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> [[ Fan Works: Artifact Ideas ]]
https://titanpad.com/kZOMVYSrMv

> [[ UI Messenger – Sulya ]]
> [[ Sulya ]]: ( Oi )
> [[ Sulya ]]: ( Apparently those troglodytes are spreading through the lower branches. )
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: That doesn’t seem right. Do we have any new info?
> [[ Sulya ]]: ( Nope. People are starting to think it’s some kind of event. )
> [[ Sulya ]]: ( They’re not overwhelmingly strong but there’s a –ton– of ‘em. )
> [[ Sulya ]]: ( They’re occupying some of the hunting grounds and I’m not sure when they plan on stopping. )
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: What do you think we should do?
> [[ Sulya ]]: ( Not sure. There’s only so much difference a small group could make. Our expedition team especially isn’t suited for combat. )
> [[ Sulya ]]: ( And who knows if thinning the numbers will have an effect? )
> [[ Sulya ]]: ( If they make it as far up as the Observatory, the sheer mass of players will rout them pretty easily. )
> [[ Sulya ]]: ( I’d try to gather more information. Ask around, the message boards, the fortune teller maybe. )
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: Lame. Alright, thanks.
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: How’s your meeting going? Dorian’s down here and Ayla’s not online, so it must have been urgent.
> [[ Sulya ]]: ( Nope. Had to chew Cardus out for up and killing himself. )
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: Reasonable.

What will you do?
> Browse the message boards.
> Chat with Dorian or random nearby players. (Write-in)
> Return to the Aetherforge to get a weapon or armor crafted.
> Ascend to Averron City.
> Message someone.
> Write-in

>>46505543
>This virtual world has been almost disturbingly realistic—but as you reach the treetop, this illusion begins to break down for the first time.
To be fair, we're currently in a simulation WITHIN the VR, so perhaps it's not the VR itself but the simulation that is lacking...

>>46505561
>Browse the message boards
Let's see if they have anything to say about these trogs

>>46505561
>> Browse the message boards.

>>46505561
>>> Browse the message boards
>It's hard to drum up hype and keep people invested when you can't run frequently
True.

>>46505561
>Aetherforge
I already made my case there. In order of priority:
>Lucerne or some other multi-tool polearm
>A helmet, or maybe a metal cap to preserve sight and hearing
>targe
so if there's nothing further to go on with that,

> Browse the message boards.

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The message boards are livelier than ever since they were restored thanks to Ayla and your raid group. Information regarding dungeons, hunting grounds, and new branches is everywhere, and easily accessible; additionally, new forums have cropped up for trading and guild information, and the old “bounty hunting” thread seems to be continuing strong.

In addition to the recent incidents at hunting grounds, player-killing also appears to be the talk of the hour. Something regarding Freakshow and continued unrest has led to a popular suspicion of an upcoming declaration of war between the guilds.

Sounds ridiculous, right? It couldn’t possibly come to that.

> See what information people have gathered about the troglodytes.
> See what’s up with guild politics.
> Write-in.

>>46506127
>> See what’s up with guild politics.
Since we're pretty much the major neutral faction power atm.
then
> See what information people have gathered about the troglodytes.

>>46506127
>See what information people have gathered about the troglodytes.
We'll deal with the politics when we save the daya again.

(I mean, we currently have a vested interest in letting the 'good' guilds take a beating at the moment whilst we're not affiliated and then help fight back to win favour than pre-emptively nipping stuff in the bud)

Hm, what if the trog insurgence is caused by freakshow?

>>46506210
...........sneaky as fuck. but edgelord McGee could do it.

>>46506184
We really should make our own guild. Pretty sure we'd have plenty of people willing to join.

>>46506243
ANAXIMANDER DID NOTHING WRONG 2016

>>46506317
I still think the best way to deal with his teleport hax is to get ourselves some time hax.

>>46506127
> See what information people have gathered about the troglodytes.

>>46506334
>he teleports behind us to kill us
>time stop
>now we're behind him
>he goes "Pssh nothing perso-"
>we smash him face in with a weapon.

>>46506512
WORTH EVERY GEM

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You gather that, apparently not native to this region, the invading creatures are strange proto-humans affiliated with a region or faction called the Earthsea; briefly, your mind wanders to the enormous pile of coins that you carry in your inventory. They don’t exhibit NPC-type intelligence, (and though “Precursor-type intelligence” isn’t yet common in message board vocabulary, you imagine that also means they thankfully aren’t at that high a level either) and appear to behave like monsters but much more aggressive, utilizing primitive weapons, navigating complex environments much more adeptly, and camping far away from their presumed spawn locations or pursuing players for ridiculous distances before stopping.

There are a few individual reports that they attack other monsters. What sort of loot they drop doesn’t appear to be well documented as of yet.

> Search for something else on the message boards. (Write-in)
> Return to the Aetherforge to get a weapon or armor crafted.
> Ascend to Averron City.
> Message someone.
> Write-in

>>46506537
>> Ascend to Averron City.

