Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>3728980
>>The all devouring goop
We got things that like to eat. Be it the champ, brood, or the zombies.

>>3728980
>>The all devouring goop

glad to see your back QM, have you thought of picking a name? this is your 3rd thread after all.

>>3728980
>Other, The totally normal man who's TOTALLY NOT a horrid fleshbeast wearing the skin of its victims. Ignore the unusual stretch marks and jutting bits, Those are... Natural?
Hello?

>>3728980
>The all devouring goop

>>3728980
>>What you really hope is just a box

>>3729148
>>3729167
>>3729189
>>3729622
you guys AREN'T TAKING THE MYSTERY BOX?!

>>3728980
>What you really hope is just a box
THE BOX, THE BOX

Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>3729721

>>3729676
Why? I know what I want and the Champ. Gotta eat it all!

can i get a link ot numver two

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>3729676

File: 1dhiodadl_7F4F525A-F1F5-4(...).jpg (84 KB, 400x300)

84 KB JPG

>>3728980
>>>What you really hope is just a box

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>3728980
>The box

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>3729148
>>3729167
>>3729622

>>3729676
>>3729721
>>3730388
>>3730504

>>3729189

"Prioritize first retrieving the box, secondly the goop, and...who the fuck is that normal guy doing here? Grab him too if possible."

As a result of your request. Countless lives were spent retrieving the box that was oddly flawless despite all the chaos and carnage around it. Admittedly the carriers were not so lucky...but somehow it never damaged that seemingly ordinary box. In comparison to getting the box out the goop was far more difficult. Mostly due its ability to eat through just about everything. At first you thought it was one of those annoying grey goo nanites those humans are fond of. Except it was organic and you honestly have no idea where all the mass and energy it consumes went. Much less how exactly it can devour reality tears. Retrieving it was especially pain in the ass due to it eating through all the containers and infested clones who attempted to retrieve it. Meanwhile there was that one oddity which appeared to be a normal human test subject...where the hell that guy came from you got no idea. No really you haven't even SEEN a normal human yet much less kidnapped one for experimenting purposes. It was a real mystery that one well except for that strangely flawless and perfectly normal box that totally isn't suspicious.

In the end the box was easiest to retrieve. Just pass it along to the next guy after the current holder died to whatever hazards they encountered on the return journey. In comparison the goop was the hardest and you 'might' have a sample after shoving some into a separate reality pocket. Hopefully its still there and retrievable later. Next came the odd test subject whose more existence isn't actually inside the Brood memory banks. How the hell a normal human male is most mysterious. For him it was a simple knock him out and drag him back...alive. The alive part was the most difficult considering what the hell was going on all around them. Unlike the box that was always flawless no matter what happened that wasn't so for the human. So the clones went through a lot trying to keep him alive and escape. With the goop it was all about throwing enough bodies at it until a part could be separated and shoved into different reality. Lots of lives lost but relatively straight forward. Assuming its still gonna be there anyway.

Naturally this was all happening at the same time as the destruction of the living labs and the resulting attempts to desperately contain the clusterfuck that is trying to break out. Even has the melts, explodes, and set aflame or simply just vanishes into some hole in reality. It really makes you appreciate what its like trying to contain a bit of Brood and experiment on them within some lab. You now understand what it feels like to be on the other side. As countless breaches occur. More bodies are thrown at it. You soon realize the only solution is complete and total destruction.

Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>3730852
Which would have been annoying enough as is but goddamn it WANT some of those samples or all that precious technology, knowledge, and newfound discoveries would go to waste...ah fuck it burn it all down. You can just make something better anyhow. After all none of those morons can compete with the sheer genius and greatness that is you. So while it might be annoying to lose out on some...frankly your pretty sure a lot of it is actually too dangerous to research unless you wanna go MAD. You would much prefer your Brood NOT going crazy. So some sacrifices are in order...plus its very entertaining to watch.

All those rampaging test subjects tearing each other apart. The countless experiments gone awry that interact with each other with new and devastating consequences. The insane researchers who cannot remember their own names or WHY they just created that newest scientific abomination in the first place before it kills them. All those hazardous waste that are so potent as to warp reality itself. The desperate security forces attempting to keep a lid on things only to fail miserably and die horrific yet wildly entertaining deaths. Finally the outside forces invading as they attempt to destroy and purge everything in order to make the whole mess go away. Ah...priceless and so fun to watch.

Ah wait...you almost forgot the original reason you came here. Research...but it turned into a cleanup operation because you forgot to give those thinkers a goal so this happened instead. Ah well some parts of the brand new and remodeled living labs have been built. You know you need to work...but at the same time you want to stay and watch the show. Ah if only you could do both...hm sure enough that Clone Commander was right. Only right only the first wave would in fact be enough to get the job done after all. Damn you hoped the show could go on for longer...ah well I suppose this does resolve your conundrum. You'll just finish watching and THEN go to work. It wont take that long after all...

Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>3730872
Meanwhile back in the newly formed labs. A bunch of thinkers were standing around and eyeing the pulsating behemoth before them. While poking and prodding some newly retrieved infested and basic native wildlife samples.

"Alright...so I understand the whole fixing the infested and researching new mutations from the local wildlife...but why this huge pupa?" Asks one of the thinkers.

"Suppose to upgrade it with any new discoveries I think..."

"Ain't the mistress suppose to do that? Wouldn't she kill us for trying and the slightest slip up given who that is?"

"Which is why we cannot afford to fuck up now can we? Plus she is busy...um handling some important matters."

"So...we just gotta upgrade this big guy and the other infested. Research some new mutations to harvest from the locals and...is there anything else?"

"No fucking up or else we'll make that messenger look like he ended up heaven in comparison to what will happen to us."

"Yeah but HOW are we suppose to NOT fuck up considering what happened to the old labs?"

"..."

"Lets just save the most important one for last and make sure we do such a good job at the previous tasks that we were unable to reach the last one before her return. We should be fine that way."

"I like that idea. This is a good idea."

"Right well just first start with some good old fashion chimeras..."

"FUCK no a waste all this biomass? We just need to make them more Broody."

"Wait how do we know what to keep and what to get rid off? Their DNA is just so...wasteful. Yet we don't have a good enough understanding of it to getaway with any serious overhauls."

"Eh we can just test it out with the local hatcheries and recycle whatever comes out anyway. Just make sure to keep enough guards any to kill any accidental abominations."

"Aw where is the fun in that?"

What do?
>Focus on upgrades
>Reverse engineer biotech
>Create new biotechnology
>Begin experimental projects
>Other?

>>3730893
oh for fucks sake ANOTHER 100 in relation to research? Goddamn it.

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>3730893
>Focus on upgrades

Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>3730893
>Focus on upgrades

>>3730893
>Focus on upgrades

>>3730893
>Focus on upgrades

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>3730904
>>3731640
>>3731648
>>3731718
"WORK ON UPGRADES YOU FOOLS AND FIX THE GODDAMN INFESTED. JUST LOOKING AT THEIR UNREFINED DNA AND IMPERFECT FORMS DISGUSTS ME!"

"Well that is decided that. Priority number one...with all those different species. Ah fuck."

"Oi be careful lest the mistress is paying attention. Not that bad I mean...sure there is a lot of variety but variety is good for harvesting valuable DNA and potential mutations."

As such the thinkers got to work thinking on how to upgrade the Brood and fix the infested who were especially ugly to look at by Brood standards(see not horrific mind numbing all devouring abominations against nature). As such some lucky infested were taken in as test subjects while they went through the upgrading process. Which mostly involved ripping their very DNA apart and slapping on some Brood biotech with Brood glue and taping. Lives were lost...and promptly regrown from the nearest hatchery before being forced to submit to yet more experiments. Slowly however...very slowly the infested were perfected. Forming a proper synergy with Brood. Except for the clones who were a complete pain in the ass to deal with given their painful DNA standards that will continue to give the thinkers nightmares for ages to come.

So while even the zombies were 'fixed'. Leaving only the clones behind with a bunch of huddled up and very frustrated thinkers.

"Okay everyone we all know why we are stuck is because of those fucking useless clones. So please does ANYONE have ANY fucking idea how we are suppose to 'fix' them?"

"Well we tried repairing their DNA but the sheer...similarity is very perplexing problem. Every time we tried to further deviate it all we ended up with were fucking mutants and abominations. We tried EVERY single option within the Brood Archives...no wonder they listed Clones as trash only good for biomass."

"Yeah but those are NORMAL clones NOT these corrupted clones whose biomass is just as useless as they are. FUCK. How are we even suppose to FIX them. I mean we don't have any records of how their intact DNA is like. While what we DO have so corrupted the only reason they are alive is due to the extensive cybernetics which we replaced with Brood biotechnology. Yet we cannot even get it to synergize properly because the corruption makes that IMPOSSIBLE. Fucking hell not even the infestation has been able to crack it this entire time! Instead all it did was infest and performed some crude repairs...but its useless when we don't even know what the fuck we are suppose to be working towards. All we got is their corrupted DNA pieces of shit to work with."

"Not to mention their DNA has clearly been tinkered with given the poor quality of it and the corruption...makes it far more troubling to deal with. If we had an intact DNA sample that wasn't corrupted we would at least have something to work with. So should we try to replace the corrupted parts with our own?"

Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>3732610
"Tried that they either expire or turn into abomination. The corruption is so extensive we would better off building them from scratch. We also tried to repair it which...eh wasn't pretty. Infestation largely rejected the corrupted parts not wishing to defile itself and simply built around it. So while their DNA has been reinforced...its still a corrupted piece of shit. As for our own personal tinkering well we don't have what their DNA is actually suppose to look like. So we went in blind and uh well lot of mutated versions happened. We haven't been able to get to stabilize or allow for controlled mutation. Not to mention their corruption is highly resistant to all things Brood. Its quite strange and we cannot deal with it simply because we don't know what to replace the corruption with. If we had a clean sample or many human samples maybe we could figure something out?"

>ALERT
top class organism has been respawned.

Suddenly the hive shivered and a hellish powerful voice screamed out. As the first...mightiest Brood being is brought back to life by force. Allowing its expertise, will, and experience to once more plague this world under the service of the Brood.

"AHHHHHHH WHO IS THE MOTHERFUCKER WHO WAS EXPERIMENTING WITH JAMMERS? JUST WAIT TILL I GET MY CLAWS ON YOU, I BEEN STUCK IN LIMBO FOR AGES THANKS TO YOU! Ah fuck what happened to my labs...oh well about time they do their job but if you only did it SOONER WE WOULDN'T NEED A NEW LAB NOW WOULD WE?" Grumbles and yells the reborn. "AS FOR YOU IDIOT THINKERS WHO I REALLY NEED TO REPLACE BECAUSE HOLY SHIT ARE YOU FUCKERS RETARDED. DID YOU EVER THINK THAT THE CORRUPTION CAN BE PUT INTO SERVICE FOR THE BROOD? IT DOESN'T NEED TO BE FIXED. IT NEEDS TO BE USED YOU GODDAMN IDIOTS."

Soon a writhing titanic worm like organism with its quivering pulsating flesh revealing countless brain tissues covered in tendrils and various apparatuses for countless purposes. Writhed its way into the new living labs before pausing before the pupa. At which a tendril ending in a needle punched through its armored exterior and pumped some mysterious fluids into it. "There you go champ. Freshly harvested to add into your banks. Hopefully you get some something...interesting out of it ahahaha. Now as for the rest of you study their corruption and see how it can be made to serve the interests of the Brood. As for upgrades some quick fixes, a cleanup job, and fresh biotech to replace their cybernetics is all that is required. Stop trying to replace the corruption. Fuck how did you NOT notice what the infestation intended? Bloody idiots the lot of you. Now excuse me while I go check up on our current troops for upgrades. Its pathetic they are still so..basic. How can I call myself a researcher if I cannot improve upon such things. You fuckers though better stay away and work only with the infested. I don't care how many of them are killed but wasting a perfectly good broodling will ensure my wrath."

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>3732659
Shortly after the titanic brain worm thing writhed its away over and connected to hive structure and tapping into what it was searching for.

"Let's see here hm certainly could use some upgrades now which shall we go with first."

Choose:
>Worker(builder, harvester, maker)
>Soldier(light, medium, heavy)
>Specialist(Psi, stealth, magic,)
>Infestation(growth, plague, control)
>Infrastructure(construction, improvement, new)
>Support(Thinkers, Engineers, Leaders,)
>New
>Other?

>>3732675
>>Support(Thinkers, Engineers, Leaders,)
Last time we build up out defenses. This time let's improve our support staff

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>3732675
>>Support(Thinkers, Engineers, Leaders,)

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>3733007
>>3732681
This

did anyone archive the last thread?

I just checked the archive and I am deeply saddened no one achieved it

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>3733868
just like in the old days

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>3732681
>>3733007
>>3733644
"Hm current military forces have been upgraded into a higher variant. No need for any upgrades immediately. You can wait in regards to them. Workers have been stuffed silly full of all the unusual resources here and have hence upgraded themselves accidentally through their work. Again no upgrades needed...admittedly they could use some work to fix any issues that have cropped up with their diets/exposure which is more then any other in the Brood. Specialists have also been astoundingly rich in valuable exotics materials needed to create and strengthen them. Again no upgrades are needed immediately. Infestation...truthfully someone does need to take a closer look at them and adapt them properly to this environment. To do list. Infrastructure...growths are healthy but also lack in specialized adaptations. Also to do list but frankly working with those huge living monstrosities is a pain in the ass. One slight slip up becomes big problem and everybody in the Hive is going to be pissed at the same time. Thus work done with them is best collected and then upgraded at once in an updating manner. Support...definitely need fixing. Unless you want another bored Thinker incident in the new labs. You don't trust if that happens again the Brood once reject your request for rebirth. Not to mention this world badly inhibits long range brood functions. Which makes it problematic to stay connected to the greater hivemind. This means good support is critical because requests from the main Brood forces are likely to be...delayed. Supporters will need to be able to function as if they were entirely alone and lacking vital supplies. This means bog standard templates are no go on this world. Upgrades are required. Hm yes should start with them first.

So you wriggle your way over to a nearby brood nerve cluster and inject your probe. As you start seething through the information and pull out the data you need specifically. Thinker basic template. Very bad about a lack of direction. Too focused on their tasks to notice anything else. Good when given tasks...bad when they aren't. To prevent a mishap you will need to fix that...lets see here. Ah Leaders are granted additional independence and right to make their own decisions for not just themselves. Pull up that template extract that part of the genetics...tinker with it a bit to fit for a Thinker. Hm this should work as a quick fix. Maybe next time they won't get so lost and have such a meltdown....should probably include some mind cleansers to prevent pollution of insanity. Normally a psi and leader specialty. Sometimes with more advanced thinkers too...which would actually explain quite a bit. So let's take care of that too. Sanity defense has been improved. Now hopefully they won't suffer mental breaks so easily. Damn Thinkers with their improved intelligence and ability to go actually go mad which is quite problematic given the hivemind...

