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HOLLOW SUN: 26.1%

http://pastebin.com/BCn0xVsn

RESEARCH:

[X] ESSENCE ASSIMILATOR
[X] AUDITO ARRAY
[X] SIEGEBREAKER CHASSIS
[X] PHOTON SHIELD GENERATOR

VOID ANCHORS:

ORIGINAL HIVE

RED COMET GUIDE:

http://pastebin.com/7vzY4Zp2

(My apologies - I mistook the Void Anchor entry for Void Launcher research. You simply purchased a Void Anchor to replace the one you used in the Original Hive.)

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In another world, today was very close to being a perfect day. With one day to the Cultural Festival, spirits are high; The last of the props packed away and secured for transport, the climate-controlled confines of the school's concert hall a little larger, a little less crowded than before. The anticipation is a palpable force - Nervous and excited at once, the charged atmosphere before the storm.

One last rehearsal. The very last - Somehow, with one moment flowing into the next, it's all come together. No costumes this time, or props; It's about pacing, about reciting the well-practiced lines without spontaneous giggle or blunders or the usual clowning around...

-And you have to say, you're impressed.

Kouichi's - As always - a little stiff on the stage...But it adds to his gravitas, as he holds himself slightly aloof, with a kind of detached dignity that fits the role of Auguste, the Byronic hero locked inexorably on his doomed course. Kazuya, however, is a perfect match for Montaige, the hero's well-meaning but oblivious friend; He's relaxed, comfortable, his quips - The flash of his smile - as natural as breathing.

The unkind part of you would say that he's used to it; He's been playing the role for years.

And Natsumi - As the ghostly, ethereal maiden Etoile - she brings a flaire, a nuance, to the role...A presence that's almost magnetic. It's a performance from the heart - Or perhaps, doomed romance suits her.

It's a rare moment, where everything comes together - Long enough to reassure you that it's all going to work out.

It really would have been a perfect day.

(Continued)

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>>31054883

STAGE: THE TRIBUNAL

RED JOKER

V.

CYGNUS

The Red rolls in, like a tide - Like the hiss of acid waves against shores of black sand. Chains surge up from the ground, rattling as they unfurl - The spiked links stretched taut in complex, barbed webs as blocky structures rise from the featureless white ground; They're the colour of white marble, darkening to the gleam of brass and the brown of varnished wood.

It's been weeks, since your last challenge. As the angular arena locks into place - Stern symbols of judgment etched into the wall and floor - the shadowy shapes of Players in the viewing gallery above flicker into existence, blurred and anonymous. Bishamon is here, too; His arms folded impassively across his chest, twin cables extruding from the back of his form - They writhe, reflecting the agitation he doesn't show, your Apex Blade and his own sword sheathed at his hips in mismatching scabbards.

Chrome Cypher, however, isn't.

From above, there's a silvery peal of laughter - A flash of a raised hand.

> "Joker-kun, do your best~"
> "Chiffon, *shhhhhh*~!"

comes a lilting voice, close to the front; Interrupted by a taut hiss, as the hand's snatched down. A glance takes in their names -

WHITE LICORICE
CHIFFON DOLL

-And then the roar of jet exhaust drowns out all other sound.

(Continued)

Oh shit, didn't expect a thread so early.

>>31054982

Here we go again. Aim to maim and befriend them through superior firepower.

>>31055028

Same. I've been rereading Dresden for the new book coming out here soonish.

Rolled 16

>>31054982

I pity the fools who still continue to challenge RJ.

Godamnit i need sleep

>>31054883
Oh wow

Subtle. I like it.

>>31054982
Even now, people fight us?

I guess it's time to test out the Emulator Module.

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>>31054982

"Joker!" Cygnus's voice is a harsh engine-grind growl - White propulsion fumes boiling from the vents of his jump pack, tusks curving against the grille of his golden helm. His winged cape flutters in the backwash of thrust; The jointed digits of his right hand curled around the grip of his modular rifle, telltales winking to life against the barrel.

His Hyades Emblem - On his left pauldron - burns with a cold white light that throws all else into sharp relief, as he lands. The Stage has unusual properties; It's hard to stay in the air for too long, turning true flight into bursts of acceleration. His cloak unfurls in his wake, swept back by a sweep of his left arm - The motion is well-practised, the jointed talons of his boots digging into the marble ground. The barrels of his rifle warp and rotate into new configurations - The flickering static at the edge of your HUD warning of his sensor sweep...

He looks prepared for this - Confident, well-armed - his head canting in a little nod.

You wonder how long he's been doing this.

"Joker-" he growls, his finger curling hungrily around the trigger. "In my Lady's name, *I claim your life*."

A pause, the hush that comes before the explosion-

"-Nothing personal."

HP: 260.0%
COBALT BOOSTER: 150%
ASSAULT SHROUD: 150%
METER: 15%

TIER ONE WEAPONRY UNLOCKED

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31054883
>All that alluding to the fact that Joker is screwed

I am so looking forward to the final stretch

Rolled 5

>>31055092

Vulcan in one hand, open fire. Tau Gun in the other. Begin locking on and bring the pain.

Lock on and throw out a couple of missiles at him as well while we being circle strafting and using the Assault Shroud's passive defence.

>>31055128

How about DOUBLE TAU GUNS?

>>31055092

Defensive stance. Kiteshield up. Vulcan out. Be ready to move. Wait for him to make the first move. We don't know his Hyades' power yet.

"I take it nothing will persuade you off this suicide run?"

Rolled 11

>>31055134

The vulcan fire is more of a testing phase at this point. Test his reflexes and how he defends, (shields, deflects, evades) or whether he tanks.

Also a fast plentiful attack together with a strong but slow attack gives us a better chance of tagging with either.

>>31055092
Let's not open up with the big guns. As much as I want to go with the double crisis arm, let's start with the tau gun and vulcans.

Clearly, he's a melee combatant, so make sure the Sinistral is up. Start closing distance.

>>31055214
>he's a melee combatant

Fuck, I meant ranged.

I'm tired.

>>31054982
Oh, hey, more fangirls

Let's fuck this dude up

>>31055156

Your Sinistral's hard-light field hums with crackling tics of lightning, as your optic sensors lock on Cygnus's faceless faceplate...

He shrugs. It's resigned, yet confident.

His gun comes up, and the muzzle vanishes behind a curtain of fire - A long droplet of superheated air flickering dizzyingly, as pulsefire rounds roar forth. You're already moving, the Sinistral raised; You accelerate into a sprint, as your fist clenches on the stirrup-grip of your Plasma Vulcans - The barrels spinning up, a chainsaw roar splitting the air as scorching emerald bolts sear forth.

Neither of you have much in the way of cover - The storm of explosive rounds erupts around you, ripping long ribbons of impact craters as Cygnus swings his weapon to trace your evasive arc. Shots *spang* against the Sinistral, the crackling field twitching as it soaks up the shots-

Your gunfire stitches into him, catching him right beneath his left shoulder-guard. White heat and cascading sparks flare, as he jolts back with a growl; His cloak swivels to cover his flank, the hail of plasma bolts detonating in bursts of actinic light, Cygnus's rifle tilting as he staggers beneath the punishment-

You have a moment's warning - Just a flicker that something's wrong - before jagged spikes erupt from the ground. There's a seismic rumble, then a *splintering* sound; Flaying chips of ice hissing like lethal sharpnel, gouging against your armour - Some shatter, like glass, as you plough into the sudden barrier - Others don't, and impact warnings flare across your HUD.

(Continued)

>>31055297

...Huh.

I want whatever hes having.

>>31054883
>gravitas

Man, JQOP stood way back when handing out the gravitas.
88 threads, no joke.

>>31055297

"Nephele was never born, so She is ever-living!"

Cygnus's growl rises to a shout; He racks the slide of his weapon, as you smash aside a spike of ice - White vapour fumes around you, your Tau Gun etching itself into existence...

Your draw is lightning-quick. You swing the weapon in line with him, as your sensors register a target lock; The chime echoing in your ears, as your Triskelion launchers snap open-

You fire first. The Nova Cannon's tracking ray slashes across Cygnus, lightning him up on your sensors - But your shot goes wide. The antimatter round hits the far wall, and detonates; The plosive blast that follows is like a short-fused grenade, fist-sized chunks of marble bounding outwards to clatter from Cygnus's armour.

He does not miss.

Both barrels of his modular weapon light up with a sick blue illumination - When they blast forth, the air howls as twin beams rend the narrow distance. They *meet* - Merging together mid-flight - to form a single azure fist of energy that slams into you head-on...

The blast lifts you from your feet. It's not energy, or radiation - It's raw *force*, and it's like being hit head-on by a brick wall. A brick wall made of tasers.

You're hurled back - *through* the wall of ice spikes that wasn't there a moment ago - with a noise like a symphony of hammers in a hall of mirrors, the gouging spikes shattering against your reinforced armour as you smash to the ground, skidding and tumbling for dazed meters before you get your legs beneath you-

"She walks behind, thus She is ahead!"

Smoke wisps from Cygnus's rifle; There's a foreboding *clunk* as the energy pack ejects, the barrels cycling - A seething blur taking form above his free hand, tendrils of white smoke oozing from the mark on his left pauldron, gathering at his upturned palm.

"-With your armour, I will choke the streets with the dead!"

HP: 240.0%
COBALT BOOSTER: 150%
ASSAULT SHROUD: 121%
METER: 22%

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31055409

Cobalt boost the Tau Gun.
And Emulate it.

Aim for his rifle, let the recoil carry it into a body shot for the second shot.
Second shot, aim for the ground at his feet. Knock up UP, or back, then air combo him as best we can with tau guns.

Argus to ON(pay meter) since we're going to need the target lock after all the explosions happening

>>31055409
>"-With your armour, I will choke the streets with the dead!"

"You're no different from everyone else who's tried. "
"And Failed."
"You'd think they would learn by now."

Anyway, I'd like to save cobalt for exec_reap - we've yet to use it, but then again, we can pay meter if we win.

Also, this is the best chance we're gonna get to claim the school with a void anchor.

Make double sure to plant it when we're done.

Rolled 10

>>31055409

Huh.

He wants to play with Ice.

Show him our fire.

Tyrant Burst level One. He may have defences but like Iron Ogre but it may work. Still cheap to use.