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>>46506512

>>46506537
Are the monsters threatening Averron then? It isn't clear which way they're headed, but I don't understand why the averron option is there otherwise. (Unless it's a general reminder that we can go back there?)

>>46506537
>> Search for something else on the message boards. (Write-in)
>> Return to the Aetherforge to get a weapon or armor crafted
Should we organize a bounty of some sort if they invade? Like a temp tax reduction if you participated in the defense. Less because of danger, more to foster "loyalty".

>>46506571
>Getting stabbed by Anaximander
>Travel back in time
>Switch our baby body with his
>Return to the present
>We're stabbing him

>>46506537
>> Search for something else on the message boards. (Write-in)
Guild politics
> Return to the Aetherforge to get a weapon or armor crafted.

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>>46506627
Though Averron has unique facilities such as the guild halls and fortune teller, it's merely just another option.

>>46506693
Gotcha, in that case...

>>46506645
>>46506664
What these guys said, since they seem to have things they want to get done at this stage.

You know what'd be fun? A Gate of Babylon-esque Celestial artifact.

>>46506537
> Return to the Aetherforge to get a weapon or armor crafted.

>>46506759
>A Gate of Babylon-esque Celestial artifact.
I have no idea what you mean by that

>>46506759
>weebs

>>46506808
>We collect a bunch of weapons
>We load them into a Celestial artifact
>It fires them out at absurd speeds like a gun from any angle
Look at any of the fights in the Fate series involving Gilgamesh, those gold portal things? That's Gate of Babylon.


>>46506825
Indeed, still fun though.

Time stop>anything else

>>46506856
So boring

>>46506850
Hm. Entertaining, but feels somewhat messy and like it would be a drain on resources if we're constantly trying to load this thing up with weapons

>>46506889
It's powerful and efficient and that's all that matters.

>>46506909
Fuck off power gamer

>>46506909
Seems like it's the kind of thing that would eat a fuckton of PP.

>>46506928
>playing MMORPG
>without optimizing
Enjoy being a shitter that can't find a group to raid.

>>46506909
>efficient
>implying you know this for a fact

>>46506939
That's how you know it's good.

>>46506939
Worth it though. Literally a live saving ability.


>>46506980
Time control usually is, if only because it's broken as fuck IF you can get it.

We all agree to improve PP next right?

>>46507107
seems wise

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Looks like the recent chaos all stems from a message sent out by Freakshow, which appears to have been sent out in response to the calls to declare “open season” on the Nameless and Freakshow’s ranks, as well as the fervent bounty hunting for the guild’s senior members.

“In the end,” the message suggests, “You’ve been the ones to bring your own city down. Here’s a truth that thus far, no one’s been willing to admit: most of the people in Averron, Nameless or Identified, don’t care who they kill as long as they get something good out of the deal. The riots in Averron left many dead on either side of the divide, and almost destroyed all that this world has afforded us. This isn’t a tale of Nameless versus Identified, or Guild versus Guild; it’s a tale of bloodthirst, machismo, and greed that will only end with our extinction.

Since neither the pillars of the community nor the guild leaders among you have come up with a solution, I’ve decided that it’s now our responsibility to lead – and I’ve decided to put forth my own fix, effective immediately:

Kill one of ours, and we kill one of yours.

We outnumber the Alliance guilds, and every time you engage in PVP, you’re putting it all on the line. Your equipment, your creds, and your lovely little Gems. And we’re really not so bad—once you get to know us—but trust me: most of the Nameless I know would love the opportunity to even the scales. The choice is yours: see the big picture, and yield to our presence, or don’t change – keep killing players, and we’ll bring you to your knees. Before long, you’ll have been at fault for your own downfall.

And to those of you who –do– see that Averron’s leadership might not be so good after all? We know, we see the real problems, and we’ve got space for you. Contact me, and we’ll see what we can do.

See you on the hunting grounds.

– Freya
Freakshow Guild Leader”

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>>46507589
You don’t recognize the name, but the forum avatar is her picture. You’ve seen her before – relatively recently, in fact, observing fights at the test chamber. None of the other Alliance guilds have commented or released statements of their own – but you’re mostly wondering what’s become of Anaximander if Freakshow really has a new leader.

>>46506850
Like i said in a different quest where someone suggester this(and that's how you know this is SO original), gate of babylon is a poor fit for an MMO. The massive capital cost needed to collect weapons and maintain them make it impractical. Even just buyin a crapload of cheapos would be expensive, especially if you want elemental diversity. Better off sticking them in your armor or making aethersteel.

It is a terrible idea, especially for BSOQ.

>>46507029
Its either broken or useless, and i dont like such an extreme dichotomy.

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>>46507589
> [[ Underground: Averron Observatory – Aetherforge // Neutral Territory // PVP Disabled ]]

You’ve been reading and walking, trying to take in the whole of what's going on, and before long, you reach the Aetherforge, a platform extended over a deep pit in the Observatory basement.

