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>>39224341

“That's enough, you lot.” Donnel says. “Player versus player isn't enabled here, and both of you need all the hit points you can get.”

“Dorian, he's right. Quit being a prick.” Ayla hisses.

“I'm not.” Dorian points at Nel. “He's acting like a child.”

“Ohhhh...” Vyx groans—she's lying on her back a few feet away. “I forgot to eat.”

“What?” Aelriss shoots her a look between pity and confusion. “You moron... Didn't Kainzo tell you it would be a long r—“

“So... hungry...” The Gunner reaches for the sky with one hand, grasping at air before letting her arm fall limp. “I'm... fading.”

Tatsumaki looks at you, then shrugs.

Kainzo sighs. “Anyone? You're going to have to let us know now, so...”

What will you do?
> Write-in
> Suggest waiting to heal, or sending someone up to the market.
> Suggest investigating the area ahead, at least.
> Suggest that anyone who wants to leave speak up. You'll have to see about replacements.

>>39224384
If Vyx can eat in less than 30minutes:
>Investigate the surrounding area while we heal up and wait.
Probably examine that gigantic hole we made and the material the dungeon is made of. Might be important for breaking walls/floors later.

>>39224384
> Suggest waiting to heal, or sending someone up to the market.

>>39224384
>Suggest sticking around here whilst Vyx logs quickly for food. Nel proved he's more than useful enough even without being able to dish out much damage and that's assuming the next boss deflects his weapons the same way the construct did. In the meantime everyone can explore the current area.

Vyx can log out and then back in again, ending up where she left, right?

Also so glad to finally play this quest again

>>39224487
>spoiler
Agree with you 100%

>>39224384
>> Suggest investigating the area ahead, at least.


>>39224487
AGREED!

>>39224384
Tell Nel that we feel like this could be his area to shine, assuming he's good at rogue stuff.

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“Vyx, go eat.” You roll your eyes at her, having a look around. About half of the floor is completely gone; you're surprised the entire thing didn't shatter. The members of the raid haven't said much about it, but they're taking careful steps, positioning themselves over segments of the metal lattice that supported the glass.

“That'd be wise.” Ayla adds. “In-game food items won't do a thing for real hunger, unfortunately.”

“Andor's logging, so we might as well knock out two things at once. While you two are gone, the rest of us can have a look around.” You say. “Sound good to everyone?”

“I suppose.” Kainzo says. “Nel, your abilities should prove useful to us here. We'll need to get this place mapped out, as well, in case the information from the message boards can't be recovered.”

“Woooo. Okay, I'll be right back.” Vyx raises her arms and legs, red cloak drooping around her, then falls limp; a distance away, Andor waves and sits down on the floor, and the two of them disappear after about a minute or so.

What will you do?
> Split into groups and investigate the rooms down the hall.
> Investigate the rooms down the hall as a group.
> Head upstairs and see about the source of that noise.

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>39224835
Anything except
>Head upstairs and see about the source of that noise

I vote
>Let's split up, gang!

>>39224835
> Split into groups and investigate the rooms down the hall.

>>39224835
>> Split into groups and investigate the rooms down the hall.

>>39224835
>Investigate the rooms down the hall as a group.
This way noone keeps loot to themselves. Can't /quite/ trust people to be forthcoming with it.

>>39224835
>Investigate the rooms down the hall as a group.
we can afford to take our time.

>>39224917
Fair enough, I'll support that instead of this: >>39224865

>>39224835
>> Investigate the rooms down the hall as a group.

>>39224835

“There's a lot of rooms,” Nel says, “I think we'll cover more ground in small groups. I'll take the lead, and—“

“What if something goes wrong?” Donnel asks.

“He's right.” Kainzo says. “We've got players offline, so we can afford to take things slowly, at least for now.”

“I wouldn't worry too hard. Rooms like this are usually for loot, and hidden items.” Donnel says.

“Or traps.” Dorian folds his arms. “It's best we stay on guard.”

Paintings line the hallways, like the ones that were in the Cathedral's side rooms. The images are stunning, depicted in unfamiliar clarity, even in comparison to the game world itself. They're pictures of people, and of the surface—and for an instant, you see that woman, who used to occupy the dusty photograph you've stored in your Identifier. Or, are you imagining it? There's a buzzing. Your vision blurs, and your head aches.

