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You stagger back as a wild, shifting form emerges from the wreckage before you. It is a grasping, craving thing, a writhing mass of flailing arms that end in twitching hands. Fingers dig into and through the pavement below it as it crawls forth, crushing the ground underneath it through sheer strength alone.

“Fucking hell.” Rath groans between gritted teeth. “Couldn’t have waited ‘til we were a couple feet ahead, huh?”

“Shut it.” B’ni hisses, her unblinking gaze on the creature in the dim light ahead of you.

A low muttering emanates from somewhere within the amorphous form, a steady chant as it feels its way across the street.

“Seenoevilspeaknoeviltouchnoeviltastenoevilseenoevilsee…”

A hand freezes, outstretched from the center of its mass as it brings two fingers together in a familiar gesture.

It snaps, the sound echoing along the silent street.

Then turns.

“What the hell is it do…” Rath begins across the empathic channel.

“Oh, fuck me.” Gina says, the same realization hitting you a half-second before it dawned on her.

“It’s echolocation.”

As one, its countless arms reach out to you, hands grasping wildly as it surges ahead, grinding the street to dust in mad desperation to tear you asunder.

It is a crazed, wild thing, one that stands between you and freedom.

The thing that tore the Mountain King to pieces.

The Hundred-Handed One.

Shu the Defiant

VS.

Hecatoncheires

HP: 100% (Chitinous Stalwart:Active, Undamaged)
BIO: 65% (2 Soundlings, 6 Platelings, 8/15 Active)
CONTENDER: Empty
RAVENOUS MAW: Primed and ready
ACT: 2/2
Threat: Medium, approaching rapidly. Blocking exit.
B’ni: 120%
GG: 120% (Shrouded)
Rath: 120%

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

>>3276243
>>3276235
DAMMIT OP I WAS ABOUT TO GO TO BED.

Good morning BHOP, good to see you up and running but I have to pass out. Good luck to the anons, be careful and don't get anyone killed and remember to give the Contender some mileage this fight, I think we'll need It. My only suggestion for the upcoming fight Is to be sure to use It's Echolocation against It somehow, distract It or perhaps make a steady flow of loud noise to impair It's ability to use It.

>>3276260
(Hello Anon! I hope you get some good sleep, and know that I'll be updating continuously all this week so you'll get your chance to participate soon. Rest well.)

>>3276265
ARCHIVE TENTH VEIN YOU RETARD

>>3276269
(Done. Do note that if the previous Vein is still open, I'll leave the link to it.)

>>3276243
Hey BHOP, If you fire a Hollowpoint Hive at a daughter what happens?

>>3276243
Glad to see this back.
But whew, this is gonna be a fight i feel.

The biggest issue i see is with so many hands, it'll be hard to get anything past them to get a solid hit, from risking b'nis leg getting grabbed to Ginas cords.

>RATH; lay down the law, and that law is fire. Use a few bombs to blocks its route to us, trying to land the bombs to where they splash equally on and on the ground infront of arm boi.

>SHU; spawn some cricket-like swarmlings, three, and send them off in a triangle pattern around the arm boi. Have one then cricket up a storm.

>GINA; if the fire misdirection and then cricket lure work, once it charges for a cricket swarmling at the opportune moment form a spike punji trap infront of it, so its momentum carries it into the pit.

>B'NI; disarm duty, if it ignores the fire or crickets, your job is to keep its arms at bay and make sure no one gets grappled.

>>3276288
(They would take a small amount of damage and then the remote hive would be immediately active.)

(Voting to close in two hours, Gentlemen.)

>>3276243
Tentative first plan.

>Shu
Start attacking with minions while reloading the Contender. Load a Ravenous Parabellum and spawn 4 acid swarmlings to melt some limbs.

>B'ni
I don't think a mass of arms that uses echolocation can be flanked so stay out of reach and cut off any limbs that reaches out too far.

>Gina
Try using Neuromancy on the surroundings to make noise and confuse her echolocation.

>Rath
Launch some radiant boils and start burning.

>>3276291
I like your Punji pit Idea. >>3276243 but we can do better.
>>3276243
The daughter is functionally blind. She relies on Echolocation, sound and silence to navigate. We can exploit that, but we'll need a setup.
>Shu: Load up a Hollowpoint Hive. Fire it at Hecaton. Have the hive spawn 2 Cicada-lings that crawl to her ears and overload her hearing with LOUD CICADA NOISES.
Gina: Terraform. Punji Pit/Pitcher Plant/Venus Flytrap variation. The Trap should open up like a sudden Punji Pit and close like a Venus Flytrap. The lips and walls of the pit will be smooth and slick to prevent Her many arms and hands from getting a sudden traction. Spikes will also line the lip curving inwards form a Venus flytrap cage when the Trap pit closes (By having Gina suddenly Revert 80% of the terraforming, resulting in a giant fissure opening and closing shut like a mouth, the biomass moved should crush her lower half). If the pit is successful, I would like to spend Gina's Critical Counter to guarantee Hecaton's Ensnarement. Having a sudden fissure open up and close on you will probably be near lethal. Also if the trap is successful, have her spend her next act on using neuromancy and shut-down her one and only bio-ability. Hecaton built her skills around having many arms, so shutting it down will effectively cripple her.
>Rath: Toss a couple of boils to the side of Hecaton, have her believe that flanking us is a bad idea. Wait for Gina's mark. Then drop the hurting bombs if the trap is successful.
>B'ni: Guard Duty. Cut down any limbs that try for a grapple.
>Everyone: Communicate in the Empathy channel or Gina's wifi only. Our breathing or whispers will give away our location. Nobody moveThat's how Hecaton stalked us and followed us here. If the trap isn't successful in snaring Hecaton, Get ready to scatter, but everyone moves as one in one direction.

>>3276243
Backing >>3276341

Also, I get the feeling that Hecaton was a blind Bhuddist Nun that navigated her way through the world by feeling her way with her hands and using her ears via echolocation. She also coped with the stress of the Crucible by reciting her sutras. However, I think Hecaton is still sane to a degree. She killed Smaug and definitely consumed its essence so that fulfilled her hunger system. But why would she still make a motion to attack?

>>3276362
She might not be sane, but who knows. Also usually consuming doesn't leave a mess behind, but then again we also don't usually fight dragons so who knows?

Sane or not, you forget that after accepting MOTHERS gift, she tells you something to convince you to go for the cord. Arm boi without a doubt has gotten her choice by now, so if she is sane, she still may simply not care abd feel we are simply an obstacle to her getting to the cord first.

>>3276341
(Please note that Gina must jack directly into the target to shut down an ability, which may prove impossible if the target is completely subsumed in thr trap. Do you wish to replace that with another primed action?)

>>3276467
Yes please. Replace that action with another action of her choosing.

>>3276467
this >>3276481

>>3276243
>>3276341
>>3276346

You bring the Contender to bear, feeling it leech biomass from your body as you swing it up and take aim at the wild beast hurtling towards your team. You take a breath, hold it, and pull the trigger. The blast echoes along the street and through the alleys of the Shrouded City, your hollowpoint burying itself deep in one of Hecaton’s countless arms, your ears ringing from the gun’s guttural roar.

Rath rips two cysts free from her upper arms and flings them wide, their furious hissing and crackling sparks flanking the path towards you as the creature closes the gap, meter by meter. It doesn’t even react when two swarmlings tear free of a hive-encrusted arm, squirming deep into the writhing mass of limbs as they begin to screech at a fever pitch in an attempt to confound the Daughter’s senses. B’ni stands taught by your side, sticking to the plan despite the fact that you sense every nerve in her body screaming at her to take you and run.

You can feel the disturbance in the air from its flailing arms, feel the terrible crushing power of its hands as they tear into the street as it scrambles towards you. The earth rumbles, then shakes, then splits open into a vast, gaping maw of bone teeth and grasping tendrils of skin as Gina exerts her supreme control over the surrounding fleshscape, amethyst jacks plunged into the ground at her feet. Utterly caught off guard, Hecatoncheires tumbles into the trap, impossibly powerful fingers failing to find purchase on its slick walls. Rath flings two more boils into the hole a half-second before Gina yanks her cords free, the trap closing with a deafening roar that is part shifting earth, part screaming phosphorescence, and part howl of confusion and agony. It closes, and all is silent, save for the harried breaths of you and your allies.

When the earth before you explodes, it is almost as if it happens in slow motion.

(Continued)

>>3276572
The ground is torn apart in a flurry of tearing hands and crushing fingers as Hecaton bursts forth, undeterred by the twin flares scorching flesh from bone. It is upon you in an instant, bloody and furious as it bears down on your team, granting you no time to think. Rath falls backwards as she shields herself from the storm of debris and is promptly scooped up by B’ni, carried to the other side of the street on alabaster greaves in a blur of speed. You have no time to be proud of her decision when the massive, crushing mass hurtles towards you and Gina.

When you grab GG and push her out of the way of the tangle of muscular limbs sweeping towards you, your feel something other than your armor crack and splinter as you’re flung bodily through a storefront window. Glass give way to metal, metal to agony as you hit something hard and collapse to the floor in darkness. Pain explodes across your body as you struggle to rise from the cracked glass and crumpled display stands, and you have no doubt that if you had been unarmored when yiu took that blow for her then you wouldn’t be getting back up.

Your vision swims as you focus on the street outside, seeing Gina holding the tattered remnants of the Shroud as a wall of pavement rises between her and Hecatoncheires, which is immediately shredded by a hurricane of limbs.

"Wherewherewherecanthearithurtsitburnsithurtsicanthearhearnoevilhearnoevil..."

It's flailing, tearing at itself to rid it's body of your swarmlings and Rath's insistent flares, but it won't stay confused for long.

Gina’s in danger.

You all are.

HP: 64% (Chitinous Stalwart:Active, Armor Severely Damaged)
BIO: 55% (2 Soundlings, 2 Cicadlings, 6 Platelings, 10/15 Active)
CONTENDER: Empty
RAVENOUS MAW: Primed and ready
ACT: 2/2
Threat: Medium, close to Gina, medium to B’ni and Rath.
B’ni: 120%
GG: 120% (Shawl unusable)
Rath: 102%

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

>>3276588
Whew, thus beast is stong as fuck.

>RATH; toss another round of fire its way, try and spread the flames to where its best opportunity away from them is away from us.

>SHU; Be prepared to replace the cicadalings if necessary, but otherwise load in a bb special and aim for its legs.

>B'ni; rush over to Gina, and give her a lift. Wait fir an opening, then rush forward, cutting a swath of arms free, but keep your distance.

>GINA; if B'ni clears you enough space, jack in and shut off her arms ability, or at least freeze her still for us.

>>3276588
This >>3276686
Gee Shu gets BTFO at least once every single encounter, doesn't she?

>>3276689
(To be fair, this is a high level opponent and her health is still base level.)

>>3276693
what health is hecaton at?

>>3276697
(You can tell you're dealing damage, though you're not sure how much fight it has left in it.)

>>3276686
Does it have legs? I thought it was a mass of arms and used them for locomotion. So taking out her leg-arms would just have her flip over and use other sets to move.

We may need to move around and evade with Bungee Tongue. Good thing we've got Executioner's Jaw in case we're grappled.

(Voting to close in two hours, Gentlemen.)

>>3276686
>>3276714
(It only has arms, so full immobilization would prove difficult.)

