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> [[ HP: 33 / 35 ]]

“Sorry!” You hear Tatsumaki’s actually-rather-unfamiliar voice, spoken probably too loud as you hit the ground much harder than you intended to and roll to one knee, head whipping to face the mouth of Tethiss’s Claw. There’s araneids coming in your direction; four in total, with the one at the forefront larger than before, though the rest are significantly smaller. “Very sorry!”

You watch, hand eased around the hilt of your scimitar, as the members of your group spring to their feet and assume a crude formation, stashing away their toys and preparing their weapons. Your foes are a distance away, but approaching fast on eight long legs apiece, spreading out as they do so. The largest among them, wielding a hideous-looking axe – their assumed leader – wears worn-out looking armor, a strange mess of harnesses and metal designed to suit her unique anatomy; a decorated hauberk drapes down from her shoulders to preserve the modesty of her human half.

She skids to a stop in the center of your group. The cord around Aelriss’s finger unfurls; Eunoia emerges from her palm in an iridescent flash, perching on her shoulder. Smith appears to be down to one drone, which hovers ominously overhead.

An arrow whistles from the cave, striking the araneid’s abdomen and sticking.

She turns, momentarily distracted.

> Move about to investigate the source.
> All-out while the leader’s occupied.
> Take out the adds first; everyone knows that.
> Write-in.

>>993451
>> Take out the adds first; everyone knows that.
hi Sylv

>>993451
> All-out while the leader’s occupied.
Hell yeah

>>993451
> Take out the adds first; everyone knows that.

>>993451
Does anyone else wanna try out our ruby memory? We can laser them while they're far away.

>>993476
Sure. I'd still rather focus on the leader but whatevs.

>>993476
Is our Artifact ready? If so, I'd say sure, but remember about the cooldown between swapping memories.

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> [[ Quest Notes / Insidious Plots / Shitposting ]]
https://titanpad.com/kZOMVYSrMv

>>993460
Hello, friend

>>993490
Strife Memoriam is currently available for use.

>>993497
Hmmm... I'm not really feeling like this is the right place for us to use i, desu.

>>993451
>Take out the adds first; everyone knows that.

>>993476
I'm think we should save the big damage for the boss. Plus we might end up hitting anyone from the group coming to help if they're behind them.

>>993503
The spiders are coming from every direction

>>993451
Based Tats.

thanks to whoever linked on the old thread

>>993451
>Ruby all up on the Leader

>>993529
Yeah, which is why we need to be careful, we could end up shooting at our help without realizing. Unless we know where they're coming in from. I assumed we didn't since this place is a maze.

>>993537
np

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>>993460
>>993471
>>993503

“Yo!” You shout, springing up into a full sprint. You’re in a wide landing at the very top of a cliff – the araneids approach from the mouth of the cave, which takes up most of the opposite wall. You think you hear the pounding of hooves on the stone floor; it is the sound of the unseen caravan of pegasi, declaring your inexorable approach. Golden wings flare at your back as you charge toward an unaware target. “Adds first!”

You leap as you approach one of the three lesser araneids, equipped with a long, halberd-like tool. You’ll have to be more careful; this weapon is shorter and weaker than the one you’re used to, and they’ll be able to ready themselves against your charges easily. He’s facing the cave, but swivels in your direction as you come into proximity. By the time he can raise his weapon, you’re back on the ground, having left a series of deep cross-cuts down his chest.

“Where’d that arrow come from?” Smith asks, slowly making his way – well, out of the line of fire. He’s got good dramatic timing; another couple of arrows come flying out of the cave. The araneids you aren’t engaged with duck and weave to avoid the shots, spreading further out across the clifftop as the projectiles vanish into the darkness of the distant caves.

> [[ HP: 34 / 35 ]]

“I think help has arrived.” Freya calls. The armored legionnaire appears to be focused on her as of now; she jumps backwards, and a swing of its enormous weapon cracks the earth at her feet. The drone you’re fighting skitters toward you, closing the distance quickly. You parry a swing, weapons clashing uncomfortably close to your face; you’re giving up ground until Tatsumaki slides past you, executing a concussive blow from beneath.

> [[ Continued ]]

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>>993719

The creature bounces upward a few feet with a pained hissing noise, legs flailing in all directions. Broken bits of rock slide past you on the ground, and you skid an inch or so as air rushes past to fill the vacuum. You prepare yourself. He lands on the operative end of your sword.

> [[ araneid drone was defeated. ]]
> [[ You have 1 unspent EXP. ]]

When the hissing doesn’t stop, your gaze snaps to the other end of the clifftop. The second of three drones swings wildly at a dodge-rolling Aelriss as Eunoia hovers in front of it, a searing orange beam connecting the bird-of-paradise to the creature’s abdomen. When the beam breaches the other side of the drone’s body, piercing cauterized flesh, the creature’s movements slow. Hisses turn to pathetic gurgles, and orange light flares across the mesa.

> [[ araneid drone was defeated. ]]

The third drone is disengaging – moving to either flee, or assess the threats in the cave nearby – but only now do you realize just how large the axe-wielder is. Poised to strike in front of Freya, the top of her head is about three Freyas high.

> Move to assist Freya.
> Activate Strife Memoriam.
> Pop off a few shots with Rubi.
> Chase the runner toward your backup.

>>993728
>Activate Strife Memoriam.
Tell Freya to watch out while we fire our laser though.

>>993728
> Activate Strife Memoriam.
I honestly just wanna see it in action. I don't foresee many other threats in the near future

>>993728
>> Activate Strife Memoriam.
let's do it

>>993728
> Pop off a few shots with Rubi.
Try to get that drone

>>993728
>Activate Strife Memoriam.

So, how about after this fight, we check the forums about subclasses? I imagine someone's figured out how to do them by now.

>>993782
Let's at least get back to the observatory first

I think we should really be more worried about that dude running away. These Araneids seem smart enough to go get reinforcements or remember our combat styles

>>993795
I thought that was why were activating our artifact?
>>993790
Yeah, good idea.

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>>993738
>>993744
>>993754

As you meditate on Strife Memoriam’s power, you feel as though you are being judged.

”This is heresy.” Voices speak through you, over the worried murmurs of an unseen crowd. ”You are more a monster than any of the monsters you have created.”

”No.” The familiar voice of the First Artificer echoes in your mind. ”You need only wait and see what this power can do for you.”

”One day,” Your muscles stiffen a bit.

”civilization will rest…” Your gaze narrows. You are resolute. Your purpose is clear.

”on the shoulders…” Mechanical clicking and whining rings in your ears as Strife Memoriam unfolds.

”of my creation.” From the glow situated in the center of your forehead, emerges a glowing jewel – a single, cracked ruby crystal, rough cut. You watch for a moment as the battle unfolds before you. You alone can turn the tide.

> Attack the runner with lasers.
> Attack the legionnaire with lasers.
> Help Freya, using Strife Memoriam’s power to augment your offense.
> Throw a rock half your height at the legionnaire.

>>993832
> Help Freya, using Strife Memoriam’s power to augment your offense.
Break off a fuckin stalagmite and use it as a club. Seems like a good loophole to exploit with this memory.

>>993832
>> Attack the runner with lasers.

>>993832
>Attack the runner with lasers.

>>993832
> Attack the runner with lasers.
>>993854
I'm really tempted by this somewhat insane and also totally rad idea but I still think we should get that runner first. Or at least slow it down enough for someone else to finish it off.

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>>993857
>>993860
>>993871

You can’t let a single one get away.

Light focuses, collecting in a prismatic orb an inch away from the crystal at the center of your forehead. You feel the heat on your face, but it does not burn; the weapon’s light is almost blinding as it discharges. At first, you’re unsure of how to aim it, but it seems to go where you’re looking rather than where you’re pointing once activated. As such, it scorches a jagged line, cutting a trail in the rock face beneath your feet that leads all the way from you to your target – scorching him with searing heat and a sudden explosion of force that knocks him to the ground – and up to the ceiling of the cave.

“What the – Ashe?” Aelriss shouts, staring blankly from the other end of the cliff. “Since when can you – what the actual fuck does that thing even do?”

