anything that he doesn't like is likely to set him off. It seemed to be implied he's even been lashing out at other werewolves.
>>44411497
And we have a device that will let us stay out of sight while contacting them. It's not complicated.
>>44411500
Patrick is about a hair's length from going full Wendigo on us. Seeing anyone or anything he doesn't like is going to set him off. Christ he's been attacking his pack.
>>44411514
Our presence will increase their danger, not lower it.
>>44411517
Or we could stay out of sight the normal way while contacting and keeping eyes on the person that is far more likely than Jennifer to get attacked right now, just in case.
>>44411534
>Seeing anyone or anything he doesn't like is going to set him off.
We don't know that he dislikes Andy. We DO know he dislikes us. A text or call first seems more prudent. It'll take us no time to reach them if shit happens anyway.
>>44411542
>the person that is far more likely than Jennifer to get attacked right now
She's bothering Blake, not Patrick. We don't know this^ you're assuming.
>>44411573
>She's bothering Blake, not Patrick
She's going to make a scene due to hitting on Blake's mate, which Patrick will notice, you dumbass.
>>44411573
She's actively being a shit to a member of his pack, of course he's going to be offended.
>>44411581
>which Patrick will notice
assumption.
Second assumption is that he will care.
Third assumption is that he will lose it with Sammy right there, when he dotes on her.
>>44411595
Where is her flirting with Blake's mate equated to being shit to anyone. For all we know, Blake's mate will laugh her off.
>>44411600
You close the door and head for the bed, sitting down next to Jennifer, hanging your head a bit and adjusting your suit slightly. You send Sammy and Andrea text messages telling them that you're trying to keep out of sight right now but you're around and to send Stephen to Jennifer's room, and you turn to Jennifer.
“So, more absinthe?”
Jennifer nods.
“He made an attempt to patch things up with me the moment I got home. It was thoughtless, desperate and without and kind of real sincerity. He wanted things to go back to how they were.”
Her brow furrows slightly.
“Think about that for a moment. No consideration of what he did. No acceptance that he loses control. Just... wanting to go back to blissful ignorance? To rape and violence? He didn't say he wanted to fix things, just...”
She looks into her cup for a few long moments before downing the rest of the contents in one go and setting it aside.
“I'll have another later, I think... That was enough for now...”
There's a firm knock, and Stephen walks into the room. He looks at you for a moment, closes the door, and sighs.
“Did I interrupt your carefully planned assassination attempt on Jennifer, or am I supposed to know who you are under that mask?”
>Remove your mask, talk to Stephen
>Maintain your air of mystery as you discuss things
>Encourage Stephen to seize the reins of the pack
>Try to come up with a plan to keep Patrick going a little longer
>Other (write-in)
>>44411631
>Remove your mask, talk to Stephen
>>44411631
>Remove your mask, talk to Stephen
>>44411631
>>Remove your mask, talk to Stephen
Just trying not to set Patrick off like Jennifer thought I would by being here.
>>44411631
>Just keeping my armor on in case Patrick walks in. God knows I won't have time to put it on after.
>>44411631
>Remove your mask, talk to Stephen
Playing bodyguard for now.
>Move Jennifer's glass further out of reach with telekinesis.
>>44411690
I support this. Letting Stephen know we're a mage should give us a little bit of additional clout as honorary pack members. After all, I doubt if the Collins have a mage.
You remove your mask and smile at Stephen, waving.
“Just keeping myself out of trouble for the time being. Plus if Patrick goes wild then someone needs to be here to keep Jennifer safe.”
Stephen nods somberly and rubs his eyes.
“Alright, fine, so we have the why down. So what exactly did you want me up here for?”
You nudge Jennifer's glass further away from her with your magic while stretching. Stephen glances at the cup, but his expression doesn't change.
“For a situation update. How are things going? How's Patrick?”
Stephen walks over to you slowly, his expression turning from sober to irritated.
“A mess, thanks to the pair of you. My brother is convinced that he's going to hurt everyone he cares about at this point. He's currently on his fifth pint, going on his sixth. He's planning to make some kind of big choice tonight, and he hasn't spoken a word about it. So forgive me if I'm a little short with you, but I'm worried about my family and my pack.”
