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>>44284556

“Uh huh.” Vyx says. “You have any ideas as to how we're going to lure him out? He practically controls the weather in here.”

"Certainly doesn't seem like time is an issue for his type." Dorian adds. "I imagine he'd be perfectly content with our deliberation no matter the outcome."

"So, what, then?" Donnel asks.

“We could smash the place up,” Aelriss says. “He cares about this world, right? Maybe if we destroy it, he'll come to us.”

“I doubt it. Looks like he's already done more damage than any of us would be capable of.” You shrug. “I don't think he cares. He probably just wants to die.”

“His AI seems... really good.” Ayla says.

“Tell me about it,” You respond. You were holding a conversation with him. “Think someone's controlling him?”

“Maybe?” Ayla asks. “Would they really have people just sitting down in every dungeon?”

“Let's not dwell on it,” Kainzo suggests. “Whatever we decide, I'd rather he not have more time to prepare.”

[[ 1 ]]
> Use a lesser healing potion now (2 left).
> Wait for an emergency.

[[ 2 ]]
> Chase him to the cliff.
> Try to lure him into the woods.
> Write-in.

>>44284579
How much HP does a lesser healing potion restore?

>>44284579
>> Use a lesser healing potion now (2 left).
> Chase him to the cliff.

>>44284579
> Use a lesser healing potion now (2 left).
> Try to lure him into the woods.

>>44284579
> Use a lesser healing potion now (2 left).
> Try to lure him into the woods.
I feel like if we try to fight him at the cliffs he will just throw us off. He has been shown to be able to manipulate earth really easily and a cliff just gives him so many more options.

>>44284623
I think it was like 7 points in the last thread

>>44284579
> Use a lesser healing potion now (2 left).
> Try to lure him into the woods.
I'm not sure how though. Maybe we could talk shit on his dead waifu.
>>44284760
Thanks.

>>44284579
>> Try to lure him into the woods.
> you used my write in

senpai

>>44284791
Call his waifu a shit. Works everytime.

>>44284865
Might be a mistake considering that his waifu is currently haunting us though

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>>44284689
>>44284748
>>44284791

> [[ HP: 32 / 35 ]]

One potion left, though getting blown apart before you have an opportunity to use it is an entirely real possibility. Other members of the raid follow suit, bandaging wounds and drinking potions where necessary.

“We'll take him in the woods.” You suggest.

“I agree.” Nel nods. “I can move ahead and get his attention. Chances are, he'll take the gunfire as a challenge rather than a reason to flee.”

“He's faster and more maneuverable than us—but this affords the chance for those with slower attacks to prepare an ambush.” Kainzo says, leading the group over the fallen trees ahead. Nel is already off; he lights a fluorescent torch, then disappears into the dark brush ahead.

> [[ 1d100 ]]

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>44285040
please no more shit rolls

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>44285040

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>44285040
>>44285049
Only shit rolls allowed here.

>>44285063
fucking critfail. great.

>>44285063
anon...
>>44285070
it's not a true critfail. just a knockoff critfail.

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>>44285070
ONLY SHIT ROLLS ALLOWED

>>44285070
What are we even rolling for right now?

>>44285099
To see how badly we get annihilated

>>44285099
Anal circumference.

Rolled 92 (1d100)

Guys I don't know how to deal with these constantly awful rolls. We're so fucked. Yes I'm butthurt.

>>44285221
Of course THAT is rolled when it doesn't matter anymore.

>>44285221
Is bitching about rolls the secret to good rolls?

>>44285099
Nel got rekt

>>44285059
>>44285063

> [[ 64 ]]
> [[ 2 – Reduced Effect ]]

“Don't follow him all the way out of cover!” You charge forward, and at your back, translucent wings unfold. The hoofbeats of a cavalcade of unseen horses herald your coming. There's a clearing ahead, where you can lie in ambush. But first, you've got to make it...

“I don't think he's buying it!” You hear a distant shout from Nel. Lightning erupts from the darkness, burning the forest canopy and taking cuttings from the trees overhead. It narrowly misses you; the projectile is far too quick for you to avoid, but you can feel the buildup of energy in the air, and approximate its direction beforehand.

You end up hitting the ground hard to avoid a falling tree limb, charge coming to an abrupt halt; turning your head to the side in the dirt, you see Vyx stumble and fall into the brush, body crackling with purple energy. Aelriss and Eunoia stop at her side, while the other members of the raid maneuver around you, making their way ahead.

Damn, he's a good shot. You suppose you were expecting someone a bit more scholarly.

There's a shape—an unfamiliar shadow, rising out from behind the brush near Aelriss and Vyx.

> Charge the newcomer before it can attack.
> Warn them, then get up and look for Kjorikos.
> Write-in.

>>44285466
> Charge the newcomer before it can attack.
channel the momentum from our charge into a piercing stab with our sword

>>44285466
> Charge the newcomer before it can attack.
>>44285495
If it's some kind of golem a piercing attack wouldn't be that useful. A strong two handed slash to the neck would be better.

>>44285466
> Charge the newcomer before it can attack.

>>44285466
>> Charge the newcomer before it can attack.

is everyone just too tired of shit rolls to vote or what?

>>44285532
>implying we'll roll well enough for a strong slash

>>44285466
>Charge the newcomer before it can attack.

>>44285495
>>44285532
>>44285584
>>44285619

The mail never fails.

Well, barring that thing that happened two seconds ago. That was a total letdown.

But you waste no time, leaping onto your feet as quickly as you can. Sword prepared in both hands, you shout as you charge toward the attacker, unwilling to allow the sound of distant chariots to end for more than a moment.

It comes into view, as you leap over Aelriss and the downed Vyx—a strange, twisted-looking construct of porcelain, earth, and crackling crystals—an enormous, upside-down teardrop with oversized arms and legs.

Hopefully you won't fuck this one up too.

> [[ 1d100 ]]

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>44285775

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>44285775
This time for sure!

Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>44285775

>>44285789
>>44285807
>>44285812
Okay I quit. Good luck guys.

>>44285812
Yeah I'm just gonna keep rolling until we get consistently okay rolls

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>44285831

>>44285789
>>44285807
>>44285812
Oh dice gods have mercy upon our poor souls.

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>44285849
still shit

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>44285831

>>44285873
>>44285874
bretty gud

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>44285894
fuck these dice

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>44285913
fuck my dice

Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>44285927
fuck dice

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>44285956
dice.

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>>44285807

> [[ 39 ]]

The most powerful strike you can muster, aided by the momentum of your charge; yet, your blade is harmlessly deflected away from one of those crystals, which explodes a second later, tossing you backwards.

> [[ HP: 30 / 35 ]]

Damn, looks like you fucked it up.

> [[ HP: 26 / 35 ]]

With a powerful uppercut, it launches you skyward into the canopy; your armor, as well as your tough skin, seem to take the worst of the blow. But you're separated from your sword, which goes spinning a few feet into the woods.

You come crashing down in the clearing a second later, managing somehow to land on your feet. Aelriss is carrying Vyx, and you hear Eunoia whistle an unfamiliar tune. The golem appears entranced, and begins following the bird off into the woods.

“Just a distraction,” Aelriss says. “It'll be back in a few seconds.”

“Damnit, sorry.” Vyx shakes her head, letting herself spill out of Aelriss's arms, then begins fumbling with her UI in search of recovery items. “I am really shitty today for some reason.”

“I know how you feel.” You sigh, scanning the brush for your sword—there it is! You lift yourself over more downed trees to grab it. “It's alright. Where's everyone else?”

“Kept chasing Kjorikos.” Aelriss says. Periodically, you hear the crack of thunder. “Probably fighting now, or trying to lure him back this way. What do we want to do?”

> “Let's try and take down the golem first.”
> “Let's try and catch up with the others.”
> “I think we're going to need to try a more cerebral approach.” (Write-in.)