Take to the air, with his ability to manipulate the ground, it should be safer but its too simple. Be wary of ice forming in mid air.

Move to close with him, draw the immolator and emulate it, fight his Ice with Fire. Lots of it.

Fire a salvo of Shrike Blades at him since we won't have any hands free dual wielding the immolators.

>>31055436

Hmn. We're under surveilance, though. Do we really want to show off the emulator chip at this stage?

Rolled 18

>>31055436

Tau gun's not too useful, hes too maneuverable. Use area attack weapons or fast weapons instead.

>>31055481
>Tau gun's not too useful, hes too maneuverable. Use area attack weapons or fast weapons instead.

But we have it out already. Emulated+boosteed that's FOUR shots a turn.

FOUR.

>>31055409
"...You're not a very good poet."

Emulate the immolator and drown him in hellfire.

Rolled 1

>>31055490

Eh, point on it already being out. It'll be faster than drawing the immolator.

>>31055409

Dodge to the left. Drop the coil gun for the moment and hit him with our tyrant burst to blind him. Juke right. Charge in on our jetpack while he's blinded to get close and hit him with a shot from our plasma shotgun. Follow up with a fist from the Crisis Arm as we blow past.

>>31055503

Exactly. Use it till we hit fusion, then swap to fusion.

>>31055481

He's not really moving though. We just missed - put the argus on, and we can compensate for accuracy

>>31055481
Or charge and melee him

I'm just itching to emulate the crisis arm. But I suppose we would need the carnifex for that to work well.

>>31055505

Seconding this movement with this shooting
>>31055490

If we get close, its Muletta time. Ideally, we can string him up/grapple him and go to town with close-in gunfire..

Rolled 15

>>31055509

But the argus is already on.

We pinged him from the start.

>>31055541
>We pinged him from the start.

>>31055409
>The Nova Cannon's tracking ray slashes across Cygnus, lightning him up on your sensors

no, we didn't.

That was the lasersight

Rolled 9

>>31055553


>>31055297
>as your optic sensors lock on Cygnus's faceless faceplate...

>>31055571
Optic =/ argus.

ARgus is a wrist-mounted wideband radar

Rolled 17

>>31055577

Ah, right. My bad.

>>31054658
>HOLLOW SUN: 26.1%

How many void anchors have we bought/given out to allies, JQOP?

last i heard we were gonna keep one in the armory to summon out later, in addition to the carried one.

I've been meaning to ask also:

Can we get equipment stats for a Joker-carried Helios Array?
we had some from the factory-fight, and while the downsides are really rough, i'm wondering if the ability to remotely-power hellion weaponry isn't worth it.

For example, being able to hold a bunch of pistols in our Muletta, and just aim them one direction.
Or toss photon-lance grenades everywhere by paying the helios priming cost instead of each individual lance

"*Death* to-"

>>31055468

The Tyrant Burst system ignites - A flare of eye-scorching brilliance, that bleaches all other colours to nothing. Cygnus yowls; His voice strangled into an electronic blurt of surprise - As the Tempest Scrander flares at your back...

>>31055505

The thrust that propels you skyward is as blunt as a grunt of pain - It kicks you into the air with an electric surge, the Tribunal's gravity already dragging you back down; The Emulator Module humming to life, flickering corposant momentarily outlining the bulk of your Nova Cannon-

>>31055436

A perfect mirror-image, the *second* Tau Gun etches itself into existence, your fist clamping around the grip. It feels different, somehow - The weight's off, the matte-black finish a little faded - but the cold blue energy that sears through your limbs, stinging with strength, feeds it anyway.

You wrench both triggers, and blast the tip of Cygnus's rifle into fragments.

"Wha-" he growls, a heartbeat before the induction charge implodes - A second blinding flash joins the first, the fragments of the weapon spinning out of his hands, the bow-wave of the shock buffeting him aside. It takes his hand with it, too - His jointed fingers shattered, scattered like confetti; With a metal-on-metal howl, he hurls the churning sphere he's summoned in your direction-

White vapour blasts forth, in a freezing torrent. The sound - A FWWWOOOMMMM - is a thunderclap of churning smoke, your target lock momentarily broken as the thick, choking mist boils up around you; Your Nova Cannon's beam scythes through the smog, as the Tau Gun cycles - The second blast rips through the mist, smoke swirling to fill in the momentary absence-

(Continued)

Rolled 3

>>31055596

Isn't the Helios array (I'm assuiming its the one that powers helion weaponary) heavy and bulky and constantly drains meter from the carrier as well?

>>31055596
>Joker-carried Helios Array?

Also, I feel like the joker - and his massive energy output - would be better suited to carrying it than someone else.

I'm also wondering if being in the effect of such a helios array - that someone else carrying, or possibly Red Comet mounted - would boost Hellion-tech items like corsair/sword bits, or artifacts like the apex blade.

>>31055611

it IS!

It drains energy from the user constantly, but it both powers and boosts helliontech nearby.

Which..... if we ever fight with the Tristars again, might give them the edge to break the death flag.

We can just lug the thing around on our back mount or whatever, but only turn it on when we need it - or if we want to do serious shit, like multi-gunning graviton cannons.

>>31055609

Third rules question - sorry.

This pertains to the Talon.
A) If we get a heavy fusion cell (or use a light+sidearm), can we hook it to the talon - so that it powers whatever is attached? Instead of slooting the cell into the gun. Reduces risk of losing the cell if we have to eject it significantly.
B> Can we use the the Talon to stabilize the Hailfire for the accuracy alone, assuming we find a way to meet the charging element requirements?
c: If the talon is empty, can it be a power conduit for our Charging Elements?
d: Is a talon+gravity cannon assembly Emulator Chip compatable as a whole, or just part of it?

Rolled 12

>>31055629

Its the last bit I'm worried about.

We count on meter to do alot of things.

Also, we try our best to evade damage rather than tank due to our weak defences, having that big bulky thing weigh us down is going to be very bad for us.

Theres also the fact that we only have two hands and thus can only use at most two hellion heavy weapons (unless we get the additional hardpoint). Beyond the heavy weaponary, none of the hellion arsenal is a match for our own gear and now with the stuff like the emulator module, even the heavy weapons may not match up.

Frankly its too much a trade off for marginal gain. It's better off in a squad setup like the smiler raid.

>>31055596

(At present, you have one Void Anchor active in the original hive - You're holding one more at present. The Helios Array basically renders you unable to use your charging elements, in return for powering all Hellion Weaponry in the vicnity. It also constantly drains Meter from you - Which means that it's extremely hard to gain Meter while using it.

To be blunt, the user of the Helios Array is a sitting duck that's reliant on his allies for protection. It's not very effective on you, since you have greater firepower - And you can easily pay the costs of Hellion weaponry. More, your Assault Shroud doesn't have the finesse to be able to hold multiple firearms - The Muletta is a weapon and a defensive device, but it lacks the fine control to manipulate a trigger.

It was excellent for the other Players in the raid, mostly because they couldn't fire their weapons until they paid the cost. On you, it's...rather less than efficient. It also takes your 'back' slot, which would render you unable to use your Tempest Scrander.)

>>31055655

(Unfortunately, the Talon can't hold a Heavy Fusion Cell - It has to be hooked directly into the weapon. But yes, the Talon can be converted to mount the Hailfire Chaingun. When there's nothing mounted on the Talon, the limb can be used normally.)

(Continued)

>>31055657
>We count on meter to do alot of things.

We have exec_power transfer

> evade damage rather than tank due to our weak defences,
We are -significantly- tougher than before, due to armor and defensive ability upgrades, and the assault shroud really kicking ass lately.

>Theres also the fact that we only have two hands and thus can only use at most two hellion heavy weapons
Muleta. We have Spawn-hands now. This is the reason I'm asking.

If we have the ability to hold even an extra heavy or two - unpowered - without aim or coordination, it suddenly becomes worth thinking about.
Particularly if drone-tech gets powered by it too.

THEN it suddenly becomes worth thinking about - we carry one of these things around, and if we ever want to break out four graviton cannons and fire them till they explode, chucking their detonating carcasses at our enemies - then we have that as an option.

All i'm saying is its worth ~asking~ about, especially if it might save our allies.

Even better would be a modification to the helios array that makes weapons powered by it count as ours for the purposes of damage/meter gain.

And again, I think the joker would be better suited to carrying one since he puts out so much power anyway.

And if its not worth it but we want ally boosting powers?
We can a) turn it off or b)arsenal beacon it up if we want it.

it has potential and seems like its worth asking about, that's all.

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>>31055709
>It also takes your 'back' slot, which would render you unable to use your Tempest Scrander

pic related

>>3055709
>>31055711

Bad timing. My bad, I suck.

Seems like we need a power backpack for a fusion cell - something that can feed power into one of our charging elements, and through us out to a weapon - or just has a cable to hook up to a weapon, instead of risking losing the cell each time we swap.


Then it seems like plan B:
If we put a Helios Array on the Red Comet, it seems like that would help its troop transport mode role
In addition to possibly storing the Halo Shroud - last i recall, the tristars got it out - on it.

I figure both functions would drain the shield mode.

Stealth transport for insertions, and an 'boost our allies once they dismount mode if we feel we have the edge.

>>31055709

(I would say that the Emulator Module only emulates the weapon, not the accessories. If you wanted to fire two Gravity Cannons simultaneously, you'd need two Talons - One on each arm.)

>>31055500

The Nova Cannon shimmers out of existence, it's twin vanishing - You snap-draw the Immolator, your Argus sensor buzzing hungrily as it searches the choking smog. Sound's muted, here; Your vision range reduced as you hunt for a target, as the Emulator Module gathers charge...

Warnings flicker on your HUD - Core temperature's dropping to dangerous levels. When you move, frost crackles against your crimson plate; A film of ice already coating your limbs, gathering density with each moment-

A shape surges from the fog-

Your motions are slowed by the freezing temperatures - But your Muletta moves in your place. Cygnus is behind you; A humming blade extruded from his gauntlet, cleaving down in a vicious swipe. It's meant to take your head; Instead, your Assault Shroud interposes itself - There's a sound like shattering glass, as chips of nanomaterial splinter into the air. You power through the turn, as Shrike Blades knife through the air at him - He bats them aside, with a contemptuous sweep of his cloak, a growl boiling from his throat...