>>3276588
Shu: Have Hollowpoint Hive spawn swarmlings that bite and sting Hecaton. Keep Hecaton distracted. Spawn 2 Gauntlings send both your platelings and gauntlings to B'ni.
>Gina: Neuromancy Hecaton for a full body Paralysis, enable an auto-critical hit for B'ni. Dual Tech Infinite Dolores. Aim for the body parts that are burned and paralyzed.
>Rath: Toss and arm out at Gina and Reel her in, move Gina back to Medium range away from Hecaton. Keep on bombing Hecaton, aim for the parts that are paralyzed by Gina's Neuromancy.
>B'ni: When Gina does her Neuromancy, Commence Infinite Dolores with Gina. Make full use of the Gauntlings.

>>3276714
>>3276738
Even with just arms, it clearly has an upright position so taking out the lower arms would at least slow it down alot

>>3276588
Changing vote from >>3276689 to >>3276839

>>3276839
>>3276724
One more thing, Have Gina Toggle her "CONVICTION" ability on as a free action. this should reduce Hecaton's turn into 1 action per turn so she'll be forced to spend it on overcoming the paralysis or getting rid of the swarmlings swarming her body.

(Writing now, Gentlemen.)

>>3277010
(Activating Verurteilung would allow Gina insight into the targets fears and insecurities, not diminish their ACT by 1. Do you still wish to do so?)

>>3277028
no.

>>3276588

You send a silent command to the hive nestled in one of Hecaton’s innumerable limbs, watching as a small brood rips free of it to harass the flailing beast. B’ni kicks off from the sidewalk across the street at the same moment you summon forth a pair of Gauntlings, sending them and what remains of your armor flying to meet her as Rath flings her arm out towards GG in anticipation of what’s to come.

The remains of Gina’s wall are swept away by a sweeping flurry of limbs as the brunette staggers back, a pair of cords at the ready. Your heart seizes in your throat when the blow comes from overhead, too fast to block, too large to dodge…but too slow to outpace Rath’s tensile strand. as it flings out and around the target’s waist, yanking Gina away just before the ground is churned to dust where she once stood. A flick of her wrists sends her jacks flying into Hecaton’s charred flesh, stabbing true as she’s hauled to safety, sliding along the pavement towards Rath on the opposite end of the street. Your Gauntlings and armor lock into place on B’ni as Hecaton seizes for a moment, a single second…and that’s all she needs.

[INFINITO DOLORE ACTIVATED]

Of all the limbs at play, hers move with focus and bloodthirsty precision as she cleaves through the horde of fingers, slicing her way with gauntlet and greave towards whatever lies at Hecaton’s core. You’re scrambling through the shop’s debris to her side when the mad Daughter’s senses return, the frigid mass springing to life with a furious scream from somewhere deep within the clawing swarm. It moves, fueled by pain and rage as its countless limbs converge on B’ni, her whirling blades obscured by the hateful hands even as she carves a bloody swath through them.

You watch as limbs go flying, your stomach plummeting when you think you see an alabaster limb among their number. You emerge from the shop to witness a flying blur as B’ni is flung with blinding speed through a closed door on your side of the street, aged wood splintering on impact with her body. The Hundred-Handed one begins to turn in place, picking up speed even as you see limbs going slack, some rotting before your eyes as it rotates horizontally to some unknown end.

It’s dying, steadily.

You just hope you can end it before it can do the same to you and yours.

HP: 64%
BIO: 55% (2 Soundlings, 2/15 Active)
CONTENDER: Empty (Hollowpoint Hive BIO: 0%)
RAVENOUS MAW: Primed and ready
ACT: 2/2
Threat: Medium, beginning rotation.
B’ni: 68% (Status: ???)
GG: 120% (Shawl unusable)
Rath: 102%

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

>>3277192
Shit. hecaton is going to turn into a human Beyblade.

>>3277235
>hecaton is going to turn into a human Beyblade.
Is "LET IT RIP" an option here? :^)

>>3277192
What direction is hecaton turning? Clockwise or counterclockwise?

(Voting to close in two hours, Gentlemen.)

>>3277290
(Counter clockwise.)

>>3277297
>It’s dying, steadily.
Are you saying that Hecaton is on death's door or just on low health?

>>3277297
And what's Gina and Rath's current Bio mass reserves?

>>3277307
(It appears to be wounded or low health.)

>>3277319
(Gina: 96%, Rath: 116%)

>>3277353
Does loading up and firing a Contender Round take 2 actions?

>>3277192
RATH; Continue bombardment, but focus on burning out its underside to stumble it and slow it down.

GINA; try and slow it down, Terraform the ground under it to try and throw off its balance, making it harder for it to spin, then slam ground into it opposite of the way its turning, to eat up its building momentum by making it have to destroy heavy terrain if it wishes to spin.

SHU; Command swarmlings to burrow straight for its center, then spawn three Banelings and have them add to the assault, their goal to use their acid and drills to aid in simply tunneling straight for the core of this beast, rather than disable limbs or inflict more spread out damage.

B'NI; say "ow" then get up and rush to aid, using your longer ranged attack to try and cut down the arms that appear to be being used as legs the most, hopefully further slowing its spin along with everything else.

>>3277192
this >>3277430

>>3277192
Supporting >>3277430

>>3277427
(It only takes one to fire the first shot, though due to cooldown it cannot be fired twice in the same turn. It can, however, be loaded with another round, should you choose to do so.)

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4 KB PNG

>>3277192
Situation: The party is split up into 2. two on each side of the street. Rath and Gina on one side, Shu and B'ni on the other. Hecaton is in the middle.

>Shu: Load up a Parabellum and Fire it at Hecaton. At least secure a way for Hecaton to be killed. Spawn as many Banelings as you can and Have it assault Hecaton by landing on the place where the rotation is the slowest and injecting their acid. Do it before Hecaton achieves full rotational velocity.
>B'ni: If you can get up and fight without risking bleeding out, get up. If not, stay put. I'm coming for you after this. Hang in there, you did your job, it's dying but it's not going down without a fight.
>Gina & Rath: Get it's attention. Both of you have the most biomass to spare. It's going to turn into a giant Beyblade made of human hands. It wants to grind us to death? Fine, then give it something to grind against. I'll shoot it with an "explosive" round. it'll go off soon after a few hits, so do your best to survive.
>Rath: Swear like a sailor. yell religious insults at it, mock it for being blind. Throw a couple of bombs at its base to both damage it and to get its attention. Keep an arm on Gina and yank her back. You're her lifeline.
>Gina: Terraform a Giant Blade, edged blade facing left. Make the blade as hard, sturdy, and sharp as possible. That will be your shield/storm shelter against her and your blade. She'll grind her hands against it and find herself cutting her own fingers against a giant blade. If she starts to wear the blade out, Make another one. Keep on backing up while you can. stay out of her reach. (see pic. related)

>>3277192
fuck >>3277433
I like this idea, backing >>3277516

(Gentlemen, I shall extend voting for another one and a half hours, as the end of the day has been full. I shall resume writing when I get back home, and take care.)

>>3277516
Supporting, with wiggle room for error of course.

>>3277516
>>3277784
Adding an addendum to the vote.
>Rath and Gina: be prepared take shelter and skdaddle back with an action, if possible, but a building between you and Hecaton along with Gina's Terraformed blade.

>>3277516
(Maxing out on Banelings after firing the Contender will leave Shu at 6% BIO, do you wish to proceed?)

>>3277991
In that case, maybe reduce the amount of banelings summoned, keep 15% BIO active just in case things go horribly wrong.

>>3277991
Reduce the amount of banelings, keep at least 20% bio in reserve.

>>3278025
20% sounds nice

(Writing now, Gentlemen.)

>>3277192
>>3277516

You feel the Contender drawing from your very being as you line up a second shot, five banelings writhing free of your hive as you level the weapon at Hecaton. The empathic line tethering you to B'ni is weak, tenuously held together by sheer force of will as your pulse quickens, your silent calls to her remaining unanswered.

"Hey, you handsy bitch!" Rath screams from across the street, cocking her arm back as she readies a bright orange grenade. "You got plenty of fists, so how 'bout you fucking fist yourself and fuck off!"

The daughter continues to spin, unheeding or uncaring of your friend's calls, and whatever sass she was about to follow it up with is drowned out when you pull the trigger. One of the charred patches of flesh explodes in a shower of blackened gore, your Parabellum round beginning its feast as it burrows deep within Hecaton's writhing mass. The ground across the street shifts and warps, becoming a gleaming blade that blocks your allies from view just as two of Rath's cysts sail past, igniting the ground at the base of the Daughter.

Still she spins, gathering speed as she stays in place, ignoring your banelings as they tear into the exposed limbs atop her body, burrowing deep into her body. It's when you notice the hands rapidly tearing chunks out of the asphalt, each active fist curled around a dense, hard stone, that it dawns on you.

It's not a top.

It's a minigun.

(Continued)

>>3278270
Oh shit!

>>3278270
NOOOOOOO. FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK.

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>>3278270

>>3278270

You dive behind the storefront just as it lets fly with the first barrage, stones tearing past your skin and burrowing into your legs as you leap to safety. The remainder of the window is annihilated in the indiscriminate attack, the air filled with the sound of stone on stone, rock on glass as the entire street erupts with a rain of projectiles hurled with impossible strength.

Hecaton roars, the barrage slowing as the empathic line to B'ni springs to life. You chance a peek around the corner to see B'ni dodging projectiles by the skin of her teeth as she races clockwise around the beast, cleaving limbs off five and six at a time. You're relieved to see her racing along of two intact legs as she tears through flesh and bone with ease, and you frantically scan the street for signs of your other two allies.

You find Gina and Rath huddled behind the annihilated remains of the former's blade, having used it as an impromptu shield against the unexpected firing squad. Rath lays atop the brunette, battered and bloodied from having taken the brunt of the assault. Gina helps her to her feet as Hecaton catches B'ni in the side with a wild swing, hurling her down the street to your right.

The beast is tattered and torn, limbs hanging limp where they've been severed, smoking where they've been cauterized. It lifts itself free of the indentation it's made in the earth and staggers towards where it threw B'ni, intent on finishing the job.

You've been giving each other hell, and you're intent on sending her there as soon as you can.

HP: 53%
BIO: 20% (2 Soundlings, 5 Banelings, 7/15 Active)
CONTENDER: Empty
RAVENOUS MAW: Primed and ready
ACT: 2/2
Threat: Medium, beginning rotation.
B’ni: 42%
GG: 104% (Shawl unusable)
Rath: 64%

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

>>3278321
I NEED A MOTHERFUCKING SITREP. STATUS REPORTS ON RATH'S AND GG'S BIO SUPPLY.

>>3278321
BHOP, is it still spinning? or did it stop?

>>3278332
(My apologies, it has stopped spinning and is now approaching B'ni who is a medium distance away.)

(Gina: 72%, Rath: 108%)

(Voting to close in one and a half hours, Gentlemen.)

have a swarmling grab one of Rath's cysts and burrow into its heart. kill it faster.

>>3278348
Is there a way to prematurely detonate Parabellum?

>>3278355
(Not at the Contender's current level, no.)

>>3278321
we should've focused on stopping its spin guys, but anyways...


>GINA; Terraform some defenses to slow the creatures assault on B'ni.

>SHU; Use Tongue to rush yourself after the enemy, forming two platelings that will stick to the end of your tongue, so once you have launched yourself quickly at the enemy with its bungee like grab, you let go, and spin, turning it into a flail as you wind up and smack it hard in the back, or at least the side not after B'ni.