>>44286001
> “Let's try and catch up with the others.”
Not that this matters, considering all that awaits us is failure

>>44286001
>“Let's try and take down the golem first.”
The last thing we need is Kjorikos getting backup.

>>44286001
> “Let's try and catch up with the others.”

>>44286001
>“Let's try and take down the golem first.”

>>44286001
“Let's try and take down the golem first.”
gotta get rid of the adds, that's mmo 101.

>>44286001
I'd say deck the golem, but considering how many there might be we could just be wasting our time. I figure if it pops up again it might be worth taking it out at that stage.

As for 'cerebral approaches'...
- We could try something with the painting. Maybe lobbing it at him, provoking him into destroying it, or whatever
- could try wishing upon our 4 leafed clover
- the trail marker is a luminous paint if I remember correctly? Maybe try and blind him with that by splashing it on his face, or maybe try and use the let's get weird tabard to blind him. Might give us a small chance to knock him down a peg where we can fight more evenly or something
- I forget what the sanctum keystone was - presumably just a means to unlock the way to the boss fight? If not, perhaps exposing Kjorikos to it will do something. Or depending on how big it is be could try and jump up high and then take it out our inventory and drop it on his head
- Maybe switching to the lighter scimitar and rather than focussing on dealing damage, use our greater speed to duck and weave and attack more in an effort to distract him from the others long enough for them to get a hit in
- Maybe a dumb as shit ploy where we deliberately take a hit in order to land one, and take that opportunity of suprise to get that pickled moonroot down his throat. Would no doubt work better if we can remove whatever obscures his face ahead of time
- clutching at straws, but he typically uses lightning attacks right? So perhaps sticking our bastard sword in the ground and hoping it acts as a lightning rod somewhat could help

I dunno, there's almost definitely some actual plot key but my memory is too scattered to try and piece together something along those lines

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>44286298

>>44286298
all those ideas are bad

>>44286404
I know.
I was hoping that some of them might provoke actually good ones from other people.

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>>44286001

“We're taking that thing down.” You point into the woods, where it chased off Eunoia. In the distance, you can see them start to circle back your way.

“Alright.” Aelriss nods. “Vyx, give us some supporting fire while you're on your way to meet back up with the group, if you can.”

“What?” Vyx asks. "You're kidding."

“As it is, they're barely able to touch Kjorikos. You're the best ranged damage we've got, and they'll need it up there.” Aelriss continues.

“I feel like I could say the same for your support.” Vyx says, folding her arms. "Your bird can heal people, can't it?"

“Thing is, Ashe and I are kind of cursed. I'm still not sure what that entails, but it seems reasonable that there's a potential for you to get dragged into it...” Aelriss says.

“Well, fuck that, then.” Vyx says, checking her weapons before she waves you off. “Good luck.”

“You sure about this, Ael?” You ask.

“Yeah,” She lolls her neck in a circle. “We got this.”

“Watch those crystals. Seems like they pop on contact.” You suggest.

“I'll have Eunoia shoot 'em down.” Aelriss responds.

The construct is stomping through the brush towards you, chasing Aelriss's happily fluttering bird of paradise.

> Take him down at the kneecaps.
> Pierce the torso with Concussive Strike in hopes of hitting a core.
> Jump and try to strike the arms.
> Write-in.

>>44286448
>> Take him down at the kneecaps.
Please dice be mercyful.

>>44286448
> Pierce the torso with Concussive Strike in hopes of hitting a core.

>>44286448
>Take him down at the kneecaps.
It seems pretty top heavy with the whole upside down teardrop shape. Leaving it writhing on the floor is probably for the best

>>44286448
> Pierce the torso with Concussive Strike in hopes of hitting a core.

>>44286448
>Take him down at the kneecaps.

>>44286448
> Pierce the torso with Concussive Strike in hopes of hitting a core.
Not gonna fuck around with this thing. Plus we can use pickled moonroot before we go after the big boss

>>44286448
> Pierce the torso with Concussive Strike in hopes of hitting a core.

>>44286475
>>44286502
>>44286533

“You ready?” You ask.

“As I'll ever be.” Aelriss readies her staff. “Wait for Eunoia to turn.”

“I'm going after it takes a swing.” You respond.

It makes no sound beyond the snapping of fallen trees underfoot as it pushes through the brush; violet bursts of distant lightning occasionally illuminate the sky, casting an eerie glow over the washed-out colors of this simulation. The bird of paradise swoops upward and around in an arc, loosing tiny orange embers toward the crystals embedded in the frame, which crackle and explode, leaving impurities in its earthen body.

Aelriss moves up, holding her staff high like a flagbearer's standard before ducking beneath the construct's first swing and battering its ceramic-armored kneecaps. That's when you leap forward, blade wreathed in a field of twisting force.

> [[ 1d100, fourth roll will be considered if it is higher than the first three ]]

Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>44286764
HOPE!

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>44286764
please

>>44286764
>>44286775
FINALLY

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>>44286775

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>44286775
Holy shit

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>>44286775

>>44286775
Thanks for breaking the streak anon. I was about to lose all hope.

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>44286764

>>44286827
Don't succumb into DESPAIR anon!

>>44286827
You must never give up hope, anon.
Hope is what will drive us upward to the heavens, hope is what will drive our blade through Kjorikos.

Hm, if we get a moment and somehow catch Kjorikos in another monologue maybe we should ask him what the celestial gems are. He might have something to say about them which could be very interesting.

>>44286993
Great idea. Maybe he could even provide some insight into our mysterious skill.

>>44286775
> [[ 100 ]]

>>44286777
>>44286830
> [[ Critical Success ]]

You're not an actual cavalier; you don't even have enough room for the effect of your mail to kick in. But this'll probably do just fine. It's not ready at all when your bastard sword finds a mark, buried three-quarters to the hilt in its upper body. The concussive force doesn't knock the construct back quite yet, though; it reverberates within, spreading out, and you see wavering air and dust burst forth from all of the cracks in its form.

An explosion of raw force sends large ceramic fragments in all directions, and opens a tremendous cavity within the creature's body, revealing a brilliant crystal core which you've thoroughly impaled. You let yourself fall to the ground now, as the monster stumbles backwards, swinging wildly.

You and Aelriss nod at one another. Then, you each take a leg, simultaneously swinging your weapons to shatter the armor and knock the construct to the ground, where the light within dies.

> [[ aetheric revenant was defeated. ]]

“That's what I'm talking about.” You say.

“You're telling me.” She responds. “Time to catch up with the team?”

“Hang on,” You say, as a familiar light catches your attention. You raise an eyebrow; Ael is turning a bit red. “Let's see if we've got anything.”

> Inventory [[ aetheric revenant ]]
ceramic plate x4
raw fractalline crystal x2
Celestial Gem x2

There's an awkward pause.

“So, uh.” Aelriss says. “Down the middle? We, uh, don't have to tell anyone.”

> Write-in.

>>44287010
Share with her and keep quiet. It will be our secret.

>>44287010
Works for me. I won't tell if you won't.

>>44287010
Sure, we found the ceramic plates and fractilline crystal, what celestial gems?

>>44287010
Agreed. Deny everything.

>>44287010
Keep both to ourselves. They are our prrreeeeciiioooussss

>>44287010
>Share the loot with her, keep quiet about it
If we get an uneven number of gems from the boss we can abstain from them I guess, keep it fair that way. I mean, that thing was after US, and WE took it down.
I forget what the actual gem arrangement was.

I wonder if we should deface any more things in order to get another of these cashcows to pop up. Worth keeping in mind if we ever decide to do a rerun of this boss fight - the more we piss off the revenants, the better odds there are of getting fat gems.

Celestial Gems > Heroine

>>44287010
Sure, split the gems with her and tell no one. She's helped us a lot the past while, so why not.