But it's bought you a moment, as he recoils from his failed stroke. Schematics are sketching themselves into existence, around Cygnus's missing gauntlet - Replacing the stump with a rotating cannon, something smaller-gauge than his rifle-

You're *slowing*. More alerts flicker across your sensors - Your armour's resistant to energy, but not as much to *cold*. The mist isn't just playing havoc with your sensors - It's freezing you in place, dulling the response of your myomer musculature. Cygnus, apparently, is immune - Smoke coiling from the thrust vents of his armour as he readdresses, articulated jaw locking as he braces to lunge.

HP: 222.4%
COBALT BOOSTER: 125%
ASSAULT SHROUD: 93%
METER: 28%

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31055753

JqOP, is it making us more brittle too?

Rolled 8

>>31055743

Was an idea to develop our tech. And the Hellion weapons are one of the edges ours and Argent's folks might have.

We'll need to ask our resident tech expert to explore it further.

>>31055753

Huh. Ice.

Well time for MAXIMUM JOKER.

Bring the flame.

Burn him with fire as he lunges, then use our added agility to evade/kick him aside as we draw the Crisis arm+vulcan. Don't emulate it as we need more ranged as well.

Fire the vulcan as we close in.

>>31055776

(Yes, in addition to slowing your motions.)

>>31055778
JOKAH MAXIMUM DRIVU!

>>31055753

Pop BURNING JOKER before he fully retreats catching him in the shrapnel of our armor if possible. Hit him with a plasma shotgun shot. Charge at him on our jetpack then deliver a PISTON PUNCH with our crisis arm.

>>31055753
>Your armour's resistant to energy, but not as much to *cold*. The mist isn't just playing havoc with your sensors - It's freezing you in place, dulling the response of your myomer musculature. Cygnus, apparently, is immune - Smoke coiling from the thrust vents of his armour as he readdresses, articulated jaw locking as he braces to lunge.
Carnifex ON.
Use Cybele's Embem to clear the status effect.
IF that doesn't work, then Burning Joker.

Either way: Use the ejecting armor to camoflage shrike blades. Throw him off balance, and capitalize on the opening with our sudden speed.

GRAB his arm with our muletta, pull him in and the barrel off-center - right into the(potential) flame of the joker, the sinistral, the immolator, and the crisis arm.

Smash him DOWN into the ground, and point-blank boosted flamethrower his face.

If this kills him, look him in the eyes and Exec_reap, maybe Verbatim for All The Questions.

Questions:
1)What Did You Do Today?
1-bonus?) Where can I find your allies
2)Show me your secrets.
2-bonus) tell me what you know about the Smilers

I figure that's a decent mix of 'who the fuck are you, and what useful things do you know?'

>>31055824
>Questions:

I'll admit, I need some good ones too
A) Where can I find your hyades

is another good one.
Something that seriously needs testing:

Finding the secret access to another hyades lair, jokering our way in, fragging them, and running their essence through the Grinder.
Maybe end up with another power?

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>>31055778
>>31055782
>>31055797
>>31055799

Cygnus's blade flickers, and vanishes as he lunges - A blurt of effort wrenched from his voxponder. His sword - A charged blade, needle-pointed and razor-sharp - vanishes, before it's coming right at you. With frost clumping on your limbs, you can't move fast enough...

-Until the Carnifex's crusher snaps down, and your optical sensors glow a nuclear green. Blue flame erupts, as your armour explosively purges itself - Frozen, it shreds in layers, as the wash of fire boils forth from you in a burning halo - the air filled with an expanding starburst of lethal flechettes, whirring out in a flaying storm-

"Rrrrrrrr-!"

Shards punch into Cygnus. Shards punch *through* Cygnus. A lesser Player would flinch away, as the fire engulfs him - But he never slows, not even as rents open up on his armour, not even as the inferno churns around him, boiling upwards in a swirling geyser of flame-

The blow never lands.

The blow never lands, because the fractious blade - Whining as it chatters against superdense matter - stops a fraction of an inch from the mirrored lens of your helmet, as the three grasping talons of your Crisis Arm lock it in place.

(Continued)

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>>31055885
>The blow never lands, because the fractious blade - Whining as it chatters against superdense matter - stops a fraction of an inch from the mirrored lens of your helmet, as the three grasping talons of your Crisis Arm lock it in place.

>>31055885

Final rules question, i think:
Capa + Capote: Can we explore decoys?
Muleta + capa:
capa: In general, can we mix and match module functions? I was imagining, say, deploying a Fortress Mode shield - that explodes outward into shrike blades when people attack through it, or one that explodes inward if we envelop someone else on it.

>>31055941
>Final rules question, i think:

>>31054658
>VOID ANCHORS:

Guess not: This reminded me. If we research that anchor array, does it come with some pre-loaded? Will we have to load our own in? Will the garm's munition-fabrication powers extend to self-manufacturing void anchors over time?

If any of that is true, seems like it might be a one-time bargain cost.

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>>31055885

"You-" Cygnus wrenches back, trying to break your inexorable grip - He's trapped by his own weapon, servos whining as he struggles to pull away. Azure flame swirls and gusts around you like a mantle; His armour already charring, already blackening, his cloak crisping at the edges...

His right arm comes up anyway, as his torso plating irises open-

At point-blank range, he fires. You twitch your head to the side, and the pulse round - So close, you can actually see the ozone that sheathes the shot - screams past your helmet. Shrike Blades hiss over your shoulders, as your Muletta rills and snaps like an unfurling flag in a gale - The hiltless blades punch into his helmet, cracking his golden faceplate, the spikes impaling his optic sensors with a buzz of flayed circuits...

-Then the second Crisis Arm etches itself into existence around your left gauntlet, and your fist explodes through his torso.

Not into. *Through*.

Acceleration rings accumulate as the piston-driven fist blurs through it's first and final trajectory - Before Cygnus's torso cannon can do more than fizz with futile charge - and punches through the very core of his being. Internal structure collapses, beneath your mauling fist - Armour shreds, flaking away as titanium-analogue bones snap; Spalling erupts from the exit wound, twisting apart into ash as the ruinous blue fire consumes him from within...

Cygnus's Essence core doesn't detonate all at once. His crippled form spasms as his artificial nervous system misfires, convulsing in your grasp as you wrench your arm free; His pulse gun triggers, and the round riochets off your kneeguard. Before he can fall, your Void Anchor ejects itself - Already rotating as it reacts to the tide of Essence flooding the boiling air, plunging down onto him, sinking it's hooks home like the legs of a giant mechanical spider-

(Continued)

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>>31055970
>inking it's hooks home like the legs of a giant mechanical spider-

ermagerd, spooky scary hellion tech.

Also, rule 64 joker.

Rolled 16

>>31055970

I wonder if we can reap from him what kind of world his hyades saw.

>>31055970

They never, ever learn. Why do they never learn? Shit, the news of us teaming up to take control of Bug Central should have gotten out by now.

>>31055970

Reap. Reap. REAP. Suck up his Hyades emblem with the Nihl too. Open a portal and befriend her with our fist.

Rolled 17

>>31055994

Hes in the Hyades game. He has to challenge us at some point.

Same for Iron Ogre and Bishamon.

>>31056003
>Same for Iron Ogre and Bishamon.

Hopefully we can get a co-op victory.

and/or find a way to gank someone's hyades and leave the champion intact

>>31055999
NO.

>>31055409
>The blast lifts you from your feet. It's not energy, or radiation - It's raw *force*, and it's like being hit head-on by a brick wall. A brick wall made of tasers.
PUNCHES FROM THE PUNCH DIMENSION
Sorry, just reading up on this thread. But I just had to.

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>>31056026

dick then?

>>31056026

uh. YES.

Don't say no, elaborate on why.

This is an enemy hyades ordering her puppet to gank our faces and lose intentionally

>>31055878
Is still very valid points

>>31056035

Gotta dick 'em all.

>>31055970
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqbjDbnBWgo This is appropriate

Rolled 8

>>31056021

Theres the mild brainwashing effect. Bishamon loves his hyades. Iron Ogre too, maybe.

They're not going to standby and watch as we kill theirs.

>>31055970

Shhhiiit

I hope we didn't lose ALL the essence from the kill.

Daddy needs another upgrade.

>>31054883
>With one day to the Cultural Festiva

So guys, final chance:

Mio asked us to escort her to the festival.

Shit is almost certainly going to go down at the festival, its nearly 100% guaranteed.

The question is: what do we tell her to keep her safe and still like us?
Do we treat it like the time enfer (tried to) bomb the pavilion, and we told her in loose terms it was dangerous and to stay close?
Do we enjoy the red the entire time, and forsake all of our adorable interactions with mio, consigning the autopilot to fuck our girlfriend for us?
Or do we take a chance, and tell her the mildest secrets of the red, enough that she can maybe try to protect herself - not consciously, but enough to concentrate on who she wants her dragon to protect, so that shedoesn't die when we inevitable get dragged into a red world fight and can't escort her?
What do we do when she inevitably blames herself for all the random death at the festival, because she thinks all her powers cause them, and we STILL HAVENT COMFORTED HER ABOUT IT

There are hard questions ahead, anon. Think very well on them.

>>31056061

We have her not come.

Then when everything goes to shit, she doesn't have any need to blame herself.

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>>31055941

(Thinking about it - I would say that the Assault Shroud upgrades only retain their properties while they're still attached. However, now that you mention it, I'll be sure to include an upgrade that allows you to do exactly that, in the next instalment - I'll admit that I hadn't thought of that, myself.)

>>31055969

(It doesn't come pre-loaded; You'll have to create the Void Anchors separately, as they're extremely potent weapons.)

Your fingers curl around Cyngus's fracturing mask-

And you unleash EXEC_REAP upon him. Cybele's Emblem burns with seething light, your optic sensors whirring as Cygnus's sense-memories unfold in a bewildering blur of images - Static fuzzes across your field of view, the sound distorted, blurred. You see-

**********************

"...more. At this rate - You'll never win."

She's beautiful, like all of the Hyades. Even when she's angry, even with lines of worry etched into her pale features; Even when she looks down on you. The sigh pulses from her full lips-

"-It'll be the Red Joker, for sure. Perhaps Luminaire Noir, or Adamant Aegis..."

Her voice trails off. The light of the full moon dapples her lovely features. You move to take her hand, but she draws away - Something like resignation flickers in her eyes.

