Just a Passing Assassin...

[King-Clod]

Seconding stepping out for a minute for our call.

I'd take the Vampiric Healing and Probability modifier if we're allowed both.

As for our status report? We found our colleague. They're alive, but not in good shape. We're teaming up with some locals to take down the cause - some sort of monster that only comes out at night. It's got a venomous sorta bite that puts people in a sort of dormant limbo state, and has apparently absorbed many people form the town into itself, if I recall correctly. It hates...fire and light, can retreat into a personal void apparently, and has a cold aura around it. We're going to try to make an antidote of of the venom and take it down if we can. Does the description ring any bells? Have you heard of anything like this before?

[Ignispark]

status reports and whatnot take priority but...maybe also ask What IS a probability modifier????? That seems odd and potentially concerning.

(also thirding stepping out for a minute for the work call and seconding either like, mentally bookmarking or mentioning interest in healing and probability modifier. that all seems prudent. the questions about the comms device, the status report on the colleague and situation and everything also seem good)

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 Spiral: Give me just one sec…

You lower the device and look over to Cabinetta.

Spiral: Hey so uh…



Cabinetta: Is something wrong? Who are you talking to?

Spiral: Work call, someone from back at the office. You mind if I scoot out for a sec?

Cabinetta: Are they your people?

Spiral: Mm…

Cabinetta: One moment then.

She makes her way to the other room, waving at you.

Spiral: Appreciated. I won't take too long.



4D: Is everything alright?

Spiral: Just asking a friend for some privacy. So what’s up? How are you connecting with me?

4D: No clue! We suspected a jammer situation of some kind but maybe you’re in a blind spot?

4D: Either way you’re safe! Did you find our person?

Spiral: Yeah, they’re sick though. Some kind of curse or poison?

4D: Ah… Okay. Hmm. We can apply something to ease their condition. We’d need a good drop off spot however, are you outdoors?

Spiral: No.

4D: Mm… Any other status updates?

Spiral: Currently night, some kind of creature is causing this area trouble and got our target. Uh…

Spiral: The others are doing their own thing while we wait for daytime. Kind of dangerous to go out right now.



4D: Ah… normally I don’t like having people wait this long but we’d rather not lose more. Too many accidents and home base will cut off the area completely. Try not to die!



Spiral: Oh….

4D: Mm. Can’t guarantee another expedition will be deployed if you get trapped.  So are you working with the locals? Have to be taking up shelter somewhere.

Spiral: Mmhmm. The creature apparently has a venomous bite that puts you in a dormant state. Don’t know if you have any antidote but…

4D: We can do a diagnostics check. We’ll send in the pod after we scan for a clearing. Any other details?

Spiral: It has a cold aura, is weak to fire and light, and can retreat into a void. Ring any bells? Sound familiar?

4D: It does actually. Think it might be a Revnaught. Lost soul type deal, people it bites and drags into its void are archived in its own dreamland.

4D: They’re shapeshifters that take the form of one of its captives during the day. Can’t really survive in their true form in light for long. Like one of those vengeful ghost types but lonely, they lash out from a distinctive solitude. They’re pretty rare, a good scan to get if you can.

Spiral: Noted…

Spiral: Also back to the mods, can you explain? Interested in the vampiric healing and probability modifier stuff.

4D: Ah! So let me break it down.

4D: Body types are obviously what they sound like, it’s good to have scans of those as a base for spares. Most folks keep a few extras in case a job isn’t compatible with their biology. They come with the same abilities as folks you scan and whatever additional modifications you’re aiming for. 

4D: The individual mods are more of a precise thing. You actually have a uh… tail mod in storage back home? Did you make a request?

Spiral: Maybe…

4D: Hmm.. either way that could be applied to you anytime. As for the ones you were interested in…

4D: Vampiric healing is a fiendish trait, allows you to recover from injuries by drinking blood or absorbing shreds. Very wonderful little thing, personally not a bad choice.



4D: Apparently it has a nice kick to it. People who pick up this perk get cravings the way a stoner gets the munchies. It’s safe overall but… you know. Might get hungry more often. Very fun from what I’ve heard though!