“Shoot first, ask questions last, Lovebird.” Crow says, circling around to approach the legionnaire from behind. Freya is doing a pretty good job of keeping it distracted, but she can’t get a word of her own in; she’s ducking between its legs, but it’s moving faster the longer she runs, appearing as if it’s somehow become hastened itself. “We’ve still got hostiles!"

> [[ Continued ]]

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>>993972

“Yo! You could at least finish your kills!” A voice calls from the mouth of the cave. The bow-wielder is visible, approaching from the darkness; his weapon looks rather haphazard in its make, but is affixed with a high-tech looking scope and assembly, protruding out adjacent the notch. He pauses in his step, glancing upward as a stalactite comes loose, dislodged from your attack; he leaps and rolls aside as the rocks fall from above, crushing the drone beneath them. “Holy shit, never mind – you guys are crazy!”

> [[ araneid drone was defeated. ]]

“Crazy?” Smith asks. “You’re using a bow! You know guns exist, correct?”

“You could say the same about everyone with a sword! Man,” He responds, sounding disappointed. “Y’all are stupid as hell.”

“Stop talking and do something, please!” Freya shouts, punctuated by a horrid clanging sound; with her scythe held horizontally overhead, she parries a swing of the massive axe, a strike that resounds with force enough to crack the earth beneath her and the enormous legionnaire, leaving her suddenly trembling in place.

> Write-in.

>>993977
I think this is where anon's plan comes into play.
>>993854

>>993977
Hit the spider with a burst of the laser to give Freya time to recover.
Use the laser to dislodge a stalagmite, pick it up and charge at the legionnaire while also lasering it. Build up momentum and strike with the improvised stone hammer.

>>993977
yeah, let's do >>993854

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>>993985
>>993994
>>993996
> [[ 1d100 ]]

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>994012
haha oh shit big money no whammies

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>994012

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>994012

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>994012

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>994012
FUCK OFF DICE GODS
STOP CURSING US

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Guess we're doing this again huh.

>>994018
Well, it could be worse.

>>994018
Well that's not awful. Maybe we'll get a bonus for creativity. Hopefully it counterbalances the fact that it's a little bit retarded too. Rule of cool?

>>994021
a 69 is not too bad my dude

>>994031
We haven't broken 70 in the last 6 best of 3 rolls

>>994034
try looking into a lot of the rolls in past threads

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> [[ 69 ]]

The light of Strife Memoriam is intense enough that it’s more comfortable to confirm your shot and close your eyes before firing. You feel the heat on your face once more as energy gathers and a second heat beam surges across the mesa, the air adjacent visibly quivering. It streaks scorch-marks up the legionnaire’s armor, lurching up from the point of impact and cutting into her side.

You’ve given Freya time to recover, at least; the legionnaire turns and starts toward you, while the scythe-wielding woman stumbles and collapses dazed – to your surprise, even given a hit like that.

She’s fast. You have to work quick.

You wheel around, pre-firing, to cut and dislodge one of the standing stones from its base; tall, but not so thick that you can’t carve through it in time or pick it up. You’re on your feet and running; you lift it from the top, and it comes loose with the sound of earth moving and stone cracking. You whirl around, momentum building into a swing as the enormous legionnaire comes into proximity.

A clash, as your tools collide, strength matched. The head of her massive axe cuts into the base of the enormous cone you’re hanging onto – sending a long crack down the side of it – but the weapon rebounds. She stumbles; that is, steps back with her front feet, the links of her armor clanging with each movement.

Her and her kin are skilled with their weapons. When she stands before you, you feel hemmed in, as if flanked by a solitary presence. She whirls her axe overhead, swatting Smith’s drone from the air and sending it crashing down near the cave entrance in a heap of scrap. The archer, kneeled a distance away, is pelting her with a volley of arrows that pierces her armored abdomen; she’s unfazed, though, and her motion is carrying through into a wide sweep leveled downward at you.

> Bash in with your club.
> Incinerate her weapon before it makes contact.
> Get clear of the axe.
> Write-in.

>>994165
>> Bash in with your club.
Thread didn't update immediately for me, strange

>>994165
> Bash in with your club.
hell yeah

>>994165
>wide sweep leveled downward
well, then, how about using pegacharge?

>Run inside the legionnaire's reach. Whether the pegasus charge activates or not, grab a leg and swing the legionnaire at the adds.

>>994165
> Bash in with your club.
I feel like we manage to fight each fight in the most uniquely hardcore way possible every time

>>994176
>>994185
>>994207

> [[ 1d100 ]]

>>994185
Wait could we bash her axe to the side with our club so that it misses us and embeds into the ground? then we could bash her with our rock club directly. it shouldn't be too hard since we're not directly coming against the direction of her swing.

Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>994215

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>994215

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>994215
surely this roll will be above 70

>>994220
Huh, I'm the best roll again

>>994215
Fuck yeah you broke the below 70 curse!

>>994224
>>994220
ahem... my bad

Fuck I just realized that I really want this spider's axe. I wonder if we're even capable of wielding it

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> [[ 75 ]]

Your purpose is clear.

You bring the makeshift weapon up for an overhead slam and bring it down, striking her at the base of her humanoid torso hard enough to halt her strike and send her sliding backwards, tips of her spindly legs digging into the ground. She screeches, stomping forward and whirling her weapon towards you again, leaning low and leering at you; her hair is long and thin, nose flat, sclera black, and her rows of razor-fangs curl into a wicked smile as she marches.

Eunoia flutters overhead, harrying her with another powerful magic blast that renders her stance unsteady, while Crow maneuvers about behind her, lashing out at weak points and attempting to strike beneath.

“Ascheritte! Are you ready?” A figure emerges from between the rocks adjacent; you see Kengo out of the corner of your eye, and she dashes to the legionnaire’s side while the creature is still distracted with you. You recall her words; her weapon brings destruction. The araneid turns, but can’t react quickly enough to the new combatant. With a single swing of her sabre, she cleaves through the foremost pair of armored legs on one side, sending the creature collapsing forward before you.

The next swing of your weapon is its last; you bring the club up and back down onto the legionnaire’s human head hard enough to break it into fragmented, pulverized stone. Most of the creature’s human body gives way instantly in a disgusting display of flesh, bone, and translucent off-yellow blood, axe slipping from arms that hang loosely from broken shoulders.

> [[ araneid legionnaire was defeated. ]]

You discard what's left in your hand (a small, broken shard of stone) as the last vestiges of Celestial power slip from your body.

> [[ Continued ]]

>>994337
wield it? Yes, assuming it remains as a drop. It might not have durability, though.

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>>994342

As the clifftop falls quiet, the glow at your forehead fades, Strife Memoriam collapsing to its inactive state. Damn – if only you could have done more, you think. This will have to suffice for now.

“Good stuff.” Kengo says, giving you a nod. Packed up from his perch, the archer moves to her side, and they’re joined by a third who’s been hidden somewhere near the mouth of the cave – a small, white-robed woman, probably even shorter than Tatsumaki, who looks more like an apprentice mage than an actual combatant of any sort. “Looks like that was all of ‘em. Everybody here?”

You pause as you glimpse Kengo’s sabre again, fingers curling a bit, heat building behind your eyes as your hand creeps toward your weapon. That weapon’s gleam is the light, its edge perfection. She is not fit to wield it – she…

“Ashe.” Aelriss says, now standing beside you. “You good?”

“Huh.” You blink, steadying yourself. “Yeah.”

“He means this is all of us.” Aelriss rolls her eyes. “We really appreciate the assist, by the way.”

“It’s no trouble at all.” Kengo responds.

“Arguable.” The archer shakes his head; he stashes his bow on his back, then stands with his arms folded.

“I can see why nobody ever comes down this far.” Kengo says, dismissing him. The robed girl – she’s got a bit of a jaded look – is standing between her and Tatsumaki now; you confirm that they are about the same height. ”Place is absolutely crawling with those things, and they’re seriously riled with all the goings-on.”

“There’s a safe way back to the upper branches, though.” Crow says, approaching the group. “Right?”

