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From: Ryoko
Subject: Re:A rational discourse on butt stuff

There are several key points where I believe you over analyze the interpersonal male relationships between famous singers, warrior cultures, and butts but I understand the gist of it. So why did you send me a... homosexual manifesto of some sort? Why did it degenerate to you constantly expounding on the virtue of butt stuff? Could you maybe not spam me while I am at work Anon? Or at all for that matter? I admit it was a very detailed message with highly powerful arguments for man love so was it not intended for me?

Your face pales a bit when your phone vibrates again.

From: The Korean version of Iggy Pop
Subject: Re: Awesome pranks to kill time during shows.

Ha ha ha, these rule! I couldn't find a sex toys vendor anywhere near this show, so some of them are out, but I managed to get sweet, horseradish flavored revenge on my manager. Of course her vengeance will be infinite. Anyway, I am doing a show, so let's hang out later!

You put your M2D back on and glance at MANIA. She stares back at you and tilts her head in confusion before you just sigh. "Come on, we have a guild meeting to get to." You tell her as you make your way to the guild area.

You looks around your guild-house and see Vividor standing next to your Grunties, teaching them the proper angle to thrust their hips out, and Durga standing in the middle trying to make something work. You think this is a sort of bad turn out when you get a PM from Areta and Luna.

From:Areta

A guild meeting? Gimme a bit to wrap things up here, just finished my last client for today.

From: Luna Blackthorne

A guild meeting, sir Chen? It seems fortunate I chose now to log on. I shall be there momentarily.

It seems you have a little bit before the rest of your guild members arrive. You still need to decide what to tell them and how.

You decide to spend time thinking about it.
(2/3)

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How will you explain to everyone that Hamelin has started taking casualties?

Posting emails at start of thread.

You send the poem and the flowers to Durandal with a promise to get him back. You have now used all three of your rare cards.

To: Shimabuku
Subject: Re:Favorite saying
>[]Have a lot of adversity to overcome?

Have you noticed my personality isn't really conducive to male... idolhood? Shit, I just entered this finding a star thing because some friends thought it would be fun back in high school and somehow I won. Still if you are going to do something....

CHAIN END

To:Areta
Subject: Re:What's your type?

Ahhh? My type? As for looks I ain't too particular but, I guess someone fun to be around? And they can't be too high maintenance!

[]Gender?
[]Someone like me?
[]Someone like Shimabuku?
[]Other, please specify

To: MANIA
Subject: Re:Favorite food

You wish to know what I prefer to eat? I am not overly picky, but I am not too fond of meat or sweet things. Most vegetables are acceptable, but I can eat anything.

[]Something you actually LIKE?
[]Not too picky?
[]Coffee?
[]Other, please specify

To: Lotus
Subject: Re:Favorite saying

"Life begins on the other side of despair." Jean-Paul Sartre

[]Depressed?
[]What does it mean?
[]Other, please specify


You can write 3 new cards

Card to send
[]Favorite food?
[]What's your type?
[]How are you?
[]Fight me!
[]What are your dreams?
[]What is your favorite saying?
[]Nice to meet you!

Can send to:
People:
Shimabuku
Luna Blackthorne
Vividor
MANIA
Durandal
Durga
Lotus
Areta
Hatsu

Again, you can post an idea for cards to send or for a reply at ANY POINT during the thread. This way even people who do not stick around till the end have a chance. Just link your reply to this post so I can collect them easier please.
(3/3)

>>25019808
Hm, a tricky question.

It seems like Luna is the only one in danger, so most of the problem is with her.

I'd say we should tell her enough of the truth to know that she could be in deep trouble.

>>25019772
Well.

Lesson for the future, Snark is not a secretary.

>>25019808
Tell her the game can send you into a coma and an insane maybe Ai admin is taking people out because he has a secret crush on us. Not that hard

>>25019903

Yeah. We either need to get her in on this, or tell her enough to that she'll understand that she has to avoid logging into the World for the time being. But since CC-corp runs The World, and likely has access to subscription information... that might not be real safe for her either.

We should ask Haruko/Durga on whether it would be safer for Luna to pull the plug for the time being or to infect her to give her a means of fighting back.

>News about Hamelin's escalation

I think our main points should be these:

Hamelin can't directly harm me (Chen), Durga, Shimabuku, or Mania due to the potential of too much RL backlash for CC-corp. He can't harm any of the Epitaphs, because they are vital to CC-corp's long-term plans.

But Hamelin is pissed off, and has decided instead to do the next best thing: to go after those people who are the most vulnerable. Those who we know in-game, but aren't protected by RL status or by possessing the Epitaphs. We know this because this morning, Hamelin ambushed Chen when he was questing Durandal... Durandal was purposely targeted and data-drained by Hamelin, and has now joined the ranks of the Lost Ones. This is our failing, since we didn't think that Hamelin would do such a thing despite letting him fester in resentment and impotence. If he's willing to go this far, it will only be a matter of time before he goes to strike at others like before, and he may even decide to strike at random bystanders to get back at us OR to force us to do something.

Hamelin must be stopped before he can hurt anyone else. We have a plan in mind... but we want to consult everyone about it before we act.

>>25020110
Technically, we didn't think Hamelin would do nothing.

We, or I at least, thought that he'd go behind CC Corp's back and try to kill us.

>>25020145

Yeah, we should mention that as well.

We thought that other players' proximity to us would prove to be enough protection, since CC-corp explicitly forbade him from harming any of the Epitaphs or the rest of us.

>Luna

If we want to broach the subject, should we say something about how there are things in the World that can induce comas in people, and select people know how to purposely inflict comas upon others? Or should we go with some disclosure about the AIDA/Epitaph stuff?

>>25020202
I should point out since she is a roleplayer she could think this is some sort of play. Roleplayers tend to be kind of weird.

>>25020202
We should start out with Hamelin and how he is powerful, insane, and vindictive as fuck.

If Luna decides to take a break from the world/go into hiding until Hamelin's dead, then she doesn't really need to know about AIDA or Epitaphs just yet.

>>25020229

Hmm. I think we should deal with Luna first before spilling the beans to the rest of the group. If it turns out that she has something personal at stake here (i.e. relative fell into coma due to AIDA or something) and she wants to help, we might want to confer with the others and see if involving her and infecting her would be prudent. Other than that, though, we should try to convince her to stay out of The World, but give her some means of contacting us quickly in case stuff goes crazy on her end.

For the others, should we mention that Hamelin is probably capable of creating mindless berserking people-drones IRL?

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You decide to talk to Haruko real quick before the others get here. "Hey, Haruko, got a sec?"

"Yeah, just trying to set up this recording software but Snark's security thing keeps spamming me with porn and animated gifs of kittens vomiting. Jesus! Snark, knock it off!" She shouts making the thin man manifest next to you.

"I must hold the line!" he clenches his fist making her raise her brow to him.

"Seriously?" She asks making him sigh and shrug before snapping his fingers.

She seems to fiddle with a device for a few seconds before seeming happy. "There we go, now we can send a recording of the meeting to Shimabuku and Lotus. Anyway, what did you need?" She asks seeming satisfied.

"Do you think I should infect Luna with AIDA?" You ask.

"No. AIDA is a bad idea which drives people crazy. Plus she is a civilian, so tell her to cut ties with the world for her own protection. That's what I think anyway." She tells you making snark shake his head.

"You are a bad idea which drives people crazy, shut up. Look, even if she cuts ties with the game there is no guarantee she will be safe. Infecting her at least will make her somewhat safe, and if it comes down to it I can rip it out of her later, once Hamelin is no longer a major threat." he leans close to Durga before continuing in a loud whisper "I am implying we off him." He tells her making her frown.
You don't have time to get further into it when Areta and Luna enter the guild together. "-And that's when I told him there was no way a microphone would fit but he said, oh hey. Sup?" Areta asks as Luna holds a gloved hand to her face and muffles a giggle.

"O-Oh, Sir Chen, hello. We were just um... nothing significant. What is the purpose of this meeting?" She asks as you nod to her in greeting.

"I need you to quit the game." You tell her making her frown.

(1/3)

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"What 'Game' do you speak of, Sir Chen?" She asks making you sigh.

"The World, this game. Look, there are countless reasons for it, but being in the world as a regular player is too dangerous for now." You tell her making her shake her head.

"I do not understand what these... 'players' are Sir Chen, you are not making sense. Are you perhaps taken with a fever?" She asks walking up to you and putting a hand to your forehead.

"This is taking too long." MANIA complains before you feel a slight headache come on as she activates her power and grabs onto Luna's wrist.

"I-I say, you classless woman remove your hand from my person at once or-" She starts but MANIA tightens her grip making her wince.

"Ah- That that feels." she starts staring wide eyed at MANIA.

