Yellow: Your most powerful card is the "No" right? That is most useful for nullifying the biggest move your opponent makes. If I'm reading Black correctly, that will happen late in the game. I don't think you stand to lose much here.

I enjoy how each of the 'players' differs each time we see him/her and yet still adheres to a certain motif. Grand.

Anyway, my question is... Is Black betting with more than he can actually promise? I mean it's not a game just between the two of you, so would his proposed ceding of the board's center truly give you a centralized advantage, or is there even more at work? Oi, what am I doing trying to understand this game...

>>144064
(Note: Other players can hear what we say. Address your messages directly to one color to have a private chat.)

>>144065
MY QUESTIONABLE WISDOM IS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL.

Allotter 2010/03/09(Tue)13:32 No. 144408 ID: a56bd0
File 12681703734.jpg - (172.94KB , 800x470 , all in veiw.jpg )

Orange (aside): hmm Black ceding the center is a risky move, he can do it and take a hit. But then his tactics and skills 'are' particularly suited to deceptions hidden in plain sight... he could reasonably take it back later. However, this would give Yellow a homeground advantage as the local ruins terrain 'is' more suited to his aligned units."

Violet (to any or none): "Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer..."

Blue: "Take a chance~ roll the dice~ See what comes of our device~"

Red: "Come on Yellow, don't be a bitch. Accept the bet or let it set..."

Yellow: "Done. I accept the challenge. You lose this and a I gain the board's center, I loose an My most powerful card in locked for 19."

Way to fall to peer pressure.

Allotter 2010/03/09(Tue)15:35 No. 144460 ID: 407b5b
File 126817773668.jpg - (105.26KB , 800x470 , 1.jpg )

The light falls away from me as I delve deeper into the mine's interior. Here the warmth of the coming midday is supplanted by the cool breath of the earth's heart. I stand quite still for a moment to let the sensation wash over me.

not a cutscene Allotter 2010/03/09(Tue)18:18 No. 144532 ID: a56bd0
File 126818753998.jpg - (126.41KB , 800x470 , 2.jpg )

...But I don't have time to enjoy the natural air cooling, the considerable airflow means this is likely quite a large tunnel complex and I didn't pack a lunch thus expedience in resolving these would be a desirable, if more and more unlikely outcome.

I outline some goals for myself as I ready my flashlight.

1: Find Clara and hopefully put some sense in her.
a.find elevator?
b.maybe some lights?
2: Find Clara's brother, Sheriff Parker, and get some sense out of him.
a. repair elevator?
b.Descend into lower levels
3: Resolve the truth of my predecessor's death.
5:???
6: Prophet... wait... what?

Hm, check that bag and put on a mask.

>>144532
I spy with my little eye a satchel looking thing on the ground there. You should figure out what's in it.

That list of things to do boggles the mind

Allotter 2010/03/10(Wed)19:59 No. 145292 ID: 817cd3
File 126827997235.jpg - (91.96KB , 596x454 , 3.jpg )

The beam of my flashlight reveals a line of yellowed work-coats and the sparkling lenses and steel of mining helmets.

I open a battered looking toolbox on the ground to reveal: a withered lemon, a hipflask half-full of perhaps some kind of whiskey or rum, a molded sandwich, some spools of wire, some Diazed screw fuses, a few coins.

It might be a good idea to wear the helmet to keep things from hitting you in the head.

Allotter 2010/03/12(Fri)15:44 No. 146275 ID: 817cd3
File 126843745837.jpg - (96.49KB , 508x470 , 4.jpg )

>>145299
I put on a metal miner's helmet, it seems this model is even provided with a handy little headlamp for hands free work. It crosses my mind that either they have some very forgetful miners to leave such things at a 'closed' mine... or they were forced to leave in some haste.

>>146275
Grab the toolbox. Just leave everything in it. Any of it could theoretically be useful.

Then check further into the mines.

Keep your special light ready. Do you think it would actually be useful to defend yourself with from some kind of supernatural creature? You brought your shotgun, right?

Allotter 2010/03/14(Sun)16:52 No. 147610 ID: 817cd3
File 126861074935.jpg - (177.58KB , 800x488 , 5.jpg )

I hang up my hat in exchange for the helmet switching on it's lamp as I do so. The batteries in the torch would find better use in the Radiance Device. I suspect it may have some use against the more unusual hindrances to my goals.

I dump the contents of the toolbox (excusing the sandwich 'that' can stay!) into my toolbag. I lack a free hand to hold my shotgun as I venture deeper into the mines, but I ensure that it is clear and loaded.

Soon a series of side passages reveal themselves, lancing off into the darkness to my left.