A couple of Identified players are speaking with the Ethereal Forgemaster, or brandishing freshly crafted aethersteel arms. He nods to acknowledge your approach, a strangely-colored pulse of light emanating from within.

> Liza, Vyx, Tatsumaki, Smith, and Sulya are online.
> Vision, Donnel, Nel, Ayla, and Aelriss are offline.

What will you do?
> Message someone. (Write-in.)
> Continue browsing the forums. (Write-in.)
> Speak to the Ethereal Forgemaster about weapons and armor.
> Write-in.

>>46507652
> Speak to the Ethereal Forgemaster about weapons and armor.
I want a new weapon.

>>46507652
>friends still offline
Fuck I want to hunt.
> Continue browsing the forums. (Write-in.)
Engage in the fine art of shitposting to pass time

>>46507652
>> Speak to the Ethereal Forgemaster about weapons and armor.
> Message someone. (Write-in.)
Smith, ask if he's seen the new message.

>>46507652
See what Smith is up to, maybe he wants to kill something

I kind of want to save our aethersteel for a huge weapon but I can't think of anything to do right now other than the forge

>>46507824
Hit the arena, see if we can duel some peeps.

>>46507652
See if Smith wants to do anything

>>46507824
We would convert our earthsea coins to credits somewhere maybe, then buy some cool shit. Or just go grind and farm materials somewhere solo

>>46507842
I like this. Let's duel a bit

>>46507788
>>46507855
let's not

>>46507885
Yeah I say we find a way to get more crystals and ore to make more aethersteel

>>46507912
SMITH DID NOTHING WRONG

>>46507687
Didn't we do that last session already? I can't really remember

Gas the nameless race war now

>>46507982
We sort of voted for the Lucerne but it didn't happen for some reason

We don't need a new weapon at the moment. It'd be a better idea to fill in whatever armor slot is left.

>>46508035
Dude no. We should save up for a big weapon. We have good armor already and we just spent a shitload of material making it.

>>46508026
Oh right. On that note, we shouldn't get a lucerne, it's too armour penetrating specific - better to get a pollaxe so one side is a blade, the other a hammer, and the top a spike.

The lucerne is just a hammer and spike.

"Nice cloak, dude." One of the players nearby prods your shoulder. "You make it?"

"Nah," You respond. "Dungeon loot."

"I'm gonna have to get one just like it." He says. "Looks fly."

“Welcome back, Keeper.” The Forgemaster booms. “Have you made your mind up, or do you need more time?”

> “I could use a helmet.” (2-3 Aethersteel Bars)
> “I could use a shield, or a replacement for my current weapon.” (3-4 Aethersteel Bars)
> “I’m making a two-handed weapon.” (4-6 Aethersteel Bars)
> “How much more material would I need for an oversized weapon?”
> “Do you know of any rare materials in the underground that could make unique equipment?”
> “Yeah, I’ll come back later.”

>>46508171
>> “Do you know of any rare materials in the underground that could make unique equipment?”
> “I could use a helmet.” (2-3 Aethersteel Bars)

>>46508171
>> “Do you know of any rare materials in the underground that could make unique equipment?”
> “I could use a helmet.” (2-3 Aethersteel Bars)
> “How much more material would I need for an oversized weapon?”

Save the rest

>>46508171
> “How much more material would I need for an oversized weapon?”
> “Do you know of any rare materials in the underground that could make unique equipment?”
Why the fuck would you waste our bars on a helmet

>>46508171
> “How much more material would I need for an oversized weapon?”
> “Do you know of any rare materials in the underground that could make unique equipment?”

>>46508171
“How much more material would I need to craft an oversized weapon?” You ask.

“Of aethersteel?” The Forgemaster says. “Approximately twice what you currently possess.”

“Heard of any rare materials around here that could make unique equipment?”

“Perhaps. The horns and claws of underground creatures, such as those amidst the magma chamber below, often possess unique qualities or elemental affinity. Though I have heard others among the Entombed speak of the araneids’ nest below, I have yet to see materials from there, though it sounds promising; araneid silk is light and quite sturdy, and their venomous fangs can yet serve in a variety of dangerous tools. Have you thought of what you would like today?”

“I could use a helmet.” You suggest.

“A chain hood would finely complement the hood of your cloak.” The Forgemaster says. “Though all functional metal headwear is a burden to bear, it would likely not compromise your movement ability.”

> Forge aethersteel chain helm for 150#, aethersteel bar x2 [[ + Damage Resistance ]] [[ + Nullify ]]
> Forge aethersteel full helm for 180#, aethersteel bar x3 [[ + Damage Resistance ]] [[ ++ Nullify ]] [[ - Mobility ]]
> "On second thought, I'm good for now."