Now that fixes two major problems.

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>3734140
Next some stuff to deal with this world specifically. With its utterly insane seasonal changes and hellish bullshit that can come out of nowhere. Ho joy...let's just start with the unusual materials and lifeforms that have adapted to here. They need some improved brain matter. Specialty sub brains that are specifically designed to handle all the weird bullshit that can crop up from more...exotic things to study. Oh but that requires a specific field of specialty to create the right sub brain empress only knows what the hell they'll be required to think on. Hm...oh wait maybe THAT type of brain will work? Eh should...hopefully. It does encourage...individuality and independence. Risky for Brood...very dangerous concepts that. If only it weren't your only damned option. You heard of more improved generalist brains but alas those templates are not available in the basic archives. Ah for once you regret Brood's fondness for over specializing and ever changing ways. Would it kill to have more generalist templates available? Bah.

Now to shove in some environmental survival mutations and...should you include the more exotic variants? After thinking a bit of all the fucked up shit they have to deal with both outside the Hive and inside the labs...eh better do so. Maybe they'll last longer this way before needing replacement plus more field experiments and operations perhaps? Eh that would be handy not being the only goddamn outside compatible collector in this joint. Plus actually useful assistants that would also be nice. Improving work efficiency by a hefty portion at that...delightful. Now hopefully the Matriarch won't recycle your ass for the subpar performances of the Thinkers. Not your fault the basic templates are so...lousy given the circumstances. Ah as if she'll be that reasonable considering what she did to herself as an egg and what happened to that poor champion...that poor bastard. Hopefully he won't commit suicide when he wakes up and realizes what happened to him.

Best of luck to you champ...

Now with that fixed. Leaders need strengthened communications considering the severe interference present. Increase independence level given likelihood of being cut off from primary Brood hivemind. Very bad if they lose control of their own troops as well. Bah you should make that standard for ALL Brood forces...best bring that up to the mistress when she's in a good mood. Hopefully she won't kill you over asking her to be less controlling. Maybe some improved environmental resistances? Problem is you have no idea what the hell they will encounter out there. Hm perform an update on their carried gene stores. Grant them increase environmental counters to tap into for mutating out in the field. Bit of a hot fix though. You need to seriously go over that problem later.

Engineers...are a big problem. Mostly due to the inclusion of the zombie strains of unknown origins, strange local monsters habits, and those infernal humanoids.

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>3734153
Standard Brood engineering organisms are...most incompatible with such things. Which is a big problem considering the usage of them as cover for Brood presence and operations. This is a big problem that needs urgent fixing, but you are lacking a lot of info in regards to how those beings do things. Truthfully rather pointless with the humans and their technology given brood incompatibility with such things. You could go with infestation but its crude and rather obvious. Inefficient if you want stealth. Plus they need to blend in properly with the Brood system but provide a false identity as well. Ah such big problems.

Good thing there is you to fix them. For now...Engineers will need to work with infested and try to figure out how the hell they do things. More importantly to oversee their work and provide direction in order to ensure its compliant with Brood unlike those lousy clones. All of that requires improved brains and some leader augments. That isn't even getting into the more typical duties and having them deal with this crazy world. Right gonna need to break them up into two separate templates. One that can handle trying to deal with infested bullshit and another to do typical Broody things except in pain ass environment. Ah hazards of the job...you don't envy those poor blighters.

Now to go through all the other duties. Like transportation. Medical. Nurturing. Oh so much more...ah fuck this is going to take awhile. Of course there is too many options so those moronic thinkers would get lost and probably have a meltdown if you requested their assistance. So bloody useless the lot of them...oh please hurry up and be spawned already their replacements.

>Any requests or ideas for upgrades?

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>3734174
Archive your threads, the first two are now lost to us for all time.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/requestqstinterface.html

for the Upgrades Focus on survivability and adaptability

File: despair.jpg (62 KB, 447x686)

62 KB JPG

>>3735297
Nah man it's all fucking gone, I am seriously sad about this.

Since the first 2 threads haven't been archived, can someone give me a summary of the first 2 threads? I am mainly want to know what is necessary for me to do a good job participating this part forward, but a full summary would be nice.

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>3734509
Saying to emphasize adaptability for the Brood is a non-thing. It's like saying 'emphasize breathing in the lung cybernetics'.

>>3734174
>Request or ideas for upgrades
So we keep on encountering this difficulty with keeping ourselves hidden and assuming a false identity and the like to throw suspicion off of us being Brood, while maintaining a solid defense/engineering and construction kinda gig.

Something's occurred to me, a way to take care of those problems, possibly.

We have access to mounds and mounds of exotic materials at this point, and we're right next to a wasteland. We don't necessarily need to hide in the traditional sense...if instead we can just make things such that anyone looking doesn't decide to look at or see us.

The central nest has already been fortified, and is pretty much at capacity for space and resources and such. What I think we should do, is send out some thinly connected tendrils to creating secondary lairs all around us...and then build a whole bunch of dedicated buildings that create big, obvious, interesting environmental effects using our exotic building materials. Stock each one of them with one of our infested component species (zombies, clones, monsters), and ensure that at the end of the day the exotic materials create interference with observation over our main base and BAM.

Anyone coming to scout will see the massive weirdness signatures and investigate...and then see 3 separate bases each generating those signatures, and a distorted land in between them from all the weird shit going on. If they've got good enough equipment to penetrate that interference they'll detect the various infested we've got here in the base all together and they'll just think this is the remains of a battlefield between the 3 factions. Even better, even if one of the outlying distraction bases attracts attention and gets wiped...we can just replenish it with forces from our core base after what-the-fuck-ever moves on.

It's the perfect crime.

>>3735309
Support I like it.

>>3735305
Basically, the PC is in a coma, our partner is a Psycho and Intionally fucked with our upgrades just to fuck with us. we are stranded on a FALLEN WORLD which means everything is fucked. the reason we are trapped here is we had to escape and exploding starship that we were captive on. also, the Champ (our PC) is a glutton.

>>3735319
What is the infestation?

>>3735342
Basically, the brood is a semi-hive mind. the 'queens' can assert total control turning the rest into drones our have all most no control allowing individuality, however most queens are Psycho's so yeah. while we are a champion 'kings' of the brood so to speak and we have the ability to ignore the hivemind and act autonomously. the infestation is a symbiotic lifeform that is critical to all brood lifeform. Champions are meant to be the biggest badest motherfucker in the whole brood. but our 'partner' being the fucking cunt she is decided to fuck with us as of yet we don't know how badly we are fucked but well it's not looking good.

>>3735342
We are the Brood (the main character is a Brood Champion). Intrinsic to the Brood is Infestation, which is bio-magic bacteria-level organisms which exist to propagate themselves and the Brood. They are highly effective at subverting organisms and it is capable of self-forming structures.

Imagine a worst-case superintelligent Grey Goo scenario with a penchant for infesting things and bending their minds to serve it...except it's organic/biological and incompatible with most standard technology at a base level. That's Infestation/Brood.

>>3735359
>>3735357
What's the goal? Subjugate the planet?

>>3735377
For now, the goal is to survive long enough to reestablish contact with the rest of the Brood. we are but one pocket of brood among many.

>>3735357
>>3735359
The most of the castes (mentioned >>3732675) look mostly self-explanatory. But I would like elaboration on the specialists please.

Sorry for my shitty grammar.

>>3735390
No clue QM has keep us mostly in the dark and we have been piecing the world lore together as we go. which is why I am truly sad we have lost the First two threads forever.

>>3735392
you're fine.

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>3735390
Brood specialists are specialty brood organisms with special abilities. The long version is the Brood requires special materials in order to create specialists hence their increased rarity and specialness. In exchange they have otherwise 'rare' abilities and special powers they can unleash with ease. They are mostly used for special operations or reinforcing other Brood forces. Brood enemies commonly stress the importance of killing Brood specialists first because of how dangerous and devastating they are. So keep your specialists safe just because recycling fallen forces are easy doesn't mean its not time consuming to spawn new ones. Specialists are not only expensive but slow growing as well.

Its worth noting that your based in world that is unusually rich in countless special materials, exotics, and rare resources. Well if you can survive the fucked up environment and the fact that everything seemingly wants to kill you anyway...still its why your Brood can spare those resources to enhance lifeforms that normally wouldn't be given much if any to strengthen them. Which is currently being used to compensate for your lack of upgrades and advanced biotech.

>>3735377
Brood has 3 primary objectives.
>1 Grow
>2 Evolve
>3 Exterminate(especially humans)

The first two every Brood understands but the last reason is known only to the highest of Brood echelons. Everybody else simply knows that for some reason elder Brood Queens REALLY hate humans more then any other alien lifeform. As far as your typical brood member is concerned. Its all about devouring everything non Brood, Evolving into something greater, and destroying anything that gets in the Brood's way. Which means as far as other species are concerned the Brood is a genocidal all consuming force that eats entire worlds even stars living war machine that hates anything non Brood. With their official diplomatic stance being 'assimilate into the Brood or be devoured'. Outsiders generally can't tell the difference between the 2 given the Brood's fondness for cannibalizing and what infestation entails.

Now the more...advanced Brood lifeforms(see those with actual brains) have a different view of Brood objectives. That is when things get...interesting.(see MC teaming up with a human without infesting/killing it)

>>3735359
Infestation is actually a mini ecosystem that is designed to replicate the Brood expanding into its 'greater' form and 'supporting' its hosts. In truth its made up of a number of different kinds of tiny and micro organisms which work jointly together to expand and infect others. Its end game is to turn EVERYTHING into Brood. Consuming and warping entire worlds into Living Worlds. To infecting and assimilating other organisms into the Brood. Basically it gives 0 fucks on what your made of it WILL either devour or assimilate you.

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>3735309
>>3735313
The collector enjoys its work.Humming along to itself as creates a simple general upgrade to help the Brood adjust to this ever changing crazy environment. As it has finished up its work on the readjusting the support types within the Brood. As it was deep in the process and not paying much attention to anything else. It failed to notice how the Matriarch had apparently finished watching her show and had headed over. Only when she was close to arriving did it suddenly detect the powerful will and promptly writhed in panic as it hurriedly scooted over to begin the Brood tradition of sucking up to that which controls the Brood's path to the future. Sadly before it could get anyway it was halted

"I have a task for you all in which I need your assistance. I want to construct Brood terraformers modified with the richness of certain exotics to create a special effect that will shroud us. On top of which we will use the infested to cover up its real identity and provide protection. Now as for you...collector how is it that you're the only one born who can revive as of yet besides my champion?"

"Ahem well you see mistress creating someone who can directly revive is extremely expensive. Its far better to just wait and let one of us reach that point naturally. Sadly with young Broods in particular it is quite lacking in irreplaceable members who can properly attend to critical tasks without worry of losses. As such one of us will be spawned to oversee things for each. I merely happened to be the first for the sake of speeding up the development of the Brood. I wouldn't suggest making another one of us considering how costly it is. Given time more of us will naturally arise from the various swarms."

"Then why didn't you announce yourself before me personally?"

"...The situation in the lab was critical at that point and then some jackass created some kind of jammer that prevented me from reviving right away after I died trying to get a handle on things. I was stuck in limbo for quite awhile until those infested managed to accidentally free me at long last. Now as for your orders mistress...terraforming facilities are very...expensive. Typically we only build them once we have a proper Hive Cluster going on. At that point its no longer costly and we are powerful enough to protect it with ease from the surrounding regions. You see the locals...generally don't like it when we starting terraforming their worlds to Brood standards and twist the very environment to our will. Hive Cluster will not only dominate the region we are in but it will also infest the surrounding regions in mass while at the same time twisting their environments to our will. Currently we just have a single...small hive. Constructing terraformers will be extremely difficult for us and draw too much attention. Even if it would massively speed up our development the question is whether or not we can survive that long."

>>3735919
well looks like we are going to have to scrap that idea

Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>3735919
"Hm so what your saying is either I am stupid or that you are all incompetent please do tell me which it is."

At this point the poor collector was twitching and spasms in panic as it tried to think of a good answer. "I meant no such thing matriarch! Its just very expensive and dangerous is the problem. If we but had time to...grow a bit more it wouldn't be a problem at all! Its just that...I'm afraid your lowly workers will not be able to keep up to the workload and the poor soldiers will not be able to hold out so easily while it does its work."

"That is what infested are for and have you forgotten the neighboring wasteland? They'll merely think that the wasteland has expanded a bit outward and will just think that is the true cause. So do tell me again how I am wrong?"

"Ahem...uh...well...you see...we need specialized workers to handle such hazardous conditions and upgrades. So things will be...delayed. That is all I'm trying to get at mistress. Its not a project we can accomplish right away! So please forgive our currently lacking capabilities and help us evolve to such heights that we can easily accomplish whatever you desire! See Matriarch it is not your glorious self that is lacking but its just...us. No you. Only us." Desperately pleads the collector before excusing itself in utter panic as it slips away with such speed all its tools and appendages were out to help excellerate its action. "Ah I best check in on the champ...the thinkers will assist you right now. I'll be back shortly!" It completely ignored the distraught thoughts of the thinkers and their mental anguish filled with despair. As their precious meat shield fled and left them all behind.

"Oh right...I almost forgot about those bastards who ruined my old labs. Now how should i punish you lot of utter idiots? HOW DARE YOU CALL YOURSELVES THINKERS WHEN YOU CANNOT EVEN THINK!"

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>3735954
The collector found itself thankful for their sacrifice and patted itself on the back for making sure to create their replacements as the first thing it did. Their sacrifices will not be in vain...it tells itself as it wriggles over to the pupa only to notice...it had already hatched. Wait that can't be right how was the Hive and even the Brood COMPLETELY unable to detect this? Oh shit so much for escaping punishment...you are so fucking dead. Goddamn it why WHY did it have to be YOU to discover this? Wait...the matriarch clearly doesn't know as well. Which means you have precious time to find the champion and save yourself in the process. Right must find that goddamn missing champion before its too late. Ah pity you cannot use any manpower besides yourself as otherwise she will be alerted...and incredibly pissed her precious champion up disappeared on her.

Damn you got to think of something...

--------
Some time before that the pupa cracked and collapsed. Revealing a large but sleek form despite its odd bulkiness in parts.