4D: Fiend bodies have additional benefits from drinking blood, makes their abilities way more powerful, reveals their true self if they indulge enough. The isolated mod doesn’t have this however so you wouldn’t be able to transform or shapeshift or cast dangerous magic.

4D: As for the probability modifier? I’m not entirely sure how to explain it. Let me grab Rico…

You hear yelling in the background for a moment before..



Rico: Hey, you’re all safe! Nice! So uh… we’ll be your operators for now then.

Rico: Granted we might be busy with other jobs at times. Probability modifier seems to not have a species associated? Not one documented. No idea how Steady got her hands on it, seems to make impossible things have a slight chance of happening around her? We’re not sure…

4D: Big mystery indeed. She’s a pretty lucky rabbit though. You should rub a paw and see if it does something.



Rico: Don’t do that!



4D: Do it!

Rico: I don't think that's how it works!

4D: How do you know? Can you prove that?

Rico: Yes! Also pretty sure the rabbit's luck is in the ear...

4D: Rub her ear then, I'm sure she'd be okay if you asked.

Rico: Probably but I don't recommend it.

Spiral: Wait are you messing around or… can she do stuff like that?

Rico: Honestly? It’s hard to say. But I doubt anything bad will happen if you take that mod. She's absolutely the luckiest operative I've met soooo.

Rico: Anyway we’ll do a save so you can rollback if you don’t end up liking the changes, it's no biggie.

Rico: Could also use one of your slots. All folks starting off are given a body initially and space for 3 others. Think of it as a few pre-set loadouts you make in advance.

Rico: Current template is:

Species: Custom Snake
Modifiers:

- Weather Resistant (Extreme heat and cold are less dangerous)

- Enhanced Strength 1 (You are strong enough to lift up to three times your body weight)

- Fall Resist (You can jump down from moderately high places without injury)

- Enhanced Recovery (You can recover wounds overnight faster than usual. Broken bones will be fixed in a couple of days.)



Rico: Also if you need any supplies you’re allowed a drop, just don’t waste anything. Heads get pissed if you don't use what you ask for.

[Ignispark]

...speaking of supplies that could get used...do you think a harpoon gun be a good weapon for this scenario and is one available for whenever we get around to being able to do a drop? I think it might be useful to have something metal and sturdy to try to catch the beast and prevent it from running away. Also...as far as scanning goes, can a part of something be scanned if removed? Or can things be scanned if they die? That will probably impact how hard trying to scan the Revnaught will be.

[Lilium Mortem]

I think adding just probability modifier is a good move right now. Don't want to mess with the over all body shape or any new senses or unweildy abilities rn.

Make sure to relay the stuff about the monster to the others. And In this case I think we should make a policy of scanning new individuals we meet, could catch this thing red handed.

[King-Clod]

Uuuh, could we choose what to get in the drop after we meet up with the others again? I don't know if Steady will have any good ideas of something we can use to fight this thing. Or...snack ideas, for that matter.

Also, if I could get an overview of the webbing ability too, that might be helpful for tying this creature up. Unless the webs easily break in the cold...

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 

Spiral: Think I’ll keep from messing with anything too extreme or unwieldy, comfy with this body type for now.



Rico: For the best, you’re just getting used to being alive again and all.



4D: Mm, as much as we encourage experimentation with as many mods as possible, this is your first job. Plus I’m pretty sure spiders are bad luck.

Rico:... Aren’t you a Spider?

4D: Yes? I’m not exactly a four leaf clover.

4D: Whether it carries over to the folks I’m monitoring is more up to debate I think.

4D: I do have a rather high rate of working with accident prone people so…



4D: Be careful!

Rico: Don’t listen to that. So no mods? You have a lot of capacity.

Spiral: I mean I’ll take probability manipulation and maybe the webbing but uh…

Spiral: Does the webbing break easier in the cold?

Rico: 4D, you got the answer to this right?

4D: Should be fine. Fiend bodies are quite vulnerable to extreme heat and cold but the webbing is quite fantastic for getting through winters.

4D: The cold will not kill our kind but will cause our body state to slow down, potentially hibernating until snow stops.



4D: Rico brings me blankets regularly during shift because the AC makes me sleepy…

Spiral: So should be good?