>>147610
How is that wheelbarrow standing up like that without falling over? Shine the radiance device on it.

>>147610
Could it help to glance at that diagram looking thing over there on your left, on the off chance it's something like a map?

Allotter 2010/03/15(Mon)10:24 No. 147968 ID: 817cd3
File 126867386125.jpg - (79.12KB , 376x366 , 6.jpg )

>>147795
I kick aside the wheelbarrow and subject it's secrets to the beam of the Radiance Device revealing...

Two boxes of dynamite, the sparking reaction of which warms me to hastily switch off the Device. I do not think that I ever tested the Device on dynamite in particular, but that is one reaction I am not keen to explore in an enclosed space.

Allotter 2010/03/15(Mon)10:25 No. 147969 ID: 817cd3
File 126867394586.jpg - (65.66KB , 333x396 , 7.jpg )

>>147948
The diagram on the wall appears to be a map of the first levels of the mine.

Take the map with you. Unless there is anything particular of note on it, I guess you should explore in a straight line first without veering off. Check the map periodically so you can keep track of where you are.

Allotter 2010/03/15(Mon)11:46 No. 147982 ID: 817cd3
File 126867878046.jpg - (437.62KB , 927x666 , map1.jpg )

>>147977
I examine the map to get my bearings. It seems to be rather... erhm crude. Especially when compared to the rather more professional blueprints of my days at the Academy.

>>147982
Well first we need to make our way over to the elevator to see if it's been fixed yet, and try to either persuade Clara to go back home, or at least to let you help her.

If you think you got some use for the dynamite, take a stick or two.

And where are things exactly in this map; you, elevator, etc? Mind to point them out?

Allotter 2010/03/15(Mon)14:56 No. 148065 ID: 817cd3
File 126869019829.jpg - (453.81KB , 927x666 , map2.jpg )

>>147996
I tuck three sticks of dynamite from the box into some unused ammo loops on my bandoleer.

From what I can guess these are the likely level divisions.

While marking off the map I make my way to the elevator shaft to confront Clara. The map seems accurate to the numbering of the passages... if not to the scale it seems. I swear the distances seem rather longer than this paper would indicate.

Allotter 2010/03/15(Mon)15:00 No. 148066 ID: 817cd3
File 126869042570.jpg - (382.22KB , 800x800 , 8.jpg )

>>147989
I find the elevator where indicated. Clara still hasn't managed to get it working I see.

"fu.. piece of... damn..."

>>148066
"Hello there, having trouble?"

Ask what the problem seems to be and if there is any way we can be of more direct assistance.

Allotter 2010/03/16(Tue)13:10 No. 148410 ID: 817cd3
File 126877023593.jpg - (253.78KB , 800x600 , 9.jpg )

>>148074
"Problems mister?"

She nearly falls in turning to face me.

>"Hellwhose- Oh it's you again... Damn, don't sneak up on me like that, and I told you not to call me sir, don't tempt me to use this."
she says motioning with the pistol in her left hand.

"Sorry, but every time I suppose I have found the working men of this town it turns out to be you."

She waves off my idle banter.
>"I'm sorry but what are 'you' doing down here? Shouldn't you be buryen someone or preaching somethen?"

Tell her that you think there is more to the old preacher's death than it first appeared and it has something to do with this mine. You're investigating.

Allotter 2010/03/16(Tue)22:50 No. 148597 ID: 817cd3
File 126880502567.jpg - (253.20KB , 800x600 , 10.jpg )

>>148539
>>148087
"There was rather more to good old Father McKenzie's death than it first appears. Evidence points to it having something to do with this mine, and if getting to the bottom of that shaft will get me to the bottom of this mystery, I'll crank the elevator by hand if I have to. So, how may I lend a hand?"

>"If you can get the power runnen in here I think the mess I've made of these wires will run the elevator."

"M'kay... I'll get on that. Just don't... touch the wires or anything while I get it started."

>>148597
Seek out the generator room!

>>148783

This, although giving her a compliment about having a gun in these mines was a very good idea for a passing moment. "Folks with smarts aren't that common."

You should be able to follow the wires until you find the source of the problem.

Allotter 2010/03/17(Wed)21:12 No. 148994 ID: 817cd3
File 12688855767.jpg - (253.80KB , 800x600 , 11.jpg )

>>148789
I start back into the darkness, but before I do remember to note her armed status.

"You just stay safe here, and good call bringing the gun. Folks with smarts aren't that common around here it seems, and something about this place just doesn't sit right with me."

