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File: 1394080716329.jpg-(240 KB, 680x402, #Starter.jpg)
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Welcome to Banished Quest!
You take the role of a young mage, labeled a criminal by his people and cast out into the wider world. Previously, you caused the ceiling of an ancient armory to collapse and had to flee with what little you could steal before the whole thing came down. Then you blew up a bed.

Character Sheet:
http://pastebin.com/8wLGz3HQ
Dice:
http://pastebin.com/nhswziq6
Magic:
http://pastebin.com/aYPzn0aU
Fluff:
http://pastebin.com/ydKwNLba

Archives:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Banished%20Quest
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Quidam_Asino
>>
You get off the bed and wander over to where the gun landed, picking it up and inspecting it. It only takes a little shaking to get the emptied shell casing out of the barrel, it clatters to the ground smoking. A little more digging around in the box you found it in secures a leather holder for the thing. It's stamped with the Imperial Rhynian Symbol on the side, and underneath that LEGIO XXIX PIDJ. It straps easily to the belt of your armor and you stuff the pistol into it. You must admit, the idea of channeling a fire spell through that firearm thing is a little exciting.

Chryssa speaks up, she actually sounds a little scared. “Are you sure hauling that thing around is a good idea? It seems... volatile.” Profectus shrugs. “I don't know, might be useful. Should blast a hole right through those damn constructs. Show them who's boss.” Chryssa seems to consider this. “True... and it was kind of interesting to see it explode like that...”

You clap your hands together. “Then we're all in agreement! Now then, how about we head for the...”
>”Core, so we can turn off those damnable command constructs.”
>”Control Room, so we can take them all in one clean sweep.”
>”Vys Array, since it sounds like it might be properly useful.”
>”Exit, we got enough to satisfy Sadik now and I see no reason to reach for the stars.”
>>
>>30665080
>>”Core, so we can turn off those damnable command constructs.”
>>
Gonna grab something caffeine rich that will rot my teeth. Back momentarily.
>>
>>30665080
Core
>>
>Core
Writin'
>>
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That feel when you have school in the morning. Time for me to pass out.
Later Anons and Soma
Remember Mikhael to eat your vegetables and have a nice sleep once in a while so you grow up to be big and strong like your papa
>>
“-core, so we can turn off those damnable command constructs. They seem to be the ring leaders and as the old idiom goes, cut the head off and the body dies.” Your companions both agree that seems like the wisest course of action, so the three of you gather your things and filter out of the barracks.

You find Fulvia there waiting for you. She looks worried, she even bites her finger nails though you've no clue what good that would do. It's clear that her teeth just past through the nail. It's only for a brief instant though, because the next she flickers and looks her usual cheery self. “I'm glad it was safe in there! I heard an explosion and feared the worst. Would you like me to lead you anywhere?”

She certainly seems eager. “I'd like you to take us to the core, if we can just disable those command constructs the rest of them should be easy to take care of.” Fulvia nods her head in agreement and flickers, reappearing a short distance away. “Right this way, Dux.”

It seems like a long walk through the stark walls of the facility. At first, they were really quite beautiful. Impressive merely for the exacting precision used to make each one identical. After spending so long surrounding by the sterile white walls though, you're practically praying for the rusted slate grey of the rest of the ruin, or the ancient carved stone of old Hiacian ruins. Anything but this monotony.
(1/2)
>>
Eventually your wish is granted, you notice that ahead of you a doorway has been pried open. Seemingly by the same blades that dog-construct that broke into the Commander's Quarters had. The walls are gouged with whip marks and the floor scratched by several blades, you think. All signs point towards a sizable enemy force ahead. Fulvia stops, and flickers briefly before reappearing facing you. “It's not much further now, but... I think there are enemies up ahead. I can't see into the core, not really, but I know there will be at least one command construct and probably two or three breacher constructs. Maybe a lasher construct as well.” She pauses, worry flickering over her otherwise pristine calm features. It's unsettling. “Be careful.”

>Charge forward, all or nothing.
>Try to catch them off guard, look for a way to loop around and attack from a side door.
>Write-in
>>
>>30665597
2-3 dogs, 1 swordmage guy, 1 ape.

I say walk forward slowly and shoot the first thing we see with the gun. then wait for them to attack us.
>>
>>30665597
Ask her how fragile the core is. If we throw the bomb in will it get destroyed?

Also what other systems are connected to the core.
>>
>>30665597
Lead with the pistol in front of us and shoot the frist enemy with a fire enhanced bullet. then wait to see if more come, if not reload and continue.
>>
>>30665656
Oh shit yeah! We still have that mortar shell! We could take them all out in one go!
>>
>>30665656
This.
>>
>>30665667
2 of those things made a roof collapse and tore through metal beams.. Let's not risk it.
>>
>>30665667
>>30665656
Anything labeled "Core" is important enough that we don't go using high yield explosives around it.
>>
>>30665704
Maybe we can shoot the core?
>>
So are we going to clear this place out and use it as a base of operations?
>>
>>30665656
Let's ask her about the Core, how fragile it is, how reinforced the room is.

>>30665726
Why the fuck would we do that? that's fucking stupid, do you want to kill us?
>>
>>30665741
No, we're gonna loot it, strip it and leave. Then head to the Water Temple for Training montage.
>>
>>30665741
No real point to it once we clear it of valuables. Especially if we can extract Fulvia. It's just a nice base with running water and electricity.
>>
>>30665741
If not I want to take Fulvia with us somehow.
>>
You look to Fulvia, and pull the mortar shell out of your bag. "How fragile is the core? What is the core? Will it break if I use this?" She looks at it for a moment, before rattling off a list of measurements and specifications you don't really understand. "The core is what generates artificial intelligence for the command constructs, it charges them with vys and allows them to think independently. It also houses my personality. Essentially, the core is me."

"However, due to the magical nature of the core reality can be warped within its range of influence." You really don't like the sound of that. "Using that shell inside the core's altered reality will destroy the the command constructs, but it will also kill me, and may cause backlash as the magical energy housed in the core is released. I would not recommend it as anything but a last effort in order to save yourself and your companions."
>>
>>30665762
Why not though? It's fortified, mostly only accessible by us, has an A.I. and service droids. We don't have our own home and this place would be just as suitable as any, especially if we can figure out how to reprogram the one in the tub.
>>
>>30665785
I'm starting to think she could live in our armor, with how much other shit it has. Though it may require a small computer or power source attachment to i.

But the upside is she could tell us everything about our armor!! Everything, even the stuff not in the users manual and give us status reports and shit, full Cortana style.
>>
>>30665809
With that new information, you decide to...
>Chuck it in, get it over with. You don't care as long as you get to loot this place. Fulvia is crazy anyway.
>Go in, lead with your pistol. Try to take them out quickly and then deal with whatever is left.
>Try to find a way to enter through the back, even though it's questionable how useful this would be since reality will be altered.
>>
>>30665811
We aren't staying in one place. we'll be leaving this (immediate) area soon enough for new lands.

I suggest north.
>>
>>30665809
Let's not use the bomb. Go in and start casting poison.
>>
>>30665847
>>Go in, lead with your pistol. Try to take them out quickly and then deal with whatever is left.
>>
>>30665847
>>Go in, lead with your pistol. Try to take them out quickly and then deal with whatever is left.
>>
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>>30665847
>>Go in, lead with your pistol. Try to take them out quickly and then deal with whatever is left.
>>
>>30665847
>Go in, lead with your pistol. Try to take them out quickly and then deal with whatever is left.
Man, how magically powerful does something have to be to alter reality? Could we do that with a spell someday? Make our own demiplane or something?
>>
>>30665847
>>Go in, lead with your pistol. Try to take them out quickly and then deal with whatever is left.

Maybe we should let the person with experience as an archer and tard strength shoot the gun before switching to a bow or the niffy crossbow we found.
>>
>>30665858
Not as a permanent residence just more of a place to stay when we're in the area.
>>
>>30665811
Having a home is kind of pointless when you are a wanderer like we are. We won't be here long before we leave.

Not to mention people are and will continue to try to loot this place of everything you just mentioned and more.

Let's take the A.I., The Generator, everything not nailed down. Sell most, keep what we want, then continue on our way.
>>
>Lead with pistol
Writin'
>>
>>30665929
We're gonna head to the Water temple for TRAINING, then probably leave the area. Unless Sadik has some really interesting leads i'd like to head North to check out the rumors of an ancient Race raiding the northern shores. Might be interesting.
>>
>>30665990
Also maybe more Rhynian ruins if we can find them.
>>
>>30665990
I still wanna go South for the Beast mastering
>>
>>30665929
You know where else is a nice place to stay? An inn.
What's the point doing anything with this place if we would just be turning it, essentially, into an easier dungeon for someone else to conquer?
>>
>>30666057
Later, id rather cross the mountians in the northeast that no one has ever crossed before, then hit elaudia before going to the deep desert.

But that requires passing through our homeland and i'd rather avoid dealing with that for awhile.
>>
>>30666052
This seems like a pretty rare one. and we wouldn't want to get monotonous. So unless there's something really interesting or crazy or special then lets's not bother with the average ruins.

Plus most have probalby been lotted already.
>>
>>30666057
From what I've seen the ruins seem more interesting imo.
>>
>>30666057
I'm interested in Northen shores, NorthEast mountains, East Jungle, and South Desert.

I propose a half circle that skirts our homeland.
>>
>>30666160
>You've heard vague rumors that a ancient race has been stirring in the north, raiding and pillaging along the far northern coast lines. You've no idea if this is true though, reads like a children's story.

>To the north of Elaudia, or to the northeast of Pidjata, are a vast mountain range. Your people have long considered them too daunting to cross, but a few mining villages and outpost have been set up along the northeastern border.

>In the far, far east. Whispered by your people as rumors from centuries ago, there is said to be a great empire. Large enough to put shame to the Rhynian Empire. Most consider these unsubstantiated rumors.

>There is supposedly a kingdom to the far south, past the Pa'vala, but nobody is sure where these rumors came from and rarely do they consist of anything more than the kingdom's existence.
These.
>>
>>30666198
>>In the far, far east. Whispered by your people as rumors from centuries ago, there is said to be a great empire. Large enough to put shame to the Rhynian Empire. Most consider these unsubstantiated rumors.
We'll also check out Elaudia itself when here. Not just go right through it.

Same with the Deep Desert.
>>
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You nod to Fulvia. “I'll avoid using the bomb at all cost. You've been a great help, it wouldn't be fair.” You tuck the mortar shell into your courier's bag and step around the next corner. Ready to face whatever it is you'll have to face.

It isn't long before you come to a door. It's no different from any other you've seen so far. Made of metal, slides open. A sign above it says “Animus” in big, bold letters. Profectus speaks up, perplexed. “That means mind, or emotions. Not core. By the gods that AI is nutty.” You shrug and shoot back. “At this point, I'd pretty much believe anything. You could tell me the Rhynians were actually descended from the heavens with the power of the gods at their fingertips and I'd at least give it serious thought. This whole facility is insane.” Chryssa nods her agreement. “Even by the standards of other Rhynian ruins I've dived, this one is exceptional.”

The conversation dies off as you load two shells into your pistol and press your hand to the scanner. Everyone seems tense. The door slides open with a quiet hiss and reveals... an empty room. In the center stands a pillar with a small glowing gem at its top. Other than that, the room is empty.

Curious, you step across the threshold. Immediately your vision blacks out, and you feel like you're falling through an infinite void. You feel something scrape at your back, something burn through your armor and cut the flesh, but just as you open your mouth to scream reality reasserts itself. Rather, a reality asserts itself. This certainly isn't the same place you saw through the doorway.