She lets Luna go before glancing back at you, the six legged, two tailed gray cat circling her feet. "Stop walking on eggshells all the time." She commands you and Durga glares at her.

"That- but-" Luna seems unable to fully get it so you decide to press on.

"See? That is the sort of thing going on in the world right now. People are falling into comas and CC Corp is covering it up. They can't hit me or the others in the guild but you are just a normal person." You tell her making her look at you.

She seems to consider things for a second before dusting off her dress and taking a deep breath. "So that's..." She clears her throat before finishing her thought. "Am I to assume you will remain within this world while I hide within my own coffin? And if they place a stake in my heart while I rest, how is that safer? Is there no way for me to be protected as well, Sir Chen?" She asks making you frown.

Looks like she does not want to give up on her friends.

"Of course, we give you power too, just like Shimabuku and MANIA over there." Snark smiles next to you making Durga frown.
(2/3)

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"But she is uninvolved in all of this." Durga points out making Snark shrug.

"Not really, cuz she is his friend. I give her power, then poof she is protected!" He offers making Luna stare at him.

"I see, so if I had this ability I could be of assistance to Sir Chen and Shimabuku?' She asks making him nod.

"Then would you kindly grant it to me Sir...?" She looks at him making his smile grow even wider.

"Snark, just Snark. Call me sir and I'll eat your soul." He tells her before raising his arm, the black dots coiling around it.

"Wait, she's-" Durga starts to protest but snark just sneers at her.

"Her mind her choice!" He replies before swinging down

Wat do?
[]Stop him, she is a civilian
[]She has the right to choose to help us
[]Other, please specify
(3/3)

>>25020581
>[]Stop him

Jesus, are we handing out AIDA infections like candy now? I already said Snark is clearly dangerous, and now we want to make more of him?

>>25020581
>[x]Stop him, she is a civilian

Snark, stop!

This is *completely* unnecessary. All of this is just a symptom of a more immediate problem: the Pied Piper. If we can get him out of the picture, then there's no need for infecting or anything like that. We can't go around just planting these things in as many people as we can; we had an excuse with the others since they were already directly affected by this, but Luna's completely clean.

If we don't draw the line somewhere, then we'll be no better than the piper! No offense Snark, but we don't even know if you spreading around your... uh... junk... everywhere is healthy. Even for you!

We need to stop escalating this problem and instead get to thinking about how to deal with it in a more direct fashion.

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Almost forgot, if you want to catch up in the archives it is: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=hack//AIDA

If you want to follow on twitter it is @dothackaida

>>25020671
Would anyone like to add a dissenting view to this course of action?

>>25020581
Snark, what makes you think giving Luna an AIDA will protect her?

From what I heard, the reason Shimabuku and MANIA are off limits isn't due to having AIDA infections, it's just a coincidence.

Shimabuku's real job leaves him too high-profile to be targeted.

And MANIA? If I understood Hamelin correctly, he thinks you are too volatile to even risk assassinating. So... wear that with pride.

>>25020806
I think there's better ways of phrasing it.

[X] Hold it, Snark. She's being a bit reckless here.

Ask Luna:
[X] Why are you so willing to help us, when you could just walk out, pretend this never happened, and live a normal life until this incident is stopped?

Guys, I think we should know why Luna's so reckless first.

>>25020845
Looks to me like she doesn't want to abandon her friends, namely shimabuku and us.

>>25020581
Luna, you remember Durandal don't you? Beastman cleric, had a stutter, pretty sure you and Shimabuku helped me save him from some PKers once?

He's.... gone. He's gone because he was my friend, and I've made a powerful enemy who is hurting me the only way he's allowed to.

I don't want to lose anyone else. Or gamble that an infection would keep you safe.

>>25020845

Actually, this might be a better idea. Tell Snark to hold off, then pose this question to Luna. No RP crap, ask her for real why she wants this.

If she still insists, we bring up the points in >>25020813

And also maybe mention that dealing with the piper will at the very least halt the attacks on civilians for the time being, thus eliminating the need to infect? We'll have to act quickly to find the other Epitaphs for sure, but that'll give us some breathing room.

>>25020845
Bud, we need to know why she would also abandon her RL for us.

>>25020845
Yeah that's a good point.

Also should we point out that CC Corp has flat out murdered people, and doesn't "just" put them into comas?

Or would that just pointlessly scare her.

>>25020875
Nearly finishes Luna's goodbye speech since I figured only two people were showing up and when I check back it all changes.

One moment please while I retype.

>>25020897
Like I mean ideally if she has family who live in the country, or overseas... it might not be a bad idea to visit them.

>>25020924
> Luna's goodbye speech
OH SHIT.

I think I may have a nice save.

>>25020875
It couldn't hurt to point out that AIDA are a new phenomenon that no one understands, and there's even a lot of unknowns for the AIDA themselves.

Also getting an AIDA infection seems like it will earn you the undying enmity of Kite.

"Snark stop!" You shout both out loud and mentally at the place your headaches come from and he halts, momentarily flinching in what looks like pain.

"Is there a problem, Chen?" He asks gritting his teeth and looking at you, his arm still raised and surrounded in black dots.

"Sorry it's just. Luna-" You turn to face her "Why are you so willing to help us, when you could just walk out, pretend this never happened, and live a normal life until this incident is stopped?" You ask making her frown.

"I am not someone who would abandon friends when they are in need! Luna Blackthorne is not someone who would behave in such a classless manner!" She shouts making you frown.

"None of the rp bullshit. CC Corp is hunting people down in the real world, they are sending online hitmen to put people into comas. You, the player, the person, why are you willing to help?" You ask making her look at you oddly.

"I am not beautiful, Sir Chen." She tells you making you blink.

"What does that have to do with-" You start but she shakes her head.

"When I was still in school I was the awkward girl who tagged along and made the others look better. I latched onto them because I was afraid of being picked on by them. I abandoned my friends from middle school and let them be picked on by the group. One day my pictures were discovered, my drawings, by the lead bully and they turned their sites on me. I abandoned my friends because I was afraid of standing with them and as I result I became what some call a hikikomori. That is who I am in the real world, that is who I created Luna Blackthorne to be totally against! I refuse to do something so inelegant as abandoning my friends again." She explains.

"Snark, how would having an AIDA protect her?" You ask making him sigh.

"Who would you rather mug, a guy packing heat or an unarmed kid?" He offers as a response.

(1/2)

Wat say wat do?
[]I am a sucker for friendship speeches, Snark her up
[]That's nice, but they will straight up murder you
[]Other, please specify
(2/2)

>>25021214
"You make a compelling argument. Alright fine, if you want to give AIDA a spin, then be my guest.

Under one condition. If you see Hamelin and you're alone, or if I tell you to, you will log out immediately and do not log back in without notifying me.

I appreciate your courage, but I am not looking for heroes who are willing to risk everything for some vague cause.

I'm looking for friends who stay alive.

Do you think you can do that for me?"

>>25021227
[x] I am a sucker for friendship speeches, Snark her up

I really don't want to. Seeing as that she's still liable to be coma bait, despite hikko status.

However, I still seem to hold the opinion that the newspapers will have a missing persons report sooner or later on her if we don't.

Fuck. Why do we attract the escapists?

>>25021364
Really? Seems to me the only escapists are Luna and Durandal. Well, just Luna now I guess. Who else is an escapist?

>>25021227

>[x] Other: address Snark & Luna with more concerns

>Snark:
True enough, Snark, but what if that guy packing heat has said heat welded to his body and as a result attracts attention from all of the wrong types of amoral multi-billion corporations?

>Luna

Luna, there's something else you should know. All of us here aren't necessarily kept safe by the fact that we have these AIDA. It's a result of RL circumstance that we aren't being hunted down like dogs. If you get this AIDA, however, it's very likely that you will become a more tempting and easier target to get than all of us are. You'd be able to fight back in here, that's true... but that's of little consequence if they're intent on making you disappear forever in the real world.

>>25021406
...Shimbuku and his idol career?

>>25021423
Is that really escapism though? Seems to me he is just having fun in the world and doesn't want his idol career to get in the way of that.

>>25021214
I think we should point out that >>25020971

And note that Durga seems to have no interest in an AIDA infection and I don't think she's wrong to not want that. Maybe ask her to point out any more reasons AIDA seems risky?

>>25021508
If you'd note his emails... being an idol is nice, but he has to keep up his act all the time.

The World is a way to get that stress out.

>>25021555
Fair point.

>>25021416
The problem is that her lack of safety in the real world is the same if she doesn't get infected.

I mean Hamelin already knows where she lives.

>>25021584
Unless zalgo shows up.

..........SHIT. We need to ask MANIA aand Shimbuku about zalgo.