“Duh.” The archer says, curtly. You can’t gauge his expression through his face-obscuring headgear, but it sounds like he scoffs. A moment passes before he projects a UI holoscreen, interacting with it to bring up a map. “But I don’t know how long it will stay that way.”

“Which means – surprise – time crunch.” Kengo says, turning to face you. “What’s our status? Liza told me you guys were at the seam - since you're up here, I'm guessing that's handled.”

> "All taken care of." This party was sent to assist your return to Averron - something that's actually important as of now.
> "Mostly." Your resources are about depleted, but you haven't done your fair share of exploring the Rift.
> Write-in.

>>994342
Welp the Crimson Guardians are gonna want us even more after that display

>>994361
> "Mostly." Your resources are about depleted, but you haven't done your fair share of exploring the Rift.
grab that axe for sure

>>994372
seconding this

>>994361
> "All taken care of." This party was sent to assist your return to Averron - something that's actually important as of now.
We're doing okay but the rest of the team is in bad shape. But if possible we should definitely grab that axe. I wanna level up but tomorrow would probably be better for getting more input from other players

>>994361
>Liza wanted another set of eyes on how we took care of the rift, but we're really just depleted and need help getting back.

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>>994361
Will pick up here, early afternoon tomorrow. Probably actually this time.

>>994532
Thanks for running!

So it seems like we're getting more and more mindfucked by the game lately and I don't know if it's due to our ??? skill or the use of our artifact but I'm leaning towards the latter. Maybe we should ask if anybody else is having similar experiences?

Sorry about the delay. Reply coming in a bit.

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“We’re kind of burning out in terms of resources. Liza wanted another set of eyes on the Rift to see whether or not we took care of it...” You begin.

“She told us that. I assume she’s going to take care of it herself, though. None of us are really qualified. Right?” Kengo asks, looking down at the robed girl beside her – who responds by shooting her a bit of a dirty look, gesticulating – ‘really?’ – with upturned palms. “Yeah, not our thing.”

Crow glares down at the archer, who’s inspecting the legionnaire’s corpse. “You looting already?”

“Did you not hear Kengo? Key words: time crunch.” The archer says, shaking his head as he pulls up his menu. “No Gems. Splitting the creds way in your favor. We’re taking the armor bits. Rest of the stuff is yours.”

> [[ Inventory: araneid legionnaire ]]
primitive araneid greataxe
tenacious silk x8

“Do we even want any of this?” Smith asks, inspecting the items.

“That silk seems like a pretty good crafting reg.” Aelriss says. “I’ll take it if you’re not interested.”

“We’ll split it.” Freya responds.

“No one wants that axe?” You ask.

“I mean – it’s large, and that’s about it.” Freya shrugs. “The lot of us seem to be comfortable with our weapons, so…”

“Dibs, then.” You respond.

“Oi.” The archer says, rising and rejoining Kengo’s group. “Are we going?”

> Begin the return to Averron – you’ve got a road ahead of you and plenty of things to do.
> Ask Kengo’s team to come inspect the Rift with you.
> Write-in.

>>995464
>> Begin the return to Averron – you’ve got a road ahead of you and plenty of things to do.

>After we get this battle mess sorted out. We're going to have to plan another raid down here to take this area like we did the observatory.

>>995464
>> Begin the return to Averron – you’ve got a road ahead of you and plenty of things to do.

>>995464
>Begin the return to Averron – you’ve got a road ahead of you and plenty of things to do.

>>995464
> Begin the return to Averron – you’ve got a road ahead of you and plenty of things to do

>>995464
> Ask Kengo’s team to come inspect the Rift with you.
Let's equip that axe and give it a few test swings

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“Yeah.” You nod. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”

> [[ Underground: Lower Averron – Tethiss’s Claw // PVP Enabled ]]

As you pass into the cave’s fanged maw, you look to either side, reaffirming your earlier thought – this would certainly be a good place for an ambush. Fortunately, you’re in good company, and have evidently dealt with the worst of the threats nearby. You’ll have to gather more information about these foes, be it from fortune-tellers or forums; beyond what you’ve faced – the tip of the iceberg, from your impression – you don’t know much about them, their habits, more advanced behaviors, and how quickly they respawn or move to fill the empty space in their own territory, a factor of importance to you as of right now.

Smith criticized the archer for his choice of weapon, but you’re not sure if you’d do the same. While Kengo seems to be their group’s leader, he appears to be their navigator, guiding the lot of you forward by the light of his UI screen, tracking your location on a crude map of the area. The young, spiritless-looking mage follows idly behind them, staff in hands. They must be capable; you expected more than three people.

You’re moving upward through this cave of ominous, roughly-hewn stone walls, crossing over large rocks and enormous spires. You can hear sounds around you; there’s movement, no doubt, through tunnels in the distance and beyond walls. You can hear running water, as was in the pitfall that took you this deep in the first place. You feel uneasy, but only for a moment.

“That was an impressive display, Ashe.” Kengo says, looking over her shoulder at you. “I was surprised – you certainly understated the power of your Artifact in our meeting with Liza.”

“Yeah, uh.” Aelriss says, nudging you. “Lasers? Seriously, how many things can you do? I’m half expecting you to sprout wings and fly around like Liza – or turn into an elder crawler, or something…”

[[ 1 ]]
> “Don’t worry.” Dismiss the inquiry. “I can already do both of those things.”
> “There are limits.” Explain your ability. “I don’t even understand all of them.”

[[ 2 ]]
> “You guys have names?” Ask for introductions.
> ”Kengo, do you know Candrence?” Ask what they about bounty hunting.
> “Does she not speak English?” Ask about the young mage.
> “Ever fight an enemy without a name?” Ask about suspicious occurrences.

>>995527
>Some of my abilities might seem sort of familiar if you catch my drift, Ael. Explaining it too much ruins my mystique.
> “Ever fight an enemy without a name?” Ask about suspicious occurrences.

>>995527
>I'm pretty sure some of you could figure Strife Memoriam if you've partied with me long enough.

> “You guys have names?” Ask for introductions.
> “Ever fight an enemy without a name?” Ask about suspicious occurrences.

>>995527
>Did you guys ever play megaman?
> “You guys have names?” Ask for introductions.
> ”Kengo, do you know Candrence?” Ask what they about bounty hunting.

>>995527
>You're one of the few people could have a good idea of how my artifact works Ael. Give it some thought.

> “You guys have names?” Ask for introductions.
> “Ever fight an enemy without a name?” Ask about suspicious occurrences.

Am I the only one who feels like we got a pretty cheap reward for basically ending a large scale event with only two people?

>>995589
We still haven't identified any of that equipment we got, I bet it's actually pretty cool. Plus we got two gems. I'm pretty happy with it. Also we're gonna get even more famous now which is cool.

>>995589
wait until the npcs hear about it.

>>995527
Huh i caught it live, nice.

>>995589
Added more memories to our artifact, got some gems, got a cordial contact in Freakshow, delved a little deeper in the mysteries of this game.

I dunno I think it's been worth it. If you mean straight up loot we didn't get anything extravagant but everything else makes up for it.

>>995527
>don't brag or give them any info about SM
>“Ever fight an enemy without a name?” Ask about suspicious occurrences.
I don't really care about these dudes desu; we've enough characters to keep track of, considering how sparsely this quest runs.

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“You’re one of the few people that could figure out how it works, Ael.” You respond. “Give it some thought. It might seem familiar.”

“What? I still don’t… How would it be…?” She stalls for a moment. “Wait – oh, holy shit! Seriously? That’s insane!”

You nod.

“What is it?” Crow asks. “I wanna know now.”

“Explaining it ruins the mystique.” You add, before looking to Kengo’s party. “Don’t worry about it. Hey – you guys have names, right? You never introduced yourselves.”

“Varrin.” says the archer, not breaking step. “I shoot stuff. And, no, I don’t have lasers – you can spot some targets for me if you want, though.”

“You know my name.” Kengo says, then gestures to the white-robed mage. “The quiet little one back here is Millie.”

“She looks like a healer – is that a proper assumption based on appearance alone?” Freya asks. “I’ve never seen someone dedicated to the role, so I feel the need to ask.”