(1/2 or 3)
>>
You're in a large chamber, ancient carved pillars depicting strange gods on either side of you. The blue gem sits embedded in the center of a tree's trunk, the upper reaches hidden by a golden dome carved intricately with depictions of what you think is human sacrifice. Candles burn weakly leading up to the tree, many already extinguished. Behind the altar, that's the best word you can think of for it, is a window to the land beyond. It's unlike anything you've ever seen or heard about. The sky is an angry red, and below a vast forest stretches in every direction.

There are no visible entrances or exits in this room, besides the window. Three dog constructs sit watching you and your companions, patiently. One of those swordmage constructs behind them, an alien intelligence burning in its eyes. The ape construct is nowhere to be seen. You aim your pistol at one of the dogs, while Chryssa has your bow firmly leveled at the swordmage. Profectus' arm cracks open loudly and heat boils off of it. He seems... stronger than usual, more powerful, or maybe just less pained by his arm.

>Shoot the command unit, twice.
>Try to take out two of the dog constructs with your opening shots.
>Wait for them to make the first move.
>Write-in
>>
>>30666251
>>Shoot the command unit, twice.
>>
>>30666251
>alien intelligence
Talk to it. Make the silver tongue work
>>
>>30666251
>>Shoot the command unit, twice.
Use Fire Vys too.
>>
>>30666251
>Shoot the command unit, twice.
Geek the mage.
>>
>>30666251
>Try to take out two of the dog constructs with your opening shots.
I feel like shooting the command unit is too obviously a trap. I don't know. Why would he just be out in the open otherwise?

Maybe I'm just paranoid...
>>
>>30666352
I don't think they expect us to have a gun.
>>
>>30666332
Seconding.
>>
>>30666389
I don't think they expect us at all. This is all a result of that reality Core thing.
>>
Alright. Channeling fire magic into the gunshot will require
>Weapon Affinity + Fire magic
For a total of 2 vys. The pistol is unique in that it doesn't require ranged metamagic to channel a spell through it at range, the bullet hits too quickly for the spell to dissipate

Using it for both would cost 4 vys, knocking you down to 5/14. Using it for your first shot only would knock you down to 7/14
>First shot only
>Both shots, this thing needs to be dead yesterday.

I need 6 rolls of 3d10 regardless.
>>
Rolled 6, 4, 4 = 14

>>30666445
First shot only
>>
Rolled 6, 10, 4 = 20

>>30666445
Neither. We'll want to use poison on the others, and I don't think these guys will be affected by our weak fire.
>>
Rolled 8, 8, 8 = 24

>>30666445

1st only
>>
Rolled 6, 4, 1 = 11

>>30666445
>First shot only
>>
Rolled 10, 8, 5 = 23

>>30666445
>>
Rolled 3, 1, 9 = 13

>>30666445
If we kill i on the First shot will the Second go towards a dog?


First only

>>30666477
With the gun they will.
>>
Rolled 9, 7, 1 = 17

>>30666445
Vote for not using fire
>>
Rolled 1, 6, 10 = 17

>>30666445
Jesus, I hope we roll good. Or he rolls shit.
>>
>>30666445
First only.
>>
>>30666465
>>30666477
>>30666478
14, 20, 24
bretty gud
>>30666483
>>30666490
>>30666496
11, 23, 13
Meh
>>
Rolled 6, 10, 9 = 25

>>30666465
>>30666477
>>30666478
>12,18,22
First shot, fire charged

>>30666483
>>30666490
>>30666496
>9, 21, 11
Second shot.

Both need to beat or meet this roll. The -2 modifier is from being unfamiliar with firearms. It'll go away the more you use them.
>>
>>30666548
Modifiers? DC?
>>
>>30666564
Let's not waste Vys. We'll need it for beating these guys with poison. Like I said.
>>
>>30666564
Dropped my name. Also, once more the dice screw you.

I also don't think you have enough Vys left to make either of those a success, unfortunately. Fortunately you're attacking, and you have no allies in your line of fire, so no major consequences.

Writin'
>>
Rolled 8, 9, 9 = 26

>>30666564
well that could have gone better.
>>
>>30666564
I really hate the roll agianst system.
>>
>>30666637
I'm thinking of changing up the dice. It really is a bitch. Either that or rethinking how modifiers work.
>>
>>30666564
did we do ANY damage? we should have.
>>
>>30666657
How does a bullet do damage when it misses?
>>
>>30666648
Well, you could just make the DC based on how difficult you think it should be like you do with the meditating.
>>
>>30666648
Like setting the DC yourself? That's better.
>>
>>30666673
I look at the roll as more of a whole situational thing. not just "he dodged the bullet" it's "we failed hat we tryed to accomplish" but the exploding fire bullet might have clipped him, or he may bad dove behind a dog or something like that.
>>
>>30666724
But it's a severe failure, we miss on all accounts on both shots
>>
>>30666752
Oh, well i didn't consider that. whatever.
>>
>>30666648
I would set a DC personally. Roll against seems to be kinda wonky and inconstant such that a crazy plan and one that is well thought out would be just as likely to succeed given a set of rolls.
>>
>>30666752
I don't like this system personally.

There's no way shooting something at this range would be this hard ever.

Shouldn't we have gotten a modifier for being at such a close distance?
>>
>>30666775
15 = 95.639%
16 = 92.323%
17 = 87.500%
18 = 80.989%
19 = 72.790%
20 = 63.140%
21 = 52.545%
22 = 41.782%
23 = 31.853%
24 = 23.142%
25 = 15.877%
26 = 10.137%
27 = 5.881%
28 = 2.970%
29 = 1.195%
30 = 0.300%
Our chances lords and ladies
>>
>>30666860
Not fun.
>>
You fire two shots, the channeling fire into the first one. It rockets out of the top barrel of the pistol, a comet of flame set to blow a hole straight through the swordmage's torso.

You feel a massive transfer of Vys from the core to the swordmage, and reality warps. Where once you had a clear shot at the commander, now you were looking at a solid earthen wall that divided the room neatly in half. If you were using a normal projectile weapon you'd be out of luck. Fortunately, they didn't seem to anticipate the power of the weapon you found in their armory.

The fire charged bullet hits the wall, and there is a flash of light. You have to shield your eyes, but when you look again it seems like the majority of the central portion of the wall is gone. The bullet itself smashed itself against the commander's armor, too depleted to do anything but crack the metal but still, it was better than nothing. The second bullet was rather severely off course and blasted away one of the ancient pillars supporting the ceiling before embedding itself in the wall.
>Vys: (7/14)

Your attack wasn't totally useless after all, it seems. The opening you created allows Profectus to send a jet of flame after one of the dog constructs, boiling its head away to nothing in an instant, while Chryssa's arrow managed to embed itself in the commander's arm.
>Enemies: 2 dogs, 1 swordmage
>Enemy turn

(1/2)
>>
>>30666860
So in this situation we have a 5.881% chance of hitting him due to negative modifiers.

That just isn't right.
>>
>>30666860
And thus its east to pick a DC for easy, average, difficult, and "Impossible" actions.
>>
>>30666812
He's only shot a gun once in his life, he can't handle the recoil, the gun lacks proper sights, it isn't shooting grapeshot or buck, and the grip is awkward. I would be more surprised if he hit.
>>
>>30666917
25+ should be impossible.

But he compensated.
>>
The dogs both go after Profectus, one running to the left trying to flank him and the other pouncing at him directly. He raises his arm and fires off another blast of heat, searing the pouncing dog construct and knocking it back, but the flanking construct swipes him and sends him sprawling to the ground. The swordmage, meanwhile, is going after you. He raises his hand and you feel another transfer of vys from the core, accumulating in front of his hand in the form of a massive fireball. He finishes casting the spell and it sails towards you, a roiling ball of flame.
>Try to soak the damage and counter with a ranged poison spell. (3d10+4)
>Try to dodge out of the way. (3d10)
>Write-in

>>30666775
Well, I would give modifiers for something that you guys obviously put work into planning out. Stuff that's just attack or one on one combat though, not as much. It comes down to quality of equipment vs the power the enemy can throw around.
>>
>>30666943
>>Try to dodge out of the way. (3d10)
We are running out of vys
>>
>>30666922
Guns are designed to be used without training. Pistols especially.
>>
Rolled 6, 5, 5 + 4 = 20

>>30666943
>>Try to soak the damage and counter with a ranged poison spell. (3d10+4)
>>
>>30666943
Would it be too difficult to slightly alter the course of the fireball to make it miss us?
>>
Rolled 4, 9, 8 = 21

>>30666957
I am error
>>
Rolled 1, 3, 7 + 4 = 15

>>30666943
>Try to soak the damage and counter with a ranged poison spell. (3d10+4)
>>
Rolled 5, 5, 1 + 4 = 15

>>30666943
>>Try to soak the damage and counter with a ranged poison spell. (3d10+4)
>>
>>30666963
I'd say you'd need to be master rank with that element or have the manipulate effect to actually reach out and change the course of somebody else's spell.
>>
Rolled 8, 8, 4 + 4 = 24

>>30666975
>>30666974
fucking seriously?

>>30666943
>>
Rolled 5, 1, 1 + 4 = 11

>>30666994
Teegee dice bruv. Someone forgot the sacrifice tonight.
>>
Rolled 8, 1, 6 + 4 = 19

>>30666987
How much Vys would it cost to us Water to squelch it?

and voting soak>>30666943
>>
>>30667009
And it just keeps happening.
>>
Rolled 9, 2, 1 + 4 = 16

>>30667009
Unlinked, doesn't count

>>30666987
Do you only count linked?
>>
>>30666961
>>30666972
>>30666974
>20, 25, 15 vs DC 20
I think what I'm going to do is set flat DCs determined by myself to dodged ranged attacks, and roll against for melee attacks. We'll see how this works out.

>>30667011
Probably 2 Vys to try and condense the water in front of it and counter it.

>>30667028
No, I count all linked rolls and apply modifiers as need be. I mean, as long as the dice are correct it doesn't particularly matter if they're linked or not.
>>
Rolled 9, 1, 7 + 4 = 21

>>30666961
>>30666972
>>30666974
>20, 25, 15

>>30666975
>>30666994
Maybe>>30667009
or >>30667011
>15, 24, (11 or 19)
>>
>>30667043
I might suggest only linked but what ever. Sucks if you forget to take your dice off and piss in the cherrios for every one.
>>
Rolled 6, 8, 3 + 4 = 21

>>30667043
We tank it.
>>
>>30666975
>>30666994
>>30667009
>11, 20, 7 to counter

Alright, writing. Working the dice out as I go along.
>>
You crouch and brace yourself, arms thrust forward to take the brunt of the damage. The fireball hits, and you're knocked back. You land heavily, arms trailing smoke and robes singed, but otherwise unharmed. You quickly snap off a counter spell, a spinning ball of poison charging through the air between you and the commander. It impacts his right shoulder, almost missing him. It tarnishes the armor wherever it touches, weakening it before seeping into the cracks in his armor.

The shine of intelligence in its eyes dims, but is not extinguished immediately like it was the last time you cast this spell against a command construct. This one seems in much better shape than the one you previously faced to begin with.
>Vys: (5/14)

>Enemy turn resolved
>Enemies Remaining: 2 dog constructs (1 wounded), 1 swordmage (poisoned)

>Allies turn
Chryssa knocks an arrow and fires it at the dog that knocked Profectus aside. The arrow sails by you barely a hairsbreadth from striking you and ends up impeding itself in the dog construct's 'head', if you can really call it that. The construct starts to act oddly, its head twitching and limbs spasming as it retreats a few steps. Meanwhile, Profectus launches another gout of flame towards the one that pounced at him, but it ducks to the side causing him to miss. The jet of flame ends up eating away more of the earthen wall that had erected itself between you and the constructs.