>>25021584

True... but right now she's just a means to an end, a way for Hamelin to get revenge on us. Imagine how much more eager he'd be to get to her if she's hosting part of a stable AIDA hive that so happens to be an offspring of an AIDA that personally pissed off Hamelin.

I think we may want to conference with Haruko for at least a brief while. We need to discuss this rationally and seriously with her given this new revelation. She's our partner, we owe her that much at least.

>>25021660

>cont

I meant that with the AIDA, she becomes a potential test subject for Hamelin. Without, she may go into a coma that may be able to be reversed.

>>25021675
We don't know for sure that coma victims can be revived. As she is now she is a target no matter what. She became a target as soon as we became friends with her.

>>25021660
>>25021675
I don't know, it could be that CC Corp wants to see how the Snark hivemind spreads, for Science.

It's really a huge unknown.

We need a leak from CC Corp.

>>25021720
Like maybe we should just let her know that we don't know for a fact that AIDA will make her off limits, and may instead make her a higher profile target. And make sure she understands that.

I mean we can rescind her infection if we want so...

>>25021351
Wait, not just if we say so, but if Durga says so as well.

Since we did say we're going to include her more, and she's our partner and not our subordinate.

>>25021699
>>25021720

Yeah... I guess that's the hardest part, making a hard decision with little in the way of solid information. It should be re-iterated to make sure that there may be consequences to accepting an AIDA that nobody may even know about yet; both in-game and IRL.

We may also want to convene with Haruko to make sure that she knows why we're doing this, and that Anon isn't permitting Snark to do this just because it's what he wants to do at this time. Luna was already in the moment we made friends with her, for better or worse. Anon will try his damndest to avoid getting anyone else involved in the future.

>>25021835

This. We owe it to her to at least debate with her until she agrees, or until she at least acknowledges that there's a solid case for Luna accepting an infection.

Also the stuff in >>25021844

>>25021844
I think that's why >>25021351 could help.

Like point out that we want to keep her as far from danger as possible.

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You turn to Durga. "If you say no, I won't" You tell her making her shake her head.

"She is a civilian." She tells you making you frown.

"She was involved as soon as we became friends with her. I will try to be more careful in the future, but I can't just leave her without some way to protect herself." You explain making her sigh.

"Fine, do it." She tells you

You sigh and scratch your head before turning back to Luna. "You make a compelling argument. Alright fine, if you want to give AIDA a spin, then be my guest. Under one condition. If you see Hamelin and you're alone, or if I tell you to, you will log out immediately and do not log back in without notifying me. I appreciate your courage, but I am not looking for heroes who are willing to risk everything for some vague cause. I'm looking for friends who stay alive. Do you think you can do that for me?" You ask making her nod.

"Of course, I understand. At the same time if there is anything I can do to aid you do not hesitate to ask, Sir Chen." She explains.

"One more thing, before you get infected you should know AIDA are a new phenomenon that no one understands, and there's even a lot of unknowns for the AIDA themselves. Also getting an AIDA infection seems like it will earn you the undying enmity of Kite." You explain.

"Kite?" Luna asks making you nod.

"Yeah, he's a guy who hates AIDA users we think. Not too sure who he is." You tell her before nodding to snark.

In an instant his arm passes through her and her eyes go totally black for a second before returning to normal. She flexes her arms and then pulls out her scythe and touches the blade but frowns. "I do not believe it took, Sir Chen, I seem to lack the ability to..." She pauses trying to figure out a way to explain it while still being in character.

"You need time and practice. It will likely pop up in the event you are about to die, or you can just be as talented as I am." MANIA explains making her nod.

(1/3)

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"I see. So what is there to be discussed?" Luna asks looking around.

You look back at Vividor and note he has started to carve the pillars in your guild-house into images of himself using only his groin and pelvic thrusts.

"Right, where to begin. Hamelin is an Admin with CC Corp, or at least works for them. He is likely both an epitaph user and is heavily infected with AIDA, though Snark is convinced he is not the main hive. He has already data drained Durandal and sent Nobuhiko into a coma. It seems he can not hurt me because CC Corp is interested in me, Shimabuku's player is too public to be hurt, and MANIA is evidently of interest as well. CC Corp can't target the epitaph users, that is Areta and Lotus, as they seem to be needed for them to accomplish some plan, likely associated with AI research." You say but pause when you notice Areta has raised her hand.

"Chen-Sensei, Chen-sensei!" She says bouncing a little.

"Yeah, what don't you get?" You ask making her nod.

"I remember you saying that AIDA and epitaphs don't mix well, so how is he managing?" She asks making you look at Snark.

"What me? I didn't even get called sensei." He protests but a look from you makes him sigh and relent. "Simply put he isn't, or he was so twisted up before a few extra twists don't bother him, or hell maybe CC Corp did something. I would have to eat him to know." He says making Areta nod.

"Er, if you are taking questions?" Luna speaks up before you can say anything. "Why don't you just go to the press with this? The will of the masses would certainly-" Luna starts but Durga shakes her head.
(2/3)

"No, that wouldn't work. CC Corp has a lot of money and they use it to keep a lot of people happy. Plus you experienced it yourself, who would believe what's going on if they were just told? It seems too fantastic to be believed." She offers making Luna seem confused again.

"I feel this is a bit overdue, but who is Snark then?" Luna continues making Snark grin.

"I'm AIDA itself. The short of it is AIDA are a hive mind, and I am a second mind that was born from the main. As opposed to eating people's minds I just like messing with them. Think of me as Chen's imaginary friend." He explains making her nod.

"So we came up with a plan and-" You start but snark clears his throat loudly making you look at him. "Fine, Snark had an idea but I wanted to discuss it with you all first. The basics of it are we break through an area and lure Hamelin there. Then Snark locks the door and we take him out. Worst case scenario he survives and Kita finishes him off, since the door will be locked." You tell them making MANIA tilt her head.

"That seems to be a rather weak plan." She offers.

"Mega weak." Areta adds on.

Wat say wat do?
[]I have another plan!(wut)
[]It is solid, we just need to lure him out there
[]Other, please specify

>>25022052

[X] Would anyone else like to offer a plan?
[X] Durga, what events draw in Hamelin? He shows up whenever I meet an Epitaph user...

>>25022052
"Yeah, it kind of is. Which is why I called this meeting to brainstorm a solution.

The way I see it, there are two big problems.

The first is that as an employee of CC Corp, Hamelin likely has mod or admin privileges, seeing as he could lock fields down, and can view personal information as well. And though I really don't know much about online games, aren't those guys able to make themselves be pretty much invincible?

The second problem is that while the Epitaph users seem to be off limits, the rest of us seem to have less absolute protection. If CC Corp knows we killed Hamelin, they might decide to stop observing and start destroying.

That's... bad.

So, any ideas?"

>>25022052
>[x]Other, please specify

I'll be the first to admit that this plan will take a lot of hashing out, no two ways about it. But the core concept is solid; Kite *HATES* AIDA for whatever reason. And doesn't seem to like Areta either, for some odd reason. The core concept is solid. Kite gave us a lot of trouble when we ran into him, and it seemed like he didn't pull out any of the heavy guns because we made it clear that we were more concerned with running away than to kick his ass or defile the Lost Ground. If we could somehow focus his attention to Hamelin instead of us, that'd certainly tip the scales in our favor.

But still... do you guys have any other additions to this plan, or any other plans that you think are more sound? Durga, MANIA, Areta, Luna, Vividor, anyone? There are no bad ideas here right now, we're brainstorming.

>>25022136
"Oh wait, problem three. We can't just avoid Hamelin either. Considering how he apparently wasn't fired for putting Durandal into a coma, I no longer have faith if CC Corp will stop him if he, say, just starts PKing people at random just to draw me into some form of confrontation."

>>25022186

This is also worth mentioning. We need a plan that is guaranteed to catch Hamelin's attention and force him to deal with all of the team immediately and personally.

>>25022041
Wait, why do we think Hamelin's an Epitaph user?

...Also that makes things so much harder for us.

Like ideally we'd find a way to make Kite kill Hamelin, or have CC Corp turn on him, but if he has an Epitaph than does that mean that Snark needs to eat him?

...I mean it'd spoil CC Corp's plans if they lose him, but we'd also lose our chance of saving the Lost Ones.

>>25022052
Didn't AIDA grunty say we could use that magic mirror to just spy on people, in addition to teleporting?

Can we set it so that we can observe Hawk headquarters?

>>25022253
We saw he had a glow. AIDA don't glow. In order to save the lost ones we have to take down the main AIDA core. I think CC Corp is just acting a bit too untouchable with how Hamelin has been acting.

We need to take him down, if for no other reason than just to show them that if they mess around they can be hurt.