You nod slightly and sigh.
“He needed to hear the truth.”
Stephen shakes his head.
“No. He needed to protect us. And now he can't.”
>Let's agree to disagree
>Fair enough. I can see your point.
>So you'd sacrifice one to protect the many? How very Collins of you.
>So protect them yourself.
>Other (write-in)
>>44411933
>So you'd sacrifice one to protect the many? How very Collins of you.
Harsh truths are what this pack needs.
>>44411933
>So you'd sacrifice one to protect the many? How very Collins of you.
Why not protect them yourself?
>>44411956
>>44411933
This, and also tell them why Patrick's curse isn't normal
>>44411933
>The cause of his condition, going berserker, is the curse adapting to his acceptance of being a werewolf. Given time, we might be able to instill that fear of his animal side in him again, help him get control. But the pack will be vulnerable until then, and having a pack leader that's on a constant hair-trigger while his little girl is being kidnapped and blood bound is just asking for trouble.
>>44411933
>>So you'd sacrifice one to protect the many? How very Collins of you.
He's literally so out of touch with his humanity that he's getting a worse curse. He's just like Mark in that regard.
>So protect them yourself.
Apologies for the delays, dinner is ready.
Schmooze roll, +1
Rolled 19 + 1 (1d20 + 1)
>>44412127
Rolled 20 + 1 (1d20 + 1)
>>44412127
critfail?
Rolled 1 + 1 (1d20 + 1)
>>44412127
Rolled 19 + 1 (1d20 + 1)
>>44412127
>>44412133
>>44412142
>>44412145
Yup.
>>44412142
Nope. Crit success.
>>44412142
>>44412133
WOOOOOOOO
>>44412142
Thank you tragedyanon.
>>44412153
>>44412155
>>44412164
If we ever get level up capability, we really should level Schmooze. Kinda surprised with all the talking we do we haven't gotten persuade 1 yet.
“So you'd let Jennifer suffer forever for the sake of the pack? How very much like a Collins. I'd expect that sort of thing from Mark.”
Stephen recoils as though you had just struck him, and you press on.
“Patrick's curse evolved. He lost the fear of his primal side, and the curse adapted to create that fear. We can try to bring that fear back, I'm going to study curses to fix things for him and for Sammy, but until then the pack will be vulnerable, regardless of if he knows or not. They need someone to watch over them while Patrick pulls himself together.”
You point at Stephen.
“They need you.”
Stephen growls softly and sighs.
“You're right. I just hate that this is what we've come to.”
He turns and looks at the door.
“...whatever he's planning, it won't end well. I'll fight him, beat him down, and then when he's ready to take back control, I'll fight him again. I'll trust you to take care of things from there.”
He rests his hand on the doorknob and looks over his shoulder at you.
“I'd expect that sharp tongue on Jennifer, not on you. Seems you're just full of surprises, Oliver Spencer.”
He turns to head out.
>No no, don't fight him tonight
>I'll be there on the sidelines, just in case
>Need a hand with anything?
>I'll wait here with Jennifer for now
>I better find Sammy and Andrea...
>Other (write-in)
>>44412165
Tragedyanon doesn't want it so hard, but he can never not get it.
>>44412194
>Need a hand with anything?
Obviously we can't interfere, but we can help.
>>44412194
>Need a hand with anything?
>>44412194
>Need a hand with anything?
Were Sammy and Andrea alright when you came up here?
If yes
>I'll wait here with Jennifer for now
If no
>I better find Sammy and Andrea
>>44412194
>Need a hand with anything?
>>44412216
>>44412194
I guess this is the best choice.
It's his fight, but we were a catalyst for it.
Change >>44412240
to Seconding >>44412234
>>44412198
Well, in a way he gets what he wants, cause it's tragic that he never gets his tragedy. Lol.
>>44412194
>If worse comes to worse, Patrick did attack me. And I won that confrontation. We can brute force this if we have to, but we'll call that plan C for now.
>>44412165
>>44412198
>>44412283
Not Tragedy anon, foresight anon. I foresaw I'd get a 20, but only if I did a certain action. Kinda like Oliver and him handled Jennifer.