>Close to melee with the swordmage
>Reload one of your pistol's barrels and fire at the swordmage
>Cast fireball at the dog construct which struck Profectus, you need only wait for the poison to finish off the swordmage
>Write-in
>>
>>30667249
>Close to melee with the swordmage
Conserve Vys, and as long as it's up it's a threat.
>>
>>30667249
>>Close to melee with the swordmage
>>
>>30667249
>>Close to melee with the swordmage
Melee to stall
>>
Writin' for close to melee.
>>
Rolled 10, 3, 2 = 15

You push yourself up and charge the bastard with spear leveled. Its armor is fragile, really just a shell to contain vys. Hopefully you can drive your weapon through it and shatter its armor completely, putting an end to this fight swiftly and completely.

He parries your initial charge aside with his sword, and then swats your follow up thrust aside. You manage to score a hit with the haft of your spear against his side, cracks spiderwebbing out from the point where the metal cap met his armor. Finally you manage to swing the spear back into position and thrust it forward with confidence that you would strike true. The spear pierces his armor with ease and sickly grey-green light seeps from the wound. You pull your weapon free with a sharp jerk, further damaging its armor.
>Enemy Turn
>Enemies Remaining (2 Dog Constructs (1 Severely Wounded, 1 Wounded), 1 Swordmage (Poisoned, Wounded)

The dog construct Chryssa shot in the head leaps at her, managing to aim it just well enough that its body crashes into her while she was trying to jump to the side. The twitching heap of twisted metal slides across the floor with Chryssa trapped underneath, though considering her strength you're not terribly worried. The other dog construct takes this as its opportunity to charge Profectus and finish him off, but Profectus is ready. He unleashes a blast of heat that boils away the construct's front half. It falls limp in front of him, though Profectus is starting to look rather under the weather.

The swordmage draws his blade back and thrust forward, attempting to impale you then and there!
>Parry with your spear, try to turn it into a counter counter.
>Try to avoid damage, don't worry about countering.
>Write-in
Roll 3d10 regardless.
>>
Rolled 8, 5, 4 = 17

>>30667471
>Parry with your spear, try to turn it into a counter counter.
Wonder how much punishment our armour can take.
>>
Rolled 5, 6, 6 = 17

>>30667471
>>Parry with your spear, try to turn it into a counter counter.
No point not to
>>
Rolled 6, 7, 3 = 16

>>30667471
>Parry with your spear, try to turn it into a counter counter.
>>
Rolled 3, 4, 3 = 10

>>30667485
>>30667501
>>30667503
>19, 19, 18 vs 13
Well there yah go. Writin'
>>
Rolled 6, 9, 5 = 20

>>30667471
>>Try to avoid damage, don't worry about countering.
>>
Rolled 3, 8, 5 = 16

>>30667485
>>30667501
>>30667503
Finally, holy hell. Not that it matters, but wouldn't we get a +2 modifier since we're using our spear here?
>>
>>30667471
>>Parry with your spear, try to turn it into a counter counter.
>>
>>30667471
I hadn't noticed before but you write quickly. It's a nice change from 30-60 minute wait times between posts, so good on you.
>>
>>30667525
Yup, I forgot to mention it but remembered to apply it.
>>
>>30667554
He seems to average 10 to 20 minutes and I and most appreciative
>>
You slap the blade aside and step forward, slipping inside the construct's guard. You decide to press the advantage and thrust your spear forward once more, satisfied to hear the sound of shearing metal as the the tip punctures through its throat. That would've been a killing blow if this thing was at all biological, but even despite its mechanical physiology when you jerk the blade free the light of intelligence flickers and dies, the last vestiges of power leaking from the metal shell in the form of a thick black ichor.

>Enemy turn concluded
>Enemies Remaining: 1 Dog construct (Severely Wounded)

>Allies turn
Chryssa shoves the hunk of metal that rammed itself into her off to the side, getting up and bracing its foot against its torso. There's a furry in her eyes, her motions are jerky and erratic. Everything about her shouts rage as she grabs ahold of the pyramidal head of the dog construct. She twist and pulls, straining herself against the artificial materials to rip its head clean off. Slowly, ever so slowly you hear a series of snaps and a loud cracking noise. Finally the head comes free and she stumbles back with the odd device clutched in her hands. The dog construct twitches only for a moment before falling still.

>Combat ended, though you suspect more enemies may be in the area.

>Investigate the core.
>Investigate the window.
>Attend to Profectus, he seemed to get the worst of it in the fighting.
>Write-in
>>
>>30667696
>Furry
Fukkken... typos... Fury. Ah well, I've been running for like, 10 hours.
>>
>>30667696
>>Investigate the core.
Grab it and get.
>>
>>30667696
>>Attend to Profectus, he seemed to get the worst of it in the fighting.

He probably knows more than us on how to disable the bots.
>>
>>30667696
>>Investigate the core.
We can heal Profectus after.
>>
>>30667696
>>30667716

if there was a furry in my eyes I'm be pretty mad too
>>
>>30667696
Core first everything else later.
>>
>Investigate core
Writin'
>>
Rolled 4, 6, 10 = 20

Maybe we can shout and ask him how he's doing while we check the core.
>>
>>30667813
How long are you running, OP? Doesn't writing like this for as long as you have exhaust you?
>>
>>30666860
I fucked up. This is the chance for one of the three to beat a number.
15 = 63.733%
16 = 61.545%
17 = 58.333%
18 = 53.553%
19 = 48.526%
20 = 42.093%
21 = 35.030%
22 = 27.854%
23 = 21.853%
24 = 23.142%
25 = 15.877%
26 = 6.758%
27 = 3.920%
28 = 1.980%
29 = 0.796%
30 = 0.200%
These are the chances for a regular success as in 2 of 3 being the number or higher
>>
>>30667857
I want to get this ruin wrapped up. It's taxing, but I shall endure. Until I crash because I'm running on caffeine alone at this point.
>>
this>>30667870
is the same as this>>30666860
>>
>>30667885
No, no its not
>>
>>30667882
I feel like we should finish it up tommorow.

Cause we still have to go back and get that generator near the mineshaft entrance.
>>
>>30667893
>>30667893
>>30667893
Oh my bad, i just looked at the 25

Same chance for 1 to be higher than 25 than 2? doesn't make sense.
>>
>>30667894
The generator is pretty big. I mean, I think I said it has a 10 foot diameter. Thus it's 31-ish feet around. If I remember circumference correctly. Plus it's sorta bolted down and anyone who touches it gets atomized.

Certainly could try if you could figure out a way that didn't end with a dead MC.
>>
>>30667922
I thought that was the entire point of this endeavor?
>>
You make for the core. If anything will help your comrades in arms it will be swiftly and safely getting out of this place. As you approach the tree which the core has imbedded itself in, you feel a strong urge to reach out and touch it. You resist, however. An ancient artifact of questionable origin and motive probably isn't something you should just reach out and manhandle with no forethought.

You don't see any obvious ways to manipulate it, though perhaps the tree has some sort of connection to what the core controls in your reality? You take a look at its branches and leaves. Each leaf is shaped differently, some thin and sharp, others broad and glossy. Some patterned and some plain. The branches seem to group together similar leaves. One branch supports only sharp, needle-like leaves. Others contain only a few actual green leaves, the others dull, dead, brown. Others support only broad, glossy leaves. You feel like there is some sort of symbolism here but damned if you know what the hell it is.

Then again, maybe it would be best to simply touch the gem at the center of the tree. Perhaps that's merely the way to interface with the core, and the gem has no ulterior motives because it's merely a source of magic and nothing more.

>Touch the gem
>Cut off the branches with dead leaves
>Cut off the branches with thin, needle-like leaves
>Cut off the branches with broad, glossy leaves.
>>
>>30667912
Fuck, I did it by hand and I think I skipped 24 and 25
Hold on
24=15.428%
25=10.584%
There we go
>>
>>30667961
>>Touch the gem
Because this seems like a defining type of thing.
>>
Rolled 4, 10, 6 = 20

>>30667961
>Cut off the branches with dead leaves
Let's prune the tree
>>
>>30667961
>>Touch the gem
Let's not cut anything off just yet.
>>
>>30667961
>Cut off the branches with dead leaves
>>
>>30667930
Nah, the fact it has an active generator means it clearly used to be important, and hasn't been busted open and looted for all its worth yet. Otherwise the generator would be inactive or gone, taken off to some museum or university to be studied. You're here to find what treasures an unspoiled ruin holds, rather than steal the extremely dangerous, ill-understood, magical thing.

Then again if you did steal the dangerous, poorly understood, magical thing you could sell it for a fortune. You'd just need to hire some help to get it done, and probably use some inventive thinking.
>>
>>30667961
>Touch the gem
>>
>>30667961
Call in Fulvia. It is her core right? She should be able to explain it
>>
>>30667961
>>Cut off the branches with dead leaves

I really Hope this doesn't kill AI-Chan
>>
>>30667989
Probably can't contact her but if we can then this, so much this.
>>
>>30667961
>>Touch the gem
>>
>>30667961
>>Touch the gem
This really shouldn't end bad. It's a reality warping orb and it sees us as its master.
>>
>>30667961
>Touch the gem
This is how we bring Fulvia with us.
>>
>>30668010
One part does. The other part has constructs trying to fuck us up.
>>
>>30667970
>>30667982
>>30667985
>>30668007
>>30668010
>Touch the powerful magical thing

>>30667971
>>30667983
>>30667990
>Start hacking things off.

Writin'. Might be the last post for the night, actually. I'm losing faith in my fingers to finagle the keys. Also, not as lucid as I'd like to be for important stuff coming up.
>>
>>30668030
I feel like the Fulvia part is much stronger. Actual A.I. vs simple tactic programs.
>>
>you could sell it for a fortune.
Damn. Now I wish there was something we wanted to buy and somewhere to stow our cash.

Not a big deal, but I think you gave us too much money too quickly, Soma.
>>
>>30668052
Money comes and goes pretty fast from what we've seen so far. Heck, you nearly went broke buying books from the library and lost a third of your wealth to bandits before you even got to buy anything last time you scored a fortune.
>>
>>30668052
Ehh, money isn't as good as actual stuff.

That's the thing about post apoc stuff (which this kind of is) is that Gear > Money.

But we'll go and stock up on tomes hit the market again before heading to the Water Temple.
>>
>>30668081
But it seems like we've nearly topped out our gear already and money comes too easy. We also bought the most expensive book we could. Without a clear goal or the fear of having to scrimp and scrounge, the quest feels like it's lost some tension.

To me, of course. It's just my own opinion.
>>
>>30668111
You think we won't need money in the future? Traveling is expensive.

And there's always more shit to buy, Always. Buy enchanted items out the ass.
>>
>>30668129
Easy come easy go.
Also we have spent most of our money already
>>
>>30668111
Wearing 13 magic rings, 6 enchanted necklaces, having 3 extra pairs of boots and gloves with different effects, 3 spare weapons, 2 range weapons, daggers and hidden weapons all over our body, 17 piercings with enchantments upon them, 2 sets of armor, extra helmets and any and every other possible useful thing we come across stashed on our body.

Nigga we gotta be PREPARED.
>>
You reach out and touch the gem. Your perception twist, and flickers. For a moment you feel as if you're two separate people, your view flickering momentarily between the clean, sterile white room you saw in the facility and the vast jungle stretched out before you now. You feel more energy, more life than you could have possibly imagined before, all compressed into this single point, this gem. What force could have so drastically flaunted the rules of the universe is beyond you.

