>>38900585
>Use bandages to prevent bleeding
(that's how it works, right?)
>Use lesser healing potion
>Pull out fluorescent torch and trail marker and lets get movin'

>>38900585
Use bandages, healing potion and herbs and poultices as quickly as possible. Head towards the chirping

>>38900675
And use a fluorescent torch

>>38900585
Use Bandages, poultices and potions. Use torch to find way.

>>38900661
I'm not really sure how much of a difference there is between a lesser healing potion and a normal one but I'd rather use the normal one just in case

>>38900729
I figured bandages would do a bit as well.
Either way, we're better off using two lesser heal potions whilst we have a few spare moments than a single healing potion that we could get more health back with in a tighter time span

>>38900771
Im with you on that.
Use
lesser healing potion x1
bandages x1

And if we have time, try and find the rest of the party.

>>38900585

> [[ HP: 9 / 35 ]]

You're beginning to lose balance as you navigate your inventory. Quickly, you bandage your wounds and ignite a fluorescent torch, lighting your surroundings. You still feel a bit unsteady, but ready your sword and prepare to get on the move. The torchlight illuminates the cave walls, and the water beneath your feet—you wonder why you can't see into the Sanctum above, as where light should be shining down from there, you see only a wall of darkness. Did you fall through that? Or, how far did you fall?

> [[ HP: 14 / 35 ]]
> [[ Moonroot Poisoning: Dizzy ]]
> [[ Dazed ]]

Ahead, you see the boss from before, stomping through the labyrinthine tunnel, stone body sparking as it grinds against the walls. It looks to be quite damaged, missing most of its arm due to your attack, but still stomping towards you—you recall the laser attack, but too late, as your body seems to be moving sluggishly still. With a target in its sights, its head flicks upward from floor to ceiling, and you feel the searing beam slice into your shoulder.

> [[ HP: 7 / 35 ]]

You scramble backwards, coming to your senses, and fumble for a lesser healing potion, imbibing it and diving to one side to avoid another laser beam. It tastes like the scent of rust, and you can feel grit rolling across your tongue. It seems you're no longer Dazed.

> [[ HP: 17 / 35 ]]

What will you do?
> Run left. You need to get out of range of that beam and find the rest of your party.
> Run backwards. If you can get support from Aelriss and Eunoia, you can find a new approach.
> Try to maneuver into range and challenge the golem head on.

>>38901275
How much does the golem block the corridor? Could we dash past it?

>>38901275
> Run backwards. If you can get support from Aelriss and Eunoia, you can find a new approach.

>>38901275
>> Run backwards. If you can get support from Aelriss and Eunoia, you can find a new approach.

>>38901275
>Run backwards. If you can get support from Aelriss and Eunoia, you can find a new approach.
Drink another lesser healing potion

>>38901275
>Run backwards. If you can get support from Aelriss and Eunoia, you can find a new approach.

>>38901373
Nah man, let's not be wasteful.

>>38901388
How is it wasteful? This boss can deal serious damage very quickly

>>38901405
We have 17 HP. We can survive at least one hit, considering that its last attack only did 7 damage. Thus, we don't need to immediately worry about our health. Our healing potions are limited and if we can just get through this fight without taking another hit we will have time to recover.

>>38901373
I am with you on that.
Run backwards and drink that shit.
>>38901405
is right

File: Kainzo.jpg (77 KB, 500x702)

77 KB JPG

>>38901345
>>38901356
>>38901373
>>38901388

> [[ 1d100 ]]

Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>38901461

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>38901461
critfail triple stack!

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>38901461

>>38901461
is it too late to vote to hide the torch to make us less visible?

>>38901455
We'll have to drink one afterwards anyway, there is no difference between drinking one now and drinking one later

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>38901461
O dea Fortuna, benedic mei volvens.

>>38901476
>>38901478
>>38901481
Well shit.

I wonder if we could use our armor to bust through the labyrinth walls without taking damage

>>38901478

> [[ 41 ]]

You can hear the party—well, someone, at least—somewhere to the left, but you think you can avoid the next attack. You elect instead to follow the sound of Eunoia's chirping, stagnant water splashing onto the walls adjacent as you whirl around on a heel and get moving.

You duck low, moving left to right, but it's too late before you first look over your shoulder. As you approach a corner a distance ahead, you feel a burning heat on your back, carrying a force that sends you flying to the ground several feet away.