4D: Yep! Your body might struggle to regenerate webbing as quickly without a fiend body however. Species has a number of unique functions that make transcribing abilities to other forms of being difficult.

Spiral: Right. Also a few more quick things?



Rico: Go for it!

Spiral: Could a harpoon be good? We need to sort of capture it and keep it from running.

Rico: We can set that up easy..

Spiral: Also, do we need to scan the thing live? Like is scanning a piece or corpse viable?

Rico: A piece takes a bit longer to extract details from, but yeah. Corpse should be fine though we prefer live scans for a number of reasons.

Rico: Anyway, easy stuff either way.

Spiral: Cool .

Spiral: Also can we hold the delivery til I talk to the others? Also can you provide snacks? I want to hear some ideas from the rest of the group.

Rico: Sure thing, want updates from them anyway.

Spiral: Cool. Stand by then?

Rico: Standing by.

You pocket the device before turning toward the doorway. Cabinetta peeks her head out.



Cabinetta: Hello. Are you all done? I tried not to listen in too much but it sounded like you were finished. Good news hopefully?

Spiral: Mostly. I want to regroup though, call is on hold for now.

Cabinetta: Ah, certainly! We can hold dessert for now then.

Cabinetta: I’m really finding myself lightheaded though so let's be quick about it.... the hunger makes me a grumpy and sad creature...

Cabinetta: What did they call about anyway if I may ask?

Cabinetta: Can they help us?

Cabinetta: Hate to ask so much,I hope none of this is too intrusive...



Cabinetta: The most anything to happen in awhile! I can't help but be excited that things may work out for us in the end...

[Lilium Mortem]

we're getting a supply drop, I think that's safe enough to say. plan kill the monster is a go. if you have anything you think would help with the monster hunting let me know and I can call it in, otherwise let's wait for the others.

Fill in everyone about revenaught details

[King-Clod]

They can help us. Do you think there's anything we need that you don't have here? They can't help us out in person, but they can give us supplies. Even if it's just a snack you haven't had in a while.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 Spiral: Got in contact with my people, we’re getting a supply drop.

Cabinetta: O-Oh?! And by that you mean…



Spiral: Plan to kill the monster is good to go, if there’s anything you think could help us now’s a good time to bring it up. Anything useful, mention it. If not, even just snacks probably is fine.

Cabinetta: I’d have to think on that, but uh….

Cabinetta: Would it be selfish if you could get me some blood? I’m really starving….  Vanilla pudding would be nice too but… or maybe….

Spiral: Is it dangerous right now?

Cabinetta: No, but when you regularly drink it does become painful to be cut off. Many descendants of fiends never start in the first place because they tend to have minimized cravings.

Spiral: I can see what I can do, higher than zero chance but no promise.



Cabinetta: You are wonderful, bless you…

Spiral: So uh, need to talk to the others about this first before they can do anything. That okay-

You are immediately tossed over her shoulder

She picks you up and starts booking it.

You don’t know how to feel.



Spiral: Y-you’re really that thirsty?!

Cabinetta: Yes!

You see candles filled with hallways pass by you so fast until it looks like a blur of comets.

And then suddenly, at pinpoint accuracy, she stops before a doorway and puts you down.

Your whole body is shaky after that.

Spiral: Whoa uh…

Cabinetta: Pretend we just walked.

Spiral: Trying.

She brushed herself off and entered the library ahead of you. You follow suit.

You spot your friends and a third person up ahead and wave. Steady waves back immediately.



Steady: Yo! We were supposed to come back to you!

Spiral: You were taking a bit, and we got in contact with home base.

Steady: Really? How’d you manage that?

Cabinetta: We found a communicator on your cursed ally, it seems to still be functional.

Fiddle: Really? Let me see…

You pull it out of your pocket.

Fiddle: Interesting… it’s older tech that can adjust frequency. The technology in our bodies and communicators is all uniform for the sake of easy data transfer.

Steady: So in other words..

Fiddle: Just a case of really awful luck, the creature is jamming our signals specifically.

Steady: Ah… yo Cabby, you’ve been able to call people outside of town right?