The flickering stops with you standing in the sterile white room you thought you'd stepped into. The core sits in your hand, glowing softly. It seems less radiant than it did within the sphere of warped reality, but at the same time it feels more real, more whole. You're not sure what just happened entirely, but you feel that you can at least safely say this is reality.

Profectus is lying on the floor near-by, clutching his arm. It's grown quite a bit more than it usually does after closing. Exponentially, you'd say. In fact, it's starting to limit his mobility. Perhaps you should think about shaving it down, or chiseling it? You also note his leg is bent at a rather awkward angle. You don't think broken, rather dislocated is the more likely choice. An easy fix, you wouldn't even need magic. A very painful fix too, though.

Chryssa stands next to him, looking as impassive as ever. You're starting to get used to her seeming unflappability. That constant and stark neutrality, at least on the surface. She looks unharmed, other than a nasty bruise forming on her face.

You're exhausted, but satisfied. You overwhelmed with a sense you accomplished something, did something right. Then that paranoia needles at the back of your mind that the gem may just be filling your head with positive thoughts so you don't abandon it. That seems ridiculous, though.
>>
>>30668170
I wonder if that blacksmith has a retractable spear already made that we could buy from him? as a spare?
>>
>>30668193
Now we call for Fulvia.
>>
>And lets call this... hiatus, rather than end for thread 10. If the thread is alive tomorrow I'll pick it up long enough to wrap up this ruin. If not, I'll start thread 10.5 on Friday. Oy vey, goyim. I'm tired.

Open for questions, comments, concerns. Briefly before I pass out.

>>30668111
Your gear is pretty good. Your armor right now is top-of-the-line, best you know of. However, you've explored but a fraction of the world so far and it was one of the first things you bought.

I'm having trouble putting together how I want to word this, but basically almost all modifiers will work on a maximum of 10 and a minimum of -10.
>>
>>30668170
You're right! I guess I just wasn't thinking.
>>
>>30668217
Are Magic Tatoos a thing? Cause they fit the Arab theme of Pidjata.
>>
>>30668217
You should archive now in case the threads falls off tomorrow.

Do you do this often? Force yourself awake with caffeine? I can't do crap like that, makes me feel ill.
>>
>>30668243
I've been doing it for so long now I think my body adjusted. Unfortunately, I get caffeine withdrawl without at least two cups of coffee a day. Also, will do.

>>30668238
At one point in the past, maybe. It would've been forgotten to whispers and legends after the collapse of the Hiacian Empire. Probably no magic tattoos in modern times, though tattoos done with magic might be a thing. Seems like something that would fall under Water's purvue.

Finding 'permanent' magic is really rare. That's partially why your armor is unique, it's (comparatively) widely available by magic item standards.
>>
>>30668275
Will airships or magic vehicles be a thing?
>>
>>30668302
Magical vehicles, yes.
Airships... maybe. I felt they were a bit too cliche so steered major fluff away from them.
>>
>>30668275
So are magic items (jewlery, weapons, armor, staffs) common? are the limited in number of uses? or are they all relics of ancient times and quite valuable and rare?
>>
>>30668308
>are they all relics of ancient times and quite valuable and rare
This one. You might ask to see the Academy's stock of enchanted items and express interest in purchasing them. Usually they're found in private auctions or in ruined villas, since even back then only the rich could own them.
>>
>>30668320
Well now we have something to see the Archmagos about.

How hard will finding a Permanent tome be? and learning it?

An what in Gods name does the Vys Metamagic effect do?
>>
>>30668340
Finding Permanent will be hard. From what you know, Rhynian mages definitely understood how to make permanent magical items. You've also heard that Aleamond is the main successor state of the Rhynian Empire. Logically speaking then, Aleamond would be the place to look.

However, there are also rumors of an ancient race stirring to the north. A race that might, maybe, possibly know some of the secrets lost after the Fall of Empires.

Then you could also try diving more ruins, unfortunately this one's library was mostly empty but maybe you'll luck out. There's also that encoded missive you found in the commander's office. Some sort of 'central command' facility would probably have way more good stuff than some research station in the boonies.
>>
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Alright, this is my limit. I sleep now. If someone could bump this thread in the morning I'd be appreciative. I'll try to give it a bump in the afternoon.
>>
>>30668394
Good night. Thank you for running.
>>
>>30668394

Great job Soma. Night.
>>
>>30668394
Nice work.
>>
>>30668394
Bumping for you.
>>
Morning bump
>>
>>30668394
I've gotta say this and OverHuman are probably my favorite quests running now. (Shadowquest as well of course.) Eagerly await your return!
>>
>>30673798
Shadowquest is obligatory.

But I find overhumans fanbase to toxic.
>>
>>30674012
yup
Dran's a great QM, but the followers ruined the quest for me.
>>
Quest in T- 2 hours.

In the meantime, I've been thinking of making the quest a little less crunchy. Not eliminating dice completely, but just so I can write action scenes a little more engagingly.

Thoughts, ideas, opinions?
>>
>>30675559
I'd like a different dice system but other than that it's fine.
>>
>>30675559
I like the current dice system, but i do think you should have set DC in some instances.
>>
>>30675559
I don't have a problem with the dice system, just the roll against is an issue.
>>
Rolled 1, 2, 8 = 11

>>30675559
I like how the roll against system forces us to improvise strategies on the fly, but it's kind of killing us at the moment. At the same time, I'm kind of wary of fighting enemies that are 100% competent at all times.
>>
>>30676177
>>30675705
So how about at the start its a set DC, but as the fight goes on its a roll against system?
I do think that everything outside of combat should be roll against.
>>
>>30676177
the roll agianst system can make small fry unbeatable and Masters easy pickings.

It's unbalanced.
>>
>>30676177
well, here's an idea.

DM sets the DC, then rolls a d10. 1-5 are applied as a negative to the DC, so a DC 15 and a roll of a 3=DC 12. 6-10 are applied as a positive to the DC, so a 8 turns that 15 into an 18.

Gives us some element of randomness, but still is a DC system so should hopefully avoid the retarded luck we have.
>>
>>30676207
Keep the roll against out of combat. Except for things like grappling, straight strength competitions, and things where it's just raw power vs raw power. and even then it has to have heavy modifiers.

I'm fine with it
>>
I could take or leave roll against
>>
>>30676207
>>30676245
>Young inexperienced merchant in a shitty village gets 28 on his appraise roll and won't buy items the town may need at our prices because dice gods
>Academy vatis vendor rolls a 7 and buys useless memoirs from us for 50 gold

Roll against is pretty bad. I'd rather have lore friendly DCs.

>>30676239
This sounds nice too.
>>
>>30676327
>>Young inexperienced merchant in a shitty village gets 28 on his appraise roll and won't buy items the town may need at our prices because dice gods
because he has been tricked into buying similar stuff.
>>Academy vatis vendor rolls a 7 and buys useless memoirs from us for 50 gold
never heard of it and thought it could be valuable.
>>
>>30676327
Hey they weren't useless! Those were important historical artifacts.
>>
>>30676355
That's rationalizing.
>>
>>30676380
true, but you can't just say that the roll against system is universally bad, until recently it has been fair.
>>
>>30676355
Then they should get a modifier instead.

Let's say we want to sell that useless scroll. We could go to some regular trader who has fewer money and no lore modifiers and is easier to trick or to the academy where it would be harder to pass off but would yield a better reward if we succeed.
>>
>>30676405
It's bad in that it's unbalanced and doesn't fit lore/plot/normality. It could help us beat a foe that should be really hard, but it's still a "bad" dice system.
>>
>>30676461
BIG modifiers.

I feel like the modifier/DC/whatever it is you use should have more of an impact then the dice should.
>>
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Alright, all safely sequestered in my dorm now. Lets pick up where we left off.

>>30668193
You reach out and touch the gem. Your perception twist, and flickers. For a moment you feel as if you're two separate people, your view flickering momentarily between the clean, sterile white room you saw in the facility and the vast jungle stretched out before you now. You feel more energy, more life than you could have possibly imagined before, all compressed into this single point, this gem. What force could have so drastically flaunted the rules of the universe is beyond you.

The flickering stops with you standing in the sterile white room you thought you'd stepped into. The core sits in your hand, glowing softly. It seems less radiant than it did within the sphere of warped reality, but at the same time it feels more real, more whole. You're not sure what just happened entirely, but you feel that you can at least safely say this is reality.

Profectus is lying on the floor near-by, clutching his arm. It's grown quite a bit more than it usually does after closing. Exponentially, you'd say. In fact, it's starting to limit his mobility. Perhaps you should think about shaving it down, or chiseling it? You also note his leg is bent at a rather awkward angle. You don't think broken, rather dislocated is the more likely choice. An easy fix, you wouldn't even need magic. A very painful fix too, though.

Chryssa stands next to him, looking as impassive as ever. You're starting to get used to her seeming unflappability. That constant and stark neutrality, at least on the surface. She looks unharmed, other than a nasty bruise forming on her face.

You're exhausted, but satisfied. You overwhelmed with a sense you accomplished something, did something right. Then that paranoia needles at the back of your mind that the gem may just be filling your head with positive thoughts so you don't abandon it. That seems ridiculous, though.
>>
>Lets get out of here, call for Fulvia and have her take you to the exit.
>Lets start looting the place. Call for Fulvia and have her take you to the Vys Array
>Lets start looting the place. Call for Fulvia and have her take you to the Command Center
>Lets look around and make sure there aren't any more constructs lurking around.
>>
>>30677009
>>Lets start looting the place. Call for Fulvia and have her take you to the Vys Array
>>
>>30677009
>>Lets start looting the place. Call for Fulvia and have her take you to the Vys Array
Ask Fulvia where all constructs currently are.
>>
>>30677009
>>Lets look around and make sure there aren't any more constructs lurking around.
we have to be sure.
>>
>Loot the place, Vys Array
Writin'
>>
>>30677009
Should we heal our friends?
>>
>>30677087
They can wait. Loot is more important
>>
>>30677087
I was going to assume you were, since it won't cost anything but a little time.
>>
>>30677101
No healing. In fact, poke them in their wounds so that they're in pain and can't get to the loot before you.
>>
>>30677101
Yeah we are.

>>30677094
Chill your shit we got plenty of time.
>>
>>30677124
seriously?
>>
>>30677144
No, not really you fucking moron.
>>
>>30677151
Well we had a problem with some faggot from /b/ coming in here before so i had to clarify.
>>
>>30677151
>being this hostile

Stay classy anon.
>>
>>30677198
Jesus Christ are you still on about that shit? I've been in every thread so far.
>>
>>30677198
Even if sarcasm is hard to get in written form it was pretty obvious that he wasn't serious.
>>
>>30677198
>implying people here are any better than people on /b/
>>
You crouch down next to Profectus and grab hold of his leg. “Chryssa, could you hold him down by the shoulders?” Profectus looks at you confused as Chryssa moves behind him, pressing him firmly against the floor. “Why does she need to hold me down?” Instead of an answer, you jerk your whole body back. There's a loud pop as the leg moves back into its proper position, followed almost immediately by an even louder scream.

You let go and stand, helping your mutated elf companion back to his feet. “That's why. You'll be sore for the next day or two. Don't perform any strenuous activity.” He glares at you, but mumbles a thank you and hobbles towards the door. Chryssa is a much easier affair. With a wave of your hand the bruise starts to fade away, eventually settling into a slight discoloration about the size of a coin on her neck. That should be gone in a few hours. “Well then, now that you two are all patched up, onwards?” They both nod, and you pass Profectus your spear so he can use it as a walking stick.

As you exit the core you cup your hands around your mouth and call out in a clear voice. “Fulvia! I need a guide.” There's a pause, and then in a less confident voice you call out again. “Fulvia?” After a minute with still no response, you sigh. You're not wholly surprised, she did say that her personality was inside the core, but this proves a complication. You don't know enough about this ruin to really make your way through it with any sort of confidence.