>"Yeah well, just don't go playing with any live wires with all that powder strapped to you. I don't want my brother and I to need finding anotha way out of this hole."

Animated Allotter 2010/03/17(Wed)21:18 No. 148996 ID: 817cd3
File 126888588228.gif - (4.46MB , 927x666 , map3.gif )

>>148783
>>148800
I try the map first, I suspect that lighting symbol with the letters 'Gen' to be the marking. However, I will watch for obvious breakages along the way.

Get ye forward to yon generator

Animated Allotter 2010/03/18(Thu)21:38 No. 149449 ID: 817cd3
File 126897348319.gif - (831.64KB , 900x800 , 12.gif )

>>149357
Having found 'yon generator' in a rather cramped location if I do say, I am now faced with the challenge of the getting it running. I can smell the damp in here so I had best be careful.

Light the candle, see if you can shed some light on that electrical box.

>>149449

Best be careful. Don't touch the water with your bare skin but you need to redirect the flow. It would be best if you could find a way to ensure the generator is off first before starting.

Animated Allotter 2010/03/19(Fri)18:00 No. 149721 ID: 817cd3
File 126904684191.gif - (1.06MB , 900x800 , 13.gif )

>>149456
>>149538
Remembering Clara's advice I remove my ammo bandoleer and place it well back before striking one of the matches I picked up last night in the church.

Okay, let us see what we have here... a thin sheen of water seems to be running down the wall and into a crack in the wiring pipe.

The generator is actually working fine from what I can tell. But that water pool is likely a hazard due to it's continued operation.

I would assume that this is the fuse box, my gloves would 'likely' protect me, from any current in the metal, but there is no guarantee a replacement fuse would operate for long under the strain and constant power fluctuation.

If only there was a way to redirect that water, perhaps even cutting off the generator completely while I work on it?

>>149721
You might be able to cut a channel into the wall with your icepick, so that the water flows away from the break.

>>149723
This is a great idea.

>>149723

I haven't invented anything better way to do it so let's give this a shot.

Allotter 2010/03/20(Sat)16:24 No. 150113 ID: 362f0c
File 126912748777.jpg - (297.73KB , 900x800 , 14.jpg )

>>149723
Hmm... this might work. I trade the formerly fine point on the icepick for a series of grooves in the stone wall, leading the flow away from the crack in the pipe. Didn't pull a 'A' in Elementary Hydrodynamics for nothing.

The pick's wooden handle and my gloves insulate me from the water's dangerous charge, but the pipe itself and thus the water are still slick with dangerous moisture until it dries back into to it's new path. I suppose the new water flow will be a problem for that beam much later but I don't have time to care for that.

Could you possibly get one of the mine coats to dry up some of the water?

Allotter 2010/03/20(Sat)18:36 No. 150178 ID: 362f0c
File 126913538721.jpg - (294.14KB , 900x800 , 15.jpg )

>>150133
I wipe off the pipe using one of the leather mine coats. That should stop the power fluctuations. Now I can change that fuse safely... I hope.

You might want to wait a few minutes, but yeah, go ahead and change it.

>>150178
Put your grubby hands all over that fuse box!

>>150178

Time to get the fuse changed

Animated Allotter 2010/03/21(Sun)13:25 No. 150361 ID: a56bd0
File 126920312635.gif - (2.01MB , 900x800 , 16.gif )

After waiting a few moment I pull open the fuse box and replace the burnt-out fuse.

"and... Let there be LIGHT!.. damn... oh there it goes."

I suppose the line may still have a bit of a flicker to it. But with everything else 'wrong' about this place it's probably to be expected.

>>150361
Mission complete; let's go inform the lady.

Is it possible to wedge the conduit away from the wall so it isn't getting wet at all? The last thing that needs to happen is you go down the elevator and then the power shorts again.

Animated Allotter 2010/03/22(Mon)23:15 No. 151009 ID: 362f0c
File 126932495530.gif - (1.67MB , 900x700 , 17.gif )

>>150431
I wedge some of the miner's coat between the wall and the pipe, it seems to help, somewhat.

>>150362
"Job's done..."

>"I noticed, let's go."

"I would argue for you to stay up here, but I somehow doubt you care to hear it. Besides, after hearing what happened to the deputy I wouldn't put it past you to fight for it and leave 'me' here." I say eying her gun.

>"Sounds smart."

"Guess we're both smarter than we look huh?"

The battered and rusted lift door closes with a jerky whine.

Get ready for action. There's really nothing else to do before we see what's down there.