>RATH; After Shus attack, if still necessary, overload one arm with bombs and detach it, spinning it like a sling to gain extra distance, then toss the entire thing at the creature as a impromptu large bomb. limbs can be regrown but friends getting turned to paste is forever.

>B'NI; focus on recovering, and avoiding damage, mostly in your legs, so once Shu is near, and Raths bomb is thrown, you can get the two of you out of the blast radius as quickly as the two of you can help each other move.

>>3278321
This is it. All or nothing. We have one last shot at this.
>Gina and B'ni: Infinite Dolores. It's worked before. This one will finish the deal. And we're going to open the way to take out it's heart.
>Gina: Terraform and pin Hecaton's body and arms. Leave an opening. Spend as much Bio as you can to secure the pinning/impalement of Hecaton, and leave enough to do Infinite Dolores.
>Shu: Have your Banelings burrow to a point together and Detonate. The acid explosion will Create an opening relatively free of hands. Load in one last round. B.33 Special. Fire it at any remaining limbs that are near the opening made by the dual explosions of Shu's banelings and Rath's bombs. Give B'ni one last Gauntling.
>Rath: Bombs. All the bombs. Concentrate it on one spot on Hecaton. Shu's going to detonate her banelings, I want you to throw your bombs at the opening created by the explosion.
>B'ni. "I've done all I can. I'm spent B'ni. I'm officially out of bio, what I can do is open the way. I'm counting on you to make this count. When I detonate my banelings and after Rath throws her bombs and after Gina Terraforms to make a impaling cage to immobilize, I need you to reposition and take advantage of the opening. A limb free hole for you to dive in and tear into the daughter's heart. Use this gauntling B'ni. You'll need it."

>>3278399
supporting. kind of like my idea, main point being kill it with fire.

>>3278321
ALL IN BITCH
THIS >>3278399

>>3278399
>>3278388
>>3278321
Actually I quite like your idea on Rath overloading an arm with her bombs and tossing said limb at the enemy to detonate it. We could integrate it into our current plan. Rath has the most Biomass to spare.
Amending Rath's actions from just tossing a couple of bombs to throwing her limb that's overloaded with Radiant boils to create a bigger opening for B'ni to deal the finishing blow.

>>3278399
not a fan of the long winded speech to B'ni honestly, if anything we aint got time for that, and shes actually a smart enough cookies to see what were doing.

also id think if shes just going for a pure hit, she gets more out of, and is stronger with, her legs. not only can she kick harder than punch, but her crit and speed bonuses stack better with her own bone ability, and she honestly doesn't even really need gauntlings at all. plus with legs like her she can probably reach further with her legs too, on top of putting much more impact to make sure she gets deep enough into them.

also it takes two turn for the BB to activate, so i feel its a much lesser need to fire the thing as our last Bio basically for Shu, than get extra damage and slowing in, especially with us wanting B'n NOT to be who it is focused on in your plan.

>>3278413
That sentence had too many syllables, APOPOGIZE!

Also, more Bio for Rath means more EXPLOSIONS!

>>3278436
So what I'm getting is this:
>B'ni and Gina go for Infinite Dolores,
>Gina pins and paralyzes hecaton with Terraforming and Neuromancy
>Rath throws an arm laden with bombs
>Shu detonates her banelings and goes to whack Hecaton with a tongue-flail
>B'ni goes for the killing blow with Infinite Dolores
Is this right?
>>3278424
I'm sorry I got a bit wordy!

>>3278424
Yeah I agree, fuck the big speech. Fuck the gauntlings, fuck that shit. So what should B'ni do then for her action? I agree with the rest of >>3278399 though

>>3278399
amending one action:
>B'ni: You know what to do.

>>3278450
>>3278451
i mean, its risky as hell but B'ni going for the final blow(assuming an entire arms worth of bombs isnt good enough to kill it) isnt the worst idea.

Going for a full ham rush kick after the arm bomb im down with, just know if she fails or anything shes losing whatever limb she stabs into the thing, leg or arm, and thats the best case scenario. it IS pretty close to dead though, so Shu and Raths attacks atop that should be enough to kill this bastard. SHOULD.

>>3278468
I could have Gina Impale Hecaton as part of her Terraforming act. Do you want me to put that down?

>>3278474
hrm. up to you. more damage is more damage, and it theoretically would still hold it in place well enough. but im not sure how much that will take away from the actual success of paralyzing it it also might help make a hole to get deeper to its heart.

that said, stunning it fully will help allow the rest to get what they need done, compared to risking changing her move and having it break from being stunned.

really depends, is more damage to it worth it potentially getting in an action in a last ditch push?

>>3278450
Banelings make a hole that we keep open so Rath can launch the payload through.

Your chronological order was confusing, just clearing that up.

(Extending voting another half hour, Gentlemen.)

>>3278508
The voting's mostly settled in terms of the actions each party member will take, it's just a matter of the chronological order of initiative. As well as messing with the finer details of alternative actions for certain members.

>>3278523
Can you put what you have so far? Did you say you were writing a list?

Also as long as it ends with Raths bomb going off instead of that being in the middle ill support.

>>3278523
>>3278543
(I was assuming Gina pins, Shu uses banelings and B33 Special, Rath uses bombs, and Infinito Dolore as the clincher. Is this correct?)

>>3278558
Yes.

i keep getting distracted and missing this . though then again i dont really get involved in the fighting here. maybe i should but eh .

whats up though im once again lurking

>>3278576
(Hello again! Glad you could make it, Gen.)

>>3278558
If any of those have to do with a massive explosion from the inside, then yes.

>>3278576
Were trying to finish off the handjob specialist. Tryna get a massive explosion but everyone has their own ideas.

maybe next fight we have ill try to give some input. im just not the best at complete freeform suggestions. but ill just sit and watch maybe agree with some peeps .

Though i do have a suggestion for the levels here later . though ill give that input when we get there

>>3278581
Alright so the vote is >>3278399 plus the change in >>3278463, yeah? Let's rock and roll

>>3278630
Includes internal explosion from Rath. I'm supporting.

>>3278630
agree

>>3278450
im putting down vote for this, not perfect but close enough.

>>3278581
I was looking at more of Zdzislaw's works. Damn, I'm slowly getting a better picture of just how dark the fleshscape is.

Zdzislaw Beksinski if anyone didn't see before.

>>3278321

Hecaton crawls towards B'ni, the ground trembling with each shuddering heave of its failing body. Rath leans on Gina as the latter flings a pair of cords into the ground, staring at the giant with amber eyes filled with determination. The street rises up on either side of the Hundred-Handed One, spines of bone and teeth twisted metal piercing its sides as it struggles against the iron-maiden's deathgrip. You race to interpose yourself between it and B'ni as it flails wildly, loading the third of your unique rounds into the Contender and bracing for the tremendous recoil. You aim, breathe, and...

The Contender's barrel kicks at the same moment your Banelings detonate deep within the Daughter's massive, hulking form. Your wriggling round digs into supple flesh as Hecaton screams in agony, and Rath springs to action, her arm sailing across the distance, glowing like a miniature sun.

It in the hole made by the acid that eats the creature from the inside out, and Hecaton erupts with blinding light as you shield your eyes from the luminescent flame. You feel a hand on your shoulder as Gina reaches you, cords at the ready as she takes aim. Eyes closed, her Halo grants her the sight she needs to make an impossible shot, a final strike at a burning, dying, flailing thing.

In spite of the flames, the acid, the antebellum round chewing through it's failing form, when Gina's cords strike true the creature shudders to a complete stop. You sense B'ni rising behind you, seething with rage, seeking direction as she stares over your shoulder at her prey. You send her a simple, straightforward message across the empathic channel, something you know she'll enjoy.

"You know what to do."

The crack of pavement, a gust of wind. She's at your side and past you in the blink of an eye, surging forth with killing intent, bringing her greave's wicked scythe down on Hecaton's helpless form, carving a crimson line down the center of its core.

It's perfect.

B'ni leaps back to join you, Gina, and Rath as amethyst cords withdraw, leaving the creature to shudder as it burns from the inside out, its movements sluggish, heavy with death.

Hands reach out, then go slack as it burns, its core wilting, sloughing off as the body wilts under its own weight.

"Holy fucking shit, you guys." Rath breathes, shaking like a leaf as she holds her left arm, reduced to a mere stump. "I thought that thing would never fuckin' d..."

(Continued)

>>3278707
>"Holy fucking shit, you guys." Rath breathes, shaking like a leaf as she holds her left arm, reduced to a mere stump. "I thought that thing would never fuckin' d..."
RATH! YOU JINX'D IT

File: Hecaton's Core.jpg (89 KB, 485x700)

89 KB JPG

>>3278707

You don't see it coming, when the fist catches you in the stomach at the same instant Rath is struck across the face. Your name is on B'ni's lips, her yell cut short by the rib-shattering blow that sends her tumbling into you, driving you both to the unforgiving pavement. Gina tries to bring a second wall to bear before a fourth attack spears into her shoulder, her scream making your blood run cold as she drops to her knees.

"Can'tstopnowhavetogetthembackhearnoevilhavetogetthembackcan'tstopcan'tstopnomatterwhat..."

The mantra is uttered by a figure that steps out from within the burning, reeking carcass of the beast you thought you slew. Hecaton struggles onward, four limbs retracting to to her, baroque things that are a mad jumble of limbs and hands and fingers, loosely assembled and rotting away before they retract into her. She's a young woman, younger than Rath, perhaps. Dark hair is made darker by the blood and grease that streaks it, her skin ashen and starved of light. She stumbles towards you, and you realize the rotting flesh and twisted garment she wears reveals shoulders that end in nothing.

She stares past you with empty eyes as you and your allies struggle to stand, her gaze focused on something far away, something she lives for even now. She walks towards the four of you, six misshapen limbs taking form from her dwindling biomass as she marches towards your end.

"IhavetogetthembackIneedthemI'mnothingwithoutthem..."

You rise, helping B'ni and Rath up as Gina holds a hand to her gored shoulder.

Hecaton's eyes meet yours, and you know what you have to do.

You both do.

There's no other choice.

HP: 41%
BIO: 10% (2 Soundlings, 2/15 Active)
CONTENDER: Empty
RAVENOUS MAW: Primed and ready
ACT: 2/2
Threat: Close. Determined. Implacable.
B’ni: 38%
GG: 86% (Shawl unusable)
Rath: 56%

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, I shall be pausing here for the evening and resuming in approximately twelve hours from now. You all are absolutely fantastic, and I hope you all rest well. Thank you so much for your participation, and take care.)

>>3278730
Explosions! Thank you again for running BHOP.

>>3278725
Mother fucker, We could've just put a cancer bomb way back in the beginning.
To think all the damage we did was just shearing away her biomass reserves and armor.

>>3278730
Sit-rep on the Bio reserves for B'ni, Rath, and Gina please.

File: Waystation.jpg (1.16 MB, 1327x1333)

1.16 MB JPG

>>3278730
And whenever you see it. Is this what you had in mind for Charon's Waystations?

>>3278725
>I have to get them back I need them I'm nothing without them
I wonder if this girl is another daughter who took the fool's choice only for her friends to betray/leave her, like with that noclipping girl. Or maybe her friends just fuckin' died? Hell, maybe her friends were those statues we saw when we first got here. It'd explain why she obliterated Smaug.

...I think at least one of us should CONSUME her after we're done here, if only so that she has some friends again.