>>44412194
>Need a hand with anything?
We also might want to ask him if there would be a way to protect both Jennifer and Sammy after he beats Patrick. Preferably without any claiming.
>>44412300
I...I wonder if Stephen knows we beat Patrick?
>>44412318
Sammy's probably safe for now. No one in the pack is going to want her as long as she's a runt, remember? That's why they were okay with her being engaged to Marc.
>>44412356
Still, I want to ask. I expect any kind of claiming to go to shit and butthurt, both in and out of character, and want to avoid having to do so. No harm in making sure we know all the options, right?
>>44412320
Probably not.
“Want a hand with anything?”
Stephen shakes his head.
“I have to do this alone or else it won't count. Any sort of deception or trickery might be enough to invalidate a win.”
You nod and pause.
“Sammy and Andrea... how are they doing? Everything fine down there?”
Stephen chuckles a bit.
“Andrea is herself in every way, and Sammy is keeping her out of trouble.”
You nod and let Stephen leave, sighing softly. There's really nothing you can do right now without causing a fuss, so you walk back over to Jennifer's bed and sit down. You've moved the pieces into place, now you just have to hope that Stephen can beat Patrick in a fight when Patrick loses his rationality.
>Talk to Jennifer about how she's doing
>Magic practice, keep it light
>Talk to Jennifer about something else
>Text Sammy, warn her that something big is about to go down
>Other (write-in)
>>44412398
>Magic practice, keep it light
>Text Sammy, warn her that something big is about to go down
>>44412391
Oh, I agree.
>>44412398
>Talk to Jennifer about how she's doing
Mention that if she wants it, we can get her a job at the school. That will keep her safe while we see where...this...goes.
>>44412398
>>44412419
Second
>>44412398
>>44412419
Second.
>>44412398
>>44412419
Eh, this, but mention that one of the teachers is sacrificing students instead of a straight 'You've got a job' shit.
>>44412398
>>44412419
I like it. Non-committal, while still showing we're looking out for her.
>>44412398
>You've moved the pieces into place
We're still learning how to vampire, but this is good so far.
>Contemplate the levels of boredom it must take to make vampires do this for fun.
“So how are you holding up?”
Jennifer looks over at you before turning back towards the wall.
“Decently, I suppose. I'm not dead yet, and my nightmare is coming to its climax or to its end. Now I just need to worry about all the people in the pack who will unload their hate onto me the moment Patrick is beaten.”
You nod slightly and move to her side.
“Well, on the plus side I think I have a solution. I'm working on getting you a job at the school. The math teacher is trading students for magical supplies, she's some kind of witch. I told the school nurse about it since she's someone I can trust, and she might not have her job for very much longer. That's why I mentioned math when I left.”
Jennifer leans on you, using your shoulder as a pillow.
“Clever boy... I knew that I liked you for a reason... A job at the school would solve a number of my problems all in one go... But then you have no reason to claim me. Still, it keeps me alive.”
She closes her eyes and spends a few moments nuzzling your neck before withdrawing from you.
“With that problem solved I suppose you'll be back to courting Sammy then. It'll cause much less of a fuss that way. I'll become a teacher, and that means you're free to claim Sammy as your own without consequence. Besides, I doubt a teacher-student relationship would find any approval. It would have to be very well concealed from everyone.”
>I don't really know what I'm going to do about all this romance nonsense, to be honest
>I'm pretty good at hiding things. It might be kinda fun sneaking around.
>I just want to be able to protect everyone, and this seems like a good way to do it. It's not about relationships, just practicality.
>If I don't, how else am I going to protect Sammy? I know you said she'd be fine, but that's only if I can fix her curse.
>Other (write-in)
>>44412699
>I don't really know what I'm going to do about all this romance nonsense, to be honest
>>I'm pretty good at hiding things. It might be kinda fun sneaking around.
>>I just want to be able to protect everyone, and this seems like a good way to do it. It's not about relationships, just practicality.
>>44412699
>I don't really know what I'm going to do about all this romance nonsense, to be honest
>I just want to be able to protect everyone, and this seems like a good way to do it. It's not about relationships, just practicality.