>>44287032
>>44287034
>>44287039
>>44287048

“Yeah.” The two of you take half from each column. “Nothing out of the ordinary here.”

“I figure, since we've got all this extra stuff to deal with?” Aelriss asks. “We probably deserve it.”

“Deserve what, now?” You ask. “Some extra crafting materials?”

“Yeah, those.” She nods. “Alright, time to catch up?”

> Head in the direction of the fighting and join the party.
> Scout out Kjorikos and attempt an ambush.
> Find a way to get him going after the two of you instead.
> Write-in.

>>44287126
> Find a way to get him going after the two of you instead.

>>44287126
>> Write-in.
Show him the painting.

>>44287125
Best girl

>>44287126
> Scout out Kjorikos and attempt an ambush.

>>44287126
>Scout out Kjorikos and attempt an ambush.
Make the most of are unheralded appearance. We can try and bait him into chasing us afterwards.

Maybe
>message someone fighting him that we're gonna try an ambush
would go well, though alerting them might inadvertently alert Kjorikos too, who knows.

>>44287159
But Tastu is best girl!

>>44287126
>Scout out Kjorikos and attempt an ambush.

>>44287126
> Scout out Kjorikos and attempt an ambush.
>>44287147
She disappeared from the painting I think.

>>44287159
i totally agree

>>44287197
Tatsu is a close second.

>>44287205
Yeah, but whacky things might happen all the same. Who knows, maybe he'll be trapped in the painting! Or perhaps seeing her gone from it will be some deep symbolical thing that makes him realise she's truly gone! Maybe he'll think our powers of defacing are worthy of a berserk rage, which makes him too clumsy to defend himself properly!

>>44287242
Tatsu has never not had our back.

>>44287242
Tatsu and Ael are both best.

>>44287315
Ayla's pretty good too partially because her art is Rikku, and let's not forget Liza saved us...

>>44287330
Ehh, Ayla's up there, but I kinda did forget who Liza is.

>>44287532
Leader of the Crimson Guard, she used her schmancy wings to save our airborne ass after anaximander used his secret thing to teleport us into the sky.

>Tatsu
>hair done up to look like cat ears.
If only she could speak english.

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>>44287126

“Not quite. We'll scout him out, go for an ambush.” You suggest.

“Sending forward to Nel now. I hope he's alright.” Aelriss says.

“Let Kainzo know too, just in case.” You look for lightning in the woods, then begin through the brush, planning to circle around the battle. Things have quieted down a bit. “We could use some leadership.”

“Especially when it comes with that magic shield.” She shrugs, and Eunoia lands on her shoulder as she moves past you.

“Yeah, that certainly helps his image. I was surprised when he said he was packing.” You roll your eyes. “Really put his foot down as far as leadership goes, you know?”

“Uh, packing?” She stifles a laugh, giving you an incredulous look. “That's what you call it?”

“You got a better word?” You ask. “I was just trying to say, the Guardians had me under the impression that they funneled all of their Gems Liza's way.”

“What, really? You think anyone would stay in the guild if that was the case?” She scoffs. “I mean, maybe they've got a banking system, but I'm pretty sure they just have more Gems than everyone else. You're still thinking about this? Is now even the time?”

“Not at all.” You say, then continue. “Think Andor's got an Artifact?”

“I wouldn't know.” She responds. “Guy like him doesn't seem like he'd still be alive without one.”

Her UI pings.

“They're taking cover,” Aelriss says. “Hiding. I've got a map. Stay low, stay quiet.”

Like this, you maneuver through the woods, taking a twisted path that shows signs of a supernaturally-charged struggle. Then, you see the faint glint of the Corrupted Artificer's armor in the distance, the violet glow of the ring of flame that hovers idly around his body. He's levitating slowly forward, six feet off the ground, with another aetheric revenant at his side.

You can't pick out any of the other party members through the brush. Aelriss looks at you in anticipation.

> Write-in

>>44287581
Eat a root and Concussive strike at him I guess.

>>44287581
make our way as close as possible to him from cover, then charge him when he's not looking our way, and leap onto him, preferably from behind.

>>44287581
Do you think Eunoia could distract him while I build up some speed to try and stab him? Run as fast as possible and just go for it I guess. He'll hear us coming but hopefully won't have enough time to react.

>>44287666
Instead of just Eunoia, make the whole party attack while we charge him.

>>44287666
I doubt that will work satan.

>>44287581
Tell the party about the golems core location

>>44287581
Maybe we can spring off from a toppled tree again or something to get some extra height?

Can Eunoia half-carry us perhaps to try for a few metres further up?

>>44287724
I'm pretty sure we can jump that high already. Plus Eunoia is a tiny bird. Wouldn't help at all.

>>44287742
Maybe. Every little helps perhaps?

>>44287823
I'll be blunt anon, that idea is really dumb.

>>44287849
Nonsense, you just need MORE HOPE.

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>>44287581

> Consume pickled moonroot and prepare a Concussive Strike.
> Sneak to within charging distance and attack head-on.
> Use the canopy for an attack from above.
> Call for a distraction—to the tune of a simultaneous attack from the party.

>>44287921
Is this a series of options or a summary of what we've planned to do?

>>44287921
>> Consume pickled moonroot and prepare a Concussive Strike.
>> Sneak to within charging distance and attack head-on.
Charge+Concussive Strike sounds very powerful. We are going to roll a 1 aren't we?

>>44287921
>> Consume pickled moonroot and prepare a Concussive Strike.
>> Sneak to within charging distance and attack head-on.

>>44287952
(( The former. ))

>>44287921
Combine the first, third, and fourth options. Tell the party to be as loud as possible.

>>44287974
Ah, well all of them then.
Maybe not the last one.
It would spoil the surprise.

>>44287986
Oops, meant second instead of third.

>>44287921
> Consume pickled moonroot and prepare a Concussive Strike.
> Sneak to within charging distance and attack head-on.
> Call for a distraction—to the tune of a simultaneous attack from the party.

>>44287986
Also tell the party about the golems weak point.

>>44287921
> Use the canopy for an attack from above.
> Call for a distraction—to the tune of a simultaneous attack from the party.

>>44288077
This is a good idea, certainly.
Say that they probably won't be attacked by one though, since it was a revenant presumably after us thanks to our indictment.

>>44288177
We don't know that for sure. No reason to make them let their guard down.

>>44287921

> [[ UI Messenger – Group Chat ]]
> [[ Conversation Topic (Set by Aelriss): Inner Sanctum Expedition ]]
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: So, this is gonna sound stupid.
> [[ Dorian ]]: Then we'll know it's really you.
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: We can all see Kjorikos, correct?
> [[ Kainzo ]]: I believe we know where he is. If anyone doesn't, they could follow someone else.
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: Alright.
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: I'm suggesting an all-out ambush.
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: Kainzo, on your signal, everyone fast or ranged can go in and do as much damage as possible.
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: AS loudly as possible.
> [[ Ayla ]]: I can do that.
> [[ Andor ]]: Same.
> [[ Aelriss ]]: And if that golem goes after you, it's got a weak point inside its upper chest. Outmaneuver it if you can.

It's only then you start to hear it: the repeated sounding of a distant, familiar 'ping'. There's a light from far across the clearing, and your vision snaps over to see Tatsumaki, fully illuminated, curled up in the nook of a tree, fumbling with her UI.

The Artificer hears it as well.

> [[ Nel ]]: uh I think someone still has their notifications on
> [[ Ayla ]]: Welp.
> [[ Vyx ]]: Fuck.
> [[ Donnel changed the conversation topic to: JUST ]]

> [[ Continued ]]

>>44288466

Kjorikos unleashes another arcane greatsword, this time extending it into a combination that cleaves the tree Tatsumaki's just leapt from into three parts. He keeps up the swing, floating around his golem to extend it in a wide arc through the trees; Kainzo's Bastion emerges, large, luminescent, but most importantly, in the way, blocking the strike and shattering itself as the blade comes undone.