“It’s a highly sought-after ability.” Kengo says. “It allows us to do more with less.”

“Cute.” Crow asks. “Non-communication must be hard with a dedicated support, though. We’ve got a non-English speaker in our party too, so...”

“Oh, you must be fucking joking, right?” Millie says, stopping in place and turning around. “Wait, you’re serious.”

“W-what?” Crow says, cocking an eyebrow and raising his hands defensively.

“You think you’re an interesting little shit, don’t you?” She continues, deadpan. “You think you’re interesting enough that if I don’t want to talk to you, something must be wrong – like I don’t speak your language.”

“I.” Crow blinks. “I mean. I wasn’t like, judging! Tatsumaki back here doesn’t speak English either, so…”

“I bet. Go ahead and lump me in with her, then! I bet she won’t mind.” Millie turns to face forward, continuing up the path ahead. “What, she Jap? She should join up with us. Gookshot over here can translate for her – he’s a bigger fuckin’ weeb than Kengo.”

“We’re in a PVP zone, Mill.” Varrin says, sounding only a little frustrated. “Call me Gookshot one more time and I swear to God I will shoot you until you learn not to overheal.”

“Do it. I fucking dare you.” Millie responds. “We like that. We’re all masochists. Every single one of us. That’s why we spend all of our time keeping you alive. You’re what makes the pain real.”

Your UI pings.

> [[ UI Messenger – Aelriss ]]
> [[ Aelriss ]]: I’m laughing
> [[ Aelriss ]]: These guys are literally human garbage

You glance over at her; she’s looking at you with wide eyes and a nervous smile.

> [[ Continued ]]

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>>995696

You glance over at her; she’s looking at you with wide eyes and a nervous smile.

> [[ UI Messenger – Aelriss ]]
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: I mean, they actually seem like they’re getting along.
> [[ Aelriss ]]: Somehow
> [[ Aelriss ]]: Though I don’t know how it works
> [[ Aelriss ]]: I never imagined a competent group could be so adversarial.
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: Maybe she’s just a little firestarter. Or Kengo’s a good leader.

“That Liza?” Kengo asks. “I haven’t heard back from her yet.”

“Nope.” You respond. “Just a friend. Say, have you ever fought an enemy without a name?”

“Is that like, a philosophical question?” Kengo says, with a little laugh.

You shake your head. “Back in the Rift – Freya and I fought a monster that was tough as bricks.”

“The King’s Hand.” Freya says, looking at you.

“But after that – the thing that came out of him.” You respond.

“It had a name.” Freya says. “It was… wait.”

“Right?” You ask. “It just said ‘we defeated’ or whatever – like a blank space.”

“Spooky.” Crow says. “You’re overthinking, Ashe. I bet it was a glitch. Not everything that happens in a game like this can possibly be intentional.”

“I’ve never seen anything like that.” Kengo says. “It doesn’t sound unbelievable – I’ve seen my fair share of weird stuff between the fortune teller and the lower branches, not to mention the rumor mills on the forums – but I can’t imagine what it might mean.”

> [[ Continued ]]

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>>995703

> [[ Underground: Lower Averron – Tethiss’s Claw: Hatchery // PVP Enabled ]]

A very long walk leads you to a vile place with webbed walls. Strange shapes – twitching, little bulbous things – sprawl out across the distant ceilings, silken cocoons nested in the faint glow of bioluminescent fungi. Exploring gear is already set up, assisting a climb to somewhere high above, where you can see Averron’s light shining down from a small passage.

“Get moving.” Kengo says, pointing to the rope and haphazard series of handholds. Varrin is the first to start his ascent; you can see Smith, Aelriss, and Crow filing in behind him, while Tatsumaki waits adjacent you. “We’re not far now. Millie and I will go last.”

Something is watching you. The last vestiges of her stolen vitality are coursing beneath your skin, still. Beads of sweat take form on your brow. You cannot afford to be seen.

> Attack Kengo. Only with her Celestial weapon can you protect yourself from what’s to come.
> You heard them. Get climbing.
> “Isn’t there a better way up?”
> Other.

>>995715
> You heard them. Get climbing.

>>995715
Ask Kengo more about her weapon. Say it's giving us some weird vibes

>>995718
seconding

>>995715
Do you guys know anything about scrying? I might be crazy but I'm really getting the feeling that Telthiss is trying to scry us or more specifically me right now.
> You heard them. Get climbing.
Let's ask to add Kengo to our contact list too, maybe once we've climbed. I feel like she's gonna be significant in what's to come.

>>995715
>> You heard them. Get climbing.

>>995696
>healslut is actually a threatening bitchy psycho
kek

>>995715
> You heard them. Get climbing.

Can we name the thing we fought?
Ide probably call it a shadow crawler or some such.

>>995715
>> You heard them. Get climbing.


Ok Kengo's weapon is giving off weird vibes

and we've been having this shit after Freya "healed" us.

>>995755
I think we are just connected to the vitality of the nesting bugs now.

Since our shit is about memories it was probably not a good idea.

Might go away when we gank the fuck out of the area boss.

>>995762
hoping it goes away when we get distance.

>>995744
I thought it was called the guardian a few times actually. Maybe just in filenames of the picture Sylv posts with it though.

>>995740
>>995755
>>995718

Gritting your teeth, you nod to Kengo. With Tatsumaki behind you, you brace yourself on the ropes and rocks. It’s not a rough climb, but it is a long one – right about now, you’re wishing your old boots weren’t cursed.

You suppose you're thankful you aren't wearing them.

> [[ 1d100 ]]

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>995781

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>995781

>>995781

Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>995781

>>995795
Thank you for the good roll

>>995795
Nice save anon!

>>995795

> [[ 83 ]]

You pull yourself up and up. You can’t see the next handhold – your gauntleted fingertips bite into a fleshy cocoon, and you instinctively pull away, stuck for a mere moment in webs that snap at the strength of your sudden egress.

There’s a hissing from above, yellow liquid splashing out across the cliff face. A malformed claw swipes down towards you, protruding from the mess of webs. There’s a flash and a high-pitched noise as Smith fires his caster downward; you shield your face from the light and the bolt, which blasts whatever’s harrying you apart in a cloud of smoke, a shower of small rocks, and a sickening stench.

“On your left, Ashe!” You turn, spying an araneid drone running across the cliff face – normal to the wall – in your direction. Above you, Aelriss maneuvers away instinctively, which leaves the rope unsteady; you see Crow barely hang on right above you as it swings to the right, and almost lose grip yourself. The drone’s attention is shifted upward when it’s hit by another pair of caster bolts, which burst into light and smoke on contact; when it turns, an arrow fired from the top of the cliff strikes dead center in its chest, sending it falling down into the dark of the Claw.

“Steady!” Varrin shouts. “You’re clear! Move up now!”

Kengo and Millie are last to mount the rope, watching out for threats below.

You can feel a comforting breeze from the chasm a distance above.

> [[ Fatigued ]]

You’re nervous, worried. Your arms are beginning to tire.

You pull yourself up and over the rocks at the top of the rope, emerging into Averron’s light.

>>995850

> [[ Underground: Lower Averron // PVP Enabled ]]

This place is a mess.

Broken rocks and signs of battle – ruined weapons, mangled corpses, scorch marks – litter this branch.

Your party freezes when you see exiles lying about.

The naked, raving troglodytes are scattered about with no particular arrangement. They're out in the open, with one seated almost immediately in front of you as you emerge. They’re alive, and breathing, but appear completely unreactive; Varrin pegs one in the chest with an arrow, and it slumps backwards, landing limp and unmoving on the ground.

“Well,” He says, “Would you look at that?”

“Liza said they would either scatter or go catatonic.” You suppose they’ve lost the fight – they’re cut off from reinforcements, and no longer have a place to call their own. Not even Freya would wish that on anyone. “Part of me doesn’t trust it, but I think it’s over.”

“You did well.” Kengo says. “I’m glad we could be of assistance. Do you think you can make it from here?”

> Return to Averron City.
> Return to the Observatory.
> Write-in.