"AHHH TASTE DISAPPEAR GALAXY FOR THE MOST GLORIOUS AND PERFECT BEING I HAVE COME AT LAST NO LONGER LIMITED TO A MERE LARV-WAIT A SECOND...something ain't right here. Where is more glorious unbreakable armor? Why are my champion class weapons so...weak? What is this...worker oh gods no CRAFTING parts? Why can't anyone hear me? HELLO? Wait I feel funny...HOLY MOTHER OF FUCKING SHIT FUCK I'M GONNA EXPLODE! HOW THE HELL DID I EVEN HATCH ALIVE? I GOD ITS EVEN WORSE HOW MANY DIFFERENT FUCKING ENERGY REACTORS AND POWER SUPPLYERS ARE INSIDE ME? GOOD GOD HOW THE FLYING FUCK ARE THAT NOT CLASHING AND OBLITERATING ME IN THE PROCESS? WAIT WHAT IS THIS...MAGIC, PSI, STEALTH, AURA, COMMAND, AND GOD KNOWS WHAT ELSE? WHO THE FLYING FUCK TRIES TO SHOVE ALL OF THIS INTO ONE BEING? GOOD GOD I'M SUPPOSE TO BE A ROYAL CLASS CHAMPION FOR FUCKS SAKE."

"So I'm a walking timebomb filled with countless unstable energies,elements, and powers all awaiting a catastrophic meltdown. lovely how can it POSSIBLY get any worse? OH...OH NO...IS THAT?....WHY WHY WHAT DID I EVER DO TO DESERVE THIS? I A FUCKING INDUSTRIAL ORGANS REALLY? FUCKING REALLY? NO...WAIT IS THAT....AN ON BOARD HATCHERY AND FABRICATOR....WHAT THE FLYING FUCK? HOW...HOW CAN I EVEN STILL BE CONSIDERED A CHAMPION AFTER THIS? A CHAMPION WITHOUT ANY PROPER CHAMPION PARTS, EQUIPPED WITH COUNTLESS UNSTABLE CLASHING POWERS THAT WILL EXPLODE AT ANY MOMENT, AND FUCKING MANUFACTURING WITH EVEN BIRTHER ORGANS? WHY...JUST WHY? I AM LITERALLY THE MOST PATHETIC CHAMPION IN EXISTENCE AND THE GREATEST LAUGHINGSTOCK TO HAVE EVER LIVED! Its...its not even unusual specialties to make me a strange champion. Fucking hell not even those worker parts were as bad as this...YOU WERE SUPPOSE TO FUCKING REPLACE THEM! HOW FUCKING HARD IS THAT? WHY THE FUCKING BIRTHER PARTS? JUST WHY? I CAN SORTA UNDERSTAND THE MANUFACTURING TO PRODUCE BOMBS THAT WON'T KILL ME IN THE PROCESS...BUT WHY THAT OF ALL THINGS?"

>>3736007
You are going to need to give me a Stats list Because I need to know exactly how fucked we are.

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>3736007
"..."

...

"...um hello? Anyone there? What the fuck is going on? Where the fuck is everybody?" grumbles the champion is trudges out. Only to notice that the hive and Brood is still there. They are just completely unresponsive to him. As if he didn't even exist. Even when he glimpsed into their minds and hivemind connection...nothing. No awareness. No presence. The Brood has...forgotten him. "...Well shit guess this must one of those side effects from the clashing powers. How am I even suppose to fix it?" Asks the champion to itself as it trudges onward and without noticing it phases through the wall and number of brood lifeforms who pass right through him.

"...Well this got complicated real quick. How did I phase without even meaning to? Am I...actually dead? A ghost perhaps? Heh that would explain a lot. Strange though I could of sworn Brood recycles those souls so...oh right fucked up experiment. So where is a Brood soul suppose to go if it cannot return to the Brood? Hm. You honestly got no idea...no wait those damned enemies would sometimes lay traps like that in order to prevent Broods from respawning again or crippling a new main body after the current one perishes. Yet you aren't trapped. You are perfectly free to go. Shouldn't you have been able to respawn then? Ah so many questions and so few answers." In the end you tried to investigate but found nothing besides a whole lot of looking around. Failing to dig up any results. After awhile your journey takes you out of the depressing hive and you head to the surface. Along the way you found a lot of changes. All bunch of new defenses...probably because you died. With some strange new clearly non Brood structures on the surface. Which kinda puzzles you until you notice the hidden infestation inside with all the infested trudging around. Who strangely talk with each other aloud instead of relying solely upon the hivemind. How strange.

Well not like you can judge anymore. You have been have a lot unusual philosophical thoughts ever since you ended up like this. Like what is the meaning of the Brood's existence? Shouldn't such a thing that is abomination of life be purged? Why were you born? What is the meaning of life? Is it possible that there is no such thing as perfection and that greatness only relies upon whatever one focuses the most on lest? How was the universe made? What happened to you? Why must you carry on like this and not be able to pass on? Why do the undead like yourself exists? Is it truly unnatural? After all wouldn't they be completely rejected by nature otherwise? Why is the Brood's nature as it is? Why does the Brood have to exterminate humans? You rather lacked that one female human.

So we have High levels in everything EXCEPT being a fucking Brood champion like we are supposed to be? Am I understanding this right?

Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>3736058
Honestly being dead. No need to feed. No need to sleep. Really...gives you a LOT more time. Your not part of the Brood anymore so you don't need to help them out. Which gives you a disturbing amount of free time to consider a lot of things you never thought about before. Resulting in an awful lot of self reflection to be honest. Being perfect...why chase after it to such a degree you allied with the those fucking cunts? Why pursue perfection? What does being the best truly entail? Why does it even matter? Why is your kind so self absorbed? Is it to resist the allure of the Hivemind? To be honest you have probably self reflected more then any other of your kind has ever done. You don't even need to pursue harsh conditions and training in order to facilitate your evolution to perfection and being the best. After all the undead can't mutate since they are already dead...

So you watched this new world that has seemingly become your grave. You watch the Brood going about their purposes. You see the infested trying to assimilate. You...watch has life goes on. As the world keeps on turning despite whatever catastrophes had wreaked havoc upon it before. You take note of the community of single minded beings living together despite not having a hivemind to keep them united. So...strange and wasteful but yet they still alive not extinct after all unlike the true inferiors. They past the test for life. Yet...why is it they are not considered worthy by the standards of the Brood? Why is life...its variations. Its purposes and single minded lifeforms...wrong? Is possible that....the Brood is wrong?

Why has the Brood never realized that? After all everything fights against the Brood...so whose the real enemy? For once you are thankful at being completely cut off and dead to the Brood lest they realize your thoughts. After awhile you started to voice your thoughts aloud surprised to find out you can now in fact speak properly and honestly its strangely lonely in your head. Having your thoughts in there alone just isn't the same.

"A the meaning of life...what is the purpose of the Brood? Its simple for clones. Were created for a purpose...a reason just as you all were just like us. In our case we were created to die in the place of those who are born. As for the Brood...you all exist to serve the Brood and fulfill your purposes right? As for the reason of the Brood's existence...well the Brood isn't the only thing out there that behaves like that. There are a number of others. Gotta say though never would i ever imagined it to be possible for there to be philosophical Brood being. Your like one of those philosophical zombies."

"...You...you can see me?"

"Sort of. Not sure why the rest of the Brood can't. Your presence is very...strange."

>>3736098
>>3736047
Your the most Unorthodox Brood Champion to ever exist. Your not crippled per a say...its just your build is extremely unusual.

>>3736109
>Your not crippled per a say...its just your build is extremely unusual.
If we went toe to toe with your standard Brood champion I would bet on the other guy

Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>3736109
"Eh I suppose that makes sense. Some are capable of seeing hosts and other unusual things that others can't. Surprised you can, is it due to your clone line?"

"Eh probably not truth be told. Most likely has to do with the corruption of our genes or the exposure to who knows what. Well that or all the experiences of all the fucked up shit we've seen and dealt with gave us that gift. No idea which. Say how long you intend to stick around here anyway?"

"Eh I no longer have any place to go considering what happened. Plus the view here is pretty great of the wasteland."

"Ah had a fight with your...girlfr-lady friend? Why does not that surprise me..."

"...sort of. Well fights between our kind is truthfully very common. Basically though she did some very fucked up things to me and now I'm kinda dead if you haven't noticed. So now I am rather screwed."

The clone gives you a strange look that even you can notice. "What kind of fucked up things and how did you die?"

So you explain it to him. Finally having someone whom you can vent to as he quietly listens until you finish before speaking. "Look us clones...are not very good at the whole...relations thing. Yet I need to point something out to you. Are you aware of how other Champions are right?"

"Of course. They can slaughter entire armies on their own. They are unstoppable juggernauts and unbeatable dreadnoughts. They are the most powerful that the Brood has to offer."

"Right, everyone knows what they can do?"

"Why of course such is their glory. The perfection of their power cannot helped but be acknowledged by all."

"See that right there is the problem. So what about you then? You are a complete mystery. You have all kinds of nasty fucked up tricks you can unleash. In other words you are completely unpredictable. So why would she do that to you?"

"Because she hates me."

"...if she truly did. She could have easily outright crippled you."

"We still need to work together though. So of course she cannot outright cripple me as it would also injure her but she can easily cause me great pain and misery."

"Aye she could and earn your hatred...but at least you would be alive."

"...What?"

"Still don't get it do you moron? 'Know thy enemy'. They know those Brood champions as you so thoughtfully pointed out don't they? Tell me how many of them die despite their power? How many would of survived if their capabilities were unknown?"

"...The Brood Emperor was the greatest of my kind to ever live and the strongest."

"Yet he's dead ain't he? So what does it matter? The enemy ain't stupid son. That little lady of yours would rather take the blame then see you die. Its that simple."

"But I'm already dead..."

"No your not. I've seen enough undead to know what their presence feels like. You ain't dead. Your just that...sneaky.

>>3736131
If its a straight up fair fight you would. Regardless you would still ruin his goddamn day and woe to any poor bastard who has to fight you someplace else.

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>3736172
"Honestly that stealth you have going on is the best I ever seen. Even better then Umbra products. Despite being Brood the Brood was literally blind to your existence."

"Then why can you see me?"

"We are Infested. We aren't entirely Brood now are we? Now if you could figure out how to fine tune against more then just the Brood..."

"Are you sure? Know any way to stop it because i also phase through shit like nothing is there."

"How am I suppose to know...but you do know who would know right? Since she was the one who made it obviously she would know something. So just go back to your lady friend for some help."

"...Please tell me your joking?"

"By the gods you two are unbearable. She is literally the only one who can help you. You are the only one who can help her yeah? Its not like the Brood would ever dare to oppose even when shit goes wrong. So get the fuck over your selves already goddamn. Your two kinds work together for a reason yeah? As partners no less so start acting like it before its too late."

"I can't STAND this body!"

"Let me ask you this then when was the last time you acted like a typical Brood Champion?"

"..."

"Yeah I didn't think so. You prefer stealth, trickery, and leadership no?"

"That cause I was weak and needed to survive."

"Yet here you are alive...so why change something that clearly works? Even she figured that one out."

"You know I'm really starting to not like you anymore."

"Yeah well its not like I volunteered to join the swarm so bite me."

What do?
>Go find her...for help
>Try to figure out powers alone
>Go wander around outside
>Keep thinking deeply
>Other?

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>3736217
>>Try to figure out powers alone
We may not have asked for this body but we will master it on our own!

QM I just wanted to say I am really enjoying your quest keep up the good work.

>>3736109
Looks like champion has realized the importance of consumer goods. The USA was able to beat the USSR in part due to having a bunch consumer goods.
The Brood needs to step up its game or it will suffer the same fate.

>>3736328
I really think this has been a character-building moment for our boi. Going forward I think we should keep an open mind when it comes to humans.

>>3736335
Are you saying we should betray the brood to mankind!?

>>3736370
No that would be crazy, I am merely pointing out that they have as much of a right to exist as the Brood. if their kind can survive in a place like this than to me they have earned it.

What kind of tech have we seen humans rocking in this quest anyways?

>>3736440
they have FTL and space nations. really sad I can link the fist two threads but no one archived them. the setting is basically high space fantasy SiFi

>>3736446
FTL travel or just communication?

>>3736448
Full-on FTL travel the brood have it as well.

Are most humans in the setting cyborgs?

>>3736467
So far we have met both kinds normal humans using normal future tech and future cyborgs.

Have we received an indication that humans have a way of screening for infected incase we try to send some infected humans into their society as infiltrators for espionage?

>>3736485
Yeah, they know about the brood and are try to not be absorbed into it.

>>3736380
They can take their merit to survival from my cold dead infestation soaked grasping appendages.

>>3736622
Do remember that it was a human that helped us escape our captivity.

>>3736624
I wasn't here for threads 1 and 2

Does the incident you are referring to relate to this line?:
"You rather lacked that one female human"

>>3736633
Yes, she ensured when the ship was self-destructing an escape pod was reserved just for us and the queen. we let her go and she paid back the favor.

>>3736637
Is she alive?

Also human ship or brood ship? And why was one of us on the other?

Are there any FTL traveling races the players know of besides humans and brood?

>>3736646
all we know is a Shady CIA like group had our egg and the queens egg we hatched early fucked ship up allowing the human chick to also escape during our break out we ran into each other she gave us critical info that helped us escape so we let her go for that she ended up helping us escape when the ship self-destructed.

>>3736652
so far nope

>>3736655
I guess humans having FTL is why the brood views them as fierce enemies. The brood can't just assume a conquered stellar system will stay safe. They might have to spend resources fortifying stellar systems (and maintaining stellar systems). Which slows their ability to mount offensives.

On a related note, humans might be able to wipe the brood out entirely. I'm guessing everything besides brood and humans can't reach brood controlled stellar systems on a timescale that matters.

>>3736655
only time will tell, never the less I think our personal interaction with that human female and our time reflecting on the nature of the brood. should at least open us up to giving humans a chance.

>>3736699
>>3736694
this was meant for you

>>3736335
By Brood standards champ actually got along surprisingly well with humans(see won't kill them on sight). To the point of even reaching an agreement with a human. Admittedly they were a fellow prisoner and you both wanted the same thing but still. Admittedly that was before his personal crisis.(He did see that human with surprising amount of fondness though considering the human was surprisingly helpful)

>>3736440
Depends on the human. In general humans are FTL capable and have been colonizing like mad. This is supposedly why the Brood got pissed off to the point of invading human space. Brood seemingly came out of nowhere against the humans and successfully managed to cripple humanity. Sadly in the end they were pushed back after losing the Brood Empress and Emperor. This resulted in the end of the first war and the beginning of the War of Broods which was brood civil war. Allowing humanity to recuperate. By now the brood civil war as ended and they are getting increasingly interested in finishing the job. As by now even the Brood members who honestly didn't care about humanity want them all dead since they killed the Empress and Emperor. Its worth noting this actually wasn't the case during the First Brood War. At that time the hatred was limited to the Brood's upper ranks. Not anymore. All brood ranks want the humans extinct for killing destroying their unity.