“Now!” He shouts, and you see his cloak fluttering as he leaps from the brush nearby. The golem moves to intercept, and he parries the massive fist with his greatsword, guiding it to the ground in search of space to engage the Artificer.

There's shouting, as Vyx joins him, cartwheeling into the open and landing on one knee, a surprising number of her blood-red caster bolts managing to find their target. Nel and Andor arrive next, light attackers that he seems more cautious to approach directly, likely due to the surprise bomb earlier.

> [[ PP: 8 / 8 ]]
> [[ PP Regeneration ]]

Your sinuses clear as you consume pickled moonroot. No negative side effects, yet. Seems handy.

Aelriss is getting ready to move. You guess that's as good a signal as any.

> [[ 1d100 ]]

>>44288466
>[[ Donnel changed the conversation topic to: JUST ]]
top kek

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Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>44288466
>[[ Donnel changed the conversation topic to: JUST ]]
>>44288500

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>44288500

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>44288500
Don't fuck up now!

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>44288500

What kind of ambush do you want senpai?

Not bad.

>>44288515
I'm okay with this. Surely our plan and our familiarity with this tactic will give us a good modifier.

>>44288466
Tatsu please.

>>44288515
/m/ reaction pic saved us.

Don't worry we just arc of deliverance'd him.

>>44288704
Dragons dogma is the shit. I wonder if the DD MMO is any good.

>>44288736
Are MMOs ever good?

>>44288827
Nope. Broken Sky a grindfest shit.

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>>44288515

Salvage, boys.

You're falling towards Kjorikos at high speed, two-handing a bastard sword shielded by concussive force. If only the ground were breakable—then you'd have a home field advantage. And, hey, who's to say it isn't? You'll work on your swing for next time, or maybe invest in a hammer.

Either way, you love it when a plan comes together. He's tangled up in the combat below, not taking much damage. But he doesn't need to; it was, after all, a distraction. He turns upward to face you, preparing a lightning bolt all too late. Instead, he pulls away, levitating himself not-quite out of reach of your swing. At the touch of your blade, he's buffeted with immense force, and sent all the way to the ground, crashing down on one hand and one knee hard enough to flatten the grass in a six foot radius.

> [[ HP: 29 / 35 ]]
> [[ PP: 4 / 8 ]]

You're caught off-guard by the sparks that rocket along your blade—a reactive attack. You don't let it deter you as your PP begins to regenerate.

> [[ Continued ]]

>>44288839
After this we should probably honestly grind for a few levels.

>>44288886

“Much appreciated, Ascheritte!” You hear Dorian shout, and his attack, an arc of wind energy you've seen only once before, rockets out of the treeline, colliding with the Artificer's chest and launching him backwards. Then Donnel—who's also been too slow to engage properly—emerges from nearby, taking advantage of the opening with an overhead swing that hits the Artificer square in the face, sending a wave of force reverberating across the ground.

> [[ aetheric revenant was defeated. ]]

“We won't yield so easily, Artificer.” Behind you, Kainzo and Andor draw their blades from the body of the defeated construct. That fast, huh? You shouldn't be surprised.

“At least, I wasn't planning on it.” Andor adds.

“Retreat if you're hurt,” Kainzo shouts. “But don't let small damage turn you away!”

“Careful!” Vyx shouts, diverting her fire from Kjorikos to targets further behind. “There's another one coming.”

You land on your feet, ready to follow up, but take just a moment in observation. Violet sparks are welling up around the downed Artificer, as he struggles to deflect the upcoming blows. The world surrounding him is beginning to warp and distort, twisting like the eye of a storm.

> Try and pin Kjorikos down for the last explosive.
> Defend until the next opening—something's going down, and you don't like it.

>>44288932
> Try and pin Kjorikos down for the last explosive.

>>44288932
>> Defend until the next opening—something's going down, and you don't like it.

>>44288932
>> Try and pin Kjorikos down for the last explosive.
All or nothing.

>>44288932
> Defend until the next opening—something's going down, and you don't like it.
Stick our sword in the ground in front of us and use it as a lightning rod

>>44288932
> Defend until the next opening—something's going down, and you don't like it.

>>44288932
>Try and pin Kjorikos down for the last explosive.

>>44288932
I can't decide if he's about to teleport or unleash a devastating AOE attack

>>44288959
>>44289008
>>44289019
>Stepping into a Raid bosses Ult.
Are you fucking stupid?

>>44289088
They are the kind of people that stand in fire during raids.

>>44289087
>The world surrounding him is beginning to warp and distort, twisting like the eye of a storm.


Pretty sure' it's a world wrecking wave.

>>44288932
> Defend until the next opening—something's going down, and you don't like it.
>>44289120
Yeah I think I'll err on the side of caution this time.

>>44288932
>> Defend until the next opening—something's going down, and you don't like it.

>>44288932
> Defend until the next opening—something's going down, and you don't like it.

>>44288886
>You'll work on your swing for next time, or maybe invest in a hammer.
Having a two handed hammer would actually be pretty badass.

>>44288932

“Hold on!” Kainzo shouts. “Get back, now!”

“All that you see here is merely a sorrowful memory!” Clouds sweep in overhead: an aphotic storm forms no more than twenty or thirty feet off the ground, then begins spewing bolts of hideous lightning in all directions. You struggle to maintain your footing as the earth breaks; the raid members flee along separate lanes formed by deep fissures opening in the ground below, leading into darkness.

“So you're just going to destroy it?” Ayla is standing on the edge of a newly-formed stone outcropping, accenting her inquiry with shots from her dual casters. A blast of lightning from above sets the forest alight, raising an enormous wall of flames in the treeline; an explosion blows her platform away, sending her tumbling down onto a tiny ledge overlooking the abyss.

“Such strong emotions. Are you afraid of loss?” You watch the Artificer make his way to the edge of the fissure, preparing to follow up with a flurry of his own. “Yes, your fate is already sealed.”

The earth below you bucks and roils. Whatever you're standing on isn't going to last, and you stumble toward cover from the raging storm. Ayla's got nowhere to go, and is climbing the rock face, totally exposed. Kjorikos is drawing a circle of violet flames, aimed at her; then, Tatsumaki leaps up from the pit behind him, knocking him across the head with a gauntleted fist.

Energy's welling up again. You have to dodge, and tumble backwards into what's left of the woods as another eldritch bolt obliterates your previous foothold. You start back towards the Artificer, buffeted by harsh winds that threaten to throw you off the edge, looking back up in time to see his fire blast go wide, destroying the shelf under Ayla—leaving her free-climbing. He's got Tatsumaki by the neck, holding her up—as she struggles uselessly—in one hand, and throws her flat against the cliff face on the opposite side of the gap.

> [[ Continued ]]

>>44289548

It's a hell of a jump. You have to do something, but even with a running start, you think, you could only barely make it. As you start to watch her fall, before you can plot a course of action, you see Andor emerge on the opposite side of the gap. He tosses himself onto his stomach, flat against the edge of the fissure, to catch Tatsumaki with one hand. But now, he's starting to slide off, too.

Then, you get the distraction you're looking for. Kainzo and Nel are next to meet the Artificer, and he's a match for both of them, holding them at bay as swords and daggers clash with armored gauntlets. He's ignoring Vyx's shots from the opposite end of the clearing; she's having enough trouble aiming as it is. You look back at the gap, with Andor, Tatsumaki, and Ayla all on the cusp of falling, and wonder how long those two can duel Kjorikos, even injured as he appears.

“Aelriss!” You turn, and shout to her, a different fissure now separating the two of you. “I need you to—!”

She's standing frozen, trembling, cut off from you by a growing wall of raging fire.

Only Eunoia joins you, whistling gravely as it lands on your shoulder.