>>995861
> Return to the Observatory.
Can we ask Aelriss to identify our new items? Also I sort of want to invest our CGs in that mysterious blacksmith at the Observatory like he asked us to.

>>995861
>> Return to the Observatory.

>>995861
> Return to the Observatory.
Message Ayla to see what she's up to

>>995861
> Return to the Observatory.

>>995870
We are about to get embroiled in political bullshit shortly.


Still think making a council of guilds would be the best solution, a la log horizon.

And when we upgrade our strige artifact, might be worthwhile to see if we can activate singular aspects of each memory to draw out the time.

>>995895
I still want to make an independent crafting/trade guild apart from all the other political bullshit going on. Now might be a good chance while everyone's upset with the current guilds due to essentially being put into a meat grinder and a sizable portion of the population became nameless because of it.

>>995861
>Farm the troglodytes for loot and EXP and loot the bodies.

>>995861
>> Return to the Observatory.

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>>995870
>>995872
>>995875
>>995976

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

“I think so.” You say, checking your map. “The Observatory isn’t far from here, so that’s where I’m going. Kind of want to see how everything turned out myself.”

“I’m with you, then.” Aelriss says. Tatsumaki files in beside her. “Cause that’s where I’m at.”

“Good stuff, then.” Crow says. “I’m burning off for the upper city. If no one’s coming with –“

“That was where I was heading, if you don’t mind?” Smith says.

“No problem.” Crow responds, giving a bit of a wave. “Hey – it really was good meeting you all, though. We got shit done for sure. I’ll totally add you guys… where’s Freya?”

You blink. She was cordial, alright, but a bit of a creep for sure; whatever Anaximander saw in her, it must have been enough that she was worth teaching the art of exiting inconspicuously. Her invitation to you echoes in your mind – the Alliance isn’t interested in creating unity, but deciding for everyone what unity is – and you get the feeling it’s still open.

Your UI pings.

> [[ UI Messenger – Nel ]]
> [[ Nel ]]: okay I’m up to date
> [[ Nel ]]: wow I missed a lot
> [[ Nel ]]: also, did you know that people are talking about declaring war on the Writ Keepers?
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: What
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: Literally why?
> [[ Nel ]]: okay it’s a rumor I read on the forums
> [[ Nel ]]: people think the WKs are going to start banning discussion of bounty hunting from the boards
> [[ Nel ]]: and a couple of guilds said they’d go to war if they started getting censored

> [[ Continued ]]

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>>995987

You created, by necessity, the opportunity that many were seeking. Many Players were defeated in pursuit of experience, loot, and glory. It wasn’t a total failure, even though the world is smaller; the Seam is closed, and new figures are looked upon with esteem, with posts celebrating individual feats cropping up on the forums, news of Gems uncovered and Artifacts created.

Guilds are forming and recruiting. Those who remain are more important than ever. It’s not the way you expected it to happen, but you achieved what you set out to do.

You can't say for sure if it's calm, but it's quiet for now. Still, there's a palpable air of tension.

Or maybe it's just you - maybe this is getting to you...

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

The market square filled with player-run shop stalls almost immediately after the Observatory was founded. A makeshift auction-house peddled goods from a podium nearby the landing. You’ve never seen this place empty until now. Tatsumaki is silent; Aelriss gives a sad-sounding sigh.

“I’m gonna go restock, maybe root around upstairs.” Aelriss says. “Tatsumaki?”

Tatsumaki shrugs, then wanders off for the Observatory.

“Right, then.” Aelriss responds. “What about you?”

[[ 1 ]]
> Message someone. (Write-in.
> Chat later.

[[ 2 ]]
> General Store.
> Aetherforge.
> Testchamber.
> Overworld Simulation.
> Celestial Altar.
> “I need to see the fortune teller.” Depart for Averron City.

>>996002
Have any idea on how to get gear uncursed Ael?

>Aetherforge

>>996002
> Message someone. (Write-in.
Ask Ayla what she's up to.
> Celestial Altar.
I think spending a gem or two on the aetherforge would be a worthy investment.

>>996002
>Celestial Altar.
Don't know how many gems we have though.

Isn't the Fortune Teller the only NPC that can un-curse equipment? I remember that for some reason.

>>996008
Also ask Aelriss if she can identify our new items.
>>996013
I think high level Artificiers can too but I could be wrong.

>>996002
Yeah let's touch base with Ayla. If Aelriss can identify stuff ask her to but otherwise just find someone in the observatory to do it.
> General Store.
We just got a shitload of money.

>>996002
I'm making a new vote. Do you want me to delete the old one or should I just leave it up?

> Message someone. (Write-in.
Talk to Ayla and see what's up

> Celestial Altar.
And ask Aelriss if she can identify anything.

Am I the only one who thinks Smith is gonna go all serial killer on Crow?

>>996056
Smith is depleted and sort on droids. Crow..... well Crow has his artifact and can escape REALLY easily.

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“Can you identify some items for me, Ael?” You ask.

“Haha, get a load of this guy – he thinks I’m a competent artificer.” Aelriss says, feigning amusement. “Every point I don’t have invested into traditional combat skills is invested into my ability to use the Aven Cordis, Ashe. So you don't ask in front of anyone else - as of right now, I have pretty much no abilities that are useful for crafting, support, or trade. I can't even identify without unbinding my artifact, waiting out the cooldown, and fully regenerating first."

“Oh.” You respond. “Sorry.”

“Why?” She gives you an incredulous look.

“Dunno. Gonna roll down to the Chapel for a bit.” You say, pulling up your UI screen. “Got some administrative business.”

“Fancy.” Aelriss says. “Well, I’ll be around. See you later?”

“Of course.” You respond, making your way into the Observatory and downstairs.

> [[ UI Messenger – Ayla ]]
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: Yo
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: Just touched back down at the Observatory. What’s up?
> [[ Ayla ]]: I can’t even deal. I feel like tearing my hair out atm.
> [[ Ayla ]]: Liza’s riding me again and people are talking about taking my guild to battle over bounty hunting, of all things!
> [[ Ayla ]]: Half of Averron just died – and every other person out of the remaining half wants to kill someone else.
> [[ Ayla ]]: By my projection, there will be two (2) people remaining in the city within 48 hours.
> [[ Ayla ]]: Of course my time might be off because I FEEL LIKE I HAVEN’T SLEPT IN THREE DAYS.
> [[ Ayla ]]: I just log off and log right back on, cause, why not, right? It’s only been, what, a few minutes? Maybe an hour or so by now?
> [[ Ayla ]]: If I go to sleep now, which I’m not sure I can, I’ll be awake all night.
> [[ Ayla ]]: And think of how much I’d MISS, Ashe.
> [[ Ayla ]]: Can’t you feel it?
> [[ Ayla ]]: I know you can dont you fucking lie to me
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: ?
> [[ Ayla ]]: It’s getting SLOWER
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: Ayla, are you alright?

There’s no response by the time you reach your destination.

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>>996098

There is a bookcase in the study with A Precursor’s Puzzle Box permanently embedded in a glass display dome between the shelves. You are one of four people who knows the solution. The bookshelves creep aside, the wall behind them opening into a small stone room.

A Custodian – a small mechanical lifeform with modular tendrils – appears to have become trapped inside. When the door opens, it hovers out, immediately returning to straightening chairs and dusting tables outside.

There is a Greater Celestial Materialization Altar here. Carved from a single slab of white marble, 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.

> [[ Greater Celestial Materialization Altar ]]
> Celestial Manifestation “Averron Observatory”
> MANIFESTATION GRANTED BY:
Ascheritte, Andor, Ayla, and Kainzo, “as a safe haven upon which to engineer a future from a shattered past”
> [[ Offer Celestial Gems ]]
* Create Celestial Artifact
* Enhance Celestial Artifact
* Empower Mundane Item
* Enhance Celestial Manifestation
* Destroy Celestial Manifestation
* Vote to Enable/Disable PVP
* Modify Charter/Relinquish Ownership
> [[ Offer Item ]]
* Offer an Item to the Celestials

> Request upgrades to the Averron Observatory.
> Request upgrades to Strife Memoriam.
> Write-in.