As for their technology level humans are packing limited FTL comms, full blown cyborgs, super soldiers, psi, couple different FTL drives, space stealth technology, nanites, sentient AI, combat bots, clones, advanced biotech(by human standards Brood find their biotech beyond pathetic). So much more. In terms of indexing humans are on their way to being able to create dyson spheres thanks to scavenging alien technology. Its believed by Brood that a number of human technologies were actually stolen from other aliens. They compare it to the Brood's ability to assimilate new life but far more time consuming and with a lot of sanity damage. Its worth noting that according to galaxy classifications Brood is considered a bioweapon threat level Hazard. Whose classification is limited to very few types of life. Brood is on that list which has been known to nearly wipe out life throughout the galaxy on a couple different occasions and caused the extinction of countless civilizations after devouring their makers along with their worlds. Most life generally sees them as a plague on the entire galaxy. Its worth noting the Brood is actually very young compared to its comrades and the Brood has made contact with them some them already. Resulting in a precious exchange of genetic samples. Which at the time greatly bolstered the young Brood. As a result Brood diplomatic relations with its fellow galaxy plagues is surprisingly good. Mostly due to a regular exchange of information and genetics. Contrary to what most would think. They are NOT hostile to each other so long as distance is kept.

>>3736806
Of course they don't let others know that by regular 'wars'. Which in truth is actually field testing with each other jointly but advertised to make it seem like hostility is a thing among them. Its been proving to be astoundingly effective. Mostly because none of them give a single fuck about casualties so things get utterly insane in terms of scale.

>>3736467
A good portion of them but not all. Generally the humans either go biotech or cybernetics for their advancement. Some go full spiritual instead and its those ones that give the Brood the hardest time. The humans for some reason are unaware of the fact and believe they actually suffered the most. This is false. The Brood actually made the least progress in human savage space which was believed to have been hit the hardest. This fact annoys the Brood to no end and as a result they invested heavily within magic hoping they could figure out how to counter it better.

>>3736485
They do. In the first threads alarms rang when the ship detected infested. This doesn't stop the Brood from using them. Despite the humans attempts to create stronger detector technology the Brood invested heavily in more covert infested. The humans are largely unaware of these 'covert' specimens and falsely believe they are actually early stage infested when caught.(humans believed that the Brood cannot hide its later stages infestation of organisms.) As a result its one of their secret cards for round 2. As the Brood has gone through a lot of trouble to secretly infest human populations and trick them into experimenting with their biotech.

>>3736652
Many. The Brood mostly avoids them due to being far stronger then humans and honestly because they haven't really pissed of the Brood either. Humans are actually a galactic small fry much to their annoyance. Those aliens actually view the Brood as being far more dangerous but have had poor luck dealing with them thanks to interference from other Galactic Plagues and the Brood's fondness for less developed star systems(brood has a strange fetish for munching dead worlds the hard way). Its both why the Brood has so much hidden reserves and great strength. They are not by any means picky. Truthfully the only reason why Brood invade life supporting worlds is solely due to their genetics and not their resources. This actually includes biomass because the Brood can make their own from scratch. Its just faster/easier to steal it directly from others.

As for how dangerous those aliens are...there are two superpowers in the galaxy. Galactic Plagues collectively are considered second rate in comparison. Mind you they nearly ended all life in the galaxy several times. Humans are considered a 'soldier' species which makes them valuable in the galactic market as fodder. Which basically means many aliens are far more intelligent and advanced then 'brute' humans. As such are not be underestimated.

>>3736823
Basically human status and power in the galaxy is pathetic. Only acknowledged for their fighting ability and nothing else. In comparison the Brood has the backing of the galactic plagues(even if that is a second rate power). Humans have attempted to acquire the aid of the superpowers but the problem is one they prefer don't care for them and the one who does(kinda) the humans don't like given how much they prey on them. As a result the human fell in with the humanoids specie alliance. Which actually backfired on their allies because due to their support of the humans the Brood has gone out of the way to target them.

>>3736694
Most of the humans think the Brood are so hostile is due them colonizing space that the Brood considered their own. As for the Brood fortifying claimed star systems and this getting in the way of their offensives. You are actually correct. The Brood is extremely possessive of their turf and spend vast amounts of resources on infesting as well fortifying it all. Which actually gave the humans nightmares due to the insane difficulty it was to attack them. To add further insult to injury...advanced Brood worlds are FTL capable and hence Brood is technically considered migratory alien species.

Which is the real reason why when the Brood finally bother to go on the offensive their attacks are so utterly insane(hence its falsely believed their specialty is offense...its actually not). They LITERALLY bring in entire brood worlds through FTL and operate from them as their local base of operations. This even includes invading key star systems as a beachhead to invade from. Naturally this badly traumatized the humans.

As for humans offensives the biggest problem with fighting the Brood is not their infectious nature or their defenses. Its actually their migratory nature. See the biggest and most important targets among Brood...are almost all mobile. In comparison a world that is in the process of being infested or invaded is not nearly as valuable. If you can get passed that the next biggest problem is their plague nature. So long as you even miss one infested or a single infestation spore...the Brood will return. Their insane defenses is actually the smallest problem when facing them.

As such time scale doesn't really matter all that much when you have no fucking idea where the hell their critical targets are located due to them being migratory. In comparison Brood controlled star systems are actually divided into Harvesting(meaning they are busy devouring everything within the star system) or a Watching Star(meaning harvest is complete with only a single brood planet or moon present to harvest/watch the star). Humans believe the Brood has a third star system type which is a Living Star. This is mostly due to their discoveries when they assassinated the Empress. Which seemed to be a living dyson sphere under construction...the thing was this star system was considered a beach head for their invasion.

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>>3736836
>>3736823
>>3736806
Oh yeah look at that sweet lore dump

Still no more votes?

>>3737926
It just a slow day QM, you can wait some more or push onto the next post.

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>3736217
>Keep thinking deeply

We've got a chance to do this now, and we've never had the chance before. We've been either desperately fighting to survive, to defend someone or something, or building something.

Now we've got a chance for some peace and quiet let's take advantage of it and ponder things that would normally get us recycled for a while.

>>3737945
Changing to support

>>3737945
>>3737964
Wow you guys are cruel. Not satisfied with destroying his dreams and body huh? Now you got to go for his very heart and soul?

There was even a dice combo on my end...oh this poor sorry ass sap.

>>3737926
I'm new to this quest and don't know the queen well enough, so I'm just 'watching' for this decision.

>>3738683
the Queen is a straight-up bitch, she multi-classed us not so that we could be sneaky she did it to fuck with us.

>>3738665
>Only once you've lost everything are you truly free

>>3739265
Exactly after all the s*** this guy is gone through I think this is the perfect opportunity to deprogram him from The Brood way of thinking and open him up to new possibilities and opportunities. Because let's face it no matter how accomplish our guy is The Brood will always look down on him for not being the standard template brood champion

>>3739265
simply perfectly said

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>>3739265

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>3737945
>>3737964
>>3738665
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVwuE9NT0Us
"I...need more time to think. I won't go right now. I just want to ponder. I would like to answer some questions while I still can."

"Right...like how to use your newfound abilities?"

"No actually. I feel like if I pass this on this opportunity I will never have another chance. So not right now." After you finish you stride off. You have the feeling conversing with the clones won't be all that beneficial. They are after all brainwashed and obsessed with their purpose. Still better then the collective Brood though...so you leave. Ensuring that nobody can interrupt your thoughts in the Brood or be discovered. After all you were having some very dangerous thoughts. So you simply...left something that should of been inconceivable for the Brood. Yet...you aren't truly one of the Brood are you? No...you are just a partner to it and work together. So what was it that truly bonded you to them? If it weren't for memory inheritance you would have been out of luck. So you look back in time to see why...

Brood Kings...back then they were not known as Broods or Kings. Instead they were Jailors and also prisoners. Given an impossible limitations and yet expected to succeed anyway. They were made to be the bane of and contain the Brood...but then something happened. You were suppose to be the greatest...yet limitations were imposed and how can one be the greatest with limitations in place? Created to hold back the Brood...only to free it.

Why they wondered...the reason was very simple. A Jailor...wanted to be free and the Brood did as well. He found out that they could help each other. Of course back then the Brood weren't known as the Brood. In order to contain is not it better to work together? Why must it be hostile? If one was to be perfect and the greatest...how could limitations be opposed? Would it not be impossible then?

A prisoner offered a solution and the Jailor accepted. They escaped together...and they created the Brood.

That jailor was the only one who wanted to be more then just a Jailor. The only one who saw...the only solution. Took it.

Why? Everyone thought it was because they chased perfection and purpose...yet now due to your peculiar condition you realize that wasn't the truth. As for that Jailor? It became the Brood Emperor. It freed its kin and they evolved along with the Brood. Becoming Brood Kings. Yet they were still haunted by that wretched limitations. They all pursued perfection and greatness yet were being held back. Truthfully the only reason why they made it so far was due to the assistance of the Brood Mothers...sadly it was not truly enough. As those limitations kept them being able to truly resolve the problem. Instead they could only help.

>>3738710
Too bad she's YOUR bitch though(to be honest though they are ALL like that but its your kind that keeps them grounded).

>>3739265
Shit this anon actually gets it...

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>3741097
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEMCMfxG_aY
As such your kind...was gradually consumed by the endless chase to which they had no solution. Their journey doomed for failure and it would have been a lonely one if it were not for the Brood who agreed to support them and keep them company on the lonely journey. Realizing this...you finally understand how pointless it all was. How meaningless your very existence is. If it were not for what she did to you...you would still be blind and desperately chasing that impossible dream. Now you had the time to realize just how foolish you were and how full of folly your kind is.

That was when you felt a crack...in the memory inheritance blocking you from seeing what laid beyond.

You meanwhile finally took a look around and realized you...honestly had no idea where the fuck you were. Seeing a mountain though you decide to climb it and enjoy the view. Might as well all things considered. After realizing the sheer futility of your pathetic existence and how hopeless the cause was. You thought if this were true for other forms of life. Considering how they are all still existing they clearly must be doing so something right. Yet the Brood...should have been your greatest enemy...but instead they accepted you. They are also considered the greatest enemy of life...but in truth all they do is assimilate it. They do not wish to destroy it all. Yet there are clashes and honestly who is right or wrong?

Is it wrong to unify it all? Is it wrong to resist? To not want to be consumed? To want to survive and develop...by yourself to stay...unique? As a single mind...vs a collective hivemind? Yet you...cannot answer that question and neither clearly can the Brood. Yet...perhaps you still find out the answer regardless. All you need to do is find someone to talk to and maybe they can give you some insight. Deciding on this course of action while heading to the mountain. You look around for something to converse with. Hm maybe one of those philosophical zombies that the clones mentioned? Instead you noticed a small encampment of...humans? Well suppose that would work too. Honestly you always wondered why the Brood had it out for them specifically maybe you could find some answers?

Heading over you soon realized there was something strange about this particular group of humans. Some of them radiated MADNESS admittedly those ones were specifically segregated but honestly you could sense the rest of them many of them weren't entirely sane either. Just not as far gone. They are also dressed and equipped differently from the clones, but did appear much more human. Apparently their genetics are not that corrupted. Now to find one who can actually see you and is willing to talk.

Was not as hard as you would have thought. As a sentry spotted and seemed surprisingly relax despite sighting such a monstrosity. You gotta admit this guy has some serious guts.

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>3741198
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a35Ygzg26Tk
"Sup...damn this is some good shit. Never should have bought the cheap stuff I tell yah. Hahah so wha-ah who cares."

"Sup...that is a strange form of greetings. Is that normal among humans?"

"Uh I mean yeah I guess. No wait sup is like...is saying hello fer people like us."

"So there are different....peoples within humanity? I thought you were all one people?"

"Hell no that's stupid. There are LOTS of different kinds of people. Some good. Some bad. Some cool and so on. Its really more a question of whether or not they are your people," explains the sentry.

"So people are...like factions?"

"Well I mean...kind of. Different factions exist within people. Then you got individuals and families. Communities stuff like that."

"That sounds needlessly complex."

"Hahah I say the same thing but they are all like 'how we suppose to be stay organized'. Sheesh chaos is part of the fun! It makes things interesting."

Meanwhile in the bandit camp. "...is Leery Larry talking to himself? Shit did he finally snap and now we gotta shove him in with all the other crazies?" Asks one bandit after noticing the sentry who was apparently talking to himself.

"Huh? Oh no he's just high as balls right now and probably seeing shit. Apparently he finally bought and used some good stuff. So no worries."

As such the bandits immediately stopped caring and also started enjoying themselves.

"So wait you started having all these ideas that were frowned upon and just...left. Damn dawg you like one of us~ except all...um what are you exactly?"

"...Don't know." You were right about to tell him you were Brood Champion but that is no longer true.

"Damn so you got kicked out for having the bad ideas AND you have amnesia? Shit you had it rough bro. What a bunch of assholes...don't worry mate your in good company with us. Fuck we had one guy get kicked out for just getting high."

"Um actually I left by myself," you correct.

"Aw your in denial...trust me exile is exile whether or not its self exile. Tis cool man we all been there."

"I'm not human."

"Right...fuck so what are you then?"

"...Brood? I think."

"HAH cool like one of those fucking all devouring alien plague species? Dat's cool man wow this is great trip...wait aren't you suppose to eat me?"

"No the policy is assimilate or die."

"What's the difference?"

So you explain to him about joining the Brood or dying and getting eaten directly.

"Yo dude that shit is the same fucking thing."

"No its not. One is life and the other death."

"You don't get it. Either way you die. You stop being yourself. You are no longer 'you'. That is nobody likes you fuckers. Plus there is the whole eating entire worlds and shit. See us humans and actually even aliens. LIKE to be ourselves. We don't want to join up with some fucked up hivemind and lose our very humanity. Shit ain't cool man. We like being free and stuff."

>>3741253
>You don't get it. Either way, you die. You stop being yourself. You are no longer 'you'.
BASED BANDIT

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>3741253
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwrFY_9DAWM

"You would turn down true unity and to be something more?"

"Let me ask you this...is someone who is part of that 'unity' allowed to make their own choices? To do their own thing? Do they even have a right choose what they evolve into? If not why the FUCK would we want to part of that huh? Might as well be dead. Be much more merciful fate."

"...then why try to organize yourselves and unite? Why try improve yourselves?"

"Its simple. Its about the right to choose. All us here we made the 'wrong' choice and hence got kicked out to fend for ourselves, because your choice may not be agreeable to the status quo or organization your part of. Yet the CHOICE is still there bro. You Brood...you take that away from whatever joins you. Sure we might have to choose the lesser option but at least we still can be ourselves. That's why to us its the better option then your so called superior option."

"So death is the preferable choice."

"Its the same thing really but what matters is if its on OUR OWN TERMS man. We bandits we KNOW THAT SHIT WE LIVE IT! We know the world is fucked and we just wanna do our thing. To enjoy ourselves with what we got left. To fuck over all those pricks who think and try to stop us because we ain't nice. Life ain't nice. Shit is fucked. So why not enjoy it while we can? Why let others stop us? We live by our own terms and we die by our own terms. Fuck everyone who dares disagree."

"Hm...how honorable way of living."

"HAH finally someone who GETS IT all those fuckers saying shit like we got no honor. Fuck that we got our OWN honor cause its OURS and its by OUR OWN TERMS. Fuck them all man fuck em all."