>>46508515
> Forge aethersteel chain helm for 150#, aethersteel bar x2 [[ + Damage Resistance ]] [[ + Nullify ]]

>>46508515
> "On second thought, I'm good for now."
Let's go farm those materials now since we have nothing else going on

>>46508515
>Forge aethersteel chain helm for 150#, aethersteel bar x2 [[ + Damage Resistance ]] [[ + Nullify ]]
Heads are important things to keep safe.

What properties would an aethersteel weapon have?

>>46508571
Hits hard and resists magical defenses probably.

>>46508515
>> Forge aethersteel chain helm for 150#, aethersteel bar x2 [[ + Damage Resistance ]] [[ + Nullify ]]

>>46508515
> "On second thought, I'm good for now."
I feel like it will be months irl before we get a nice oversized weapon made if we waste the bars on a helmet right now

>>46508571
> * Aethersteel Weapon: Attacks with aethersteel weapons will deal bonus non-elemental magic damage.

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>>46508602
>>46508571
Aethersteel weaponry inflicts bonus non-elemental magic damage.

As an aside I made a mistake way back when. The effect of the aetherbinder's cloak reduces incoming -elemental- damage, and will be changed to a different moniker than Nullify, which reduces incoming general-magic-damage.

>>46508641
Can they still be enchanted too like our fire sword?

>>46508546
Can they be dropped by enemies? Can we harvest them personally or de we need help?

>>46508821
Well we need normal metal and fractaline crystal right?

ANAXIMANDER WAS RIGHT.

>>46508919
Idk man I forget everything between sessions of this quest

>>46508995
I can't blame you it takes so long between each session

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Pastebin updated.

You tuck your new hood into that of your cloak, allowing you to pull them up and down together when necessary. After spending a moment to admire yourself—now fully armored—you nod to the Ethereal Forgemaster in approval.

“Thank you, Forgemaster.”

“It is always a pleasure, Keeper.” The Forgemaster responds. “Best of luck on your travels.”

>>46508821
>>46508919
You can purchase all of these things from the player markets for appropriate amounts of credits - though the price of general metal bars varies, aethersteel and its components are usually in high demand. Assuming you could find credits, materials, or other items worth enough to sell or trade, utilizing the public economy is always an option.

What will you do?
> Message someone. (Write-in)
> Continue browsing the message boards for particular information, or start a thread. (Write-in)
> See if players are still dueling at the test chamber.
> Decide on a location for a solo or group hunt.
> Other.

>>46509027
> See if players are still dueling at the test chamber.

>>46509027
>start a thread
Shitpost about Anaximander

>>46509027
>See if players are still dueling at the test chamber.

>>46509027
Check out the markets.

>>46509027
Is there anywhere we could use earthsea coins or exchange them for credits?

>>46509027
> Decide on a location for a solo or group hunt.

>we now need 8 more aethersteel bars to make a cool weapon
You guys are the worst.

>>46509027
>Other.
attempt to investigate the troglodytes

>>46509027
>> Decide on a location for a solo or group hunt.
Maybe we should hunt some spiders

>>46509175
this is covered by the looking for a place to hunt option anon

>>46509027
> Decide on a location for a solo or group hunt.
Let's try working solo. Might be fun. Nowhere too challenging though.

>>46509142
>>46509241
>>46509345
>Not testing out our duel arena.
>Not wanting to see what you can do to get gud
>Not wanting to show people a show of strength.

>>46509417
I want to explore, kill shit, get experience, and farm materials.

>>46509417
Duels don't give exp or loot

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>>46509111
You have no idea what these things are or if they're even worth anything. You've never seen physical currency in this game before, but this Earthsea must somehow be relevant to the current goings-on. You're not sure where to look next, though.

>>46509241
>>46509175
>>46509142
>>46509345

You could return to the magma chamber, or visit the underground lake. The hunting grounds along the paths leading to them, if the forums are to be believed, are populated by those creatures - you're not entirely sure what you would find.

You could return, of course, to the silverwings' cave, which you visited with Tatsumaki and Aelriss a good deal of time ago. There's also the araneids' nest, far below; you've heard it mentioned plenty of times as one of the more recently discovered branches, but haven't heard much about what's been found or recovered from there.

[[ 1 ]]
> Journey alone.
> Message someone about coming with you.
> Look for a party member at the Observatory.

[[ 2 ]]
> Return to the magma chamber.
> Return to the sliverwing hive.
> Visit the underground lake.
> Attempt to pick off some of the troglodytes.
> Delve to the araneids' nest.

>>46509475
> Journey alone.
> Visit the underground lake.

>>46509475
>> Message someone about coming with you.
Tatsumaki, Vyx, Sulya
> Delve to the araneids' nest.

>>46509475
> Journey alone.
> Attempt to pick off some of the troglodytes.

>>46509475
>> Delve to the araneids' nest.
>> Message someone about coming with you.
Call our friends that are free and nearby. We should need at least 3 people counting ourselves.