>>3278761
honestly i agree ive been thinking bi'ni consumes her since i saw them

idk how many people agree though

>>3278725
As Sartre and his radical freedom would say, there's always a choice. Now that we're face to face, maybe we can talk before the parabellum triggers.

>"Being alone or losing someone dear to you hurts, but you're never nothing."

>>3278761
It's looking like Bni might need it. Are we still using those rules or do we all full heal after a fight?

>>3278765
>>3278761

I'd rather give a multi-arm ability to Shu personally. We could do a lot with multiple arms or Swarmlings with arms. Weapon wielding swarmlings.

>>3278770
>a swarmling with arms carrying the contender
That's both stupid and genius at the same time.

>>3278770
Raths arms explode. Looks like we wont be needing a nuclear missle silo after all.

>>3278770
Give multi-arm to Rath, retard. More reach, more surfaces for growth to grow, more everything she has and needs. B'ni and GG can still get an upgrade or two, or another CONSUME. It depends on how many levels Hecaton is worth, but this is one Heck (ha ha) of a fight

>>3278730
A question: Is the Parabellum round inside Hecaton's core?

>>3278753
(B'ni: 102%, GG: 39%, Rath: 94%)

>>3278768
(Healing is considerable, though in terms of health, you'll need to prioritize who gets the lion's share of healing, since everyone is running low. CONSUME is only tied to ability gain, not healing.)

>>3278754
(That's exactly what I had in mind, nicely done.)

>>3278782
(It is, and is set to detonate at the end of this upcoming round.)

>>3278761
Rath or Gina are the best choices imo, Gina especially if it comes with MUSCLE WIZARD strength.

>>3278770
Shu needs it the least, it would be the most wasted on her.

>>3278765
honestly B'ni is all about kicking, not punching.

>>3278725
>B'NI; Disable what arms she can.

GINA; Cancer Bomb her, just in case.

>SHU; we dont have the biomass for much. re-purpose our last two swarmlings into basic combats, and have them go in for two arms. then Shu whips out he tongue, bringing the girl close for one, big, bitey end.

>RATH; be ready to bomb her with anything you have left if necessary.

>>3278767
Y'know what, fuck it, let's go with this. She's (presumably) all out of biomass (and arms), and she still seems to be at least the tiniest bit sane considering she's not just autisticly screeching at us. I think it's at least worth trying.

Considering how tough she's been thus far I honestly feel like the parabellum won't even kill her.

>>3278795
Actually wait, my bad, she ain't out of arms yet.
Was goin' off the picture too much. Oops.

>>3278802
4 arms, a timebomb, a creeping rot, and almost no biomass.
On the off chance she actually has something else up her sleeve we still have enough biomass left to win.

>>3278821
I'm missing something right? If not I feel like we should try talking to her before she explodes.
>>3278767

>>3278725
>open up the empathy channel to Hecaton. Convey empathy to her plight and try to calm her down if only to give her pause. And to try and stall out the timer.
>"Hecaton."
>>3278767
>"You're never nothing. Being alone hurts, losing someone hurts. But you're never nothing."

>Everyone: Everyone be on the defensive. If she does attack I want the following protocols done.
>Shu: Spend your last BIO to make a Plateling buckler. give it to B'ni. Ravenous Maw counterattack and Bungie Tongue one of her arms if she throws a punch.
>Rath: Tensile Strands. Arms, legs, get her hog-tied. Spend as much Biomass if you need to to get the bindings extra tight.
>Gina: Neuromancy. Fullbody paralysis. Activate the VERURTEILUNG aura.
>B'ni: Parry her punches with the plateling buckler so your friends can riposte.

>>3278835
Seconding the response.

The battle plan looks solid as well. Rath has few options when it comes to one-on-one, as her AOE attacks damage allies as well. Gina focuses on paralyzing her, and Shu can use Ravenous Maw to bite the hell out of her. The only change I'd make is for B'ni to attack as well. We need to take Hecaton down NOW, once and for all.

Seconding the plan to talk with Hecaton

>>3278725
backing this >>3278835

(Writing now, Gentlemen.)

>>3278725
>>3278835

Prompting your allies to be at the ready, you stare down Hecaton as she staggers towards you, and you open the empathic channel to her.

“Hey. You're never nothing.” You say, sending waves of calm across the channel, even as a plateling shield worms its way out of your back. “Being alone hurts, losing someone hurts. But you're never nothing."

She stops her advance, drawing ragged breaths as her aimless gaze flits across you and your allies.

“How…you don’t understand.” She replies, her airy voice coherent for the first time since she’s spoken. “You have them. They’re there, by your side. You haven’t lost anyone, so how could you…you can’t, you have to understand w-whatIhavetodoIcan’tstopcan’tstopIcangetthemba…”

Her arms seize up when her torso explodes with enamel, jagged canines and misshapen molars tearing through her chest. Rath jumps back as Hecaton looks down in dull surprise, her body already working to stitch itself back together despite the catastrophic damage the Parabellum has wrought. Your second round detonates, the yellow liquid oozing from between the warped teeth already hardening, bringing her regeneration to a halt as the girl drops to her knees before you, her summoned limbs rotting away.

“…Oh.” She says, simply, staring into the space between you and her bleeding form. “I…I won’t see them again…I…it was for nothing…I was so…so…”

Her dull expression remains unchanging as tears begin to roll down her cheeks. To your surprise Rath moves forward, reaching out and gently wiping her tear-streaked face as Hecaton’s breathing slows.

“We’ve lost people, man. We know exactly how it feels.” Rath says, her back to you as she crouches down. “…it sucks. It really fucking sucks, but…it gets better. Trust me…and just rest, ‘kay?”

Hecaton’s eyes focus on Rath’s face, a flicker of something shining in her grey eyes as she studies the red haired girl before her. After a moment, the girl’s eyes glaze over and her shoulders go slack. She goes limp as she breathes her last, Rath still kneeling in front of her, still wiping tears from her face.

>>Combat Ceased

(Continued)

>>3279731

You heave a long, bitter sigh as you help Gina to her feet, careful of the wound in her left shoulder. B’ni is quiet as she paces the area with a marked limp, Rath still kneeling in front of the dead girl as Gina grits her teeth, hand still stemming the flow of blood down her arm.

“You okay?” She asks concerned, reaching up and gently brushing flecks of glass out of your hair. You crack a half-smile at her, a shooting pain lancing along your jawline as you do.

“I’ll be fine, let’s get you topped off so we can take care of that shoulder, alright?” You say, and her weak smile disappears.

“Uh, about that…” She begins, glancing to where Hecaton rests, seeing Rath rise and walk away from you and Gina. “…do you think it’d be alright if, when I cross the threshold I mentioned earlier, if…forget it, it’s stupid and risky, I shouldn’t have brought it up."

“Gina, what is it? You can tell me, alright?” You put a hand on her good shoulder, gazing into her bright eyes.

“…What do you think would happen if someone else was tethered when the Choice came about?” She asks, failing to meet your gaze. “...It’s a stupid thought, I just…it’s fine, I’ll be fine.”

She doesn’t want to be alone.

You glance over at the armless Hecaton, bangs hiding her eyes as she sits, unmoving.

No one does, in the end.

>>Answer Gina.

>>Consume Hecaton (8 Points to distribute, please vote on distribution).

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

>>3279735
>"Gina... I understand. Its a terrifying thing to know is coming. Its terrifying to think about if you're strong enough to face it alone." Bring her into a light hug, "but you are. You can do it, you can do what you think is right and hold onto yourself, no matter the choices she gives you." Pull back and give her a smile. "I trust you, we trust you, we believe in you...but if you really need us there, we are more than willing to follow you in."

>Consume;
>>2 points to everyone, we all deserve it after that.
>>Or 1 point Shu, 3 points Rath, if we wanna symbolize her emotionally aiding the daughter at the end.

>>3279735
i say 2 points to each person

>>3279735
>Answer Gina: "To be honest, I don't know. Mother might block me out and single you out alone, she might let me watch, she might give all of us the choice regardless whether we've reached the threshold if we go together. But if you don't want to be alone, then we'll join you when you make that choice, together."
>Consume Hecaton: 1 for Shu, 2 for B'ni, 2 for Gina, 3 for Rath.

>>3279801
Oh, and not to force anything, but had a newt idea for shu; instead of multi arm, multi tongue.

>>3279735
>"Honestly, I'm not sure. I don't think your choice would change the progress or powers of the person tethered. Maybe they could weigh in to what Mother is offering and help you decide, as well as know what enticement she would give you to ascend the Chord. Or she might get upset that someone's intruding and boot out whoever is tethered to your mind, assuming that's something she can do. But if you trust any of us to help you find out, then I'm willing to help."

>Consume Hecaton (1 Shu, 2 B'ni, 2 Gina, 3 Rath)

>>3279735
backing this >>3279806

>>3279735
>Have Gina, link everyone with Neurocords (with their consent of course if they want to accompany Gina when she reaches the threshold to make THE CHOICE.) so that when Gina gets the call by Mother, she pulls everyone alone.

>>3279735
OH SHIT IS >>3279813 ALLOWED? THAT'D BE PERFECT WITH >>3279806 LETS GO WITH THAT

(Gentlemen, voting shall close in two hours. Thank you.)

>>3279816
(It is perfectly acceptable, yes.)

>>3279801
Actually i say 2 for Shu, 1 fir B'ni, 2 for Gina, 3 for Rath.

We have been neglecting Shu too much and B'nis build i feel is the most solid, with her one issue being unsolvable this level up(that being when melee becomes difficult to use properly, she often becomes kinda useless.)

>>3279813
GAH. fuckin typos I meant "along"! not alone!

>>3279873
(No worries, I figured that's what you meant, Anon.)

>>3279870
I'll support this. We really need to give ourselves some levels, and I'd like to get at least a CONSUME and a BIO for Shu since we're so BIO dependent. Rath Is also In need of having a stable build since I personally think she struggles the most to contribute In fights, and Is also very BIO dependent.

>>3279870
I'll be on board with this level distribution.

>>3279870
ima agree with this since not enough people are going for the even distribution. though id much prefer even distribution

File: SHU LEVEL UP.jpg (218 KB, 850x963)

218 KB JPG

>>3279735

SHU LEVEL UP

CHOOSE *TWO* FROM THE LIST BELOW

>>SWARMLING, Lvl 7 (BIO+)
>>RAVENOUS MAW, Lvl 5 (HEALTH+)
>>CONSUME (?)

B’NI LEVEL UP

CHOOSE *ONE* FROM THE LIST BELOW

>>DOGGED SPRINTER, Lvl 6 (HEALTH REGEN+)
>>CALCITE GREAVES, Lvl 6 (BIO+)
>>CONSUME (?)

GG LEVEL UP

CHOOSE *TWO* FROM THE LIST BELOW

>>NEUROMANCER, Lvl 5 (BIO+)
>>NEUROTIC HALO, Lvl 5 (BIO EFFICIENCY+)
>>VERURTEILUNG, Lvl 2 (HEALTH+)
>>CONSUME (?)

RATH LEVEL UP

CHOOSE *THREE* FROM THE LIST BELOW

YOU MAY CHOOSE THE SAME OPTION MORE THAN ONCE

>>TENSILE STRAND, Lvl 3 (HEALTH+)
>>RADIANT BOIL, Lvl 5 (BIO+)
>>CONSUME (?)

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

>>3280174
Shu
>SWARMLING, Lvl 7 (BIO+)
>CONSUME (?)

B'ni
>CONSUME (?)