>>25022253
If we eat Hamelin, it's entirely possible that we can find where Durandal is stored.

Problem is, he might end up like Osiris. In which case, we need to sew him back together.

>>25022314
I think that CC Corp has a certain right to act untouchable.

This is their World. Do you know what the can do if they dedicate themselves to our destruction?

Making ourselves seem dangerous should be last thing we do.

>>25022168
Didn't he attack Areta because she was infected with AIDA when we took her to the church?

>>25022394
Yeah, and he may have attacked Lotus because she attacked him first.

>>25022358
At the same time they need us and they are fine with letting a lose cannon like Hamelin play around and wreck peoples shit. Maybe if we show them it is better to not try and kill people near us then we can have some breathing room. As it is now people are at risk.

>>25022314
Alright then
"Problem four, the only victory plan we have involves Snark copying the powers of all eight Epitaphs. Assuming Hamelin has one, that means that we need to be the ones to kill him, despite him possibly having maxed stats at the least and killing him might make CC Corp decide to crush us beneath their heel.

...Wow, when I say that all out loud, things sound pretty bad for us, don't they?"

>>25022427

I guess as a last resort plan, we can see if they'd be willing to accept Chen taking over Hamelin's job. Chen has Snark, who's a stable and sapient AI, and doesn't like to cause potential PR nightmares to satisfy his ego. All the technical stuff can be taught, but the attitude is the most important thing.

Although there is the bit about going to work for the very corporation that killed the Chief and probably other people.

>>25022427
But here's the thing. They need Lotus and Areta.

They don't need us.

We aren't part of their sinister plans, we're just an unexpected curiosity they want to study.

Like while they seem to currently prefer us alive, it's just that, a preference.

>>25022484
And we are trying to shut them down. That's a thing too but I say we take care of the threat in front of us first.

>>25022427
Okay, sooooooooo...

Stick Hamelin's head on a spear, stick a note to spear, "Stop trying to kill me and my friends."

Huh.

>>25022506
I don't think you guys appreciate how precarious our position is.

They let us live because they feel like it, not because they require it.

>>25022523
Fact is we CAN'T have Hamelin walking around as is. We simply can't he is far too big a threat to us right now. Something has to change to at least make him stop

>>25022523
That entire suggestion was facetious and you know it.

>>25022552
That's what makes this so difficult, which is why we called a meeting to brainstorm.

I really wouldn't mind if Archon decided to materialize and lend a hand, is how hard this seems.

"Yeah, it kind of is. Which is why I called this meeting to brainstorm a solution." You say making snark cross his arms

"Yer a mega weak plan, shut up." He mutters

"The way I see it, there are a few major problems.

The first is that as an employee of CC Corp, Hamelin likely has mod or admin privileges, seeing as he could lock fields down, and can view personal information as well. And though I really don't know much about online games, aren't those guys able to make themselves be pretty much invincible?" You ask making Vividor thrust towards you.

"Chen, you be no thinking good, yes? Ze Mods, ze be bound by ze levels mooch like we be doing. ploos if ze powerful powers, zey level playing field. Exist beyond system, yes?" He offers making MANIA turn to him.

"How can you be certain?" She asks making him turn to her.

"I am, how you say, vary vary goo' looking." he says making her shrug.

"Average really." She counters making him tear off his shirt and flex his abs

"The second problem is that while the Epitaph users seem to be off limits, the rest of us seem to have less absolute protection. If CC Corp knows we killed Hamelin, they might decide to stop observing and start destroying." You continue making MANIA turn to you.

"The other side of that is they seem content to already be destroying. If they can knock a child into a coma with no fear of reprisal, and the government can't touch them then they need to at least be shown there is a danger to acting recklessly. Perhaps if Hamelin is killed then they will reconsider fucking with us." MANIA states, her voice getting excited during the second half of her statement.

"Do you guys have any other additions to this plan, or any other plans that you think are more sound? Durga, MANIA, Areta, Luna, Vividor, anyone? There are no bad ideas here right now, we're brainstorming." You offer making the others seem deep in thought, save Vividor who has resumed his pelvic art.

(1/2)

"Uh, have we tried talking to Hamelin?" Areta offers making you glance at her. "I mean, yeah he is crazy, but he has to have something he wants."

"We could seek other members of CC Corp and maybe try and work around this Hamelin?" Luna offers making Snark frown at her.

"Never! Burn their servers!" Snark protests.

"I prefer the head on approach. Lure him there with you Chen, or an epitaph. Hamelin seems very interested in them and we have two we can use as bait." MANIA states making Areta step back/

"Y-you would hang me out to dry like that MANIA? That's cold." She protests, evidently warming up to MANIA too.

Seems you have some options.

Wat plan?
[]Let's go with _______________
[]I have another idea
[]Other, please specify
(2/2)

>>25022609
So, we can always go to Raven and demand to see Hamelin's manager. Okay...

>>25022609
Crap, the direct approach sounds pretty appealing.

Because we need Snark to eat Hamelin's delicious Epitaph.

>>25022657
I'd like to spy on them some, see who else works there besides Hamelin.

But then there's the whole "may start killing people at random".

>>25022609
Trying to work around Hamelin seems like a good idea while we plan out his assassination.

Even better would be if we somehow manage to steal his job. He's the only expert on AIDA they have which is why they put up with him, and if we use Snark to gain a foothold in the company we can learn more about what they're trying to achieve here.

>>25022726
I really don't think that's a feasible option.

Like.

At all.

>>25022609
"...AIDA Grunty. You gave my guild the ability to spy on and enter any guild hall we want, including the very secure headquarters of the department Hamelin works for.

Do you have any additional unfair advantages to bestow that could come in handy right now?"

>>25022726
So, we cut off his head, shout "There can only be ONE!" and then go apply for a job at CC Corp while forgetting Archon?

>>25022609

>Vividor

Vividor, are you implying that the Admins in here are more or less like players, in how they have to interact with The World? But, you know, more powerful?

>[x]I have another idea

Luna might have something with that thing about CC-corp employees; we may be able to find allies in them yet, but we need to deal with Hamelin as fast as possible. That's something worth checking into later on, but perhaps not right now.

I think Snark's plan combined with MANIA's might be something we can use. Snark mentioned that one of the Lost Grounds had a tri-edge sign that could be used as a portal. The Morrigu Barrow Wall, I think it was called; MANIA also conducted an investigation on the properties of the Lost Grounds, testing how quickly it would take Kite to respond to an AIDA presence in those Lost Grounds. It might not be unreasonable to think that Kite uses these tri-edge signs to zip around the World, instead of using Chaos Gates. If we were to open that portal, we could go in and act as a lure for Hamelin, who would certainly also want to see who opened the gate and what lays within, even if his Arch-nemesis wasn't in there.

Assuming that Kite has some sort of base of operations, it could also be possible that there's some important information wherever he resides. We might even find a way to communicate with him in a way that doesn't involve us kicking his ass or our asses getting kicked.

>>25022798
I don't know if we have any in-game way of knowing what the tri-edge signs are for.

I mean was there one at the cathedral?

Plus Kite's too scary to deal with right now.

>>25022798
But Kite isn't Tri-Edge.

>>25022609
How about this, we waltz into Raven headquarters, and if Hamelin is there, we ask what will make him stop, and if his answer is unsatisfactory, we challenge him to a dual as a certain location.

If he's not there, we talk to any CC Corp employees and file a complaint.

Hamelin is hell-bent on being a shit disturber, there's no working around him-- especially if everything he's been doing up until now is actually sanctioned.

Thing is, at this point, if we make any overt moves, he'll probably see it for the trap it is, and we'll be sitting there twiddling our thumbs. We need to try and get a step ahead of him.

>>25022967

I'm just using the tri-edged signs as a general descriptor.

>>25022967
We don't even know "Tri-Edge" exists. In-game, and even out of it I don't think we know his true identity.

Pretty sure AE isn't using any canon characters, so no running into Haseo or Ovan for us.

>>25022609

We should also mention the existence of Archon. And how he seemed to be able to hack Snark and block out his speech, generally let on that he knew about AIDA and Epitaphs, and gave us one helluva headache.

>>25023022
I didn't think he gave us a headache, more a weird static-y feeling.

Seems to be a bit of everything. Any general agreement yet?

I will say AIDA-TRI-EDGE exists, but Ovan does not, or in any recognizable form

>>25023041
Maybe just point out that we can pretty much enter Project G.U. headquarters whenever we want?

I think Haruko's the only one we told, and I'm not sure if we told her how important that is, like it's job-related for Hamelin, not a hobby.

Here's the main points of the modified trap plan:

1.) Hamelin will obviously see a trap for what it is and just bugger off and do his own thing. Unless the potential payoff is worth springing the trap.

