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Your name is Shu, and the skeletal, alien warrior that stands before you is one you thought you'd meet on the battlefield, on some far-flung corner of the pulsing, oozing Fleshscape. You expected them to ambush you near one of the cyclopean Waystations, emerging from the dark as their glittering, empty sockets shine out from the void.

What you did not expect was for the Hexane to teleport directly into your living room after dinner.

The warrior known to you as Charon and their kin as Reyva approaches you slowly, spreading their arms in a universal gesture of peace, their ashen cloak somehow fluttering in the absence of a breeze.

"Gina, are they...?" You begin, opening the Crimson Cord only to be met with the brunette's intensely analytical mind.

"Not tethers, no traps, nothing to bite us in the ass at first or fifth glance." She rattles off, her eyes flickering with Neuromantic amethyst. "Seems clear, but I still don't like this."

That makes two of you, even as you gently urge November and Francine to either side of you, parting them as you stride across the Dragon's Roost to speak with Charon, face-to-face. The being looms two heads over you, the gap closing as Charon ceases to levitate, content to place their feet on the Roost’s warm, obsidian floor.

“…How?” You ask, voicing the first question among hundreds that you have for the Waystations’ attendant and enforcer of this baroque game.

“Mother…Ozmas, she released all those that were under her contract.” Charon explains, hands still spread wide, more for your companion’s sake than yours. “When I realized what had happened, I tried to find you by traveling the waystations. When I couldn’t, I found one of the kinder Tindalos to attempt to earn their help. It appears that I am not the only unusual friend you’ve made, as Ringo led me to your side.”

You chance a look behind you, seeing Ringo happily wagging its tail next to Amara, who’s currently astride the massive inter-dimensional hound like it’s a small horse.

“As for why…I must confess I have no idea, Honored One.” The Hexane continues, kneeling before you. “I know I may be putting you at risk. I know this was selfish, but I wanted to…I needed to…words do not do what you have granted me any sort of justice, Honored One.”

While your family tenses, you relax into the gentle hug that Charon envelops you in, their cracked onyx skin pleasantly warm to the touch.

Previous Vein: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/3765579/

Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Body%20Horror%20Quest

Character Abilities: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15ctgm_liaNO0e0B6zAcIUrmfDN0tWiXds3L4FvogI2M/edit#gid=0

Trypophilic Hive, Ver. 2: https://pastebin.com/SJ5wvFxr

Relics, Ver. 4: https://pastebin.com/c4J9mpPK

Dual Techs: https://pastebin.com/2jZ5Zhyx

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bodyhorrorquest?lang=en
>>
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“I have much I wish to say, and I would imagine you have even more you wish to ask.” Charon intones, sitting across the couch from you as your family occupies the other half-circle of sofa. November and Francine flank either side of the warrior, clearly on edge despite your assurances, ones backed by Gina’s constant monitoring of the Hexane’s mindstate. Julia and Dorian are making tea while Amara cackles with joy as Ringo bounds around the room, while GG and Rath sit on your right and left, respectively.

“Reyva, I...we have so many questions.” You begin, leaning forward and placing your chin against your knuckles as you study the Artisan’s angular features.

“If I may make a humble request, before we begin?” They interrupt softly, holding up one bony hand. “While I introduced myself as Reyva, that was more to set your mind at ease regarding my freedom. While Reyva was the name I was assigned, Charon is the one I treasure.”

“Thank you, Charon.” You smile, feeling a flicker of happiness across the empathic channel.

“I’m glad you’re free…” Gina begins, hesitantly. “…though knowing Mother, I’m sure there’s mayo in this cupcake, so what’s the catch?”

Rath slowly turns to look at the brunette, horrified at the euphemism.

“Ozmas is still alive and in Mother’s Throne, I’m afraid. Now, while Ringo and I have been freed, there are a great many beings that have also been loosed that do not bear our goodwill towards the Honored Daughters.” Charon says, head tilting low. “Amalgams, remnants of previous Crucibles…a handful of particularly troublesome…mutations, shall we say. Combined with what you did in the capital, chaos is soon to sweep across your world in your Crucible’s death throes.”

“So was she aiming to free everything to spite us collectively, or is she working on another plan of hers?” You ask, leaning back and folding your arms.

“I…do not believe that was her intention.” Charon counters, primly folding their arms in their lap. “I do not believe Ozmas has any intentions at all, actually.”

“Are you sayin’ we broke the bitch?” Rath chuckles, and you nudge her lightly in the side as her mirth dies down, noticing Charon’s falling shoulders.

“She’s been broken for a long time.” They reply. “She went ‘all in’ as the Midnight Crew was fond of saying…and for her efforts, she lost everything.”

Silence hangs over you for a moment, the echoes of Amara’s laughter dimming as she and the hound dart into the little one’s room. You have so many questions…picking them carefully seems advisable to showering your guest with them, despite your desire to ask everything, all at once.

So, where do you begin?

>>Ask Charon about Mother/Ozmas, and what she’s planning.

>>Ask Charon about the Halos, why they were made and how they work.

>>Ask Charon what their plan is with their newfound freedom.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next two hours, with posting to resume shortly thereafter. This week will likely be a relaxed one, though I'm aiming for an evening of rapid-posting this Wednesday if that suits everyone. I hope you are doing well, and it's good to continue.)
>>
>>3805833
Write In
>"Listen Charon. We found your Diary.... Do you wish it back? If not, how safe is it to read?"

>"There are also a couple of the other ascendants that we have in our heads now. Do you wish to commune with them? BUt before we can get to that could you answer me this..."

>>Ask Charon about the Halos, why they were made and how they work.
I think mother has little plan but to bring this crucible to its end as fast as possible

And what they do with their freedom i s up to them. If theyx wish to tell us they can but its not the most polite to bring up first.

Also remnants of older crucibles....... Oh that can make for something good in my stories

>>3805846
If my doctor insits on extending my sick leave from work sure otherwise maybe
>>
>>3805833
>>Ask Charon about the greatest threats we might encounter now from the freed contractees, and if she knows of any that could be convinced to help too. she probably doesn't have a complete list but her time under the Crucibles thumb surly got her some info on this topic.
>>Ask her of any locations she knows of that might aid us.
she already said she doesnt think Ozmas is up to anything, and i feel like asking her her plans should come last. the Halos are important, but not as important as figuring out what threat or potential allies we have now, if so many potentially potent threats now are loose.

second one is obvious, the waystation attendant may not know of everyplace, but shes gotta know something or someplace we might be interested in.

>>3805846
sounds good, Wednesday should work for me at least.
>>
>>3805854
while it would be nice to let Charon talk to their potential friends, like i said, stuff like that and the Halos can wait til more pressing matters are resolved. save those questions for last id argue. it'll alos help the mood too. get the heavy weight off everyones shoulders with the heavy questions first, save the less straineous and even pleasant questions for the end, so it ends on a higher note, instead of bouncing back and forth with the tension of the conversation.
>>
>>3805867
You do make a good point about the potential dangers....

>>3805833
Ammending my vote from >>3805854
to
>>Ask Charon about the greatest threats we might encounter now from the freed contractees, and if she knows of any that could be convinced to help too. she probably doesn't have a complete list but her time under the Crucibles thumb surly got her some info on this topic.
>>Ask her of any locations she knows of that might aid us.
>>
>>3805833
>“While I introduced myself as Reyva, that was more to set your mind at ease regarding my freedom. While Reyva was the name I was assigned, Charon is the one I treasure.”
Damn it, Charon, stop flip-flopping on which name you want us to use! It's messing with our bookkeeping.

>>Write-In
>What sort of creatures got released? Were there specific dispersal points, or are they just emerging at random? Are all of them going to be hostile, or are there any that are neutral and just looking to survive?
>>
>>3805846
So to clarify:

Ozmas bet "all-in" on the Messiah Project, lost, and now she's spent the rest of her admin tokens releasing all the safety valves and freeing up everything that was once contained/restricted/contracted and then sits back to watch the fireworks.

Is that the impression that I'm getting?
>>
>>3805929
(You're fairly close to the truth, yes.)
>>
>>3805833
>What exactly was released a great many things out into the wild?
>Amalgams, mutations, remnants of previous crucibles...even contracted beings like yourself and Ringo?
>Those mutations you spoke of, I remember Ozmas asking me to pick a mutation that would affect the world. Ones that would release dream-based amalgams into the world, or a mutation that introduced a global famine to us daughters... would they all go into effect now that they've been released?

>>3805846
Wednesday is fine with me.

>>3805933
....we just basically unlocked the equivalent of Minecraft's Uber-Hardcore mode with all mutations and mods active haven't we?
>>
>>3805940
i think Charon meant mutations like the Pyreants, but but of a more dangerous and developed caliber. creatures, not rules changes. mutations as in, something from the crucible itself it locked up due to them changing in ways it didnt want, or something to that accord. it wouldnt make sense for rules changes to be something released alongside physical entities as their own thing... unless the rules of the crucible themselves are/are stored inside living creatures, in which case, that would be quite the twist.
>>
>>3805872
>Damn it, Charon, stop flip-flopping on which name you want us to use! It's messing with our bookkeeping.
Why how about we call her Charon Revya? Introduce it to the concept of having a first and last name.

>>3805833
>"There's a cultural practice of Humanity that rose about from social needs of naming as we gave ourselves a first name and a last name to both distinguish our individuality as well as make our lineage known, but I think it would fit you as well. You were assigned the name Reyva in the life before your Crucible, but you came to cherish the name we gave you in our Crucible...So how about Charon Revya? Charon; the name you cherish. And Reyva, the namesake of your Hexane lineage."
>>
>>3805948
Nah. I was mostly joking, I don't have a problem with calling them Charon. They don't want to be Reyva, let's not try to force it upon them. They've probably got a last name, anyway. The Hexane reproduce by clonal budding, I'm sure they have a way to signify "this person is descended from the unbroken lineage of ____".
>>
>>3805948
yeah lets not dilute the serious conversation with an unnecessary conversation over a human practice, especially not with a name they already made it sound like they dont want to be called.
>>
Amending this vote >>3805948 by opting not to say it bhop. >>3805833
>>
>>3805833
>"Did...Did Ozmas say anything to you before she released you from your contract?"

>What has exactly changed in the Crucible?

>>3805953
>>3805951
I would like to point out that convenient Fast Travel is no-longer available to the public masses because Ozmas released Charon from the job of being the Fast Travel Station attendant.
>>
>>3805987
>I would like to point out that convenient Fast Travel is no-longer available to the public masses because Ozmas released Charon from the job of being the Fast Travel Station attendant.
Charon was already not managing the waystations, they were off hunting disruptive elements. They're not actually needed, they're really only there to introduce people to the waystations' function. So I guess any new Daughters wandering on their own won't have the knowledge of what these weird chambers she keeps finding are, but she could still learn.
>>
>>3805987
i dont think thats true, i mean yes its much more limited, but Charon was not required, only neuromancy(and maybe skintalking?), which isnt so uncommon as to really assume it wont be used well enough. its already something usually put in a place alot might have trouble finding without being told or having neuromancy to find it anyways, so those that know about it most of the time peobably already have the tool necessary to use them.
>>
>>3806000
>>3805987
>>3805994
Still, PVP camping in the waystations is going to be a problem. The more ruthless daughters will be able to camp in sweet locations, render them into killzones and gorge themselves on easy kills.

Evil Dr. West would probably do that. And it is likely some other nefarious factions will try it too, unless a stop is put to it. In any case, it won´t do any good to the decent people in the crucible, and will only empower sociopaths.
>>
>>3805833
Supporting the majority consensus:
>Ask Charon about Mother/Ozmas, and what she’s planning.
Which is what >>3805863, >>3805872
>>3805987 have expounded on altered format.

BUT, once we are done, move onto:
>Ask Charon about the Halos, why they were made and how they work.
>>
>>3805846
Thanks again for your constant commitment to this quest, it is a delight to participate in this 30th vein...as it always has been.
>>
>>3806073
maybe but even if that is the case that hardly started now, as Charons been busy for awhile now... for us at least. maybe only a week if less IC, but still.

>>3806082
im sure we'll have much more important things to talk about than the Halos first still, even after these questions are answered.
>>
>>3805833

“These new threats…” You start, staring into Charon’s empty sockets. “…what sort of dangers are we talking about, and is there anything that’s been freed that we might be able to call a friend?”

“Of their number, there are three that are of particular import due to the danger they pose.” Charon elaborates, giving a polite nod to Julia and Dorian as the two of them return with tea for all present, with the young man’s elongated arm holding most of the teacups and saucers along its motile length. “Amalgams, to be loosed upon the Fleshscape in the event of a threat to its proper continuation. One by land, one by sea, one by air. Each one possessing enough power to challenge an army.”

“Good to know, since we got one hell of an army right here.” Rath chimes in, gesturing at the rest of your family.

“So what constitutes a threat to the Crucible, exactly?” Gina asks, pondering your guest’s words. Charon shrugs.

“The Crucible’s strain is but one of the many things floating in the vastness of the universe, Honored Daughter. While the Crucible is certainly powerful, it is not at the top of the food chain, as it were.”

“Any threats Mother unchained that we might be able to convert into friends?” You offer, deciding not to dwell on Charon’s ominous words for the time being as a ripple of unease moves through your allies.

“There are a number of Tindalos, though none as powerful as Amara’s Ringo. Among the Daughters, there are two of note; one, who I was told in short order attained all twelve abilities within a few days of awakening, and combined them all into a thing most terrible. The other, well…her power is nothing at all, to quote Ozmas. I am uncertain as to what she meant by that, but she alluded that it was a thing that should not exist in the framework of the Crucible, as is. I am uncertain as to whether or not they could be swayed to be allies like the Tindalos, but it may be worth trying.”

“Any locations of note that might be useful to us?” Gina queries, taking out her phone and opening her detailed maps.

“Quite a number, and as master of the Waystations I shall be happy to grant you access to as many as I can, though my connection to them is waning as the last vestiges of my constraints leave me.” Charon replies, and you can practically feel them smile across the empathic channel.

(Continued)
>>
>>3806129

“I may not be able to give you a direct route to the Cord, but I can certainly help you get closer without having to busy yourselves with fighting through that which is beneath you. However, if you’re looking for places to strengthen yourselves before your ascension of the Cord then I know of a Tier 4 Forge that is quite easy to access, though I must confess I do not know its current status, as the location was quite contentious to a number of factions. Additionally, I also can bequeath the location of an Amalgam spawning zone, devoted to creating custom-built Amalgam’s for the current Mother’s whims. It might be an excellent place to acquire some unique abilities, as my friend Silvis can attest to.”

“Speaking of which, we have a few new buddies you might want to say ‘hey’ to at some point.” Rath interjects. “Silvis is one cool dude, I’m sure he’d love to catch up.”

“I would…yes. Yes, that would be greatly welcome.” Charon replies with a bow, their subdued enthusiasm carrying a tinge of sadness with it. “However, I wish to be as of much service to you and yours as I can while I am here.

“You’re talking like you won’t be sticking around.” You posit reluctantly.

“Indeed. I mentioned the Tindalos, earlier. I wish to take Ringo and gather their forces under the one they respect, and once done I will to go and right at least some of the many wrongs I committed under Ozmas’ control. Additionally, if there is even the slightest chance her reigns can find me again…then I would not wish to be present to pose a threat to those I care about. Thus, I believe it is best that I remain on the move, if only to do what is right by all involved."

You nod slowly as Charon gingerly takes the cup from the table, the porcelain container held between slender fingers.

“What else do you wish to know? I am an open book to you, Honored Daughter…” Charon offers, raising their cup to their lips as you watch the liquid float up to and filter through their teeth in an aqueous blob. “…at long last. I must admit, it’s pleasing to have the freedom to ‘spill the tea’, as I have heard some younger Daughters say.”

Charon glances down, regarding the rest of the liquid in their cup.

“I do not wish to spill a single drop of this, however. It is quite lovely, my compliments to the creator.” They amend, and Julia just gives a little bow to the Hexane as she makes no effort to hide her appreciative smile.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next two hours. I mentioned that this Vein will be a relaxed one, as my work schedule this week is shaping up to be quite the opposite. Thank you for bearing with me and for your participation, as always.)
>>
>>3806140
>"to put things bluntly before continuing, besides those three big Amalgams, are there any other immediate threats to our plans for the Cord and Crucible we ourselves can help take care of... and any we should still know about, that we cant?"
>"You said Mutations? mind explaining that a bit? we recently ran into some pyreants we have... formed a bit of a relationship with. to put it bluntly, to call them amalgams anymore in the standard sense of the word wouldn't fit. does the Cord collect such things usually, at least if they get... out of hand?"
>"related to it, and to our plan for the Cord once we ascend, while i understand its a bit of a broad question but, is there any mechanics or workings of the crucible you think we should know, that we may not know as far as you are aware, or may be far from easy to learn, that your unique position and experiences might of given you knowledge of? Gina could use her neuromancy to quickly fill you in on what we do know, if you think it would help."