Animated Allotter 2010/03/24(Wed)22:01 No. 151660 ID: 362f0c
File 126949327890.gif - (800.22KB , 640x1000 , 18.gif )

I try to break the awkward silence of our descent. Perhaps to distract myself from the voices of doubt and unrest I feel whispering at the fringes of my consciousness.

"I have a map... just in case."

>"That could help a bit, but I think the fella's here wern't particularly keen on taken notes. Near the end the mines were changen hands enough times that I'm not even sure who owns the land's papers anymore."

"I noticed... their cartography skills leave something to be desired. Still how far down do you think we should go, or more specifically... do we have a plan beyond searching every level?"

>"Wasn't specific, jest said.. 'they were pretty deep in the mine'."

"Yes, I was afraid of that..."

Start at the bottom and work your way up. It's the most reasonable plan. Also, try to keep track of how long your down here. The events seem only to occur at night, and being here when the sun goes down seems like a very bad idea.

Animated Allotter 2010/03/29(Mon)21:01 No. 155092 ID: 362f0c
File 126992170082.gif - (4.67MB , 927x666 , map4.gif )

>>151852
"We should start at the bottom, work our way up. He said they were fairly deep when..."

Clara says nothing and just looks away while absently rubbing her arms.

We descend.

Allotter 2010/03/29(Mon)21:12 No. 155099 ID: 362f0c
File 126992237161.jpg - (191.71KB , 900x700 , 19.jpg )

>>151852
We descend all the way until the bottom of the elevator scraps against a crude poured concrete platform, Clara pulls the handbrake before the motor starts laying down coils of cord on our roof.

Our lights reveal two paths of worn cobblestone, one cutting east and one west. Crumbled, collapsed, and embedded structures of graven stone line these gloomy pathways into darkness. I can feel a chill breeze from the west.

"This, this can't be right... we... we have to be hundreds... of feet down."

>"SAAAAAAAM!"
Clara's voice rings in my ears at these close quarters.

I can hear no reply. Should we go East, go West or split up to cover more ground?

>>155099
Examine the floor. It looks different.

>>155099

No mind splitting up Not that we are scared to split up, but because there's time for being together...

COBBLESTONE?! WHAT?! Youre a hundred feet down!
Better split up to investigate more thoroughly.

>>155099

Is that a marble pillar? Can't be. We're so deep there are no ruins this deep.

Allotter 2010/03/30(Tue)19:32 No. 155630 ID: a56bd0
File 127000274559.jpg - (290.21KB , 700x750 , 20.jpg )

"This... this isn't possible at all... even troy was only 50 meters deep. These pillars, solid marble from the looks, and covered in an unfamiliar script, they penetrate the floor and ceiling, there is no way this was hauled down here..."

>"SAAAMUEEEUL!"
Clara shouts again, the girl has a fine set of lungs I'll give her that.

"I doubt he can hear you, or perhaps he is unable to answer. Caves have a way of distorting sounds"

He voice takes on a slight edge of panic and frustration.
>"Well? Don't just sit there gawking at the rocks, we need to find my brother!?"

"This map shows a large chamber to the east, but the west is primarily uncharted... lacking a gut feeling on this I say we stay safe and check the east first."

>>155630
Go east, and stick together.

Yes, go east. Dig at something interesting if you see it though.

Allotter 2010/04/02(Fri)18:52 No. 158262 ID: 362f0c
File 127025954342.jpg - (145.48KB , 700x500 , 21.jpg )

>>155660
As we move east I consider that since arriving in this town there is hardly anything that hasn't caught my eye as 'interesting.'

All of 'this' for instance... it looks as though the pillared walk somehow leads into an ancient pagan temple complex. Tiny marble statuettes of gods, strangers even to my studies, line the walls in nooks.

Even Clara is takes a moment from her single minded pursuit to gave around her for a moment.
>"What are all of these... did the miners? Why didn't they tell anyone?"

>>158262
Greed, probably. Look at those gems in the pillars. There were probably more gems before. Do not touch them though, and tell Clara not to as well.

>>158262
OHHH fuck what is that in the tunnel to Clara's left? Warn her not to step over the pillar before finding out what that is.

Check the tunnel to Clara's right.

Err, I meant Left. Left. There's a sparky thing.

Allotter 2010/04/03(Sat)13:20 No. 158976 ID: 362f0c
File 127032601646.jpg - (96.53KB , 497x355 , 22.jpg )

"Greed I'll imagine... it..."
A queer, almost premonitory, chill runs up my neck and I pull back Clara while sliding myself over the fallen pillar instead.

>"What erh yo-!"
"Shush."

I lower my voice.
"Something feels wrong, let me check this a moment."

>>158976

Make sure not to step into a trap

Use the Radiant Device.