"I was - *so close*," she breathed - Her slender arms rising to embrace herself. "I can't...I can't *stay* here any longer. I can't, I can't-" Her shoulders tremble, and you say-

"Nephele-"

"What *good* are you?"

You turn your hand over, and your jointed fingers curl into a fist.

"I can kill him." It's a dry sound, blurred with vox-corruption.

She turns, and-

**********************

The memory shatters, is gone.

EXEC_VERBATIM triggers - An echo, a phantom image - and Cygnus's memories unfold again.

(Continued)

>>31056068

Yeah we already agreed to take her, and the event is at her school, so she's going to be there no matter what.

if we drive her away, its only going to make her be alone when bad stuff happens.

I think its going to be time to fess up, in limited amounts, and at least reassure her th.

We can couch it in terms like telling her she has a guardian angels, and asking if her classmates talk about the red world - and using that as a basis for ... not explaining, but reassuring.

As a reminder: I think the revelation that everyone who's randomly 'died' around her has secretly been out to kill her will be a *massive* relief to her everything, by the way.
Remember the way she reacted at the pavilion? She thought ~we~ nearly got hit by the car and *she* caused it, and still blames herself for it because we haven't fucking talked to her about it *ever*, because anon violently refuses to touch their delicate lil waifu in anything close to resembling character development.

>>31056080
>(Thinking about it -
Udabest, JQOP: also: i meant to say: capa+muleta = exploding shrike blades?

>>31056102
>Yeah we already agreed to take her, and the event is at her school, so she's going to be there no matter what.
>>31056068
>Then when everything goes to shit, she doesn't have any need to blame herself.

Well fuck, what ARE we goign to do

>>31056080
>"...more. At this rate - You'll never win."
>She's beautiful, like all of the Hyades. Even when she's angry, even with lines of worry etched into her pale features; Even when she looks down on you. The sigh pulses from her full lips-
>"-It'll be the Red Joker, for sure. Perhaps Luminaire Noir, or Adamant Aegis..."
>Her voice trails off. The light of the full moon dapples her lovely features. You move to take her hand, but she draws away - Something like resignation flickers in her eyes.
>"I was - *so close*," she breathed - Her slender arms rising to embrace herself. "I can't...I can't *stay* here any longer. I can't, I can't-" Her shoulders tremble, and you say-
>"Nephele-"
>"What *good* are you?"
>You turn your hand over, and your jointed fingers curl into a fist.
>"I can kill him." It's a dry sound, blurred with vox-corruption.
>She turns, and-
Huh.
So we have inverted power balance with our Hyades?


Also, does the Emulator Module work on the Vulcans?

>>31056080

With a bit of work we too can have our own personal harem of lovesick sociopaths.

>>31056080

All the hyades are such bitches.

>>31056117
You try being stuck on a moon with only yourself for incredibly long periods of time.

>>31056115
>With a bit of work we too can have our own personal harem of lovesick sociopaths.

Nah. I just wanna throw them in the Grinder and get extra hyades powers

>>31056102
>>31056108
...Maybe it's time to have the talk with her?

Rolled 6

>>31056112
>Also, does the Emulator Module work on the Vulcans?

Why would it need to? We have one for each hand?

More to the point, JokerOP clarified that at this point, the emulator can only emulate our relic weaponry and not internal.

>>31056123

Do you have no sense of wonder?

Think of all of the cool swag they've got stashed on their evil moonbases.

Rolled 14

>>31056108
tell her to go home?

>>31056143

Yeah that's basically like telling someone to go home on their birthday.

Shit only happens once ever 10 years.

What you're proposing is Not An Option.

Megeara is tough, but she'd be tougher with some confidence behind her.

Or, we could unlock the Joker Memory tonight.

Nihl's Opening Properties + Hollow Sun's analytical properties, we ought to be able to crack the puzzle box.

Gotta do that shit eventually!

>>31056182
This. Focus on things that matter people.

Rolled 1

>>31056162

It gets her and her monster away from the field when bad things are going down.

She doesn't get hurt, she doesn't blame herself, she doesn't get multiple bystander players killed.

If she feels bad about being sent back, we can make up for it but I'm not going to prop up her self-esteem over people's lives.

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>>31056080

STAGE: TIR NA NÓG

The chamber is bathed in aurora light. The air hums with charge, as your footsteps clomp on the heavy, matte-grey platform. Coolant vapour rolls like mist in the yellow light; Overhead, the overlapping rings of the machine - Baroque, intricate - glows with gathering charge.

Power builds. It builds to a painful pitch.

"-Bring me to where he is?"

Your voice is flat, affectless. You check the load of your modular rifle.

"Yes~" Chiffon Doll's voice is lilting, eager, as she paces ahead of you - Her segmented limbs gleaming in the alien light, her crested helmet tilted to the side as she regards you. "Licorice, is it ready?"

"Ready-!" comes the answer. The slender Player picks her way forward, her pace slower, measured. Chiffon chatters on, in the same light, casual tone; "-It's how we watch the others, you see. We can't leave for *too* long, so..."

"Chiffon-"

"...Fine." She turns her helm up, with a huff. "You're not interested, anyway."

As the platform revolves and expands, Licorice steps away from the bank of controls, joining you on the center ring. Chiffon skips forward, her hands clasped behind her back - You can feel the excitement, the barely-contained anticipation that coils through every fibre of her being.

"Normally, we wouldn't do something like this, but..."

And before the teleport burst scorches and jolts you, before the world vanishes in white-

"...The Red Joker is our favourite, too."

(Continued)

>>31056195
>"...The Red Joker is our favourite, too."

Oh hell i'm glad we did this

>>31054982
>WHITE LICORICE
>CHIFFON DOLL
THEY"RE SPECTATING. Time to get Answers!

Rolled 15

>>31056195

what.

what. That's Cybele's stage, what the fuck. Who are these girls.

I am so glad we reaped this guy.

>>31056202
>THEY"RE SPECTATING. Time to get Answers!
Horrow?

>>31056203
All the Hyades are the moon... Except Alura. If Alura isn't the Black Joker.

It's interesting that those girls can meet each other on the stage, though.

>>31056195

Reality reasserts itself, as Cygnus's helm fractures further beneath your crushing grasp. The Void Anchor phases out of existence, the Carnifex disengaging with an audible *clack* of release - The vents in your armour sealing themselves, as your mantle of blue flame dies away.

From the viewing gallery above, a tongue of stone extrudes itself - Forming into steps, the mimetic material configuring itself into new shapes. Above, Bishamon steps down from his pedestal, as the blurred shapes in the bleachers above fade away; He's been watching you intently, and you can sense the tension in every motion.

...Not *all* the blurred shapes, though.

White Licorice and Chiffon Doll are conferring - The former resting an albaster hand on the latter's arm, speaking in low tones. Licorice hesitates, and looks up; A quick, searching glance that reveals nothing.

[ ] Speak with Bishamon.
[ ] Approach White Licorice/Chiffon Doll.
[ ] Leave the Red World.
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31056228
>[x] Approach White Licorice/Chiffon Doll.

"How did you girls get down here?"

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>>31056228

(My apologies, I forgot the image.)

>>31056228
>[ ] Approach White Licorice/Chiffon Doll.

Walk over that way.

Give bishamon a *look* just casting over the crowd, lingering on him a moment. Just let him know.

[ ] Free
And... look for a way to get OUT of the stage.

Either drag someone in, or for us to get out free among the crowds.

This is a theatre! there should be doors offstage, if hte red mirros the real!

>>31056080

Guys, would you say that Nephele is MORE or LESS hot than Cybele? Honest question.

>>31056228

Approach the ladies.

"The Red Joker is your favorite, huh? He seems like a honest, nice fella."

Rolled 11

>>31056228

Nod at Bishamon. Do that vague 'I'll talk to you later' thing.

[ ] Approach White Licorice/Chiffon Doll.

"The moon must be awfully close tonight.

Why did you bring him here?"

>>31056228

Damnit, do not forget to burn our emblem into the stage. And be sure to get our fans' phone numbers and hand out autographs. Showmanship friend.

>>31056248

I like your style, but.... don't let them know we know. maybe.

"Hey. Enjoy the show?"

Also.... give them a covert scan with our Argus (i almost typed nihl but haha no not in front of a crowd), since its reasonable it would still be active after a fight, and we can play it off as deactivating it.

>>31056228
>[ ] Approach White Licorice/Chiffon Doll.
"I didn't know that Tir Na Nóg was a possible meeting place for people.
So are you all champions of Nephele or was he the only champion?"

>>31056256
>>31056239

> Nod at Bishamon. Do that vague 'I'll talk to you later' thing.
> Give bishamon a *look* just casting over the crowd, lingering on him a moment. Just let him know.

Without features or the slight tics of your flesh body, you'd think it'd be harder to get the message across. Still - Bishamon seems to get the gist of it. He nods back, fractionally - Hovering at a distance, like a chaperone.

>>31056267

The fires of EXEC_HARROW flicker at your jointed fingers, as your Cobalt Booster recharges. When you release them, violet flame scorches across the floor of the Tribunal, in your grinning mark - They continue to burn, as you ascend the steps, the vanes of your Tempest Scrander folding against your back. Ice shatters, as your Assault Shroud sloughs off the damaged nanomaterial; New fibers overlapping the old.

> "...hino, we have to go-"
> "...ut he's coming this way - He's *looking* at us!"
> "-ine, but I disapprove."

> [X] Approach White Licorice/Chiffon Doll.

> "The Red Joker is your favorite, huh? He seems like a honest, nice fella."

Chiffon Doll starts, at your words - She shakes off Licorice's warning hand, and steps forward - both hands clasped together before her, as she bows her head. "He's *talking* to me!" she whispers, sotto voice, before clearing his throat - A crackling electronic sound.

> "Hey. Enjoy the show?"

"Ah, I wasn't watching the show~" Chiffon answers - Her hand comes up, her slender fingers stroking against the side of her helm; It's a puzzling gesture, before it clicks. She's move to brush stray strands of (non-existent) hair back from (non-existent eyes).

She's silent, for dramatic effect - Players can't smile, but you can tell she's trying. "...I was watching you."

Behind her, White Licorice sighs, audibly - She mutters something that sounds like "- I knew this was a bad idea."