>>44412699
>I'm pretty good at hiding things. It might be kinda fun sneaking around.
Or
>>44412720
>>44412699
>I'm pretty good at hiding things. It might be kinda fun sneaking around.
>>44412699
>I don't really know what I'm going to do about all this romance nonsense, to be honest
>I just want to be able to protect everyone, and this seems like a good way to do it. It's not about relationships, just practicality.
>If I don't, how else am I going to protect Sammy? I know you said she'd be fine, but that's only if I can fix her curse.
>>44412699
>I don't really know what I'm going to do about all this romance nonsense, to be honest
>I just want to be able to protect everyone, and this seems like a good way to do it. It's not about relationships, just practicality.
>>44412699
>I don't really know what I'm going to do about all this romance nonsense, to be honest
>>44412699
>Other
I'd like to see where we can go without external pressure forcing our hands.
>>44412699
>I'm pretty good at hiding things. It might be kinda fun sneaking around.
>>44412699
>She closes her eyes and spends a few moments nuzzling your neck before withdrawing from you.
Jennifer a cute.
A CUTE!
>>44412887
She's completely ruined the concept of the female gender for me and, out of character, I want nothing more than for her to get raped to death in a dark room, forgotten and unloved.
>>44412898
Well aren't you just a bundle of sunshine.
>She's completely ruined the concept of the female gender for me
How so? QM's written her as a very realistic person.
You lean back and look up at the ceiling.
“I've spent my whole life moving from place to place. I never let myself get close to anyone, because I knew that in a few months time I'd be packing up and moving again, dragged off to wherever my dad was taking me to next. I had friends, sure. I get along with people well enough. But I was always afraid of opening up too much, or getting involved. Now my dad is long gone, and the only one who can make me leave is... me. I can get as involved as I like now. And it's even more terrifying.
I don't know what I'm doing with all this stuff, Jennifer. I don't know who I should be with, or claim, or if I even want those things at all. I've never had them before, what if I screw up? I've seen bad breakups happen to people. It hurts. I don't know if I'd handle that pain well. All I know is that right now, I need to protect you, and everyone else. I'm not trying to get you the job to shut you out, it's just a practical solution.”
You look over at Jennifer and catch her staring at you. She doesn't look away though.
“I don't have a spell to tell me if you're being honest with me, Oliver. I don't have anything but your word. But I'll trust you on this, since you seem to trust me. I haven't got any other source of hope right now anyway. What else do I have to believe in?”
Your response is cut short by the sound of a loud howling from outside, joined by another a moment later, and the room shakes a bit as something slams into the wall.
>Head downstairs to check things out
>Observe from the window
>Other (write-in)
>>44412938
>Observe from the window
>>44412887
Less "cute" and more "you're sending me away somewhere I can't reach you so this is one last touch before you get rid of me"
>>44412938
>>Head downstairs to check things out
>>44412938
>Observe from the window
>>44412938
>Head downstairs to check things out
>>44412938
>Head downstairs to check things out
>>44412938
>Observe from the window
>Squeeze her hand gently
Will you...
>Head down sneakily to avoid being spotted
>Run down and find Sammy and Andrea before you watch the fight
>Head straight for the fight, no time to waste
>Other (write-in)
>>44413032
>>Run down and find Sammy and Andrea before you watch the fight
Need a sit rep from em before we do shit.
>>44413032
>Run down and find Sammy and Andrea before you watch the fight
>>44413032
>Head down sneakily to avoid being spotted
>>44412967
I found it cute and wanted to comfort her.
>>44413062
Fair enough
>>44413032
>Head down sneakily to avoid being spotted
>>44413032
>Run down and find Sammy and Andrea before you watch the fight
Sleuth roll plus Perception, +2
Rolled 3 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>44413124
Rolled 3 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>44413124
Bad feeling about this
Rolled 15 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>44413124
>>44413131
Why? It was just the roll to find them. You guys decided not to hide, despite being repeatedly told to by several people. So if we get attacked it's on you.
>>44413159
I meant about the rolls, not the action taken.
>>44413243
Oh, well then you were right.
>>44413257
17 is perfectly fine.
>>44413271
But you rolled a 5, so your bad feeling was perfectly accurate about your roll.