2.) If Snark wasn't able to penetrate the portal at the Morrigu Barrow Wall normally, then maybe Hamelin's efforts were similarly futile. This means that Hamelin has no idea what the tri-edge portal does, and doesn't know what lies on the other side. But since it's clearly not a part of the regular flow of the world, it's an anomaly that bears investigating.

3.) If Hamelin sits on his hands while our group goes through the portal, he will risk our group gaining an unknown advantage over him. He will probably want to avoid this.

4.) Even if it's not a mystery to him, we'll be walking into a place that he is familiar with, in which he may decide to press the attack while he has a possible advantage. Which will force an confrontation, which we want to happen.

>>25023101
We don't even know that the tri-edge sign is a portal though.

And have no way of knowing that yet.

As far as we're concerned, its just defacing the game.

>>25023120

>
"This Sign was made by a different hive, a massive one, could be the primary one. There were some more of the primary hive inside so I let them eat some scraps with no data in them. My core is fine. It is some sort of transport... like an AIDA chaos gate. No way of knowing where it leads unless we go through."

Snark said that. Thread #8.

>>25023120
I thought snark told us there was something behind it, but that another AIDA was blocking him. That is why he said because he had another epitaph he could punch through them?

>>25023147
>>25023156

Oh, never mind, guess I missed that.

I think we should probably make that investigation distinct from taking care of Hamelin though.

Make it less complicated.

>>25023101
maybe make a big show of us opening the portal? Somehow make sure he knows we are doing AIDA stuff?

>>25023179

Hamelin has a way of tracking us. If he sees us successfully breaching the AIDA sign at the Morrigu Barrow Wall, it may prove to be too tempting to pass up. Either way, he's probably going to send something to investigate, or go personally if it requires a more delicate touch.

>>25023286
Maybe just bring up that the portal exists.

Like MANIA saw it, but I'm not sure if she learned what it does.

Really it's a good idea to keep everyone in our guild informed of such things.

>>25023371

Might as well. The rest of the pieces will hopefully fall into place.

"We have the ability to enter his guild if that is of any help, but I think I have to agree with MANIA on this one." You say making Durga sigh.

"With the crazy lady. Right." Durga frowns making Areta gasp.

"Aw, she isn't crazy. Here, did the mean lady say something bad? She protests hugging MANIA.

"Here is the plan then. We go to the Morrigu Barrow Wall and Snark takes control of the portal. Since we know Hamelin is tracking me I am pretty sure he will want to see what happened, and Snark will leave the portal open. When Hamelin goes through we hope it is to someplace hard to get out of and then we take him there." You say making Areta raise her hand again with one arm on MANIA.

"Yes, yes! Chen-sensei!" She asks making you nod to her, already used to it.

"Portal?" She asks.

"A big carving on the wall shaped like a tilted English A. They are sort of AIDA gates, we can use them to warp to different places without the chaos gates." You explain.

So it seems you have a plan, go into the AIDA gate and hope for the best.

Who will you bring with you?

Current Party: MANIA

Who bring?
[]MANIA, she has experience in AIDA fights
[]Areta, she needs the practice and her epitaph is a grim reaper
[]Luna, she can crowd control and Hamelin normally comes in a pack.
[]Durga, she can take care of herself
[]Vividor, His abs will keep him safe
[]Wait for Lotus, she has experience dealing with AIDA-Epitaphs
[]Wait for Shimabuku, he is just plain strong
[]Wait for Hatsu, allow him to avenge his friend.
[]Other, please specify

You can take two other people with you through the AIDA gate

>>25023532
I'll say Areta or wait for Lotus.

I think it'd be a good idea to have at least one Epitaph.

>>25023532
Speaking of which...

>OBTAINED AIDA CORES: Victorian, Orthrus, Geryon

The heck do we do with them? Summon AIDA? Get a resonance effect when fighting alongside similar AIDA?

>>25023532
>MANIA
>Lotus
>Vividor
MANIA because she's a lot more canny than she lets on, Lotus because she's experienced and has an Epitaph, and Vividor because Vividor.

>>25023628
No wait, two other people.

Leave Lotus.

>>25023532

Lotus would be ideal, but we don't have any idea when she gets off work or if she can even go from work. Areta could serve in a pinch... but that's one hell of a trial by fire to put her through. Her Epitaph is very deadly, however.

Let's bring MANIA. She seemed to be able to go toe-to-toe with Kite. That's pretty impressive.

As for Durga/Haruko, we should probably take some time to make some contingency plans with her in case this goes tits-up.

>>25023681
Tell her to clear our download history. In fact, she should just take a giant magnet to our hard drive.

And tell her no matter what happens, for the love of god, don't open the folder that says "Boring Work Stuff". Then we look away ashamed before warping to our mini boss fight

>>25023709

Take the proper measures to ensure that our sensitive data is erased, memorize the contents of the flash drive we got off of the CC-corp goons, and to work closely with Lotus and the others to continue to save the Lost Ones in case we die?

File: 1369452622566.jpg-(198 KB, 683x1024, Ryoko.jpg)

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>>25023681
It is early evening. She is an OL and likely will get off soon.

>>25023778

In that case, let's have Snark text Ryoko/Lotus and see when she's free or if she can leave early if possible.

>>25023681
MANIA and Areta sound good.

Areta actually seems to like MANIA so that's an advantage.

Haruko ask her to brief Shimabuku and Lotus if/when they get off work, and maybe she can see if she can spy on Project GU, or really whatever she thinks would be a good idea.

>>25023795
...Or how about put down the M2D and text her ourselves?

Let's not rely on Snark for such things anymore.

>>25023814

Right, this might be better.

You consider asking Snark to text Ryoko but then pause and glance at him. "Just out of, say a whim, I were to ask you to text Ryoko and ask her when she would get home, what would you actually ask her?"

"If the burned girl in the under-aged cripple eroge you are playing tastes like bacon. Then ask her for a picture of her comatose sister, preferably while in a coma." he answers making you nod.

"So you are hell bent on ruining my social life then?" You ask making him shrug.

"Not really. Sort of just happens that way." He answers making you take your M2D off and unlock your phone.

To: Ryoko

We have a plan to take out Hamelin, when will you be home?

After a few seconds you get a reply

From: Ryoko

In about an hour.

You put your M2D back on and see Areta and MANIA seem to have gotten into a discussion about something, while Luna is trying to make Vividor put on clothes, and Durga messes with the device she set up. You walk up to her. "Gimme a second, I think I... and got it. Okay, sent a copy of our discussion to the other members of the guild not currently with us." She says before facing you.

"Lotus will take about an hour to get home. What will you do while we fight Hamelin? We have the observation room." You tell her making her frown.

"Not sure, maybe watch over Hamelin's guild." She says before shrugging.

Seems you have an hour to kill.

Wat do?
[]Go talk to someone
[]Find Vividor, you need him at all times
[]Go with Areta and MANIA instead, let's just get it over with.
[]Other please specify

>>25024104
Let's do some spying.

I'd like to see who Hamelin works with.

And if they're all as crazy as he is.

>>25024166

Seconding spying. Perhaps consult with Snark if there's some way to make it less detectable or obvious. If we get caught, that will certainly spur Hamelin to do something drastic.

So when we beat Hamelin, what do we do with his Epitaph? Like Snark only eats an AIDA-copy.

Even if it's not heroic, I don't really plan on letting Hamelin live, seeing as it seems unlikely that his AIDA infection is an excuse for being such an asshole.

So can we take his Epitaph core and shove it somewhere else?

>>25024386
Pretty sure Snark can eat the epitaph itself. He could have eaten Innis' core but it would have maybe killed Raum, and he managed to pull out Tarvos' core. If we want to off him that way I think it is possible.

File: 1369455998324.jpg-(1.08 MB, 2056x3276, Ocimum.jpg)

1.08 MB JPG

"Why don't we both go spying on Hamelin's guild See if everyone there is as messed up as he is?" You offer to Durga.

The two of you go up to the mirror's AIDA grunty put up last time and sit in front of the one with a raven drawn on the frame. The two of you sit for a second before an image materializes. You see Hamelin sitting on a chair and looking over some sort of tablet, a few of his AIDA beasts standing patiently beside him. He continues staring at it before sighing. "How odd. He doesn't exist anywhere. Not even as a logged of character, I wonder where he has gotten himself to?" He asks calmly leaning back.

After less than a second he stands up and in a rage punches the AIDA beast and starts kicking it on the ground. "Where is he, where is he, where is he, where is he, where is he, WHERE ARE YOU CHEN?!" He shouts lifting the chair and smashing it over the other beast.