(Continued)

>>31056333
>"...I was watching you."
I think she's a new player and wanted to learn from the best.
...Or something.

>>31056333
>hino

THATS a fucking clue.

Who do we know by the name of 'hino?'

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Rolled 16

>>31056355

>>31056355

>new player

Give her to Spaghetti-san. She needs a strong, stoic individual who may or may not spill pasta from his pockets when a female interacts with him. We're not really a good roll model now unless she really enjoys killing people.

And clothes.

Probably would fit into our harem then...

>>31056393
>Probably would fit into our harem then...

NOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Rolled 16

Anyone else salivating at the prospect of all that potential hollow sub charge from this anchor?

>>31056395
Joker's harem - A fate worse than death for all involved.

>>31056371

Hmn. Since the first letter's cut off...
if my hiragana lessons still work, that means...

Chino.

>>31056426
Should have done this threads ago! Dunno why we waited so long.
Oh wait.

>>31056333

"-Licorice!"

Chiffon Doll rounds on her, her hands coming to rest on her hips - Another odd thing. Players, in general, tend to lose the cues - The quirks - that come with the human form; They, however, have not.

>>31056270

She cants her head to the side, at your words - Shooting an imploring glance at Licorice. The other girl checks a sigh; "-His Hyades," she says. White Licorice's helmet tips upwards, to indicate the Emblem on your shoulder. "Like the one he has," she adds, warning in her tone.

"You're such a spoilsport, Licorice."

> "The moon must be awfully close tonight. Why did you bring him here?"

Licorice - Clearly faster on the uptake than her companion - stiffens; A soft hiss pulses from her speaker.

Chiffon just shrugs; "He *wanted* to be here. He wanted to fight you! If we didn't let him...He'd have been unreasonable about it." A finger scratches at the side of her helm. "Ah ~ Was that bad?"

"We don't know anything else," White Licorice cuts in. She pushes forward, past Chiffon - Fixing the other Player with a glare. "Isn't that right?"

> "How did you girls get down here?"

"That's-"

"That's a *secret*. It's a secret, because if we knew anything - And I'm not saying we do - we'll be in *trouble* if we *told* you."

"-*Isn't that right, Chiffon*?"

Even filtered of all emotion, White Licorice's tone is icy.

[ ] Free.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

Rolled 19

>>31056446

Glance at them.

Are they armed?

Just curious. Want to know if they're capable of defending themselves.

>>31056080

Good god, the women are such evil, manipulative bitches.

>>31056446
>"That's a *secret*. It's a secret, because if we knew anything - And I'm not saying we do - we'll be in *trouble* if we *told* you."

"Are you ... proposing a trade, then? ..or to show me." flirt back.

Rolled 12

>>31056473

Add to Chiffon: "Would you tell me for a hug?"

>>31056465

Ah, hell.
Hasn't one of the smiler's hyades figured this trick out?

Which means the probably shared it with the hyades on their side.

But yeah, it seems ALL the other hyades players have managed this trick, except us.

Which means we might have a chance at hurting them directly.... or making allies.

>>31056473
Counter-offer, depending on whether they're resistant or not.
We could offer to tell them a secret of getting to the *real*. Not details, just that it's possible.

>>31056446

"I like secrets. C'mon, you can tell me. I'll even give you an autograph."

"Say, you're on the up-and-up while I'm floundering about. Say we work out a deal, you're down a champion, I'm reasonably competent at causing mayhem and killing Players......."

>>31056497
>Add to Chiffon: "Would you tell me for a hug?"

Ugh. No. Don't be creepy.

Instead "I can be pretty persuasive when people aren't trying to kill me"

>>31056511
>"Say, you're on the up-and-up while I'm floundering about. Say we work out a deal, you're down a champion, I'm reasonably competent at causing mayhem and killing Players......."

Hey. Heey.
>>31056499
>Hasn't one of the smiler's hyades figured this trick out?


There's making friends, and then there's pushing it.

Don't accept traps from enemy hyades, or betray our own. Cybele, wierd as she is, has had our back so far.

>>31056512

Shes in full fangirl mode. The things they'll pay for stuff of their idols. If we could detach something like some of our assault shrouds nanomaterial, i'll be up for that but I don't think it'll last past this stage.

>>31056525

It's keeping our friends close and enemies closer. If we know what the other Hyades' are gaming for, we can better prepare and also weasel information out of them if we successfully kill their targets they send after us (we would get to cherrypick which ones we go after, of course).

Plus Cybele would still be the Number 1. Everyone else would be the Mistress.

>>31056557
>Plus Cybele would still be the Number 1. Everyone else would be the Mistress.

Hell no.

Cybele is a terrible waifu.

Right now she is but a battery.

>>31056535

We could Armory beacon a disposable, memento, red joker icon - not like the full essence costing squadlinks, but something we could sign, if we really wanted to.

Also, something I wanted to point out.

Starting battle stats
COBALT BOOSTER: 150%
METER: 15%

With gauntlet:
Exec_smite = 104%
Exec_reap = 60%
Exec_power_transfer: Allows you to freely utilize your COBALT BOOSTER as your METER ... And, less frequently, vice-versa.

If we want to initiate combat without drawing weapons, before they can teleport back to sanctuary - we have the means to just drop a smite+Reap at the expense of EVERYthing - immediately.

if we really, really, really want that secret.

>>31056562
I agree with this.

As far as my mental reasoning goes for cybele - ESPECIALLY after we told her we have real life friends n stuff - is that we feel sorry as fuck for her being trapped in the red, due to our experiences in the same - what we've settled on, and the sex has cemented - is a willingness to do everything in our power to give her an equal chance, that all the other girls have, by bringing her to the Real.
This also means we're on a time limit, because if argent finishes his work, she's gone for GOOD.

Mio and Hecate are my #1's. Mio less so because anon's gonna get her killed and/or make her reject us by not being slightly forthcoming with her, and hecate because she's either dead, or twisted by pazuzu into something that will make us rage, hate, or die.

>>31056598

Oh lul.

164% for reap+smite. Thats fucking hilarious.

>>31056499
What trick? I don't quite follow.

>>31056562

>terrible waifu

She's the secondary yandere man. Keep her and Mio both at number 1 to avoid any complications.

The only thing we'd haft to work hard to avoid is the NICE BOAT.

>>31056465

Your Argus sensor hums, softly, as the discreet scan sweeps across them. The results are-

...Interesting.

Their forms seem to be more - basic - than yours. Perhaps that isn't the right word; 'Sophisticated' might be better. Or 'delicate'. Your armour, even in it's most advanced iteration, is a brutal thing - Like a machine built for heavy construction, for resilience and firepower. An industrial-strength frame, meant for a singular purpose.

They don't have any obvious weapons, which may mean nothing - Still, the lack of clear armament is something to take notice of. More; They seem to be based on the same chassis - Slender, tapering, graceful - with a reduced sensor profile and myomer density...

> "Are you ... proposing a trade, then? ..or to show me." flirt back.

Licorice blinks, wrong-footed. "I'm not - I wouldn't - I..." she sputters, momentary off-balance - "-I don't..."

"Aaaah, Licorice is blushing~!"

"I'm *not*!" More forcefully, this time, her voice rising to a shout - Enough to make Bishamon's head turn, his angular profile tensing in surprise. Licorice clears her throat, drawing a breath she doesn't need - Then, rather more sullenly; "...I'm not."

> "I can be pretty persuasive when people aren't trying to kill me."
>>31056511

"-Mmmm." Chiffon turns her head; "...Licorice, how about it?" There's a teasing lilt to her voice - "Didn't you want to kill that 'bitch in 3-J'...?"

"No!" Licorice sounds mortified. "Chiffon, don't even joke about *that*-! That's terrible!"

(Continued)

>>31056606

Not being fucking stuck on the moon.

Rust Kaiser? - alura - also spectates arena events.

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Rolled 6

>>31056611
>"-Mmmm." Chiffon turns her head; "...Licorice, how about it?" There's a teasing lilt to her voice - "Didn't you want to kill that 'bitch in 3-J'...?"
>"No!" Licorice sounds mortified. "Chiffon, don't even joke about *that*-! That's terrible!"

Huh...

They're not hyades. They're actual players. People...

How did they manage to manipulate the Hyades stages...

Wheres wata, he'll have a field day with this thread.

>>31056611

> "I'll even give you an autograph."

"Really? Could you really? Could you make it a mark on my hand, or-"

Chiffon stops, mid-sentence. She's looking over your shoulder - When you follow her glance, you glimpse the luminous glow of blue light; An intricate pattern in the shape of...

-In the shape of the Emblem you're wearing, actually.

It seems that Cybele's listening in.

"Um...What's that?"

[ ] "Don't worry about it."
[ ] "-It's my Hyades."
[ ] "I'll deal with it later."
[ ] "Apparently, someone's keeping an eye on me."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31056646
>[ ] Free

""Someone else who wants to leave the moon, I think.... but doesn't know how."

reach up and touch the emblem, on instinct

>>31056646

Shit. Cybele's pissed off by our flirting.

>>31056656
>but doesn't know how."

>YET

Rolled 20

>>31056646

Goddammit Cybele.

You are the worst girl. You're cockblocking us from good intel.

> [ ] other
"Looks like a fan of mine. No matter."

Go back to our dealings. We finish this here before we settle this with cybele.

>>31056656

Lets not. We shouldn't let them know about that being cybele.

>>31056646

"Now now. A guy's gotta keep his fans happy or their will be a mutiny. Would you like to come out and say 'hi', dear?"

>>31056659

>flirting

Please. This is simply Joker's natural instinct when a human being without a penis interacts with him. It always burns him in the long run, but still.

>>31056646
>"Um...What's that?"
Someone who doesn't need an autograph because she already has something better.

We can give her our Joker icon.

Also, why the fuck did you guys think that they are Hyades? Now I understand why I couldn't follow your discussion at all.

>>31056678
>"Now now. A guy's gotta keep his fans happy or their will be a mutiny. Would you like to come out and say 'hi', dear?"

Alright. Sure

Also, JQOP, I figured out what you're doing with Mio, and you're a bastard for it. Well fucking played, though.