> [[ HP: 30 / 35 ]]
> [[ PP: 5 / 8 ]]

> [[ Continued ]]

>>44289548
This is gonna be one of those "you can only save one" choices, isn't it?

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>>44289774

“Ascheritte...” Just when you think there's enough bullshit going on already, a woman's voice calls out to you from the fissure adjacent... in the opposite direction from the rest of the raid. You glance over, and see a familiar face—but fair-skinned and cream-colored, rather than marbleized as you're familiar with. She is thin, and ghostly, and in royal dress; she hangs, by one arm, from the edge of a small shelf about fifteen feet below you. She is the woman from the empty picture frame.

“...Velika?” You ask. Then, you stagger, catching your breath, when your eye catches the decorative brooch in the center of her chest. It's what you've been looking for, all this time. A Celestial Gem.

“Please,” She says. “Help me. Free us from this curse.”

You hear Nel scream, and your vision snaps back to the battle in time to see him and Kainzo on the defensive, bodies crackling with violet lightning. Aelriss is still standing at the edge of the flames—Tatsumaki, Ayla, and Andor are still situated over the edge of the cliff. The situation does not seem to be improving.

“Ascheritte!” Kainzo shouts, as Kjorikos turns towards you, beginning a slow march; you imagine if he didn't have that cracked mask on, he'd be at least grinning. “What the hell are you doing!?”

You tremble, sword ready.

> Write-in.

>>44289836
Take our celestial gems, smash them with our sword, then Hit Kjorkiros for all we're worth.

>>44289836
Ignore Velika that fucking Gem. It's just a trap that's going to get everyone killed.

>>44289836
Go to Velika. Maybe she could help us stop the artificer

>>44289836
Help pull Tatsu, Ayla and Andor back from the cliff.

>>44289836
>"KJORIKOS! SEE WHAT YOU HAVE DRIVEN YOUR BELOVED WAIFU TOO WITH YOUR MADNESS?"
>Gesticulate towards Velika's ghost
>Pay fervently that we don't lose best girl and pretty good girl over the cliff whilst this happens

>>44289930
>>"KJORIKOS! SEE WHAT YOU HAVE DRIVEN YOUR BELOVED WAIFU TOO WITH YOUR MADNESS?"
This but also attack him.

>>44289930
>TOO
That was (hopefully obviously) meant to be a 'TO'

>>44289884
Are you retarded?

>throw the painting at the ghost to see if it works like a pokeball

>>44289836
Save Aelriss first. She can help us with the others.

>>44289836
>>44289930
This seems like a way to end the fight and without Kjorikos everyone should be much safer. There is too much going on right now and we need to just end the fight.

This is a hard choice.

>>44290052
I figure that the people falling off the cliff probably have a few more moments to spare, whereas those fighting the boss directly are probably about to be roflstomped flat.

Moreover, if we can stop the boss then the ground might stabilise enough that the cliffhangers can start to pull themselves back up.

Aelriss trapped by fire is a pity but she's not in immediate danger and I don't think we have the time to rescue her in an attempt to better save the others.

>>44289836
Go towards Velika. Free her.
>>44290109
Kjorikos is completely focused on us right now. lrn2read

>>44289836

You try to block out the ghostly woman, focusing on an immediate threat. Ahead, Kjorikos resummons his shifting blade, dragging his fist through the air in front of an open palm to craft a brilliant lance of violet light.

Yeah, that's pretty cool you guess.

Nel and Kainzo are a distance behind him, weapons drawn. Looks like they're having the same problem you are.

> Rebuke the Corrupted Artificer, and attack while the others get to safety.
> Jump the gap and help Andor and Ayla.
> Somehow assist Aelriss, and enlist her help in rescuing the others. (Write-in.)
> Retreat, and attempt to rescue Velika.

>>44290128
>> Rebuke the Corrupted Artificer, and attack while the others get to safety.
> Retreat, and attempt to rescue Velika.
Either of these.

>>44290127
>Kjorikos is completely focused on us right now. lrn2read
Okay, fair point, the dudes getting smushed aren't quite so in danger of being smushed.
However the very fact he's on us means we
1. Shouldn't turn our back
2. Lead him to our prone allies

>>44290128
> Retreat, and attempt to rescue Velika.
This fight ain't ending anytime soon unless we do something drastic.

>>44290128
>Rebuke the Corrupted Artificer, and attack while the others get to safety.
Gotta distract him long enough for the waifus to get to safety

>>44290150
>>44290173
attacking him and rescuing velika are mutually exclusive guys. use your brains.

>>44290128
> Retreat, and attempt to rescue Velika.

>>44290128
>> Retreat, and attempt to rescue Velika.

>>44290202
>either of these

>>44290128
>> Retreat, and attempt to rescue Velika.
I can't imagine that if she becomes a factor that Kjorikos will continue this fight

>>44290249
You can't vote for two different things without combining them. That's not how this questing thing works anon.

>>44290283
Yes I can. The vote goes for both and whatever is the highest wins.

>>44290330
Which means you essentially voted twice. Which is wrong.

>>44290128
>Retreat, and attempt to rescue Velika.

damnit, this quest starts at 4am for me. Noone wanted to fell trees on him?

>>44290163
>>44290226
>>44290235
>>44290271
> [[ 3d100 ]]

Rolled 12, 53, 25 = 90 (3d100)

>>44290389

Rolled 82, 5, 95 = 182 (3d100)

>>44290389
>3d100
this makes me nervous

Rolled 84, 46, 21 = 151 (3d100)

>>44290389
rolling

>>44290404
nice cept for middle

Rolled 69, 16, 67 = 152 (3d100)

>>44290389

>>44290399
>>44290404
>>44290423
82, 53, 95. Way better than I expected.

Remind me, do we take the highest overall set of rolls or the best roll from each position?

>>44290439
84, 53, 95

>>44290439
Shit, wait. Should be 84 instead of 82.

>>44290128

> [[ 84 ]]

“Ashe! Help us!” Nel shouts. “Where are you going!?”

The arcane blade cuts a lock of hair from the top of your head as you hit the ground rolling, leaping into the pit. You need more Celestial Gems. The fall isn't terribly long; you slow your descent with one hand and one foot planted against the slanted dirt cliff, coming to a stumbling stop on the edge of the unstable shelf.

“I've got you.” You take the maiden's hand, tossing her onto your back. This is going to be the tricky part; without wasting movement, you turn, feet sliding in the dirt, and leap to grab hand and footholds in the cliff face as the shelf below you collapses.

“Thank you...” She speaks. “I knew this is what you would choose.”

It's a tough climb. The storm rages above, harsh winds reaching even down below. You hear Kjorikos's footsteps.

> [[ Fatigued ]]

You're almost at the top, within arm's reach of the edge, but you're slowing down. The weight of an additional person, even one so light and ghostly, is taking a toll on you.

> [[ PP: 6 / 8 ]]
> [[ Moonroot Poisoning: Dizzy ]]

Your vision shakes.

Damnit. Not now.

> [[ 53 ]]

Lightning's strike throws your hand free of the cliff, showering your face with dirt. There's grit in your eyes and teeth. The second strike sends searing heat up the length of your arm, blood boiling.

> [[ HP: 8 / 35 ]]
> [[ Dazed ]]

Fractal patterns—lichtenberg figures, you think they're called—run the length of your bare, burned arm. You begin to lose your grip, but a chatter in your ear reminds you that Eunoia is on your shoulder. With a faint whistling, the bird of paradise fades away, suffusing your body with withering light.

> [[ HP: 9 / 35 ]]
> [[ Status Effects Negated ]]

> [[ Continued ]]

>>44291106

With a powerful leap, you pull yourself and Velika over the edge, allowing her to slide off your back and settle down behind you. Then, you draw your blade again, staring down the Corrupted Artificer.