GG
>NEUROMANCER, Lvl 5 (BIO+)
>VERURTEILUNG, Lvl 2 (HEALTH+)

Rath
>TENSILE STRAND, Lvl 3 (HEALTH+)
>RADIANT BOIL, Lvl 5 (BIO+)
>CONSUME (?)

For Shu, we talked about investing in swarmlings again. I'm going for consume as well since it might unlock more minion upgrades. Maybe make them more dexterous. A maw upgrade or new power is fine too.

For B'ni, I think multi-limbs would make for good synergy with what she has.

For Gina, I don't think Hecaton's powers would be a good match, so I'll go with getting her a level five and upgrading her new power. I don't think she even used it in this fight.

For Rath, she has three so let's take all three x1. Her main power is under-leveled, Radiant Boil will get level five for a choice alongside Gina, and Hecaton's power could work well with Rath's.

(Gentlemen, voting to close in two hours.)

>>3280195
(You are correct.)

>>3280174
SHU
>>SWARMLING, Lvl 7 (BIO+)
>>CONSUME (?)
B'NI
>>DOGGED SPRINTER, Lvl 6 (HEALTH REGEN+)
GG
>>NEUROMANCER, Lvl 5 (BIO+)
EFFICIENCY+)
>>VERURTEILUNG, Lvl 2 (HEALTH+)

RATH

>>TENSILE STRAND, Lvl 3 (HEALTH+)
>>TENSILE STRAND, Lvl 3 (HEALTH+)
>>CONSUME (?)

Getting Radiant Boil would mean Rath would be offered the CHOICE right? Let's postpone that until next battle since GG's about to get hers I think.

>>3280208
>>3280205
Okay, that's nice and all, but I find it odd that B'ni hasn't reached that threshold yet. Did she already make THE CHOICE?

>>3280174
SHU
>RAVENOUS MAW, Lvl 5 (HEALTH+)
>CONSUME (?)
Maw 5 for the health because Shu is constantly unfailingly BTFO in every fight we have had in so many fucking threads now, like holy shit. Also another Level 5 too. Also CONSUME to see what we can get.
B'NI
>DOGGED SPRINTER, Lvl 6 (HEALTH REGEN+)
GO FAST
HEAL FAST
GG
>NEUROMANCER, Lvl 5 (BIO+)
>VERURTEILUNG, Lvl 2 (HEALTH+)
Level 5, check. Here comes The Choice. Also MORE HEALTH.
RATH
>TENSILE STRAND, Lvl 3 (HEALTH+)
>CONSUME (?)
>CONSUME (?)
Double CONSUME for double options, nigga! Also Tensile Strand for health and because one of her CONSUME options is totally gonna be multi-arms.

>>3280205
Thanks for answering my question OP, I deleted my post because I meant to have VERURTEILUNG as part of the vote, not the Halo.

>>3280204
I generally agree with what you're thinking, but I'd like to postpone the BOILS on Rath for now, postpone the choice and deal with one at a time.

>>3280195
I'm curious about two Daughters getting The Choice while we're all connected. What if there is something crazy that happens, like they can select each other's Choices which restructures their powers? Like if Gina gets an explosion/burning evolutionary path for her neuromancy and Rath gets a hijack evolutionary path for her boils.

>>3280213
I believe THE CHOICE (the important one) has to be based around your own unique powerset right? Remember the d*on'1t Lo0^k @t m3 thing B'NI had on her level up tree after the fight with the Ravenous or whatever her name was? We never saw that again but I think It's still on her character sheet. Perhaps that's 'her' power and she's been hiding It this whole time somehow. Maybe I'm paranoid, maybe I'm dead on. Hard to tell In this game what's unfounded worrying and what Isn't.

>>3280219
But how many more times are we going to have such a perfect opportunity for Rath? Multi-arms suits her so perfectly, as it likely allows more bombs to be generated and thrown at once, in addition to possible upgrades for multi-targetting amd range.

>>3280174
SHU;
>RAVENOUS MAW
>CONSUME
honestly im just wanting my multi-tongue idea but not sure which would give it to us.

B'NI;
>CALCITE GREAVES
she really doesn't need multi-arms and well, the greaves work, what is there to say?

GINA;
>VERURTEILUNG, Lvl 2 (HEALTH+)
>CONSUME
I WANT HER TO HAVE AN ACTUAL OFFENSE ABILITY DAMNIT. Also im interested in where fear control takes us.

>RATH;
>RADIANT BOIL, Lvl 5 (BIO+)
>RADIANT BOIL, Lvl 5 (BIO+)
>CONSUME (?)
Because BOMBADIERS RULE, but lets get her kit a but more fleshed out too.

>>3279735
agreeing with >>3280195

>>3280204
>>3280208
Im also still sternly and harshly against upgrading swarmling, but that conversation has been done to death so im positive neither side will change the others mind on that issue.

>>3280232
It's not on her character sheet either.

>>3280256
Not on the one BHOP let's us see.

>>3280204
i agree with this but i say change swarmling to maw.

but whatever if its right or not

also cant beleive i missed the vote here again .-. oh well

i mean i didnt i just came up slow

>>3280174
Shu:
>Swarmling lvl 7.
We keep on running low and constantly hit swarmling cap. We need more Bio.
>Ravenous Maw lvl 5
B'ni
>Dogged Sprinter
it was the starting ability.
Gina:
>Neuromancy
>Neurotic Halo
Rath:
>Tensile Strands
>Tensile Strands
>Consume

Hey BHOP, doesn't our Contender also Evolve from this combat? we used the gun 3 times in combat.

>>3280289
(It does, though I wished to get Shu and party settled before the Contender.)

We took the third Choice on our Swarmlings, and if we really want to change things for this world then we can't stay afraid of where it may lead. We have to confront it and show our determination.

>>3280387
when a red flag is being waved in your face, its not fear to take it into account, its plain logic. ignoring red flags in a game like this is how you get BAD ENDS.

but just as importantly, its incredibly hypocritical for us to constantly get onto B'ni and the others about trust and then go into a power based around even minorly uncontrollably reading their minds, and without talking to them about it, which we still have not done.

but whatever, clearly outvoted on this one, but its setting a precedent i simply cant let go of, from both an ooc and ic consequences standpoint. just hope her CONSUME options are worthwhile and chosen with better judgement than this one.

>>3280174
SHU
>SWARMLING, Lvl 7 (BIO+)
>CONSUME (?)

B'NI
>DOGGED SPRINTER, Lvl 6 (HEALTH REGEN+)

GG
>NEUROMANCER, Lvl 5 (BIO+)
>VERURTEILUNG, Lvl 2 (HEALTH+)

RATH
>TENSILE STRAND, Lvl 3 (HEALTH+)
>CONSUME (?)
>CONSUME (?)

>>3280459
Then tell them and ask what they think. Otherwise we'll be stuck on this. Remember that this ability can be leveled up to level 20. We're still scratching the surface.

(Gentlemen, voting is closed and I am headed home from work a little early. I shall post soon, and thank you for your patience, one and all.)

>>3280459
Come on, what should we have done, accept one of mothers gifts? We spit In her face, and we got an empathic link with our allies. You think It's Logic that we should turn down the ability until the end of time but what's your alternative? Save the world with other monsterous powers? Don't use any powers at all, punch at god with our bare fists? This power Is *ours* the one that we created by defying god, I've said this before that It would be absolutely retarded for OUR OWN POWER to deliberately sabotage us. Do you really think that our MAIN POWER that we BROKE THE RULES OF THE GAME TO GET Is going to force a bad end? I've said before that maybe we will get some horribly invasive, mind-rapey powers with It, sure, but IT WON'T BE COMPLETELY OUT OF OUR CONTROL IN HOW IT'S USED. IT'S *OUR* POWER!

I mean It's technically possible that you'd be right, but It seems so stupid to me to punish the players for their creativity that I can't Imagine BHOP cackling like a supervillain behind the scenes going "Hahaha, the fools! Now I get to punish them for using their main ability, they should have been smart and never used It for the entire game, now I get to bad end them!"

If BHOP really does do something like that I would honestly lose respect for him, because It would feel cheap. It's not like we sought after some cursed power and we're reaping what we've sown, we deliberately defied the eldritch to get this. If we aren't going to embrace It we might as well have taken one of the other options.

>>3280387
Said It well, how are we going to change things If we can't even face our fears here.

>>3280488
like i said earlier(home from work now so ID is probably different), i have, both sides have talked it to death. we literally just fought someone we were outright told had lost control of their own power, and potentially though not outright confirmed have seen others in similar situations. and for Tree based abilities, minus branching paths, they usually follow a pretty linear line so far as we have seen, with passives becomes improved passives and vise versa. why would we then assume our own power cant get out of hand, nor that the passive ability thats the red flag wouldn't continue down its path as a passive, when thats has basically always been the case?

eh, its not worth the effort. another issue is i feel like this is a...fuck, whats it called? a 'gamblers gambit?' i think? where you stop restraining yourself once, for good or bad reasons, and then you just let loose and dont control yourself further anymore, until next thing you know you've emptied out your bank account because you always said 'i lost this round but next ill win!' or 'see? finally won a round, must mean im on the right track!'

i suppose im also probably being overly paranoid too as i have seen quests and RPs ignore warning signs and basically drive the thing into the ground because of it, and it ruins the enjoyment of it even if its a slow burn for said action to really have consequences.

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>>3280516
>Don't use any powers at all, punch at god with our bare fists?
yes

>>3280516
none of these powers are ours. literally none of them. even our body is arguably no longer ours. we didn't break any rules, it was outright allowed and part of the game to be able to turn down her choices, it was just considered an idiots move to do so. we didn't break free of the cords call, we didn't break free of the hungers slow choke, all we have done was choose to turn down power handed out with the implication of leading to the end of the world, for a choice that did not imply that. it literally wasn't even about our friends technically when we made the choice, it was her that then implied we did it because of them, and we rolled with it sure, but those that were there at the time did it solely to give her the middle finger, and because it was a hidden option that didn't have as bad implications behind it(or so was the overall consensus, obviously not everyone agreed.)

the game is and has been about subverting expectations and dealing with horrible situations, and finding out how to turn them to our advantage, NOT having a good situation given to us easily. more so, he wouldn't be tricking us, he wouldn't be doing anything really but what he has already implied through several hints and story points. it wouldn't be a punishment, it would be giving us exactly what he told us, if he took it down that path. and no, we wouldn't have control we already dont have control over the part we are worried about.

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>>3280524
i mean, honestly, its a kickass trope to pull off.

>>3280553
Can this be a thing? I'll support the shit out of it.

>>3280548
Fine, you could be right but I still don't think It will be as bad as you think. The truth Is we do need power to win, we can't survive and keep our friends alive to the end and assert our will In breaking the system If we're weak, and we can't just be deadweight while our friends carry us to the end and our swarmlings are one hell of a power.

The truth Is we won't know until we pay to see what comes next. It could turn out like I think and be relatively fine, or It could turn out like you think and lead us down a path of incredible suffering and mind rape. Either way, I'm willing to take that gamble just to see for sure one way or the other and If I end up regretting It I'm fine with that.

I do agree with most of what you said though, everything here our bodies and our powers are all given to us by the world and circumstance they aren't ours, but our minds were seemingly kept the same save for our amnesia. The reason I'd argue our version of Swarmlings Is ours Is how we got It. It's the closest thing we have to a power that we made through the defiance we gave to get It. Even If It's not ours, It's the closest thing we get to *ours*. You know what Is ours though? The girls that we carry with us. Those are real people we get to know and In some cases 'redeem' from madness and the game and that's entirely us.