>>3806144
oof, sorry to hear that.

im a bit confused by Charons wording by the way. was Charon just taking the opportunity to list daughters of note they knew about, or as was related to our question were those daughters for some reason under Ozmas control?
>>
>>3806140

I like these questions>>3806162 as well.
>"to put things bluntly before continuing, besides those three big Amalgams, are there any other immediate threats to our plans for the Cord and Crucible we ourselves can help take care of... and any we should still know about, that we cant?"
>"You said Mutations? mind explaining that a bit? we recently ran into some pyreants we have... formed a bit of a relationship with. to put it bluntly, to call them amalgams anymore in the standard sense of the word wouldn't fit. does the Cord collect such things usually, at least if they get... out of hand?"
>"related to it, and to our plan for the Cord once we ascend, while i understand its a bit of a broad question but, is there any mechanics or workings of the crucible you think we should know, that we may not know as far as you are aware, or may be far from easy to learn, that your unique position and experiences might of given you knowledge of? Gina could use her neuromancy to quickly fill you in on what we do know, if you think it would help."

If there is enough time i would also like to ask this

>"Actually Ringo. You mentioned your kind were the first skintalkers. Do you have any words you could teach to my litle girl here?" Pat Amara on the head

>"And if you dont mind your kind has curious powers. Do you consider the non sentient lesser Tinadlos Kin? If not would you mind pointing us towards a couple non sentient lesser Tindalos? I would to have some of thsoe abilites for ourselves they would be quite useful tools to navigate the Fleshscape and the cord"

Not sure if we have asked Rignop this before so just writing it in in case we have not

>"Will you download the coordinates to us? So we can check on these places on our own time."

>"Listen Charon. We found your Diary.... Do you wish it back? If not, how safe is it to read?"
>>
>>3806162
(The two Daughters they mentioned were of note because they'd been sealed away by Mother, though the hows or whys have not been elaborated on yet.)
>>
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>>3806129
To guess as to what one of those Mega-Amalgams is like: one that's made from the massive plankton blooms that can be seem from space.
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>>3806170
How much did that cost Ozmas?

That must have been expensive as all hell to interfere like that....

Also a daughter that is nothing at all? Sounds like a void elemental or something similar
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>>3806175
Perhaps it's an Anti-Matter Generator. The direct opposite of a Radiant Generator
>>
>>3806170
oh, yeah now that IS interesting. ill get to that in a bit, as interesting as that is, its not the most important questions to ask right now.

>>3806169
Ringos not in the room, he went to go play with Amara in Amaras room.

geezus that must be a cuteness overload scene. theres probably over a dozen Amaras wearing Ringo and FuzzBuzz to the bone with their antics right now, in the best ways possible.

>>3806175
maybe, though it feels more like that was pointing to her odd powerset. it could be her abilities are basically anything, not necessarily related to 'nothing' themselves, but that she means she has no crucible based powers, hence she is 'nothing' to the crucible.

could be an alien half breed or something. or some poor fool so genetically fucked they werent recognized as human. while the crucible can obviously handle different species i can still see something totally out of place like that throwing it for a loop. plenty of other possibilities too though, mind you.
>>
>>3806175
(I'd love to explain, but I am afraid elaborating on that would be spoilers. My apologies, as I was in the middle of typing up an explanation when I realized most of what I was typing were egregious spoilers.)
>>
>>3806129
>“Amalgams, to be loosed upon the Fleshscape in the event of a threat to its proper continuation. One by land, one by sea, one by air. Each one possessing enough power to challenge an army.”
It's a shame that we've already been calling the big aquatic Amalgams "leviathans", because this would fit perfectly for Behemoth, Leviathan and Ziz. Now we've got to either find a different trio or break the pattern when it comes to the sea monster. Let's see, how about Arabic myth with the three beings that support the Earth on their back? Kujata the cosmic bull for land, Bahamut the world-fish for sea, and...shit, can't find a name for the third creature, the angel who would stand for the sky monster. I'll keep looking.

>“The Crucible’s strain is but one of the many things floating in the vastness of the universe, Honored Daughter. While the Crucible is certainly powerful, it is not at the top of the food chain, as it were.”
Damn it, I was so hoping I was wrong about that and there wasn't an entire ecosystem of world-eaters. Well, something for future humanity to fight, I guess.

>“There are a number of Tindalos, though none as powerful as Amara’s Ringo.
Ringo's the strongest of them? While neat, they certainly don't seem that strong. Unless Ringo went through a big power leveling session since working with us, this just adds further unreliable narrator status to Proxy Uzu's account of entering the Cord. Wonderful.

>ne, who I was told in short order attained all twelve abilities within a few days of awakening, and combined them all into a thing most terrible
I remember you hinting at her. Oh, I want to meet this lady, she sounds cool.

>The other, well…her power is nothing at all, to quote Ozmas. I am uncertain as to what she meant by that, but she alluded that it was a thing that should not exist in the framework of the Crucible
Maybe some sort of dieback apoptosis code, accidentally incarnating in a Daughter's abilities? Like there's some system that just shuts down the Crucible's functions, and so her powers are to deactivate Crucible biology and bring about nothingness?

>>3806140
>Additionally, I also can bequeath the location of an Amalgam spawning zone, devoted to creating custom-built Amalgam’s for the current Mother’s whims. It might be an excellent place to acquire some unique abilities, as my friend Silvis can attest to.
Huh? Shouldn't all the Amalgams already be spawned, if Ozmas has stopped actively administering the Crucible?
>>
Sorry about the bamboozle.

>>3806144
>There are a number of Tindalos, though none as powerful as Amara’s Ringo.
Wow. Ringo is best 4-D Spess Doggo.

> Among the Daughters, there are two of note; one, who I was told in short order attained all twelve abilities within a few days of awakening, and combined them all into a thing most terrible. The other, well…her power is nothing at all, to quote Ozmas. I am uncertain as to what she meant by that, but she alluded that it was a thing that should not exist in the framework of the Crucible, as is. I am uncertain as to whether or not they could be swayed to be allies like the Tindalos, but it may be worth trying.”
mfw that one homebrewed daughter idea where some anon made a ungodly omni-hybrid of the 12 core classes is a game-ender

>mfw the other game-ender daughter is "nothing special, yet scared Ozmas so much that they had to seal her away".

Jesus, I think we've fed Bhop a few too many good ideas when it came to endgame daughters.

>>3806162
I think Ozmas was taking the time to give note of powerful daughters that it knew about.

>>3806181
>>3806175
Or it could be a daughter that corrupts Crucible rules and reasoning into non-functionality just from existing.
>>
>>3806196
We will see because she sound interesting as all hell even if she does not want to join forces

AS a GM i can understand that feeling very well. I have to bite myself on the lip more oten than not to not reveal a spoiler to the plot in my own games

>>3806205
>>3806207
Yes insane characters are "fun" to write

And we may have fed OP ideas but i think he still came up with more ideas of his own
>>
>>3806202
>Space threats.
yeah, the other space organisms also could easily explain the crucible. its using those its consuming as a method to improve itself against other threats. a sad but simple explanation perhaps.

>Ringo
you have to remember we were told the Tindalos are severely nerfed compared to their natural power level due to being constrained into a crucible conforming body. its possible because of this, those in the cord are less constrained aswell.

>amalgam spawning
we know the crucible has an automated system though, it clearly controls when its ready to stop making them. its also simply a factory, could be all amalgams she made were made then then teleported to location.
>>
>>3806178
I think an antimatter Generator would just be a different flavor of Radiant damage. Annihilation reactions create a lot of radiation, after all. It might be a negative energy Generator, though. Negative energy is a hypothetical form of energy invoked in some models of space-time, and which the harnessing of could allow for the manipulation of space for things like extradimensional storage or teleportation. Things we know are possible in this setting. But negative energy cancels out an equal amount of positive energy when they come into direct contact, creating nothing instead of leaving behind an explosion like with antimatter. Someone who could manipulate that would be pretty terrifying, there's no sort of physical defense you can use against negative energy. The only chance you have is that negative energy reacts the opposite way to forces that you'd expect. Gravity makes it fall upwards, pulling on it sends it away from you, etc.
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>>3806207
nah, BHOP already had a 'all hybrid' daughter thought up when i posted that. a bit of a shame, but in a good way, as BHOP seems to already have ideas for everything, hes not one thats easy to throw an entirely new idea at it seems.
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>>3806140
>it’s pleasing to have the freedom to ‘spill the tea’, as I have heard some younger Daughters say
Okay, I thought that this was Charon just getting confused about "spill the beans", but it turns out that "spill the tea" is actually an idiom meaning "to gossip" coming from the gay communities of Texas. Charon, how many gay Texans have you been talking to?
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>>3806250
Charon has a bit of a difficulty getting the exact idioms right. Also, consider the fact that literally all the daughters on the planet are genetically "female", so any relationship could technically count as "Gay (aka lesbian)"
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>>3806257
No, sure, we've got plenty of homosexuals in the Crucible, that's not what's getting me. Just the absurdity of Charon hearing this term frequently enough to have learned it.
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>>3806250
well to be fair, any Texans left alive have at least a 25-50% increased chance of being gay just by necessity if they want any romantic relationships, so its probably not that hard to come across a few. i really do feel sorry for the still overwhelming majority of daughters out there who are all straight though, their pickings are slim, very slim, for things that even resemble a human male.

>>3806265
Texas is a big place with alot of people, and would basically be a necessary travel point for any southern american daughters. might even have quite a few from africa and the rest of the eastern world coming up through there too, if many are trying to avoid being on the sea as much as possible, which actually probably is pretty common id think. the great oceans can be perilous even today in our world, cant be any better in the crucible.
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>>3806275
There's always the Construct Brothel houses in a settlement. Some Daughter who specializes in Phantasmal Conduit and Hive Mistress creation would likely set up shop and create sex dolls and Gigolos for the lonely souls...

I've taken the topic to a awkward tangent haven't i?
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>>3806285
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>>3806285
i mean, you're not wrong, its probably happening, but i think it falls under the 'Isabelle was naked 80% of the time she was in the story' category of 'best not actually mentioned too much.'
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>>3806140
Okay, a big one that I forgot I wanted to ask Charon and am feeling silly I didn't remember to until now:

>>Write-In
>"Charon, does the term "Mother of All" mean anything to you? We have the notes of a Daughter who entered the Cord and transmitted information back to a construct of hers. It gave us some details about the challenges the Cord presents, but towards the end of the journal the entries start getting weird and disjointed. The very last entry was these words: 'She wakes. She fights. She ascends. The Mother of All.' Does that mean something, did Professor Uzu have a revelation into the Crucible's nature up there?"
>>
>>3806140
Supporting>>3806169
and>>3806320
>>
>>3806140
>>3806320
supporting this. Hopefully it might be addressed.
>>
Finished the Omake for Luna Bonney's choice.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/10g11rbJ7oEyJg2nMNQ83YLuxSL15OQF6fL98R09EUc0/edit?usp=sharing

Give it a read and let me know what you think.

Author's thoughts: Wanted to do something lighthearted that would annoy the crap out of Ozmas because insanity is "fun". It instead took a rather unexpected swerve into cosmic horror when I wrote it. It's also hard to balance the ramblings of insanity with narration and keep the story flowing. Ending felt weak, but couldn't figure out how to close it properly due to the perspective it was written from.
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>>3806466
That was good. The slowly dawning realization of Ozmas that she kept seeing this one Daughter, and that the Daughter was able to perceive her, moving on to dismissing the Daughter as just insane before getting a horrifying sense that maybe she knows what she's talking about. Very creepy, and I'm impressed that you managed to make the creepiness work when our perspective was from that of the horrible alien monster.
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>>3806466
Luna has made a pact with a great old one hasnt she? She is a Warlock send to destroy the crucible and make it bow to good old tentacle face or his offspring

All jokes aside very entertaining. Like>>3806482 pointed out very funny how she noticed the daughter that was staring at her.

And then when she realizued what she had just unleashed. I wish there was a picture for her face...... probably a surprised pikachu face would do the job.

I see great things and many carrots mixed with Mochi in Lunas Future
>>
(Back home and writing now, Gentlemen. The next few updates will be hefty ones, given the amount of information.)
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>>3806466
overall not bad, but had certain aspects im not really a fan of personally, considering the type of work it is.

>>3806511
so i suspected, take your time BHOP.
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>>3806140

To put things bluntly before continuing, besides those three big Amalgams are there any other immediate threats to our plans for the Cord and Crucible we ourselves can help take care of... and any we should still know about, that we can’t?" You ask, finishing your own cup before placing it back on the table between you and Charon.

“No major threats to you or your family have been set loose by Mother, aside from the Amalgams I mentioned previously, and the two Daughters if they prove to be antagonistic. At least, none that will be insurmountable for you on your current trajectory.” Charon details further, politely declining Julia’s mimed offer of a refill with a gentle palm. “Most of the things that were freed will seek to avoid you, given that they bore witness to Mother’s defeat at your hands…though it was by proxy, it was still more than enough to strike fear and respect into the hearts of those that would have risen against you, otherwise.”

"So, you said Mutations…mind explaining that a bit?” Gina interjects, and you can’t help but notice the conversation now has Francine’s rapt attention. “Shu recently ran into some Pyreants she was able to negotiate and form bonds with.”

Charon’s head turns back to you quickly, and you supplement Gina’s question with one of your own in the face of the Hexane’s silent surprise.

“To call them amalgams anymore in the standard sense of the word wouldn't fit.” You explain. “They’re sentient, and they’ve stepped out of their ‘programming’, for lack of a better term Does the Cord collect such things usually, at least if they get... out of hand?"

“Typically, yes. At least in the rare instances when a Crucible has lasted long enough for such a thing to occur.” Comes Charon’s measured reply. “I must admit that you did these Pyreants a favor by allying with them, then. Now that they are considered an extension of you, interfering with them would count as a move against a given Daughter, using resources that Ozmas cannot afford to spend. Thus…it would appear that you’ve spared them an inevitable fate.”

“So, while I understand this next question may be a bit broad, I figure there’s no harm in asking; are there any mechanics or workings of the Crucible you think we should know that we may aware of or may just be obscure? Gina could use her neuromancy to quickly fill you in on what we do know, if you’re comfortable with that."

With Charon’s assent, Gina reaches into their mind and catches them up to you current base of knowledge. When she’s done, your guest merely sits in silence for a long moment, nodding as the details of your experiences congeal into a coherent whole.

(Continued)
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>>3806576

“I’m envious, really.” Charon murmurs, mulling over what your companion’s imparted. “I wish we had learned half of what you had by this point. Let me review for a moment…you’re quite caught up on Forging, Hybrids, and Relic interaction. It seems your friend here is quite the Forge master, even this early on.”

With a nod towards Rath, Charon sets the girl’s face with a wide grin.

“Most of what I have would be mere suggestions and observations...if I may?" They ask, and with a nod of assent Charon begins to speak once more. "Well, if my information isn’t too out of date; the Phantasmal Conduit skill you possess will become a great deal more versatile if my experiences with that power are any indication. Given your relationships with your current Dream Daughters, the resulting Construct bodies will be incredibly potent."

"Moving away from utility, I notice that your Maw appears to be rather under-utilized, save for dealing finishing blows." They note, glancing towards your stomach. "It's an odd power to be sure, but now that your Swarmlings possess the strength to latch on to things, while your tongue is able to retract...I've seen other Daughters deal terrible wounds with such powers. Coupling that with the sheer destructive nature of your drill, you alone are formidable, to say nothing of your family."

"I-if I m-may ask, could you elaborate a b-bit on the m-multi-person techniques some of us have?" Julia asks, surprising everyone present.

"It would be my pleasure, Honored Daughter." Charon replies with a bow of their jet-black skull. "The techniques you describe are in several different tiers, each one capable of being reached by differing emotional thresholds over time. Early ones are the result of shared experiences, hardships, or simply connecting with another in a small, but meaningful way. These are relatively weak, with stronger ones coming about through intimacy and time spent with others. Though many of the Ascendant knew each other before our Crucible started, it took some time for us to develop these...but Ozmas and I certainly possessed a great many, by the time we began to climb. Truly a curious thing to have in a system designed to divide a people."

"Charon, does the term "Mother of All" mean anything to you?"

Charon's gaze snaps to yours, recognition flickering across the channel. The question comes out of the blue, escaping your lips after having rattled around in your mind ever since you first heard it, what feels like an age ago.

"We have the notes of a Daughter who entered the Cord and transmitted info back to a construct of hers." You explain as Charon leans back, hands on their knees. "Towards the end of the journal the entries start getting weird and disjointed. The very last entry was these words: 'She wakes. She fights. She ascends. The Mother of All.' Does that mean something to you?"

It's a long, quiet moment before Charon speaks again.

(Continued)
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>>3806587

“…Ozmas. She found out, when we were traveling the stars.” Charon begins, dread creeping into their otherwise dulcet voice. “She learned what it meant, and when she did…even at the moment that she fell into despair, mere footsteps away from us completing the Crucible together, I have never witnessed her more distraught than when she came understand it.”

"So...what is it, exactly? What does it mean?"

“I am afraid I have no idea. I was trapped with her, locked by her side in silence, her mind an island apart from mine. I only witnessed her reactions to what she learned as she perused the Cord's infinite stores...it took, so, so long to reach your world. While she was languishing for millennia, fully aware, I was in a state between the dream and the waking, bearing witness to everything in silence, much like the one at your side.”

Your heart skips a beat before you remember the one you purged from your mind mere hours ago.