“Kjorikos.” You command. “Do you see what you've driven her to?”

He stands, frozen, before pointing his blade in your direction.

You miscalculated. He simply does not care.

No, wait. He's looking through you.

You turn, just a bit, to catch an image of a twisted, marble face—with a mouth of elongated razor teeth, hands twisted into claws, blotches of dark for eye-sockets—closing in on you at incredible speed from behind.

Kjorikos's lance comes within an inch of your shoulder on its way to splitting her head apart. Her body, still carrying momentum, brushes against you, falling limply in the dirt.

As his blade begins to vanish, there's a loud crash as Kainzo's sword ricochets off the back of his armored head, sending him reeling. He stumbles, unable to straighten up before Nel lands on his back, planting daggers between his shoulder blades.

He grabs the Explorer, throwing him into the bushes, then pulls one of the daggers from his back with a grunt, sending it spinning through the air towards you.

> [[ 95 ]]

But you bat the weapon aside with your off-handed buckler, moving forward and taking your blade in both hands—then, with a piercing upward thrust, planting it completely through his chest. It slides between armor plates, and he falls into a kneeling position, hanging limply on the end of your sword.

There's a lull, as the storm settles.

“Mm...” He speaks, taking slow, labored breaths. Black ichor drips from the wound, and pours from the bottom of his mask. “...I was careless.”

> Write-in.

>>44291149
>"You weren't the only one." Draw our sword.

>>44291149
>"..Did you just save me? Why?"
Did he just save us? From the ghost that turned into a mannequin?

>>44291193
+1

>>44291149
>>44291193
This

>>44291149
Tell me about her. Will she continue to haunt me?

>>44291149
>>44291193
and
>"was the past actually terrible?"

>>44291269
Yeah, this sounds good too.
Also ask him about celestial gems if there's an appropriate moment.

>>44291298
This. We need to know more about our precious

>>44291106
>You need more Celestial Gems.
Ffffuuuuuck that, nobody said that.

>>44291426
That just shows much it affects everyone.

>>44291426
but we were thinking it

and if this hadn't panned out, we would have been accused of such anyway.

>>44291524
Because it was a trap option. That everyone fell for.

>>44291629
I wouldn't say flat out and out trap.

RPG quest logic, mang. But then I'm biased because I picked it.

>>44291707
It was the obvious "Greed over Friends" option. Couldn't be any less of a trap. I mean a Gem was specifically mentioned when we saw Velika.

>>44291770
Wait, did people not actually identify it as the ditch friends for loot option?

>>44291798
Either that or Anon's are actually that callous and greedy.

>>44291149

“You weren't the only one.” You respond. Your blade is at a sticking point, and you plant your foot on his shoulder to remove it, in a splash of ichor. “You saved me?”

“I merely seized the initiative.” He speaks. Kainzo and Nel draw closer, cautiously, as the wind slows and the flames die away. “It's more than likely I would have become her next target. Do not mistake my gesture for kindness; are we not enemies, after all?”

“Will she still continue to haunt me? Velika.” You ask, moving past the question.

“Perhaps.” He responds. “Or, perhaps she and I both will fade from memory together.”

“Fine. One more thing.” You say. “The Celestial Gems...”

“I carry a trinket with me.” The Artificer says, slumping slightly. “There is only so much I know. By the time you have returned it to its rightful place in my study, you will know as well.”

“Artificer.” Kainzo says. “Are you also a player?”

“We are all players, in some game.” In all of his weakness, he scoffs. “What are you playing at?”

“Fine.” The Crimson Guardian hisses, unsatisfied with the answer. “Then, tell me: is the past so terrible as you say?”

“No—there is nothing more beautiful, or I would not have created this place.” He says. “Nor would I have tried to restore my love to form. Perhaps all of this would have been different. But all that I have said is true. Loss is reality. It cannot be restored in effigy. Take heed, and ensure that you too... do not succumb.”

With a dull thud, he collapses. Likewise, you hear a distant, contented sigh. Kjorikos and Velika die together. They lie side by side, their ichor mixing in the dirt.

> [[ Kjorikos was defeated. ]]
> [[ Velika was defeated. ]]
> [[ 1 item is missing from your inventory. ]]
> [[ You have 2 unspent EXP. ]]

> [[ Continued ]]

>>44291798
My logic was that the ghost of the girl the boss loved could help us out somehow. Normal means of fighting him hadn't really shown any results.

>>44291798
it could have lifted the curse and ended/helped end the quest/boss fight

>>44291825
>> [[ 1 item is missing from your inventory. ]]
Is it her painting?
> [[ You have 2 unspent EXP. ]]
Jesus 2 lvls?

>>44291825
Iron Body
Combat Regeneration

NO COMPROMISE

>>44291825
>[[ You have 2 unspent EXP. ]]
I'm thinking put 1 into 2h mastery, see what the descriptions for the things it unlocks are, and then decide what to do with the other EXP then.

>>44291867
>not dodge and retaliate

>>44291867
Second this. Combat regeneration is very appealing to me.

>>44291825

Still, the Artificer's words echo. Across the gap, Andor, Tatsumaki, and Ayla have made it to the top of the dirt cliff, and are resting, watching, or examining their wounds. A distance away, you see Aelriss, sitting, useless, at the center of a fairy-ring of scorched earth and burned vegetation.

“For some of us, it might be too late for that. Ascheritte? What do you think?” Kainzo glares at you, prodding Velika's body with his sword to indicate the Celestial Gem in her brooch. He speaks with condescension. “We were close to victory, and on the verge of death. But, you wanted that, didn't you?”

You did.

> Write-in.

>>44291909
>>44291826

>>44291825
Give it to us straight, how much of a hit did our relationship with our friends take because we didn't help them.

>>44291909
Take Kjorikos' trinket, not the brooch with the gem.

>>44291909
>"I cannot deny that an irrational part of me sought it. However, a rational part of me thought that showing Kjorikos the ghost of his love might be the trump card we needed to end the fight."

>>44291909
I saw a way that I thought might end the fight.

>>44291909
I figured I could distract him with her, Yes I wanted the gem, but not at the expense of the raid.

>>44291940
Fucks sake, stop focusing on loot.

>>44291909
>"I cannot deny that an irrational part of me sought it. However, a rational part of me thought that showing Kjorikos the ghost of his love might be the trump card we needed to end the fight."
>and if you don't believe me, that brooch....goes to the party split. I don't want it

>doublecheck inventory, just to be sure that what disappeared was what we wanted to disappear
>help out Aelriss

>>44291909
Explain RPG quest logic to him.

>>44291909

I don't want to deny that we wanted the gem, of course we wanted it since everyone wants them, just say that the gem was not the driving motivation behind what we did, like >>44291826 said.

>>44292035
This

>>44292035
What does that even mean.

>>44291954
This
>>44292035
Anon, just admit that you fell for the trap option. There's no shame in it.

>>44292113
That we thought saving his waifu would be a trigger to another event.

>>44291909
Velika's been messing with my head for a while, I thought the fact that she showed up in the middle of the boss fight was somehow significant.

>>44292156
It might have been a trap option but it still fits within game logic. It would fit more if she didn't have a celestial gem though.

>>44292113
In the context this man was obsessed with his lost love and we knew that her ghost was hanging around so we thought that in the final confrontation that she had appeared for closure or something. This is a sort of thing that RPGs might use to tie together the fights and the stories somewhat instead of it just being hack and slash.

>>44291825

“It wasn't my driving motivation. I thought I could distract him—in my defense, she's been in my head for a while, so I thought she was significant, being his lost love and all.” You sigh, maintaining self-control. “I didn't want it at the expense of the raid. I honestly thought I was making the right play.”

“Kainzo. You're not the boss of him.” Nel says, but his face doesn't quite match his words. “Whatever he did worked. He helped end the fight, and we're all alive.”