Cabinetta: I have, albeit the signal is not amazing in this area ever so..

Steady: Huh…

Steady: Seems like the blocker is a bit of a freak accident deal. Wonder if spawning in the exit is possible now..

Fiddle: No, the exits and entrances need to be precise for safety reasons. We can’t take any risks with those lest you wish to be scrambled on the way back.

Fiddle: As for the data and consciousness transfer, that’s also tricky. We have to deal with this creature one way or another before that.

Spiral: Speaking of, people back at base offered us a supply drop so..

Steady: That’d be fantastic. Mind if we talk with folks?

Cabinetta: Go ahead!

???: Just to clarify, these are people you work with yes?




Steady: Yep! Yo Spiral, this is Mr. Turnip. He’s very wiggly…



Turnip: Mm….

Spiral: Spiral, at your service.

Turnip: Quite, I’m Cabinetta’s assistant. Familiar actually, bit of a magical thing really. Are you versed?

Spiral: Plenty, used to be big into witching stuff.

Turnip: Then I don’t need to explain much. I’m the one who helps out when Cabinetta here is testing extreme solutions to local issues. Droughts, sandstorms, giant bats.

Cabinetta: We don’t talk about the giant bats…

Turnip: Is it still too soon?

Cabinetta: Yes.

Turnip: Fair enough. I'll be aiding in your efforts...

Spiral: Make sense... ah right, so back to business. We kinda got a lot to cover. Gotta update home base.

Steady reaches out for the device.

Steady: Yeah, let me go handle that. You mind?

You hand her over the device. She flicks it on.

Steady: Steady, here to report. Uh.. yeah we’re all here. Fiddle’s doing good, we found our friend, all that.

Steady: I… No. I mean… yeah it’s kinda dire.

Spiral: Is everything alright?

Fiddle: Possibly.

Steady: People have houses here, seems like a bad plan honestly. I mean it’d work but like… I dunno, feel like we’d kill everyone’s plants and mess up their water and…



Steady: Yeah no let's not. Really? Maybe uh… I’m tempted to be honest.

Steady looks over.

Steady: Alright, yeah I can… just uh…

She hands it over to Fiddle.



Steady: Help…

The construct takes the device in hand.



Fiddle: Yes? Yes we’re all good…. Ah. Okay well..

Fiddle: Yeah just catch me up on what you’ve told the others….



Fiddle: I really don’t think that’s necessary but…

Fiddle: Oh… I mean that’s.. Hmm…

Fiddle: Pizza would be good…

Fiddle looks over to you.



Fiddle: Going to take a bit, they actually heard everything you and Cabinetta discussed, Nobody ever turned the talkie off…

Spiral: Ah! Well..

Fiddle: I mean that’s by design, they have to monitor the job. We’ll receive a care package in the morning with everyone’s needs.They *can* deploy a few utilities though now. Anything urgent?

Spiral: A few, we’re going to be here the night so…



Cabinetta looks at you with sad eyes.

Spiral: Even just to entertain yourself during the wait.

Steady: Or…. maybe swoon a person or two. Hehe… I see what you are….

[skinstealer]

get that spider her blood! she needs to sip!

[Ignispark]

BLOOD IS VERY IMPORTANT. maybe get some extra too. party drinks are for everyone. it might taste good.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 
Spiral: Blood, as much as we’re allowed!



Fiddle: Blood?

Spiral: Cabinetta’s going to be with us and needs the power up.

Fiddle: Ah, right. That’s a fiend thing just give me a moment then..

After a long dialogue and everyone taking turns dropping their suggestions in the box, you manage to settle things out.



Steady: That everything?

Fiddle: Should be, so overall gist. We’ll be getting it ASAP, they gotta put it all together. Seems like they can send things in through a drop but can’t bring things back physically right now. Weird signal glitch.

Steady: Mm…

Fiddle: They’re also re-evaluating the job a bit. Recategorizing it so that’s good.

Spiral: What does that mean?

Steady: Basically, danger level was hella too low and placed too low priority before. Partially an error, folks putting up quest boards assumed it was a bug that kept our guy from returning.

Fiddle: Exactly.  Also considering sending in another person if the scans we’ve got make it seem worth it.