>>996101
>> Request upgrades to the Averron Observatory.
the smithy

>>996101
> Request upgrades to the Averron Observatory.

>>996101
> Request upgrades to the Averron Observatory.
Welp Ayla is going fuckin crazy. But we are too so that's cool I guess.

>>996101
Also offer all those broken UIs to the altar I suppose

>>996101
> Request upgrades to the Averron Observatory.
Can we get a list of everything we can upgrade?
Also maybe tell Ayla we're going crazy along with her.

>>996101
>>996117
Oh yeah we should probably do that too.

Is anybody interested in making a guild focused on the following?
>hunting and harvesting rare materials specific to our location
>supporting player-run crafting and trading
>setting up and guarding trade routes between the various cities we will meet
Discussion is kinda rare lately but I'd really like your input on this. The ones with real influence are the ones who control the economy and I think it'd be pretty interesting. Plus it'll be even more important to establish since we're about to make contact with several other cities.

>>996196
I mean it's a good idea, but the major guilds do the first two already. The latter would require trailblazing, bases/forts on the routes, and will likely be done by larger guilds anyways.

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Your thoughts turn outward to the Observatory. The statue’s empty eyes sparkle.

You begin to speak. They are listening.

> New upgrades will become available as the nature of prophecy changes.

[[ General ]]
> [5] Open an Advent Gate, which will allow free or paid travel between the Observatory and the Upper City. By the power of the Celestial Altars, more Advent Gates can be created in controlled locations with further investment.
> [3] Protect the Averron Observatory and those within from scrying attempts.
> [2 ea.] Warp in a Sidereal Armor. Sidereal Armors will patrol or stand guard at the Observatory. When a violent act is committed outside the Test Chamber or Overworld Simulation, the Armor will violently pursue the perpetrator until it is dead or removed from the Observatory.
> [1 ea.] Link a single benefactor’s Unique Identifier to the Observatory, allowing them to collect their share of taxes remotely.
> [X] Request a new construct or physical location. Variable price.

[[ Facilities ]]
> [5 ea.] Supernaturally improve the Communications Hub, allowing easier communication with and observation of phenomena in distant locales. This can be purchased multiple times.
> [2] Create a Heretic Soulforge, which crafters can utilize to create ancient weapons from an era of great and mysterious power.
> [2] Increase the size of the Overworld Simulation. More materials can be harvested, and new neutral fauna will appear. Day will turn to night.
> [2] Improve the Test Chamber, allowing it to simulate arenas and destructible environments.
> [1] Improve the General Store’s selection of items. Store will automatically restock when upgraded.
> [1 ea.] Empower a single Observatory NPC with Celestial Fortitude, greatly improving their capabilities. This can be purchased any number of times.
> [1] Warp in a Fortune Teller. Taxes may not be collected, but prices for all services are significantly reduced for benefactors.
> [1] Custodians will self-repair and self-replicate as necessary. They will maintain areas further outside the Observatory grounds, and can repair armor and equipment of players with or without a set price.
> [X] Request a new facility.

> Request an upgrade.
> Request upgrades to Strife Memoriam.
> Head back upstairs.

>>996204
> [2] Create a Heretic Soulforge, which crafters can utilize to create ancient weapons from an era of great and mysterious power.
Hell yeah. Maybe the forgemaster will be grateful and cut us a deal.
>>996196
I actually really support this plan
>>996201
As far as I know the other main guilds are focused on things other than crafting and trade

>>996204
> [1] Warp in a Fortune Teller. Taxes may not be collected, but prices for all services are significantly reduced for benefactors.
> [1] Custodians will self-repair and self-replicate as necessary. They will maintain areas further outside the Observatory grounds, and can repair armor and equipment of players with or without a set price.

>>996207
only the writ keepers, which is lore diving, discovery and RP.

>>996204
> [1] Custodians will self-repair and self-replicate as necessary. They will maintain areas further outside the Observatory grounds, and can repair armor and equipment of players with or without a set price.

This is fucking huge. Imagine how much money we (and the other people who own the Observatory, but mostly us because we're buying the upgrade) will make from all the equipment repairs. This place is way closer to good farming locations than the Averron.

> [2] Create a Heretic Soulforge, which crafters can utilize to create ancient weapons from an era of great and mysterious power.
This too if we can afford it. But I'd much rather have the custodians.

>>996204
> Request an upgrade.
Heretic soulforge
>>996201
I think we're in a position where we're famous enough that we could unite all the smaller craft and trade guilds under our banner. It'd be fuckin awesome.

>>996213
>the Averron
I guess I meant to say the city?

We should be able to collect a shitload of saved up taxes right? We've been gone for a while and I'm sure the observatory was the hub for preparation for this massive raid.

>>996204
Can we also ask about creating new UIs for nameless? It was mentioned that players get interesting responses if they try that.

>>996219
Probably, personally we should probably spring for linking our UI soon.

Hecatelia is way ahead of us as far as technology and they seem distinctly not friendly. Getting everyone access to high quality gear seems more important than making a little extra cash from taxes right now.

>>996238
Giving people easier, faster access to farming isn't helping them?

>>996238
A fortune teller would make this a fully functioning settlement, and let us un curse our shit. Quick and easy repairs would allow more turn around time in farming, thus better gear.

>>996242
There's already a system for repairing items in place, they don't already have access to the quality of weapons that a forge upgrade would offer.

>>996243
We're going to get a teleported soon, we probably could right now if we asked the leaders to pitch in. That would give players easy access to all those things that are already in Averron city. Adding stuff to the observatory that's already in the main city would be a waste.

>>996257
Teleporter*

>>996257
that's five CGs and we'd need to have them here and manage to herd those cats to move as we wish.

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>>996204

“What about the Nameless?” You ask. “Can I get a way to restore their Identifiers?”

> [[ You possess our gifts – and squander them in wasting your very lives. ]]
> [[ Life is wasted on the likes of you. ]]
> [[ You will see soon enough that what you seek is no blessing. ]]

“Alright,” You nod. “Cool.”

> Create the Soulforge, spending your two Gems.
> Improve the Custodians, leaving one Gem remaining.
> See available upgrades to Strife Memoriam.
> Head back upstairs and save your Gems for now.

>>996281
> Create the Soulforge, spending your two Gems.

>>996281
> Create the Soulforge, spending your two Gems.
Then guilt trip the other leaders for not using gems to upgrade the observatory like us

>>996281
>> Create the Soulforge, spending your two Gems.

>>996281
>> Create the Soulforge, spending your two Gems.
And then check out the Strife Memoriam upgrades out of curiosity.

>>996283
>>996286
>>996290

There is a brief rumbling beneath your feet.

Your Celestial Gems are gone. What you feel now is not satisfaction, but emptiness.

The light behind the statue’s eyes fades. You have no more to give.

> Offer the UIs of the dead players from the Rift.
> Head downstairs to the Aetherforge.
> Head upstairs to the General Store.
> Write-in.

>>996311
> Offer the UIs of the dead players from the Rift.
Thank one of them for the cool ass ice knife we got

>>996311
>> Offer the UIs of the dead players from the Rift.

>>996311
>> Offer the UIs of the dead players from the Rift.

>>996311
> Offer the UIs of the dead players from the Rift.
> Head downstairs to the Aetherforge.

>>996311
> Offer the UIs of the dead players from the Rift.
> Head downstairs to the Aetherforge.
Missed the last vote. Too bad.

>>996311
> Offer the UIs of the dead players from the Rift.
> Head downstairs to the Aetherforge.


Thank them for thier sacrifice.

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The Identifiers, though broken, represent a pile of technology beyond any you or any city have discovered. They are immutable. No attempts to reverse engineer them have succeeded. They are strange – in that they identify you as a living player, but represent only part of what makes you one.

Your strength. Your Artifacts, and the allure of the Gems. There is more you have yet to discover; that much, you know for sure.

“You paid the ultimate price. I thank each of you for your sacrifice.” You say, as if eulogizing them. “And thanks for this sick knife, too. It’s cooler than cool.”