“Ashe, are you alright?” Nel asks, looking at you from over his shoulder.

“I'm alright.” You shake your head. “Which room are we going for?”

“We should probably pick one.”

> [[ Continued ]]

>>39225720
> [[ Ancient Cathedral: Inner Sanctum – Kjorikos's Study // PVP Disabled ]]

Seems like as good a pick as any.

With Nel leading the group, you file into the room—it's similar to the one you explored previously. Rows of bookshelves form long aisles leading through the place, with a pedestal situated against the far wall: a glass case, that holds a strange-looking device. Against the outer walls, there's multiple laboratory setups larger than the alchemy table at the Writ Keepers' hall. A chandelier hanging high above the middle of the room provides ample light, and you can see large moth-like insects fluttering above.

“This place is ridiculous—oh, he's got a fireplace, too...” Donnel says. “Think there's any Gems in here?”

“There's something. Take a look at that case.” Ayla makes her way to the front of the group, pushing past Nel, who's still diligently mapping. “I think it's more Aetheric tech. There's probably a lot of it around here. It'll put us ahead of the curve, maybe get the message boards online...”

“What was that you said about traps, Dorian?” Kainzo asks.

“Could be cursed.” You fold your arms. “Did I tell you guys I think I'm cursed?”

What will you do?
> Write-in
> Investigate the alchemical setups.
> Investigate the glass case.

>>39225739
> Investigate the alchemical setups

>>39225739
> Investigate the glass case.
We've already got one curse, it might as well be us who gets another

>>39225739
>Investigate the glass case
What does it all mean?!
Also
>Check our empty picture frame to see if it's changed
>Look around the study for more pictures

>>39225739
>Investigate the glass case.
>Compare our picture frame with the paintings, to see if they're made of the same materials.

>>39225739
>Investigate the bookshelves.

>>39225739
>Investigate the bookshelves
They'll all be blank right? Or was that Arcadia that had no written language?

>>39226128
Well, he didn't say there were actual books on the book case.

>>39225739

The pictures are all framed similarly, though not necessarily made of the same materials. Some are wood, others copper or brass—you can't quite tell. The weathering, though, is about the same. You're not sure what bearing the eroded state holds on the in-game items, but for what it's worth, you imagine they'd be from the same era.

“Whoever Kjorikos is, I've a feeling he's going to be upset we're mucking about in his things.” Donnel says.

“I got the impression he was going to be upset no matter what we did.” Ayla shrugs, making her way over to the case.

There's other portraits on the alchemy tables. Framed, cherished and protected, but each one empty, an identical picture of a washed out wall. You're not sure you want to mess with them.

> Inventory [[ alchemy lab ]]
unidentified potion
unidentified potion
lesser healing potion

“Ayla, what'd you find?” Kainzo asks.

“This is... an Aetheric Resonator.” Ayla says, inspecting the case carefully.

“No way.” Aelriss almost knocks over a table on her way across the room.

“Hold it,” Dorian interjects. “I saw it first.”

“What even is it?” Donnel asks.

“An item that allows Artificers to channel elements from upper tiers.” Kainzo says. “I read some talk from other cities about them online... though I imagine no one in Averron's got their hands on one yet.”

“Before we start an argument about who gets it,” Ayla says, “I'd like to point out that the case is locked.”

“Break it, then.” Aelriss says, hefting her staff. “What are you waiting for?”

What will you do?
> Investigate something else in the room.
> Intervene.
> Advise against breaking the case.
> Other.

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>39226229
>Advise against breaking the case
"You really think it'd be that easy? Kjorikos INVENTED artificing."

>>39226229
>Advise against breaking the case.
Can we at least TRY to find the key and/or puzzle before triggering the trap that might break it?

>>39226229
Look through the bookshelves

>>39226229
>Intervene.
>Advise against breaking the case.
>Stand in between them and the case or something, just in case.
>"Who gets it? Naturally since it was a joint find it will be accessible for use by all I imagine? As for how to get it out - we look for a key."

Anyway, I need to head to sleep now. It pains me greatly to miss most of the BSO thread after so long...

>>39226229
> Advise against breaking the case.
"There's probably a key somewhere"

>>39226229
> Advise against breaking the case.
Nel can you pick locks? Otherwise let's puzzle this out guys.

>>39226229
> Advise against breaking the case.