After he proceeds to kick it for a while another figure can be seen entering the room. This one has long purple hair and is wearing a revealing outfit. "What's the matter Hamelin, sad your boyfriend isn't around?" She asks as he stops beating them and pants heavily for a few seconds, evidently from exhaustion.

"You are the last person I want to hear that from Ocimum. What do you want?" Hamelin asks making the woman laugh.

"Nothing from you. Though maybe I should warn you not to break your toys?" She offers walking over to the fallen AIDA beasts, a faint mewling sound coming from them. "Poor babies." She offers before blowing a kiss at them then kicking the beast's head. "Fucking trash, just like your boss." She sneers licking her lips, one of her eyes narrowing and the other going wide.

"I need to do something for eight hours." He explains as the woman turns on her heel and walks towards the small stairs. "Boss plugged into the serpent of lore?" She asks making her way to the back.

"Where else would he be?" He asks before grabbing a new chair and sitting in it as the woman leaves.
(1/2)

File: 1369456059595.jpg-(19 KB, 362x394, Lotus.jpg)

19 KB JPG

"Just wait till I find you Chen... just wait..." he mutters with a smile.

That was... odd.

LOTUS IS NOW ONLINE.

After a few minutes Lotus enters the guildhall. She looks around the group and pauses when she sees Luna. "Ah, Luna. Hello. Um" She says but Durga waves a hand from where she is sitting.

"Chen infected her. Check your mail for a summary of events." She explains.

Lotus nods and then goes gray, likely checking her mail.

This will be your last chance to back out and change your mind before you go through with your plan of going with MANIA and Lotus.

Any changes you want to make, or is there anything you want to tell the others?

Wat say wat do?
[]Change plan
[]Change members of plan
[]other, please specify
Speech?
[]Yes, I need to say something dramatic and cool
[]No, let's get this shit done. I am a pro, not some cowboy spaceman
(2/2)

>>25024700
What was our plan to get Hamelin's attention?

Just stand around that area and hope he comes running?

>>25024687
>>25024700
Well this is going to be easy. I don't think he'd even care if he knew it was a trap.

>>25024700
No help from that corner.

>serpent of lore

Wise snakes? Ouroboros. Jormundgundr.

Octomom is also psycho.

>>25024759
Smash open a gate. He's actively stalking us now.

>>25024687
Well, looks like MANIA might have some competition.

Our plan is
>Here is the plan then. We go to the Morrigu Barrow Wall and Snark takes control of the portal. Since we know Hamelin is tracking me I am pretty sure he will want to see what happened, and Snark will leave the portal open. When Hamelin goes through we hope it is to someplace hard to get out of and then we take him there.

You want to change it in light of new information? Note that the place it leads us to may not be neutral-enemy free.

And no, no speech, unless someone wants to quote Spike Spiegel.

>>25024870
Still seems like a good idea.

Now we know we won't have to worry about getting Hamelin's attention.

>>25024870
Honestly, it'd be less risky to lure him to an area where we know Kite will be summoned, since we know we don't have to grab his attention now.

>>25024915

If he's half as competent as we think he is and knows about Kite, he may think better of following Chen into an area where he'll appear.

We can pass the plan by our companions again to see if we want to go to Hulle Granz Cathedral where we know Kite will appear, or try to bait Hamelin with some additional information by smashing through Morrigu Barrow Wall.

>>25024978
Well...why can't we do both?

Hang out in the Cathedral until Kite's in danger of appearing then move on to the Morrigu Barrow Wall if Hamelin doesn't show up.

>>25025029
Because that would tip him off? "Oh yeah hamelin, look how much fun we are having in kite areas! Whooooo! We totally are not luring you into a trap."

At least if we smash through the wall we are luring him into someplace where there is something unknown

>>25025029
Technically we already know Kite will show up at the Morrigu Barrow Wall.

Like remember the test with MANIA?

We heard that A-sharp tone or whatever.

>>25025058

Yeah, let's just stick to the plan. Go smash through Morrigu Barrow Wall.

>>25025029
>Hang out in the Cathedral until Kite's in danger of appearing
Stay too long, and Hamelin arrives in time to wish for popcorn.

Trust in snark!

File: 1369458720095.gif-(35 KB, 500x500, Triedgesign.gif)

35 KB GIF

As lotus looks over the recording you enter a private chat with Durga. "Look, if things turn out badly there are some files on my computer about the case you need to take care of." You tell her making her shake her head.

"Don't worry anon. I am not maidenly enough to pull the whole dramatic part here. Want me to? was that like, going to be your thing?" She asks making you frown.

"No. Shut up." You tell her before walking over to lotus.

"Want me to kiss you and say it is for luck then discover we are siblings?" She asks following after you.

"No damn it. At least say 'Don't say that Anon, I know you will come back!'" You tell her making her shake her head.

"Try not to die!" She offers before patting you on the back and going back to the viewing screen.

With that done you stand with MANIA as Lotus returns to her character and nods at you. "Alright then Chen. Shall we go?" She asks and the three of you move out towards the chaos gate. the silence is uncomfortable, almost deafening, between the three of you. It is not made any better when snark manifests and starts singing Zeppelin.

The four of you warp to Δ Hidden Forbidden Bulwark, and as soon as you turn to face the red A you notice it is glowing as if lit from behind. You turn to Snark and you notice he has a large smile on his face, similar to MANIA's really. You are about to ask him why he looks so happy when he preempts you. "They're screaming." He tells you before walking up to the wall.

He takes a deep breath then slowly exhales before black dots start to pool out of him, after a few seconds he puts his arm in the glowing sign and you feel something shift in the area.

"Oh? What's wrong? Does that hurt? Try having whole chunks taken out of you, cock sucker." He says out loud before, like waves breaking, you see a group of black orbs splash out of the sign.
(1/2)

In an instant the three of you are transported to a totally white area, similar to where you met the chair and the three of you look around. "Well, this is a bit too familiar for my liking." You say to no one in particular.

"Did the graphic designers get lazy here or something?" Lotus asks.

"Not at all, this is the area beyond the system. Really, how did you manage it Chen?' you hear from behind as you hear what sounds like a lock falling into place.

Standing there, clad in scarlet and gold, is Hamelin. Flanked as always by two of his AIDA beasts. He looks around the area and smiles slightly before turning to face you. "Really, so happy you opened this up for us, it was really annoying having to figure out how to make it through. You even brought one of the epitaph users, how nice." He laughs a little.

Please roll 1d100 I will take the first three. This is not for combat so do not worry. Or worry about what it is really for. Either way

Also wat say wat do?
[]Write in
(2/2)

Rolled 7

>>25025425
Get snark to lock down the area so Hamelin can't escape.

>>25025466
He already has

Rolled 99

>>25025486
Oh, lovely.
>>25025425

Rolled 40

>>25025425
"So what's the story with Ocimum? I'm probably going to have to deal with her after I'm done with you, so I'd like a preview."

>>25025509
Oh, lovely.

>>25025517
Seconding thsi.

>>25025466
[X] "I'm getting real tired of your shit, buddy.

Why, Hamelin? Why do you persist? I know what you've been doing, pouring over every record in the world trying to find me in your private little room your guild, grunting and moaning as you continue to fail.

And you even killed Durandal. Fuck. Lemme guess, you also run a fleet of nice boats?

I will strip your data from your character and leave it for Octomom to find."

>>25025617
Casual contempt now, hatred and rage later.

>>25024687
>He doesn't exist anywhere. Not even as a logged of character

Wow, remind me to compliment Snark on his security, He certainly didn't mess around.

File: 1369459610493.jpg-(63 KB, 576x359, hamelin.jpg)

63 KB JPG

"So what's the story with Ocimum? I'm probably going to have to deal with her after I'm done with you, so I'd like a preview." You tell him making him pause.

In an instant his expression shifts to one of pure rage. "We tightened security measures, how the fuck are you looking. How how how how how!" He shouts before laughing.

"No, no, it doesn't matter, why would it matter? I just have to get rid of you. You are too dangerous You didn't play ball even after I put that fat sack of shit in a coma. Some along Chen! Let's play!" He smiles pulling out a shortsword and smiling at you, the veins in his face crisscrossed with black.

"I think we are good Chen. I am pretty sure Kite is busy elsewhere." Snark explains as you pull out your fans and drop into a low combat stance.

"Let's take him." You say calmly as Snark does a little dance.

"First we're gunna catch you, then we're gunna kill you, then I get to eat you." He punctuates his sentence by fading away and suddenly your fans are surrounded with small bubbling black orbs.

Please roll 1d100 for combat, I will take the best of three as normal

Rolled 67

>>25025746
lets dance bitch

Rolled 70

>>25025746
"Lotus, MANIA, in case it wasn't clear, I didn't ask you two to come with me to be cheerleaders."