Kainzo simply shakes his head, checking his surroundings before putting his weapon away.

> [[ Local dangers are gone with the defeat of a Precursor. ]]

> [[ Inventory: Kjorikos ]]
A Precursor's Puzzle Box
case key
wrought iron deathmask (damaged, unidentified)
aetherbinder's cloak (damaged, unidentified)

> [[ Inventory: Velika ]]
decorated stola (unidentified)
jeweled sandals (unidentified)
godhead's brooch (unidentified)
traitorous kris (unidentified)
Celestial Gem (in godhead's brooch)

You check your inventory. Indeed, the empty picture frame is gone. That's a relief, at least.

“We'll sort all of this out once we're back downstairs, along with everything else we've come across today.” Kainzo says, holding the puzzle box between his fingertips. “Save for this, which I'm told belongs somewhere. Unless anyone's somehow opposed.”

> Return to Kjorikos's study.
> Write-in.

>>44292273
Let's make sure there's nothing left to loot here, If he spent a lot of time here he might have a room or alcove.

>>44292273
Go make sure Aelriss is okay. She seemed oddly traumatized by the fire.

>>44292273
>> Return to Kjorikos's study.

>>44292273
Make sure Ael is okay. We did kind of leave her surrounded by fire.

>>44292273
CHECK ON AELRISS

>traitorous kris
....was the past REALLY that great? Even after his death, I'm having doubts here.


So I'm thinking from these, we should prioritize the cloak. Magic res on top of unicorn charge sounds good to me.


Try to salvage whatever's left of the "simulation" Wood and stuff, since they might actually be artificier constructs made from Life.

>>44292273
>Regroup entire party
>Make sure everyone's all okay
>Explore this area for fat loot
>Then hit the study
Unless everyone else is impatient I guess

>>44292341
>we should prioritize the cloak
We have no idea what any of this shit does. We can focus on 'prioritizing' loot later.

>>44292273
Check up on Aelriss.

>>44292273

“Just make sure we explore this place thoroughly on the way out.” You suggest, shaking your head. You turn away from the two of them, making your way over to Aelriss. “You alright?”

“Fine.” She says. “I'm fine. My health was low, I panicked, sorry.”

You nod, watching her struggle to her feet. The raid slowly regroups—everyone seems alright, though a bit quiet, rather than overly celebratory right this second—and you make your way down to the study, the group picking apart the surroundings for anything apparently useful on the way.

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

Back here. Rows of bookshelves form long aisles leading through the place, with a pedestal situated against the far wall: a glass case, that holds a device called an Aetheric Resonator. 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.

“Well,” Donnel sighs. “We did it, for whatever it's worth.”

“Woop woop.” Vyx says. “Fuck yeah, we did.”

“Just have to figure out where he keeps the business.” Ayla says. “Should be somewhere in here.”

“Until then, we've little cause to celebrate.” Dorian adds.

“Here,” Kainzo says, at the furthest wall of the room. “Something's missing from this shelf.”

You turn in time to see bookshelves part, as the back wall opens.

> [[ Continued ]]

>>44293013

It looks like a chamber once meant for worship—dismantled by a man who had no faith in the gods his world served. Rustic brick walls, with shelves torn down. Around the outside of the room, tables are stocked with unused machine parts and blueprints.

At the back of the room, you see a Celestial Materialization Altar. It's carved from a single massive slab of white granite. It depicts a man cradling a dying woman in his arms, her head tilted back, empty eyes forever fixated on the heavens. In her lap is a bowl, decorated in gold, awaiting an offering. On the pedestal, you see a simple lockbox.

> [[ A Precursor's Hoard // PVP Enabled ]]

Oh, okay. Sure, whatever.

No one speaks, but a few people exchange nervous glances—an air of “you'd better not try anything funny”. Doesn't seem like a good time to make a joke, so you stay quiet.

Kainzo takes the lead, moving up to investigate the chest; Ayla's going over the selection of machine parts, while Aelriss is outside of the zone eyeing the Resonator. The others are nervously shuffling about on the outskirts of the room.

> Check out the lockbox.
> Check out the altar.
> Check out the parts.
> Write-in.

>>44293049
>> Check out the altar.

>>44293049
>> Check out the altar.
Let's see if we can make/do anything. Maybe make this place more hospitable. Wash away its bloodstained past, or some other poetic horseshit.

>>44293049
> Check out the altar.
Drop off the UI of that dual shielder here. Maybe a slight prayer.

>>44293049
>Check out the altar.
I wonder how much it would cost to make a safe haven in this place.

>>44293049
>Check out the parts.
In a vague attempt to make it look like we care about more than immediate loot.

>>44293049
> Check out the altar.

>>44293049
Put Kazamari's broken UI in the altar.

wonder if offering the brooch would mean anything.

>>44293049
> Check out the altar.
That's kinda sadistic for this to be a pvp enabled area at the end of a raid.

>>44293422
well think about what celestial gems do to players, this entire set up is sadistic.

>>44293049

“Dorian, I'm sending some of these items your way to identify. Can you handle it?” Kainzo asks.

“I'll run out of PP.” Dorian says.

“Oh, suck on a moonroot.” Vyx laughs. “You'll love it, I promise.”

“This is amazing.” Ayla says. “I was mentioning some of these parts to some of the other top Techs, regarding excavation. Some of this stuff is high quality—but more importantly, I think this is the rest of what we need to get the Averron City message boards back up. We could put the server in our guild hall...”

“So you're in control of it?” Donnel raises an eyebrow.

“Hey, chill.” Vyx says. “It's probably safer there than in public. Give it a shot,. The shit already got blown up once.”

You offer the broken UI you've been holding onto to the Altar, watching it break up into brilliant dust and illuminate the room briefly, before actually checking the thing out.

> [[ With the defeat of a Precursor, you are free to spare this domain, or allow it to fade from memory. ]]

> [[ Greater Celestial Materialization Altar ]]
> Celestial Manifestation “The First Artificer's Sanctum”
> MANIFESTATION GRANTED BY:
a Precursor, “and I shall love thee better after death”
> [[ Offer Celestial Gems ]]
* Create Celestial Artifact
* Enhance Celestial Artifact
* Empower Mundane Item
* Enhance Celestial Manifestation
* Destroy Celestial Manifestation (to the victors go the spoils)
> [[ Offer Item ]]
* Offer an Item to the Celestials

“Guys? It's a Greater.” You suggest. “And it's giving us the choice to burn this whole place down, if I'm not mistaken.”

“This is a Manifestation? And we can destroy it for free?” Andor asks. “I don't get it. Dungeon bosses and everything inside, it's all supposed to respawn.”

“What?” Nel asks. “Then why would we do that?”

“Maybe...” Vyx says. “We don't want people to get what we got, and to know what we know.”

> [[ Continued ]]

>You can trash a boss area
THIS FUCKING GAME

>>44293641
Can we get an explanation of how spending celestial gems works? I don't want to do it right now since we can't explain our second gem but I still know almost nothing about it.

>>44293641
I'm guessing destroy celestial manifestation would destroy the place, but what on earth would enhancing it do?

>>44293641
>(to the victors go the spoils)
Does that mean we'll something as a bonus if we destroy it?

>>44293641
On one hand, Kjorikos JUST told us that effigies will never be the real thing.

On the other hand, that doesn't mean we can't keep this place to remember.

And if we enhance it, maybe it'll turn into an artificier paradise?

>>44293641

“That's not doing it for me.” Donnel says. Andor joins you at the altar, looking it up and down. “We're all supposed to reach the surface together, aren't we? We can't -do- that without building ourselves a civilization.”

“Tell that to Freakshow!” Vyx sticks her tongue out. “If you wanna get shot in the face by a Kjorikos cosplayer, I bet we can make that happen for you right now -without- leaving loot lying around for anyone.”