Okay, so? Mio's so enthralling because she figured out how to Quit The game, right? She's got a dragon-defender, but is marvelously unaware of the red!
You know who else is? Autopilots.
The REAL mio is trapped in the red, begging us to free her, by the events of the last cycle. The old red joker was her champion - which is why she almost recognized us, and also why her symbol resonated with our armor, the ghost of a past choice. Yes, thats a long damn time ago.
Mio is an autopilot left running so long, she's kind of become self-aware to the rules in which she's been created.
Megeara is one of two things: A dragon sent to guard/keep her at bay/from being released (by hellebore?)
Or a clever corrector that's figured out how to lay traps - lying in wait for people that sense an easy kill to the host body, and eating them up, lil by little, over the years. And eventually got so red-world fat, she's formed a symbiotic/parasitic protective relationship with Mio's autopilot body
What this means is that serious shit went down last time: the Old Joker WON the hyades game, got his gal to the real again, and THEN she got trapped - likely during the time the armor swapped to us, and inconsistencies with the misericorde ripping out the old joker from the armor and leaving the connection open
I also think the misericorde isn't just a weapon vs the joker. Its a safe/sacred means to pass the armor down to the next user by ritual - and its also a backup tool. Its a surgically precise backdoor to the RJ that targets -every- weakness of the user and excises it. This sounds awfully like a 100% precise datarip that deposits the old users essence in the joker memory storage. A joker holocron if you will. This means its ESPECIALLY crucial to get that thing open, and also that the misericorde is possibly the key to unlock it

>>31056646
>[x ] "55996494 50."

>>31056723
>I also think the misericorde isn't just a weapon vs the joker. Its a safe/sacred means to pass the armor down to the next user by ritual
Fuck. This would explain a LOT, like how we started with the misericorde, having gotten it from the first RJ, and also why the old joker's memory exists when it shouldn't. And also the white joker's comment about not being able to make your own weapons/having that function locked - we got reset to defaults..

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>>31056723
That sounds fucking horrifying.

Rolled 10

>>31056723

so use the misercorde to stab the red joker's memories?

> "Now now. A guy's gotta keep his fans happy or their will be a mutiny. Would you like to come out and say 'hi', dear?"
>>31056707

The light flickers - Sullenly, to your mind - and dims. It's still present, but the urgent blue glow fades to a faint background radiance. Chiffon doesn't quite pout - She's probably pouting...

-Okay, she's definently pouting.

"-I *told* you so," White Licorice murmurs. "I *told* you-"

She's silenced by another quick, savage look.

> "Looks like a fan of mine. No matter."
> We can give her our Joker icon.

You have a few badges remaining, from the raid. Tyrian Edge's copies of the Black Tri-Star icons; You're not sure where you got this one from - Whether you retrieved it from a burning, blasted husk, or simply never gave it away in the first place.

"Ah-" Chiffon's slender fingers curl around the icon, as she exhales in delight. "...It's pretty." She moves to pin it to her armour - Then hesitates, as if something's occured to her. Instead, she just holds it in a loose fist, as she lets her hand fall to her side.

"Thank you very much!"

"Oh, here we go," White Licorice mutters - You note that there's a slightly envious note edge to her voice, her pose - even as she turns her head up and away, as if it's all beneath her.

Chiffon's gaze settles on you - "We don't have too much time left, but..." a glance over her shoulder, at her companion. "...It can't hurt if you *ask*~"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31056723
>The REAL mio is trapped in the red, begging us to free her, by the events of the last cycle

>This means its ESPECIALLY crucial to get that thing open, and also that the misericorde is possibly the key to unlock it

welp. If this is true, we should look into it.Or have the Tri-stars do it. There's a lot of other stuff going on.

>>31056723

It is heavily, heavily implied that the Red Joker let us use it to kill him. I agree that it was very likely part of his succession plan.

>>31056756

"Hey."

Toss one to Chiffon as well.

>>31056723
huh, I've never thought of using the misericorde on the Old Joker's memory...good point there

Rolled 16

>>31056756

"It can't hurt indeed. What is it?"

>>31056769

Fair point...

>>31056772

Yea, give Chiffon one as well.

>>31056723
>I also think the misericorde isn't just a weapon vs the joker. Its a safe/sacred means to pass the armor down to the next user by ritual - and its also a backup tool.
Are you telling me that there are people who didn't realize it?
Yes, it's a tool specificly for passing down the armor. I thought that was the implication from the get-go.

However, if you are right, this might mean that saving Cybele is mutually exclusive with saving Mio.

>>31056644
Dealing with sickness and hay fever simultaneously. I'm headed back to bed as soon as the medicine kicks in.

Licorice and Chiffon are both a kind of sweet (though Chiffon can also refer to a kind of cloth). They're female players attending the girls' school, probably newer Players since they haven't adapted to the limitations of the player form.

>>31056656
I don't think they're Hyades. There's something else going on here.

>>31056756
Is this an opening to ask a question of our own?

And aww, they're sad we have a Hyades. That's weirdly adorable.

>>31056792

> Is this an opening to ask a question of our own?

(Ah, yes. My apologies: I should've been more clear. Also, hope you get better soon - That sounds terrible to deal with.)

>>31056792
>though Chiffon can also refer to a kind of cloth
I associate Chiffon with a teddy bear with digestive issues.

>>31056783
>"It can't hurt indeed. What is it?"
This sounds good.

>>31056756
>[ ] Free

"Alright... please tell me your secret, then, and how I can help you not get in trouble. "

>>31056792
>I don't think they're Hyades. There's something else going on here.
Agreed. Perahps people moving into the power vacuum from dead/deceased hyades?

>>31056785
>However, if you are right, this might mean that saving Cybele is mutually exclusive with saving Mio.
I don't think so - I think Mio is a regular player, wh's just having a 'trapped in hell' incident. We manage to free her, and she'll revert to her usual body, just like a regular player.
Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut this may kill the mio we now when the autopilot takes over. Or it may give us a girl way more wonderful - the complete version that she's half-based on.

>>31056756
Cool. We made a good impression. Now those two will go off and tell others we're not a raving psychopath. We are, but only against the Smilers now.

"Nice meeting a fan who doesn't shoot first. Good meeting you too."

>>31056783
>>31056772

While we're handing out beacons, we may as well give a quick rundown on what they do encase they really want to get our attention.

We also haft to give something to Cybele now guys or she'll go full crazy and cut off our go-juice again.

>>31056809
>"Alright... please tell me your secret, then, and how I can help you not get in trouble. "

For what its worth, I was almost going to phrase this with "the secret of leaving the moon, Not just for me, I know at least one other person who'd be quite grateful".

Not sure which version fits better, I'll let JQop decide which is more fitting/ eloquent

>>31056813
>We also haft to give something to Cybele now guys or she'll go full crazy and cut off our go-juice again.

Actually, I don't think she's jealous.

I think she's listening in, and going 'OMG I WANNA LEAVE THE MOON SEND HIM A SIGN SEND HIM A SIGN' and letting us know this Is Important To Her the only way she can.

She's not jealous. She's -desperate- for human contact tho. She would - and is - jumping at the chance to do so.

>>31056809
>Or it may give us a girl way more wonderful - the complete version that she's half-based on.
It also locks the Mio route because original Mio was in love with original RJ.
So it would be one yandere issue less.

>>31056813
>We also haft to give something to Cybele now guys or she'll go full crazy and cut off our go-juice again.
I want to bring her a hairclip or something from the real.

>>31056826
>It also locks the Mio route because original Mio was in love with original RJ.

routelock is a fucking dirty word, and JQOP has proven time and again that he writes real people who act like real people, not video game scripts.
Stop using social crutches

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>>31056813
>While we're handing out beacons, we may as well give a quick rundown on what they do encase they really want to get our attention.

Lets not.

Do you really want fangirls knocking at your door?

>>31056792
>And aww, they're sad we have a Hyades. That's weirdly adorable.

Oh....


Oh shit.

No wonder they're sad. They've just revealed that they know that a hyades uses a form of mind control on their champion. That the champion is induced to love their hyades.

No wonder they're sad. They think that Red Joker's heart already is locked onto his Hyades.

And in doing so they've revealed they know ALOT about the Hyades games. Way way too much.

>>31056800
>> Is this an opening to ask a question of our own?

Not the question you're hoping for, but JQOP, care to comment on >>31056723
Is any of this things we could reasonable have figured out in-character? and/or have supporting/detracting knowledge that we, the players, have lost? A hint or two might be nice.

>>31056800
It's not fun, but at least I can breathe now.

A question then... "How do you use Tir Na Nog to move around? What is special about that stage? I happen to be *very* interested."

It's probably Hyade power-->gate, but I want to know what's up with the stage.

>>31056813
We don't tell them what the Emblem does and we track them down later.

>>31056823
She's being jealous, actually.

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>>31056842

>fangirls knocking at your door

I'd be happy with any girl knocking at my door.

>>31056756
>"...It can't hurt if you *ask*~"

>>31056842
>And in doing so they've revealed they know ALOT about the Hyades games. Way way too much.
FFfffffffffffffffff.
They're the judges?

"....who are you, really, and what aren't you telling me?"

>>31056863
>She's being jealous, actually.

If she was being jealous, she'd remote-teleport us back to her like a jealous lover jerking on our leash.

She's just giving us a mild sign, casting a light.

>>31056863
>"How do you use Tir Na Nog to move around? What is special about that stage? I happen to be *very* interested."

I'll second this as our question. Sure, why not.

>>31056842
>And in doing so they've revealed they know ALOT about the Hyades games. Way way too much.
I think the dude was a friend of them, who introduced them to the game.
He also happened to be a Hyades champion.

>>31056840
I meant that it resets our progress with her and means that we can leave her guilt-free.
Same with Cybele once we get her into the real.
So we can go back to Hecate. Hecate is likely the case where not going for the relationship would end up worse than doing it with the other two.

>>31056870
>FFfffffffffffffffff.
>They're the judges?
GUYS STOP JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS

Why in the fucking fuck is everyone thinking that those girls are Hyades or Judges or whatever?
They are obviously new players who aren't used to their Red World bodies.

>>31056905

>you must be this paranoid to participate.jpg

>>31056905
> Toss one to White Licorice as well.
>>31056783

Startled, she nearly fumbles the catch - For a moment, she juggles the icon, before she clasps both hands around it. Licorice's head dips down - She goes absolutely quiet, her form ever-so-slightly hunched.