Rolled 77

>>25025746
DM ROLL

One more player roll please

Rolled 80

>>25025830
Oh dear.

Rolled 77

>>25025848
Hrummmm... wonder if I'll bungle.

>>25025830
>>25025866
Astounding. What would a tie accomplish?
>>25025865
Winrar.

>>25025879
I kind of wish I didn't roll, I wanted to see what that would mean too.

In any case, it looks like it's a close match, as it should be for the final boss of Disc One.

You glance back at your companions as they ready their weapons. "By the way, I didn't bring you here just to be cheerleader's you know" You tell the two of them making MANIA stare at you.

"But we have nice legs." She tells you as she runs forward, her own AIDA circling her body and making her more "real" in this world.

"This is for my sister you murderous fuck." Lotus growls before flashing pink and charging towards the trio, her language shocking you momentarily.

You throw down buffs and debuffs as normal and charge into the fray. The AIDA beasts lunge towards you, but you are already used to their patter and throw out a ray of light to disrupt their path before meeting Hamelin in the gap you created. He swings down with his sword, but you deflect it mid-swing with the razor lined edge of your right fan before lashing out with your left, your small cuts wearing away at his skin and complimented by your magics. You manage to lay into him with your blade lined fans, focusing on his right arm and playing on the idea he is actually an AI or some sort and that conventional combat tactics would work. With each cut you see more blood fly up and his face shifts from battle lust to pain and desperation. He manages to throw out a wild swipe with his sword you have to back away from him, but you can't really call it a good move on his part as your buffs were wearing out.

You spare a glance towards Lotus and see she is being careful with one of the AIDA beasts, using her greater reach to keep the beast at bay and performing only smart attacks, letting the beast make mistakes and slowly drain him, a smart idea when the healer is occupied. You note her experience in the arena seems to be giving her a better edge on the beast.
(1/3)

You throw up another buff and turn to Hamelin, his face scrunched into confusion. "A trap. You lured us here. You wanted us to be here so you could get revenge. How stupid, as an admin I can just warp away. As punishment for your attempt I think I will send some of my pets to that roleplayer's home. Luna was it?" He asks before his eyes go wide. "I... I can't warp, no. No unlock administrative protocols. How... how?" He asks.

You are about to say something in response when a husky laugh draws your attention over to MANIA. You look over to her and see she has taken an entirely different approach to the fight. Her body is covered in countless cuts and tears and blood flows freely from her body onto the floor. You are about to become concerned when you look over at the Aida beast and see two of it's limbs have been crippled and it's body seems to be a wreck. She evidently wanted to get as much fun from her fight as she could and abandoned any form of defense in favor of overwhelming her enemy. As you stare at her you note she has not turned off her AIDA, and her long tongue goes over her lips before she speaks. "Almost. So close. I'm almost there. So close, close, close, close. You have almost gotten me off. Come on, scream more for me, let out a pathetic mewl of agony in your helplessness. Give me all of it, more, more, more!" She demands stepping forward.
(2/3?)

>>25026502
...So I take it that she'd be offended if Chen healed her.

The AIDA beast seems to consider it for a moment before turning back towards Hamelin and running, evidently learning fear from dealing with MANIA. In a flash she is on him, her face formerly in ecstasy now a mask of disgust as she pins him to the ground under her heel. "You trash. Vermin, you are running? You would deny me? You are worthless, less than a bug! The only thing you could have done is gotten me off and you can't even do that right! Worthless, completely worthless!" She yells before stepping on the creatures shoulder with her spike of a heel and digging in. The creature lets out a howl of agony as her heel goes through before she leans over and grabs his arm. "I was going to make your last moments nothing less than heaven. I would have left you begging. I could have been your God." She tells it before pulling on the arm making it scream. You hear a sickening crack of bone as well as the tearing of skin and sinew as the arm comes free, torn off and in MANIA's hand and dangling limply where she holds it my the wrist.

She listen's to the beast's yell of pure agony befoe sighing in dissatisfaction and calmly stepping on it's throat, ending its life. She locks eyes with you for a moment before tilting her head and running over to Lotus, evidently wanting you to get your own revenge. You look back on Hamelin as you throw out another round of Buffs and debuffs and he looks at you, almost afraid? "Chen, you have no idea what you are doing. it was the AIDA! Yes, the AIDA made me do it! I swear, it wasn't my idea I." You fire another quick series of spells on him before rushing forward to his kneeling form, raising your fans intent to remove his head.
(3/4)

"Fine!" He shouts, his body covered in an aura of purple and black spheres. "Fine Chen, okay. Let's play this way. Come here, let's kill him. Come to me, my Macha!" He shouts before hiss form is replaced and you are again in the avatar space. before you floats a caricature of a cat, with white covering one half and purple covering the other. In it's hands is a flute, and it's lower body seems to be built similarly to a scorpion, but with a pair of tri colored, gold, purple, and white wings.

You smile to yourself and feel the madness boiling to the surface of your mind. You let out a sigh as your mind screams and then breaks and with a simple call of "Snark" You are in the form of your avatar.

False Angel, Snark vs Macha, the Temptress

Attacks:
Agony Cannon:
Needles of Pleasure
Mirror world
Gun
False reaper*NEW* Melee combo formed from snark's "wings"
(4/4)
Please roll 1d100 for avatar battle. Best of first three

>>25026502
>>25026572
I like to think that both Chen and Hamelin just stopped to stare at MANIA.

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>>25026609
Forgot pic

Rolled 60

>>25026609
So Avatar Battles are by nature 1vs1?

Let's try "Mirror world" to start.

Rolled 91

>>25026609
Lets open up with Needlespam, then use Mirror World to get in close for a False Reaper finisher.

>>25026650
MANIA is just going to finish off the last AIDA beast with Lotus 3 v 1 greater than 2 v 1

Rolled 91

>>25026676
Ah, alright.

Rolled 58

>>25026651
>91
Nice knowing you Hamelin.

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Rolled 75

>And then DM rolled 100?

>>25026651
>>25026695
>Double 91s
>>25026709
>75
I wonder if we'd have enough data to impersonate Hamelin after we eat him?

>>25026651
>>25026695
Two 91s

Hoho.

Macha the Temptress.

Hamelin, you've been fapping in your room while trying to find me, killed Durandal to get a spot in my party, and trying to kill me with a giant cat?

You are the worst president of my fanclub I have ever seen.

He killed Durandal. He ripped some kid's mind to pieces, a kid who just wanted to be a hero, who just wanted to be you. You open fire with your needles first, the small weapons not carrying much punch, and your ability to hit him limited by the scatter gun's wide spread and his quick movement's. However the few that manage to catch him burrow in and slow him down, albeit slightly. You waver and falter, your string like form not as fast as the abomination, but far more difficult to hit. He swipes at you with his flute as he passes, the edge of the thing sharp and serrated, but it just passes through you. You activate the power of the epitaph Innis and suddenly there are over a dozen copies of Snark floating around the area. He swipes at them, the tail on his scorpion half firing some sort of spikes into the images, but it is not enough to find you. Each false snark moves like the real, meaning they are just as difficult to hit.

"Enough!" He shouts before placing the flute to his face and playing a soft tune.

Instantly your movements are frozen as he walks around, shattering all the false Snarks. You panic for a moment before a speak or pure inky blackness pierces his torso. He looks over and in the side of the avatar space you see a great cat made of shadow, constantly shifting and fading as if it is just an idea. He fires some of his spikes towards it, but the indistinct mass just shifts past him quickly, unseen claws tearing and cracking Macha's body like porcelain. He almost drops his tune, however recovers after a moment when a large winged serpent rushes him with a sword, slashing away until he is forced to drop his tune and try to protect himself. he can not, however, stop the assault of Grimalkin and Tarvos, and you see something shatter on him. You are on him in a flash, settling your body over him so the mouth on the bottom of your head can get a good bite into him, and in an instant Snark starts to feast.
(1/2)

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>>25026709
>captcha: thrksbo suffered
>Hamelin's face when

However this is not the normal feeding from purging an AIDA system, but something more ravenous. You are suddenly aware of how careful Snark was, only ripping out AIDA and leaving everything else behind, like a surgeon. This is more like a vortex of hunger, ripping out AIDA, epitaph, and everything else inside. For a moment your mind is flooded with images, an overworked AI researcher. He needed results or his family would starve. He has an idea, one only he can do. He contacts the surgeons and writes a program for it. He gets the engineering department to design a sterile case and the connectors he needs. He hugs his family one last time. he looks at the brain case where he will become Hamelin. He designs a character model after his daughter's favorite nursery story. He goes under the knife. He opens his eyes in 'The World'. He never sleeps. Never ages. The he can't remember his families faces. He hears about AIDA. How excited everyone is.