>>46509475
> Hit up Tats
> Attempt to pick off some of the troglodytes.
Pure muscle, let's fuck em up

>>46509701
+1

>>46509475
>> Journey alone.
> Attempt to pick off some of the troglodytes.

>>46509475
>Journey alone.
>attempt to pick off some troglodytes
try throwing a single coin at one and see if it reacts

>>46509850
>>46509860
>Going alone
>Facing an enemy that knows tactics and will chase us a really long way


Nice to see you either can't read or are morons.


>>46509701
>>46509799
>>46509850
>>46509860
We'll need a full party to do anything of note to them and no get killed.

>>46509894
but anon the loot, think of the loot

>>46509970
What loot? These things carry next to nothing and strongest attributes are numbers and tactics, not weapons. Going alone or in small numbers is asking to get swarmed and die.

>>46510029
Says you.

>>46510041
Says common sense.

>appear to behave like monsters but much more aggressive, utilizing primitive weapons, navigating complex environments much more adeptly, and camping far away from their presumed spawn locations or pursuing players for ridiculous distances before stopping.

Primitive weapons mean shit loot
They attack in numbers and pursue a long way meaning dangerous as fuck in numbers.
The only way we'd hurt them a good bit is to have a party at our back. As it stands we're going suicidal.

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> [[ UI Messenger – Tatsumaki ]]
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: Tats, you still at the Observatory?
> [[ Tatsumaki ]]: ?
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: I’m going hunting, want to join my party?
> [[ Tatsumaki ]]: !
> [[ Tatsumaki ]]: ok :D

Tatsumaki hasn't gone far, apparently; shortly after contacting her, you bump into her outside the general store and form a new group. A few minutes later, the two of you rendezvous outside the Observatory and begin toward the lower branches.

“Be careful.” The paths you followed down toward the magma chamber are unusually quiet, devoid of other players. “I want to see the troglodytes for myself, and they’re supposedly ambush attackers.”

Tatsumaki nods. The stone path winds downward onto a bridge, overlooked by a rock terrace with protruding spires and stalagmites that reach up to the cave ceiling to form columns along the outermost edge. Far below, through the pervasive fog, you can see the faint orange glow of flowing lava, with sheets of thick stone floating atop it.

There’s a corpse in the middle of the path ahead, a dented UI lying nearby. A fallen player, with no threats in sight.

> Write-in

>>46510237
Check his loot. Keep alert for threats

>>46510237
Look behind the columns for troglodytes waiting to ambush us

>>46510237
Circle around the body and pillars, try to counter trap the trap the Trog's set. If no enemies, then check the body and take the Ui to be laid t rest.

>>46510291
It's an ambush anon.

>>46510305
>>46510319
>>46510327
> [[ 1d100 ]]

>>46510237
Warn Tats that this is likely a trap, we'll pretend to be alone and draw them out and then she'll counter ambush them when they chase after us back towards her.

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>46510380

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>46510380
Sup BSO, I have no idea what I'm doing here

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>46510380
come on dice gods

>>46510445
Not bad.

> [[ 81 ]]

“This might be a trap.” You say, gesturing to Tatsumaki to hold her position. “Hang back a sec.”

Finding hand and footholds in the rock face against the terrace, you climb up a few feet to check behind the columns. Up here, though, the cave branches off in multiple different ways, with myriad smaller rocks and pits to conceal oneself within. There’s nothing behind the middle two columns on the overlook—then, you’re alerted by sudden footsteps and a growl from a few feet back.

You whirl around to see a creature your height, illuminated eerily from below, thrusting a spiked iron rod in your direction, and you dodge to one side, pushing the weapon away with your off-handed buckler to make an extra bit of space. Immediately, you draw your sword, thrusting it at length with another step forward; it pierces the proto-human’s naked flesh a few inches below and off the neck, and flames lick at the wound.

The troglodyte howls, crying out in rage and fury as it stumbles away.

From behind, a chain rattles, and you can’t turn around fully before it’s swung in front of your neck like a garrote, a second one pulling you against itself with unexpected strength, attempting to hold you in place while the first collects itself, stalking forward with a weapon.

Nearby, Tatsumaki is making her way up to the overlook.

> Write-in.

>>46510653
>Write-in.
chuck some of the coins at the troglodytes

>>46510653
Push towards the one choking us to throw it off balance and take away its leverage, continue momentum with backwards roll

>>46510653
Stomp on its foot, elbow it in the stomach, then escape from the chain and attack the approaching enemy

>>46510653
Headbutt the strangler and stab the injured one.

>>46510820
This. A backwards headbutt might also help.

>>46510820
>>46510838
Plated boots deal a crushing stomp to the foot of your captor, and you feel its body shudder against your back as you push backwards, the two of you falling down together. Collapsing on top of it, you manage to escape the chain and roll backwards, away from the prone creature.