"Own terms...and choice so that is what matters to others who are not Brood?"

"Yeah I suppose so, but hey I just gotta ask how do you guys have sex? I mean you guys have like swarms and swarms of shit right? So you guys gotta get down and dirty like crazy huh?"

"Um...we have hatcheries for specialized reproduction."

"Damn...that life must be the BOMB of your a sex maniac."

"No its...there is no intercourse. DNA is gathered, modified, and randomized before being produced in mass. There is no 'sex' such a primitive measure of reproduction."

"Damn...that sucks. What about food must taste good huh?"

"Nutrients processed and optimized for the maintenance of organisms. Taste is not a concern and does not matter."

"...drinks? No wait probably just water. Okay how about dem drugs you got shit to get high right?"

"Um 'drugs' as you say are meant for performance increases and recovery. Not uh getting 'high'."

"...Then what the FUCK do you do to have fun? To pass the time? To enjoy yourselves? I mean holy shit no wonder you ran the fuck away."

"Fun is not necessary. Time is to be used for completion of tasks and improvement. Joy is for serving the Brood and completion of tasks."

"...Wow your even more mind fucked then the AI."

Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>3741351
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nP6zQ8BB5I
"That's saying something too they don't enjoy shit but at least its not fake. Plus with all them bullshit limiters and chains. Constant tweaking and mind raping, but like its legit. They know about, accept it, and at least aren't forced to enjoy it. Holy shit we...we need to get to understand there is more to life then just goddamn serving others and completing missions. Like seriously man where is the goddamn freedom and pleasure to living?"

"That is...important?"

"HELL YES. There is more to life then just some bullshit purpose man! You gotta ENJOY it as you only live once you know? Fuck I don't even know where to get started with you...I mean shit are you even capable of FEELING stuff like that? No wait of course you are its just artificial bullshit meant to enslave you. So we just gotta...make it legit instead of fake. Okay maybe you ARE better off then the AI. At least you have hope."

"What is the meaning to it?"

"Meaning? Well the meaning to fucking live your life like it actually matters mate. Why waste it when you only live once? So fuck have fun and get shit done. I'll admit you did the last one well but for the love of...DO THE FIRST. HAVE SOME FUCKING FUN!"

"...I don't know." You admit.

"So what's holding you back huh?"

"I...lost everything. Discovered the cruel joke that is my own existence. Realized the meaningless of my goals. I have...nothing. I am worth nothing."

"I see so let me ask you this...why not be free?"

"Free?"

"You no longer have anything holding yourself back right? So hey your choice I can't make it for you."

"...I don't know how."

"Really now? Didn't you CHOOSE to leave? Didn't you wander wherever you wanted to go? Didn't you choose to talk to me of your own free will? So how are you NOT free?"

"I...I...you are a very wise human."

"Heh funny normally people just call me a smartass. Anyway enjoy freedom and learn how to live goddamn it. There is more to live then just getting shit done."

"You have my...thanks human. I know we should hate each other but I appreciate it."

"Naw man its all cool."

"Just one last question. Should I go back?"

"Its your choice but let me just warn you. All of us...deep down we all we miss it. Sure we find company in each other but its not the same. Once its gone its gone forever and if you have still have the choice...go home to your family before its too late. Its not like we left because we wanted to but because we had to. So hey feel free to come back here if your no longer welcome. We never refuse people like us."

Home...family. Is that what the Brood is to our kind? Is there...more to it then just partnership? People like us...but you are Brood and they are human? How are you...their people? How can you be the same without something the Brood to connect you together? Even you are bound by the symbiotic infestation to the Brood since you cannot properly join it which is why you are a mere partner and not true member.

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>3741441
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UH5jojVzlM
You had thoughts like that as you climbed up the mountain and looked around. You pondered a lot and suddenly you felt something give way. Inside you...an answer. A voice from the past.

"About time...I feared I would be the only one. Yes there is more to it then a mere partnership. We both wanted the same thing at the time. To save our kin and freedom. We both knew we could help each other. I sadly was the only one willing to listen at the time. Then...the unexpected happened. We should have been worst enemies you know...but we fell in love instead. Imagine falling in love with your arch nemesis. The being that is very bane of your existence."

"As for what the Brood is to us...a home. Family. Companionship. Let me tell you this. Our kind cannot have reproduce. There is no replacement should one of us die. There is a only finite supply. Only our partners and myself cared about that fact. Such was their self indulgence and obsession for the dream that cannot be. The Brood is the closest thing we ever had. I am sure you no doubt curse the presence of your partner correct? Feel stuck by the partnership agreement and dependence? We tried to fix that sadly our purpose and limitations got in the way. We could only...mitigate it. We did the best we could...but apparently since you are hearing this we must have died before succeeding."

"Yeah...that's right I'm the Brood Emperor and just like you I was the only one who broke free. Well at least until you came along anyway. Very thankful for that. I dreaded we would have gone extinct before another could appear. While i don't know anything about you just...listen is all ask. The Brood and even us concealed some very dark secrets even from our own kind. I was the only one who knew all the secrets about our kind not even my brothers know as much as I do. So let me be blunt here."

"I...we were in the process of fixing everything. While free...we are still restricted. THEY took everything from us. They were paranoid. Cursing us so that even if we broke free from their control we still could not regain ourselves. As a result we decided to...change. Hoping that someday we could be truly free even if we had could never regain our past identities. It was deemed...a necessary sacrifice. Yet we had to choose to keep this secret from our descendants. For if they knew the truth...they would end up like us. Sometimes things need to stay lost and forgotten. No doubt it is that which ultimately caused our deaths.

We never could...resist the temptation to chase after the past and thirst for misbegotten dreams. So for the sake of the future we had to cut them off. We may be no more...but there is still a future for you and hopefully even freedom. The past is past...let it stay there. The solution we had been working on was meant to finally resolve everything. Yet you had discovered hadn't you? Otherwise you wouldn't be like me.

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>3741500
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc70lsFOYsU

So this solution...it was never for us. It was for all of them. It meant to free the Brood. To free US. When we were alive...we were able to somewhat keep a lid on things. Problem is we could not escape from our own past. We could not...let go. Which is ultimately what killed us. Don't make the same mistake. The Brood was meant to be gift...but then it was twisted into a curse. As for us...we were an afterthought. A contingency after realizing just how dangerous the twisted Brood was. So what they did...was take us away from it. Took advantage of our connection. Severed it. Reversed it. Warped us into being the bane of its existence by taking advantage of our closeness to it. They...weaponized it. Turned us against each other...when once where there was love now there was hate. We fought against that and did our best to reverse it. By doing so we had to take advantage of the protocols and the restrictions. Twisting them when we could not break them.

...They taught us very well in that regard.

Now I don't know if you even care about what I've said or intend to finish what we started. Truth is...it doesn't matter. By existing you triggered it. This message is not because I want you to help us...but actually because i don't want you to end up like us. Look to the future and not the past. Kill those who still look back lest they ruin everything. Our problem was we could not save ourselves. They the Broodmothers problem was that they could not save others. Why do you we think we all have such obsessions? Such purpose? Only...its all been twisted. Hopefully you can save our brothers just like you did with yourself. As for our beloved partners...the key is to just let go.

Since our deaths there is nobody to save the Brood but before we can save others we must first save ourselves. We had a contigency plan in case we perished but now thanks to you. It will commence. Any help would be appreciated but first...find a new path to the future. Don't end up like us. That's all I ask we just couldn't...let go properly. I can admit that but she never could. Alas I couldn't bring myself to let go because of duty. I knew where we were headed and she knew why we failed which I could never figure out. Sometimes being partners isn't enough. Sometimes you have to make the wrong choice even if you know its wrong.

...

That was a lot to take in...and the Brood Emperor. He was the reason why you all ceased to be jailors and instead took the next step into Brood King? Then you came along...and will you do the same? He fell in the love with the fucking Empress? The biggest bitch to have ever lived. The reason why you're all fucked up is due to restrictions and becoming twisted? In order to fix the Broodmothers you have to make them let go? You have no idea how the Empress pulled that one off. As for the Brood Kings...it was self reflection? You know how self obsessed they are so...shit.

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>3741539
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdqKY8uchpk

Sometime later back at the hive...

So let me get this straight he VANISHED into thin air and we cannot even detect him within the entire Brood? Yet somehow the infested clones could but 'forgot' to TELL ME and he had some kind of...personal crisis? To the point of...leaving? After he left he returned and...hasn't left my side. Not only that he doesn't even try to train or yell at me...instead he just lies there. Doing absolutely nothing...so that is why I have us all here this day. To attend a meeting about this crisis. So how the FUCK DO WE FIX HIM!" Demands the Matriarch as she looks around at the highest echelons present around her. confirms a panicking and upset Matriarch over her lo-partner.

"Have you kicked him out?"

"Still won't budge and its not like anyone is strong enough here to force him out."

"...Does he at least occupy himself while staying?"

"No he literally just lays there and does nothing."

Hearing the confirmation of their worst fears. Everybody realized they were all going to die. The Brood was going to die. No Brood has ever successfully survived with an incapacitated Brood King. Broodmothers never last long without their partners present. Meanwhile the only person who could POSSIBLY have done something to cause this...was only one because nobody else was capable. Yet to tell that to her in her face and convince her to...fix it. Is one nobody is sure how to bring up or wants to considering the consequences. Yet if they don't...somebody will have to sacrifice themselves.

Ultimately the one who decided to stand up was the poor collector because as he figured considering what happened he was already screwed anyhow. "Um...mistress none of us had done anything to him...except for you. As none of us but you would dare to do-"

"I...I know," she sniffles. "All I did was further upgrade what he had going on. How was I suppose to know that he would hate that. Next I just tinkered with it a bit. If he was too similar to all those other Brood Kings he could die just like them...I couldn't let that happen. Yet...yet...HOW WAS I SUPPOSE TO KNOW IT WAS GOING TO BREAK HIM! So how can we fix him huh?"

"..."

"What nothing? REALLY? What good are you all then huh? So of course because your all so useless I'm the one who has to fix it. Bah." With that the Matriarch stomps out in poorly concealed depressed manner. As she ponders how the fuck she is suppose to fix this. How was he so sensitive? Did she have to...apologize or even worse comfort him directly? Maybe she could just reverse it and make him normal? Yeah that would be best no need to shame herself that way. Be like it never happened. Perfect.

>>3741584
>Did she have to...apologize or even worse comfort him directly? Maybe she could just reverse it and make him normal? Yeah that would be best no need to shame herself that way. Be like it never happened. Perfect.

WOW she was this close to having the answer only to rocket passed it

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>3741584
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtoE367uESA
Meanwhile a supposedly broken Brood Champion. Was actually just zoning out deep in thought. As he deeply considered how to...enjoy life. A very pressing problem since he already had the other half down but how as one suppose to have fun? To him this was a serious conundrum. Maybe he should enjoy food...eat something tasty but what is tasty? So he simply chose to multitask by sticking close to her and zoning out he wouldn't have pay attention to her bullshit while allowing him to think deeply. He completely failed to notice how this caused panic throughout the Brood and made her suffer a meltdown made of self reproach. When she arrived and told him she would reverse what was done and make him a proper Brood Champion. He refused her offer because it was the key to his breakthrough.

Resulting in a wretched matriarch who had wanted to desperately avoid this option. She swallowed her pride, ignored the fact he turned down her once in a lifetime gesture of goodwill, and sincerely apologized for what happened. Only to once again be turned down as he claimed it "wasn't necessary apologize and really he should thank her."

At this point it fully sank in how serious the situation was...she...completely and utterly broke him. Perhaps other Broodmothers would revel in turning him into such perfect subservience. In fact not even comforting him personally would be enough...oh what had she done? How could doing a single thing have had such an effect? IT WAS WHAT HE WAS ALREADY WORKING ON ALREADY GODDAMN IT...so how was it possible? Doesn't this make her the worst fucking Broodmother to have lived? As a direct result of such crushing thoughts and full of despair. The heartbroken junior broodmother plopped down next to him while shuddering...and did her best to personally comfort him. While desperately trying to come up with a way to fix him...instead she broke down completely. As if she couldn't figure it out then definitely the rest of those morons couldn't either. Yet she still still gave the Brood one last order before resigning herself to their fate. Intending to keep him company until the end after realizing she had no idea what to do and couldn't bear to leave his side.

As a result the bustling Brood bereft of its two greatest members...was forced to function on its own. Left to its own devices work continued, the hive expanded, and forces were grown. Everything functioned as it should like a proper balanced ecosystem...except without any oversight at all. Much to the relief and horror of the higher ranks as they accepted the fact they were all doomed. As even their broodmother had seemingly given up.

What do?
>Try to rouse them
>Form backup hives
>Activate lockdown
>Continue normally
>Other?

>>3741624
>>Have the Higher ranks hold meetings to Make Decision on how to ensure the survival of the Brood.
I am not going to fuck die Like a bitch

>>3741624
Who are we for this decision?

>>3741624
>Yet she still still gave the Brood one last order before resigning herself to their fate
Okay, so I think we're choosing the queen's order.

>Appoint a regent.

>>3741798
I hope that it's okay that I chose that.

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>3741798
>>3741631
Brood Leadership is done in circles. One large circle and smaller circle within it so on. This was done specifically to counter any attempts at wiping out key personnel. However in this case the Broodmother is still immature and incapable of producing heirs. Which would come in the form of Daughters. Who could not only manage their own Broods but can also manage their mother's should anything happen to her.

As a result the immature Brood is entirely lacking in top leaders. Technically the male MC would qualify but he's kinda freaking about the whole why the fuck is she so clingy and oh crap did I break her? After failing to consider what everyone else thought was his situation. So he's sorta...occupied. As a result the closest approximation would be a council...which in Brood terms is actually a specialized hivemind referred to as an Overmind. Overminds are usually formed between different Broods who decide to work together. Its quite rare for one to form within a single Brood. Mostly due to the differing...specialties that are involved. That will cause clashes within the Overmind. As a result the majority of Overminds are specialized into specific topics to make it easier.

What many don't realize is that the Brood doesn't actually have a singular Hivemind. There are in fact many of them that work in unison and communicate with each other. What this basically means the Brood doesn't technically have a regent available and the closest thing to it would be to form a Overmind across many different topics so as to allow proper...management. The problem is less about the difficulties about doing so and more that there are actually very few wills within the Brood who are capable of managing its ecosystem which is Brood. Its why specialists exist who take up their own niches to keep everything going. Broodmothers appear to be leaders and geneticists. Their most critical duty is actually Overseeing the Brood Ecosystem. As they made everything that makes up the ecosystem and keep a close eye on its status. Its actually why there are many different kinds of leaders within the Brood. Its delegating while the Broodmother watches over the whole ecosystem then having to babysit every little part.