“Oh, her. No, Sam’s gone, thankfully. A Conduit by the name of Cassandra helped us move her into a…”

“Forgive me, I meant the one close to your heart. The one that sleeps, in your jewel.” Charon elaborates, extending an obsidian finger to point at your chest.

At the emerald, clutched by a scarab’s claws at the end of a noose.

“There is no rest for Daughters, Most Honored Shu.” Charon sighs wearily as the fingers of your right hand curl around the necklace. “As any high-level Conduit can tell you when it comes to the living or the dead; we may sleep, we may dream…but there is no averting one’s eyes from the Crucible, until it is done.”

Gina places a comforting hand on your thigh as Charon continues, and the scarab imprints on your hand from the tightness of your grip.

"The only ones that are blissfully unaware of what's transpired are your other selves, saved within the Cord. Ozmas and I, we hoped to free the copies of our race. We were united in that goal, until...until we weren't. Even as we climbed, we learned. We learned of our race, of the duality of our disparate selves." They say, lost in the ill-remembered past. "Copies of us, stored in the bridge between hell below and firmament above. What were we to do, when there was another Reyva, another Ozmas within the Crucible, frozen as we were before the Crucible changed all that we'd known? We did not know if we would live, and they would die, or the other way around. To move forward, or to forget it all...we never came to an agreement, on that."

Charon's shoulders sink a little further down.

"We differed on a great many things...forgive me, Honored Daughters. My personal recollections are not to your benefit."

"Oh no, these Darlings just love a good infodump." Francine chimes in, hands in her coat pockets. "So don't feel bad...I never do."

"Shu, if you wish to find out what this ‘Mother of All’ means…” Charon says.

“…then Ozmas is the one to ask, I’m sorry to say.”

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Voting shall remain open for the next two hours, Gentlemen.)
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>>3806602
Damn. Heavy stuff.

> the Phantasmal Conduit skill you possess will become a great deal more versatile if my experiences with that power are any indication.

She's referring to Spiritus Ex Testa, I suppose. Nice, good to know that that one's a keeper.

>I notice that your Maw appears to be rather under-utilized, save for dealing finishing blows.

Huh, we might just have to level that power up some more and experiment a bit. I'd like to see what else it can do.

For further questions:

"You've ascended the Cord, Charon, you know how dangerous it is and what it takes to win the Crucible. Compared to an end-game Daughter, how strong are we? If a newly awakened Daughter is at the beginning of the game, and a Daughter ready to ascend the Cord is at the end, then where would you consider us to be? 30% of the way through, 50%, 70%?"
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>>3806600

>"Okay that is a bit to take in. I may ask her later.... You said there are copies of ourselves in the cord. Are there regular backups or just from before the cord. And is it our entire race? Like all humans, male as well as female?"

>"Did you find out what would have happened? would you have died and they have been revived? Did she experiment with that while you were travelling?"

I like this as well
>"You've ascended the Cord, Charon, you know how dangerous it is and what it takes to win the Crucible. Compared to an end-game Daughter, how strong are we? If a newly awakened Daughter is at the beginning of the game, and a Daughter ready to ascend the Cord is at the end, then where would you consider us to be? 30% of the way through, 50%, 70%?"

>"Listen Charon. We found your Diary and that of her.... Do you wish yours back? If not, how safe is it to read them?"

>"Say do you know how the forgecores work? Could you maybe even give us a pointer how to create a high tier one?"

>"If not no problem but we may have to put our Hexxane Dreamdaughters to work then. But my guess is you know a lot about the Halos dont you? WE ahve a rough idea but for what purpose where they created. What was their original intended purpose?"
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>>3806600
whew, damn, well alright then. 'Mother of All' might be something pretty dreadful, maybe literally the mother of the crucible, who knows? something to learn about some other time, or from another source it seems.

>"Any tips, hints, or warnings for climbing the Cord? We also need a way past the 'no teams' allowed rule. any ideas, or should we be prepared to just brute force past that part?"
>"Hah, honestly i trust the path we have been on to prepare, but anything you think we are truly lacking to be prepared to climb, would be appreciated if you could spill your wisdom on it."
>Ask about the Halos, and any other hexxane tech that may of made it into our Crucible.
>Ask if anything... older, than the Hexxanes may be laying about, or if by now it would all of been rounded up into the Cord.

>>3806587
huh...the idea of using our swarmling tagging system to get a better chance to use our maw on someone, or even just guarantee us getting close to them is... well it feels like one of those 'so obvious you will never see it' type of things i think.

>>3806576
oh, well glad we saved the PyreAnts from becoming a museum piece... but that also hints at some really interesting creatures having been released from the cord. imagine becoming sentient only to be grabbed and stored in the Crucibles collection? that cannot be a fun fate.
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>>3806600
>"Moving on to less cosmic matters... You mentioned that remnants of previous crucibles have been released, like the halos we wear now. Your halos are one, as well as your architecture's penchance for giving dream daughters a physical body to walk in like in Almath, Can you tell us their purpose and function? And what other Hexxane Technology do you think has survived your crucible and has been recreated here?

>>3806632
I'm just imagining Alien specimens and interesting symbiotes that have been canned by the Mothers of previous crucibles suddenly released in an alien environment.

Well this is turning into some High Surreal Bio-punk Sci-fi Fantasy setting. Ancient Alien Dragons of Mold and aliens of a different planet be walking around these parts.
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>>3806643
yeah, im sure all sorts of crazy insane things are now roaming around. mutations of ALIEN amalgams, things like the Tindalos who made pacts, and hell, apparently even actual Daughters that were worth being locked up. hell wonder if alien daughters just got released too, though clearly none of it strong enough to risk upsetting us, though to be fair, im sure getting stuck in the cord for who knows how godamned long, as it further evolves and changes, and is now in one of if not its longest running session ever, probably puts alot of things behind the power curve, deadly alien super monster or not.

i do think the 'current trajectory' part should not be ignored though. that doesn't mean we can handle alot of it now, only in theory by the time we run into it we can... best hope that reputation of ours keeps keeping some things at bay i reckon.
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>>3806658
Not to mention the alien augmentations and abilities that are added to the loot pool when Consuming comes around. I can guarantee you that there are powersets that don't play nice with alien biology and vise versa.
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>>3806600
>“There is no rest for Daughters, Most Honored Shu.” Charon sighs wearily as the fingers of your right hand curl around the necklace. “As any high-level Conduit can tell you when it comes to the living or the dead; we may sleep, we may dream…but there is no averting one’s eyes from the Crucible, until it is done.”
>Gina places a comforting hand on your thigh as Charon continues, and the scarab imprints on your hand from the tightness of your grip.
>"The only ones that are blissfully unaware of what's transpired are your other selves, saved within the Cord. Ozmas and I, we hoped to free the copies of our race. We were united in that goal, until...until we weren't. Even as we climbed, we learned. We learned of our race, of the duality of our disparate selves." They say, lost in the ill-remembered past. "Copies of us, stored in the bridge between hell below and firmament above. What were we to do, when there was another Reyva, another Ozmas within the Crucible, frozen as we were before the Crucible changed all that we'd known? We did not know if we would live, and they would die, or the other way around. To move forward, or to forget it all...we never came to an agreement, on that."

I'm not sure that tracks. If the stored mindstates don't update to reflect the active ones, then the peace of death remains. Even with my own personal philosophical beliefs that two copies of the same mind should be considered the same person until their experiences cause them to diverge significantly, death still has finality in the Crucible without the stored copy being updated. Because the iteration of the person who has known the suffering and torment of the Crucible is gone, their experiences lost. All that would remain is the slumbering copy, who does not experience the Crucible at all because they are frozen in a single steady state. There is a finality to death, once a Daughter dies and doesn't have their mindstate eaten they effectively lose all their memories of the Crucible and are frozen in time.
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>>3806669
oh without a doubt. interesting times are ahead, for both really good and really bad reasons. i both look forward to possibly gaining truly alien powers... but not into facing them. honestly hopefully even if our reputation is keeping them at bay, not all of them are actually still bad folks, or... whatever you would call them. id imagine at least some might be all too happy to not waste this opportunity and stop the crucible from eating and enslaving them again, at the very least. others... might be very happy exploiting the situation, unfortunately.

>>3806674
i think it was implied no one actually dies in the Crucible, is what Charon is saying. either the Cord eats any daughters mind that doesn't become a dream daughter, or they basically end up in limbo, not actually gone but not anywhere else, until the crucible ends. lost to the fleshscapes system basically, or something.
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>>3806674
>>3806681
You know... It's gonna be tragic for Sam and Isabelle. If those pre-crucible data selves are released. Sam's previous state before the Crucible happened was of her slowly dying from getting her brain caved in by Isabelle's lava lamp.

>>3806681
>oh without a doubt. interesting times are ahead, for both really good and really bad reasons. i both look forward to possibly gaining truly alien powers... but not into facing them. honestly hopefully even if our reputation is keeping them at bay, not all of them are actually still bad folks, or... whatever you would call them
Regardless of fear or respect, there will always be the bold ones who will still dare try and combat Shu and her family despite the respect they have for her.

That and there's the issue of the Alien Language Barrier. Still, I wonder how those aliens will react to the new damage types and mechanics that are patched in since their time being frozen/locked away.

Meta-wise, We've practically thrown the door open for Bhop to go ham with tossing Aliens and True sci-fi monsters at us instead of sticking to Amalgams with Daughter Templates. On the other hand, we've given him a lot more behind-the-scenes work for him.

>>3806600
Before we continue, can you grant us access to as many waystations as you can within your power before your connection completely fades?
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>>3806693
>It's gonna be tragic for Sam and Isabelle
for alot of people. their past selves would probably have their own crisis having to compare themselves to what they became, for good or ill.

>there will always be the bold ones who will still dare try and combat Shu and her family despite the respect they have for her.
true. certainly need to be prepared.

but yeah, will be some interesting hurtles to overcome, though Neuromancy and empathic fields give us options... provided they are fleshscape material, at least.

>Meta-wise, We've practically thrown the door open for Bhop to go ham with tossing Aliens and True sci-fi monsters at us instead of sticking to Amalgams with Daughter Templates. On the other hand, we've given him a lot more behind-the-scenes work for him.
technically, we did nothing. it was all Ozmas, and thus BHOP. he could've made her go a different route, we had nothing to do with this. not that im upset by it or anything, just saying dont put the 'blame' on our shoulders, BHOP made his choices, now he gets to lie down with them, and probably look at his sleep schedule and regret his decisions.
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>>3806704
Given that Space is HUGE, what do you think of the possibilities of a planet-sized predator of the Crucible coming to wreck shop and what do you think would possibly happen other than "everyone dies"?
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>>3806600
>>Write-In
>"We found your Ascendant Crown. One of the ideas we were considering for how to free you before this was to assemble the Neurotic Crown and get it on your head. If you're worried about Ozmas reasserting control, we could try to knock out any remaining influence she has
>"What was the plan with the Crown? It requires seven copies of the same Halo, and each of you had your own different type. I got the impression you were planning on disseminating the Halos beyond your group, empower the Hexane on a wide scale? When did you start making them?"
>"Actually, that reminds me of another thing I've been wondering: What lead to the Ascendants coming together as a group? Twelve members, each with a different Core type, it doesn't feel like it emerged naturally. Was it part of your people's preparation for the Crucible?"

>>3806681
>i think it was implied no one actually dies in the Crucible, is what Charon is saying. either the Cord eats any daughters mind that doesn't become a dream daughter, or they basically end up in limbo, not actually gone but not anywhere else, until the crucible ends. lost to the fleshscapes system basically, or something.
Yeah, but that requires the Crucible to record updates. I guess it could be saving multiple files for the sake of redundancy, though, so there's a backup of the base state and the updated copy. But if so, why would those copies be active, why not keep them frozen like the initial ones?

>>3806717
Given the relative lack of power of the Crucible's "antibody" Amalgams, I'd guess that the odds actually aren't very high. It would put more energy into producing planetary-scale defenses if it thought it was likely it would be attacked by another planetoid. Its ecological niche probably relies on obscurity and hiding, with attacks being uncommon.
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>>3806717
>Chances
slim to none, unless our crucible was already being hunted, in which case i feel like it and Mother would be doing more to get things moving, possibly even telling the truth. "look, big giant space monster is coming to eat THIS space monster eating your planet. i know it sucks, but if you dont win the crucible and get us moving again, you're species is facing even worse than an eternity in the Crucibles archives, they'll be dead. dead dead, and everything else in here."

>other than "everyone dies"?

hrm... well.....

>"It was terrifying, knowing the Crucible wasn't the biggest fish out there... even moreso, knowing it was coming for ours. of course, no one liked the crucible, even those who wished to win it had their... disposition to the whole thing, but still it was better than watching us get eaten along with it, that was an even worse fate than this hell hole. or so we thought. things dont always go as... expected. im no scientist, so i wont try and figure out why it only ate what it did. but it did, and here we still are."

>"The sky went black, as if the crucibles membrane didnt block out enough light. some had prepared, hoped to fight... but just like the crucible surrounding and devouring out planet... how do you fight something like that? that big? that immense? the fact of the matter is... you dont. and so we watched. some cried, some got high, others pissed at the thing as they flipped it off. what? the world was ending, who was i to judge them? "

>"But...instead... something different happened. of course, there was still collateral damage, people still died... but it wasn't here for us, and that im thankful for. whatever it was, it tore and shredded the membrane, sucking up the chunks, most before they could crush anyone. then it bit down in the cord. with ear shattering, mind crushing jerk, it tore the cord from our planet, and like a giant, wet noddle, sucked it up and down its immense, otherworldly gizzard..."

>"and then it was gone. it had gotten what it came here for, the rest of our planet and, thankfully, us, weren't worth its time or energy. and so it left. i wont say i know what this leaves for our future, what to do next... or if we even can do anything. the damage was world wide, two apocalypses in such a short amount of time... and now, whats next? does life find a way? or are we all doomed to rot and starve without the cord running things? i have no idea, but i do know one thing... i thought the crucible was terrifying, no, that word doesn't do it justice, the primal fear felt at this hellscape that had found our planet has no words to describe it... so what the hell then, am i feeling now, now that i know... it was hardly the worse thing to fear thats out there?"
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>>3806728
>Yeah, but that requires the Crucible to record updates. I guess it could be saving multiple files for the sake of redundancy, though, so there's a backup of the base state and the updated copy. But if so, why would those copies be active, why not keep them frozen like the initial ones?
well, its all theory still, Charon didn't give us the most to work off of, but it could be it just doesn't care? after the initial backup, why would it care to 'shut down' the 'programs' it might still learn from, or waste the time doing that extra action? not its fault or problem if you go insane in limbo land once you get double-offed and are no longer a part of the crucibles game.
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>>3806731
I think it actually would do pretty significant damage to the planet if a predator attacked. The Crucible's been putting most of its energy into producing the Favored Daughter, and that thing's deep underground, near the core. A predator would probably dig that out to consume, it should be the most nutrient-rich part. Like how most predators on our world prioritize the organs and leave the muscle tissue for scavengers. Which there's probably also an analogue to, giant void-vultures traveling the stars looking for dead world-eaters to scrape the bones clean.

>>3806734
I'd assume to conserve resources. The Crucible's resources are enormous but finite, why spend computational power on running programs it doesn't need to? Then again, it's also a buggy piece of shit, maybe the fact that all its RAM is being spent on running mindstates is why it's so buggy.
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>>3806739
well maybe, but less then it eating literally everything. also really depends on alot of things. the cord probably would be the most nutrient rich, the new Mothers body might just be basically a hollow shell of biomass honestly, if what we saw from technically inside of it is anything to go by. i mean to be fair, it probably wouldn't need to be much more, but that still makes it less useful as a meal.

>I'd assume to conserve resources.
maybe, but we really dont know. and as you say, the Crucible doesn't always make the smart or obvious decision. wondering if all these sentient beings it snacks on isnt rubbing off on it the wrong way...
>>
>>3806739
>>3806747
You are now imagining Two Crucible planet eaters ramming each other and fighting over the planet that's supposedly their next meal, just two giant meat shapes banging each other.
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>>3806750
(Much like those two Gluttonous I alluded to.)
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>>3806750
W O R D I N G.
geezus its the cosmic level equivalent of those two gluttonous daughters again, isnt it? imagine having to watch two planet sized meatballs fight over who gets to put your species through a death tournament though?
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>>3806750
I want to hear the story of the civilization that encountered that. Like both of the world-eaters killed each other, and then the civilization's space program gets massively accelerated because they want to land on their corpses to study them. Their technology evolving rapidly by analyzing this bizarre biology, their species eventually hitting the singularity all on the back of dissecting giant alien corpses.
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>>3806753
>>3806754
I'm sorry I couldn't resist bringing some levity back into the discussion.

>>3806760
Or it could end up with one of the world-eaters subsuming the other and then eating the planet.