Fiddle: Our target was poisoned by something pretty high value, they think it’d be more than worth it to get good data for mod work.

Steady: Immunity in custom bodies is a big deal. We’re actually all pretty resistant to poisons and stuff.

Fiddle: I’m outright immune myself. Robot body and all.

Steady: If we get a dose of its venom, organic agents could protect themselves too.

Fiddle: Mm. Wouldn’t make you completely immune but less lethal and easier to recover from.

Steady: Did they say who they’d be sending?

Fiddle: No confirmation yet but I’m nervous myself…

Fiddle: Might send a higher up which… would look pretty bad if we don’t keep up.



Cabinetta: A higher up? How far is the scope of this group you’re working for?

Steady: Uh… big. Like international probably.

Cabinetta: Why was your friend here of all places then? It’s not exactly a well of exciting discoveries.

Fiddle: Recruitment, possibly. Doesn’t sound like they knew about your Revnaught issue. Might’ve been someone in town they wanted to scout.

Cabinetta: The old hunter perhaps.. Cannot imagine I’m of much interest, fiendish nature aside.

Fiddle: Speaking of, seems like with the signal thing, non-physical transfer is very viable once you tweak the settings. How they were able to talk and collect data.

Fiddle: Tempted to go back and talk some… maybe figure out their plans.

Steady: Any of us three could. Might be handy.

Fiddle: Mm… depends on who you wouldn’t mind being without for a bit… we’d be one person less but it’ be good for someone to go.

Steady: Spiral, your thoughts? This is your quest and all, no matter who goes it could be a good lesson for you.

Fiddle: Should we really risk it?

Steady: This is how you learn. Making use of a team's talents assigning tasks, or even going himself would help her learn more about how to talk with the operators.

Fiddle: That’s true… your choice then. Cabinetta is here so and so is Turnip. We can afford to do this as of now.

[Ignispark]

Fiddle came up with the idea, so they probably have the largest amount of a concept as of how to tackle that discussion. They're probably the best to send back for now. Also in the unlikely event of a danger I think a baseball star is good to have on hand, so Steady should probably definitely stay.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 Spiral: Considering Fiddle came up with the plan, and Steady seems to have the most combat experience, think it’d be best if they went, Wouldn’t be much help myself, and Steady’s better at taking care of things here I think.

Fiddle: Mm, you’re right on all of that, good noggin on you.

Steady: Guess it was kinda obvious…



Fiddle: You wanted him to get some people skills back home I’m guessing?

Steady: Just figured she could use a break you know? Getting something this weird as your first job is a bit much..

Fiddle: Mm…

Spiral: I'm doing fine so far, not like we're currently in danger.

Steady: That's true..

Fiddle toys with the communication device some.

Fiddle: I should be able to transfer to one of my spares back home easy. I need you all to make sure my body here is safe and kept out of any potential deadzones.

Steady: Easy, peasy.

Fiddle; After I do this, you should be able to keep me on your person at any point through this tool. I can talk through it quite easy while handling tasks over there. I do think we should get some more input regarding their evaluation of the case.

Steady: Yeah… bright side is if they bump up the rank the rewards are bigger, yeah?

Fiddle: Mm… enough to pay off a few break days potentially.

Steady: Wouldn’t mind.. Though gotta say, tonight may as well be one.

Spiral: Yeah, Cab’s got us spoiled.



Cabinetta: I mean you are my guests, and you’re certainly doing quite the favor for me tonight.

Spiral: And you’re a wonderful host!

Cabinetta: I just do what I can to help…

Fiddle: You’re doing a lot. I’m going to warp off in a sec, see if I can fast track some goods over.



Turnip: It’s a drop, yes?

Fiddle: Mmhmm..

Turnip: If you can, coordinate it toward the garden. I rather not have it all land on a ceiling or outside of the fence…

Fiddle: Good point. Send me coordinates when I confirm.

Steady: You gonna be safe jumping over?

Fiddle: Mmhmm.. Probably the least at risk anyway.

Fiddle: You all stay safe okay? Especially you rookie, don’t overextend.

Spiral: I’ll be careful.

Within just a couple of moments, Fiddle shut down.