> [[ HP: 9 / 35 ]]

You scramble into a standing position, gripping the smooth wall corner with the fingertips of your torch-hand and pulling yourself around, out of the construct's view, as further blasts cut chunks of stone from the wall you were heading towards.

> [[ Continued ]]

File: Aelriss.jpg (130 KB, 1000x605)

130 KB JPG

>>38902212

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCuPR9scGRk

“Ascheritte!” Aelriss shouts, jogging towards you with heavy steps, Tatsumaki following behind her. Eunoia flutters from her shoulder to yours, and you're bathed in a faint green glow that you can't see as well over the light of your torch. “Are you alright? Have you found the others?”

> [[ HP: 10 / 35 ]]

“They're somewhere down a branch the way I came, but the boss is coming this way.” You respond, recounting your immediate experience. “We don't have much time to move, and there's no way we can take it on in these straight tunnels. It'll cut all of us down.”

“Hang on, we've got Nel's map.” Her UI projects a flat rendition of the labyrinth—it's the map Nel made before you fought the Pegasus—and she points to a particular location. “The ceiling's gone for some reason, but this is the only tunnel with this setup of branches, which means the three of us are at this corner. Look, if we can distract it, one of us or someone from the other group could maybe get behind.”

“Alright...” You sigh, pointing to a branch a few feet away from you that leads toward where you heard shouting. “We might be able to meet up with the others if we circle back the way you were coming from, but the golem will be tailing us the entire time. I don't think we can...”

Tatsumaki grabs your wrist, forcibly moving your hand to point toward a more central location on the map, where a number of tunnels meet. You and Aelriss give her strange looks, and she tilts her head before clearing her throat.

“Int-er-sec-tion.” She cups her gauntleted hands, bringing them together slowly. It's a gesture, indicating enclosing something—from all sides.

“Oh... I didn't see... That might work, actually.” Aelriss says. “If we surround him, he can't aim at more than one or two of us at a time. Whenever he's looking one way, everyone else has more room to pick up the slack...”

>>38902239

> [[ HP: 11 / 35 ]]

“...we've got more cover than we did up above with access to the adjacent branches, and there's a dead-zone on that spinning attack.” You add, moving closer to the girls as the splashing footsteps from the branch you just left growing louder. “It can't hit anyone that's either too close or too far—meaning once we engage, we can finish him off. The only problem is organizing something like this. We're all separated, so...”

“I thought you'd be the first one on board for a ridiculous plan.” Aelriss smiles, briefly glancing upward.

“...Right.” It is your fault you're down here, regardless of how much damage you might have done to the boss. Which, incidentally, you believe was tremendous. “You got me. What are you thinking?”

“Nel's got the map.” Aelriss says. “He's with them. I'm messaging them now, and he's gonna get everyone in position.”

“Think he can do it?” You ask.

“Hell yeah.” She responds. “Which leaves us with just one more problem...”

> Stick together and try to kite the golem down a single branch as a group.
> Split up so you don't get cut down, and let anyone it's not going after get into position.
> Suggest launching an attack as the golem rounds the upcoming corner.
> Other.

>>38902257
>Split up so you don't get cut down, and let anyone it's not going after get into position.
I reckon put Tastu in view of the boss since we're low on hp and could use the time to regen. Assuming Tastu isn't bad for hp this is.

>>38902257
>Split up so you don't get cut down, and let anyone it's not going after get into position.
Drink the regular healing potion

>>38902257
> Split up so you don't get cut down, and let anyone it's not going after get into position.

>>38902257
>> Split up so you don't get cut down, and let anyone it's not going after get into position.
Drink another lesser potion

>>38902257
> Split up so you don't get cut down, and let anyone it's not going after get into position.

>>38902257
>> Split up so you don't get cut down, and let anyone it's not going after get into position.
Drink a potion

>>38902257
Recommend trying to hit the already damaged portion of the golem if someone gets a chance

>>38902395
Seconded

>>38902301
This.

>>38902328
>>38902301
lets drink a potion.

>>38902257

> Split up so you don't get cut down, and let anyone it's not going after get into position.

File: Andor.jpg (203 KB, 1000x728)

203 KB JPG

>>38902257

Sorry for the slow turnarounds; it's a habit I'd broken until now, apparently, as I'm not feeling well at all today.