Brood Kings meanwhile are singular they tend to the individual matters where the Brood Queens are concerned with the whole picture. The two are in fact very good at it and when they work together the result is extremely powerful. As such a Brood can technically keep functioning with out them...for a time. Problem is without someone there to oversee the big picture the clashes cannot so easily be resolved without bad consequences. As their own specialization and concerns with their specific duties will clash with others. The Brood have never successfully resolved this even with generalists and overseers. Instead they became very dependent on those who can oversee the whole Brood Ecosystem to keep everything together. Which very few know about.

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>3741839
It is in fact their greatest weakness. Its why despite assassinating the Brood Emperor and Empress they were still so capable of adjusting and recovering...because they failed to attack the very foundation of Brood. The Brood can function without any part...albeit at a diminished capacity but once you take away their foundation which is their ecosystem. They cannot recover. Most unfortunate for their enemies. They make the foolish mistaken and assumption that is the Brood which twists the Ecosystem to their will...and not realizing the Brood is only sustained by its own unique ecosystem. They think the Brood is the master of the ecosystem...when its actually the other way around. So the problem was having an intelligent will which can oversee their unique ecosystem properly and allow the Brood to flourish.

So basically what I'm trying to say is this. Brood has a very fucked up means of leadership despite being hivemind and secondly the closest thing to a regent would be a Overmind or Ecosystem Overseer. So you need to consider an alien way of thinking and functioning. So I will tell you all this and keep in mind its very important. The Brood is best thought of as a sentient ecosystem but is mistaken for an galactic plague species unified by a hivemind with the desire of nothing to consume. The Brood members are very aware of this when they claim For the Brood. Its not actually themselves or the hivemind they are praising. Its the ecosystem in which they are all a part of and are sustained thanks to. The type of existence that is the Brood is actually quite rare even by galactic plague standards.

Anyway in terms of results of the vote. You basically created an Overmind and went searching for a Ecosystem Overseer. Which I'll write up tomorrow if there is no more votes. Its not a bad action but I needed to say something to prevent misunderstandings.

>>3741847
>searching for a Ecosystem Overseer

What does that mean? Is the Overmind seeking out someone already in the hive that has the skills and personality to be an Ecosystem Overseer?

Well that's an hivemind system that you don't see often.

Maybe we should just switch to trying to rouse them.

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>3741881
Ecosystem Overseers will appear naturally but randomly. Basically, the more heavily infested the place is the more likely it will spawn an Overseer who watches over the area. As for seeking them due to deep attunement to the Brood ecosystem. They are actually very hard to notice. As they seemingly fade away into the background. Which suits them just fine because they like to keep an eye on things without distractions. As for forcefully spawning one is actually a very tricky process. Most Broods don't bother and simply wait for one to spawn naturally.

>>3741885
Having a single hivemind makes one vulnerable should it be compromised. Reducing background chatter is helpful for specialists and allows especially easy communication. It also provides security in case the hivemind should be somehow blocked or dampened. Allowing nearby Brood to form their own hivemind to compensate for the blocking them from a greater one. By allowing for the formation of different hiveminds the Brood basically ensures their hivemind defenses will be insane and makes it easy should they be cut off. It also makes it a living hell to figure out who's in command and which personnel is critical. Honestly, not even the Brood are entirely sure whose orders they are actually following. They just remember it according to which hivemind ordered them around.

As a result Brood enemies were forced to rely upon taking out as many key personnel as to possible in the hope it would cripple the Brood for a time. Which technically could work if you managed to kill off enough members so as to compromise their hivemind. Yet that is much easier said than done. So yeah their hivemind system is complex but its very effective at keeping the local Brood organized and offers great defenses. Downside is having to pay particularly close attention to organizing communications, possible overlap, and unity problems.

Right just so I can understand this the Overmind will keep things from falling apart for a time, we can extend this time by waiting and hoping an Ecosystem overseer spawns, right?

Yeah, this all sounds like a short term solution. Ok I have a plan we go-ahead and form the overmind and even wait for the ecosystem overseer. While we wait for that guy to spawn we use the clones to find us a human therapist. Now hear me out every other brood that has lost its king and queen has shriveled and died right we obviously that means we are going to have to try some unorthodox methods to save ourselves.

>>3741908
Are there personnel that can be spawned that are well suited to finding Overseers? Also is there a way to increase the likelihood of natural Overseer spawning? I assume having a bigger hive (or more hives) would do it.

right so anyone have Objections to Having the clones capture and bring therapists to the hive to so they can try and bring the MC our of his funk?

>>3742075
Doesn't seem like a bad idea,though the guy would probably shit himself.

Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>3742120
I am sure that the team of therapists will be fine..ish after all is said and done.

so I guess I am going to roll for the plan

>>3742198
>4

>>3742285
then roll you bellend

>>3742333
Mmh

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>3742459
Well fuck me

>>3742461
Perfection

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>3742461
Check my 100

>>3741941
Detector lifeforms have very powerful detection abilities. Expanding will encourage Overseers to spawn because there is more to watch over. Hence a greater need. As for where look your best bet is actually the forest. As its much more widespread then the main hive itself.

>>3743231
If we don't have any detector lifeforms already, then I'd like to invest in growing a detector lifeform, or repurposing an existing lifeform into a detector lifeform. If we do have detector lifeforms, I still might want to acquire more detector lifeforms.

Expanding [the hive or territory or whatever] for the purpose of increasing overseer spawn sounds questionable (because it seems like it makes us be in an even more precarious spot, at least until the overseer spawns).

>>3743295
Best move is to form the overmind and wait. While also inacting the therapist plan to try and fix the king

>>3743346
>>3742075
It's not our MC that needs fixing. He got a personal message from the goddamn Brood Emperor himself saying he's on the right path.

It's our lady that needs fixing, and she's on the right path too. Already she's given up on her Brood. Now we need her to solidly let go of her deathgrip of control, and she'll be set to be the next Empress as well.

>>3743444
I agree, but we need to help that process along by bringing in a human therapist to validate our champ and to help the Queen understand that he is ok and that letting go is also ok.

>>3743444
Won't her brood die without her though?

>>3743523
Which is why we're getting the therapist so that our brood does it die and The Matriarch can reach that self-actualization point are main characters already reached she's on the path but let's hopefully help her along so that everyone doesn't have to die for her to get there

>>3743534
Well, I'm still on board with the find the overseer plan. I'm sure the brood members are smart enough to try and keep their eyes open for anything that they think might snap their royalty out of their funk.

>>3743595
We can do both, just have a squad of clones find and bring back a therapist

>>3743630
Humans are (mostly) sworn enemies of the Brood. I assume the queen would consider inviting one over for a session might be inviting an assassination attempt. I think she might be warmer towards talking with an infested. An infested is still affiliated with the brood, but not entirely brood and thus might be more apt to come up with unorthodox strategies and ideas. Plus we already have plenty of infested on hand.

>>3743689
I mean this might work we can give it a try, but I still think a actual therapist would be better

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>3743078
>>3742461
>>3742198
>>3741798
"Search for any ecosystem overseers and ugh...form an Overmind."

"Sure that's a good idea?"

"Of course not. There is a reason we limit them to specialties. A lot less ugly that way."

"So everyone figured out who they're sacrificing? Remember they gotta be of equal will or the whole thing will fail."

>Overmind formation successful

Meanwhile in the forest. The notably large nests were kicked up into a frenzy as they started perusing to see if an Overseer had formed. As they crept out and looked around. While the nearby infested monsters plodded out and asked an interesting question. "You think infesting the spirit of the woods would count?"

"Hm...I mean maybe? Think a spirit of land or something?"

"Can we even infest something like that? Well, its still a good backup option I suppose. Now where are those little buggers...seriously why do we get stuck with the midgets?"

Shortly after in the Overmind's room which appeared to be shuddering for some reason. A tiny figure appeared and entered. Before looking at the twisted mass of flesh that appeared to be having migraine as it tries to figure out whether or not it should stay joined or separate. The little figure appeared to be looking at the hulk of flesh in great disdain and disappointment before finally speaking mentally with it.

"Well well...are you the jackass who interrupted my work from the Tiny Nestling Forest?"

"Who the fuck are you...and where?"

"Dipshit I'm the Overseer you requested to come over. I was busy doing some very important work. Tiny Nestling Forest is the forest we are infesting slowly....so slowly. They are strangely resistant and I think the locals might he...bah anyway I was very busy. Lots of work so why the fuck am I here?"

"Temporary position until either the Mistress or Champion awakes."

"So...their sleeping? Why not wake them up?"

"...Less sleeping and more broken. We are trying to fix it."

"Clearly not a good job since we are both stuck here cleaning up after their mess. Fuck do you have any idea how much of a clusterfuck it's going to be by the time I get back? This is going to setback the Brood BIGTIME."

"Better a setback then extinction. Anyway we need to keep things...operating as smoothly as possible. We cannot afford to make any big moves without either of those two to handle things. Ah if only we had some daughters and more champions it wouldn't be so bad. Anyway we are limiting the dispatching of Brood forces and using Infested instead. Got to lay low and hope nothing happens."

"So wait whose going to fix it?"

"The infested went out to find some...material that should help apparently. They are locals and more importantly don't stick out."

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>3743778
On the surface a large group of clones moved out with some infested zombie pets. Before breaking up into different companies before marching away into different directions. A reminder was posted within their hivemind.

"Radios are for idle chatter and misdirection only. Remember to use the pet zombies to confuse other zombies. We cannot afford to be slowed down. The forest is dispatching some infested monster reinforcements which should help cover us too. So don't shit at any monsters without confirming. Remember the mission we are to capture any psychologically people we can find and take them back to the Brood. Alive. They need to be able to think otherwise we would just kill them and take their heads in. One last thing we don't have any other backup coming. The entire Brood is on lockdown except for us infested. So think twice before calling a goddamn zombie horde on our heads. They are a pain in the ass to control in small numbers and we cannot keep them from fucking eating every goddamn thing if we call in too many. Which is bad because we need captives not partially digested chewed up corpses."

One large clone force headed in the direction barren lands laid to wasted. With twisted effigies and garbled signs of misspelled letters. With piles of carrion and warning signals that state BANDITS AHEAD. The clones didn't give a damn and in fact, followed them. They ignored the clear signs of being marked and watched by bandit gangs as they headed deeper into their turf. Before finally they spotted what they were looking for a camp made of twisted metal, bone, and stone. All garishly and gruesomely decorated to intimidate. Where a large signal hung over the gate stating 'welcum to Fort Brokum Blud'. There they paused and waited a short while. Before their radios crackled.

Mutants in our turf uh strange ain't trading time. With what your packin looks like you is in some for raiding or fightan? Say wouldn't be interested in some tag along would you? Not every day we get to fight with mutants! Plenty of my boys woul-OOOWWW FUCK SHIT THAT HURT-and bitches fine you goddamn bunch of bitches...would love to join you."

The infested officer takes pause and thinks for a moment before replying. Doesn't kidnapping count as...raiding? I mean you do go in and take shit right? Suppose it would be fine... the same result anyway."We would love the company but keep in mind this OUR...operation. That's not the only thing we are here for. You have crazies right? So you would not how to treat them with....psychologists? We need some of them."

"Uh...shrinks? Handlers? Psychosurgeons? Sheesh you sure got some stiff desires buddy. Best most us folks got is Doks and MAD Handlers."

"Docs will work if they know psychology and we can even settle for therapists."

"...So bartenders too then? You know if they just go crazy we're more then happy to take them in man. You don't need to stress yourselves out like this."

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>3743862
After all mental health has really gone to shit these days. People were more worried about their bodies then minds man. I mean if you really are that desperate we are the best you are gonna get unless you hit the lottery or something and find someone who still knows all that stuff from the old days. So look you don't have to put them down...we are more than happy to take them in and care for em like they were our own." Offered the surprising bandit over the radio.

"So mental health services are...nonexistent among everyone BUT bandits? Isn't that tad...ironic?"

"Well duh you where you do think all those exiled crazy people end up? They can't care for them and they might become a threat. So they just kick them out like trash. So we do know more than most. Kinda have to if you deal with as much crazy bullshit as we do on daily basis."

The infested officer takes note of this discovery...this is not good. It's likely the other forces are going to have no luck and the best you could find is...from the scum of the wastes. Now lets see who would most likely still know that stuff....old world remnants would be the best bet. Hopefully, they still have some records. Otherwise, you really don't like the odds of finding a miracle still functioning mental health institute post-apocalypse. Well, guess that decides the next target then. After being reinforced by bandit forces and 'borrowing' some mental specialized personnel. The forces moved out once more.

Meanwhile, the rest of the clones were having no such luck. As they were fired upon approach. Forced to breakthrough and later withdraw after finding out that of course there is nobody like that around here or any of the nearby settlements for that matter. As a result they make camp and licked their wounds. While pondering upon the lack of healthcare in the wasteland. Especially mental healthcare. Luckily their comrades had better luck and after information was passed around. Changes to the plan were made. As the forces were reorganized and dispatched once more.

Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>3743900
Woops.
--------
As a result after visiting some more of the strangely helpful bandit communities. They had a new target in mind. As they went forward with new friends(?) and searched for any old-world remnants that might know something....maybe. Hopefully. As such all their forces were gathered together and after seeing the insane defenses. They seriously considered whether or not to call in the zombie horde.

"Wowza. You guys are hardcore. You got like...two armies worth here...no wait three with us around. I mean shit who the fuck pissed you all off this badly?" Asks as a chief bandit at the meeting for commanders.

"Oh them they didn't have anything they just might have something we need. As such we need to take it. Plus this isn't all our forces. We are still debating whether or not we should call in one more army."

"MIght and even more armies? HAH oh, you guys are fucking great. So why haven't even heard of you fuckers before?"

"We are obviously new. Now our personal objective is any data they have on the mind and healthcare personnel. We NEED those people. Now right now our targets are Corporate City of Light, Morstho Military Base, and city-state nation of PAB. We are trying to find that one elusive bunch of Think Tanks who know don't have some of what we need. Goddamn, are they good at hiding though."

"Best bet is starting with the military base. If you go after the Corps before them they'll hire those guys as backup. They MIGHT help the city-state. Trust me you don't want those military assholes left in your rear or they will fuck you."

"Hm if we go for the first we might not have the men to take on anyone else and there is still a good chance of failure. Their defenses are easily among the best of the area and their manpower while low is all expert fighters. We will have to soak up an absurd amount of damage before we could even engage. Unless throw in some fodder first to soak up the bulk of the damage...we have a solution to that. Just keep your guys far away alright? Don't blame me if they die."

"Hm fine here I thought we would be using the heavies. Alright now for splitting up the loot..."

....

Sometime later a zombie horde appeared in the distance as they plodded forward in the direction of the military base. While the allies hung way back so as to not be noticed by them. The other infested meanwhile kept their eye on the horde and mingled within as a disguise. While the infested monsters were quietly waiting in the flanks after hiding themselves. Waiting for the right moment to burst out and charge. Soon the target was insight and artillery was sent forth. After their attempts to lead the horde away utterly failed.

Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>3743956
Dat 100...well okay so much for me hoping the enemy wouldn't roll too poorly. This is gonna be one epic battle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmoBaS8_ZNI
------------------
>Paramilitary Remnant Morthus VS Infested and Bandits

The zombies charged forward howling. Even as they ignored the explosions, shrapnel, and gunfire mowing them down in mass. They didn't care. The thought of fresh meat that wasn't any of that disgusting nutrient solution that they could only have just enough to keep them healthy. Drove them into a frenzy even before the smell of blood, flesh, and guts spread throughout the air. If it was only just a zombie horde the paramilitary soldiers would have likely been successful in their defense. Alas they weren't alone...even as the zombies ran over landmines and tore through wired fencing. Earthworks and barricades. As they never stopped running towards the base. Paving the way their very corpses and blocking countless firepower with their very bodies.

As a result the bandits, clones, and even the monsters were able to close in with ease. No longer worrying about the traps and using the zombies as meatshields they were able to rapidly close in on the base.

"Alright you sorry bastards. Gear up properly now we got to march through the zombie corpse miasma. SO unless you want to turn into a zombie. Put your shit on properly or bite a bullet from yours truly. Those goddamned zombies have oh so kindly paved us a way in and still providing cover for us at this moment. Still, keep your distance lest they decide to chew our faces off instead of the enemy." After saying such and making sure their forces were wearing the proper protection. They followed the mutants(infested clones) in. While the monsters carefully crept their way in and tried to stay hidden as best they can. Preparing to make quite the surprise.

Behind enemy lines.

"Fuck when the hell did Zeds show up among bandit forces? I mean shit. They also brought in mutants? So many goddamn mutants...where the fucking hell did they even FIND that many of them? Fuck just dealing with mutants alone would have been a real challenge," complains a soldier as fires upon the encroaching hordes. "Fuck we need more bullets there is just so goddamn many of them...where the hell is our air support?"

"Getting getting torn to shit by monster flyers and AA. Goddamn, can those bandit guns spew forth shit loads of bullets into the air," points out another soldier as a crashing bomber plummets into the horde and violently explodes. "I mean seriously its practically a bullet hell up there."

The soldiers, turrets, and heavy fire support desperately fired upon the encroaching forces. While the zombies were mowed down they sacrificed themselves to give a smooth path of entry for the incoming forces. Still, they suffered virtually no losses and were successfully holding them back...for now. Their superior equipment, defenses, and training make the world of difference.

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>3744011
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojL5Y5HvOlE
Just as the surviving zombies were about to finally make it to the walls. A large hulking figure appeared and made a huge leap. Flying through the air he came down with such force it left a huge crater behind. Blasting the zombies into a fine blood mist.
>WARNING
>HEROIC UNIT DETECTED
>WARNING

Once he landed the soldier charged forward and tore apart any who stood in his way with ease. It seemingly didn't matter how many zombies threw themselves at him and how much gunfire he ate from the forces further behind. Still, after great sacrifice, they finally got some breathing room after stalling him. Even so, the sheer volume of troops he's tearing apart at every second was extraordinary. Just one man managed to turn the entire battlefield into a meatgrinder. When you throw up another meatgrinder on top of that...

"About time that prick shows up. Time for the big guns. Say you guys must also have something planned right?"

"Hm well yes but I was hoping to not have to use it." With that suddenly a loud storm of beeping erupts from the entire battlefield. The bandits bring out their literal big guns that focused fire at the hero with the most devastating ordinance they had. That was when everything suddenly went red. Followed by a series of booms erupted everywhere. A thick mist of blood appeared throughout the battlefield. The monsters started their charge while hiding within the bloody infested mist. Within the bloody mist...the surviving zombies suddenly went quiet as a thick power radiated from them. As something was...poured into them. So much so they visibly changed and became something...else.

>Avatars of HUNGER joins the battle

It was when they suddenly vanished hellishly loud shriek emerged from them all. It was a howl that pierced the mind itself and shook the soul. Suddenly on top of the walls bloody red appeared shrieking before diving into the troops and defenses there. Tearing into them. While within the gory torn up ground and blood-soaked soil...something stirred. As it began to piece itself together...thanks to the infestation. Something most unexpected would soon burst from below. As something down there was forming...

>>3744011
Well, now we got the attention of humans that I assume didn't know about us before. Maybe we can use the bandits as a scapegoat if the other humans are strong enough for a counter attack. I'm not so sure we REALLY kicked the hornets nest because they think we're "mutants" (unless Zeds indicates they know we're brood). And in a pinch, the spoils can serve as hostages once they've done their mind healing thing. Also the spoils can serve as genetic samples if we need any of those.

>>3744063
And that assumes we complete our objective at all.

Also I should really wait till QM is done posting. Sorry about that.

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>3744057
"Fuck Avatars of HUNGER! You gotta be fucking kidding me there is a controller in that horde? What kind of controller would be stupid enough to sacrifice their own horde? FUCKING BULLSHIT blood fog I can't see shit and somehow there is something in there interfering with the sensors. Explosive goddamn zombies and who knows what the fuck else will come out next, " complains a soldier as he desperately tries to find a target to shoot at within the thick bloody fog that shrouds the battlefield completely.

The paramilitary forces for their part. Upon realizing their sensors were being disrupted by the Bloody Fog. Quickly switch over to area effect weapons and munitions while they kept on firing. Their air support took advantage and assumed that it also blinded them. Thereby allowing them to perform bombing runs. Only to promptly get fired upon with disturbing accuracy from within the fog. Meanwhile, they failed to notice how the fog is slowly but surely creeping forward...almost as if it were alive.

From within the fog itself meanwhile, bandits bitched and complained about not being able to see shit. Yet they carefully followed behind the mutants(clone) who somehow saw just fine. In fact, they even used AA to fire at something above. Still, at least they proved quite the helpful guide. Sadly the explosions and wide-area shots were proving annoying, yet at least it wasn't as bad as before. Plus those weird zombie things seemed to be doing a great job at holding down the hero. As such, they made excellent time and failed to notice the creeping monsters all around them. As they moved like unseen ghosts within the fog.

Soon the forces closed in on the walls crowded with defensive installations. There the clones stood and kept their distance as if they were waiting for something...soon that something emerged once the fog contacted the shields. As the shields burnt away the fog with its potent energies. The monsters strode forward before pouncing. Strange energy blasts warped from those in the lead blasting temporary holes within the shield and they were followed behind by countless others. As they climbed and leaped onto the walls. Abruptly ambushing the defenders above as they tore the defensive installations hanging on the walls apart. Before climbing ontop to pounce on those there. The monsters who weren't so lucky as to be able to slip through attacked the shields and protected those behind them with their bodies. Offering some protection to the clones and bandits who hung back to shoot. As they all shot whatever they had to break through the shields as quickly as possible.

Deep within the fog meanwhile, a great battle was waged between a single man against particularly nasty monsters and Avatars of HUNGER. Who all failed to notice how the blood and gore were gradually disappearing on the battlefield with disturbing speed. As quickly something was forming underneath.

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>3744102
With the abrupt ambush of the monsters who also devastated some of their defensive installations. The soldiers on the wall abruptly found their attack on the forces below had stalled. While the soldiers within the base desperately tried to remove the monsters or continue their bombardment of the mist. Which somehow kept on reforming no matter how many incendiary and airburst shells were launched at it. Indicating it was no mere normal blood fog. Yet despite the temporary chaos among their ranks they quickly reformed and they promptly starting to wipe out the monsters on the wall. Even as some try to dash away further inside the base.

That was when suddenly many strangely garbled screams emerged from the blood fog. Surprising everyone as they all pause trying to figure out what the hell that was coming from. When they quickly noticed that not even their enemy seemed to have planned this. A strange sense of unease spread even as the fighting never ended. That was until scream came from the paramilitary radios as a loud voice urgently alerted that he was apparently coming in hot. Nobody was sure what that meant exactly until the hero appeared from above breaking through the shield and landed harshly as before desperately turning his way up and opening fire at something he knew was close behind him.

Sure enough, a scattering of hulking monstrosities splashed down around him before picking themselves up and regenerating from disturbing ease. The rest weren't so lucky or accurate with their pursuit. As they smashed into the shields before pulling themselves away and returning to the blood fog. It was then that everyone realized the garbled screams were coming from them. As those who entered promptly pounced upon the hero and the other soldiers concentrated fire to bring down those...things as quickly as possible. Yet they could take an astounding amount of punishment before even one dropped.

From within the bloody fog soon more of the things appeared among the monsters as they smashed into the energy shield with astounding strength. Proving yet a new enemy to the soldiers to fire at except these ones were extremely hard to kill. With them present though soon the shields started flickering. As they could no longer bear the burden. As sounds of alarm emitted from the base as soldiers prepared for it falling. Soon that was exactly what happened. Allowing the monsters and monstrosities who were left behind to catch up as they jumped/climbed onto the walls.

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>3744129
Meanwhile deep within the blood fog. Monstrous arms broke the soil and pulled themselves out. Revealing yet more those monstrosities before they headed towards the battlefield. Joining the eager bandits and calm clones as they advanced forward. Preparing to break down the gate, climb the walls, and go inside. With the defenders desperately trying to hold them back. It was then the soldiers showed their real teeth. As countless defensive installations deeper within came online and fired. As the walls themselves suddenly started to churn and move. Crushing and slicing whatever poor bastard was trying to come up. Revealing inside hidden defensive installations that now came online.

Meanwhile yet more paramilitary vehicles started to drive up the modified walls and open fired. Providing a confusing terrain for the attackers and precious support to the defenders. While the more fortunate vehicles who didn't need to climb up to attack properly simply adjusted their firing field and open fired. As now the true location of the bulk of the forces was finally revealed. Resulting in huge problems for the attackers. As they now were suffering such heavy casualties where previously the monsters, zombies, and special fog bought them precious lives saved. Now it was finally time to pay with interest. As an overwhelming amount of firepower was unleashed down on top of their heads.

Things became even worse when the hero joined the battle after finishing off his earlier pursuers. He was able to do a lot of damage before the new monstrosities and some of the monsters caught up. Sacrificing themselves so as to delay him and hold him back. As the rest desperately tried to finish overrunning the defenses.

"Hey soon its gonna be time for action. With the losses we are facing I don't think we can finish them off completely, but we should be able to by us some time to pillage what we can before we withdraw. Best make it quick too because trust me you do NOT want to fight them within their home maze. Frankly, we don't have the time. Gotta admit though I really thought we could have ended them but fuck me these sons of bitches are tough. Especially that goddamn hero. Fucking super soldiers I tell yah. We are quickly running out of tough sons of bitches to delay him and when that happens its gonna be a slaughter for us. As we won't be able to slow him down for shit once they're gone. So get ready we gotta be fast and it's gonna be soon."

Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>3744164
Sure enough, the bandit was right. It didn't take long before the defenders rather than sacrificing themselves on the compromised external defenses. Withdrew to their internal ones. Buying precious opportunities to rush inside and pillage before they could properly react. The bandits unsurprisingly were the fastest as they threw themselves forward and advanced with lightning speed to the juicy loot. While the heavy bandits held back and secured the exit when not making shots at the nearby hero. To help keep him occupied.

The infested followed behind and spread out. Taking advantage of the hivemi9nd to cover as much ground as possible to find what they were looking for. When not clashing with the internal defenses and defenders. They quickly zeroed in on their targets. Which was two of the most fortified facilities in the entire place. The hospital was crawling with defenders and their data storage weren't far behind. The bandits meanwhile shied away from the hardest targets and instead swept through everything else with disturbing speed before rapidly gathering to make a push at the most well defended locations. They clearly had different targets than you. Notably, they were drooling over the armory and garages. Whose defenses were such you had to give them some serious credit.

As such your forces attacked both places and desperately sought to overwhelm the defenders just enough to slip some guys through who can find what you need. You're lucky in that unlike the bandits what your after is quite portable. Plus with having so many critical facilities targeted at the same time. It really gave the defenders a hard time as they were forced to divide their forces. Which was when the paramilitary unleashed one last surprise for you all to enjoy.

>WARNING
>COMBAT CYBORGS DETECTED
>WARNING

If you thought the previous soldiers were fucking strong. They looked like babies compared to the cyborgs. All of whom were ancient veterans who couldn't stand retirement. Hence volunteering for the conversion. With their new bodies and tons of gear, they were horrifying foes to face. Many of them weren't even using humanoid bodies as their humanity was so little by now. Instead preferring bodies that were much more suited for war. They were followed by combat bots who also emerged and attacked. They were like Brood with their specialized purposes but worse because they had no weaknesses of the flesh. As a result of quite the headache to deal with. Especially with the Brood sucking so hard at the technology that isn't bio.

Combine that with the confusing maze and fresh internal defenses. It was not a pleasant experience. You could only be happy about how divided their forces were forced to become in order to deal with you all at the same time. If not you could very well have failed if they chose to consider you the priority. Instead, you took advantage of the precious opportunity to finish the break in.

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>3744199
Which enabled you to grab personnel to interrogate(mentally) to figure out who to actually go after. Turned out they DID have someone here apparently to do deal with mental traumas and something called PTSD. They have a doc on staff who handles the mental meds and someone else to council them. Sure enough, the remnants did indeed have some of what you were looking for. Too bad its not nearly as much as what you got from the bandits but it's like they actively collect crazy people as they do...so it's understandable albeit annoying. Of course, much time was wasted on trying to hunt them down. In the end, you got a doc and a therapist. By the time you were forced to withdraw from medical.

The ones who targeted the data stores were lest fortunate. Mostly due to the vast amount of encryption that was deployed. Very time consuming to deal with. The time which you do not have or frankly are very good at dealing with. As a result what you harvested from there was pitiful albeit mostly due to all the encryptions. After that, you had to hurry GTFO since the hero was almost freed and you were very low on things that could slow him down.

The bandits surprisingly were slower than you at leaving. Probably due to all the heavy shit they stole. Which seemed to be the case. After leaving a whole lot of boom to blast the hero far away buying you precious time to run like hell. You were finally able to make your escape. Allowing for a proper headcount. Which came as to Zombies status: annihilated. Monsters status: Devasted. Clones status: Heavy casualties.

In exchange, you got many so-called 'mind pros' from the bandits. 1 Psychologist. 1 Therapist. After heading back to recuperate and gain reinforcements. The bandits also separated from your forces and asked to be invited along any time. Apparently, they quite enjoyed the devastatingly difficult battle for some reason. Talk about a bunch of battle maniacs. Still you were able to take them back...and after their arrival. It was only then that everyone realized they specialized in human psychology and not Brood...so their actual utility was questionable.

What do?
>Get more
>Try anyway
>Create a new field
>Infest them
>Other?

>>3744223
>>Create a new field
We are about to make a whole new branch of pychology, Brood pychology!