The Unique Identifiers vanish in a blast of golden light that illuminates the whole of the room. You feel as though you are thoroughly on the right path.

> See available upgrades to Strife Memoriam.
> Head downstairs to the Aetherforge.
> Head upstairs to the General Store or another location.

>>996342
>> Head downstairs to the Aetherforge.

>>996342
> Head downstairs to the Aetherforge.

>>996342
> Head downstairs to the Aetherforge.

>>996342
> Head downstairs to the Aetherforge.

I still really want to make a massive greathammer. Is anybody else interested? I bet we could melt down a bunch of the other junk weapons and armor we've gotten recently and make something.

>>996358
Given we lack the perk to try and it's antithesis to our high movement offense? Not really.

>>996358
I'm more of a fan of poleaxes myself.

>>996363
I mean we can have the forgemaster make it. And I don't think it slow us down much, we have perks that make two handed weapons weigh less when we wield them.

>>996371
It's bulky, requires lots of space to swing, and may or may not fall under "x bawks" hueg weapons that require another perk to even wield. Furthermore it would throw off our balance if we tried half the bullshit we did prior.

>>996383
I think you underestimate the power of the rule of cool and video game logic but you're entitled to your opinion

>>996363
Our offense is more concerned with making big single hits. And I think only heavy armor debuffs our movement speed but I could definitely be wrong.

>>996390
You're assuming this will stay a game.

>>996414
Balance affects mobility too.

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

In the observatory basement, a bridge extends out over an abyss, leading to a circular platform; the center slopes down into a small pit where a purple flame once burned eternally. The platform, though, has been cleaned of the storage crates and spare materials.

It is surrounded by strange apparatuses – instruments and baubles of bronze and ivory extending haphazardly in all directions, inward over the platform and outward over the abyss. Crackling with malefic power, it resembles a strange combination of a robotic surgeon and a planetarium. There are clouds swirling high overhead. You’re not sure if the height of the sky you’re looking at is congruent with the floor of the Observatory floor above you. A faint redness creeps in from the outer dark of the place.

“Your predecessors are a strange breed, Keeper.” A voice booms uncomfortably loudly from the heart of the Ethereal Forgemaster’s form as you approach. He floats about the platform, instructing each of the devices as they shape an unsteady beam of rusted golden-bronze light above the center of the Forge. “They fought with ancient fire and clothed themselves in souls. They walked so close to the darkness that they were consumed by it. Does that surprise you?”

You shrug.

“I thank you for this opportunity, Keeper. You will not be disappointed.” He says. “In the flames, I have already seen what it is you seek. I can offer that much to you, if you desire.”

“Oh?” You ask. “Do tell.”

“You will not find it here.” The Forgemaster turns, pausing from his work momentarily. “Kjorikos possessed knowledge of all worlds, yet not even he could circumvent life and death. What makes you believe you can?”

The conversation stalls.

“He looked as far as the sky, Keeper, but not beyond.” The Forgemaster says. “That is where your search will begin. I have seen it in a word, which appeared to me from the pale flame – where that word truly comes from is a mystery to me.”

“That is?” You ask.

“Einherjar.”

> “What are you?”
> “Is that a lightsaber? Can I have it?”
> “Thank you. I require your services.”
> Write-in.

>>996436
>> “Is that a lightsaber? Can I have it?”

>>996436
> “Is that a lightsaber? Can you make me one?”
After he inevitably says no

> “Thank you. I require your services.”

>>996436
> “What are you?”
> “Thank you. I require your services.”

>>996436
> “Is that a lightsaber? Can I have it?”
> “Thank you. I require your services.”

>>996436
> “Thank you. I require your services.”
In my world Einherjar were warriors that feasted, fought, died, and were reborn to fight endlessly. Does that mean anything to you?

Could we ask this dude to teach us how to smith?

“I appreciate it. Let me know if you see anything else of note.” You nod. The word might mean something to you - but you're not sure the same applies here, to whatever this Forgemaster might be. “As for now, though, I’m in need of your services.”

“How may I assist?”

> “My main weapon is practically ruined. What are you making right now?”
> “Do you have anything new for sale?”
> “I have some equipment that needs repairs.”
> “What new items can you craft?”

>>996477
>> “I have some equipment that needs repairs.”

> “My main weapon is practically ruined. What are you making right now?”


Where would we collect revenue?

>>996477
> “My main weapon is practically ruined. What are you making right now?”
> “Do you have anything new for sale?”
> “I have some equipment that needs repairs.”
> “What new items can you craft?”
I honestly want all of this to happen

>>996477
> “I have some equipment that needs repairs.”
> “What new items can you craft?”

>>996477
> “My main weapon is practically ruined. What are you making right now?”
> “Do you have anything new for sale?”
> “I have some equipment that needs repairs."
Our silverwing boots
> “What new items can you craft?”

“What new items can you craft?” You ask.

“Long ago, beams from fractalline crystals were shaped into melee weapons. Mundane weapons were wreathed in the pale flame, while bows and arc-casters were utilized to attack from afar.” The Forgemaster responds. “But this forge was built from a mind wrought with darkness. It can additionally afford the powers of bloodletting, corruption, and piercing without material components. The qualities of armor I can produce are also unusual – though I have yet to discover their full potential. You will have to return later.”

“Do you have any new wares?”

“I have a variety of old aethersteel weapons of many types.” The Forgemaster says. “They reject artifice, but readily accept pale flame. It will augment the damage of your attacks.”

“My main weapon is kind of ruined. What are you making right now?”

“An experiment.” He says, turning the craft – a blade of rusted golden-bronze light, sparking with arcs of power, protruding from an elaborate hilt of etched silver – in place as it levitates above the forge. “A failure, which would be mocked even by these heretics in their time. It has not properly bathed in the flame. Its properties are too unpredictable.”

“I have some equipment that needs repairs.” You nod. “Can you do that?”

“Have you forgotten my capacity already, Keeper?” He makes a loud sound that might be a laugh. “Perhaps the heat of the lower branches has left you brain-addled.”

[[ 1 ]]
> [[ Repair an item for 250# ]]
• steel bastard sword (alternate weapon, worn on belt, empowered by Fire: burning insect heart, cursed, damaged)
• old broken sword (damaged, unidentified)
• steel full helm (head, damaged, unidentified)
• iron naginata (damaged, unidentified)
• iron gauntlets (hands, damaged)
• silverwing boots (cursed, damaged) [[ + Free Climbing ]]
> Opt out.

[[ 2 ]]
> “Can I see those aethersteel weapons, then?”
> “So you’re just going to throw that away?”
> Write-in.

>>996534
• silverwing boots (cursed, damaged) [[ + Free Climbing ]]
wall running and shit like that is too useful to pass up. Let's see what he has before we spend any money on repairing our bastard sword. And we should identify the other weapons so we're sure they're worth repairing.
> “Can I see those aethersteel weapons, then?”
> “So you’re just going to throw that away?”
I'll definitely take it off your hands. Also we might as well ask if he can teach us how to craft anything.

>>996534
>• steel bastard sword (alternate weapon, worn on belt, empowered by Fire: burning insect heart, cursed, damaged)
• iron gauntlets (hands, damaged)
• silverwing boots (cursed, damaged) [[ + Free Climbing ]]


> “Can I see those aethersteel weapons, then?”
> “So you’re just going to throw that away?”


>>996546
We're not an artificer anon. We did not pick the crafting class, and frankly learning it will be a waste of time without a portable forge.

>>996549
Why would we waste our money on repairing completely mundane iron gauntlets? Also artificiers can enchant weapons but anyone can craft weapons at a forge like the one we're currently standing next to.

>>996534
We should repair the steel bastard sword. It's a good weapon. And the silverwing boots too.
> “Can I see those aethersteel weapons, then?”
> “So you’re just going to throw that away?”

>>996555
Those iron ones might be better than our more brittle onyx ones.

AS for making a weapon, literally why? We won't get anything better than what he makes, especially since we get a discount here.

>>996534
>• silverwing boots (cursed, damaged) [[ + Free Climbing ]]
We can repair all the other stuff after it's identified, just in case it's not worth it and he might have something better than our sword.