Or both crucibles learn to share somehow and now said planet is facing two apocalypses.
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>>3806771
>Or it could end up with one of the world-eaters subsuming the other and then eating the planet.
>Or both crucibles learn to share somehow and now said planet is facing two apocalypses.
Sure, there are lots of possible ways for this to go down. I chose a more optimistic one, but it doesn't have to end that way. Things could get so much worse.
>>
Oh, and I think I've come up with a trio of names for the land, sea and air super-Amalgams that works, with Leviathan already being taken knocking out Hebrew myth and Islamic myth apparently not naming their air creature. Going with the creatures that tend the Tree of Life in Zoroastrian mythology, kind of appropriate with them being the guardians of the Crucible and the Cord. You've got Goshorun the primordial ox for land, Kar the serpent-fish for sea, and Simurgh the king of birds for air.
>>
>>3806771
>>3806773
>Mfw when giant planet consuming meatballs find love and lovingly eat your planet together
>>
>>3806787
you're missing a reaction image for that.
>>
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>>3806787
>>3806790
(I've got you covered.)
>>
>>3806790
well, my phones image cache is not as diverse as my computers. that, and i am unsure what the right emotion to convey there really is.

>>3806798
im unsure this is the one either, but geezus yeah thats terrifying.
so wheres the daughter BHOP whos got a hybrid where she turns your own organs into her constructs?
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>>3806811
(Soon.)
>>
>>3806786
How about
jormungandr-class for Sea-based amalgam
Nidhoggr-class for land-based amalgam
Aigaion (Aegaeon) class for air-based amalgam

>sees >>3806815

>>3806811
You just had to tempt fate didn't you?
>>
>>3806815
i am unsure if i should be glad or not i had that idea and just knew you already had it implemented. she must be terrifying to fight against haha.

>>3806823
i have no regrets! ok maybe i have some thats gotta be one of the most terrifying ways to die ive ever heard of, she will be a nightmare of an encounter.
>>
>>3806823
Feels a bit weird to swap mythologies for the air amalgam. I'd rather go with Hresvelgr, the giant eagle, if we were going for a Norse thing.
>>
>>3806834
Well we could go Greek or Norse.

Greek has some fitting name classes for giant creatures
Greek
>Atlas = Land
>Aigaion = Air
>Oceanus = Sea
Norse
>jormungandr = sea
>Nidhoggr = Land
>Hresvelgr = Air
>>
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>>3806600

"Okay that's...a lot to take in, I'll admit." You sigh, hand leaving your necklace to rest on Gina's fingertips. "You said there are copies of ourselves in the cord. Are there regular backups from before the Cord, and is it our entire race? Male as well as female?"

"Indeed, Most Honored Shu." Charon affirms. "Every member of your race that was alive before the Crucible began is hard-coded into the Cord, and exist there in stasis as we speak."

"Did you find out what would have happened, if you and Ozmas would have revived everyone?" You posit, both you and Gina's minds racing with the possibilities. "Would you have died and they have been revived? Did she experiment with that while you were travelling?"

"She did, finding that a variety of options were possible." Charon patiently explains. "Programs could be set into motion to reduce all living Daughters to basic biomass and revive their original forms on the spot, or to swap the conscious mind of a Daughter with their original consciousness within the Cord, to even deleting both. She found all that and more, in her years of immobility and grief."

"You've ascended the Cord,so you know how dangerous it is and what it takes to win. Compared to an end-game Daughter, how strong are we?" You ask, sensing the question resonate with the red-head to your left, in particular. "If a newly awakened Daughter is at the beginning of the game, and a Daughter ready to ascend the Cord is at the end, then where would you consider us to be? Thirty percent of the way through? Fifty? Seventy?"

"In terms of sheer power, and the progress you're capable of making? I would say you're at the halfway mark...but you still have quite a ways to go, as things are only going to get that much more dangerous the closer you draw to the Cord."

"Oh, um...w-we found your d-diary, too, along with M-Mother's" Julia chimes in, casting a glance to your room. "I w-was wondering, d-do you want it back?"

"Ah...thank you, Honored Daughter." Charon replies stiffly. "I believe I shall be declining the offer. Neither are things I wish to expose myself to again, if it's all the same to you. You are welcome to keep them or get rid of them, but in regards to Ozmas'...if you read it, then I do hope that you do not judge my people as harshly as she did."

"Hey, just spit-balling here, but do you know how the Forge Cores work?" Rath asks, leaning forwards in her seat. "Could you maybe point me in the direction of how to make a higher-tier one?"

"Indeed, I...it was Ozmas who found out how, much like how she augmented the Sparagmos Engine without my knowledge. It's a simple thing to raise a Core from one level to the next." Charon says coolly. "She found you could sacrifice crystallized Daughters to do so, the kind that her broken Engine could produce. I did not realize what she was doing until I had a full suite of Forge Cores installed at a variety of encampments around our version of the Fleshscape, I'm sorry to say."

(Continued)
>>
>>3806875

"...We found your Ascendant Crown." You say, filing that news away as yet another reason to despise the sitting matriarch. "One of the ideas we were considering for how to free you before this was to assemble the Neurotic Crown and get it on your head. If you're worried about Ozmas reasserting control, we could try to knock out any remaining influence she has by doing that."

"I...I am honored you would think of me, when I was in a position to cause you harm." Comes their shocked response as they struggle to pull their words together. "If... if you would be willing to ease my mind in such a fashion, I...just the fact that you would offer is a testament to your grace, Honored Shu."

"Just out of curiosity, what was the plan with the Crown? It requires seven copies of the same Halo, and each of you had your own different type. I got the impression you were planning on disseminating the Halos beyond your group, empower the Hexane on a wide scale? When did you start making them?"

"I started crafting them shortly after our Crucible began, with knowledge of the twelve types of Daughter in mind in addition to the Ascendants' varied personalities. They were...gifts, more than anything. A gesture of goodwill to those that I had yet to meet, and a token of affection to those that I called friends. I have to admit a certain pride in their construction, surpassed only by the Contender." Charon answers, their tone moving from satisfaction to a more somber one as they continue. "Dissemination came later, and for a very good reason."

With that, Charon adjusts their posture, leaning forward in a mirror of Rath as the Hexane begins their explanation.

"Our Crucible was planed for. It was a known thing, for all involved. We were told by our leaders that we as a people were beyond the Hunger, that we were attuned to each other in such a way that the barbarism we'd seen on other planets would not apply to us, that we'd evolved past our primal urges. We thought we were special, mortal things in our little rock floating through a cosmos we barely understood. We thought a great many things...and perhaps we'd have learned, if any had survived. But I digress." They finish bitterly. "When study of the Crucible was well underway, it was found that one's particular classification of power could be determined before the Crucible began, and thus the Twelves Ascendants were brought together. A collection of noteworthy Hexane who were to be the proud representatives of our race in the trials to come. Everyone else would rest, safely protected as we swiftly and efficiently ended the Crucible and brought a new wave of prosperity to our people. That is what we were told...and we, in our infinite naivete, believed it."

(Continued)
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>>3806880

"The chaos that spread was...we were on the fringes, not wholly aware how bad it was until we found a town that had been fortified, protected. The high walls meant it simply became a charnel house that we had to carve through to find any survivors, and when we did...they'd succumbed due to what they'd borne witness to. One of the Ascendants, they...after a few more incidents, we had to put down one of our own." Charon shudders. "I modified the Halos with Ozmas' help, and crafted them into an easily-replicable failsafe for any that would be foolish enough to turn from feasting on Amalgams to killing their own kind. It was the kind of deterrent that would spell death for a predator, and a posthumous victory for their prey."

"...Deleting the devourer's Core." Gina breathes, hazel eyes wide as Charon begins to nod.

"Indeed. My failsafe appears to have successfully translated to your species, as was intended." Charon affirms, pride and relief pulsing across the channel in equal measure. "You see, Relics move between Crucibles, coded as vital objects to create variety and competition to even the playing field, as it were. I wasn't certain if my coding would be able to correctly acclimate to the Crucible's next participants in the event that Ozmas and I failed our quest...but I am relieved to know it has been of such great use to you and your family."

"Charon...it's because of you that Gina's with us today. It's because of you that our family is whole again." You say softly, rising from your seat, Gina rising alongside you with her hand clasped tight in yours. "Thank you, for what you've done."

"As much as your thanks is appreciated, I am only returning the favor." Charon intones, rising as well. "When I was first granted this form, I promised myself that if I ever regained control, I would use my freedom to remove myself from this Crucible...and my actions to this day had only reinforced that desire."

You watch as Charon slips their right hand into their cloak, retrieving a small insect-symbol pin, its bright emerald and orange paint shining in the light of your home.

"Then I was granted three things by a Daughter unlike any other." Charon says, gazing down at the well-cared for pin. "The first was a name, the second was this. Simple things...but no-one I'd ferried before that moment had though to grant me either."

"....and the third?" You ask.

"Hope, Dearest Shu." Charon answers softly. "Hope for a better end to this tale than the one I left behind."

>>Continue to speak with Charon, as you have a few more questions you'd like answered.

>>Attempt to reach out to Mother, with Gina's help.

>>Settle down a bit, and talk with Francine about her Choice.

>>Use the Engine to make a fully-functioning Neurotic Crown, and give it to Charon.

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, I shall be pausing here for the evening. Voting shall remain open for the next eleven hours, with posting to resume in roughly thirteen, give or take as work demands. Thank you all so much for your enthusiasm, participation, and kindness. I shall be around for a short while longer to address any questions, concerns, and criticisms, and I welcome them all. I hope you have a restful evening, and I look forward to seeing where you'll take this in the morning.)
>>
>>3806894
>>Continue to speak with Charon, as you have a few more questions you'd like answered.
>"Any tips, hints, or warnings for climbing the Cord? We also need a way past the 'no teams' allowed rule. any ideas, or should we be prepared to just brute force past that part?"
>"Hah, honestly i trust the path we have been on to prepare, but anything you think we are truly lacking to be prepared to climb, would be appreciated if you could spill your wisdom on it."

honeslty mostly i just want that first part answered. feels like its a very important thing we should not overlook the chance to get even a smidgen of info on.

then;
>Use the Engine to make a fully-functioning Neurotic Crown, and give it to Charon.
>Then, help Charon settle down so they can talk to their Hexxane friends we have with us, while we go and talk to Francine about her choice.
>>
>>3806899
well, certainly a relaxing time BHOP, and nothing wrong with that.

no actual questions, but im never against hearing what Amara is up to while out of sight.
>>
>>3806875
> It's a simple thing to raise a Core from one level to the next." Charon says coolly. "She found you could sacrifice crystallized Daughters to do so, the kind that her broken Engine could produce
So are crystallized Daughters just a universal catalyst for Crucible-based technology? Seems like you can do more or less anything with enough atrocities, even if the machine wasn't designed for it.

>>3806894
>One of the Ascendants, they...after a few more incidents, we had to put down one of our own
Themis the Mad, I assume?

>"Indeed. My failsafe appears to have successfully translated to your species, as was intended."
So anyone who ate one of our party, now (except November, sorry Heather) would get Hexane Rewriten? Dang, we need some aposematic coloring, then. You know, like poison dart frogs. Something to indicate "there is no gain to be had by eating us, it will only hurt you".
>>
>>3806899
Thanks for running, BHOP. It's been a good thread. Francine is right, this group loves an infodump.
>>
>>3806918
maybe when/if we trade biomass with the PyreAnt Queen well get their spikes or something on us, not just our swarmlings. not sure id actually want that, though Rath would certainly probably be a bit jealous. still, nothing to say 'im not good to eat' like being covered in bright red spikes.
>>
>>3806899
>Our Crucible was planed for. It was a known thing, for all involved. We were told by our leaders that we as a people were beyond the Hunger, that we were attuned to each other in such a way that the barbarism we'd seen on other planets would not apply to us, that we'd evolved past our primal urges. We thought we were special, mortal things in our little rock floating through a cosmos we barely understood. We thought a great many things...and perhaps we'd have learned, if any had survived. But I digress." They finish bitterly. "When study of the Crucible was well underway, it was found that one's particular classification of power could be determined before the Crucible began, and thus the Twelves Ascendants were brought together.

Wow. Charon's Solar System must've been a crowded Neighborhood full of other civilized planets of varying tech levels if the Hexxane Civilization had time to actually study and more or less prepare for the Crucible Virus's coming. Can you confirm on that?

>>3806894
>Settle down a bit, and talk with Francine about her Choice.
Charon seems to be at a natural stopping point.

>>3806906
Whoa Whoa whoa, this feels so hasty.
Do we even have the levels provided?
You do realize we're sacrificing a lot of Neurotic Halo or even pruning entire Neurotic Halo trees in order to protect Charon. Gina's and Amara's halos have been Hybridized into powerful Hybrids. Shu's Halo is at level 5, Rath's is at Level 2, Julia's is also at level 2, and Dorian's is at level 3. That's a lot of Neurotic Halo level investments being poured into a crown for Charon. And Shu's halo is providing that +5 to swarmling cap.

Those Halo Automatic Critical Counters have saved our asses at crucial moments, are you sure you want us to strip down a Halo level from our family to give Charon the Neurotic Crown (lvl 1)?

How are we going to finagle the levels required in order to give Charon a crown while not severely gimping the family?
>>
>>3806936
>Wow. Charon's Solar System must've been a crowded Neighborhood full of other civilized planets of varying tech levels if the Hexxane Civilization had time to actually study and more or less prepare for the Crucible Virus's coming. Can you confirm on that?
I doubt it was all one system, but maybe a globular cluster? Lots of stars pretty close together, so that with a big enough telescope you could see them pretty clearly.

>How are we going to finagle the levels required in order to give Charon a crown while not severely gimping the family?
It's not a permanent thing. The Neurotic Crown only has to be put on once to cleanse the wearer of any geasa. Ozmas might be able to establish control through another method later, but Charon would be cleared of back doors. Then we can take the Halos used back.
>>
>>3806936
its doesnt matter, we'll give it out. im not saying theres no cost, hell i understand its a VERY big cost...

...but Charons not a bad person, and they have suffered enough. even more importantly, even if its a slim, almost non existent threat... we dont want them falling into Mothers hands again. it can even be a temporary thing. 'hey, wear this til you feel the last of your crucible connections have fully gone away, then mind bringing it back?'.

it's simply not the type of thing Shu would turn down doing, or our family for that matter. Charons a friend, a powerful ally, and is suffering, and Shu and her family can do something to help. they would, and they would do it with a smile on their faces. any drawbacks we could, can, and will work around. its the right thing to do, even if its not the funnest hit to take.
>>
>>3806948
And I think we can do it without actually gimping any of the high-level or hybridized skill trees, even if we give the Crown away permanently, though it may give Francine a bit of indigestion. She doesn't have the Neurotic Halo skill yet. Transferring a Halo to the Crown removes the skill from the Daughter, and the tier of Neurotic Crown we need only requires level one Halos. So we can just keep giving her level one in Neurotic Halo. Have everyone transfer one level of a skill of their choice to Shu with the Sparagmos Engine, turn them all into levels of Neurotic Halo. Give Francine one, she sacrifices it, repeat seven times. We'll each be down one level, which sucks, but we won't have lost any advanced functionality or hybrids.

Though Charon could always pay us back. Just jaunt out with Ringo real quick and kill a medium-level Amalgam with their endgame power set. Nothing so big that we'd get a net gain of levels and have to start build voting again (oh god, no, put that off for a while please), only seven levels worth to recoup the investment. No need for any real drawbacks to this, just giving up a Relic that we were unlikely to use anyway because we don't want to lose access to Halo skills like that.
>>
>>3806977
true. though, to be fair, besides Shu, those with non hybrids really only use the level one abilities on it. granted, i still think they will be a good long term investment(or hybrid material) for anyone, but i dont think Julia, Dorian, and Rath getting down to level one is really that bad. thats 4/7 right there. Shu could then provide the other 3 and still be at level 2 plus the Crown Augment. even Shu besides passives only really uses the level 3 part really, so we could also get rid of the perpetual Crown. not a fan of it, but honestly with how we use the Halos, it really would not be that bad a hit at ALL to do this, we could still easily keep the parts of it we actually use that make it so powerful.

and i get not wanting to dump Perpetual or anything, but we have options, and its only one level from somewhere else otherwise to do it that way, and only an issue if its permanent, though that is a risk.

Honestly for the cost of doing the right thing and putting Charons mind at ease, it could've been worse. maybe has been before, depending on how you want to frame some things in the past. plus like i said, until Charons connection to the crucible fully fades, it sound very much like a 'better safe than sorry' predicament.
>>
>>3806988
Yeah, they don't really use the level two functions, though I do like the hypothetical ability to go into neural lockdown mode. That feels like the sort of thing that might be useful, someday. But yeah, I'd be willing to bring Shu down to Neurotic Halo level two and the non-Neuromancers of the party down to level one, in order to craft the Crown. Still would like Charon to pay us back, though. I'm happy to take the hit if we have to, their safety of mind comes first, but come on. You're Charon the Artist Ascendant. You can go down to the river and kill a leviathan in like thirty seconds with the help of your teleporting dog. It's not a big investment of time or effort.
>>
>>3806995
>>3806988
...I wonder if Charon could impart part of its Flesh Artisan Halo onto our resident Artists...She's got the Flesh Artisan Halo after all...
>>
>>3806995
>mfw Charon says they'll be back with the material shortly
>mfw takes them like seven hours
>"I apologize, im so powerful now i cant hold back, i kept leaving nothing behind for me to bring back for most of my kills."

>>3807000
perhaps, id not be against them trading their neurotic for a artisan one, well, maybe at least. id want to see and hear what it does first. obviously it SHOULD be better for them, but still, better safe than sorry afterall.
>>
>>3806918
(Precisely, on both your questions.)