"-Awww, he gave you one too~" Chiffon giggles - "...Look, they match! Isn't that...Lico~? Oh-" she glances back at you, one hand placed at the side of her mouth. "...Ahhhh, now we've done it - She gets embarrassed *really*, really easily~"

"I'm not!" Licorice cuts in. Then, in a small voice - "...It's just nice, that's all."

> While we're handing out beacons, we may as well give a quick rundown on what they do encase they really want to get our attention.

"We can *call* you with them?" Chiffon's voice takes on a note of wonder. "Ehehehe ~ Somehow, that makes me happy..."

-Well, she can't exactly call you, but that's about close enough.

> "It can't hurt indeed. What is it?"
> "....who are you, really, and what aren't you telling me?"
> "How do you use Tir Na Nog to move around? What is special about that stage? I happen to be *very* interested."

Chiffon hesitates. Her earlier levity has faded, now - This is, to her, deadly serious. She draws a slow breath - Pressing her hand to her chest, as she begins, carefully...

"We're not...*Like* you," she offers, by way of explanation. "Our bodies, they aren't...They're not where we *are*. They're - We're - somewhere else. Somewhere safe." A glance over her shoulder, as if hoping for moral support.

"We're not - Ummmm - we're not like the Ladies at all. Not like the - beautiful, kind Ladies." Another hiss of breath. "We...know about them, though. And we know that - You're coming to where we are - Our bodies, I mean, not this one - very soon. Because of..."

She nods, meaningfully, at the Emblem on your shoulder.

(Continued)

>>31056899
>I meant that it resets our progress with her and means that we can leave her guilt-free.

Yeah. That's agood thought
Except we're the red joker, and we don't get off that easy.

What do you say?
Do you think we are bad enough dudes to live up to the Old Joker's legacy, and put his ghosts to rest?
Dare we be truthful with a woman, for once in our life, even if it means losing her and being with someone else?

Full Speed Ahead

>>31056905
>JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS
>>31056611
>Your Argus sensor hums, softly, as the discreet scan sweeps across them. The results are-

They're not regular players though.

They're unarmed, unarmored girls.

That means hyhades, or....

.... moratoriums?

>>31056879
Or she'd flare her emblem to mark her property/summon us back. I don't think she can arbitrarily yank us back without a large expenditure of energy.

>>31056887
They're not broken up about this, and they have connections to the Hyades but don't induce a champion to attack them. There's something odd about that.

Actually damn, why don't we get them to introduce themselves? "Who--and what-- are you?"

>>31056923
>"Who--and what-- are you?"

I already asked that, anon. Hopefully JQOP processes it

>>31056923

Hey wata.

What do you say these are the players of the OTHER side of the game?
The echoes of people like Kazuya, who solidify the red, hold the fort down - the defenders of the natural world, the anti-red, that only start to appear when the veils are *seriously* blurred.

>>31056922
>They're not regular players though.
>They're unarmed, unarmored girls.
>That means hyhades, or....
>.... moratoriums?
They don't look like girls.
They have armored bodies without facial expressions.

>>31056915

>we can call you with them?

Hehe.. hehehe... Now we wait for her to go.. wherever she goes on that stage and we Nihl warp in with cake.

>>31056915
>"We're not - Ummmm - we're not like the Ladies at all. Not like the - beautiful, kind Ladies." Another hiss of breath. "We...know about them, though. And we know that - You're coming to where we are - Our bodies, I mean, not this one - very soon. Because of..."
>She nods, meaningfully, at the Emblem on your shoulder.
I'm pretty sure that they are somehow related to the Smilers *and* to the Hyades. Maybe they are like Hecate, except not Moratorium.

>>31056946

Something I want to get in to this thread - hopefully after this scene, after a beat and the current things happen, but before we log out

[x]Free: Look around for Inox Fang. The first one. THey were part of the theatre cast when the first one died. If they've sworn revenge..... get it out of the way now. Or. Try to make peace.
Either way, that second half of the emblem we've been carrying forever should be laid to rest - either with them(as a mememto of their twin), or with us(threatining to take it at gunpoint, but honoring natsumi's wishes that we don't kill them)

>>31056948

>don't look like girls
>obviously attracted to RJ

You lost me bro. You lost me. Unless they're traps..

>>31056915

A pause, as if she's venturing into deep, dark territory. "...We know you're going to have to - *fight* for them. That's...very soon, too. We're not...*on*...the Moon, we're at the place the Moon is *going to be*..." Chiffon fidgets, uncomfortable. "And, ummm, I've already said too much-"

She stops, mid-sentence. Motes boil from her form - They lift from Chiffon's cream-yellow, slender shape in a blizzard of glittering particles. A hiss of annoyance pulses from her speakers; "...Already? We're going back already-"

"Oh, *thank God*," White Licorice sighs, with evident relief. "Chiffon-"

Her voice rises in a gasp of unalloyed horror, as - Absolutely without warning - Chiffon takes a step forward - both her hands closing on yours.

"-I'm Shino! Shino Funade, Class 2-H! Joker, when you get to-"

White Licorice - Already fading - steps forward; Her dissolving hand passes through Chiffon, in a futile sweep. It seems to disrupt her dispersing form - Chiffon's words blurring to indecipherability, for a precious moment.

"-please come find me! Find me at the Fest-"

And then they're gone. They're gone, as if they'd never been.

"...What was that?" You can register the confusion in Bishamon's voice, as he moves within earshot. "Joker, what just happened?"

[ ] "...I'm not sure."
[ ] "Just some fans of mine."
[ ] "-Someone's in trouble, that's all."
[ ] "Never mind me. What's up with you?"
[ ] "I have to go. My Hyades is calling me."
[ ] "We've spent far too long here. I'll meet you on the other side."
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

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>>31057002

(My apologies, I forgot the image.)

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>>31057002
>the place where the moon is going to be
Well that doesnt sound ominous or anything.

>>31057002

[x] "I have to go. My Hyades is calling me."

>>31056611
>3-J'...?"

Ah! so that's a classroom.

Hey JQOP: knowledge check. Who do we know in there? natsumi?

>>31057002
>"Joker, what just happened?"
"A warning. A pretty serious one, it looks like. No matter what happens in the hyades endgame, I don't want to fight you. Promise me that, and that you won't let your love convince me i'm your enemy."
"..and whatever it is, its upset mine. I need to check in - she wouldn't say anything if it wasn't important."

>>31057002
>[ ] "...I'm not sure."
>[ ] "What did you want?"

...Damn, thats bait and I think we're gonna have to bite it.

Oh yes, JokerOP, purchase another Void Anchor please and have it equipped on our heavy slot. We need one for putting down as and when we please.

>>31057002
>"...What was that?" You can register the confusion in Bishamon's voice, as he moves within earshot. "Joker, what just happened?"
"I think I just found even more girls to save. Coincidentally, this might also help Cybele.

Cybele, can you only hear me or can you speak through the emblem? One flicker for yes, two for no."

>>31057002

"Something that has answered a few of my questions while also bringing up far more. Did you get anything out of that.. that.. exchange besides that I'm crazy?"

>>31057002
>[ ] Free

"And remember about the death flag. Keep our friend *safe* during the festival. Or at least armor him up."

>>31057032
>Oh yes, JokerOP, purchase another Void Anchor please and have it equipped on our heavy slot. We need one for putting down as and when we please.
AMEN.

Anything worth getting at 10%?
Talon? Microscale suspensor? Second heavy slot is tempting! heavy fusion?

>>31057031
>Hey JQOP: knowledge check. Who do we know in there? natsumi?
She talked about the festival. She's at Mio's school.

>>31057031

> Hey JQOP: knowledge check. Who do we know in there? natsumi?

(Natsumi is in second year, like you. You don't recall anything particularly notable about that classroom.)

>>31057037
>Cybele, can you only hear me or can you speak through the emblem? One flicker for yes, two for no."

Yes. Yes yes yes.

Establishing comms and morse is important as fuck

>>31057047
>Talon? Microscale suspensor? Second heavy slot is tempting! heavy fusion?
TELEPORT HOMER AND TANK AI
We WILL need the ability to call our tank.

>>31057047

I'd say start more research.

We can purchase more stuff next thread.

Mass Driver maybe.

>>31057059

26%-15% = 11%.

Sorry, can't.

Void Anchors more important.

Thats why I specifically called out 10%. Learn 2 maths, anon.

.... fuck it.

We need the Teleport homer research started before tomorrow, can always buy another void anchor later, right?

>>31057059

Seconding vote for Teleport Homer. We can pick up the Void Anchor at ANY TIME.

>>31057075
>>31057070
>>31057059

This depends entirely on the timescale of the different threads.

If short-duration between, then Teleport Homer has my vote - either ourselves, our or deaht-flagged tristar friend will need it

>>31056946
I'd say we have no way to follow up on that besides asking Kazuya directly.

>>31056915
That's interesting. Real bodies safe elsewhere, a connection to the Hyades (and talking about them delicately wonder what reason they have to be nervous), significant pause glances at a Hyades mark, and the moment where they said that we're their favorite as well...

>>31057002
And that confirms it. Seisin must be an interesting place.

[X] "Never mind me. What's up with you?"
[X] "I have to go. My Hyades is calling me."

Let's NOT try to interact with Cybele here. She wants to see us, so let's do that.

>>31057070

not worth it for the driver.

I kind of want heavy fusion cells, and two talons, and gravycannons all the way - but I also recognize its a seriously low research priority.

>>31057093
>That's interesting. Real bodies safe elsewhere, a connection to the Hyades (and talking about them delicately wonder what reason they have to be nervous), significant pause glances at a Hyades mark, and the moment where they said that we're their favorite as well...

That last bit - they're obviously trying to get on our good side.
LIkely because they thing we'll win, and we get a say in The Decisions The Winner Gets

>>31057091
>If short-duration between

>"With one day to the Cultural Festival, spirits are high"

We kinda have to think short-term right now.
So teleport homer is best option.

>>31057105
I meant short term as in hours, not a skip to next day.

Anyway, I'm out.

Guys, please don't fuck it up
Get a teleport homer(SOMEone is gonna need a tank) or a void anchor (we WANT one of these for the Big Day Ahead), and follow up on >>31056723
because holy damn that's interesting and we're running out of time to do anything about it.
~2 months for argent's project though, so the game likely isn't over tomorrow.