At this, the second breaks into a run towards you, but Tatsumaki speeds up to intercept; the sound and force of a Concussive Strike reverberates through the caverns adjacent as the creature is sent spinning head over heels past you, body crunching against the stone floor as she continues after it.

You step forward, swinging your sword overhead to finish off the one on the ground; it quickly reaches upward, still holding an end of the metal chain in each hand, to ensnare the tip of your weapon, a foot or so away from its head.

To one side, more growling, as another pair of the troglodytes laboriously work their way up the overlook toward you.

> Pull your sword free, and attack the new pair before they can defend themselves.
> Push forward and impale the current threat—finishing it with a stomp to the head if necessary.
> Write-in.

>>46511035
> Push forward and impale the current threat—finishing it with a stomp to the head if necessary.
It might be quicker to finish him with the scimitar on our belt with our off hand, then try to attack the other two right as they reach our level

>>46511035
>> Push forward and impale the current threat—finishing it with a stomp to the head if necessary.
Better finish what we started first.

>>46511035
> Push forward and impale the current threat—finishing it with a stomp to the head if necessary.
These guys are kinda fun to fight.

>>46511035
>> Push forward and impale the current threat—finishing it with a stomp to the head if necessary.

>>46511035
>> Push forward and impale the current threat—finishing it with a stomp to the head if necessary

>>46511035
Sparks fly from the chain, metal grinding against metal as you push your sword forward into the creature’s chest—it cries out no longer as the ribcage gives way, blood pooling beneath it and spilling into cracks in the stone below. But it refuses to die, reaching toward your wrist as the chain falls beside it, and you immediately raise your foot, bringing it down on the creature’s forehead with a second powerful stomp.

> [[ earthsea pariah was defeated. ]]
> [[ earthsea pariah was defeated. ]]

Tatsumaki charges past you as the pair of troglodytes arrives at the top of the terrace, and plants her feet square in one’s chest with a flying kick, riding it over the side to the path below. The other is focused on you, and you ready your sword against the charge—but again, there’s the sound of chains rattling from behind.

> [[ 1d100 ]]

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>46511930

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>46511930
Ez

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>46511930

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>46511930
check out my 100

>>46511996
> [[ 88 ]]

Not this time. You duck low, and a swinging chain passes through the space your neck occupied mere moments prior. Rings of red light spiral out from beneath you as you trigger Haste—movement accelerating beyond natural capacity—and swing your weapon low at the exile’s ankles, cutting deep into one emaciated leg to hamper the creature’s movement.

Over the rocks, you can see more in the distance—the furthest might not have noticed the ongoing fight, but you think you get the gist of it; they’re fighting to overwhelm players who aren’t prepared for such a battle. You can see, in fact, how this might become exhausting. The one you were originally prepared for is upon you now; your reaction speed isn’t quite as fast as your attack speed, and you stumble a bit as it leaps onto your back, a dull sensation rippling through your chest as an iron spike swung overhead rebounds off the bands of your cuirass.

You remember how quickly fatigue set in when you carried Tatsumaki, and in a bid to get this thing off your back as quickly as possible, you reach back and heave it forward with as much strength as you can muster, indeed able to chuck it the few feet necessary to land in a crumpled heap atop the other.

A glance over your shoulder reveals that Tatsumaki’s managed to engage another two of the humanoids in addition to her current quarry. If you’re going to execute the two in front of you, it’ll have to be done decisively if you don’t wish to attract further attention.

> Write-in

>>46512427
Try to finish them quickly with a concussive strike

>>46512427
>>46512483
this

>>46512483
Aren't those pretty loud?

>>46512483
>>46512427
Also use both hands to use our weapon. We need to finish this quick so a shield isn't important at the moment.

>>46512427
Cleave through both of their heads, necks, or chests with a two handed strike. Anything to keep them from screaming.

>>46512498
If they didn't hear Tats do it earlier they won't hear it now

>>46512483
> [[ 1d100 ]]

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>46513126

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>46513126
Too easy

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>46513126

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>46513126

>>46511930
>earthsea pariah
Huh, maybe there is something to those coins.

>>46513171
> [[ 92 ]]

You have to resist your own urge to shout out as you bring the full power of a Concussive Strike down upon your foes with a two-handed swing. Collapsed atop one another and lined up, you split the foremost target’s skull apart down the middle, cleaving the lower one shoulder to waist—the sheer force of your strike sends body parts and an eerily unprecedented amount of gore splattering in all directions.

> [[ earthsea pariah was defeated. ]]
> [[ earthsea pariah was defeated. ]]
> [[ earthsea pariah was defeated. ]]

Tatsumaki is fighting as hard as you’ve ever seen her; galvanized against her unarmored foes, she’s dodging chains, spikes, and clubs, and retaliating with flurries of high speed head and body blows that crack ribs and knock jaws unhinged. You leap free of the terrace, skidding down the cliffside to join her in battle; together, you finish off the remaining two opponents.