He needs it. It can complete him. An idea. A memory. His families face. Black spots help him remember who he was black spots black spots black spots black spots.

You are suddenly transported back to the white room, the shattered body of Hamelin lays before you, holes filled with blue static the only sign of his wounds.

GAIN: TRUE EPITAPH MACHA

What do now?
[]Let's go, we're done
[]Stay a while
[]Other, please specify
(2/2)

>>25027062
Well, that's... really fucked up.

Ask Snark if Macha is a part of him now, or if he can give it to someone else while keeping the AIDA-copy.

>>25027062
[x]Stay a while
"This is the part where you regret everything you've done and ask me to fulfill some dying wish you have, I'd bet. Well, just because you happen to have a sob story, doesn't mean you're not a villainous bastard."

>>25027062
Well.

I guess killing him was a mercy, of sorts.

>>25027128
Doesn't mean we can't fulfill it anyway.

>>25027062
"So... is CC Corp enough of an asshole to go after your family for failing them? Because while I will do it, I'd really prefer not to have to track them down and get them somewhere safe."

>>25027112
I mean... she's ALREADY a catgirl, so...

>>25027062
"...Your daughter's favorite nursery rhyme was about a vermin exterminator who drowned an entire village worth of children because he didn't get paid?"

You stare at the fallen man's body for a few moments before shrugging. "This is the part where you regret everything you've done and ask me to fulfill some dying wish you have, I'd bet. Well, just because you happen to have a sob story, doesn't mean you're not a villainous bastard." You tell him as you see his broken body slowly stand up, flickering and repeating like a scratched up CD.

He stares at you for a few seconds prompting you to speak. "So... is CC Corp enough of an asshole to go after your family for failing them? Because while I will do it, I'd really prefer not to have to track them down and get them somewhere safe." You tell him making him laugh brokenly.

"Po-po-p-pointles t-t-t-to b-b-b-bother" He tells you.

"Well then, any last requests?" You ask making him take off his hat and pull out two items. One a green core similar to the one Snark, who has just manifested beside you, is drooling over, and another what looks like a yellow crystalline egg with a black orb where the yolk would be.

"Hm? That's... Epitaph... Magus and an AIDA seed?" Snark narrows his eyes looking at the items.

"O-o-o-one th-th-thing you should-should-should-should know abou-bou-bou-bout me ch-ch-ch-chen." He gives you a gentle smile, the sort of smile you would expect from a loving father.

His features suddenly shift into an ugly, made sneer. "I would rather burn this world with me than die knowing it exists without me!" He shouts smashing the two items together.

As soon as he does black dots pool around the Epitaph core, swirling and mixing before a large AIDA mass floats up above Hamelin. You stare at it before looking at Snark, noticing he has already devoured the Macha epitaph.

"Snark... what is that?" You ask making him shake his head.

"I don't know." He admits.
(1/2)

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As you stare at the mass you hear the clear note of an A minor tuning fork being struck, and from an explosion of Azure flame emerges Kite. He approaches the fallen Hamelin before letting out a high pitched sigh and looking over at your group, then the AIDA mass. With a weak gesture he immolates Hamelin's body in blue flame and seems ready to rush towards you, when suddenly you hear what sounds like a single drop of water as the AIDA mass falls to the ground and rushes out. Kite slams one of his tribladed short swords into the ground, creating small cracks before pointing his other arm at you, his bracelet slowly forming.

Suddenly Snark's arm's are around you, gathering you MANIA, and Lotus into a large group hug. He sticks out his tongue before going "Meep meep!" And you feel yourself getting sucked through a straw again. You are now standing in the Eclipse guildhall.

Durga jumps is shock and stares at the three of you, but her shoulders relax after a second. "Good job not getting killed." She compliments you before you give her a tired smile.

"I'm back." You tell her before your vision goes totally black for an instant and you stagger.

"The fuck was that?" You ask dusting off your robes as Durga looks at you wide eyed.

"Anon. Uh, Anon." She tells you looking at her arms and feeling over her face. "I can't feel my M2D.' She tells you making you blink.

Areta stares wide eyes too before running her hands over her face as well. "Uh, huh. So. Ha ha ha, Chen? Where's my real body?" She asks.

You try and take off your own headset, but when you move your arm's Chen's arms move. When you feel your face it is Chen's face you are feeling, not Anons.

"Oh hey. You're real now." Snark tells you helpfully as MANIA glances around.

"Well... this is a thing."
2/2

Okay, I think this is a good place to put it down. Remember there are greeting cards at the top of the thread, and I will be around for a bit to answer questions if you like. Advise and criticism is also welcome!

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Sorry for the slow posts tonight. Had a lot to write this time around.

>>25027525
So would I be accurate in saying that in game terms this is "End of Disc One"?

>>25027576
More or less. I would like to think of this as about 1/4 or so through the storyline I had planned assuming players do not throw me totally off the rails. The middle should be meatier and the end game is totally rewritten, but more or less.

>>25019808
>Areta
>Someone like MANIA?

>MANIA
>Something you actually LIKE?

>Lotus
>What does it mean?

>>25027510
So our body was removed from our world and brought to The World as Chen? Do we gotta piss in The World now? Sleep in it? If not, we powerlevel now.

Archived, please do not forget to vote!

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html

>>25027648
You and everyone else in the world it seems. Think about your standard user base of players and imagine that.

>>25027675
...Time to fix this as soon as possible.

I don't want this to become Sword Art Online Quest.

>>25027675
>Vividor all day every day

Azure, I don't think my body is ready.

>>25027691
Your body has no choice in the matter.
>>25027690
I have never seen anything related to sword art online, in all honesty. How is it?

>>25027755
First half of it was cool, second half ruined it, even though I beared with it to the end.

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>>25027755
Actually I've never gotten around to reading it myself, just heard it had a similar presence.

The entirety of my knowledge is this image.

>>25027787
And by presence, I of course mean premise.

Really gotta stop getting distracted in the middle of sentences.

How is the pacing of the threads?

>>25027837
The last two threads feel pretty fast, but that's just because a lot happened.

Would kind of prefer if, after this crisis is taken care of, it slowed down a bit.

Also while not perhaps slowed down to the same extent as the Skeith battle, I kind of feel like combat could be extended a bit.

>>25027837
Pretty good, though I honestly would not mind you being faster.

>>25027785
>>25027787
SAO is, well, bad. Not nearly as bad as /a/ would like you to believe, but almost certainly not as good as every recommendation site wants to tell you.
Aincrad Saga > Alfheim Saga, though the anime actually managed to butcher big parts of both, which wasn't too good since the LNs themselves weren't the best thing in the first place.

I say read it, just so you know what people are talking about, but don't expect too much. I myself haven't read beyond the fourth novel, so I can't give you any information on that, though people say it picks up.

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>>25027861
Would dividing the combat into fourths, be better as opposed to halves?
>>25027863

The pacing or the posts?

For the posts yes, sorry. There were a lot of instances where I could not find a good dropping off point for asking wat do, since a lot of this was simple planning and execution. I don't like asking wat do pointlessly.
>>25027929
I will certainly look into it, though I have never actually been on /a/ now that I think of it.

>>25027943
You're better off not going on /a/. It may be the best place primarily aimed at discussion about Japanese entertainment media, but still a turd, especially during holidays like now.

>>25027971
Why would I need /a/ when I have /tg/?

>>25027943
Yeah I think so.

Like maybe even have the difference between the two dice affect how well the fighting goes?

So that in the case of Hamelin vs Chen, 77 vs 80 would result in Chen barely maintaining the upper hand, instead of just crushing Hamelin.

Or was he really that weak compared to us?

>>25028015
Certainly an idea!

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>>25028048
Also, before I forget, the best part about SAO.
Too bad it isn't in the anime.

>>25028015
Yeah, have sort of an...HP system or something?

Your base damage is the difference between the two d100 rolls, and its increased by your weapons/mp usage for buffs and decreased by armor, but never below the base damage level. Since MMOs are based around gear and such.

>>25028065
I am starting to wonder what sort of direction the novels were going

>>25027929
>implying that the entire story doesn't focus around a massive Mary sue and his crawling

Tell me its not terrible

>>25028088
It went in a glopping direction.

>>25028048
So when would you say the next thread will be?

>>25028120
Monday probably. Saturday I am going drinking for a friends birthday and to cheer up another friend going out to basic, and Sunday I will probably spend resting from that

>>25028087
I would rather not have too much of a dependent combat system and I think ronin suffered for it, but I will certainly consider it. I also add in unseen mods based on the strategy and equipment so. That's a thing

hard gayblin x vividor when?

>>25028261
That very much depends. Are you ready to party?

I suppose I will call it here if there isn't anything else. Thanks for playing everyone