>>3806916
(A platoon of seven clones have Amara-piled Ringo and are currently napping away happily after the productive afternoon.)
>>
>>3807087
>(A platoon of seven clones have Amara-piled Ringo and are currently napping away happily after the productive afternoon.)
Adorable. Ringo, you're so cute that sometimes it's hard to take you seriously as a member of a predatory alien species with intelligence comparable to humans and the ability to violate our concepts of space and time. Seriously, it's too tempting to treat you as just a big friendly dog.
>>
With these upgrades, I'm pretty damn curious how OP is going to make this harder.

OP, can we also upgrade any constructs we make through SPIRITUS with swarmling modifiers?
>>
>>3806899
OP one question
If someone with an activated halo(eg activated like Ginas was by being paired with neuromancy) is consumed but is unaware of their ability to delete cores of other people. Does the Hexxane rewrite still take place?

Or does the user need to be aware of that?
>>
>>3807357
Oh yeah, we need descriptions for new Spiritlings and Lagannlings from the new Spiritus and Firmament abilities.
>>
>>3807357
(You absolutely may, as Spiritus is built to benefit from Swarmling Modifiers and Augmentations.)

>>3807363
(The user does not need to be aware, as the deletion is automatic.)
>>
>>3807399
(I'm putting the finishing touches on them today, and I'll either update the Swarmling sheet this afternoon or early evening.)
>>
>>3807404
Bhop, do you mean Spiritus is unique in that it can benefit from related classes Ability specific Augments? because all but Chitinous Stalwart are not class specific Augments but Ability Specific Augments relating only to Trypophilic Hive.

>>3807087
>A platoon of seven clones have Amara-piled Ringo and are currently napping away happily after the productive afternoon.
absolutely adorable.
>>
>>3807421
(Indeed, that is how it was intended to work.)
>>
>>3806906
(Also, since this appears to be the main vote, is everyone alright with crafting the crown?)
>>
>>3807448
alright, thanks for the clarification.
>>
>>3807451
I would guess so. If Charon can provided the levels necessary to do so absolutely

but even so it will be nice of us to do so. So go ahead no objections form me
>>
>>3807451
What's the exact cost for completing the Crown? I need to know due to internal reservations
>>
>>3807462
(Removing the Neurotic Halos from your respective allies, then slotting them into the Crown to make it Neurotic. Removing them is temporary in this instance due to an Augmentation Charon has that will let them essentially 'clone' the Crown's effects and then give the actual Relic back to you.)
>>
>>3807470
Sounds a bit sketchy, but if Charon has an augmentation that allows her to do that, then I'll be fine since it's by your word.
>>
>>3807470
Oh, definitely in favor of it, then. I was okay with it if it had a cost for us to pay, but with Charon using high-level Flesh Artisan tricks to make it functionally free for us, then definitely go for it.
>>
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>>3806894

"Then consider us even, Charon.” You say, a warm smile on your lips. “So, I have to ask; any tips, hints, or warnings for the Cord? We also need a way past the 'no teams' allowed rule. Any ideas on how to bypass that, or should we be prepared to just brute force it?"

Charon considers your question as Rath begins to quietly chant ‘brute force’ under her breath, knees bouncing in place.

“Brute force may be the only option, unless…” They trail off, your ginger companion quietly pumping her fist in victory. “…unless you could convince Ozmas to make a rule change, if such a thing is even possible in her current state.”

Dorian scoffs lightly as he finishes his tea, scooping up the empty cups before Julia can react to play hostess and casting an amused wink her way when she makes a noise of protest.

“Now, if you’re able to go up as a team, then unity will be key. While Ozmas and I were powerful, there are things in there that will test you beyond the powers you have attained, things that will strain the bonds between your allies until they are fit to break.” Charon intones, slowly looking between everyone present. “It will play on your fears, your weaknesses, until you doubt all that you hold dear…to say nothing of the horrors you will be fending off at the same time. You are quickly growing in power, Honored Shu…almost at an alarming pace, given the time you’ve spent awake. Cementing your bonds is key, if you all are to remain whole for what is to come.”

“Alright…okay.” You say, nodding as you mull over what your guest has imparted. “Well, Charon…let’s get you freed. Come on, we have a Crown to complete.”

While you start on the engine, Charon bequeaths Gina with all the waystation coordinates they possess. Then, with Gina and Francine’s careful supervision the Halos are removed from each of you and slotted into the Crown, in turn. The Crown becomes a resplendent thing, seven crystals flickering across its breadth, shining and regal in Charon’s onyx talons. The moment Charon places it upon their skull their entire body shudders, veins of pink light pulsing along their limbs and cloak, before fading away as the shivering stops, and then…

“It’s…I’m free.” Charon mutters, removing the crown with painstaking care. “It is finished.”

The turn to you, unsure what to do with themselves until their attention focuses on the weapon at your hip.

“I wish to begin to repay you, Honored Shu.” Charon intones, handing the Crown back to Gina and giving you a low bow. “May I speak with my old friend, for a moment?”

You relent, passing the Contender to them as they admire the weapon for a moment before you feel a twinge of joy and sadness from somewhere deep within them.

“Ha, it seems you are now more this one’s Master than I am.” Charon chuckles, the weapon starting to glow in their grasp. “Still…I can work with this.”

>>CONTENDER – LEVEL UP x5

(Continued)
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>>3807691

PLEASE CHOOSE 5 OPTIONS FROM THE LIST BELOW

>>TRIGGER ROUND: Any type of round fired by the Contender now accelerates timer-based abilities by one tick per round that hits the target.

>>GEMINI’S BLADE: While in Lionheart Form your blade splits into two identical copies, each one half of the ammo capacity available to you. While they each require a hand to hold, you may make two strikes with each of them using a single ACT as long as both are in your possession.

>>CONSTRUCT’S SWORDARM: Your blade may now disappear from your grip as a free action, reappearing in the hands (or claws) of a construct of your choice and allowing you to pull of angles of attack that would otherwise be quite impossible. While a warp can only be done once per turn, you may warp the blade back to your hands as a free action on any subsequent turn.

>>GUNSLINGER’S DRAW: Your first shot fired in combat is now guaranteed to strike with perfect accuracy, and will automatically take place first in the combat initiative regardless of other modifiers.

>>SHEATHED STRIKE: When in Lionheart mode, the Contender now occupies a calcite sheath that may imbued with energy and ‘primed’ by imbuing the weapon’s empty chambers with explosive levels of biomass. This may stack up to the number of empty chambers the Contender possesses and be released on a subsequent turn to deal a devastating blow, boasting drastically increased attack power, critical chance, and critical damage.

>>[FORM AUGMENT] ULTIMA’S SQUALL: The Lionheart’s Form now resembles something more akin to an elegant, yet imposing bastard sword. Boasting a strike radius of two movement zones thanks to the sheer cutting force and speed of the blade, this form also doubles the base stats of any augmentations applied to it in the present or future. A peerless blade for a peerless soul, you have only one thing to say to this form…it’s perfect. (Please note that these bonuses are only applied to the pure Lionheart mode, and do not translate to the bayonet, as listed below.)

>>[FORM AUGMENT] LIONHEART’S BAYONET: The form and function of the Lionheart Form may now be applied to any Form change, as the blade consistently appears across all forms as a wickedly powerful bayonet. Additionally, this blade also gains unique and additional quirks across the forms.

(Continued)
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>>3807693

>>[NEW FORM] ÜBER SCHROTFLINTE: Sound and fury, signifying carnage. The Contender unfurls into a form that, while antiquated, belies terrible power. This form splits the Contender’s ammo into a shower of individual pieces, diminishing its efficacy at long and medium ranges in exchange for devastation up close. The BIO required to load the break-open barrel increases by 10%, but now boasts a far greater chance for critical hit, guaranteeing catastrophic damage in melee range. Rip, tear, and repeat to your heart’s content. (Lionheart’s Bayonet: The bayonet may now be fired before releasing your rounds, lancing into a foe to deal damage and boasting a high chance to haul them up to two movement zones closer to you.)

>>[NEW FORM] PAVLICHENKO’S EMBRACE: Death reaches out from afar, bringing one and all into her welcoming arms as shelter from the cold. The Contender’s barrel and stock lengthen, requiring two hands to wield as it assumes a rifle-like shape. Unfit for short or medium-range engagements due to the unwieldy nature of the form, it instead boasts peerless penetrative power, easily capable of tearing through calcite armor and flesh-weave coatings to bring a swift end to your foes, though the increased penetrative power requires an additional 15% BIO per shot to generate such a powerful round. Boasting far greater accuracy than any other form, it gains the additional benefit of making its rounds incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to remove from their target, ensuring your payloads reach full and lethal maturation. It is will a keen eye and a patient heart that you will usher your foes unto eternal peace. (Lionheart’s Bayonet: Twisting to form a spiraling needle as an extension of your barrel, the CRITICAL HIT chance and CRITICAL DAMAGE of this form is boosted dramatically, all but ensuring killing blows from afar.)

>>[NEW FORM] GATLINGGUNNER’S MAXIM: This hefty mutation of the Contender’s base design now allows for rapid-firing, akin to the machine guns so popular in the old world’s wars. Easily able to be wielded with one hand, while in this form the Condender’s current magazine size is doubled, allowing for a relentless barrage of rounds across a wide swathe of foes. Finally, the rapid-loading inherent in this form allows you to automatically slot in a number of rounds at the end of your turn equal to half the number of rounds fired during your previous barrage, ensuring that you will always have a round hot in the barrel. (Lionheart’s Bayonet: Repeatedly firing the Contender applies a stacking damage bonus to the Bayonet equal to 10% for each round fired, with all stacks consumed upon striking the foe with your devastating blade.)

>>Choose 1 AMMO type to LEVEL UP (This option may be chosen multiple times)

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next two hours. My apologies for the delay, as I actually had a lot of fun putting some last-minute tweaks on the level-up list. I hope you find it to your liking, and if you have any questions then please let me know.)
>>
>>3807691
damn, well Brute force it probably is. glad Raths happy at least.

>>3807693
damn, wasn't expecting this, let alone five levels.

>>TRIGGER ROUND

>>[FORM AUGMENT] LIONHEART’S BAYONET

>>[NEW FORM] ÜBER SCHROTFLINTE

>>[NEW FORM] GATLINGGUNNER’S MAXIM

>AMMO UPGRADE: BB.33 SPECIAL
>>
>>3807700
does the Bayonet damage bonus from Gatlinggunners carry over to other other Bayonet attacks from other forms?
>>
>>3807700
also, is form shifting a free action or does it cost an ACT?
>>
>>3807698
>LionHeart's Bayonet
Blade form present in other forms is nice.
>Ultima's Squall
All of these will help LionHeart Form immensely since we tend to keep it that way in default. Also, the range upgrade ill be nice.

>Construct's Sword Arm
Very handy. This will prevent us from getting disarmed as well as making unexpected attacks. Not to mention, further augmentions applied to Lionheart will double the base stats of it in the future.

>Uber schrotflinte
We need a new gun form badly.

>Gemini's Blade
Dual wielding. A shotgun in one hand and a rapier in the other, we get to use two gun forms at the same time.

>>3807724
Still a free action.
>>
>>3807721
(It does not, I'm afraid...at least, not without the appropriate Augment.)

>>3807724
(It is a free action.)

(Also, these levels are considered a bonus; the Contender is still considered to be on the cusp of a level up, which will trigger soon.)
>>
>>3807726
wait. so this is Charon augmenting the Contender as a bonus, yet we've still yet to trigger our own level ups on the Contender?
>>
>>3807693
>Gatlingunners Maxim

>Construct Swordarm

>Lionhearts Bayonet:

>Trigger Round

>Ammo Upgrade: BB.33 Special

>>3807700
Did charon give over some of the levels they had with Karma that caused us to get these? Or did Charon had an epithany to optimize design?
>>
>>3807725
id be willing to give up the BB upgrade but im not willing to pass on anything else. seriously, Trigger Round is imemnsely powerful. rounds not getting triggers is one of if not our biggest drawback to the contender.

Gemnis Blade really is not worth it, and i dont think Shu needs Squall either, not over other options. Constructs sword arms alright i suppose, id trade the BB.33 for it i guess if you would go for Trigger round.
>>
>>3807729
(You are correct.)

>>3807730
(It's a gift of levels and connection they'd built up, essentially.)
>>
>>3807693
Get the Gunslinger's Draw. That is a must have; we can instantly hit anyone with one of our shots immediately no matter what shot.

Lionheart's Bayonet allows us to combine both forms of the Contender into one. while unlocking new ones; again, it's a no-brainer because now we gain the guard effects and can shoot at will.

GATLINGGUNNER’S MAXIM is a good third choice; most of our engagements are at mid to close range, not extreme range and being able to pummel an opponent with twice the capacity of rounds is also great. It also pairs really well with Contender; we can use the swarmlings and shots from the gatling gunner to keept eh enemy in place and then shank them with the bayonet followed by a drill.

Herculean Fulbore is a god tier choice if paired with Gunslinger's Draw; we could alpha strike enemy's before they even get a chance to respond.

On the last, I don't particularly mind. Either another gun form or B-33's maybe?
>>
>>3807742
Gunslingers Draw is basically the worst one on the list. anything that only happens once is not worth it.
>>
Okay, let's see.

>>3807693
>>TRIGGER ROUND
Very effective when used with the B.33s and our current rapid fire capability. Can also speed along the Cancerous Payload, which would be huge. Julia delivers a strike, Shu fans the hammer, enemy dead.

>>GEMINI’S BLADE
It's alright, but Shu isn't really made for DPS in melee anyway. Giving her more sword attacks per round isn't going to help much.

>>CONSTRUCT’S SWORDARM
Has some neat potential now that we can make Daughter-clone constructs. Pass the blade around between our incarnated friends, give them all a versatile weapon. I'm not sure we'd make use of another fiddly bit effectively, though.

>>GUNSLINGER’S DRAW
Just a solid all-round upgrade, not flashy but practical.

>>SHEATHED STRIKE
I want this, because it's awesome, but Shu already has enough options for high one-hit melee damage from the Maw and Drill.

>>[FORM AUGMENT] ULTIMA’S SQUALL
Now this is good. Better stats and some extra reach to enhance our zoning abilities. Definitely higher up on the list.

>>[FORM AUGMENT] LIONHEART’S BAYONET
Practically a necessity if we get the new forms. Retain melee capability and gives upgrades to the new forms, what's not to love?

>>3807698
>>[NEW FORM] ÜBER SCHROTFLINTE
Again, we've got some pretty powerful melee abilities already, I'm not sure we need a shotgun.

>>[NEW FORM] PAVLICHENKO’S EMBRACE
More enthusiastic about this, Shu tends to use the Contender for her main ranged damage. And the ability to deny rounds from being removed is a big one.

>>[NEW FORM] GATLINGGUNNER’S MAXIM
I am very tempted. Massive rate of fire increase goes together incredibly well with Trigger Round and just increases ranged damage significantly, and the ability to build up a damage bonus for melee attacks is quite nice.

>>Choose 1 AMMO type to LEVEL UP (This option may be chosen multiple times)
And the boring but practical option. Not sure which ammo I'd want to upgrade. B.33 seems like the obvious answer, but the Parabellums could use an upgrade too. Fullbores are probably fine where they are for now. And Hollowpoint Hives...well, upgrading would make them actually useful again, but I think that might be throwing good money after bad. Is it worth it to spend the points bringing up something we never use instead of making something we use a lot even better? probably not.
>>
>>3807738
Question: If we pick up Gemini's Blade and a new gun form (i.e. Super-shotgun), is it possible to split Contender into two separate forms? (basically Full Lion Heart Form in one hand and Super Shotgun in the other hand using Gemini's dual-blade function)
>>
>>3807749
Anon, are you insane? We get to decide the opening of every combat before anyone else does and we get a shot off with perfect accuracy and it triggers every single combat? That's a huge advantage, especially if we upgrade one of the bullets to take advantage of it.

Picture starting off any fight we've had so far by removing enemy regen before anything else happens or anyone else moves.
>>
>>3807750
Embrace suffers from the fact it isnt useful at medium or short range. we simply dont take long ranged fights... basically ever. we would never end up using it, and even then for an opening salvo only, if lucky.

the thing with the shotgun is, it still has SOME range to it, and has just raw power. but i can see the iffiness about it, i just think its a better choice then other ones on the list mostly.
>>
>>3807756
(Oh, absolutely.)
>>
>>3807757
doesnt matter, anything you can only use once, isnt worth it. it also only applies to a single round, not an entire hammer fan. a single round is not worth it over other options we have.
>>
>>3807763
How does that affect Gemini Blade splitting ammo capacity between the two weapons?
>>
>>3807763
Changing my vote from B-33 upgrade to Gemini.

>>3807764
No, that's ridiculous. Look at how the first round with Lepisma went; our mistakes in the first round made it monumentally harder. The first round of any fight is the second most important after the last round. Being able to gimp an enemy immediately is a huge advantage and not only that, means that our sneak attacks will only be more fantastic.