You give Jennifer a quick glance before grabbing your helmet and running downstairs. Everyone seems to be pouring through the doors to get outside, and you briefly spot Sammy and Andrea being swept along by the crowd. You run out the front door and double back to behind the house just in time to see the fight break out in full, Stephen and Patrick both fully shifting. Andrea is stuck by the door, trapped by a few people, and Sammy is trying to push her way through the crowd to see what's going on.
She makes it there just in time to see Stephen slam his fist into Patrick's chest. The change in her expression breaks your heart, her eyes wide and her ears alert. As she yells for them to stop you can see her fangs lengthening, her eyes wild and frenzied. Her words are drowned out by the crowd for the most part, but you can still hear her. She steps forward, moving towards the pair.
>Try to stop Sammy before she gets herself hurt
>Let it happen, if she tries to help Patrick he loses by default. Right?
>Other (write-in)
>>44413287
No I rolled a 5 that anon your replied is a different one.
>>44413298
>Try to stop Sammy before she gets herself hurt
>>44413298
>Try to stop Sammy before she gets herself hurt
She should know better.
>>44413298
>Try to stop Sammy before she gets herself hurt
>>44413298
>Try to stop Sammy before she gets herself hurt
>>44413298
>Try to stop Sammy before she gets herself hurt
But don't put our helmet on. That way lies being attacked by the pack
>>44413309
>>44413131 You
>>44413159 Me
>>44413243 You
>>44413257 Me
>>44413271 Not You?
If not sorry, but it's easy to see why I expected that anon to be you, yes?
>>44413384
Yes, but I was fixing food so last one was not me
>>44413335
Also you need to take your protein pills first.
So, how do you want to stop Sammy?
>Brute force
>Words
>Attempt a magical solution
>Other (write-in)
>>44413438
>Brute force
>>44413438
>Brute force
>>44413438
>Words
if that fails
>Brute force
>>44413438
>>Brute force
It's too loud to talk
>>44413438
>Brute force
>Words
We're going to need to body-block her (our poor internal organs) in order to stop her and get her to focus on us for a chance that she'll hear what we're saying anyway.
Strength roll plus Brawl, +4
Rolled 16 + 4 (1d20 + 4)
>>44413571
Wolfu pls
Rolled 1 + 4 (1d20 + 4)
>>44413571
Rolled 6 + 4 (1d20 + 4)
>>44413571
Rolled 6 + 4 (1d20 + 4)
>>44413571
>>44413582
>>44413585
I was sorta hoping we'd crit fail again.
>>44413609
Tragedyanon pls go
>>44413579
>Wolfu plsNo. Stop that.
>>44413627
But muh wolfu
>>44413640
>muh wolfuNo. Bad anon. Stop that.
>>44413662
Anon pls
>>44413609
Don't worry anon we will fail eventualy. Just like we failed to save our parents.
You head over to Sammy and move between her and the fight, holding your arms out.
“Sammy, I know this looks bad but you need to let this take its course. If you step in now, then-”
She tries to push past you and you grab hold of her, keeping her steady.
“If you step in right now you'll make things worse.”
Sammy's eyes are shiny with tears, and she tries to shove past you, claws digging into your suit as she attempts to yank you aside. You reposition yourself, keeping her back for the most part. She gives you a pleading look, before her eyes slowly begin to cloud over.
“Oliver, get out of my way...”
You close your eyes and brace yourself. You kinda knew that this was coming.
“No. I'm not going to let you get hurt.”
She howls, before biting at you, wrestling with you and trying to knock you down. You manage to maintain your footing, but Sammy thrashes, snapping at you and yelling. Tears are streaming down her face. She tenses every so often, immediately followed by a crack or thud behind you and someone whimpering in pain. You grit your teeth and keep Sammy from advancing, ignoring the fight. It's out of your hands.
Eventually the whimpering doesn't stop, and you can hear stumbling footsteps advancing towards the stunned crowd. Patrick collapses, reverting to human form a few steps from the back door, and there's a loud howl behind you. You turn to look at Stephen, covered in claw and bite marks, fur stained with blood. He looks at you for a moment, and you let go of Sammy so she can rush over to her father.