> “So you’re just going to throw that away?”
> “Can I see those aethersteel weapons, then?”

>>996549
Not necessarily. Anyone can do it and BSO said on ask.fm that weapons made the "traditional" way by someone competent are consistently better than weapons you can buy from merchants.

>>996559
I think learning how to craft would be cool. It'd be fun to make our own shit. It's a part of the game we haven't explored at all.

>>996564
It'd also make this even more of a grindfest where we accomplish fuck all in a session. It'd slow this quest down more than it already ahs when we have to harvest 100 nirn roots for our next piece of gear.

>>996560
Read carefully - I said it takes a measure of expertise to yield consistently superior results. Explicitly, -not- everyone can do it. Practice, talent, devotion, or some supernatural substitute for some number of those things are what's required.

>>996568
You assume a lot don't you?

You don't actually think we'd spend an entire session grinding do you? At worst it'd be a short timeskip even if it goes the way you are describing.

>>996576
Given we had a whole session dedicated to grinding the last time we went out? Not assuming shit.

>>996574
Thank you for clarifying.

>>996568
Kind of a shitty meta reason to not want to try something out

>>996574
Yeah, that's why I said competent. I don't have feelings one way or the other, but I figured since you said our character is "talented" multiple times trying wouldn't hurt.

Probably should've said "competent enough" or something. Sorry for that.

>>996582
>Let me spend hours/days/week trying to get good with smithing so I can make good gear completely shifting my goals and character motive and neglecting my artifact for grinding for smithing exp.


>Furthermore let me ignore the politics until things blow up, AGAIN.

>>996590
No worries! Reasonable. Ascheritte is rather savvy - enough that he'd have a shot at performing in whatever he sets out to do, assuming he can accrue the proper advantages to afford himself a fair chance.

>>996595
Yeah hobbies are fuckin evil, thanks for setting me straight anon

You repair your silverwing boots. You have half a mind to change back into them, but they’re certainly still cursed.

“So, you’re just going to throw that away?” You ask.

“Yes.” He begins. “Though I see what you are playing at. If you are interested in ferrying my trash to the appropriate receptacle for me, who am I to judge?”

You add the weapon to your inventory with a shrug.

“You are full of surprises, Keeper.” He says.

“Can I see those aethersteel weapons?” You ask.

“What type of weapon are you interested in?”

> Write-in.
> “I’m fine for now.”

>>996622
Massive greathammer

>>996622
>> Write-in.
Another bastard sword would be good. I want to say poleax because I like them but they're not the most versatile of weapons.

>>996622
A sword, Halberd, Naginata, Something I can move quickly with and swing/thrust with for great damage while maintaining speed and balance.

>>996622
Great axe, greatsword, or greathammer. Something oversized and awesome.

>>996625
>>996632
We need Titan's Might to wield any of that.

>>996629
>>996632
>>996625
>>996631
I'm feeling a big sword.

>>996636
Innit Aethersteel abnormally light?

>>996636
How convenient, we happen to have an unspent EXP point right now. An oversized weapon has been my dream for a while

>>996636
I think Titan's Might is to wield 2 handed weapons in one hand? Don't quote me.

>>996637
They ARE more versatile than hammers or axes.

>>996642
You mean a particularly large weapon or Monster Hunter level oversized?

>>996637
>>996640
Following game Mechs we'd still need the perk to wield it. Lightness or not. But yeah it is, just size that's the concern.

>>996642
How about we wait until we get it before we blow money on a weapon we might not use at all?

>>996644
Ridiculously large.
>>996645
I 100% intend to use it a lot though anon

>>996644
Maybe. All I know is that there is a perk necessary for Monster hunter level huge weapons. Which the GREAT are.

>>996649
Yeah but we might not even get the perk meaning we CAN'T use it. So perhaps be sensible?

>>996622
>>996649
I'm voting against this then. Weapons like that always look stupid as fuck to me.

>>996653
I actually don't think we need any more perks to wield it. There's one perk that lets us wield two handed weapons with one hand but we already have the perk needed for all two handed weapons.
>>996656
>he thinks anti-votes exist

>>996657
Fine. I'll just vote for a not stupidly ugly weapon then :^)

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I feel as though I've fallen victim to a classic blunder.

>>996657
If you are so sure let's make sure when we level up then? Super huge, chunky, poorly balanced weapons are going to mess us up enough as it is.

>>996663
The general consensus seems to be a large sword or silly large hammer.

>>996665
The level up system is changed completely. And we have other weapons to use in other situations if you're so worried about the rare occasion when large weapons are completely unusable. I can think of clearly biased adjectives for smaller weapons too.

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>>996669
Bah, I was hoping to get the quads. Damn

>>996672
Except Super Extra Large weapons will literally fuck our ability to fight like we want. We rely far more or balance, maneuver and agility over hitting things harder and tanking. All this assuming we can even use them.

>"Dross", an aberrant fluxsaber
kek Sylv what the fuck kind of name is "Dross"?

>>996681
You're assuming it will fuck our ability to stay mobile. And our fighting style is literally to run around and hit things as hard as possible in new and creative ways in each fight.

>>996672
>>996681
OK let's just get this over with.

>>996663
Would a monster hunter sized hammer fuck up the way Asherette fights now?

>>996682
well apparently dross is just a weird word for junk. I feel kinda stupid now

>>996682
It's another name for trash.


NOUN
1.something regarded as worthless; rubbish:

"there are bargains if you have the patience to sift through the dross"

synonyms: rubbish · junk · debris · chaff · detritus · flotsam and jetsam · garbage ·
[more]


>>996688
Given weapons can be unwieldy in even dumbed down game systems, it could slow us down, and we rely on moving, dodging, balance and momentum a lot.

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“Perhaps a greatsword or hammer? A bastard sword to replace mine – or just something that I can use while I’m on the move.” You say. “I can’t make up my mind. What do you have?”

“Your listening skills are poor.” He says. “I have wares of many types – whatever you might imagine, barring the truly exotic, is likely secreted away in the walls of this new facility. You have dealt with me enough to know that the cost of weapons is proportional to both their size and complexity. But surely price is no object for one of your significance?”

He’d be surprised, probably.

> “I’ll come back in a while, then – I have a lot of things I need to identify before I decide.”
> Ask about swords and sabers.
> Ask about hammers and axes.
> Ask about polearms.

>>996697
I'm not saying it definitely won't have any downsides but I think the benefits outweigh them. Let's just agree to disagree and vote our conscience so we can stop shitting up the thread

>>996700
> Ask about hammers and axes.

>>996700
> Ask about hammers and axes.

>>996700
>> Ask about swords and sabers.
We're going to need a weapon if we want our shit uncursed at Averron. Since no one wanted to get our sword fixed.

>>996700
> Ask about swords and sabers.
A miao dao or kriegsmesser would actually be pretty sick now that I think about it. But i'd be fine with a 2 sided sword as well.

>>996710
The bastard sword is cursed though. Fixing it wouldn't remove that.

Well, we could've gotten the Fortune Teller I suppose. Paying a gem for one-time convenience seems like a silly idea though.

>>996710
I just wanted to see the prices of any replacement weapons before we spent money on repairing it

>>996718
Well frankly it'd help everyone at the outpost too, since I doubt anyone is going to spring for the 5 cg gate meaning we'll have to do it ourselves. Since 5 Cg is a new artifact barring insanely broken one like time manipulation or a large artifact upgrade.

>tied vote
come on lurkers I know you're there

>>996728
I'm sure we can arrange a group purchase of the teleporter.

>>996733
Given that people are gem/artifact addicts and 5 is a lot in all senses? not so sure.

>>996742
We spent 11 to make this place and everybody was cool with it

>>996744
I mean, we weren't really "cool" with it per se. Asherette still hated the idea of giving up the gems, I'm assuming everyone else felt the same and hid it like he did.

>>996750
Well it still happened

>>996744
>>996750
and every still got at least one to keep from the divvy.

This won't happen and it conceivably be a one way gate that needs a counterpart in Averron to be actually useful.

It won't be as easy as you believe.