Animated Allotter 2010/04/04(Sun)17:08 No. 159661 ID: a56bd0
File 12704260803.gif - (730.58KB , 442x639 , 23.gif )

I slip the Radiance Device from my coat pocket muttering a silent prayer that my feeling is merely that, and that if it isn't the Device is the proper response.

>onetwothre- wait? How many fingers does your hand ha-?"

"hush I said."
I grip her shoulder a little tighter before pushing off and spinning to face around the corner.

"Ahah! erhm..."

>>159661
It's a weird statue. May as well have a closer look.

Does the statue you passed up on the way mean anything to you? Also, what is it? A spikey pyramid... it looks bad. Maybe you should inspect it with a regular light first if the Device could do something bad.

Animated Allotter 2010/04/06(Tue)19:21 No. 160598 ID: a56bd0
File 127060690610.gif - (679.61KB , 700x600 , 24.gif )

I step closer to investigate and see if I recognize the form from any of my cursory religious studies. However, like the rest of the symbols and statues here, it's exact identity is inscrutable to my trivial knowledge.

>"Uhg.. what is it?"

"I imagine it to be, like the rest of these scattered statures,some kind of primordial heathen idol. Likely depicting some kind of volcano deity if I had to guess by it's shape... and these piles of ashes."

>"It has such ah stupid looken face, but those stains..."

"Yes, we should try to find your brother soon."

>>160598
Dammit. Behind you! It's Radiant Device time.

>>160598

Oh shit! Shit! Behind you! Quickly, use the radiant device, if it helps. That things looks like it hasn't seen light in a century.

Shooting it with a regular gun would probably be more effective, but it doesn't look like we have time to draw a weapon.

Allotter 2010/04/07(Wed)21:09 No. 161102 ID: 362f0c
File 12706997738.jpg - (230.50KB , 700x600 , 25.jpg )

>>160835
"Ehh?"

>"Hey what's wro-"

shoot it in the face.

Allotter 2010/04/07(Wed)21:12 No. 161105 ID: 362f0c
File 127069996235.jpg - (163.10KB , 600x600 , 26.jpg )

"OOOOHUUHHHAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaeeeeeeeee!"

The 'thing' behind lets out a wild howl degrading into a kind of shriek upon noticing our discovery of it's presence.

from the fact it is holding a pick, i think it's a miner who has gone insane...

>>161105

Maybe it's trying to give a warning. Or maybe it is a walking warn sign.

Pull out your shotgun and tell it to stay back! If it doesn't then shoot it!

Don't even warn it. Just shoot.

Animated Allotter 2010/04/09(Fri)22:38 No. 162108 ID: 362f0c
File 127087788078.gif - (0.99MB , 700x800 , 27.gif )

The next few moment seem to happen in a blur to me. The degenerate manbeast hefts its' pick and charges, howling as it comes.

I turn the device on it and for a moment a sickening pop and hiss of flesh is heard as it drops the tool.

"Shoot it! SHOOT IT NOW!"

>"I-I-I..."

Clara seems to have frozen in place, fumbling with both the lantern and the gun on her toolbelt.

>>162108
Kick it in the head.

Allotter 2010/04/09(Fri)22:40 No. 162111 ID: 362f0c
File 127087802781.jpg - (292.70KB , 1000x600 , 28.jpg )

Still the thing charges, buckled over in pain it stumbles for a moment and picks up more speed as I brace myself for the impact.

it looks like some kind of control thing turned on when you used the device.

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODGE!!

Allotter 2010/04/09(Fri)22:46 No. 162114 ID: 362f0c
File 127087837394.jpg - (321.08KB , 1000x600 , 29.jpg )

Clara lets out something between a scream and a roar as she swings... the lantern shattering into a thousand peircing fragments in its' face.

Flaming oil runs over the unfortunate abomination in a dazzling pyrotechnic display as it is hurled back by the force of the blow.

>>162114
Grab her gun and shoot it yourself. Or use the shotgun if you think turning off the Device is a good idea.

Allotter 2010/04/10(Sat)17:45 No. 162384 ID: 362f0c
File 12709467429.jpg - (371.53KB , 800x700 , 30.jpg )

>>162118
I doubt the Device is contributing anything significant at this point. I switch it off to conserve power and draw my shotgun as I approach the feebly struggling wreck.

Animated Allotter 2010/04/10(Sat)17:46 No. 162385 ID: 362f0c
File 127094679164.gif - (139.94KB , 400x600 , 31.gif )

"Siloe in Pacis"

>>162385
Welp. Help Clara recover from the shock, then... I guess we investigate further.