>>39226290
It can only by used by artificers though

>>39226383
Accessible to all, usable by all artificers, I don't see the issue? The point is that no one guild is taking exclusive possession of it.

>>39226412
Well unless it's possible to break it if used improperly. Like I feel as if there should be some manner of regulation.

>>39226229

“One minute, Ael. You really think it'd be that easy?” You make your way in front of her, pushing her weapon aside. “Kjorikos -invented- artifice. We should look around for a key.”

“He's right.” Ayla moves forward, placing a hand on your back. “But I've got a feeling if there is one, he'll be carrying it on him.”

“Aw, I was about to start turning the place upside down.” Nel says. “Doesn't look like there's anything good on the bookshelves. Anything readable, anyway.”

“It's reasonable that the old Sylveticans would abide by a different written language.” Dorian says.

“And this lock doesn't look... like anything I can interact with.” Nel kneels in front of the case, inspecting it carefully. “Probably magic, or something. Like everything else in here.”

“Alright, then. Kainzo?” You ask.

“I'd like to move on, if no one has any objections.” Kainzo says. He's standing at the door, blade ready.

What will you do?
> Other

>>39226826
>Move on

>>39226826
If Nel thinks he won't find anything here, I trust him let's continue.

>>39226826
Move on I guess. Why do we have the shattered golems eye in our inventory?

>>39226826
>move on

I like how no one commented on the fact that we think we are cursed.

>>39226826
Could we use this chance to level up? I want iron body or two handed mastery

>>39226910
Cause it's fucking awesome

>>39227262
I agree but I was pretty sure we weren't the one who ended up with it

>>39227320
>>39227262
Yeah didn't Aelriss get it? For research and maybe fixing it?

>>39227253
Sprint would actually be really badass with our armor effect

>>39227390
agreed we seem to be a semi-speed build anyways.

>>39227390
I still really feel like we need iron body, since we're going to fail rolls no matter what, so we need to raise our defence before we focus on evasion to lower the damage we're going to get anyway.

>>39227369
>>39227390
>>39227320
(( My mistake, anons. Wasn't paying a lot of attention when I went back through to update the inventory. Same with my slow turnaround time: I'm getting back into the swing of things... ))

>>39226826

“Alright, let's see what we've got next.” Nel says, leading the group outside. He shuffles across the hallway, moving in and out of the next couple of doors for a few seconds at a time. “Wait here...”

“It's been a few minutes. Shouldn't Andor be back by now, at least?” Aelriss asks.

“Maybe he got tied up in something. I doubt he'll leave us hanging.” Ayla says. “Andor isn’t the type to abandon friends in need.”

There's a pause, before Nel returns.

“Alright. There's a few places that look like living quarters. Didn't look for loot, or anything.” He says.

“What about the room at the end of the hall?” Donnel asks.

“It's some weird-looking black room.” Nel says. “More pictures and stuff, but I didn't see anything incredible.”

What will you do?
> Ransack some living quarters.
> Investigate the black room.
> Talk to someone in the group. (Write-in)
> Other

>>39227444
> Investigate the black room.
Ask Nel if the living quarters look like they've been used recently

>>39227444
> Ransack some living quarters.

>>39227444
>> Ransack some living quarters.
Room is likely demi boss if we go too far in. Watch for mimics!

>>39227444
Did we get anything at all from killing that boss?

>>39227444
> Investigate the black room.
Weird looking pictures seems like what we need.

>>39227444
> Ransack some living quarters.
Changing from >>39227911
Because this quest is slow enough without a stalemate.

>>39227444
>Ransack some living quarters.
damn DNS issues taking me away from questing

I recall that the consensus last thread was for Iron Body?

>>39227444

“This place,” You ask, following Nel into the living quarters. “Did it look like anyone's been here rescently?”

“Nope.” Nel nods. “Pristine. Looks like there's a couple of little places. This one looks like a lady's room. Frilly... bunch of empty portraits.”

“Empty...” The room is dark, with a lace-curtained canopy bed occupying the majority of the floor space. You're still stuck on the dusty memento—did no one believe you when you said you were cursed? Maybe it's because you didn't go out of your way to make it seem like a game thing. It -feels- real enough, though you're not exactly sure how you would go about describing it.

“Ah, I recognize that one.” Aelriss says, pointing to a picture mounted above the canopy. “It's tbe background from one of the pictures we took from the tomb. There was a woman in the one I had, though...”