“The pack is now mine. Patrick showed weakness, so now I'm claiming his place. When he's sober and strong again, I welcome the chance to fight him again and see my brother reclaim his throne from me. But for the time being... I will protect this clan from its enemies.”
>Go to Sammy, try to help her with Patrick
>Go to Stephen and talk to him
>Head up to Jennifer, get her out of here
>Check on Andrea
>Other (write-in)
>>44413680
Anon. Ease off a bit please. The more obsessive you post about Sammy, the more I hate her.
>>44413731
I was joking, it's not my fault your skin requires an electron microscope to observe.
>>44413726
>Head up to Jennifer, get her and Andrea out of here
Shits gonna go down, time to bounce.
>>44413746
Seconding.
>>44413744
You may be joking, but too many anons aren't.
>>44413726
>>44413746
Seconding
>>44413726
>Go to Stephen and talk to him.
>>44413746
>>44413760
>>44413778
Wait, what's goin on there?
>>44413778
One of the primary romance options has a large number of supporters. How surprising.
>>44413726
>Go to Stephen and talk to him
>Head up to Jennifer, get her out of here
>Check on Andrea
>>44413746
Very much a dis one
>>44413746
>>44413760
>>44413778
I thought the whole point was to get Stephen with Jennifer, or some shit?
>>44413824
Stephen has a wife, you just haven't met her yet.
>>44413824
Aside from the fact that he already has a mate, that has never been so much as mentioned as a plan at any point.
>>44413746
>>44413760
>>44413778
Andrea isn't going to ditch Sammy and we shouldn't Either.
>>44413726
>Go to Stephen and talk to him
>>44413726
>Go to Stephen and talk to him
You look over at Sammy and Patrick for a moment and sigh. Sammy isn't going to remember the next few minutes either way, so comforting her would be meaningless. Her pack is there for her, they have medical supplies, and you're no doctor. You head for the door, looking around for Andrea, and spot her making her way over to Sammy. Great. You head for the stairs and text Andrea about how things are about to go down, hustling to the third floor.
You find Jennifer packing when you reach her room. The dresser and cupboards are mostly empty, but she only has a small suitcase. A suitcase covered in runes, though, so she's probably pulling a Mary Poppins. She closes the case and looks over at you.
“No choice but to run now... I'll drive?”
You nod slightly.
“You need to get out of here right now...”
Jennifer sighs softly.
“I... Where should I go? Your room? The motel again? I'm still part of the pack, I'll be protected, but...”
>Have Jennifer head out alone to your place, meet her there later
>Send Jennifer to the motel for now, catch up with her later
>Go with Jennifer to your room
>Back to the motel we go
>Other (write-in)
>>44413913
>Have Jennifer head out alone to your place, meet her there later
>>44413913
>Have Jennifer head out alone to your place, meet her there later
Need to sort this out still, can't bail yet.
>>44413913
>Have Jennifer head out alone to your place, meet her there later
“Meet me at my place and we'll work from there. I'm gonna make sure things don't collapse completely around here, and I wanna make sure that Sammy and Andrea get home alright.”
Jennifer nods and grabs the case, walking over to you. She hugs you tightly, before running past you, sprinting down the hall and down the stairs. You follow behind her and double back to the crowd. Everyone is listening to Stephen making a speech about unity and strength, and about the curse. He's letting everyone know about Patrick's condition, and how a certain human mage is working on a way to fix things. You're barely paying attention to his words as you make your way towards Sammy and Andrea, when you suddenly feel everyone's gaze coming to rest on you.
“Oliver?”
You turn and spot Marigold, smiling and giving you a small wave.
“It's you, isn't it? You're the one who's... going to make sure Patrick gets better? So that he can lead us again?”
>I'm just a guy trying to make things right.
>That's the plan, yeah.
>Who, me? Nah, Stephen is talking about someone else.
>Actually, it's Andrea. I'm just her assistant.
>Other (write-in)
>>44414048
>Im just a guy trying to make things right.
>>44414048
>I'm just trying to help.
>>44414094
I can help you anon.....
>>44414048
>>44414048
>>44414048
>Who, me? Nah, Stephen is talking about someone else.
not gonna wotk because anons are stupid.