Well, I guess we should see what happens next before we come to any conclusions about our powers. I just really really hope you're wrong.

>>3280658
i mean, i think you might not understand i dont exactly want to be right, but i just feel ignoring the possibility is dangerous.

als West has like, what was it? 26? 32? different abilities, and has consumed 50 daughters. while obviously not an even spread, thats still only 1.5 to 1.9 per ability. theres other routes to take for strength then going down risky ability trees.

>>3280524
>>3280553
What about the ol' just nuke em idea?

>>3280679
we'll see which option is available to us in the future, considering how far off that is, sound good?

that, or we combine the ideas and punch them in the face with the launch sequence button that then bombs us both to glory in a final act of 'fuck you'.

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>>3280681
Standing atop a twisted cord of flesh and horror punching a god just before being consumed by radioactive flame and fury.

That would be an incredibly metal way to end this quest and I think I kind of love the idea.

>>3280701
If all else fails, and our own survival as well as the survival of our friends is impossible, this is without question the best way to end the quest.

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>>3280174

SHU LEVEL UP

>>SWARMLING (Lvl 7): you are the Queen of your Swarmlings, but sometimes it's nice to have a second-in-command. At a cost of 30% BIO, you may summon a Knight-class swarmling from your hive, a heavier variant that passively increases the ferocity and speed of swarmlings as long as it is active. Boasting much greater attack power and speed than any swarmling you've crafted prior, it also automatically benefits from the acidic and piercing powers of your Banelings. In addition, your empathic powers have reached even greater heights, and you may now choose to peer into the minds of those close to you to accurately read their surface-level thoughts, though this ability's efficacy is diminished if you attempt to use it on someone you are unfamiliar with. Finally, your swarmling maximum increases by 3, for a new maximum of 18.(BIO +20%)

>>CONSUME (OPTIONS TO FOLLOW)

B'NI LEVEL UP

>>DOGGED SPRINTER (Lvl 6): with speed comes power, and with power, destruction. B'ni now possesses the ability to attack twice per attack action used, and she may now automatically attack once per move action used in combat, though such strikes have a lower damage output and less of a chance to score a critical hit. B'ni is slowly acclimating to moving at incredible speeds, and she will ensure you race to victory with every step, with every strike. (HEALTH REGEN +5%)

GG LEVEL UP

>>NEUROMANCER (Lvl 5): Control, domination, and rule of law. At a cost of 30% BIO, Gina may now summon a Dominion Leash, a greatly reinforced and incredibly sturdy short-ranged tendril. Upon jacking in to a foe with the Leash, she may forgo inflicting paralysis to instead attempt a hostile takeover the foe's actions in their entirety, though unlike with a typical cord, there is a strong possibility to synaptic feedback due to the attunement of two minds. Allies may be Leashed into as well, allowing Gina to move otherwise incapacitated teammates and granting her the ability to fuel their abilities with her own pool of biomass. (BIO +30%)

>>VERURTEILUNG (Lvl 2): fear is a basic, primal thing, a litmus test for escaping a situation alive. At a cost of 30% BIO, Gina may now 'flare' her fear aura at close range, forcing foes to use their move action to immediately disengage and move as far from her as their movement will allow. She may choose to keep this aura active at a cost of 20% BIO per round, forcing foes to keep a medium distance from her at all times.The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is the fear of Gina. (HEALTH +20%)

(Continued)

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>>3280715

RATH LEVEL UP

>>TENSILE STRAND (Lvl 3): though not as flashy as Rath's preferred set of powers, her Core ability boasts a strong balance of durability and speed. Rath gains resistance to slashing damage as her body will simply unspool if an attempt to sever a limb is made, with only a critical hit being capable of detaching a limb from Rath's slender frame. Additionally, Rath may now use her move action to effectively slingshot herself a 'long' or greater distance, if two appropriate anchors exist in her environment. It may not boast the face-melting bonuses of the Radiant Boil skill tree, but she's warming up to it all the same.(HEALTH +20%)

>>TENSILE STRAND (Lvl 4): perhaps guided by Rath's own brutal thirst for combat, her strands have evolved into a slimmer, razor-sharp form. Effectively acting as a sort of garrote wire, Rath may now use her strands to deal heavy slashing damage to foes wrapped up in her lethal extensions. Additionally, Rath now rains a bonus to grappling, ensuring that her pray will not escape easily...not in one piece, at least. (HEALTH +10%)

>>CONSUME (OPTIONS TO FOLLOW)

(Continued)

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>>3280718

SHU LEVEL UP - CONSUME

CHOOSE *ONE* FROM THE LIST BELOW

>>HUNDRED-HANDED (Lvl 1): Hecaton's signature ability is now yours to command. At a cost of 3% BIO per limb, you may conjure a limb with strength and durability analogous to your own from your own body or from any constructs or hives you control that are currently active. Unlike your swarmlings,there is no cap on the number of limbs you may spawn, as the only restrictions that exist are the space available on which new arms may form and your own pools of biomass.Though not as intimidating as its namesake, you feel as though this power is one that will evolve into something as impossibly and terribly powerful as the one that wielded it. (BIO +20%)

>>LERNAEAN LASH (Ravenous Maw Augment): the tongue that rests inside your Ravenous Maw has evolved into a vicious, multi-pronged thing. Though individually not as strong or as durable as your original tongue, the hydra-like appendages work together to be much stronger than the original, acting as one to draw your prey to your guillotine-like jaws. (HEALTH +20%)

>>FUEL THE FLESH (Lvl 1): life fuels life, no matter the form. You now possess the ability to draw on your own reserves of HEALTH instead of BIO to craft constructs, should you not possess the necessary BIO reserves. At a cost of 1.5 times the base BIO cost of whatever you wish to create, you may elect to consume your own life to ensure you claw your way to victory. After all, it doesn't matter if you're hanging on to life by a thread if you're the last one standing. (HEALTH +50%)

(Continued)

>>3280715

>>>SWARMLING (Lvl 7): you are the Queen of your Swarmlings, but sometimes it's nice to have a second-in-command. At a cost of 30% BIO, you may summon a Knight-class swarmling from your hive, a heavier variant that passively increases the ferocity and speed of swarmlings as long as it is active. Boasting much greater attack power and speed than any swarmling you've crafted prior, it also automatically benefits from the acidic and piercing powers of your Banelings. In addition, your empathic powers have reached even greater heights, and you may now choose to peer into the minds of those close to you to accurately read their surface-level thoughts, though this ability's efficacy is diminished if you attempt to use it on someone you are unfamiliar with. Finally, your swarmling maximum increases by 3, for a new maximum of 18.(BIO +20%)

More BIO, higher Swarmling cap, ELITE UNIT TYPE, and we can read our friends thoughts If we choose. Pretty good level up to me.

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>>3280722

RATH LEVEL UP - CONSUME

CHOOSE *TWO* FROM THE LIST BELOW

>>HERCULEAN FORCE (Passive): the strength to turn the tide, the power to move mountains. Hecaton's earth-shattering strength is now in Rath's hands, granting her the ability to tear into her foes bare-handed, breaking bones and tearing flesh with ease. The incredible attack power granted by this power is diminished should Rath fall below 100% BIO, but for each 10% increment above that level her attack power is boosted considerably, ensuring that she will rip and tear across the fleshscape, all the way to the Cord. (BIO +30%)

>>PHANTOM LIMB (Lvl 1): a curious variant of Hecaton's signature ability is now at Rath's fingertips. At a cost of 5% BIO per limb, Rath may conjure an arm boasting power and durability analogous to her current strength level, allowing her to assault her foes with a barrage of close range attacks. Additionally, if severed, the constructed limbs begin to glow with the power of Radiant Boil, and become Rath's basic armament and will detonate when thrown or torn off. Strands are all well and good, but true versatility lies close at hand. (HEALTH +10%)

>> PROMETHEUS FLAME (Radiant Boil Augment): like tinder on a roaring fire, Rath's destructive gift keeps giving. For each 5th Radiant Boil actively clinging to a target, her flares will continue to burn for an additional turn, feeding off of each other for greater and greater periods of time and ensuring Rath's foes are reduced to piles of ashen biomass. (BIO REGEN +3%)

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, voting shall close two hours from now, give or take. Thank you for your patience regarding this update, as well as your continued participation.)

>>3280722
>>LERNAEAN LASH (Ravenous Maw Augment): the tongue that rests inside your Ravenous Maw has evolved into a vicious, multi-pronged thing. Though individually not as strong or as durable as your original tongue, the hydra-like appendages work together to be much stronger than the original, acting as one to draw your prey to your guillotine-like jaws. (HEALTH +20%)
yes please. very much yes please.

>>3280726
>>HERCULEAN FORCE (Passive): the strength to turn the tide, the power to move mountains. Hecaton's earth-shattering strength is now in Rath's hands, granting her the ability to tear into her foes bare-handed, breaking bones and tearing flesh with ease. The incredible attack power granted by this power is diminished should Rath fall below 100% BIO, but for each 10% increment above that level her attack power is boosted considerably, ensuring that she will rip and tear across the fleshscape, all the way to the Cord. (BIO +30%)

>>PHANTOM LIMB (Lvl 1): a curious variant of Hecaton's signature ability is now at Rath's fingertips. At a cost of 5% BIO per limb, Rath may conjure an arm boasting power and durability analogous to her current strength level, allowing her to assault her foes with a barrage of close range attacks. Additionally, if severed, the constructed limbs begin to glow with the power of Radiant Boil, and become Rath's basic armament and will detonate when thrown or torn off. Strands are all well and good, but true versatility lies close at hand. (HEALTH +10%)

I without a doubt want PHANTOM LIMB but am less concerned about the second choice.

>>3280722
>>>HUNDRED-HANDED (Lvl 1): Hecaton's signature ability is now yours to command. At a cost of 3% BIO per limb, you may conjure a limb with strength and durability analogous to your own from your own body or from any constructs or hives you control that are currently active. Unlike your swarmlings,there is no cap on the number of limbs you may spawn, as the only restrictions that exist are the space available on which new arms may form and your own pools of biomass.Though not as intimidating as its namesake, you feel as though this power is one that will evolve into something as impossibly and terribly powerful as the one that wielded it. (BIO +20%)

We should focus on getting additional uses for our biomass and having a higher BIO pool seems useful too

>>3280726
>>HERCULEAN FORCE (Passive): the strength to turn the tide, the power to move mountains. Hecaton's earth-shattering strength is now in Rath's hands, granting her the ability to tear into her foes bare-handed, breaking bones and tearing flesh with ease. The incredible attack power granted by this power is diminished should Rath fall below 100% BIO, but for each 10% increment above that level her attack power is boosted considerably, ensuring that she will rip and tear across the fleshscape, all the way to the Cord. (BIO +30%)


>>PHANTOM LIMB (Lvl 1): a curious variant of Hecaton's signature ability is now at Rath's fingertips. At a cost of 5% BIO per limb, Rath may conjure an arm boasting power and durability analogous to her current strength level, allowing her to assault her foes with a barrage of close range attacks. Additionally, if severed, the constructed limbs begin to glow with the power of Radiant Boil, and become Rath's basic armament and will detonate when thrown or torn off. Strands are all well and good, but true versatility lies close at hand. (HEALTH +10%)

>>3280722
>>HUNDRED-HANDED (Lvl 1): Hecaton's signature ability is now yours to command. At a cost of 3% BIO per limb, you may conjure a limb with strength and durability analogous to your own from your own body or from any constructs or hives you control that are currently active. Unlike your swarmlings,there is no cap on the number of limbs you may spawn, as the only restrictions that exist are the space available on which new arms may form and your own pools of biomass.Though not as intimidating as its namesake, you feel as though this power is one that will evolve into something as impossibly and terribly powerful as the one that wielded it. (BIO +20%)

This has a LOT of potential. We just talked about punching god In the face, let's go full Asura's wrath. Hell we've already got power armor to complement It, let's seriously do this.