> [[ HP: 27 / 35 ]]

Eunoia flutters from your shoulder, reuniting with Aelriss as you consume a healing potion.

“Alright, then.” You ask. “Who's got the short straw?”

“We're about to find out. Remember the map.” Aelriss closes her Identifier. “Take the long way around, alright? The furthest branch down this tunnel. If anything goes wrong, message one of the others.”

“Gotcha.” You respond. Tatsumaki nods.

The golem stomps, rounds the corner, and the three of you turn and start moving, fanning out to avoid the laser fire. You're quicker, this time, and more prepared, unwilling to be caught off guard yet again. It charges forward with unfamiliar speed, though, and you split off into an adjacent branch, Aelriss at your side, turning quickly to see it speed past.

“It's going after Tatsumaki.” She calls. “Let's get going!”

“Looks faster than before. Sure she's got it?” You ask.

A pause, then Aelriss nods. “Yeah, c'mon. The others are up ahead. They'll beat us to their positions, if Nel's doing his job at all.”

Lighting the way with your fluorescent torch, you allow Aelriss to navigate, leading you down the winding labyrinthine tunnels, noticing your elevation seems to fluctuate a bit as you go. Echoing down the branches, surrounding you, you hear heavy footsteps, slow, flowing water, and echoing shouts, cries and commands.

“There!” Around the next corner, you see people ahead, and pick up the pace. Vyx and Kainzo are at the end of the tunnel with their backs to a wall, leaning to look into the intersection up ahead. It's a larger room, where the elevation tapers down to a central point like a massive drain system. You can see water pouring from some places above, like the tunnels outside.

> [[ Continued ]]

File: 1417460213346.jpg (191 KB, 836x1558)

191 KB JPG

>>38903456

“Oh, Ascheritte.” Kainzo raises an eyebrow as you approach. “How... pleasant. We didn't have particularly high hopes for your survival, after attempting something so ridiculous upstairs. Would you mind giving us some warning in the future, before you subject us t—“

“Shut up! That was awesome!” Vyx says, standing on tiptoe in an attempt to intimidate Kainzo—then immediately shrinks back down, clasping her hands over her mouth and turning red in the face. “Uh, I mean. That was horrible! How dare you do such a thing... uhm. Ask-eritte?”

“Ascheritte.”

“I am so sorry.” She pulls her hood over her head, looking legitimately distressed—for a second, at least.

“Save it for later.” Aelriss says. “Where's Nel?”

“Leading the others to their positions. He insisted the two of us wait here.” Kainzo says. He looks equal parts injured and unamused. “I'm told you located the boss?”

“Tatsumaki's going to lead it to the center, right there.” You say.”Then, we'll all be able to go in at once.”

“Smart.” Kainzo responds.

“It was her idea.” You shrug.

“I assumed.” He says, turning and drawing his sword. “Either way, the two of you will have to usher yourselves into position, as Nel's gone. In short, find a tunnel. I assume we're operating under time constraints.”

> Find a spot nearby and wait with Aelriss. Can't leave your support alone.
> You'll want to pair ranged with melee—find Ayla, and have Aelriss reunite with Donnel or Nel.
> Wait alone in the center and have Tatsumaki lead it directly to you.
> Other.

>>38903495
>Find a spot nearby and wait with Aelriss. Can't leave your support alone.
The boss is moving fast so we don't have time to be finicky about this.

Also, Vyx confirmed win.

>>38903495
> Find a spot nearby and wait with Aelriss. Can't leave your support alone.

>>38903495
> Find a spot nearby and wait with Aelriss. Can't leave your support alone.
Make sure we'll be on the damaged side of the golem when it comes

>>38903495
> Find a spot nearby and wait with Aelriss. Can't leave your support alone.

>>38903495
>Find a spot nearby and wait with Aelriss. Can't leave your support alone.

>>38903495
>> Find a spot nearby and wait with Aelriss. Can't leave your support alone.

>>38903495
we sold the pickaxe, right?

Think we could lob the empty rucksack at his head to blind him for a second?

>>38904231
problem with that is laser vision. He'd cut right through it.

>>38903495

> Find a spot nearby and wait with Aelriss. Can't leave your support alone.

>>38904249
I'm mainly wondering if it's capable of aiming DURING a beam, or if it has to plan where to swivel it's head before firing.