The communicator squeaked at you.

Fiddle: Alright, transfer confirmed. Going to be heckling them for a bit. Think I could at least get rations over soon…. Blood if I argue if it’s for medical purposes.

Fiddle: I’m setting your frequencies to match. If you are to die in the castle by some freak accident, you’re safe..

Steady: But..

Fiddle: But if you go out there you’re not respawning safely. So… try not to pick fights for now. Wait til morning, stay smart.

Steady: Roger.

Spiral: Gotcha.

Fiddle: I’ll pester pretty regularly, enough that you won’t miss me much.

Steady: Don’t say that… we already do…

Fiddle: … Yeah well… You know the job.

Steady: Course, you go handle things alright?

FIddle: Mm..

Turnip picks up Fiddle’s body and lies them down on a table.

Turnip: Do think it’d be best if they stay here, mention of deadzones and all…

Fiddle: That’d be best, good call.

Turnip: Mm.. Oh! I do have news, we have one additional guest right now. On his way..

Cabinetta: Oh? Is it the hunter?

Turnip: Mm, any second now and…

The door to the library opens up, an old injured man in a coat, dyed in a cocktail of stans approaches. His dragonic plated form shows years of wear and tear with chunks mismatched.



The Hunter: Sorry to break in without warning, job got screwy tonight.

The Hunter: Nobody answered at the gate so I figured I’d allow myself in. Mind if I help myself to some supplies?



Cabinetta: What happened to you..?

The Hunter: No idea, creature seems extra agitated lately. Tried breaking through the entrance. Can’t get in easy since this place is protected but… it’s getting better at bruce forcing through. Like a snail sprinting through a road of salt.

THe Hunter: Gaining a tolerance. It’s had its limits for tonight I think but, it’s really out for blood right now.

Cabinetta: We’ll get you what you need quickly..

Turnip scuttles off.

The Hunter looks over at you and Steady:

The Hunter: You two gonna introduce yourselves? Got some big cojones coming out to these parts right now of all times you know. Hope you’re showing my friends here your best behavior.

 

[Ignispark]

...would it be rude to try to sneak a scan in a handshake? really not sure, but it could be a neat thing to try

in more important business, definitely prudent to catch the hunter up to speed that you're...international...and trying, to help at the moment, the supply drop and what not. + ask the hunter more about the beast + what his skills are and what's been tried so far.

[Lilium Mortem]

It might be prudent to do a check to make sure this guy isn't the monster, you know with the whole shape shifting into people thing that it does. I'm tired and can't remember the details and also don't want to back reqs y'all know what I'm talking about. Might wanna do turnip too, since we know cabba is in the clear from our scan.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 You offer out your hand, taking initiative.

Spiral: Spiral Renegade, heard a lot about you from folks here.

The Hunter takes your hand and holds it firm.

SCAN BEGIN…...



The Hunter: Good things?

Spiral: Think so, you watch the town?

The Hunter: Have for decades, and maybe a few more down the line. Have to get over this tough period first.

Spiral: Mm…

PARTIAL SCAN. ARCHIVING….

You try tightening the shake but he pulls his hand away.

INITIAL SCAN PAUSED AT 55%....

Hopefully that’s enough to ask base for help.

The Hunter: Nice try.



Spiral: W-what?

The Hunter: Gotta be firm at the start, technique’s all over the place. Right energy but wrong delivery.

The Hunter: You will not survive the winter.

What the fuck does that even mean.

Steady dives in and tries to save face with her own handshake, giving you a wink.



Steady: Steady, bastard rabbit.

You can see a satisfied look from just the hunter’s eyes peeking through the helm.

The Hunter: Can tell you got a good swing. Athlete?

Steady: Did some pro baseball.

The Hunter: Mm.. not the biggest sports person myself but I’ll watch with friends in the pub some days. Either way, trained arm and solid posture there.

Steady: Do what I can, no big deal.

The Hunter: You’re doing good.

He looks over.

The Hunter: Intern?

Spiral: Rookie actually.

The Hunter: Training with her?

Spiral: Mmhmm!

The Hunter: You may make it after all… you’re in good hands.