>>HERCULEAN FORCE (Passive): the strength to turn the tide, the power to move mountains. Hecaton's earth-shattering strength is now in Rath's hands, granting her the ability to tear into her foes bare-handed, breaking bones and tearing flesh with ease. The incredible attack power granted by this power is diminished should Rath fall below 100% BIO, but for each 10% increment above that level her attack power is boosted considerably, ensuring that she will rip and tear across the fleshscape, all the way to the Cord. (BIO +30%)

>>PHANTOM LIMB (Lvl 1): a curious variant of Hecaton's signature ability is now at Rath's fingertips. At a cost of 5% BIO per limb, Rath may conjure an arm boasting power and durability analogous to her current strength level, allowing her to assault her foes with a barrage of close range attacks. Additionally, if severed, the constructed limbs begin to glow with the power of Radiant Boil, and become Rath's basic armament and will detonate when thrown or torn off. Strands are all well and good, but true versatility lies close at hand. (HEALTH +10%)

These two just look like they'll work wonders together.

>>3280731
Thank YOU OP, these upgrades are fucking awesome and well worth any wait.

For voting purposes:
Shu
>>HUNDRED-HANDED (Lvl 1)

As we level this ability up, there's a good chance we'll be able to integrate it with our swarmlings to further modify them. We could use another upgradeable ability, as well.

Rath (Holy shit, TWO options)

>>HERCULEAN FORCE (Passive)
She has just inherited a massive upgrade with her Tensile Strand ability, letting her actually fight opponents in close quarters without risking setting everything on fire. With this passive, she'll be a monster in melee as well as ranged.

>>PHANTOM LIMB (Lvl 1)
This this THIS. Imagine the possibilities.

-Ten arms being flung around, connected to Rath by razor-thin tendrils. They grapple an enemy, she reels them in and rips her opponent apart with her bare hands.

-Two hands slingshot her through the battlefield at breakneck speed, while her other eight arms bombard the enemy with dozens of glowing firebombs.

-Planting her feet, she uses all available arms to throw as many cysts as fast and as hard as she can, replicating the gatling gun maneuver that Hecaton used to nearly rend our team asunder.

- An opponent grabs three of her arms and refuses to let go. With a quick sever, Rath falls away, leaving three disembodied arms that rapidly begin to glow orange, then white. Explosions ensue.

dangit, really want that multi-tongue. it also comes with HP, which Shu really needs badly, she simply doesn't avoid damage despite her build, and is actually focused down somewhat often. wonder if she accidentally like, gives off pack alpha vibes other daughters instincts pick up on or something.

plus, it doesn't feel as boring as giving two party members nearly the same power, and fits well with the maw much better, which we under-utilize i feel, considering its potential damage output.

>>3280772
Dude, the maw can be upgraded next time and give us HP In the process then. This Is a one time only opportunity to have UNLIMITED ARMS. Hundred Handed has LOADS of potential.

>>3280772
HP isn't really an issue for Shu (yet) as B'ni & Rath are our frontline and take the majority of hits.
But I agree next time we might want to pick up something health related.

>>3280777
i dont see it being very useful on Shu at all actually. and next time we wont have the option of tentacle cat-o-nine-tails tongue. also waiting til next time is a horrible argument, we have said that before then put off choices yet again because we simply do not know what will come our way next time, or how soon. HP has been an issue NOW, and things have only gotten harder, and probably will mostly increase. for all we know, Shu wont get another level up for a few fights, we have done it before, or simply been in a situation where theres not enough to go around.

tongue and HP would be much more helpful, BIO can be but actually usually isnt the issue so much as Swarmling count, which we already got a BIO and Count upgrade. going for health and upgrading an existing useful ability we under utilize is the much better option.

>>3280781
what? Shu constantly takes big hits and gets pretty low on HP. its without a doubt been at close calls more often then we care to admit.

>>3280701
team needs to split up so that they reach the nuke just as we climb the cord.

>>3280791
>i dont see it being very useful on Shu at all actually

I disagree. Now we can use the contender and still use our hands for whatever, and if we get close enough we can just use a load of hands to drag someone forcibly Into the Guillotine.

>>3280791
BIO also acts as damage reduction, and this ability also gives us 30% more to work with so we have some natural armor after spending It on abilities.

>>3280754
Shoot a rock, create 2 arms from remote hive. Its a Pokémon now.

>>3280803
i think the contender itself simply eats up our actions more as a focus and/or balance thing, and has nothing to do with the amount of arms.

Regardless, i still highly disagree.

>>3280810
That's a good question. Do the arms all focus on one thing, or do they allow more actions per turn?

>>3280812
(At the arm's current level, they focus on performing a single action, and require 1 ACT to summon and direct, much like your Swarmlings.)

>>3280715
>Shu
Elite Knight Swarmling that buffs other Swarmlings on top of being a BULKY DAMAGE TANK, optional mind-reading of people around us, and 18 Swarmling cap? Nice.
>B'ni
DOUBLE ATTACK DOUBLE ATTACK DOUBLE ATTACK
>GG
Short-range ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL at the cost of backlash chance? Works on allies to move them even if they are incapacitated? AND it can buff allies using own biomass? YEAH!
Fear aura flare? Nice too.
>The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is the fear of Gina.
Not if those tits have anything to say about it :^)
>>3280718
More resistance to damage and dismemberment, AND a self-slingshot, AND garrote limbs? Cute.

>>3280722
>LERNAEAN LASH
We can still choose to use the prongs to help pick up our allies from a distance and latch onto surfaces, yeah? I can imagine Shu having to bungee REALLY high, then using the prongs to stab into a flesh wall and hang there safely.

>>3280726
>HERCULEAN FORCE
PUNCH DEMONS TO DEATH SMT STYLE AAAAAAAAAAA
>PHANTOM LIMB
We Asura's Wrath now, complete with exploding removed limbs? 10/10

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>>3280726
>>HERCULEAN FORCE
>>PHANTOM LIMB
>doomguy with a stand: eldritch /u/ edition
i love you bhop

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>>3280810
Imagine If through some ability we gained the means to replicate the Contender temporarily. Some daughter comes bursting In looking for blood and we pull out twelve loaded Contenders. We are our own firing line.

>>3280726
Rath:
>Phantom Limb
Asura Arms. YES.
>Herculean Force
Holy shit. Ginger pls calm down.

Shu:
As much as I'd love to pick Hundred handed, Lernaean Lash seems like a better utility for Shu.
>Lernaean Lash.
But in case Hundred Handed wins the consume vote, I've got a couple of ideas written down.
>>3280825
Fun Fact, said character routinely breaks his arms because he punches too hard. I wonder if we can we replicate the arm breaking but weaponize it by simply punching too hard... The sheer strength of the punch combined with the napalm explosion that ensues... Mother have mercy.

>>3280833
You forgot to vote for Shu's consumption options.

>>3280848
Wasn't really voting, I was just saying I fuckin' love the idea.

>>3280837
doubt it, and 'what ifs' scenarios are a terrible reason to get something imo.

now i mean, if we actually get the option of some sorta long range firing attack, hells yeah, but then again considering this is the fleshscape and the most biological way in which to 'fire' something, and this is a 'girls only' apocalypse, im not thinking we're gonna find one, nor surprised we haven't seen one.

>>3280856
I wasn't making a pitch with that idea as much as I was fantasizing about the potential of LOADSA GUNS that we could use If we picked up hundred handed.

Actually there should still be human made guns laying around In military bases and the remaining human settlements OP was talking about. We really could find and raid a gun locker and become ALL THE DAKKA.

>>3280856
I mean, we could always use Rath's new (pending) abilities as a makeshift minigun sorta like Hecaton did and have her fling a bunch of shit at fuckers.
Hell, if there isn't any viable ammo around she could fling, we could probably make a bunch of swarmlings that are basically nothing but bigass stingers and have her toss 'em like darts.

>>3280853
>not voting
i mean c'mon dont feel shy, participate.

unless you aren't gonna vote Lernaean, then dont.
im joking of course, as much as i really damn badly want it, and will argue for it til my breath goes out, we're all here to enjoy the game and no matter your choice im just glad to see BHOP get more players and attention, and have the game get life and continue. we have yet to make a choice so severely wrong that it would fully ruin the game for me, and so far every time it has actually, truly, really mattered, we have almost unanimously come to an agreement so ive got no worries there, no matter how sad ill be to lose this specific vote.

also while im babbling, meant earlier to say, BHOPs done a damn good job at making the fleshscape horrifying, but not because of what it actually is. its the fact more times than not, a daughter we face reveals their humanity, and reminds me even our most heated and hot headed engagement is probably some poor girl who literally feels like deep down she has no other choice but to fight us and win this thing, as everything else was taken from her. its actually damn jarring at times, damn good writing when it hits home honestly.

though still, funnily enough, the body horror and whatnot otherwise doesn't affect me much if at all.

>>3280872
sadly unless its high caliber BHOP already confirmed against higher level enemies most guns would be next to worthless...

>>3280874
actually with the strength upgrade that would be terrifying, especially if she unhooks to throw them sling style.

>>3280892
I think incendiary bullets or tracers would have some effect no matter the caliber. If you have enough dakka (always needs more dakka) then you could still kill something right?

>>3280892
Well even so, Hundred Handed Is a great choice for melee synergies down the road, anything that increases our attributes goes to every single hand which themselves can likely be upgraded In strength and durability. Tell me two dozen+ high powered fists going full blast on someone wouldn't be effective, especially so If we level It or find a passive that gives us inhuman strength or speed.

>>3280883
Alright, fine, fine.

>>3280722
>>HUNDRED-HANDED
Let's not forget that we can make arms on any of our constructs or hives with this. We could actually have a swarmling flying around, shooting niggas with the Contender if we wanted. Or just put one of our own arms on someone after shooting them with the B33 Special (I think? Whatever the one it is that makes a mini-hive on whatever we shoot) and punch 'em with it or something.
>stop hitting yourself

>>3280726
>>HERCULEAN FORCE
>>PHANTOM LIMB
see >>3280833

>>3280722
Does this mean we can have our swarmlings grow arms? They need to be in contact with us, right?

No vote on that yet, but

>>3280726
>>HERCULEAN FORCE
>>PHANTOM LIMB

(Gentlemen, I know it may be short notice, but is anyone up for a round of rapid-posting this evening? My night just opened up, but I understand if your schedules would be prohibitive.)

>>3280948
GO FOR IT NIGGA

>>3280947
(They would need to be in contact with you, yes.)

>>3280948
Ill be here if so,

>>3280953
Aww, does that mean my idea of spawning arms on something after shooting it with that one Contender bullet wouldn't really work?