If it's the later, the rucksack might serve to remove half the danger of one laser.

>>38903495
> Find a spot nearby and wait with Aelriss. Can't leave your support alone.

File: Dorian.jpg (82 KB, 534x1024)

82 KB JPG

>>38903495

“Ael, this way.” You make your way toward the center, then point toward one of the far tunnels. “She's coming from there, right? We'll want to be on the far side so we can go at it from the arm that's more damaged already.”

“I think so.” Aelriss responds. “Unless she got turned around, which is entirely possible. If anything, we'll want to be at a diagonal, to minimize the distance you have to cross if we're on the wrong side.”

“Hey, Ashe!” On the far side of the central chamber, you see Nel leading a small group—Donnel, Dorian, and Andor—face dimly illuminated from below by his map projection. “Glad to see you're on your feet!”

“Yes, you've made a lot of people very upset.” Dorian sighs.

“That's cool,” You say. “I'll make up for it. Where do you want us, Nel?”

“Aelriss gave me the low-down on everything that's going on here, so just pick a spot I guess. Once I work out positions for the four of us I'm going to defer to your judgment.” He says, folding his arms. “Sticking with Aelriss?”

“Yeah,” You nod. “You know, I don't trust her alone.”

“Hey.” Aelriss snaps. “Watch it.”

“Take it easy, you two. Nel, Kainzo was right, wasn't he?” Andor says. “See? There's more ways to contribute to a team than just dealing damage. Without a map of this place, we'd have been picked off one-by-one.”

> [[ Continued ]]

>>38904685

“Yeah...” Nel says. “What should I do now, then?”

“Just try not to get killed, kid.” Donnel shakes his head. “Get moving, I hear it coming.”

You and Aelriss take a tunnel at a diagonal, and are pleased to find it's approaching with its wounded side turned towards you. Tatsumaki's moving down the tunnel at blinding speed, leaping and cartwheeling away from wild laser blasts. She looks a bit scratched up, as to be expected, but you're pleased to see she's made it this far.

“Here it comes!” You hear Ayla's voice echo from the opposite row. “Watch what it's doing!”

A laser blast hits the floor, and its head spins; Tatsumaki leaps forward, forced out of range and held at bay. Another spinning attack.

> Wait to see who it's focusing on.
> Wait for the gunners.
> Go straight for the wounded side.
> Call for another fractalline explosive to throw its guard.
> Other.

>>38904697
> Call for another fractalline explosive to throw its guard.

>>38904697
> Wait to see who it's focusing on.
> Wait for the gunners.
When it's distracted
> Go straight for the wounded side.
with a charge and hopefully a haste.

>>38904727
anon this isn't even the boss yet.

>>38904697
>> Go straight for the wounded side.

>>38904697
can we get one of those fractaline explosive and jam it into it's wound?

>>38904697
>Go straight for the wounded side.
Get under him, quickly.

I mean, he's spinning right? Under him should be the safest spot and the fastest way to get him to stop spinning and give the others a chance to attack.

>>38904697
> Go straight for the wounded side.

>>38904727
>>38904749
>>38904757
We might need those for the real boss, This golem isn't it. we have like two left

>>38904697
>> Go straight for the wounded side.

>>38904697
> Go straight for the wounded side.

>>38904793
That is very true. It only has like 7 HP left anyways. Let's just charge it.
>>38904697

>>38904826
>It only has like 7 HP left anyways
What gives you that impression?

>>38904857
Read something wrong, sorry.

>>38904813
>>38904798
>>38904787
>>38904765
>>38904742

> [[ 1d100 ]]

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>38904944

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>38904944

Tossing in my last Karma coin. Here's for rescuing Tank, the stupidest, nicest, most well trained dog that ever vigorously dry humped me.

>>38904957
ANON NO

>>38904944

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>38904944
crit success pls.

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>38904944

File: 1423429321645.png (125 KB, 722x349)

125 KB PNG

>>38904957

>>38904957
That dog must hate you with a passion. If he had anything to do with that karma.

>>38904957
fuck. at least we're nearly at full health right now

>>38905041
>>38904981
>>38905057
>>38905062

Yeesh. I thought that good things were supposed to happen when you help dogs. I'll trying spraying wandering mutts with boiling lemon juice next time then.

File: 1361247472668.jpg (30 KB, 500x566)

30 KB JPG

>>38905067

>>38904957
Okay this is just getting ridiculously disappointing.