“You have more art from this place?” Ayla asks. “Could I take a look at it?”

“Well, I already sold it when we went back to town...” Aeriss shrugs.

“You... sold it?” Ayla looks distraught.

“Yeah? People are just gonna put the stuff in their houses.” Aelriss says. “You can just buy it back later... it's probably not going anywhere. Besides, you guys basically run the city...”

“I'll have you know that roles in the Alliance guilds are about responsibility.” Dorian interjects. “There's more to it than merely—“

“We've already heard it, Dorian.” You say. “Please.”

What will you do?

[[ 1 ]]
Spend 1 EXP on Iron Body?
> Y/N

[[ 2 ]]
> Write-in

>>39228224
Not really a consensus but I wouldn't mind it. I still kind of just want a more exciting ability though

>>39228267
Why are we still using this awful level up voting system?

>>39228267
Y
>>39228290
>Why are we still using this awful level up voting system?
Suggest a better one

>>39228311
Having multiple options instead of just one. If someone votes no it's only because they want something else anyway

>>39228267
>Y
Didn't we buy charge last time too? Cause otherwise we are missing a skill point.

2
Guys it's over and done, no fixing it now, and please try to get a long, otherwise Kjorkiros will wipe the floor with us. Let's take this one room at a time for close examination, buy time for the others to get back.

>>39228267
Ok, Check the rooms for anything of potential value, then check out that other room

>>39228268
I like to look at it as getting the skills that will ENABLE us to survive long enough to use all the toys we'll have. And you know, HP regen is great.

>>39228267
Y

>Bring the memento up to the portrait?
>Look for gems?

>>39228267
>N
Look under the bed and behind the paintings I guess. If there's nothing here then leave

>>39228267
I guess see if we can interact with stuff via the memento, then head to mystery room.

>>39228267
>Y
Look around for secret shit, I guess.

Sylvetica you still here?

>>39229011
He went to go get chicken. He will be back in time to fuck everything up.

>>39228267

> Spent 1 EXP.
> [[ Defensive Mastery 3 offers a choice from: ]]
* Panacea // Passive // Reduces effect of poisons. Required for “Imperishable Will”.
* Combat Regeneration // Passive // Gradually restore HP. Required for “Imperishable Will”
* Shield Mastery // Passive // Increases the effectiveness of shields. Required for: "Shield Slam", "Shield Wall", "Intercept", "Deflect Projectiles".
* Evasion // Passive // Reduces damage from area of effect attacks. Required for "Transcend Danger".
* Retaliate // Active // After dodging, spend PP to strike back with an attack of increased speed and effectiveness. Required for "Combat Expertise".
* Intercept // Active // Spend PP to intervene, blocking an attack for an ally. [[ Unavailable: Requires "Shield Mastery" ]]

As the others look around the room, you try to use the dusty memento to interact with various objects. It doesn't seem to produce any sort of effect, however. The painting above the mirror is the same as in the dusty memento. Velika is gone from both.

“Anyone got anything?” You ask, opening the drawers in the vanity.

“There's a chest under the bed.” Nel says, pulling a heavy footlocker aside. “What's over there?”

“Looks like a bunch of trash in here. Well, expensive-looking trash.” You respond. Aelriss makes her way to your side, and the two of you investigate.

> Inventory [[ Velika's vanity ]]
94 credits
ghost diamond hair brush
spark essence

“Oh, that's shiny.” She says.

“Is it anything anyone can use directly?” Kainzo asks.

“An elemental focus should be designated to—“ Dorian begins to speak, but Aelriss cuts him off.

> [[ Continued ]]

>>39229108

“Without an Aetheric Resonator, Dorian can't work with lightning. And neither can I.” Aelriss says, folding her arms and glancing over at the other artificer. “The comb is probably some accessory crafting material... but it doesn't look cheap.”

“Then we'll decidde who gets it when everyone's back.” Kainzo says. “Fair?”

“I suppose.” Donnel says. “What's in the chest?”

> Inventory [[ footlocker ]]
obsidian spike x4

Opening it reveals a number of perfectly smooth, polygonal obsidian spikes, each filed down to a point. They're black, featureless, and clean; you can see your reflection on one of the faces.

“Holy... what are these?” Nel asks.