>>3280931
>>3280953

About those ideas:

New swarmling variant idea constructed: Limb-lings. Designed to become Modular arms for allied daughters. Gauntling-Dual Tech synergy detected. Cost high, compensates for utility.
New Contender Ammunition idea constructed: Centennial Scattershot. Ammunition created from fusing Hecaton hundred Handed and Parabellum Ammunition. Augments Parabellum's explosive detonation by multiplying it hundred-fold and detonating on immediate impact. Loss of accuracy expected. Advised for Extreme close range use. Do. not. miss.

>>3280931
>Let's not forget that we can make arms on any of our constructs or hives with this.

Wait really, how did I miss that? Jesus that's good. We just need a calcite armory ability or something and we can have not just a swarm, but an army.

Once we upgrade the arms to have super strength we can have the swarm go full RIP & TEAR.

>We can have an army of DOOMlings

>>3280953
This might be incredibly stupid, but is there any possibility that a future upgrade will let Shu have her swarmlings use their own biomass to produce an arm? I realize that would probably render them more arm than bug unless it's a big one, but even then, if it keeps its legs and mouth it could still be very useful for binding.

If it kept its stinger, it would also conceivably be able to use the arm to drive it in, but that might be too janky.

>>3280948
I mean I'm gonna be doing some work around the house but I can probably still participate for the most part.

Go for It OP.

>>3280961
It would work if you can design a Contender bullet that does the job that you desire...

>>3280972
(Absolutely.)

>>3280961
(That would work, yes.)

By the way, BHOP, would Dominion Leash's "fuel their abilities with her own pool of biomass" ability count as extra biomass for Herculean Force?
I mean, I doubt it would since that would just be absurd, but it's worth asking for future reference.

>>3280948
Please! I have a free evening as well, I would greatly enjoy it.

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>>3280972
>>3280969
I think pic related describes a bug with swole arms exactly like that. Just put it as an elite class swarmling and we're good to go.

>>3280979
>>3280961

>Shoot a bullet that spouts arms from the wound using the hosts biomass which proceed to fight the host

Do It. Needs a name though.

>>3280995
Riot Round?

>>3281008
>>3280995
Rebel Arms.

(Posting in five minutes, one hour voting segments will be in effect after each update until the close of the evening.)

>>3280726

>>SHU - HUNDRED HANDED

>>RATH - HERCULEAN FORCE & PHANTOM LIMB

Rath experimentally punches the air, eight fists jabbing at an imaginary foe before she turns to with with an excited grin.

"This is the best goddamn thing that's ever happened to me, man." She laughs, and you can't help but chuckle, yourself. You turn to Gina as she walks up to you, her hoodie hanging ragged off of one shoulder, fully healed. You're marveling at how that she manages to make a tattered and blood-stained hoodie fashionable when she speaks up.

"I don't feel like losing my lunch, but yeah...something's up." She says, trying to hide the worry in her eyes.

"Okay, I'm game when you are." You say, beckoning for B'ni and Rath to join you. "Hey, Gina has a feeling Mother's going to approach her with the Choice soon, and I've offered to go and say 'hi' again."

B'ni shifts from one leg to the other, clearly uncomfortable with the prospect while Rath nods, eight hands curled into fists. Gina turns to look up at you, not bothering to correct you in your claim that it was your idea to join her in the dreamscape. You can tell she appreciates your willingness to do so, and you find yourself staring into her glimmering eyes as she takes a deep breath before speaking.

"So...how do you wanna do this?"

>>"You and I will go in. B'ni, Rath? Stay on lookout while Gina and I deal with Mother."

>>"Rath, you may be on the cusp of the Choice as well, so let's make it the three of us. You might be better prepared when your time comes. B'ni, stay on guard, we won't be long."

>>"B'ni, you may have to make this same Choice sooner rather than later, so you're welcome to join. Rath, keep watch over us and maybe you'll get a chance to test out those new arms of yours."

>>"All of us are in this together, and I'm sure this won't take long. All four of us will go in at the same time."

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

>>3280993
This is great.

>>3281066
>>"You and I will go in. B'ni, Rath? Stay on lookout while Gina and I deal with Mother."

There's no telling what could approach us while we make the dive. We need to ensure our own safety, at least one person needs to stay on guard, and it'd be unfair to pick either Rath or B'ni over the other.

>>3281066
>>"All of us are in this together, and I'm sure this won't take long. All four of us will go in at the same time."

Lets be quick about popping mother dear in the face.

>>3281066
Hey BHOP, how many days has it been since we've left Julia's Mining Town? And how long do we have before the Pod Daughter wakes up?

>>3281088
(It's been roughly a day and a half, and as for when she may wake up, I'm afraid I can't say.)

>>3281075
>>3281075
Good point, don't want to wake up with someone eating our unconscious friends, or us.

I feel we're likely going to have two encounters, one In the waking world and one In the other.

>>"You and I will go in. B'ni, Rath? Stay on lookout while Gina and I deal with Mother."

I've got a bad feeling about all of this.

>>3281066
>"You and I will go in. B'ni, Rath? Stay on lookout while Gina and I deal with Mother."

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>>3281066

"You and I will go in. B'ni, Rath? Stay on lookout while Gina and I deal with Mother."

B'ni nods in agreement, keeping her back to you and Gina as Rath does the same, the four of you bathed in the dim light emanating from the exit of the Shrouded city. You turn to Gina, and smile.

You expect a cord, a tether to jack in to your spine. You're caught off guard when Gina takes your hands in hers, kneeling down on the pavement and prompting you to do the same. As she holds your hands in her soft, gentle grasp, you feel the familiar sensation of cords slipping into your flesh, your palms stinging slightly as she connects herself to you. It is an act of trust, as she closes her eyes and welcomes what is to come. You shut your eyes, and welcome the onrush of dark.

You're aware of nothing but void. Your ears are devoid of sound, your eyes craving light that will never come. Smell and taste slip away, leaving nothingness in their stead.

You see it now, as she does. Your eyes open, and you're hand-in-hand with Gina as the two of you gaze out on a rolling field of undulating hair, a gentle breeze rolling along the plains. You see Gina, a second one, in the distance. She strides towards you, and she is not alone. An army of countless Daughters rise behind her, their eyes aflame with amethyst light, marching in lockstep with a triumphant woman, a vainglorious Queen leading them to victory. You see yourself by her side, Gina staring longingly into your eyes as you walk side-by-side to a brighter future, together.

Your eyes glow violet as she stares into them.

The scene shifts, and you hold tight to your friend's hand as a warped, cracked landscape stretches out. You see mountains rise, continents shift, the very air and seas of the fleshscape torn asunder, reshaped at the whims and wishes of a god. You see her, the other her, brown hair still in spite of the hurricanes that whip around her, heedless of the destruction she visits upon a world that is, and will forever be, her plaything.

Gina, your Gina, turns to you, seeking, pleading for an answer to a simple question.

She fears what she will become when she gives her answer.

Mind...or Matter?

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

i choose matter. but urghhh this mess though for some reason the options dont seem as bad as ours were

>>3281267
Again, I think the answer is FUCK OFF MOM!
The mind option looked more like mind control than having a lot of new friends. Ground option looked like choosing terraforming as Gina's new main ability.

i mean dont get me wrong the options are always terrible but to me this seems not as bad :?

>>3281284
>>3281286
I think it might just be because Gina's powers are, at their core, more support/utility than anything, whereas ours are much more offensive (with some utility, too, of course), so
our visions of what our powers could become ended up being much more destructive and world-end-y than GG's.

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>>3281267
>THIS ISN'T A PHASE, MOOOOOOOM
>GET OUT OF OUR MIND-ROOM ALREADY
>FUCK OFF, I'LL SEE YOU AT THE CORD LATER UGHHHHHHH
>CAN'T YOU JUST LEAVE ME WITH MY FRIENDS FOR ONE FUCKING WEEK?

>Matter

>>3281286
>>3281293
If we make one of the provided choices then we're playing this how Mom wants us too. The entire point of not chosing those choices is that we're trying to disrupt the crucible and eventually end it.

A giant queen or a massive hive would have been cool, but our psychic link to our allies has made our ability to carry out plans extreamly efficient. Who knows what Gina will get if she makes the third choice.

>>3281267
I would prefer matter, but it’s not my call. Tell Gina we trust her to make the right call.

>>3281267
Tell Gina that she doesn't have to choose, after all we didn't, remember? Whatever your choice Is GG, don't be afraid of It. Stick with your gut and don't look back, we're with you and you're with us.

I trust Gina to make her choice on her own.

>>3281267
I think we should definitely keep going with the fool's choice for these, but this is Gina's choice, not ours.

>>3281316
>>3281315
honestly nvm agree with these two

>>3281267
Reject both Mind and Matter. If she picks either, she's making the choice that either we die or she does. There's no justification for that, especially since the point of the Fool's Choice was that we'd all make it out together.

>>3281267
>"Each of these binary choices give you power, but ultimately, leave you lonely should you win the Crucible. You don't have to pick one of the two. You can always walk away. That's what I'd do if I was in control, but this is your choice Gina."
>"Gina. YOU ARE IN CONTROL."
>If the third choice isn't present, I pick Matter

>>3281356
This is a better worded version of what I was trying to say.
>>3281376
I'm changing my vote to this, lets hope we don't start losing people to the choices.

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>>3281267

You squeeze her hand, trusting in her decision. You mouth a familiar phrase, something you've committed to memory, etched upon your heart and mind.

"You are in control."

She searches your eyes, then turns to face the void.

"There's this quote I like." She says to the darkness, her voice firm, defiant. "It goes, 'whoever fights with monsters should see to it that he does not become a monster in the process...and when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you.'"

A smile spreads across her face, her eyes flaring with amusement.

"I'm no monster, and from where I'm standing the abyss looks like a little bitch."

You taste copper once more on your tongue, the scent of birth and death filling your nose as a presence makes itself felt in the lightless abyss, a festering wound that weeps hatred out of the flesh of time and space.

YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE FOOLS PATH

A void, a hateful, spiteful thing. So very old, so very strong.

She speaks to Gina, your friend's grip on your hand tightening as She does so.

YOU TURN YOUR BACK ON ABSOLUTE DOMINATION

YOU TURN YOUR BACK ON RULING EARTH AND SKY

YOU INSTEAD EMBRACE THE FLAWS AND WEAKNESSES OF ANOTHER

YOU EMBRACE A FLEETING AFFECTION

YOU EMBRACE A PRIMAL SENSATION

YOU EMBRACE A FOOL

Gina's grip is tight, then gone completely. You're suddenly alone in the darkness, feeling Mother's judgement upon you, feeling her gaze seeping into your very soul, your very core.

WE MEET AGAIN

DEFIANT ONE

YOU HAVE CHOSEN A SIGHTLESS PROPHET

ONE THAT WOULD THROW HER MIND ASIDE IN PURSUIT OF THE IMPOSSIBLE

YOU HAVE CHOSEN

AND BEEN CHOSEN IN TURN

YOU MUST ASK YOURSELF

NOT

ARE YOU IN CONTROL

BUT RATHER

WHO DO YOU CONTROL

>>Write-In

EVEN NOW, YOU ARE IN CONTROL

>>3281466
>Nobody but myself.

>>3281466
>>Write-In
Fuck off you sparkly... PIXIE MACHINE!

And then we punch Moms head off. It's the obvious choice.

was about to go to sleep but you know what my response is

We do not control anyone. Everyone deserves a chance to be their own person. They chose to hang around with us because we were the only one who was a light in the darkness. Not because we forced them to

>>3281497
also i feel like punching her too honestly

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>>3281497

>>3281505
>he doesn't go Defiant
shiggy diggy