An upgraded Herculean shot will end fights in the first round.
>>
>>3807769
(With six rounds available, you'd get three rounds per weapon.)
>>
>>3807773
Yeah, but I mean, Gatlinggunner's Maxim doubles the ammo capacity. So if we had the Maxim in one hand and the Lionheart in the other, would that give six rounds on the Maxim?
>>
>>3807777
(Indeed, it would.)
>>
>>3807735
>>3807763
So hearing Bhop's response, I'm willing to give up Ultima's Squall for the Trigger Round if you're willing to drop B.33 for Gemini Blade.
>>
>>3807772
you mean something we almost never get? its not ridiculous at all, its simply the worst choice on the list. we also cant guarantee anything, at best we get a BB into them but cant guarantee it goes off, or just possibly deal decent damage. we simply do not have a playstyle where relying on the opening round is a good idea, we usually use that round to figure out what WILL work, not waste it on what we THINK will work.

>>3807779
i really dont like Geminis either, Constructs much better, but its the better choice over Ultimas so fine i guess. better choice than the anon im replying to above at least.
>>
Okay, so I'm pretty set on Trigger Round, Lionheart's Bayonet, Gatlinggunner's Maxim, and upgrading the B.33 Special round. Not sure what to use the last upgrade on. Thoughts?
>>
>>3807698
>TRIGGER ROUND
>GEMINI’S BLADE
>[FORM AUGMENT] LIONHEART’S BAYONET
>[NEW FORM] GATLINGGUNNER’S MAXIM
>Upgrade B.33 Special
>>
>>3807782
Who said anything about a BB? Herculeans don't need to be triggered, they cause damage constantly and continuously. It's literally perfect; fire the herculean, it causes damage constantly and over time while ripping the opponent to shreds.

Also, what 'will' work and what we 'think' will work? You're just a player as well, you have no ability to speculate beyond me.

>>3807785
I'd still say go for Gunslinger. Free damage, big fucking hit with the Herculean shot that'll stagger just about anything and leave them open for our drillings or banelings to shred to pieces.
>>
>>3807698
>>3807714
with me and the other Anons change, current votes are;

>Trigger Round- 6 votes
>Lionhearts Bayonet- 6 votes
>Uber Schrotflinte- 2 votes
>Gatlinggunners Maxim- 5 votes
>BB.33 Special- 4 votes
>Constructs Sword Arm- 2 votes
>Geminis Blade- 4 votes
>Gunslingers Draw- 1 votes
>Hurculean Fullbore- 1 votes


Winners so far are( current is 6 Voters here, so at least 4);
>Trigger Round
>LionHearts Bayonet
>GatGunners Maxim
>BB.33 Special
>Gemnini Blade

technically, with 6 voters, we have all 5 choices chosen. Until we hit eight, they are locked in too.

>>3807786
>>3807785
>>3807782
>>3807779
>>3807772
>>3807730
>>
>>3807791
feels kinda lackluster though to only pick a single new form though, but eh, longterm planning i suppose.
>>
>>3807791
Should swap out the BB.33 for Gunslinger.
>>
>>3807793
Considering that it's Charon that's giving us bonus level ups on the Contender, we're making the most of it for long term planning.
>>
>>3807791
I don't really see the utility of Gemini Blade in this context. It just gives Shu an extra blade. Rate of fire isn't increased by having a second gun, because Shu can already unload the entire ammo load in one turn. I guess it could benefit Defender's Edge, give us twice as many chances to parry? BHOP, does having two swords give us two Defender's Edge parries?
>>
>>3807797
I wouldn't worry about it. We'll get more ammo options as we continue to use and upgrade it I think. Form upgrades seem like they'd be more difficult to come across anyway.

I wonder if we can let someone use one of the split off gemini blades while we use the other? Probably.
>Rath or Dorian in melee building up stacks while we snipe and use our swarmlings/spiritus constructs to support.

>>3807799
You can choose two different forms as above >>3807763
>>
>>3807799
Parry with one gunblade, riposte with the other gunblade via unloading all the bullets at point blank range.
>>
>>3807693
>>TRIGGER ROUND
Lethal with cancer bomb

>>CONSTRUCT’S SWORDARM
>>LIONHEART’S BAYONET
Teleport gun to swarmling in the sky and now we have an invisible floating sniper on command

>>GATLINGGUNNER’S MAXIM
>>Herculean Fullbore
>>
>>3807789
no, Hurculean still only does limited damage, it just is able to adjust inside their form to do heavier damage, they still dont last indefinitely. ITs still only a single shot we only get an advantage on once. compared to any other option on the list, its not worth it.

and congrats on having no reading comprehension at all. re-read what i actually said, then ill properly respond to your second part when you actually understand simple English.

ait, no, waiting on you to understand isnt worth it. as i actually said, not what you pretend i said, i said we use the first turn to test the waters and find out what will work, while your plan and Gunslinger relies on us randomly guessing correctly on what will work.

>>3807797
i suppose.

>>3807799
i agree, but i made a deal with Purple Anon and ill stick to my word. IF we had two Contender forms, it would be worth it, so lets pick up another next upgrade. longterm planning, like i said.
>>
>>3807806
tallied but so far no changes.
>>
>>3807808
>We use the first round figuring out what will work
I don't get this, how is the bullet not going to work? Nothing you've said has explained why the bullet won't work. Herculean's don't do limited damage either.

'. Firing an oversized stag-beetle-like Swarmling armed with uniquely inviolable Chitinous horns and armor that can penetrate Calcite plating and acidic claws that can liquefy soft tissue. On hit, the swarmling will immediately set about carving a warpath towards the internal organs upon breaching its target at Shu's command while remaining impervious to attempts to remove or integrate it into the target’s biology, should they possess the skill to do so. To take down a monster of Herculean size and strength, you need a bullet to match it.'
>digs through
It does continual damage as it moves to the core. Your argument makes even less sense now.
>>
>>3807803
>You can choose two different forms as above >>3807763
Yeah, but that's currently worthless, since there's no functionality on the regular Lionheart that won't also be on the Maxim. The best option would be to just have two Maxims. Though that actually reduces functionality somewhat, since the Maxim powers up its melee attacks proportionate to the number of shots it's fired since the last one, so splitting it between two guns gives reduced damage.

>>3807808
>i agree, but i made a deal with Purple Anon and ill stick to my word. IF we had two Contender forms, it would be worth it, so lets pick up another next upgrade. longterm planning, like i said.
I guess. It feels like it would be more worthwhile to get the two forms now and get Gemini's Blade later, though.
>>
>>3807813
We can split in half and have one half be the machine gun and the other be the base version. We can also throw two machine guns for ourselves and someone else to use.
>>
>>3807813
i mean, i agree, but again, concessions were made in both directions.

>>3807816
like the other anon said, with the Bayonet Augment we have no advantage to having the base form.
>>
>>3807816
>We can split in half and have one half be the machine gun and the other be the base version
Yes, and that's worthless. The machinegun is Lionheart Plus.
>>
>>3807818
Sure but we can still give it to someone else so we have two people opening fire. It's not as useful as it could be but it still allows multiple angles to fire and may become more benefical as time passes and we unlock other forms.
>>
>>3807820
Can we? The Contender is attuned to Shu, you're not supposed to be able to share it around so casually. Maybe the upgrade would allow that, but it feels like a big assumption. BHOP, can we give a spare gunblade from Gemini's Edge to another party member without influencing how the Contender is attuned?
>>
>>3807799
(You're correct in that it will double the effects tied to certain aspects of the Contender, the parry being the most obvious one.)

>>3807812
>>3807808
(If I may interject, I've realized through your discussion that while Gunslinger's Draw is likely to not be chosen this round, it is sorely in need of balancing to make it viable. Thus, I'll be tweaking it for the next time it comes up in the level up pool. Thank you for bringing it to my attention, as I strive to make every level up option interesting.)

(Finally, regarding Gemini; giving the Contender to another for a short time was to be the main drawn of the power, at the cost of magazine size.)
>>
>>3807826
(Indeed, as per my post here >>3807826)
>>
>>3807826
to be fair, if it only does it to half the Contender, that might actually be a good advantage. but i doubt it, that sounds finky or like it might get half our contender locked to someone else.
>>
>>3807818
I wouldn't say that. It looks like Maxim's gatlinggunner is supposed to be the "machinegun form" of the contender, designed to do rapid-fire damage with future various loadouts/attachments associated with machineguns (i.e drumbarrels, breakbarrels, bullpup designs, weaponized cooling vents, etc.)

LionHeart is supposed to be the melee sword specialization of the Contender, mixing melee attacks with the gun shooting.
>>
And. I've got to go to work.
>>
>>3807835
i think hes taking into account we are taking the Bayonet Augment so that wont matter, as with that it doesnt lose any of the Lionheart traits.
>>
>>3807827
Ah, okay, still don't think it's worth it but at least it would work.

>>3807835
Yeah, I'm sure in the future that will be the case. But right now they're not differentiated enough to matter. It makes more sense to make the modes distinct now, then get Gemini later. Like getting Ultima's Squall, so pure Lionheart mode at least has some advantage over Maxim mode.
>>
>>3807836
Well have a nice day Anon
>>
>>3807842
id still prefer the shotgun, if we took another. it can at least draw people into its range with the Bayonet Augment. the Squall is worthless at Medium AND close range, our most common ranges to fight. we just would never actually end up using it, over the other two forms.
>>
>>3807827
Wait, what's wrong with Gunslinger's Draw? It seems like a modified version of the Masque. Are you saying its overpowered or underpowered?
>>
>>3807847
I think you're getting the Squall confused with the Embrace, Squall is the one that increases the base Lionheart's stats and reach. It's amazing at close and medium range, not terrible.
>>
>>3807851
oh, so i am, my bad there yeah. still, id prefer another Form over that. we have plenty of ways to get the lionheart close, and the shotgun would do that too.
>>
>>3807856
I was just using it as an example because they were talking about using Maxim in one hand and base Lionheart in the other.
>>
>>3807849
(It's strong, but not as strong as I'd personally like it to be given how the Contender's been upgraded. In all honesty, I'd expected you to choose a close and long range duality of forms, and thus the Gunslinger's Draw would have been devastating with the Embrace. Given your recent level ups, I believe I'll be adjusting it to make it even better and more competitive with how you've been upgrading things thus far. I hope you like it even better the next time it comes around.)
>>
>>3807858
oh, well i guess thats what confused me, as the Squall is an augment, not a form.so it would apply to the bayonet too. not bad, but i still think a distinct form would be better, at least if we are gonna take Gemini.
>>
>>3807851
>>3807856
Lets just go for the rifle and the machine gun then. Don't bother upgrading any of the bullets.
>>
>>3807870
The Squall specifically does not apply to the Bayonet.
>>
>>3807877
id rather go for a round type over the rifle. the Shotguns simply something we would use way more often. a form we wont ever use is worse than having no second form at all.

>>3807882
oh, right. then its worthless honestly in my opinion.
>>
>>3807887
We'll probably be able to level up bullets with the contender naturally and modifying the gun affects/changes every bullet as opposed to just focusing on one.

A rifle might be good to give some of the supports so they can hang back and snipe while the other half of the gemini is used for the machine gun up close.
>>
>>3807895
ive already said my piece several times over now, the Embrace aint worth it.
>>
>>3807898
It seems pointless though. We already have a sword equivalent and those massive drills. What do we need another melee attack for when we can have 2 people on overwatch with sniper rifles?
>>
>>3807698
>>TRIGGER ROUND

>>[FORM AUGMENT] LIONHEART’S BAYONET

>>[NEW FORM] GATLINGGUNNER’S MAXIM

>>Choose 1 AMMO type to LEVEL UP (This option may be chosen multiple times)
>B.33 Special

>>Choose 1 AMMO type to LEVEL UP (This option may be chosen multiple times)
>Ravenous Parabellum

Honestly not that crazy about the Gemini or mode-switching. Would rather just go for an all-round upgrade. Maxim doesn't have any downsides, just our current gunblade but with bigger ammo capacity and higher rate of fire. Trigger Round will give us some fun new tricks with spamming a dozen B.33s and having them all detonate on the same turn, and both upgraded B.33s and Parabellums should be amazingly deadly.
>>
>>3807912
I'm pretty surprised that people don't want to have two hexane contenders to lay down cover fire with.
>>
>>3807903
close range is not melee range, which the shotgun is still effective at. plus, a shotgun is simply a devastating weapon, without requiring us to turn a hand into a drill or hope we can somehow get someones limb into our maw.

who? who would give sniper fire? no one. even Amara and Gina dont stay at long range, and can do us better focusing on their own abilities over using a sniper rifle. no one has a build setup to be staying behind giving sniper fire, or giving it over other other methods of aid they have to offer.

>>3807912
oh, i already had your earlier post tallied up, but ill change it to this then.
>>
>>3807912
oh nevermind, you didnt change anything, just threw your last point onto something no one else voted for. okay, your call i suppose.
>>
>>3807922
Well, I didn't want any of the other options people were voting for, so the point wasn't contributing to anything either way.
>>
>>3807935
fair enough i suppose.

>>3807791
>>3807698
updated Votes Tally BHOP;

>Trigger Round- 7 votes
>Lionhearts Bayonet- 7 votes
>Uber Schrotflinte- 1 votes
>Gatlinggunners Maxim- 6 votes
>BB.33 Special- 4 votes
>Constructs Sword Arm- 3 votes
>Gemini Blade- 5 votes
>Gunslingers Draw- 1 votes
>Hurculean Fullbore- 2 votes
>Ravenous Parabellum- 1 votes


Winners so far are( current is 7 Voters here, so at least 4);
>Trigger Round
>LionHearts Bayonet
>GatGunners Maxim
>BB.33 Special
>Gemnini Blade

also, i changed another point of my own from the shotgun to Gemini, as no one was going for the shotgun so i figured id at least stabilize the vote a bit.

voters;
>>3807714
>>3807725
>>3807730
>>3807742
>>3807786
>>3807806
>>3807912

vote edits;
>>3807779
>>3807782
>>3807772
>>
>>3807917
Amara and Francine would both benefit from having a ranged option. And again, pretty much everyone already has a surplus of close to melee range attacks they can do, even Shu; we have the Dominus Lash for that.

The sniper rifle opens up more avenues of attacks, lets our squishier players attack further out of combat and pairs excellent with Trigger Round which you wanted so badly.
>>
>>3807967
i disagree and have stated reasons you have not at all properly countered, far from it in fact.

you want to change your vote? go ahead, you have just over 5 minutes to do so.
>>
>>3807967
>Amara and Francine would both benefit from having a ranged option
They kind of do have them. Amara can shoot wind blasts and make damaging terrain with Grinding Earth, and Francine's got her fish and possibly the strings. We don't actually know at what range she can attach them, now that I think about it.
>>
>>3807974
Since it is a Fibromancy Hybrid it will probably reach up to medium.

As most Fibromancy powers are close or medium range only

>>3807967
Amra has way better optionts like casting spells instead of shooting.....

And Francine is now a Hive Mistress she will have enough to do as Midrange support with the healer role being her primary one
>>
>>3807973
What reasons? You said it wasn't redundant by saying close, not melee, completely ignoring the fact we still have a surplus of close and melee attacks. I can easily see a support build of Francine hanging back behind a shield of her swarm, deflecting and blocking attacks and healing nearby allies while taking shots whenever she gets the chance while we use the rifle in close combat.

>>3807977
Midrange to long-range while being able to provide cover fire with she's firing with Amara would be very useful.

I don't think we have a single counter for if an enemy was long-range anyway.

>>3807742
Lionheart Bayonet
Gatling Gunner's Maxim
Trigger Round
Gemini
Pavlichenko's Embrace
>>
>>3807988
yes completely ignore all the reasons ive said Embrace is a bad choice.

also congrats on the vote change, your change changes... lemme see... nothing at all. technically five minutes late but doesn't matter anyways.
>>
>>3807998
Yes, your argument of 'more of the same' was extremely compelling. Especially when pretty much everyone has better melee options than that already.
>>
>>3808005
Better close range options too.
>>
>>3808005
no, that wasn't my argument against the rifle at all, bur congratulations on being a braindead simpleton who cant read, or an asshat who ignores over half of someones argument, or refuses to actually go back and read what ive said to you and everyone else over the subject matter.
>>
>>3807988
>>>[NEW FORM] PAVLICHENKO’S EMBRACE: Death reaches out from afar, bringing one and all into her welcoming arms as shelter from the cold. The Contender’s barrel and stock lengthen, requiring two hands to wield as it assumes a rifle-like shape
.
Unfit for short or medium-range engagements due to the unwieldy nature of the form,

it instead boasts peerless penetrative power, easily capable of tearing through calcite armor and flesh-weave coatings to bring a swift end to your foes, though the increased penetrative power requires an additional 15% BIO per shot to generate such a powerful round. Boasting far greater accuracy than any other form, it gains the additional benefit of making its rounds incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to remove from their target, ensuring your payloads reach full and lethal maturation. It is will a keen eye and a patient heart that you will usher your foes unto eternal peace. (Lionheart’s Bayonet: Twisting to form a spiraling needle as an extension of your barrel, the CRITICAL HIT chance and CRITICAL DAMAGE of this form is boosted dramatically, all but ensuring killing blows from afar.)

It literally says that is is unfit for medium or short range.