>>38904956
>>38904957

> [[ 2 ]] reduces effect of normal success [[ 56 ]]

As it reaches the center of the room, you charge forward, staggering at the edge of the laser's radius to let it pass, and pick up step again as it does, on a killing vector with your target at the head of a cavalcade of ghostly horses, their hoofbeats heralding your approach.

“Ascheritte! Hold up!” Ayla's voice echoes.

“Wait, what?” You turn to look, skidding into range, but turn again to face your enemy, and raise your sword—receiving a massive stone fist to the head as your greeting.

> [[ HP: 18 / 35 ]]

“Damnit!” You tumble backwards and land on your feet, maneuvering back into range as caster bolts fly overhead—Vyx and Ayla are trying to give you a little room. It looks like Dorian is casting a spell, and you see Donnel, Andor, and Kainzo making their way closer gradually.

> [[ 1d100 ]]

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>38905395
Committing either honorable redemption or soduku!

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>38905395

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>38905395

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>38905395
I feel good about this.

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>38905395

>>38905405
not bad.

>>38905405

> [[ 76 ]]

A low swing to the leg chips a stone chunk free, and the heat rising off your blade as you swing sends bits of molten crystal flying to solidify in the water below. You duck under another punch, moving back to ready yourself for another slash—nearby, you see Tatsumaki and Nel, ever eager, looking for a way inside. You can see Vyx, shooting on the run and quite literally bouncing off the walls, leaving afterimages in her wake.

Andor and Donnel move past you, making their way into melee range. The former's rapier is wrapped in golden light as he thrusts, and you see him enter a strange, almost transcendent state as the construct strikes back, as if an invisible hand is pulling him away from danger; the latter is rousing you to action, knocking out chunks from the legs with each heavy-handed swing.

But you've already got your sights on your target—and as you make your next swing, red rings of light fan out from your core. Haste.

> Cripple the legs.
> Go for the wounded arm again.
> Go for the eye.
> Other.

>>38905915
>Go for the eye.
We will fondle its jewels.

>>38905915
>Cripple the legs.
Let someone else take the glory

Seriously, let someone else take the glory.

>>38905915
> Go for the eye.
WHO DARES WINS

>>38905915
>Go for the eye.

>>38905948
Nah
Fuck you
That glory is ours.

>>38905915
> Go for the eye.

>>38905915
>Go for the eye.
It'll either end in joy or lasery explosions, and to be honest, those are just another form of joy

>>38905958
That's the celestial gems talking.

And the general obsession with taking extreme, inefficient risks for short-term gain.

>>38905989
>spoiler
Hey, "I cast meteor!" was a great plan, we just rolled poorly.

>>38905989
The eye is the biggest threat. It's a good target if we don't fuck up the roll horribly

>>38906010
I'm middling on that one. It was a reasonably good plan.

>>38906018
We have a big, heavy weapon, good for crippling legs. Does Tatsumaki have one? Does Andor? No, but either is quite capable of skewering the eye.

>>38905941
>>38905949
>>38905951
>>38905972

> [[ 1d100 ]]

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>38906054

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>38906054

Jesus fucking Christ lads. We're probably some of the most prolific gamblers on the internet, aren't we?

Aw, well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btPJPFnesV4

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>38906054
Bona Fortuna, comites.

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>38906054

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>38906054

>>38906072
FUCKING HELL SOMA! YOU FUCKED UP THE CRIT!

>>38906071
If I had my reaction images on this computer I'd post a gif of a man clapping.

>>38906071
noice.

>>38906075
Aww man, I wish I hadn't rolled that 25

>>38906087
The latin is pretty fucking gay

File: Spoiler Image (541 KB, 480x228)

541 KB GIF

>>38906087
Sorry.
Nah, I'm not sorry.

>>38906071

> [[ 91 ]]

A quick swipe at the leg, before you move out of reach of another swing. Your attack from before did a number on it, lessening the range of that punching attack it likes so much. Another swipe, and flames lash at the gash you leave in its crystalline body, tourmaline gems melting to black tar where your sword strikes. You think you'll do it another favor.

You jump upwards, narrowly avoiding the beam, and—luckily finding a crystalline foothold—use leverage and enhanced speed to plant your longsword straight through the construct's head. Light seeps from the exit wound, and cracks spiderweb across the surface; you tumble to the ground in time to see the explosion, the red lights around you fading.