>Channel Vys into the core, maybe it just needs a power source?
>Maybe there is a way for the core to interact with your armor?
>There are signs hung up at intersections, it can't be too hard to find the Vys Array
>Write-in
>>
>>30677248
>>Maybe there is a way for the core to interact with your armor?
Absorb the core. Power us up.
>>
>>30677248
>>Channel Vys into the core, maybe it just needs a power source?
>>Maybe there is a way for the core to interact with your armor?
>>
>>30677248
>>Maybe there is a way for the core to interact with your armor?

I hope there is, she seemed nice apart from the creepy watching you when you sleep thing. I don't really want to leave her alone here again.
>>
>>30677248

>Channel Vys into the core, maybe it just needs a power source?
>>
>>30677248
>>>Channel Vys into the core, maybe it just needs a power source?
>>Maybe there is a way for the core to interact with your armor?
I knew we can have her as part of our armour.
>>
Rolled 8, 8, 1 = 17

>>30677248
>>Maybe there is a way for the core to interact with your armor?
>>
>>30677306
>>30677293
>>30677261
>Try to plug it in somewhere.

>>30677284
>>30677302
>Both

>>30677294
>Channel Vys

Writin'
>>
>>30677248
>>Maybe there is a way for the core to interact with your armor?
>>
>>30677350
changing >>30677376
to both
>>
You push a minute amount of vys into your gauntlet, watching the panel slide back and the screen below come to life. You look over the buttons that Profectus pointed out to you, looking for some kind of clue. Hazmat, enhanced, repair... well, maybe repair will do something? Either way, your armor is looking rather scuffed and beaten at this point. It's covered In scorch marks and dented in several places. You press repair mode, and uncertain what else to do, hold the core to your chest.
>4/14 Vys

Your armor starts to fix itself. A thin layer peels off wherever it has been burned, dents buff themselves out, tears in the mail bind themselves together. It's rather surreal, watching all this happen at once without any sort of input from you other than energy. It cuts out before doing anything to the core though, the armor shining like new.
>Centurion Armor now provides +5 instead of +4 to avoid damage.

You try channeling a little vys into the core instead, and it warps itself as power flows through it. Instead of a fragmented, uncut gem it smooths itself into a perfect sphere. A hazy image extends itself from the center of the gem, a vaguely humanoid, vaguely feminine shape. It flickers and dies after the small amount of Vys you pushed into it dries up.

Profectus snaps his fingers as he gets an idea. “Wait, maybe if we find a way to hook it up to that Archeota we found in the other part of the ruin?” You stare at him uncomprehendingly for a moment. “You know, the gold sphere that projected video?” Oh, that thing? How would that even work?

>Hand the gem over to Profectus, let him do his thing.
>Channel more vys into it, maybe its just a problem of quantity.
>Write-in
>>
>>30677610
>>Channel more vys into it, maybe its just a problem of quantity.
Never not more
>>
>>30677610
>>Channel more vys into it, maybe its just a problem of quantity.
>>
>>30677610
We are almost out of vys so meditate then more vys then give it to Profectus
>>
>>30677610
>Hand the gem over to Profectus, let him do his thing.
we're at 4/14 guys, let's not kill ourselves here
>>
>>30677655
Hell no, meditating would take like 6 hours, and those other adventurers have almost busted into this part of the ruin.

>>30677610
>Hand the gem over to Profectus, let him do his thing.
>>
>>30677610
>>Hand the gem over to Profectus, let him do his thing.
>>
>>30677610
>Hand the gem over to Profectus, let him do his thing.
He seems to know what he's doing.
>>
>>30677610
>Hand the gem over to Profectus, let him do his thing.
>>
>>30677610
>Write-in
Meditate the put more power into it.
I don't like that fag Proectus
>>
>Hand the gem over
Writin'
>>
>>30677677
They aren't that close, they still have to get through the extremely heavy blast doors. Not to mention that all doors in the facility are closed and locked.
>>
>>30677724
Plus the doors are covered in the generator field.
>>
>>30677708
Can please just fucking leave? These threads are just better when you aren't shitting it up and inserting you personal thoughts into this.

The character trusts Profectus pretty thoroughly, quit being a bitch and learn to Roleplay.
>>
>>30677763
>The character trusts Profectus pretty thoroughly
Which is incredibly stupid seeing as how we know nothing about him.
>>
>>30677763
>The character trusts Profectus pretty thoroughly,
I agree with everything else, but this since we met the fucker less than 24 hours ago.
>>
>>30677798
>>30677791
We trust him with ancient Ryhnian Artifacts and how to figure them out.

We don't trust him with our life or other really important shit like that. He has done nothing to earn out mistrust and helped us quite a bit.
>>
>>30677831
Other than fighting he's been pretty useless.
>>
>>30677831
You need to grow a thicker skin or go back to reddit or whatever hugbox you came from.
>>
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You pass him the gem, which reverts back to its blocky, uncut form instead of the perfectly round sphere it had been just previously. How odd. Chryssa pulls the archeota out of her bag and hands it to him. He sticks his fingers into two of the three holes on its side and after a moment the top of it slides open to reveal a rather intricate looking system of tiny gears and power cords, at the center of which is a small light grey gem about the size of an egg. He pulls it out carefully and hands it to Chryssa, who stuffs it into her bag.

Then he brings up the core and places it into the slot the light grey gem just occupied. Something itches at the back of your head, some inkling that something isn't quite right. Wasn't the core almost as big as your head not a few seconds ago? No, no that's ridiculous. As he shuts the sphere it hums to life, the intricate carvings on its golden surface seeming to ignite with blue fire.

A small image of Fulvia is displayed from the top of the archeota, flickering and faint, but definitely Fulvia. She looks to you and bows. “I'm afraid that I lack my full capabilities like this, but most of my memories were stored with me in the gem. If there is anywhere you'd like to go, I can guide you.”

Her voice is less human. It's more monotonous, and seems slightly hollow. Then again, she said it herself. She lacks her full capabilities in this form.

>Ask her to guide you to the Vys Array
>Ask her how she feels.
>Ask her what she thinks of your actions in the core.
>>
>>30677853
Really? the guy who can read and understand ancient Ryhnian and has taught us about our armor and how to use it and allowed us to access this base and tons of other shit. He ain't useless
>>
>>30677853
>pretty useless.
That's some bullshit, though. He's the one who taught us how the hell our armor works, and how to operate Rhynian machinery. Dudes been crazy useful.
>>
>>30677898
>>Ask her how she feels.
>>Ask her what she thinks of your actions in the core.
>>
>>30677898
>>Ask her how she feels.
I may be influenced by residual Halo 4 feels right now.
>>
>>30677905
Yeah, seeing as how he's a fighter. He knows almost nothing about most of the shit we discovered
>>
>>30677898
>>Ask her how she feels.
>>Ask her what she thinks of your actions in the core.
>>Ask her to guide you to the Vys Array
>>
>>30677898
>>Ask her to guide you to the Vys Array
>>
>>30677898
QUESTION HER!!!!!!
>>
>>30677898
>>>Ask her what she thinks of your actions in the core.
>>
>>30677936
The very fact that he can read this shit is more useful than almost anything else here. No to mention he has saved our ass in combat multiple times. And he knows and recognizes many different ancient artifacts.
>>
>All of the above
Seems pretty popular so, writin'
>>
You eye the projection warily for a moment and then cough into your hand. “How... do you feel? Is there anything we could do to bring you back to your full capability?” There's a long pause before she speaks again. “I lack sufficient power to simulate complex emotion. I will require a more appropriate casing to reach my full capabilities once more. I believe that before connectivity to other near-by facilities was lost, a way to make generators more economical and efficient was discovered. Such a discovery would allow for more portable energy sources. Unfortunately more exact records are inaccessible.”

She, or it, speaks frankly and without emotion. “Well, we'll keep that in mind then. What do you think of my actions in the core? Was it the right decision to pull you out of the tree?” Once more, a long silence. This one even longer than before. “I do not know of the events which you mention. Standard procedure for dealing with rogue constructs is destruction of the core.”

Well, it's somewhat unsettling that she'd say that now when before you entered she was encouraging you to only destroy the core as a last ditch effort to save yourself. “Very well, lead me to the Vys Array. We can discuss this further at a later date.” She flickers, and in her place is an arrow pointing down the hallway. You take the archeota from Profectus and start walking, leading your troupe of companions through the hallways. You encounter a few constructs on the way, but each one of them is laying limply on the ground, seemingly disabled.

The archeota eventually goes dead after leading you to what appears to be one of those maintenance doors. It has a thick red stripe painted down the middle of it and SUSTENTATIONIS written in big black letters across the red stripe.
>This has to be some kind of a mistake, try to get Fulvia's attention and ask what's up.
>Well, open the door. Maybe it's just misdirection?
>Write-in
>>
>>30678226
>>This has to be some kind of a mistake, try to get Fulvia's attention and ask what's up.
>>
>>30678226
>>This has to be some kind of a mistake, try to get Fulvia's attention and ask what's up.
>>
>>30678226
>>This has to be some kind of a mistake, try to get Fulvia's attention and ask what's up.

I hope she's not trying to HAL us
>>
>This has to be a mistake.
Writin'
>>
>>30678346
Whoops, dropped my trip.
>>
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You look from the door to the archeota in your hands. “Fulvia?” There's a pause, but she eventually reappears. “What can I do for you?” You gesture to the door, and she flickers, reappearing to face the door and then once more vanishing and reappearing to face you. “It is a maintenance door.” She states matter-of-factly. This is starting to get on your nerves. “I asked you to take me to the Vys Array, not to a maintenance entrance. You do know where the Vys Array is, right?” There's a long pause, during which the projection flickers, dies, and reappears a few times. Eventually Fulvia speaks up. “Apologies, records indicated you said Defense Array.” Once more she vanishes and is replaced by an arrow, pointing down the hall.

That was odd, but at least it was all sorted out with minimal delay. You're a little curious what's behind the door now, but more pressing matters demand your attention. It's another long trek through the hallways, come to think of it it seems like a lot of the route is just back through the same hallways you already traversed. Did she lead you in the completely opposite direction? She seems pretty useless when she's low on power.

Eventually you stop in front of another door that looks much more official. It's a heavy blast door, with do not enter scrawled large above it. You press your hand to the scanner and the door slides open, revealing an odd contraption. It reminds you in many ways of the generator, except smaller. Its wrapped in a framework of steel and wires, a long protrusion attaching it to the wall, where more cords pulse and throb with energy. At the point where all the various steel beams and cords that frame the spherical device converge a long needle protrudes towards a chair, which has a control panel on the arm rest.

(1/2)
>>
The room is devoid of any other furniture, just the chair. A window against one wall seems to look into an observatory.

>Sit in the chair, mess with the controls. What could possibly go wrong?
>Try to find a way into the observatory.
>Call up Fulvia and ask what the hell this is, even though she's seemed rather unreliable lately.
>>
>>30678563
>>Sit in the chair, mess with the controls. What could possibly go wrong?
>Call up Fulvia and ask what the hell this is, even though she's seemed rather unreliable lately.
Also ask Profectus
>>
>>30678606
Seconding, on all counts
>>
>>30678563
>>Sit in the chair, mess with the controls. What could possibly go wrong?

I'm sure the giant pointy thing will probably just amplify our vys or something.
>>
>>30678563
>what could possibly go wrong?