> [[ earthsea pariah was defeated. ]]
> [[ earthsea pariah was defeated. ]]

You’re back to back, breathing heavily, arms ready. The corpse of a dead player rests nearby, and the cavern is silent.

> Write-in.

>>46513558
Check to make sure no more ambushers.
Once that's done high five Tatsumaki
Then check the bodies and divvy loot.
Leave someone on watch.

>>46513558
Check loot.

>>46513558
Loot the player and the pariahs. Also examine them in greater detail.

>>46513558
Celebratory fistbump with Tats

>>46513558
We make good partners. Wanna keep going? These things are everywhere down here

“All clear,” You say, giving Tatsumaki a celebratory fistbump as you check your corners. “Keep an eye out while I see what we’ve got going here.”

> Inventory [[ multiple ]]
wrought-iron chain x3
wrought-iron spike, poisoned x5
potion of sickness
putrid salve
proto-human rib x8
earthsea coin
pristine brand of the exile

> Inventory [[ Annalise, gunner ]]
scoped silver longcaster (unidentified)
armored rawhide greatcoat (damaged, unidentified)
armor scraps
exploring gear
fluorescent torch
earthsea coin x4
Unique Identifier: Annalise (broken)

It's still quiet, but a distant rumbling gives you a feeling of unease; you're not wholly sure why. The pathways surrounding you appear clear of threats. Tatsumaki is watching mostly-vigilantly, but nudges her way towards you to get a look at the loot.

> Write-in

>>46514130
Yeah let's leave, divvy it up later while explaining to her everything we found while we're walking.

>>46514130
Brand of the exile sounds like bad mojo, but it may lead to the key to showing that following freakshow is a bad idea.

>>46514130
Take two poisoned spikes, the brand, putrid salve, the long caster, and the UI

>>46514130
Load up what we have and vamoose. IF she wants to split right now take the caster the brand the UI, and exploring gear, split the coins

>>46514130
Are those ribs crafting materials or what?

>>46514258
Clearly we must carve them into totems, dowels, and musical instruments to deter all those against us.

Dont actually do this.

>>46514346
I just don't understand why they'd be loot otherwise

The two of you bail once you’ve taken inventory; you’ll find a good way to divide the lot of it up once you’ve reached a safer location, but for now, you nest it within the backpack you have stored within your UI to keep it divided from the rest of your inventory.

The earthsea exiles have done well to ward off players from this branch; though they weren’t particularly threatening, a few more at a time could have overrun the two of you easily. You can’t imagine what it’s going to take to thin the numbers, but a problem like this will probably have to be dealt with before you can chart new territory in the underground.

It makes you wonder how the Excavator is coming along, but you’re not sure who you’d ask.

There’s a faint growling echoing throughout the cave that keeps the two of you on your toes. Nothing’s come of it yet, but the cavern ahead is branching.

> There’s a shortcut you can take back to Averron City proper. Might as well see how things are.
> Follow the path back toward the observatory.
> Follow the winding stone overlook further down into the depths.

>>46514426
> There’s a shortcut you can take back to Averron City proper. Might as well see how things are.

>>46514426
> Follow the winding stone overlook further down into the depths.
I wanna see what the rumbling is. Intel would be nice. Gotta be sneaky though.

>>46514426
> There’s a shortcut you can take back to Averron City proper. Might as well see how things are.
Let's go see the fortune teller

>>46514426
>There’s a shortcut you can take back to Averron City proper. Might as well see how things are.
Best place to ask about dead players, i suppose.

Wonder if there's a topic on the board up for returning UIs to friends of a dead player to have them offered up

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>>46514487
>>46514585
>>46514685
> [[ Underground: Averron City // Neutral Territory // PVP Enabled ]]

You half expect to see a ghost town, or the burned husk of an abandoned city—but Averron looks fine as ever. The streets are a little less busy, it looks like, as many of the players on the upper end of the zone’s experience spectrum have made their way down to the Observatory as a base of operations; still, there is no other solution for guild halls, player housing, and a proper common area. Eventually, you theorize, you might work out a way to ensure faster, more convenient travel between the two locales.

Members of the Averron Guard, still going strong, wave you and your partner in as you pass through the city’s gates. Paid to function by the major guilds, you imagine they’re currently in a difficult place in terms of the ongoing guild politics.

Tatsumaki is waiting eagerly at your side. You’re not sure what you’ll do next.

> Visit the fortune teller.
> Visit the tavern.
> Visit the guild district.
> Visit the Celestial Altar.

>>46514835
>> Visit the tavern.
Put up a topic about the UI we found
Then put up another one about the Troglodytes setting traps using corpses or loot. You will need a traveling buddy minimum now.

>>46514835
Fortune-teller i guess. Ask about dem trogs.

After that, ask if tats wants to hang out in the tavern or split up.

>>46514835
> Visit the fortune teller.
Fuck we should have found a vantage point and scouted that path more with the scope on that caster

>>46514877
Might as well post their drops too. Nobody has documented them yet.