“He's disabled it!” You hear Kainzo shout, and get back on your feet as he charges past you, moving into range with a mighty leaping swing. “Finish this, now!”

A barrage of caster bolts, increasing in frequency as Vyx closes the distance, bombards the Construct in the chest, accompanied by small explosions that aggregate into a great, obscuring cloud of smoke. Andor and Donnel strike again, ducking backwards as Dorian looses his spell—a luminescent guillotine of wind that crosses the arena floor, bisecting whatever remains of the Guardian Construct with a great display of iridescent lights and a shower of brilliant crystal fragments.

> [[ Guardian Construct was defeated. ]]
> [[ You have 1 unspent EXP. ]]

> [[ Continued ]]

I'll be wrapping up soon, as this whole bit with the Sanctum is important and I'd much rather continue at a time where I can write both better and faster. I'm not sure how many readers are still around but feel free to use the rest of the thread to discuss EXP options and I'll try to put it to a vote next thread.

>>38906641

“You couldn't do that any sooner?” Aelriss shouts.

“What if I missed?” Dorian says, drawing closer. “You'd be upset with me no matter what I did.”

“Ahaha!” The sound of caster fire hasn't stopped—Vyx is standing on the top half of the destroyed body, still shooting. “Die! Diediedie!”

“Uhm...” Kainzo begins to speak.

“Shh.” Donnel moves to his side, planting a hand on his shoulder. “Don't ruin it for her.”

“Wow...” Nel says, making his way to the group. He looks up at you. “We really did it, huh?”

“Yes.” Kainzo responds, turning. “Our execution left some things to be desired, and we've still got to find a way back up into the Sanctum if we even wish to continue...”

“Execution?” Andor scoffs. “No casualties sounds good enough for me.”

“Agreed.” Ayla says. “Shall we, then?”

“Already on it...” Kainzo says, inspecting the body with his UI menu open. “...Damn... Four? For that?”

“Waitwaitwaitwaitwait.” Vyx tumbles down from the golem's corpse, soumersaulting to Kainzo's side. “You mean Celestial Gems? Seriously?”

“That can't be right.” Ayla says.

“Whatever the case, that makes it easy for us. As agreed, one to the Disposable Heroes, one to the Writ Keepers, one to the Crimson Guardians, and one... to Ascheritte's group.” Kainzo responds, standing and preparing to distribute the loot.

> What else did it have?
> Write-in
> Other

>>38906656
>> What else did it have?

>>38906656
> What else did it have?

>>38906656
>What else did it have?
>"This wasn't it you know. This wasn't the boss itself."
>Explain consultation as necessary, but we totally didn't just kill something named kjorikos (or whatever it was exactly)

I reckon we should get two-handed mastery, mainly because I want to see what titan's strength gets us

>>38906656
> What else did it have?

>>38906716
I wouldn't mind charge or sprint, they would be badass with our armor's effect

>>38906656
> Other

>“...Damn... Four? For that?”
>“Waitwaitwaitwaitwait.” Vyx tumbles down from the golem's corpse, soumersaulting to Kainzo's side. “You mean Celestial Gems? Seriously?”
>“That can't be right.” Ayla says.
They're obviously surprised by this, but are they thinking this is more or less than expected?

What sort of distributions have they seen on Celestial Gems, anyhow? We know they're rare and powerful and all that, but we don't really have any idea about peoples' previous observations about Gem rarity. Just what we've seen ourselves. And though we obviously shouldn't say this, if our mystery ability is somehow quietly modifying Celestial Enemy drops, it'd be good to learn that before someone else finds out and we are kidnapped IRL by chinese Gem farmers.

>>38906716
I was thinking that putting the point into weapon mastery would be more efficient, since we haven't really picked a weapon style yet

>>38906656

“What else?”

“Creds. Splitting them evenly.” Kainzo says. “A pile of crystals. Resonant Fractallines.”

“Haven't seen those yet.” Ayla says. “They must be a tier up, or they've got a special property. Sounds intense, though. Think you could send 'em my way?”

“Hold on, there.” Donnel interrupts. “Those would fetch a fair bit of coin on the market if even you haven't heard of them. I think we deserve a cut.”

“Well, I want new guns.” Vyx pouts.