Spiral: Okay…

The Hunter: So what brings you two out? Clearly from pretty far out.

Spiral: Research overseas.

Steady: Travel a lot, friend of ours came to scan the local phenomenon and got caught so we were dropped in to handle that.

The Hunter: Valuing your comrades,I respect it. Bit of a huge mistake though, can’t imagine whoever gathered info on this area is keeping their job for long. Any luck finding your ally?

Spiral: Yep, not in the best shape though. Gonna help out with getting rid of the creature and then taking her to safety.

The Hunter: Mm. Personally I could escort all of you out safely during the day but… I think we could all use the help right now. Thing’s been going off every night, wearing me down a bit at this point.



Cabinetta: I haven’t seen you like this in years…

The Hunter: No, bit of a challenge admittedly. Thing forces a chase from dusk til dawn, conventional scraping doesn’t go far.

The Hunter: Got this network of dens that only show when it’s active. Been smoking it out of hiding but the layout seems to shift through each session. There’s patterns and I’ve got a bit faster at it each time but even after I gotta find the hole it’s jumping out of.

Steady: Sounds like you need a few spotters.

The Hunter: Would you be willing? Dangerous work if you get caught alone.

Spiral: If we could get a good point to look at things, we could track it.

The Hunter: Aye… I have plenty of tools to make that work back home…

The Hunter: Admittedly though, its been tough barricading that. The thing hates light but small local houses only keep it out for so long before it decides taking a victim is worth tolerating it.

The Hunter: Not exactly a fortress admittedly…

Cabinetta: You could sleep over with us, we’ll help you move things over in the morning…

The Hunter: Mm…

Cabinetta I know you said you'd be fine before but…

The Hunter: I didn’t want you getting dragged in but… seems like it is getting closer to breaking in here now.

The Hunter: May have to scrape up things and fortify here instead.



Cabinetta: Thank you… I know you don’t want to ask for too much but-

The Hunter: Honestly,  I just want this town back. Can’t imagine they’re all too happy having to abandon their homes for over a month. Whatever it takes to save everyone, I'll do it.

Cabinetta: Mm…

Spiral: Hate too pester too much, new on the job but.. What exactly do you do?

The Hunter: Bit of everything really, needed in an occupation like mine but… mostly good at tracking anything that moves.



The Hunter: Could find the devil himself if I had to.

Steady: Have you?

The Hunter: No, because there’s more than one out there actually it turns out.



Steady: The devil’s real?!


Cabinetta: Yes.



Cabinetta: It’s me.

The spider and the dragon snicker amongst themselves.



The Hunter: Not entirely wrong. I’m really just a survivalist with an affinity for fighting but… a fancy title isn’t something to complain about having-

You see him suddenly fall, legs crumpling and only barely catching himself before completely eating shit.

Cabinetta: You really hurt yourself this time.



The Hunter: Aye… don’t think I can afford to fight anymore tonight..



The Hunter: Think it injected me with something nasty…



Cabinetta: Turnip will be back soon, just hang in there...

[skinstealer]

can we get the hunter some medicine and patch him up? he did say he was coming in for supplies so i doubt he'll refuse us suggesting it but he might get fussy about actually helping

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 Spiral: Can we get some medicine?



Steady: Think he needs more than that dude.

Steady: right now we need to stabilize him til Turnip finds something. Make it easier for them to do what they gotta. I got the scan data…

Steady:  Cabinetta, look for a wound that looks especially nasty.

The Hunter: Side, just be quick about whatever you’re planning.

Cabinetta rolls him over.



Cabinetta: That’s horrid…



The Hunter: Aye..

Cabinetta: How long ago?

The Hunter: Fairly fresh but….

Steady: Spiral, bite him.

Spiral: What??

Steady: You gotta suck out the poison, your body type’s got anti-venom properties. New thing we’re testing with all the more fanged types.

Spiral: I’m a snake….

Steady: Exactly. Try not to swallow it either…



Steady: or do? Your body should be able to do something with it. Whether it’s good or bad well… you have to find out.

Steady: You’re a bit of a walking bin for processing venom into useful things. Maybe you’ll become the cure?

Spiral: Oh god uh…

How are we doing this? Time is of the essence.