>>31057098

I'm not choosing it for us, I'm choosing it for the army that will form under the Red Joker.

The current Hellion weaponry doesn't have anything to deal with heavily armoured targets. A greater range in weaponry will help them deal with more threats.

Should we hand off our chaingun to Spaghetti-san here so he can give it to Tyrian to research at the Joker Cave? We might get another upgrade path for our vulcans.

>>31057091
>>31057105

Teleport homer also costs 15%.

After we purchase the new void anchor, we only have 10% left.

>>31057145
That's why we get the Homer first.
The anchor is an instant buy.

>>31057131

We don't have two months. We likely only have a month or less since we expect the smilers to make a move quickly.

>>31057139
>The current Hellion weaponry doesn't have anything to deal with heavily armoured targets.

Bazooka fills that role tho

More weaponry is seriously our lowest concern, though.

I'd prioritize our research as
>Void anchors fucking everywhere
>Shoring up weaknesses in Red Comet
>Improving hellions for when we have to pull the trigger
>actually building new hellion types for when we have to pull the trigger

>>31057145
yes exactly.

We can start time-critical research clock counting down, and buy a void anchor at the start of next thread when we get energy income.
That means its more important to start thigns that take time

>>31057104
Not... necessarily. I think it's similar to with Cybele, but without the imprinting or powers.

>>31057098
We've got the Chaingun in the Heavy slot. We might do a Talon closer to endgame, but I don't think we'll even be doing the gravity gun again.

>>31057131
It just means that Argent has made another of the classic blunders: Assuming your enemy is working on your own time table. The cultural festival seems like the start of the finals.

>>31057139
The Revolve Bazooka is exactly that.

>>31057155

Well we have 1 day till Culture Festival
and ~1 day until Hyades Shit goes down
and 2 months until argent is ready
and everything between that being fucking smiler hell filled with xanatos trainwrecks

[X] RESEARCH: TELEPORT HOMER

HOLLOW SUN: 11.1%

>>31057057

A long pause, then-

One flicker.

>>31057031

"Ah." Bishamon is quiet for a long time. He looks distinctly uncomfortable.

>>31057040

"No, I was-" He catches himself. "...I had other things on my mind."

> "And remember about the death flag. Keep our friend *safe* during the festival. Or at least armor him up."

He nods, but it's clear that it's a distant consideration. Bishamon seems to be working his way towards something, but...He can't bring himself to say it. He just can't. Even in his lacquered-black armour, he just looks more and more uncomfortable, more miserable by the moment.

> [X] "Never mind me. What's up with you?"

"Uh - Tyrian's told me that...It's hard to explain. You should meet him at the Hollow sun, that's all."

> [X] "I have to go. My Hyades is calling me."

"Right. I'll just - I'll..."

> "No matter what happens in the hyades endgame, I don't want to fight you. Promise me that, and that you won't let your love convince me i'm your enemy."

Silence. It's a long, painful one.

"Joker, I..." Bishamon's discomfort is evident, now. It's tinged, almost, with relief. "...I can't promise that."

[ ] "What?"
[ ] "Jesus."
[ ] "Are you serious?"
[ ] "...You know you don't have a chance against me, right?"
[ ] "Bishamon - Kouichi - this isn't a game. You're going to get yourself *killed*."
[ ] "What did she say to you?"
[ ] "...She wants you to kill me, doesn't she?"
[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31057158

Weapons improve the hellions, its mass production models that will help their combat capabilities.

>>31057167
>We've got the Chaingun in the Heavy slot. We might do a Talon closer to endgame, but I don't think we'll even be doing the gravity gun again.

>>31055709
>But yes, the Talon can be converted to mount the Hailfire Chaingun. When there's nothing mounted on the Talon, the limb can be used normally.)

Actually, this might be worth it. We can start with it equipped, summoned, armed, primed and ready to be fired one-handed immediately

>>31057170
"So I'm supposed to be your next target?"

>>31057170
>[ ] "...She wants you to kill me, doesn't she?"

"We can't postpone this? Hell, I'm even giving you relic weapons and cutting down other champions. At this rate it'll come down to you and me in the end."

>>31057180
...Hey, maybe we should get the heavy weapon slot now.
How many people want to strangle me for that suggestions?

>>31057170
[ ] "Bishamon - Kouichi - this isn't a game. You're going to get yourself *killed*."

>Share the fairly serious talk we had with Cybele, about how hyades imprint and think of their friends as puppets if need be - influence, doing what they want, some not being like others, etc.

>>31057201
Nothing yet. Heavy slot isn't worth it.

Talon and Anchor are instabuys, so need to see how mcuh of a dif that makes next time.

>>31057193
>At this rate it'll come down to you and me in the end."

"I"ve got a ticket to the endgame just by being the joker. Surely that has to count for something in this fucked up game we've got ourselves into?"

>>31057201

I don't mind.

Because that means 2 void anchors! I kid, one for the void anchor, one for a heavy weapon or our chaingun.

>>31057170

JokerOP, whats our current loadout on our hardpoints?

I believe you mentioned we have a faster draw on our sidearms like the Tau Gun or the Immolator if we equip them on our hardpoints?

>>31057170
>[X] "Jesus."
>[X] "Bishamon - Kouichi - this isn't a game. You're going to get yourself *killed*."
>[X] "...She wants you to kill me, doesn't she?"
I can't think there's anything else to say.

>>31057201
Me, sort of. There's a lot of other things we need.

>>31057170
>A long pause, then-
>One flicker.

Nod. "Alright. is this really important?"

>>31057227
>Me, sort of. There's a lot of other things we need.

Whats on your list?

>>31057170

"Bishamon.. no, Bishamon's Hyades, I know you're listening, rather, I'm relatively positive you're listening - your champion's chances as well as my chances of survival are far higher working as a team than it is working solo. Simply put, can you refrain from sending Bishamon on a suicide run against me? I actually like the guy."

>>31057246
>"Bishamon.. no, Bishamon's Hyades, I know you're listening, rather, I'm relatively positive you're listening - your champion's chances as well as my chances of survival are far higher working as a team than it is working solo. Simply put, can you refrain from sending Bishamon on a suicide run against me? I actually like the guy."

Yeah. lets cut to the chase here. We ahve to worry about our friends being ordered to do things they don't wanna.

>>31057170
>I can't promise that
"Lemme guess. She wants you to attempt to kill me."

>>31057246
>>31057251
What if his Hyades has more knowledge?
Can we maybe get right down to business and find out how the fuck *both* (or, hell, ALL) girls might be saved?

>>31057180
>Actually, this might be worth it. We can start with it equipped, summoned, armed, primed and ready to be fired one-handed immediately

Well it also takes up both charging elements.

We have a hand free but unable to equip anything, not even our vulcans.

We need to get additional charging elements before this is a good idea.

>>31057267

We then ask him. Wouldn't hurt

>>31057219
Different endgame. There's the Red World battle, and then the Hyade battle, which is the Red World battle in miniature with only high level Players.

>>31057244
The Argus Bits and Myomer Array for Red Comet, and as many Hellion models as possible (with time to build them).

>>31057246
>>31057251
Her name's Uzume.

>>31057301

I couldn't think of it. Only remembered Moon Princess and us ribbing Spaghetti-san over finally getting a girlfriend.

>>31057301
>Her name's Uzume.

know her name, better use it

>>31057186

> "So I'm supposed to be your next target?"
> [X] "...She wants you to kill me, doesn't she?"

He starts, guiltily. "What - No! *God*, no."

A pause. Bishamon hangs his head.

"-It might yet come to that," he says, finally.

"Eventually."

> "We can't postpone this? Hell, I'm even giving you relic weapons and cutting down other champions. At this rate it'll come down to you and me in the end."

His breath hitches. He exhales.

"I know. I *know*. I *don't want to fight you*, A-" You note the quick turn of his head. Cybele isn't the only one who's listening. "-Joker."

"She...*wants* me to." He exhales, a shuddering breath. "-She thinks...If I take your armour, I can win. If I can't beat you - I can't win anyway."

His fingers curl into a fist. "...She thinks, it'll be down to you in the end, anyway."

>>31057246

Silence. Bishamon looks up, too, as if hoping for advice-

No answer comes.

"I told her - I've told her to wait," he says, wretchedly. "That maybe it'll just - solve itself, somehow. One way or another." He looks down. "-That...I'm hoping for that, too. Anything but..."

He doesn't need to say more.

Bishamon draws a breath he doesn't need - Squaring his shoulders, the crest of his kabuto helm rising like horns.

> [X] "Jesus."

"I know - I *know.*"

> [X] "Bishamon - Kouichi - this isn't a game. You're going to get yourself *killed*."
>>31057205
>>31057219

(Continued)

>>31057300
I wanted to adress the Hyades, actually. Because Cybele can apparently talk through the emblem.

>>31057301
Myomer Hypertrophy, whoops. Maybe Solaris Arrays as well.

>>31057311
It was only mentioned once, obliquely. I had to check the guide.

Really need to update that, it's weeks behind.

>>31057333

> Share the fairly serious talk we had with Cybele, about how hyades imprint and think of their friends as puppets if need be - influence, doing what they want, some not being like others, etc.

He holds up a warding hand, to forestall your words. "Joker, I...I *love* her." There's a sick desperation in his voice.

"-You don't know what that's *feels* like. I *know* you don't." His voice falls to a rasp. "-I don't think you *can* love anyone."

Bishamon's voice catches, as if he's only just realized what he's saying.

"I cannot..."

"-Not."

"And that-" His voice firms. A man about to take the final plunge. "...And that's all there is. You see? I have to. I *have* to."

"Not today. Not tomorrow. But when the day comes - I *have* to cut you down. You understand?"

[ ] Free

YOU HAVE CONTROL

>>31057251
This is a good thing. Also, be sure to remind Uzume what happened to Iron Ogre when his Hyades tried to pull that shit.

>>31057347
>"Not today. Not tomorrow. But when the day comes - I *have* to cut you down. You understand?"
That's based on the assumption that the champions *have* to kill each other so that one girl may become real.
What if we find a way to save everyone?

>>31057347

Wow. This is dark. If I didn't know better, I would say that it's a very pointed commentary on waifus.

>>31057347

"...Alright. I don't like it but I can respect that.

Just lend me your strength against the smiler threat. If we don't there won't be a world left."