“What? Your guns are already good!” Nel says, giving her an incredulous look.

“More damage!” She yells, and he shrinks back a bit.

“We should see if they're usable by Artificers, first. Wouldn't want to hand them off to someone who's just gonna blow them on nothing.” Aelriss says.

“Guys. Seriously, calm your shit. There's a ton here, and I bet the crystal soldiers have more.” Kainzo says. “I'm just going to split them evenly from here on out.”

“Fine whth me. That all?” You ask.

“One more thing—the 'Shattered Golem's Eye'.” Kainzo says.

“Ascheritte, you fool!” Dorian shouts. “You broke it!”

“Hey, how do we know you didn't break it?” Nel and Tatsumaki surround Dorian, who scurries over to Ayla's side in search of support.

“Maybe it's supposed to be like that.” Andor says. “Like a death drop.”

“Right... Who gets it?” Kainzo asks. “Is there anyone who -doesn't- want it?”

“I'm good.” Vyx says.

“Same, I'll opt out.” Ayla responds.

> Decide randomly between the factions.
> Decide randomly between the remaining members.
> Suggest someone in particular. (Write-in)

>>38906656
We did just about all the work.

If Kainzo gives us lip, we should point that out.

>>38906740
True, I'd love to get to that instanteous movement ability at some point.

I figured go for a passive ability now though simply because we're low on PP.

>>38906795
I'd agree with you if 2h mastery didn't pave the way to titan's strength, but it totally does and I'm really eager to know what it does.

>>38906801
We should take it as a trophy.
We DID kind of deal the most damage.

>>38906801
>Suggest Ayla takes it, she seems to be knowledgeable about the potential uses for these kinda of drops.

So... Observation: We suspected some people had cleared this dungeon before right? But if the CG had done so they'd be familiar with the loot etc

Therefore either it was just the dungeon up to the sanctum that got cleared or there's other high level parties wandering around the area besides CG's ones

>>38906819
I'd be more than happy not taking this so as to have a better claim to something interesting from the actual final Sanctum encounter.

Especially so if it's going to be necessary in order to cursebreak ourselves.

I figure the eye (if repaired) is more likely a ranged laser focus sort of deal, and we're not exactly a ranged combat guy.

>>38906801
> Decide randomly between the remaining members.
As long as we get the celestial gem

>>38906847
I agree with both those things for now.

>>38906849
Also this, we need to make sure we get whatever we need to no longer be cursed, which means being magnanimous for now.

>>38906801

“I'm gonna put Ayla back in the running.” You suggest. “Just because she can probably figure out what it does. If it can even be fixed, I'm guessing it'll have something to do with laser beams...”

“Laser beams? Oh, shit.” Vyx asks. “Never mind, put me back in too.”

“Does anyone even care?” Kainzo asks. The response is overwhelmingly apathetic.

“I'd probably just give it to someone more suited.” Andor says. “So count me out if that matters.”

“He broke it.” Dorian frowns, seeming fixated on this. “I'd want it otherwise.”

“Laser beams.” Vyx gives a wistful sigh. “Hehe.”

“Okay, fine, whatever.” Kainzo seems completely exasperated, rolling his eyes as he goes through the next set of motions. “Ayla, sending it your way. I'll be distributing the Gems now, as well. Make sure I've got everything right, now.”

You check your inventory—yes, another Celestial Gem. Then, the members of your party move toward you.

“How are we gonna decide, Ashe?” Nel asks, a familiar look in his eyes.

“I'll opt out of the first round, to make it easier.” Aelriss says. “Eunoia and I can go gem-hunting on our own anytime, can't we?”

> “I should get this one. My attacks did the most damage.”
> “Nel led us to victory down here, so he can have the first one.”
> “Tatsumaki deserves it for having that damn golem tail her for so long.”
> “Donnel... uh.”

>>38906801
We broke it, we get it

>>38906954
> “I should get this one. My attacks did the most damage.”
I'll be out of the running for the next few though

>>38906954
"The only way that matters. Rock paper scissors."

>>38906971
I'd agree if that didn't crap all over Nel since he literally couldn't do any damage. Might be worth giving him this one as a kudos to what he did manage to contribute regarding organising the labyrinth stuff.

Or Donnel since he hasn't had one under our lead yet/

>>38906954
> “I should get this one. My attacks did the most damage.”