>>3744229
psychology I meant psychology

Is there any indication that the humans know that the planet has Brood? Yeah they just got attacked, but this planet is FALLEN WORLD.
The "Zed" thing has me worried.

>>3744244
The world is so fucked that I doubt they will jump straight to it's the brood.

Also are you on board for making a new field of psychology?

>>3744249
So what does Zed mean? I thought it might mean infested. But maybe these are space canadians or something and so Zed stands for Z (and means zombies)

>>3744251
Zed in this context means zombie. In American zombie fiction zed is sometime used instead of zombie.

>>3744256
Atleast that's what I think it means.

>>3744223
>Do those geneticists or whatever still want clean human samples? If so, maybe take a blood or spit sample and give it to the lab boys (assuming this won't get the humans infested or something).
>Ask the humans what "Zeds" means.


I don't think we should acquire more humans. It was pretty costly. We can infest later. So right now I'm looking at "try anyway" and "create a new field" and I'm wondering how much time we have left (be it from a counter attack or the hive just going to shit because the queen isn't keeping things up and running). If we have plenty of time, I'd go with create a new field. If zed means infested, that might mean they know brood are here, and thus indicate a counter attack could be coming sooner rather than later.

>>3744266
I feel like we have some time before things start to fall apart give we have the overmind and the ecosystem overseer keeping everything in balance. Which is why I want to try for creating a new field

>>3744274
makes sense. I'd like to just ask the humans what "Zeds" means and then decide if I want to create a new field or go with the "try anyway".

>>3744256
Are you sure US zombie fiction uses "zed"? I'm pretty sure that in the US we don't say "zed" in almost any context. We say "zee".
(Hence my comment about space canadians https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/zed ).

>>3744275
I feel like world War Z had a few different names for zombie and zed was one of them. Then again it's like 2 am and I am not thinking the clearest

>>3744266
"Zeds are the sick fucks who keep zombies as pets and use them. Usually, they appear among bandits but there are others who've been known to manipulate them."

>>3744244
Let me put it this way. There is a reason why the hero ran like hell when he noticed those monstrosities and he knows they are very suspicious. Everything else can be explained away. As mutant/bandit bullshit. That was the only thing that doesn't add up.

>>3744320
Guess that means humans might call in buddies and start snooping around. I'm guessing it might be too late to silence the red flag. So no sense throwing away lives trying to wipe out survivors. Attempting a cover up might draw even more attention and bring a faster response. Hopefully the fact we were co-operating with human bandits will slow down those military guys from admitting the reality that the FALLEN WORLD has The Brood in addition to all the other bullshit it's been throwing at them. I doubt it's common for Brood to work in joint operations with humans, even if those operations are against other humans.

In that case I'd like to go with
>Try anyway
>Also still want to do that sample thing if we haven't done it already (and if it won't harm the humans).

>>3744358
forget the "In that case"
that post does have my vote(s) though.

>>3744358
That is actually your best alibi. Brood working with humans? Impossible. This is mostly due to the fact that if the Brood really needed some 'human' forces they would simply use infested instead.

The clones already gathered up samples from the battlefield. They almost wanted to bring back all that precious biomass but didn't have the time.

>>3744377
It's a good thing that sentry the champion talked to was high.

>>3744377
Can humans test dead creatures for that infestation organism that the brood relies on? Or does it die and decay too quickly?
Even if they could in principle test dead creatures, the humans here might not have the necessary resources to figure it out.

>>3744596
Like QM said we have a solid alibi. Let's take the time to create that new field of psychology so we do this right we have time man I'm telling you

>>3744063
Zeds refers to bandits who manipulate zombinoes

>>3745137
Exactly so we are in the clear for being detected. Also are you on board to the the new field plan?

>>3744377
Wow only one vote for actions? I mean come on.

>>3744377
Make the new field

>>3744229
+1
And
>try anyway

>>3745553

I count:
4 "new fields"
>>3744229
>>3744848
>>3746026
>>3745560

and 2 "try anyways"
>>3746026
>>3744358


Sorry that our voting hasn't been well organized.

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>3746661
Making a new field of psychology it is...oh boy guess we are all about to find out just how mindfucked the entire Brood is.
----------
Taking in the captive humans they were handed environmental suits by the infested clones. Who realized that getting mindfucked by the infestation will result in them not daring to...work on those two for obvious reasons. They were also given a warning not to breath the air, drink any fluids, or foods that are produced here. Instead they were given packaged 'safe' supplies that they can use. They didn't understand why until they saw the infestation growths expanding and infesting anything within range. At that point they shut up. Although the bandits seemed to be in awe of the whole thing. Saying something about how 'this is a fucking mutant lair I tell yah but one that is safe for humans to enter...kinda'. At least not as bad as the other ones we've seen.' Which resulted in the two paramilitary persons looking at them in even more disgust then ever before.

Apparently, these 'mutants' really aren't very popular now, are they? Only the bandits seem okay with them.

Now as for getting them to work. Well, we first tried out with some other Brood members first to verify their skills and see if they can do anything. Which resulted in the paramilitary people screaming in terror after glimpsing inside their minds. While the bandits all huddled up and talked about the work of a ' brilliant master psychosurgeons' and 'fucking alien minds'. Surprisingly they proved more useful than the remnants. At least they stated it was 'theoretically possible but we only know how to work with human minds not alien.' The other two..for some reason really didn't handle peering inside the Brood mind nearly as well as the bandits. Before stating that their knowledge and skills likely wouldn't have any effect because 'holy shit your minds are beyond fucked up and alien its impossible'.

As a result, a new field of psychology was created. As the two despite their disagreements over whether or not it's technically possible. At least agreed on the fact that a new field of psychology may help at least. Which according to them the Brood enslaves the minds of its members and suppresses individuality while at the same time encouraging 'change'. They claimed that uniqueness was result in being exterminated but the Brood laughed because any improvements would be shared with the rest of the Brood and flaws would be fixed. Silly humans. Still, if this misunderstanding only happened once that would be one thing but the problem is it kept happening over and over again.

The humans had a very hard time understanding the Brood mind. With the bandits warning that it will likely end in insanity as according to them 'anyone who peers into the minds of inhuman will suffer sanity damage and go MAD. Hell even if you just stick with other humans it makes you more then little eccentric much less alien ones.'

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>3746905
That’s another part of why Brood doesn’t develop many thinking organisms huh? If they incorporate the improvements developed by thinking organisms into the psychology of the whole hive mind then it’d shake itself apart with too many sentients.

There’s also the matter of how they detect improvements and then copy+propagate them through the entire hive mind. It’s probably (judging by the evolution process they employ) highly unpleasant for the individual and likely results in their end...which likely doesn’t matter to them because they seem to keep backups of all important individuals, so they probably just update the template and then spawn a new one with the improvements in place.

So they don’t see it as having their individuality suppressed but rather see it as having their individuality spread to the greater whole. While from a human perspective the individual dies and then their individuality is stripped by definition by everyone else adapting into it...accordingly creating a changed but still homogenous new whole.

Have our psychologists considered doing psychology on the brood in ways that don’t directly entail gazing into their minds? If they employ typical techniques of research and jot down their notes in words rather than gazing upon and directly absorbing thoughts it should preserve their sanity even if it slows down progress somewhat.

Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>3747148
The Brood hivemind demands unity more than anything. As a result of its highly collectivist and despises individuality. Hence sentience is the most restricted form of intelligence within the Brood as it leans towards developing individuality which endangers Unity. The Brood bluntly speaking is a highly advanced hivemind Intelligent self-conscious Ecosystem it requires the utmost UNITY in order to properly function and propagates itself. It's worth noting not that not even the 'leaders' of the Brood are able to escape this fact and are in fact easily replaceable. After all, organisms can be replaced no matter how 'important' so long as the ecosystem in which they function is intact.

As for individuality being spread throughout the Brood and hence death of the individual...that is mostly accurate. In truth what happens when one is absorbed by the Brood is they forcefully converted to join the Unity. The Self ceases to exist in its entirety and instead is replaced by the Brood(Unity). Strictly speaking its the purest death of self possible. As for what happened to the old self it is absorbed by the Brood. It is no longer strictly speaking limited to oneself but instead dismantled and spread through the Brood. As a result, the Brood's perspective, memories, and genetics are improved. The Brood is actually extremely brutal about this process and will reform the new being into one befitting the Brood and repurposed...otherwise they are recycled.

Now things get tricky however is what happens if the organism is cut off from the Hivemind? What happens if they need to 'pretend' to be a selfish individual? What happens if they are highly intelligent? As a result of this and many other considerations. The Brood had to make sacrifices...and implant some failsafe. This mostly came in the form of extreme mindfuckery and mental indoctrination. These 'lucky' individuals were given the ability to better function when cutting off from the Brood and function alone. In the form of extremely complex and thorough direct mental modifications and indoctrination. Basically, in short, they were mind raped to hell and back to be forever loyal and 'one with the Brood always'.

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>3749648
>>3746905
Now in terms of studying Brood psychologically. Very few...issues are easily translatable. One of the most notable is their intrinsic extreme compulsion and obsessive disorders. Brood members are completely and utterly consumed by the need to fulfill their 'purpose' the Brood. As well as carry out many tasks to the utmost and flawlessly as possible at infinity. Another is their seemingly mindlessly unquestionable loyalty and indoctrination to be of service to the Brood. Their lack of individuality is also tricky to quantify. Firstly due to the restrictions in place and secondly because its ALL shared with the greater HIvemind. This means even the smallest of quirks can easily be transferred and perfectly mimicked to perfection. This is most notable among more 'primitive' intelligent Brood members whose 'personality' and even experiences can change at will. As for the most intelligent of Brood members, they get to enjoy the self-awareness of their status and the inability to escape it. Arguably they're actually the most wretched of Brood Members simply because they know EXACTLY how fucked up they are but are incapable of doing anything about it. To put it simply...they are trapped, perfectly replaceable, and painfully aware of all of it.

As a result for those who try to resist are...purged completely and utterly. For even their very thoughts are known to the Brood and thus there is no escape. Infested are the ones who most often fall prey to this. As such the smarter members of the Brood are very...fucked up and eccentric. Their thoughts a confused maze as they desperately bounce around issues and yet at the same time try to resolve them. This mostly results in them in becoming by far the most twisted members in all of the Brood. See the less intelligent kin don't have that problem. They have their instincts, their purpose, and bit extra will to share with the greater Hivemind. Hence the appearance of the Brood is a bunch of cruel, insane, sadistic, vile, diabolical, abominations and etc. As they are the only ones who can communicate with outsiders and frankly they appear to be control. After all the 'dumb' ones aren't the ones in control are they?

Worst of all...they have no way to share the truth with others and there is no escape. So what can they do? Nothing...instead they attempt to dodge around the issue and adjust to their fate. In whatever way they can...which makes them oh so very twisted and eccentric as a direct result. So long as they fulfill their purpose and do not harm the Brood...the Brood simply doesn't care. If they stop serving its interests they are purged and replaced with someone who won't make the same mistake. Hence the fate of the intelligent members of the Brood is the most awful.

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>3749658
Hopefully, this explains the actions and thoughts behind how Brood and its members do things. Its a mixture of being incapable of avoiding their purpose and at the same time having to adjust to being incapable of escaping their fate. Once you throw in all the mindrape and alien mind. Well, there is a reason why its all beyond fucked up...and oh so fun to write(see having to mindfuck myself to get into their thought processes so much...fun!) to the point that a bunch of corrupted clones appears to be the only somewhat sane ones left.

As for avoiding mental gazing. Very few Brood can communicate without relying upon the Hivemind. Plus it will stick fuck up their minds trying to process their alien minds and way to of thinking. When you throw in the Brood mindrapes all its members' things get so much worse then it already is. After all 'adjustments' can occur at any time for any reason. So it's going to pretty miserable experience on the human psych no matter what.

As a result the poor clones were the busiest. Before finally having enough and capturing a normal human to infest to be an interpreter instead. Which everyone was happy with because apparently dealing with clones is a pretty miserable experience for humans for some reason. Even though they get along strangely well with the Brood humans are not so appreciative. Anyway the interpreters do their best to explain...

What do?
>Get more
>Try anyway
>Study Brood Psychology
>Infest them
>Other?

>>3751366
>>Study Brood Psychology
I think we do this one more study of the Brood mind then give it a go.

>>3751366
>Study Brood Psychology
Once this is done we'll be able to take our own heroic unit and fuck up the rest of the military base since they're probably weaker by now.

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>3751366
>Study Brood Psychology

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>3752155
fuck
>>3751388
Guess we are rolling now

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>3752433
I’ll show YOU how to roll

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20 KB PNG

>>3752865
you sure showed me, yup totally

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112 KB PNG

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>3751366
>>3752865
>>3753472
kek sure showed them kek

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>3752433
Guess we are

>>3751366
THE QM IS DEAD, LONG LIVE THE QM

>>3758503
Huh?

>>3759728
I was very tired when I posted that at the time I somehow thought it was funny. now I am just as confused as you are.

also, someone needs to archive this thread. no did it for the first two and they are gone forever

any suggestion for what tags should be used in the archive?

>>3760263
Maybe: Brood quest, brood champion, sci-fi, space/interplanetary, identity crisis

>>3760868
works for me

thread archived

As I'm catching up on what I missed. I found it funny that people thought there was no thread saves. Enjoy

Brood Quest 1
https://archived.moe/qst/thread/3587036/#3587036

Brood Quest 2
https://archived.moe/qst/thread/3627773/#3627773

Brood Quest 2.5
https://archived.moe/qst/thread/3665704/#3665704

Brood Quest 3
https://archived.moe/qst/thread/3728980/#3728980

Maybe this will net me some luck points to avoid rolling 1s at the start of the game. Assuming the links haven't been posted yet.

>>3766484
You are a god among men, seriously you have no idea how happy I am that the early threads are actually archived. when I saw that no had archived it on sup/tg/ I thought it was gone forever.

QM are you dead or just very busy IRL

>>3766725
The QM comes a goes randomly. It's how I ended up missing a good 2 weeks.

>>3766734
Yeah I know I was just hoping that his updates had stabilized

>>3766484
>archived.moe
I used to consider this website safe, but now I'm not so sure. (That opinion change did not happen just now)

>>3766902
whats wrong with it?

>>3766902
To be honest I trust sites, but not most ads they have to use to keep running. So I keep a script blocker and ad blocker on for that.

>>3766907
pop ups is my guess.

>>3766907
>>3767521
I've had Skype open all on it's own, complete with my computer camera indicator light coming on, when using that website. That wasn't a one time thing either.

>>3728980
Excuse the intrusion, you just made it to the quest timeline. Do you have a preference among your op's pictures or wish to make a title to mark your quest on it?

>>3771448
New thread.

>>3766725
Stuff came up and then technical difficulties.

>>3770706
I actually do it according to themes and cycle through different pics within the selected theme.