So medium range where Francine is usually suppooised to be to be able to make th most of her powerset this weapoon becomes very hard to use

Okay for an Enemy at long range we ahve the following options

Rath. Flings herself over with her tensile stradns while burning like a goddamn star.
November. Has Guns that are effective at long range not to mention a tank
Julia. Has nothing but we are working on making her faster(can be carried by Dorain and makes both of them stronger)
Dorian. is really really fast and can close the gap easily
Gina...... Is a godsdamned Psyker that can hit people at visual range up to several kilometers away due ot her halo
Amara. Is a spellcaster who needs her acts for spells there are alweays more buffs and debuffs to cast.
Shu. Midrange support. Can fling herself using the tounge or just shoot at them with the normal gun or send swarmlings out
Francine. Hides and sends out her scoal of fish

TL DR
If we are at long range we make damn sure we dont stay there unless its November and her tank
>>
>>3808016
You said 'who would it benefit?', I told you. You said it 'wasn't just melee, it's close range' and I said 'we still have other and better options for close range'. You said 'we don't normally fight at range' I said ' we completely lack range coptions at all and having some people on overwatch taking popshots would be useful'.

I've read your arguments, I just don't think they're good.
>>
>>3808022
I did say medium to long-range. Francine can move between the two and take pop shots. She moves to medium to support, then pulls out to range to take pop shots when it's necessary.

Also, we may not always be able to not engage at range. We don't need more melee options and having 2 people able to fire a sniper rifle at range completely changes the scenario of having just one sniper rifle; we could use them to punish and pick apart holes in the enemy's defenses that we create as we fight them.

If anything this is an argument FOR a long-range weapon because of our utter deficit there and the redundancy of having yet another close range attack option.
>>
>>3808023
yes, and those you mentioned wouldn't benefit from it, for reasons i mentioned and you never refuted, or said anything on it that wasn't simply wrong and not worth listening to, which seems to be basically 90% of what you say anyways.

thankfully, everyone was smart enough not to listen to either of your ramblings, and better choices won out.
>>
>>3808030
I gave reasons here about why it would suit both and why we need longrange options in general >>3807988 You should practice what you preach.
>>
>>3808042
no, i read that, its just inane babbling and didn't put anything new on the table i hadn't already refuted, you were just repeating yourself uselessly.
>>
>>3808048
You said they don't stay at long range. Having a sniper rifle option doesn't imply they have to 'stay' anywhere. Your argument is nonsensical.
>>
>>3808054
it does, when the sniper rifle is only good at long range, a place no one stays, and thus will never be used. as ive said multiple times. its quite the opposite of nonsensical, you just dont agree with it, and cant let it go for some reason that i and no one else agreed with you. its over, you lost the argument, move on.
>>
>>3807698

>>CONTENDER – LEVEL UP: Trigger Round, Lionheart’s Bayonet, Gatlinggunners Maxim, Gemini Blade, and B.33 Special (Enhanced)…UNLOCKED

>>B.33 SPECIAL (Enhanced): The upgraded form of the adorable B.33 round has evolved from a cute distraction to a devastating round that can turn the tide of battle more drastically than ever before with two new detonation modes; HONEY and SWARM. Upon the HONEY mode’s detonation, the B.33 Special now bursts out of the entry wound, viscous ropes of semi-intelligent honey reaching out to automatically grapple all foes within medium range of the effect's target and hauling them into a paralytic cluster of limbs and honey, making all subsequent attacks against the cluster of foes hit everyone simultaneously. Upon SWARM mode’s detonation, the sweet-smelling aroma of the vanguard B.33 gives off a swarmling accelerant, resulting in a 10% Damage bonus for each B.33 Round detonated, drastically increasing the damage your Swarmlings deal in addition to decreasing the affected foe’s damage against your brood by the same amount.

“It is my understanding that you have a few of the Ascendants residing with you.” Charon intones as you test the weight of the Contender’s new form with both hands. “If it’s not too much to ask, may I speak with them?”

“Of course, I’m sure you’ve all got a lot to catch up on. GG, if you would?” Gina squeezes your hand after you give her a quick nod, and as she settles next to Charon on the couch you take a moment to walk over to Francine, holstering the Contender when you approach.

“I must admit that while I was beginning to fret at the prospect of encountering a Hexane in combat this early on that went leagues better than I’d expected.” She mutters with a relieved sigh, motioning for you to follow her to the bar. “Come to see how close I am to my Choice, I presume? Ever the prescient leader, I see.”

“That, and I wanted to ask if you’d like some backup when it comes time.” You answer, taking a spot near the bar where you can keep an eye on the room, watching as Gina and Julia connect Charon with the other Hexane, while Dorian disappears into Amara’s room to rouse her from her slumber.

“It won’t be long at all, I believe…and while I do not believe I shall require any handholding, I would nevertheless welcome you to join me.” She says, leaning on the counter next to you.

“Does Mother worry you?” You ask as Dorian emerges from the side room, leading a sleepy Amara as six other weary versions of the girl follow them out of the room, with Ringo and FuzzBuzz close behind.

(Continued)
>>
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>>3808065

“It’s less her, and more the fact that I have no idea what to expect…you know the old saying, right? ‘The oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown’” She chuckles, turning away from the scene before you and propping one elbow on the glossy black bar, half-turned to you as she puts her chin in her hand. “Maybe that’s the whole point of this damnable curiosity…it gives answers, and drives away fear. Well, what do you think?”

“I think you’re not West Prime, if that’s what you’re getting at.” You say as you face her. “Your choices, your drives are your own, because you’re not her.”

“Then what are we, exactly? If I’m not her, and you’re not Sam, then where did we come from?” She softly counters, eyes studying yours intently before she cracks a weak smile. “Ha, I suppose I should relish the time I have to hypothesize endlessly like I did with the Disassociated…after all, I think we’re going to be quite busy, and very soon.”

“True…but while we have some time, my offer still stands.” You repeat, and she gives a little shrug.

“As does mine. If you wish to join me, then you’re welcome to. Perhaps it would set both our minds more at ease, but I’m certain you have much better things to attend to, Darling.”

While you could accompany her into the Dreamscape, you’re not sure if she really wants you there, or if she’s simply putting on a brave face…even with the Empathic Channel, she’s a hard one to get a read on.

>>Follow Francine into her mind to witness her Choice.

>>Stay out of it, as a show of trust (Write-In what do to while she is occupied).

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Voting shall remain open the next two hours as I close out the work day, Gentlemen.)
>>
>>3808068
>Follow Francine into her mind to witness her Choice.
My reason isn't lack of trust, but rather to see how Mother is right now for ourselves, and what info we may be able to squeeze out of her.
>>
>>3808027

As for a good ranged option i had to do some math for we have Shus hundred Handed ability.

As a generator ability it is near instantanious and costs us 3% BIO to create one limb if we can guess that the average limb is 60 centimeters long we can create a chain of nearly 3.2 kilometers in length in about a second. (more if we generate the limbs form the fingertip of the limb before. I was thinking aboute extending it from the palm of the hand)

Taking into consideration the speed at which we can extend this arm we could probably punch someone with several times the speed of sound. (WE woiuld obliterate several of the arms doing the punch itself but we would deal a ton of damage.)
The Sniper Rifle just does not seem that impressive in comparison

Dorian can pass through anything that is not a solid object to get to his foe.

Gina has Visual Range to mindrape people

Amara has visual range to fuck people over with Powerword Kill

Francine lets her constructs fly and is way more effective just stayign at medium range to support everyone with her heals(and keeping her head down to not have it blown up by a countersniper)
Moving still takes an Act so not the best idea for Francine when she can do other things.

>>3808068


>"If you wish me ther i will come with you. It is after all your choice to invite me" Offer her a jack. If she takes it follow her

if she does not take the Jack
>"Actually Ringo. You mentioned your kind were the first skintalkers. Do you have any words you could teach to my litle girl here?" Pat Amara on the head

>"And if you dont mind your kind has curious powers. Do you consider the non sentient lesser Tinadlos Kin? If not would you mind pointing us towards a couple non sentient lesser Tindalos? I would to have some of thsoe abilites for ourselves they would be quite useful tools to navigate the Fleshscape and the cord"


If she takes us with her we will also be able to see Mother again. Maybe we can have a talk with her but there are also questions i have for Ringo...I would really like for us to get our hands on their spacewarping ability. Or a new Skintalker Power we could maybe give Francine
>>
>>3808068
>Give Francines shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "we are who we decide to be Francine, nothing more or less."
>>Stay out of it, as a show of trust.
>But Stay by her side, while she makes it, as a sign of support.
>"I trust you to make this choice on your own, but ill be here if you need a hand to squeeze if she scare you too much." say with a smirk.

i think its VERY important for both us and Francine to make this choice on her own, by herself, without her having us there influencing her decision. but even if we go in, that doesn't mean we cant be there for her.
>>
>>3808068

>>3808083 I agree with this. One of our tenets is that one's choices are their own... but we are also all in this together. We are neither commanding Queen, nor Ravenous Swarm, but the Fool's Choice. We don't control Francine, but she's also not just another -ling from our hive. We care, but trust her to make her own choices in the face of Mother. Also, that quote... Mother-be-damned if that doesn't describe each and every one of us here.
>>
>>3808083
Yeah, this is good. Trying to find my own way of saying it, but honestly this says what needs to be, I think. I'm not sure where Francine is getting the idea we have better things to do from, though. The rest of our party is busy playing psychic relay station to let Charon talk with their dead friends (and actually, don't they have the remaining five Ascendants inside them, too? We should ask about them before Charon leaves), we don't have much to do right now that isn't "pet the alien doggo". I guess we could get to work crafting some Spiritus constructs, but it feels strange to make them too far in advance of a fight.
>>
>>3808177
that, and we should probably ask who wants to come out and help for a bit. Holly might be ok with doing it every now and again, just not permanently. Uzu? unsure, she could go either way easily. Johanna? i have no bloody clue on.

i mean, mind you, if its an important fight we know we are walking into, im sure literally any of them almost would come out, im just talking out of the blue in a 'we really dont know what or even if we're gonna fight.' kinda situation.
>>
>>3808191
we actually have a decent amount of DDs i think would be ok or even ecstatic to help... just... not inside Shus head. hopefully we'll expand who she can draw from sooner or later.
>>
>>3808210
would be nice if we could make the power grow in such a way that we could draw from the Dreascapes of those around us.

Maybe an interaction that could be achieved by combining the Hive with that power. The empathic field could maybe be used as the link that is missing to connect to the dreamsacpoes of other daughters.
>>
>>3808220
im entirely sure its possible. its just a matter of whether it'll get it on its own, from an augment, or from a hybrid. also a matter of how far out those each are.
>>
Speaking of Spiritus, BHOP said that the Daughter Swarmlings can benefit from our Modifications and Augments. What if we apply the template derived from a Daughter's Core to that Daughter? Make a Spiraling Uzu, or a Nomling Holly? You think that would give them a boost to their powers?
>>
>>3808244
i dont think i ever saw him say they can benefit from our modifications, just our actual ability augments. as far as im aware, the Spiritus is basically just its own isolated construct type, at the moment. it just has the odd and unique ability to treat other hive Mistress Abilities augments as its own.
>>
>>3808253
No, he did, right here. >>3807404. Modifiers and Augments. We should be able to making Spiraling Uzu.
>>
>>3808260
fair enough i guess. he really should've listed that in its actual profile though, as thats just... not how that should work, from what we have been told.
>>
(Gentlemen, I shall post when I can, somethings holding me after work so when I get home I'll update when able. Thank you for your patience, and I hope your day is going well.)
>>
>>3808428
Eh make sure you dont overburdenyourself. Take your time like always we will be patient
>>
>>3808428
Hope its nothing serious, you take your time bhop.
>>
>>3808428
No worries, BHOP. I hope it's nothing too stressful.
>>
(Finally back home, and writing now, Gentlemen.)
>>
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>>3808068

Reaching out, you give Francine’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "We are who we decide to be Francine, nothing more, nothing less. I trust you to make this choice on your own…”

She cocks an eyebrow as you flash her a playful smirk.

“…but I’ll be here if she scares you too much."

Francine laughs, a high, amused sound that makes Gina and Rath glance your way to make sure everything’s alright. The good doctor brings the back of her hand to her lips to stifle her dying chuckles before returning your smile.

“Duly noted, Darling.” She says, taking the seat beside her and resting her chin against her crossed arms on the bar’s glossy surface. “I think I’ll just rest my eyes here for a moment…and in case it wasn’t clear, I appreciate the offered hand.”

You can tell sleep is tugging at her every action, her eyes fluttering closed as she drifts off to make her Choice. To your pleasant surprise, while everyone appears to be conversing with Charon and the Hexane Dreamers, Ringo pads up to your side and promptly sits at your feet.

"Hey there, Ringo." You say, grinning as you reach down to pet the creature's head, a thousand little angles making themselves evident as your fingers caress its scalp. "Amara said your kind were the first Skintalkers. So, have any words you could teach to my little girl over there?"

<Nothing she does not already know>

You freeze.

<My body is constrained, my powers are limited>

<But I have become accustomed to your minds after much practice and patience>

"You can...does Amara...?" You begin, unsure of where to begin as you stare at the Tindalos.

<Of course>

<Your pup knows much, and voices little>

<To be a Skintalker is to be the conduit through which all flows>

<All the knowledge, pain, joy that howls out from every corner of her world>

<It is a heavy burden for a pup so young, but her shoulders have grown strong from the weight>

"I...I have questions." You begin, and Ringo

<For the price of repeated pets, I shall answer them>

<Does this arrangement satisfy you, as it does me?>

"Indeed it does." You reply, scratching Ringo behind their ears as you continue. "Do you consider the non-sentient lesser Tindalos Kin? If not, would you mind pointing us towards a couple? I'd love to have some of those abilities for ourselves, since they'd be quite useful tools to navigate the Fleshscape and the cord"

<They are lost to us, do as you will>

<I shall give their locations to your mate, so that you may put them down>

<They would consider it a gift, as would I>

<I sense you have more questions, Alpha>

(Continued)
>>
>>3808816

Oh Ringo! Oh Amara! You are going to get all the pets and hugs respectively in a moment.
>>
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>>3808816
>"Indeed it does." You reply, scratching Ringo behind their ears as you continue.
>ears
>looks at pic
WHERE ARE THE DOGGO EARS?

pic may be related in the distant future.
>>
>>3808816

"Alpha?" You mutter, confused before Ringo puts their chin on your knee where you sit at the bar.

<You lead your pack to victory after victory>

<Have you not returned from your hunt, snout held high?>

<You are an Alpha>

<This is fact>

"Huh...thank you." You chuckle, rubbing one ear, then the other...at least, you *think* they're ears. All you have to go on are the vague positioning of the holes closest to the Tinadlos's mass of glowing, ephemeral eyes. You shrug, continuing in the absence of any protests from Ringo as you're careful not to cut yourself on the bits of the hound's actual body that peeks through the cage of flesh. "So, what do you think of my pack?"

<Admirable>

<Your mate has wit and heft, a worthy combination>

<The red-furred one is bony, but strong...a fierce fighter, endlessly loyal>

<The gentle ones are worthy of their own pack, and wish to make one>

<The hard one makes me nervous>

<They do not smell like a Daughter, and I fear their rubs would not be satisfactory>

"Ha, I think she'd surprise you...she's surprised me, actually." You chuckle, keeping an eye on where November hovers near her niece as Charon and Gina continue to commune with the associated Hexane.

<Your pup is my favorite>

"Oh? Why's that?" You ask with a smile.

<She gives the best cuddles>

"I'm sure she does...and what about this one?" You counter, hiding your smile as you nod towards Francine.

<Honest and sad> Ringo says simply, your hand slowing to a stop as you consider the doctor's sleeping form.

<Surely you are not done>

<You have more questions to ask>

Maybe it's just you, but you sense a hint of anticipation at the prospect of continued head scritches.

"So...I do have a lot of questions, actually. What was your Crucible like? What of your kin can we find at the Cord? How do your powers..."

<You would have me speak?>

"Yes, if you..." You start, the unfortunate implications of the phrase hitting you as you begin to trip over your words. "Uh, never mind...I meant no offense, so sorry if I..."

<It was a joke>

You blink.

<Your pup taught me that one, after I taught her how to sever a tendon with a single bite>

"...Was that a joke?"

<No>

God, this is weird...but considering Ringo's leaving with Charon, this might be your only chance to ask the kindly Tindalos anything that's on your mind.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, I shall be pausing here for the evening. Voting shall remain open for the next twelve hours, with voting to resume in roughly fourteen, give or take. Thank you for your patience with my work schedule today, and I'll be around for around an hour more before trying to catch up on lost sleep. I'll put the tweaks on the Lagannlings and Geistlings in the morning, but I think you'll like what you'll find. Thank you all for your participation, and have a great evening.)
>>
>>3808856
><Your pup taught me that one, after I taught her how to sever a tendon with a single bite>
I think human jaw and tooth structure doesn't really work for that, Ringo, and Amara doesn't have any Gluttonous powers. Maybe someday, though.

>>3808860
>Thank you for your patience with my work schedule today, and I'll be around for around an hour more before trying to catch up on lost sleep.
Sleep well and get a lot of rest, BHOP. See you tomorrow.
>>
>>3808856

>> "What happened to the engine you were guarding? Should it be relocated, destroyed, or...?
>> "You have taught much to our, um, pup. What would you teach me, Alpha to Alpha?"
>> "When all this is done, what do you want in the end Ringo?"
>>
>>3808856
hrm... not sure i have much to ask honestly. im also very unsure of how to feel about him teaching Amara how to cut a tendon with a single bite. guess it'll help her in a close range grapple at least?