>>38906954
> “Nel led us to victory down here, so he can have the first one.”
Dude kept it all together while we were busy doing the flashy speculative thing.

I don't even think Donnel would object too harshly to that reasoning.

>>38906954
I don't really think we should get the gem for being retarded, so
> “Nel led us to victory down here, so he can have the first one.”

>>38906954
>> “Nel led us to victory down here, so he can have the first one.”

>>38906954
>“Nel led us to victory down here, so he can have the first one.”
Yeah okay, I just figure that as our resident rogue, he's the most likely to find the things, and keep them to himself.

>>38907045
If nothing else, positive reinforcement and a sustained personal and working relationship means he'll be getting less and less likely to do this. He's kinda idealistic, so unless the gems are SERIOUSLY addictive, it's unlikely that fiending for bits of power-ups is going to trump camaraderie.

And last time showed that he isn't exactly the best at keeping it under wraps anyway.

>>38907093
I'm gonna be really butthurt if we end up finishing the raid without getting any gems

“I think Nel deserves it.” You suggest. “What Andor said was true—without his map of this labyrinth, the whole raid would have been toast. Anyone opposed?”

“Sounds alright with me, I guess.” Donnel says. “We would definitely have lost a man or two down here, so...”

You look down at Tatsumaki, who gives a hurried nod.

“Wait, really?” Nel asks. “You aren't joking?”

“I don't think he's that cruel.” Aelriss says. “Maybe stupid.”

“Alright, then. So be it.” It's hard to hand off; though you've had it for mere seconds, it's like parting with something that—though material—you've kept close for your entire life. It leaves you with a hollowness, brief, though pronounced.

“Awesome!” Nel says, tucking it away, looking content. “I'll try harder next time, promise!”

“We're gonna have to think about upgrading your weapons pretty urgently.” Donnel says. “Ael, can you do anything for him?”

“I'd have to dismiss and unbind Eunoia, recover my PP, hassle the members of our raid for elemental foci, recover my PP again, then re-commit and resummon her.” Aelriss responds. “So, no.”

> [[ Continued ]]

>>38907157
>“I'd have to dismiss and unbind Eunoia, recover my PP, hassle the members of our raid for elemental foci, recover my PP again, then re-commit and resummon her.” Aelriss responds. “So, no.”

That's cold Aelriss. Real cold.

>>38907157

“For now, we'll just hope that our enemies don't have as much raw damage resistance going forward.” Kainzo approaches. “We'll go ahead and ignore the fact that if that's the case, then they'll be compensating in other ways.”

“Damage resistance, huh?” Aelriss says. “He was tough, but he didn't seem that heavily armored...”

“I'm not sure if it works by flat reduction.” Kainzo says. “But it would explain why Vyx was dealing so little damage, and why Nel couldn't do any at all. Whereas attacks like Ascheritte's and Dorian's, ridiculous and untimely as they were, were more influential in taking it down.”

“Makes sense.” Hah! Validation. Well, sort-of. “But we can't celebrate right now...”

“Right, I'm aware there's much more to this place. Right now, we need to worry about getting back upstairs. Then, we'll see about continuing—and if anyone wants to opt out.” Kainzo folds his arms.

Archived. As usual I'll open the floor to questions and discussion--plus I've got my Ask page now. Sorry about tonight: I've got a couple of styes in one of my eyes, and I'm also on the verge of falling under some unrelated illness. This is also a busy week for me, so I'm probably going to hold off on things until I can provide better quality in a better time frame. Thanks for the posts, as usual.

>>38907185
Thanks for running. And fuck you for that cliffhanger last thread. I did not need that going into finals week man.

>>38907185
Thanks for running.

>>38907185
Thanks for running.

>styes
fuuuuuuuuuuck

>>38907185
Thanks for running. Looking forward to next thread, whenever it may be...

>>38907185
>styes
Just googled that and wish I didn't. Hope you recover soon. Thanks for the fun thread as well.

So, EXP discussion, I'm thinking we should start picking up some defense since rolls are going to get fudged either way, so we may as well mitigate the damage.

>>38907432
I agree with this. Even regardless of the dice, our tactics tend to be reckless to the point of insanity thus far, so defense or dodging seems like good skills to boost.

>>38907677
Also, iron body leads to self healing, which would be immensely useful considering we already nearly died twice now.

>>38907185
Are we finally getting Iron Bodyeeds?