But still, ask first
>>
>>30678606
I like it.
>>
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>Press the buttons
>Ask people
Writin'
>>
>>30678719
Is this bad?
>>
>>30678750
Not necessarily, I thought I had that picture of Solid Snake or Big Boss or whoever asking what could go wrong. I don't seem to.
>>
>>30678769
btw did we ever find anything from looting the place? where we fought?
I am not against looting the swordmage sword. seems like it would be damn powerful since it was a commander construct and all.
>>
>>30678769
>>Lets start looting the place. Call for Fulvia and have her take you to the Vys Array
refering to this.
>>
>>30678906
It got melted.

Maybe we can put Fulvia in a Command construct
>>
>>30678978
when did it melt i'd appreciate if you told me.
>>
You waltz casually over to the seat and plop yourself down, eying the controls curiously. Chryssa speaks up first. “Are you sure that's a good idea? What if this thing vaporizes people, like the generator does?” You think about it for a moment, and shrug. “Well, if that were the case Vys Array would seem like an odd name. It'll probably be something magic related.” Seems to make logical sense to you. It wasn't called Disintegration Ray after all.

“Profectus, you know anything about this? I mean, if I'm going to go pushing buttons I'd like to know what they do.” You recognize the on/off buttonand energy usage but the rest of the buttons are a mystery. He walks over and cautiously avoids stepping in front of the needle that protrudes from the array, leaning over to look at the control panel. “Well... this one means height. This one means age. This one is training, although I'm not sure what it's asking with that.” He runs over the list again, briefly. “I'm really not sure what it's getting at here, if I'm being honest.”

You pull out the archeota after Profectus retreats to a safe distance. “Fulvia, I need you for a moment.” She appears after a slight delay. “What do you know about the Vys Array?” Another delay. “Files indicate it was used to train officers and elite troops in skills essential to their profession without sending them through lengthy training regimens. No other information is presently available.” With that tidbit of wisdom, she vanishes.
(1/2)
>>
You quickly enter your information. Height, six foot seven inches. Age, twenty five. Training... thirteen years? Maybe that's what it's asking? As you finish entering the information the array shifts and raises itself up a few feet, before closing in on you. The needle rest on your chest, over your heart. You're starting to feel a little anxious, now...

>Nothing to do but press on, tell your comrades to retreat to a safe distance.
>This probably wasn't designed for somebody of your race... and you'd rather not get stabbed in the chest.
>Write-in

>>30678906
You didn't loot anything from the core, no. You touched the gem and were forcefully pulled back into reality before you could snag anything. Well, the gem probably counts as loot actually.
>>
>>30679154
>>Nothing to do but press on, tell your comrades to retreat to a safe distance.
>>
>>30679154
>>Nothing to do but press on, tell your comrades to retreat to a safe distance.
>>
>>30679154
>Nothing to do but press on, tell your comrades to retreat to a safe distance.
This probably won't kill us.
>>
>>30679154
>Nothing to do but press on, tell your comrades to retreat to a safe distance
>>
>>30679154
>>This probably wasn't designed for somebody of your race... and you'd rather not get stabbed in the chest.

ARE YOU PEOPLE CRAZY!?
>>
>>30679154
>>Nothing to do but press on, tell your comrades to retreat to a safe distance.

alright gents.... time to see if we become caption america
>>
>>30679219
Adventurous!
>>
>>30679154
>>Nothing to do but press on, tell your comrades to
save you if they see something funny.
guys we will be getting trained with a fucking ray. hopfully it's set to magic i wouldn't be oppsed to combat training either a boost in our skills wouldn't be the worst thing gives us more options when fighting so we don't have to use as much vys.
>>
>>30679219
It's like you don't want to learn kung-fu
>>
>Press the shiny on button
Writin'
>>
>>30679242
i just hope its not set to ranged training.. cause we already have a bowmen in our group.
>>
>>30679219
Profectus is an elf. It should work.
>>
>>30679219
it's like you hate power ups/cancer causing rays.
>>
>>30679242
Just wait for it to give us 13 years of training in pie maker
>>
>>30679292
So we'd just go on to become the world's best baker.
>>
>>30679322
Traveling the world in search of the best pie recipes on earth.

Or enemies are grandma Vatis
>>
“You two might want to step outside the room, I'm going to turn this thing on.” Chryssa stares at you for a moment. “You've gone insane, haven't you? That gem did something to your head!” Profectus nods in agreement. “Even I think this is a bad idea, Mikhael. Getting stabbed in the chest seldom goes well.” You wave them off casually, though that bellies your nervousness at what's about to happen. “Nonsense! Where's your sense of adventure? You heard what Fulvia said. It trained elite troops and officers in what they absolutely had to know. Now come on, get out. I don't want to endanger you two needlessly, just myself.”

Profectus skips out without much more complaint, but Chryssa hesitates before following. Once the door slides shut you push the button, and the sphere at the center of the array starts to spin. Cuffs snap closed around your ankles, torso, neck, and wrist. You're held firmly in place, even if your heart is beating a mile a minute. Slowly, blue light starts to boil away towards the ceiling.

There's a flash of light, and you feel... refreshed actually.
>Vys: (14/14)

Unfortunately, that refreshed, energized feeling is followed immediately by immense pain as the needle pushes itself into your chest. You think you might be dying. Darkness creeps into the corners of your vision as the machine pushes its way ever further. About the time you feel it scraping your spine, you pass out.
(1/2 or 3)
>>
>>30679381
We shall learn of the secret metamagic of confectioneries. Let our foes tremble as their waist line's expand infinitely
>>
>>30679401
>About the time you feel it scraping your spine
That's a horrible image, Soma. Oh Christ.
>>
>>30679428
I know. I'm in class right now. How am I supposed to hide my erection?
>>
>>30679401

You know that thing about vatis going insane with the years well I think we got it earlier.
>>
>>30679454
by not standing up
>>
>>30679454
In your waistband?
>>
>>30679467
>>30679485
#bigdickproblems
>>
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You come back to your senses in a crowded market. The place is just absolutely full of... people. Humans. The sky above is blue and clear, and tapestries arch overhead to provide shade for the shoppers that bustle along to do who knows what. You desperately reach towards your chest to jerk out that accursed needle only to find that... well, there is no needle in your chest. You're wearing a loose, airy shirt, you recognize it's done in the Rhynian style. You also note that your skin is incredibly pale. Unhealthily so.

You get a horrible feeling, and reach up to your ears to confirm. Short, rounded, entirely human. In some ways you're relieved. You think this might just be a hallucination. On another, you're terrified. What if you've been reincarnated as a human? That would be terrible! You don't want to be some short, blunt eared, pale, magically inert schmuck!
>Panic, this is too weird, you can't deal with this.
>Just take a few deep breaths and look around. Maybe there's some clues as to what the fuck is going on.
>Nothing to do but start wandering through this marketplace. Maybe you'll find something interesting?
>>
>>30679506
>>Nothing to do but start wandering through this marketplace. Maybe you'll find something interesting?
>>
>>30679506
>>Nothing to do but start wandering through this marketplace. Maybe you'll find something interesting?
>>
>>30679506
>>Nothing to do but start wandering through this marketplace. Maybe you'll find something interesting?
LOOT LOOT LOOT LOOT LOOT
>>
>>30679506
>>Just take a few deep breaths and look around. Maybe there's some clues as to what the fuck is going on.
>>Nothing to do but start wandering through this marketplace. Maybe you'll find something interesting?
>>
>>30679527
We are in a dream machine man, the loot's not real only the knowledge
>>
>>30679527
>>>Nothing to do but start wandering through this marketplace. Maybe you'll find something interesting?
>LOOT LOOT LOOT LOOT LOOT
lets get branded a thief in this unknown world as fast as we can!
but I am not against this.
>>
>Wander around in the strange marketplace
Writin'
>>
>>30679546
I wouldn't be surprised.. I just hope time in hear isn't actual time in the real world.. cause training for a few years.. we might as well do that in real time. and it makes no sense.. so it must be in our mind where we train as lightning speed.
guys read anything magical we can. or apprentice any enchanter...become makes of the only permanent enchants of our time.
>>
>>30679564
Imaginary loot for epic imaginary gains.
>>
Maybe we'll finally be able to read all these weird symbols and shit.
>>
You start wandering through the marketplace, while trying to get a feel for who you are right now. You check your pockets, and find them empty. A small pouch secured to your belt contains a handful of gold coins, you count eight of them.
>New Wealth: 120 Silver, Pocket Change, you better hope you've got more sequestered somewhere.

You put the coins back and tie the pouch to your belt once more. You also find a dagger secured to the other side of your belt. It's about six inches long, with a broad, vaguely hour-glass shaped blade. A pugio, something in the back of your head tells you. It's rather ornate too. In fact, your clothes are extremely comfortable now that you think about it. You must be fairly wealthy.

You take a look at the people around you, and note they're all shorter than you. You're a good foot taller than most anyone else in the market, you feel like a giant. Oddly enough you don't attract any looks though. Somewhat odd. As you wander you note that a lot of the same vendors seem to repeat with just slight variations. There is a man selling weapons of various shapes and sizes, a man offering his services as a magical healer, a woman with a stack of books next to her, a sign in front declaring her a book vendor.

As time goes on, you start to notice that all the people are headed in one direction, towards a huge stadium. A Colosseum, something tells you. Then you reach a realization. Of course! The gladiatorial games are today. That might be worth investigating.

>To the Colosseum
>Talk with the book merchant.
>Talk to the weapon merchant.
>Talk to the healer.
>>
>>30679692
im down to learn as much of thier language as we can. possibly find a manual to read around here.
learn shit..any kind of usefull shit here.
>>
>>30679741
>>Talk to the healer.
>>
>>30679741
>>Talk with the book merchant.
If we can't take materials back with us, we can at least take the knowledge.
>>
>>30679741
>Talk to the weapon merchant.
Get better with our spear!
>>
>>30679741
>>Talk with the book merchant.

mind food in the mind realm
>>
>>30679741
>>To the Colosseum
Are you not amused?
We are in someone's memories mayhaps?
>>
>>30679741
>>Talk with the book merchant
>>
>>30679741
>>To the Colosseum
We need good seats before the place fills up.
>>
>>30679741
>>Talk with the book merchant.
old magic we can learn while we're in a ancient civilization ofcourse..
even if our human is no well versed in magic doesn't mean we can't take what we learned to the future.
>>
>>30679741
>>Talk with the book merchant
We're here to learn. Where else than books?

Plus we need to learn the language.
>>
>>30679797
>>30679781
>>30679771
>>30679804
>>30679810
>Book

>>30679802
>>30679782
>Colosseum

>>30679772
>Weapon

>>30679766
>Healer

Writin'
>>
>>30679741
>>Talk with the book merchant.
now now we need teh magic
>>
>>30679817
fuck yeah and since everything magical is common place here we don't have a pay an arm and a leg for shit. since you can in all likelyhood find 5 magic shops a stone skip away from each other where the worst one has better items than the best magic shop in our current world( not including shit they found in ruins)
>>
You approach the book merchant, figuring that if this is all a dream sequence, this should be the choice that nets you more magical knowledge, right?

As you approach, the woman notices you and sets her book aside, carefully sliding a bookmark between the pages before she closes it. She looks up to you and smiles. “Well hello there, young man!” Young man? What? She looks twenty, at most. You're older than she is! “What can I do for you? Are you a little scholar in training?” Little scholar in training?! You trained for thirteen years to become a Vatis! “I have some great books on history, magic for beginner's, all sorts of topics.”