>>46514899
Do we have any penalty to using casters because of our class? Might be worth keeping honestly.

>>46514835
Split the loot. Keep the caster and the brand. Let Tats have whatever else she wants

>>46514356
maybe they're ingredients so you don't need to go around killing Nameless to collect human bone dust.

failing that, there's always magical fertilizer for dem healing plants.

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>>46514835
“Should have found a vantage point with that rifle, huh?” You muse, inspecting the scoped caster. It’s of curious design, the material of the body and barrel reminding you of your greaves; you recall the Ethereal Forgemaster telling you that sliverwing parts could be used as caster housing. You’ve never tried to use one, but you’re not sure what’s stopping you. “Probably could have seen quite a bit. Oh, well. Hindsight is twenty-twenty, right?”

Tatsumaki shrugs.

You view the message boards as you walk, adding your own insight to the current discussion on the earthsea exiles: a short documentation of their drops, as well as their unprecedented propensity to utilize dead players or loot as traps for ambush attacks. The message serves as an advisory to players venturing into the lower branches not to travel alone; you’re unsure exactly what activity awakened these things, but it looks as if they’re here to stay for at least a while.

Averron feels peaceful, but you believe it is a tenuous peace. The city’s atmosphere never recovered after the riots that you’re certain were masterminded by Anaximander, and the resulting actions taken by Liza and the other Alliance heads. You wonder if Freakshow’s current guild leader might be right about ‘bloodlust, machismo, and greed’—all intentions aside, it seems as if some person or another is making a power play at every corner, utilizing the situation to gain themselves an advantage.

Who is fit to lead, and do you want any part of it?

You never expected you’d ask yourself these sorts of questions playing a video game.

You and Tatsumaki make your way through the streets to the fortune teller’s tent; the flaps come open to let a pair of Identified players out, clouds of heady smoke wafting from within. You part to let them pass, then, nodding at one another, the two of you step inside.

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>>46515329
I've got class early in the morning so I'm going to call it a night. I'd like to run tomorrow or Friday, but we'll see if that happens. All I can say for now is that I'm still around and will continue to be, however infrequently.

And I'll be around as of now for any further discussion, or, you might direct it to my Ask page. Thanks for reading, as always.

>>46515380
I already asked, but do you plan on any sweeping changes to streamline things?

I see you've already given estimates for crafting costs at the forge. I'll probably just list those in the titanpad for reference, unless you're adding them yourself in a pastebin somewhere.

As you've probably already noticed, people are forgetting what they even want crafted, so making it as short as possible will help everyone stay focused.

and, uh, got nothing to put forward regarding artifacts? Because if we leave things like this, NOBODY will vote to go back to an Altar because it'll just waste precious questing time.

>>46515471
Possibly, though I'm not sure what measures I might take to that end in the future. At this point, I'm not sure I can even count on the frequency that I'm available to run, so I'm down to open the Titanpad to pretty much anything in the vein of general note-taking if it helps us stay on track and remember what's going on and where our sights are set.

What do you mean in terms of whether or not I've got anything to put forward?

>>46515574
How much would the time peice cost gem wise? What's you favorite artifact entries as a concept of to write? Can we head to the lore keepers to get the brand looked at?

>>46515574
roger that, I'll do it when I've got time to spare.

Like if X mechanic will really work that way, or short descriptions of how the gods reply to the request if you've got ~1 hour of free time that you can't save up to actually run.

Or hell, at this point I'd be fine if you just picked a goddamn artifact FOR us instead, so we can bury this topic for a looooong time.

>>46515645
As an addendum: I don't hate most of these CA suggestions anyway. The ones I consider "lame" are only because in execution it'll be less than entertaining, or I believe that they will turn out wildly different from how the suggester envisions it and therefore not be as enjoyable.

I doublechecked, and none of them are as thoroughly bad as gate of babylon so I'm good with whatever.

>>46515603
>>46515645
A number of the people utilizing the Titanpad seem to think that Ascheritte doesn't quite yet have a 'style' - though I'm inclined to disagree (even if his particular style has yet to fully develop and is subject to change).

I could go into detail but in short, I think the best ideas are the Strife Memoriam, the self-duplication Artifact, or a means of taming the Pegasus. A lot of the ideas are good, don't get me wrong, but these are my favorite for Ascheritte in particular. The belt of strength/personal shield is decent (not super exciting to write or use, but certainly a useful Artifact with some potential), as is the "swim through earth" Artifact.

I'd like to leave it up to you guys, if possible (you might end up choosing something that hasn't been yet postulated, or isn't necessarily my favorite), as I don't want to feel like I've railroaded anyone into a choice, but if it really becomes too polarizing I'll do something about it. As is, Ascheritte is already in the price range for a starter Artifact, so we'll see how things pan out, and might even address it next thread.

>>46516243
didn't expect the self-duplication one, interesting.