>>44414048
>>I'm just a guy trying to make things right.
I'm working on curses but it's going to be a while. The LAST thing you want is for me to make it worse.
>>44414048
>I'm just a guy trying to make things right.
>>44414048
>Who, me? Nah, Stephen is talking about someone else.
>>44414128
Dont make me touch your dick fag
>>44414128
>I'm not going to present an argument or even implication as to why that option is wrong, I'm just going to insult everyone around me
You guys who didn't pick the third option, would be all dead in a shadowrun game.
You smile a bit and continue heading for Sammy and Andrea.
“I'm just trying to make things right. I'm part of this clan, so I want to help out where I can.”
The crowd parts slightly, giving you a clear path to Patrick, and you kneel down beside Sammy. Andrea is hugging her from the side, and you embrace her as well. Patrick is still breathing, and he's not bleeding anymore, but Sammy looks devastated. She cries quietly, ears drooping, slumping against Patrick's limp form.
You don't know what to say. You don't know what to tell her that will make this alright. So you don't say anything. You hold Sammy close and do what you can to calm her down until the tears stop, until a group of other werewolves lift Patrick up and carry him inside, until the only people left outside are you, Sammy and Andrea. Andrea releases Sammy slowly, nodding to you, and walks back inside, leaving you alone with her.
“...you knew.”
Sammy turns towards you slowly.
“You knew that... something like this was going to happen... didn't you...?”
>I didn't know before tonight
>I suspected it might, but I wasn't sure
>Yes. I didn't tell you because there wasn't a good time for it
>Nope, not a clue. I wish I had though...
>Other (write-in)
>>44414226
We'd be dead if we DID
>>44414235
>I suspected it might, but I wasn't sure
but
>I didn't know before tonight
Patrick was falling apart, and he hates me for pointing out the flaw in in his false paradise.
>>44414226
good thing it isnt shadow run then
>>44414235
>>44414268
Second.
>>44414235
>Yes. I didn't tell you because there wasn't a good time for it
Harsh truths
>>44414235
>Nope, not a clue. I wish I had though...
like i would fucking tell you.
>>44414235
>I knew it would happen eventually. Just not tonight.
Schmooze roll, +1
That one anon is right, you guys are getting a skill increase before too long
>>44414314
This is the best choice. We knew it was coming, it had to happen eventually.
Rolled 10 + 1 (1d20 + 1)
>>44414327
Rolled 10 + 1 (1d20 + 1)
>>44414327
Rolled 5 + 1 (1d20 + 1)
>>44414327
Rolled 14 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>44414327
For Angie!!!
>>44414365
ops glad it doesn't count.
>>44414388
Hey tragedyanon. So am I. We've succeeded too much, this will add some drama.
“...I had my suspicions. I didn't have all the facts, but I knew enough to guess. I just didn't think it would happen tonight.”
Sammy's expression changes slightly, shifting to confusion.
“So why didn't you tell me...? Why didn't you... fill me in?”
You don't really have a good answer for that one, but you try your best.
“The fewer the number of people who knew, the safer things were for a while. If I had told you... what would you have done? Patrick needed to stay at the leader for as long as possible, the pack is in a difficult position...”
Sammy glares at you.
“I could have helped! I could have done something! I don't know what, but now I can't!”
She slaps you hard, and you lightly touch your cheek. Blood. She's got her claws out.
“Now my dad is disgraced! The only reason I'll still be able to go to school is if Uncle Stephen decides to let me! They're going to tear my mom apart!”
You grit your teeth.
“I couldn't do anything and neither could you. What would you have done? Tried to tell him it would be alright? We have to fix his curse and yours, Sammy. That's the only way to make things okay agai-”
You stop short. Sammy stares at you blankly, her eyes widening.
“My... curse...? I... I know that I'm... not a proper werewolf, but...”
Shit. Shit shit shit.
>Backpedal hard
>Explain what you really meant by it
>Roll with it. It's what you want, isn't it? To be like them? I want to give you that.
>Other (write-in)
>>44414410
Even if we succeeded we'd have had drama, This is likely to cost our friendship with Sammy.