>Set this woman straight, calling you 'young man' and 'little scholar'! You're older than she is, and probably better trained!
>You won't be insulted like this! Storm off, go find someone who will show you proper respect as a customer!
>Maybe, within the simulation, you're a young human. Ask to see what she has in stock.
>Write-in
>>
>>30679925
>>Maybe, within the simulation, you're a young human. Ask to see what she has in stock.
>>
>>30679907
He said that back then magic items were reserved for the Elite. But we really don't know their price scale.
>>
>>30679925
>>Maybe, within the simulation, you're a young human. Ask to see what she has in stock.
>>
>>30679925
>>Set this woman straight, calling you 'young man' and 'little scholar'! You're older than she is, and probably better trained!
>>
>>30679925
>>Maybe, within the simulation, you're a young human. Ask to see what she has in stock
Let's use our head here
>>
>>30679907
>Maybe, within the simulation, you're a young human. Ask to see what she has in stock.
>>
>>30679925
>>Maybe, within the simulation, you're a young human. Ask to see what she has in stock
>>
>Be reasonable
Writin'
>>
You take a deep breath, soothing your hurt pride. “Yes.. yes I am, miss. Can I-” Your eyes go wide. “Oh shit, wait a minu-” The woman looks shocked. “Young man! Watch your mouth! Didn't your mother teach you not to cuss?” She admonishes you. You're still slightly too surprised to care. Midway through your sentence you came to the sudden realization you were speaking Rhynian, perfect Rhynian. Not only that, you were thinking in Rhynian as well. You didn't even remember how to speak your own language anymore.

Panic washes over you, but you swallow it and smile sheepishly down at the woman. “I'm sorry... can I see what you have in stock? I just... remembered something I have to do.” She glares up at you for a moment, before pulling out three books. “I think these would be appropriate for you, little foul mouth.” You look at the three times she's presented you with. One of them is about fire magic. The other is about earth magic. The final tome is about neither, it's about battlefield tactics and how to command respect.

>Fire Magic
>Earth Magic
>Tactics & Command
>None of these things interest you.
>>
>>30680061
>>None of these things interest you.
>>
>>30680061
>>Tactics & Command
>>
>>30680061
>Fire Magic
>>
>>30680061
>Tactics & Command
We can learn fire magic right now in the real world. This seems really handy.
>>
>>30680061
>>Tactics & Command

"Being a successful bullshitter is worth a thousand armies" - Sun Tzu
>>
>>30680122
I believe a more accurate quote would be
>"If you are far from the enemy, make him believe you are near."
>>
>Tactics and Command
Writin'
>>
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You point to tactics and command, and she smiles. You hand over a handful of coins and she hands you the book. You start to fade out as you tuck the book under one arm and happily jog towards the arena, and an older woman in a dress waiting by the entrance. You black out as she bends over to hug you and lead you inside.

Some time passes, you see brief flashes of color and hear the occasional burst of sound. When next you're thrust into consciousness you're standing in a long, metal hallway. On one side of you is a row of open spaces looking out over the city below, pillars declaring the virtues of Victory, Order, and Power lining the way. On the other side is a row of arena-style seats looking out over the city. A few people, men and women both, sit on the benches reading or talking.

You look down at yourself. You're taller than you were, closer to your actual height before you got stabbed in the chest by a giant needle, you think. To be honest your memories of what came before are getting uncomfortably hazy. You're dressed in a pressed black uniform, neat and orderly. Medals shine proudly on your left breast and a dagger rest at your belt.
>Wander the halls
>Try to remember what you were supposed to be doing.
>Talk to one of the people sitting and reading.
>>
>>30680273
>>Wander the halls
>>
>>30680273
>>Try to remember what you were supposed to be doing.
>>
>>30680273
>>Try to remember what you were supposed to be doing.
>>
>>30680273
>>Try to remember what you were supposed to be doing.

probably on our way to get decorated
>>
>Try to remember why we're here
Writin'
>>
You focus. Why on earth are you in this hallway? It comes to you without much trouble. That's right! You're the chief assistant to one of the Legatus assigned to train new recruits at the officer's academy. You're almost late to teach a class for the Legate.

You tuck into a jog and hurry to reach the descending stairwell that leads to the classroom. You straighten your uniform and make sure your hair isn't a mess, and then push through. A crowd of eager young faces stares at you as you make your way across the room to the podium. You step up and turn to face the gathered students. “Good evening class, the Legate was unable to make it today so I will be filling in.”

Wait a minute... what was your specialty again?
>Small unit tactics, which have an emphasis on unit cohesion and the personal combat ability of the commander.
>Battle tactics. Commanding armies against one another. Focus on maneuvers and slightly on combat ability.
>Campaign tactics. Focus on planning invasions and the movement of armies.
>>
>>30680451
>>Small unit tactics, which have an emphasis on unit cohesion and the personal combat ability of the commander.
>>
>>30680451
>>Battle tactics. Commanding armies against one another. Focus on maneuvers and slightly on combat ability.
I guess. Does it even matter?
>>
>>30680451
>Small unit tactics, which have an emphasis on unit cohesion and the personal combat ability of the commander.
We don't plan on leading armies anytime soon. Too much adventure to have.
>>
I think if we chose fire or earth, we would had it mastered guys.
>>
>>30680451
>>Small unit tactics, which have an emphasis on unit cohesion and the personal combat ability of the commander.
>>
>>30680451
>>Small unit tactics, which have an emphasis on unit cohesion and the personal combat ability of the commander.
>>
>>30680487
Yeah I just got here and when I saw what was chosen I was like dafuq? Well whatever, I'm sure this will come in handy.
>>
>>30680487
We're novices in both. What makes you think that?
>>
>>30680487
Too late now, the better question is what could we have learned from the other merchants/going to the colosseum and how will the QM limit this machine.
>>
>>30680545
>how will the QM limit this machine.
I'm sure it'll break down as soon as we wake up.
>>
>>30680525
Not in earth, but on fire.
And this machine seems to be an advanced form of teaching, and we decided on learning tatics, instead of magic.
>>
>>30680566
Yeah either that or the memory idea.
>>
Right, small unit tactics. You launch into your lecture, discussing the proper method of clearing out city streets and buildings in occupied cities. You go over the importance of leading by example, and of treating your subordinates with respect. Reality starts to fade out again, and you black out. Fortunately this time it isn't for long. You come to standing in an office looking at a stern man dressed in Centurion Armor. He looks up at you, hand resting on his sword.

“You've served well these last few years, and earned a recommendation for further training. You'll be on the ground, suppressing those filthy samja rebels. As such, there are a few paths you could take.” You note he carefully avoided actually using your name, and for a brief moment you snap back into who you were. You have to remind yourself this isn't real.

>Request to be sent to the Vatis Academy.
>Request an intensive training course in melee combat
>Request an intensive training course in ranged combat.
>>
>>30680601
>>Request an intensive training course in melee combat
>>
>>30680601
>Request to be sent to the Vatis Academy.
Obvious choice.
>>
>>30680601
>>Request to be sent to the Vatis Academy.
Is this magic?
>>
>>30680601
>>Request to be sent to the Vatis Academy.
awesome save for us...Officer training is the shit.
>>
>>30680601
>>Request to be sent to the Vatis Academy.

excellent
>>
>>30680644
yes. Yes it is.
>>
>>30680601
>>>Request to be sent to the Vatis Academy.
>>
>Mo' magic, less problems
Writin'
>>
You answer immediately, remembering that really, you're just trying to game the system here. “Vatis Academy, sir. If those dirty camel fuckers think they're so great at slinging spells I'll show them what a real Vatis looks like.” You can't help but grin a little at the irony of that statement.

You reach forward to shake hands with the Legate, and feel a sudden jab of pain in your chest. It gnaws insistently at you, even as the world around you fades to black. Your eyes snap open to the sight of the great spinning sphere at the center of the array glowing brightly with energy, bolts of power shooting off and being reabsorbed by the machinery on the walls. The needle sits just inches away from your chest, your blood boiling off of it. The heat is unbearable.

Someone is screaming, but you're not sure who. The machine pulls itself away from you and something flies by your head. A crack splits through the sphere at the center of the array as it draws itself back to its original position and your binds release you, the sphere slowing to an eventual halt.

You realize that you're the person screaming, and shut your mouth. Your hand darts to your chest, magic springing to your fingertips ready to heal your wound, but there is none. Just a hole through your robes and your armor, and a giant blotch of red staining both. Damn it, these were such nice robes too...
>Vys: (20/20)
>Attained Earth Affinity: Novice Rank
>Attained Fire Affinity: Vatis Rank
>Learned Small Unit Tactics

You bolt from the chair, making for the door. That was the most uncomfortable thing you've ever had to sit through and you don't intend to stick around any longer.

>Loot the rest of this place and leave through the western exit.
>Loot the rest of this place and leave the same way you entered.
>Write-in
>>
>>30680976
>>Loot the rest of this place and leave the same way you entered.

Hey could we attach Fulvia to that dog thing we froze so she has some mobility?
>>
>>30680976
>>Loot the rest of this place and leave through the western exit.
>>
>>30680976
>>Loot the rest of this place and leave through the western exit.

Don't want to run into the rest of the looters on our way out.

Can we take Fulvia with us? Let's try to find a more powerful host for the gem.
>>
>>30680976
>>Loot the rest of this place and leave through the western exit.
Also what does Vatis rank do?
>>
>>30681007
Oh that sounds nifty!
>>
>>30680976
>>Loot the rest of this place and leave through the western exit.
>>
>>30681027
The rankings go
>Grandmaster
>Master
>Expert
>Vatis
>Apprentice
>Novice

Basically, with fire magic, it just means you have more control over how much heat you use and means you can produce more powerful fire spells.
>>
>>30681007
Also, you could certainly give this a try, if y'all wanted.
>>
>>30681067
Nope. Time to leave this place already.
>>
>>30681067
I'm up for it, also did we learn any earth magic?
Also what the hell happened in the room?
>>
>>30681067
Let's try to find a disabled swordmage or a more powerful construct if possible.
>>
>>30681093
You did learn earth magic, unfortunately there isn't much to experiment on in this facility.

>Earth: Manipulating the ground, creating pillars of stone, sinkholes in the sand, hurling boulders. Also useful for debuffing others, corroding their armor, et cetera

That's what it's used for.
>>
>>30681098
This, don't we still need to visit the command center where two of them are at?
>>
>>30681098
this works, but also i would like to see if we can reprogram that dog, as a cheap mule.
>>
>>30681116
I meant to say earth meditation magic, also what happened in the room exactly.
>>
>>30680976
>>Loot the rest of this place and leave through the western exit.
>>
>>30681122
Visiting the command center is incorporated into looting everything, since you've finished all major events/challenges in this part of the ruin.

>>30681138
What do you mean in the room? The room where the Vys Array was?
You mostly sat there strapped down to the chair with a needle jammed through your chest.

Anyway, writin'
>>
>>30681138
You know stuff
>>
>>30681138
Oh, and you didn't learn any earth meditation. You'll have to figure that out as you go along, or find a book on it.
>>
So when can we use the machine again?
>>
>>30681202
it broke
>>
>>30681202
we have to find another facility with one.
>>
>>30681217
Tell the robot to fix it. The fuck else is it good for?
>>
>>30681116
>Also useful for debuffing others, corroding their armor,
well this is useful.
>>
>>30681163
that being said we can use our new found earth magic to lift the ceiling back up and loot the armory.
>>
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>>30681492
Not nearly that good with Earth Magic yet.

You stumble out the door only to be caught by Chryssa, who prevents you from straight up bolting for the exit. “What's wrong? What happened in there? Are you alright?” Profectus stands off to the side, looking at you warily. You struggle for a while, wild eyed and frantic, before eventually giving up and slumping down against the floor. Gods, that was painful. No wonder you master was crazy. Being crazy would make this immensely easier to deal with.