“Psh.” Dorian scoffs, quietly identifying items in the corner. “As if Freakshow's ranks contain members so elite as us. You believe they could clear this dungeon?”

Personally, you'd like to see him take a turn in the ring with Anaximander.

“I see it as the opportunity to build something better.” Kainzo's struggling a bit to get the box open. “We'll need something bigger and safer than any of the guild halls eventually. Even the facilities the Artificer had here could be useful, if this place were emptied of threats.”

You look over at Kainzo, who stifles a laugh as the lid pops off the lockbox.

“Okay, uh. What the actual fuck?” He says. “Yeah, uh. This was probably worth us getting killed for.”

“Yeah, I think I'm already dead.” Vyx is standing slack-jawed at his side.

> [[ Inventory: precursor's hoard ]]
assorted jewels (10401 credits total)
Celestial Gem x24

“I'm not even looking.” Ayla says, from across the room. “How many?”

“Twenty-four by my count.” Kainzo says.

“Two-across to each man leaves one for each of our organizations.” Ayla nods. “Don't dwell on it. Sound fair to you, Kainzo?”

The Crimson Guardian glares at you.

“Yeah,” He says. “Sure.”

> Confront. “Is there something you'd like to say?”
> Change topic. “Who gets the Resonator?”
> Ignore. Suggest you start dividing the loot, round-robin.
> Curiosity. Make a suggestion as to the fate of the Sanctum. (Write-in.)

>>44293738
Isn't enhancing it what lets it turn into a player town? Wasn't the current home town for us lot formed when the first people enhanced an altar there?

>>44293763
Could just be saying we're the only people who get to loot the place.

>>44293784
ask if they'd like to use the gems to make this place a new base.

>>44293784
>Curiosity. Make a suggestion as to the fate of the Sanctum
Suggest using the gems to enhance the Sanctum.

>>44293784
>Curiosity. Make a suggestion as to the fate of the Sanctum.
Keeping this place would be nice, especially if we can do it up proper.
Then again, I've always had a soft spot for cathedralesque architecture.
Would be worth seeing what was required to do so either way though, certainly nuking the place doesn't sit right with me.

>>44293733
put enough gems in we get something nice, more gems the better the thing.

>>44293738
either make it harder, or make it ours.

>>44293763
prolly just makes sure no one else can get the nice loot it drops.

>>44293784
>> Confront. “Is there something you'd like to say?”
> Curiosity. Make a suggestion as to the fate of the Sanctum. (Keep it active, Maybe use the gems to make it a base? we can use the facilities here to make more and better gear, or at least study it until we can do it ourselves.)

>>44293763
You believe that statement merely means that it's currently free. You've seen the same option at Averron City's altar. Hopefully you'd have to pay to do it, or fulfill some other qualifier such as being a specific person; otherwise, any random person could blow up Averron City at will.

>>44293789
>>44293782
A Greater Materialization Altar can only project a single Manifestation. Enhancing it applies upgrades or new facilities to the existing one; a new Manifestation can't be created so long as one already exists.

>>44293864
>make it harder,
LOOT FOR THE LOOT GODS

"There are varying tiers of Altars, some of which allow players to create environments called Manifestations; this is how Averron City came to be."
Found the relevant snippet in the charsheet.

>>44293872
>new facilities
can, can we make this place a signal tower, strong enough to reach other towns?

>>44293784
>Twenty-four by my count.” Kainzo says.
>“Two-across to each man leaves one for each of our organizations.” Ayla nods. “Don't dwell on it. Sound fair to you, Kainzo?”
I'm a bit confused with the wording here but does that mean everyone has a equal share?

>>44293784
> Ignore. Suggest you start dividing the loot, round-robin.

>>44293899
Would make sense to keep the tech that Ayla was suggesting moved to her guild halls down here and make the place a giant research bureau.

>>44293784
"Let's make this place a sort of neutral-grounds between the guilds. I suggest we use the gems to enhance it, and leave the resonator here as well, free for anyone to use. Of course, the same would go for the base as well -- free for anyone to use, whether it means resting at, or whatever else."

"Of course, we could also forego this option in favour of individual greed as well."

>>44293929
I agree, this place has a lot of potential and with the appropriate investment could be a massive resource.

>>44293929
I like this. This would be official neutral ground and serve as a new base of operations for a lot of stuff.

>>44293784
>assorted jewels (10401 credits total)
what kind of jewel caused that 1 credit at the end?

>>44294086
Probably just rolled for it

>>44294086
The jewel of the legendary city of Palindromia.

>>44294086
I mean, any number of possible denominations of values could leave a hanging 1, such as "145 and 256". You might feel stupid if you didn't realize this when you asked the question, but if it makes you feel better, it's a chipped piece of jade-colored glass that's actually worth less than 1 credit but rounded up to the nearest whole number.

>>44294152
Ahahaha, sassy.

>>44294152
>You might feel stupid
QM bringin' the bantz

>>44294152
I considered that, but figured that since these are JEWELS, they each rounded up to at least the tens digit.

I like the jewel of Palindromia, though.

Are we going to do level up now or at the start of next session? I was kinda hoping to catch it since 2EXP is a pretty big deal, but it's 4:30am and I can't stay up any longer.

>>44294302
I'm pretty sure we'll be doing it now, or at least soon.

>>44294204
It's a fair assumption but there's no reason for them to, given they could vary in size, cut, and species. As ever, I'm just being cheeky and don't mean to offend. :^)

“Hold on,” You suggest. “This place has potential. You and Ayla both agree that we're going to need some sort of research bureau.”

“It'd be neutral ground.” Ayla says. “And maybe his Observatory is up there, still. We could experiment with what the outside was like.”

“The message board server could be placed here, and the Resonator free for anyone who wanted to use it.” Kainzo says. “The same fate would befall Kjorikos's alchemy labs. I'm growing more fond of the idea by the second.”

He kneels before the Altar.

“If you've been listening,” He speaks, gazing up at the statue. “I'd like to secure this place as neutral territory in the name of the Alliance and all those who dwell in Averron. We desire a safe haven to research the mysteries of this world, and plan our journey to the lands beyond.”

“That was good,” Ayla says.

There's a pause, then a faint rumbling, as the eyes of the man and woman begin to glow.

> [[ Your cause is noble. ]]
> [[ The First Artificer was unfaithful to us, and to the memory of the one he loved most. ]]
> [[ However, his knowledge can serve you still. ]]
> [[ Return to us ten of our gifts, and we will grant your desire. ]]

“That's generous.” Kainzo says. “If we want it, that leaves fourteen Gems in the stash for a total of fifteen from the raid.”

“Which would be one for everyone, and one to each group, with one left over.” Ayla says. “Throw it on the pile?”

“If we're distributing round-robin, it's an obvious first-pick. That seems like a problem.” Donnel says. “Just being reasonable.”

“I don't see anything wrong with it.” Aelriss shrugs.

> Divvy the loot with the extra Gem on top.
> Write-in.

>>44294367
What if we give them all the gems

>>44294367
>Divvy the loot with the extra Gem on top.

>>44294336
>>44294302
Honestly, I'm debating Strawpoll, as I don't want it to distract from investigating the Altar and the fate of the Sanctum. Either way, I believe we're at bump limit, whatever that means.

>>44294388
Then we don't have gems for sick gear

>>44294367
Extra gem goes in with the rest of the offering to the shrine, so no one complains. Maybe we'll get an extra boon from it.

>>44294367
> Divvy the loot with the extra Gem on top.

>>44294404
bump limit is 310, but there's plenty of time to hash out a level up before that.

>>44294367
I'm with >>44294416. Use that last gem for a little extra security and protection from tampering.

>>44294367
>> Divvy the loot with the extra Gem on top.

>>44294404
You could have it be a Twitter poll as well and do it after the thread ends, but that prevents us from discussing the options. You can also always just have us do it at the start of the next thread.