“Materials.” Kainzo responds. “Probably, anyway, unless someone knows something I don't. I guess we could go ahead and wait for Andor and Vyx...”

What will you do?
> write-in

>>39229128
I'm thinking we should wait for them before we enter the black room

>>39229128
Loot the rest of the living Quarters. When done scope out the black room, but no farther than Nel went in. Then have nel check upstairs. Also see if you can scrounge up some hp from rest after if there are late.

>>39229128
>obsidian spike x4
Sounds like one brutal upgrade for Tatsu. Then again, they might be keys for some sort of puzzle.


Let's check the black room?

>>39229128
Wait for the others, see if there's anything else to explore.

>>39229128
Check the other living quarters. I assume that someone is taking the spikes or should we?

>>39229128
Keep dat loot grind up m8

>>39229128
see if we can sleep in the beds, there might be a resting bonus.

>>39229325
Is anyone not at full health by now? But yeah it might have some effect.

>>39229325
Sleeping probably makes you disconnect or something.

>>39229128
Going to have to end soon, unfortunately.

You heft one of the spikes, before Kainzo takes it. It's heavy, and about the length of your arm. You can't imagine what it might be used for.

Aelriss pulls out a chair. “I'm gonna rest a bit before we move on. In-game, that is.”

“I feel like we could all stand to take a moment.” Kainzo responds. “I'm alright on HP... but feeling a bit tired, all of a sudden.”

“Right, then I'm going to have a look at that other room.” You nod.

“I'll come with.” Nel responds. “The buddy system never fails.”

The room at the end of the hallway opens into a short, concrete staircase downward. You can see the walls from above, here. There's no mistaking it; this is the same room as in the picture you're carrying.

What will you do?
> Other

>>39229819
>Explore

>>39229819
Proceed catiously with sword drawn.

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>>39229819
>I'm alright on HP... but feeling a bit tired, all of a sudden

>>39229819
Go back and tell the others of this, and the picture

>>39229819
Proceed with sword drawn find spot where she was, see if looking at her picture at that spot changes anything.

>>39229819
tell nel that we have a really bad feeling about this

>>39229819

“What's up?” Nel asks. “This place givin' you the creeps?”

“Something like that... I've just got a bad feeling.” You move forward, sword ready. The walls are washed out, all the same way. This is where that picture was taken, or painted—you're not sure, anymore. The air feels heavy; that scraping sound propagates downward from above, echoing through the walls, and you're almost certain you hear whispering. “Mind taking your hand off my shoulder?”

“What? I'm not touching...” Nel looks up at you, and you turn a bit to face him—then, immediately stagger forward when you notice him standing with his own weapons at the ready, whirling around on a heel and pointing your sword at thin air.

The black room is empty and featureless.

> Other

>>39230072
>Panic

>>39230072
pull out the picture frame

>>39230072
DId the exits disappear?

I'm not sure we're really equipped to fight ghosts so besides calling out Velika to fight us on our level, I think retreat is our best option.

>>39230072
> Panic.
> Sob, a lot.
> Take out the picture.

>>39230072
Pull out picture. Pray.

>>39230072
listen more closely to the whispers

>>39230147
>>39230145
Yeah.

>>39230147
backing.

>>39230072
>Pull out picture

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>>39230072

There's something about that scratching, pacing and rhythmic, like a heartbeat though not uniform, different enough each time to be slightly disconcerting. It increases in volume, as you listen. It reaches out to you—then, you feel it, pulling you at the shoulders, tugging sharply, dragging you downward. It feels like the walls are unfolding around you, and you can see...

“Ashe?” Nel asks. He grabs onto your arm, jarring you back to reality. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, fine, sorry.” You shake your head.

“This place is giving me a bad feeling too, yeah?” He says. “Let's get out of here.”

He pulls you toward the staircase, and the two of you cross back into the hallway, stopping abruptly when the door slams behind you.

Archiving. I'm back, and I think I'm doing a fair bit better health-wise. I won't be able to run as frequently as before for a while, but I'm still alive for now. Will keep everyone updated.

>>39230644
That's not really what we voted for, but whatever.
See ya mate, thanks for running.

>>39230672
Eh, I don't think things would have gone well for us had we stayed, so I'm alright with it.

>>39230644
Thanks for running, always a pleausre.

>>39230644
Thanks for running.

>>39230644
Spooky ghost times abound! Thanks for running, looking forward to next time