After your breathing's calmed and you've settled yourself, you push yourself up. You know you should be terrified or disturbed or something, but oddly you can't quite will yourself to be. You're energized, happy, you feel more powerful than ever. Even if it was a horrible experience... it was worth it, you decide. “I'm okay, really. Listen, lets just take everything that isn't bolted down and get out of here, alright? I feel like I've been down here for a lifetime.” Profectus looks at you with obvious concern before nodding. “Alright, as you say then.”

The next few hours are spent combing through ever room you didn't get to, looking for anything important or of value that you might have missed. You end finding a few more documents that seem important, and a book that might be interesting. As you explore you notice that everything comes just a little bit more naturally. You feel more at home in the ruined facility now. You can read the writing as if it were second nature.
>Gained: Research Data
>Gained: Dux's Letter
>Gained: On Empire: The Rise of Civilization

(1/2)
>>
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>>30681519
Eventually you come to the Command Center. The floor is littered with collapsed constructs. Two of those ape-ish constructs, six dog constructs, two swordmages, and one of those constructs with explosive tubes strapped to its back. Most of the machines in the room are long since deactivated, none of the screens are lit up or glowing. A table at the center of the room is covered with a map of what looks like a river valley, with troop placements marked out by small red and black pieces. Seems like an odd thing to be doing just before dying of the plague or being forced to abandon the facility.

You comb through the place carefully, snagging both the swordmage's swords to sell later, and find a few things of interest. You're really starting to get weighed down at this point, but the desire for loot is just a little too great to pass up. Its a sword, not one of the long, straight swords the swordmages use, but rather a long, thin blade that curves back on itself, a gem in the hilt gives off a soft glow. Odd that the weapon was sitting smack dab in the middle of the table.
>Strange Sword Acquired
>2x Longsword Acquired
(2/3, I lied)
>>
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>>30681531
You eye one of the collapsed command constructs, and Chryssa's bag where the archeota is stored. You might be able to find a way to shove Fulvia into one of these things, but she doesn't seem particularly intelligent at the moment, and hauling one of these constructs around would attract a whole hell of a lot of attention. Still, maybe it would be a better shell for the AI?

>Shove Fulvia into one of the command constructs
>It'd attract too much attention, and probably slow you down.
>Write-in
>>
>>30681531
try the sword mage plan, also can we take one of the smaller robots with us?
I'm sure we can sell them for a good price.
>>
>>30681565
>Shove Fulvia into one of the command constructs
>>
>>30681565
>>It'd attract too much attention, and probably slow you down.
>>
>>30681565
>>Shove Fulvia into one of the command constructs
>>
>>30681565
>>Shove Fulvia into one of the command constructs

Their affinity for vys and general power are worth it. Plus a silver giant will be an amazing deterrent for anyone who might want to rob us.
>>
>>30681565
>It'd attract too much attention
Seriously, the fuck are we even going to do with her in one of those things?
>>
>>30681565
>Shove Fulvia into one of the command constructs
It'll be fun. Don't know if we can repair her should she get damaged, though.
>>
>>30681565
>>Shove Fulvia into one of the command constructs

We should use one of them as a pack animal as well.
>>
>>30681565
Scan the sword with our water infused gauntlet first
>>
>>30681582
>>30681591
>>30681593
>>30681596
>>30681598
>Shove her in

>>30681594
>>30681586
>Don't shove her in.
>>
>>30681630
Will the robots sell for a price?
>>
Am i the only one that wants to leave a message behind before we leave?
>>
Why aren't we settling down here?
>>
>>30681643
Anything will sell for a price, but I'm not sure how you would go about dragging these constructs back to a market.

The dog constructs are about the size of a horse. The ape, about the size of an ape. The ones with tubes strapped to their back are manageable but you're already loaded down with loot. Your pack animals can only carry so much.
>>
>>30681685
well here is hoping we can reprogram those robot horses.
>>
>>30681657
I bet Chryssa already left her "Chryssa was here" graffiti everywhere
>>
>>30681730
well we can't let her beat us to the punch, lets leave a huge suckers sihng infron of the blast door.
>>
>>30681679
Why would we?
>>
>>30681721
Man, I don't know why you keep harking on this reprogramming thing. What on earth makes you think we'd be capable of that? Or that they even have programming as we'd recognize it?
>>
>>30681762
Or if they're even capable of being reprogrammed.
>>
>>30681762
we have an AI and Soma said we could try, plus having those would be easier for travel and combat.
>>
Anybody note the fact that we're TALL?
>>
>>30681791
We have an AI that is barely sentient unless connected to a massive generator.
>>
>>30681800
it was known from the start.
>>30681806
Like i said it doesn't hurt to try, and if we fail we fail, but if we succeed then we have something we can sell or use.
>>
>>30681800
Yeah 6'7'' goddamn. No wonder we use a spear we can make the most of it with longer arms.
>>
“Hey, Chryssa. Hand me Fulvia for a second.” She gives you a confused look for a moment before handing the archeota over. You pass it to Profectus. “Open this for me, I need the core.” He does so without question, pulling out the small, glowing gem. The archeota goes from glowing blue to absolutely lackluster.

You walk up to one of the command constructs and crouch down next to it. You're trying to figure out some way to insert the gem into this thing, you check front and back but don't see any obvious options. Until you discover the mouth articulates, at least. There is a small indentation in the mouth that holds a gem not dissimilar to your own, except it has a large crack running down the middle and it's a dead black, instead of shining blue. You pull it out and toss it to the side, instead inserting the core in its place. You swear this thing changes to fit whatever you try to put it in.

The command construct springs to life, and forces itself up. You step back, watching cautiously as it fills with light. It turns to face you, and bows low. This... seems to have worked okay. Its mouth is flapping like it's trying to say something, face frozen in an impassive stare. The arms reach up towards the throat, and then flop down by its sides. Doesn't seem like its able to speak.

The construct rubs its chin for a moment, and then walks over to one of the dog-like constructs. It starts to fiddle with the head. You're... not really sure what it's trying to do. Profectus cuts the silence. "Well, she seems smarter but it won't do much good if she's mute." Chryssa nods in agreement.

>Stop it, this clearly isn't working. Put Fulvia back in the acheota.
>Let it do its thing, whatever that may be.
>Write-in
>>
>>30681859
>>Stop it, this clearly isn't working. Put Fulvia back in the acheota.
>>
>>30681859
>>Let it do its thing, whatever that may be.
>>
>>30681859
>Let it do its thing, whatever that may be.
>>
>>30681859
>Let it do its thing, whatever that may be.
>>
>>30681859
>>Let it do its thing, whatever that may be.
>>
>>30681859
>Let it do its thing, whatever that may be.
>>
>Let it do whatever
Writin'
>>
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After a couple seconds of messing with the dog-constructs pyramidal head, a hatch pops open. Fulvia reaches in and pulls out the black cracked gem sitting inside and tosses it over her shoulder, it shatters quietly against the floor behind her. She stands up and approaches you again. Her mouth flaps like she's trying to say something, but she stamps her foot once she remembers the command unit can't talk.

It's kind of a weird scene to watch, since the command construct looks like a distinguished armored man, and Fulvia's mannerisms are decidedly girlish. Eventually she gets an idea and tries to snap her fingers, it doesn't really work out. She raises her hands and seems to try and mime out some kind of message. You're... not really sure what that message is. Is she sewing? Asking for tools maybe?

Chryssa speaks up. “She wants a writing implement and a piece of paper.” You look to her, and then at the command unit's hands again. Come to think of it, it does sort of look like its trying to write. “Well, did anyone bring any paper, or anything to write with for that matter?” You ask. Both your companions indicate that no, they did not. Profectus comes up with a solution. “Why not just let her carve something into the table? You have a knife, right?”

That seems like your best option, so you draw your dagger and pass it to the command unit. It nods in thanks and hurries over to the table wooden table, moving the map aside. Quickly it scrawls out its instructions:
>Command Unit too obvious. Uncanny. Inhuman. Attract trouble. Put me in Breacher Construct. Faster, stronge. More useful. Not as disturbing.

(1/2)
>>
Well, that seems simple enough. Profectus raises a question though. “You still won't be able to talk in the breacher construct. You'll basically just be a pack animal.” Fulvia quickly goes back to writing.
>Better than being an idiot. If you need to ask me questions, put me in the archeota.

Profectus shrugs. “Fine, but this seems rather like a waste of time.”
>Agree, just stuff her in the archeota and get going.
>Stuff her in the dog-construct, at least it can help you carry stuff.
>Insist she stay in the command unit. The dog construct is too obviously a weapon.
>Write-in
>>
>>30682097
>>Stuff her in the dog-construct, at least it can help you carry stuff.
>>Insist she stay in the command unit. The dog construct is too obviously a weapon.
>>Write-in
have her bring the sword mage on the back.
>>
>>30682097
>>Stuff her in the dog-construct, at least it can help you carry stuff.
let us have an intimidation factor.
>>
>>30682079

Will your intelligence be affected by these forms?
>>
>>30682097
Maybe later we can connect the ball thing and the construct, but for now
>>Agree, just stuff her in the archeota and get going.
>>
>>30682079
have her in the swaord mage.
>>
>>30682162
(Misclicked, that should say dog-construct).
>>
>>30682181
>>30682131
>Dog

>>30682169
>Mage

>>30682130
>Try to drag both along

Writin'
>>
>>30682220
we should have done the mage..T_T
BTW guys. we pretty much saved our selves YEARS of potential training.. and saved massive amount of money getting books.. and ect.
>>
You nod. “Alright, we'll stick you in the dog. Open your mouth so I can pull the gem out.” Fulvia does as directed, and you tug out the glowing core. The swordmage construct falls to the side, crashing heavily to the ground. The energy it had been filled with quickly dissipates, forcing its way out of the armor in waves of heat. You make your way over to the dog-construct and crouch down, sticking the gem in the holder and shutting the hatch.

The construct springs to life, pushing itself onto all fours. It has no eyes and no mouth, so of course its impossible to communicate with it. This particular model isn't in that bad of shape, it has both of its arm blades intact and it isn't nearly as raggedy looking. Still pretty beat up though. It seems like while all this was going on, Chryssa took the opportunity to carve “Chryssa Was Here” into the table where the map had been, while also scratching out what Fulvia wrote. Profectus joined her, and you figure you might as well too.

To top it all off you write “Suck It” in big letters above all three of your names, since you've basically looted this place for all its worth. Then you have Fulvia, in the form of the dog construct, lead you to the western exit. They're a pair of giant sliding doors, like you've seen before, but easily three meters tall, and at least twice that wide. You press your hand to the scanner and they slowly start to slide open, revealing a tunnel beyond. You follow it for what feels like miles, weaving through narrow pathways. Eventually you end up bursting forth into the late afternoon sunlight from a hatch hidden amongst the tall grass.

Gods, it's nice to be above ground again. You bask in it for a moment. The moment is only ruined by the realization your guar are all the way back at the other mine entrance, several miles away across hilly grassland.

>I'll end the thread here for the night.
>The Friday thread may end up canceled because I need to study for midterms. Maybe. We'll see.
>>
>>30682433
We can go back for the mage after we've dropped off all this loot.

Which reminds me, how are the treasure hunters doing?
>>
>>30682442
thanks for running soma!
>>
>>30682462
second going back on getting it.
>>
>>30682433
should had seconded my choice of bringing both.
>>
>>30682442
Thanks for running! Two days in a row is pretty nifty.
>>
Alright, I think I've got the character sheet updated. call me on it if I missed something.

Sticking around for questions, comments, concerns.

Also, I think I'll go with what people suggested earlier. Keep roll against outside of combat, but be more liberal with modifiers. Set DCs in combat when it's not just a straight up contest of strength.
>>
>>30682442
side question i ment to ask is there a way to add a speaker or something that allows her to speak...

i figured we could scavenge something at another rune


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