>Experiment with where you pet Ringo. find his weak points. this may be vital information to save your life in future fights. also, it might get him talking more.
>"But really, id love to hear about your crucible, if you would be willing to say anything on it."
>"I Understand its probably not something you could even begin to describe, but id love to at least hear you try and explain 'angular space' to me if you would be willing to try."

>>3808816
huh, that implies lesser Tindalos Hounds arent supposed to exist in that state. guess its not a surprise even they are not immune to the mental degradation of the crucible. though, that does also imply they may end up acting more like daughters in some ways when we defeat them... which may not be a bad thing, mind you, but still something to note.

>>3808860
hey man, you get sleep now if you need it, but like always, appreciate you running things.
>>
>>3808856
also

><Your mate has wit and heft, a worthy combination>
>Heft
i would not expect Ringo to be a tits man, but hey, dogs like what dogs like.

><The gentle ones are worthy of their own pack, and wish to make one>
this one kinda saddens me. i suppose they could go for adoption, but otherwise their only option really is combining enough construct based abilities to make a truly new and independent creature. which may be possible, but might not really feel the same. mostly, id be worried about the stipulations to that. do constructs even age? how and where does a construct draw its life energy from? how long can that process last on its own? will it age, or will they have to decide on an age for it to be stuck with its entire life? alot of difficult questions for them to face if they go that route.

...that also brings up actually really important questions about constructs in general though, even if not for that purpose. though knowing FuzzBuzzes lifespan wouldn't be a bad thing.
>>
>>3808856

>If it isn't too much to ask... Could you donate bits of your old fangs, fur, or claws? Any sort of Biomass you're comfortable with I wish to make a Relic memento for Amara. Something for her to remember you by until we meet each other again."
I want to get the ingredients needed to upgrade the Remembrance Whistle into the Tindalos Dagger Flute. Even though it's a Tier 4 Relic, I still want to get the ingredients needed for the upgrade.

Interesting to see that Ringo sees Shu as a "Tindalos Hound of a different species"

>>3808881
I think Dorian and Julia are the "gentle ones" that Ringo refers to. Both of them are in love with each other and want to start a family, yet... they really can't physically due to Crucible/Body Horror Bullshit.
>>
>>3808888
er, yes, i got he was talking about them. hence...everything i said there.

also, lets not forget to give them each a FuzzBuzz before they head out, though we should still wait til they are actually leaving... or does Charon basically have one? i dont think Ringo does, but Charon did have the pendant, though i dont rightly remember giving them one, nor is it a FuzzBuzz.

also i think Ringo very much sees Shu as a non-Tindalos, Ringo is just using Tindalos terminology to describe things because, i mean, what else would he use?

i also honestly kinda dont want to ask for anything. feels cheap, better for them to leave us/ Amara with something of their own violation, will mean more that way.
>>
>>3808895
We gave Charon a name, the Beedrill pin, and a renewed sense of hope. We gave Ringo a name, and freedom.

We have never given a Fuzzbuzz to Charon nor Ringo.

If we are, we should make it match their motif/theme. Charon's Fuzzbuzz would probably have the Fur and wing pattern moulded to fit Hexane Aesthetics, Ringo's Fuzzbuzz will probably camouflage with its extra angular by having angular fur and wings. Not to mention an angular shape. Both should have the Subversive modifier just in case.
>>
>>3808908
im not sure that necessary. neither one of them has direct stealth they would need that for, and id think both would prefer just a regular FuzzBuzz to represent its from us, not one based on themselves. Charon especially might have some reservations about things related to the Hexxane at the moment.

...actually Ringo would probably prefer a squeaky toy version but still.
>>
>>3808912
We've touched upon this before in past veins, but the sight of Fuzzbuzzes would send a clear signal to other daughters/aliens that they're trusted allies of Shu.The sight of Charon and Ringo however (Charon being the former right hand enforcer of MOTHER, Ringo being the Alpha of the entire race of True Tindalos Hounds) with said FuzzBuzzes would speak volumes of our influence and rep.
>>
>>3808923
yes, and? we have nothing to hide. that cant and wont speak any worse or draw any more attention to us than literally gimping Mother. we also dont need to worry about it looking iffy on our reputation id argue. If word of defeating Mother spread so quickly, word of her cutting all her contracts probably did too, and im pretty sure anyone worth talking to could put two and two together. not hard to imagine Charon or the Tindalos siding against Mother after being under her thumb afterall.
>>
>>3808872

How did I miss: >>3808895 we must construct additional FuzzBuzz.
>>
>>3808933
we dont need to do so now, wait til they're actually leaving. we got time, doing it now would feel out of place honestly.
>>
>>3808881
>this one kinda saddens me. i suppose they could go for adoption, but otherwise their only option really is combining enough construct based abilities to make a truly new and independent creature. which may be possible, but might not really feel the same.
Yeah, Daughter bodies are probably not designed to reproduce. Not much point to it. Dorian being genetically female (if that even means anything when none of his cells are human anymore) shouldn't be an issue, we've started experimenting with ovum fusion technology here in the real world and the sort of crazy biotech the Crucible allows should make it pretty easy. But that still requires for Julia to have a functioning reproductive system, which I would doubt she does. Hell, forget Dorian and Julia, it's going to be a problem for all of post-Crucible humanity. We're going to have to put "fix reproductive capability" on the list of things we need to do when restoring humanity.

>though knowing FuzzBuzzes lifespan wouldn't be a bad thing.
I'm pretty sure that FuzzBuzz is immortal so long as the laughter of children yet exists, and I will ignore any comment on BHOP's part that suggests that any child might have to deal with the sadness of their FuzzBuzz dying of old age.
>>
>>3808935

I didn't mean to imply immediately. Sorry if it came across that way.
>>
>>3808912
Squeeky FuzzBuzz would be the best thing, yes. We must make one.

>>3808930
It does give us a big street cred boost, though. "The Defiant didn't just cripple Mother, she then took her servants and made them her own."
>>
>>3808938
well of course no child has to deal with their FuzzBuzz dying, because said child will probably at least be a teenager when he kicks the bucket, as id imagine he at least lives as long as a dog or so. hes what? around great Dane sized? thats a good 8-10 years. i suppose if hes a welcoming gift for a newborn that is an issue though.

>>3808944
maybe, but im still against imposing they hide they are our friends, nor do i really think it'll draw anything more too us of a powerlevel any higher than what was already implied to be coming for us.
>>
>>3808944
street cred goes both ways. On one hand, it lets other know that we have that charismatic weight in words because of our deeds. On the other hand, it makes it hard for us to discern the honest from the deceitful as well as try to forge new bonds because everyone/thing that we come into contact with will be blinded by the legendary reputation that they perceive of us. They'll be expecting this "Larger than life" girl who kicks the asses of those who claim godhood, takes names, and basically never backs down from a fight.

>>3808950
I want to join in on the discussion, but what I have to say brings the discussion to sadness territory and the overall feeling of tragic feels.
>>
>>3808953
...you mean sadder than me saying he'll die in early teenhood?

as for the cred, a bit too late to worry about that id argue. only way to ever break past our reputation and make us seem like real people now would simply be to meet someone in person and convince them of such through actions and attitude.
>>
>>3808950
>well of course no child has to deal with their FuzzBuzz dying, because said child will probably at least be a teenager when he kicks the bucket, as id imagine he at least lives as long as a dog or so. hes what? around great Dane sized? thats a good 8-10 years. i suppose if hes a welcoming gift for a newborn that is an issue though.
You know what I mean. No one sees their FuzzBuzz die until they're in early adulthood at the earliest, and are hypothetically emotionally mature enough to cope with it.

>maybe, but im still against imposing they hide they are our friends, nor do i really think it'll draw anything more too us of a powerlevel any higher than what was already implied to be coming for us.
Wasn't suggesting they should, I think it's a pretty awesome move to make if we're casual about it and was expressing approval. "Oh, yeah, those super-powerful aliens that Mother enslaved to work for her? Yeah, they're free now and they're our buds. No big deal."

>>3808953
>They'll be expecting this "Larger than life" girl who kicks the asses of those who claim godhood, takes names, and basically never backs down from a fight.
And that just makes it all the more amusing when Shu is a huge goofball off duty. "Why is the Godhunter making bad Humphrey Bogart references while cosplaying as a Homestuck character?"

Seriously, though, I think it's a bit too late for that. Once you cripple God in front of the entire planet, you can't really back down from people expecting you to be hardcore.
>>
>>3808961
Imagine us having to use the relic "Hope's last cradle" if/when things go completely south. We send Amara to New Game+ with FuzzBuzz. With Mama Shu gone, no more FuzzBuzz respawn, Eventually FuzzBuzz reaches the end of its natural lifespan. The last living memento of Shu vanishes, leaving Amara alone in an alien world in the midst of another Crucible.
>>
>>3808972
Well, good thing that is never, ever going to happen.
>>
>>3808966
>"Why is the Godhunter making bad Humphrey Bogart references while cosplaying as a Homestuck character?"
id say this would never happen... but honestly with Amara and Keane already being pretty good friends, im actually surprised Amara has made no references herself. its only a matter of time before we're hit by the double puppy dog eyes (or like, twelve dozen, considering Amara) from them to get us to participate in something like that.

yes i know we already wore the dress of the black queen, but i dont consider only a single piece of clothing that could easily be misconstrued as just a fancy dress a true cosplay.

>>3808972
eh, maybe im just a bit jaded, but ive heard worse.
>>
>>3808912
>>3808944
>You are now imagining this Giant Tindalos Hound all imposing with its 4-D angular visage. In its mouth is a ragged looking Bumblebee that squeaks constantly like a chew toy with every bouncing movement.
>>
>>3808856
Alright, in no particular order, just to be put where BHOP thinks they'd make sense in a conversation:

>"Alright, so the gun I got from Charon is sapient, and she told me some things about the Cord. One of them was that Tindalos Hounds like yourself mostly occupy the lower levels. But I've also got the journal of a Daughter who climbed the Cord, and she said that she was being encountering your species at high as the thirtieth floor. Was the Cord rearranged since Charon ascended it? Did your people take over higher floors?"

>"Is it a coincidence that you resemble a creature from our fiction? We've got a famous story called The Hounds of Tindalos about canine predators that can teleport through angled space. That's why we call your kind Tindalos. Did the author of that story somehow learn about you, or is it just a weird whim of fate?"

>"Your species was one of the first species caught in the Crucible, right? Do you people pass down any stories about what it was like that early? Or any histories of the Crucible at all. You'd have the best knowledge of how it changed it over time with new Mothers adding their own twists."
>>
Finally made another Crucible race after a whole lot of procrastinating. I've got another Crucible idea, but I think I'll try making some characters for now. Hopefully with less procrastination this time.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/11jQbW08UGskujmp_cowiuEMF1ocP_QDXRBCKDJ0Njec/edit?usp=sharing
>>
For >>3808856
I vote for >>3809067 followed by >>3808888
, and CRAFT FUZBUZZES as in >>3808908

Supporting asking Ringo about crucible story A LOT. Ringo is VERY insightful and ancient, knowing the story of the crucible from his perspective would be very helpful. The bombs he has dropped, about Amara receiving a steady stream of unpleasant info from skintalking and shouldering it in silence, or the quiet plight of our artist couple, are actual narrative gold. A wise alien dog indeed.
----
I also love the way he just "got" every single member of our crew so fast. I have never enjoyed an NPC external to our family since Mara, Ringo is pure narrative gold. The writing of his alien psychology is VERY well done, he sounds appropiatedly alien, yet relatable. The Hexxane are quite human-like, it is a pleasure to have the Ant-Queen and Ringo as an exploration of more divergent psychologies.

Kudos to you again, BHOP. I love what you do with your characters, it is anbsolute delight
>>
>>3809323
> CORRECTION: "I have never enjoyed an NPC external to our family AS MUCH since Mara"

Sorry for the typo, it mistakenly sounds as a criticism otherwise. Oops.
>>
>>3809323
>>3808888
>>3808856
>>3808876
im gonna change my vote to specifically voting AGAINST asking for any spare Tindalos parts or crafting FuzzBuzzes yet.

>>3809067
maybe floor thirty still is considered the lower levels.
>>
>>3809323
>The quiet plight of our artist couple
That counts as a bomb he's dropped as if we didn't know they wanted to bang it out already?
>>
>>3809330
Hey, my support is for crafting FUZZBUZZES s a farewell gift once the conversation is over. No focus will be detracted from your or other people efforts, and even the people crafting fuzzbuzzes seem aware and consensual on that fact. So no worries.
>>
>>3809342
Well, it is not "banging". It is becoming biological parents, which is a good degree of commitment. So far we were aware they loved each other and it was reciprocal, but this sounds like the "one and only love, then marry" kind of deal, which is a MAJOR development - that is a quick escalation, in my book.
>>
>>3809343
then dont say anything if you dont want to do it yet.

>>3809342
honestly their... issues, has been talked about before. we kinda already knew/suspected that. the only thing we didnt know was their relationship was that far along, though to be fair, is it? Ringo is a 4th dimensional space dog. silly and awkward as it may be, he might know things about them they dont know about themselves.

regardless, it really isnt anything new or any sorta bombshell yeah, and its really not something we or they can really begin to discuss or figure out til the crucible is over.
>>
>>3809345
it really isnt.
>>
>>3809342
Then also consider how motivated you have to be to consider becoming a biological parent in the most stupidly violent and challenging battle royale the world has ever known, on a Crucible that seems forntally opposed to reproduction by design (PyreAnt-queen is a crucible-breaker, in that regard), and you get like "MAXIMUM ROMANTIC COMMITMENT, EVER".
So I am very glad, then concerned for them, in that order
>>
>>3809349
> "Then dont say anything if you dont want to do it yet"

Serves the purpose of keeping the reminder for BHOP, and it is what I wish to do anyway. To each one their vote, and all that.
>>
>>3809349
>"4th dimensional space dog"
Okay, THAT´S an interesting implication you just raised. We have seen the tindalosi play withspace, and wind back time, but does that mean they can also see the future to some extent?
His insight may be even more valuable when you consider he can be taking a peek at the range of possible futures, then picking out some constant patterns that repeat themselves across virtually all choices taken by a person.

The skills we could farm from consuming the non-sentient tindalosi he has pointed to us and asked to mercy-kill could involve then even more interesting skills than teleporting. I think that jumping atop initiative qeue, defensive crit-cancellation like our Halos provide and improved crits are the TAMEST things we could get. Interesting times lie ahed of us, ladies and gentlemen.
>>
>>3809358
There was a reason i wanted to know that shit.

Fuckign with Space time is ludicrously powerful.

It would also help us defend ourself from such powers in the future.

The best way to fight a reality bender is with another reality bender
>>
>>3809358
i was more talking he might be able to 'see' or 'smell' their wants and desires in ways we couldn't, not that he can 'see' possible futures. though with someone like Cassandra about its not impossible. the issue there is, his kind is mostly cut off from 4th dimensional space, so anything that major id think he cant do anymore. he may not of been able to at all even if not cut off either, really depends on how BHOP is handling 4th dimensional space here, as interpretations on that vary.
>>
>>3809358
>>3809366
im not sure its honestly going to be anything too impressive. Ringo himself has shown the Crucible kinda fudges those powers, and its not really anything so terrible we cant, or hell haven't, overcome.

being part of the crucible seems to muddle them too much from being anything actually absurdly impressive. i mean, teleportation really the only thing the Tindalos have had, and we ourselves already have that, in two different ways basically too.
>>
>>3809376
The rollback power would be nice. Just negating massive hits we have taken as if they have never happened. We could maybe even reset our halos with them after we have used them.

We may also get the chance to get another skintalker power out of it. Which could be useful on Francine. And having an extra mage never really hurts. She can be our whitemage focused on healing and buffing while Amara is our blackmage dishing out status effects and debuffs.
>>
>>3809384
but thats a Major Tindalos power. lesser Tindalos probably dont have that, but the version Ace has, which is no better then any other teleporting we already have. its also much less likely a lesser Tindalos will have a skintalker power too. not really a gamble worth going after, considering what evidence we have, for rewards honestly not worth it (i disagree its really something Francine needs or worth going out of our way to try and get her).
>>
>>3809376
It might fit Amara. She's got a ninja cat Wizard theme going on, adding Tindalian Space Magic would be right up her alley and turn her into a Cheshire Cat.
>>
>>3809407
maybe, but not enough of one to go out of our way for, unless we just happen to be doing another side hunting run again.
>>
>>3809323
(Thank you so much for your kind words, that was a very pleasant thing to wake up to this morning.)
>>
Holy shit is Shu still alive? I fucking hate Shu.
>>
>>3809472
Welcome back.
>>
>>3809345
Yeah, a bit too quick. Dorian just resolved "yeah, okay, I should tell Julia how I feel about her" earlier today. I'm going to chalk this one up to Ringo being an alien and a dog and not quite getting human social cues entirely correctly. She knows Dorian and Julia are attracted to each other, she knows Dorian and Julia care about each other and want a relationship, dog brain says "oh, that means they're going to start their own pack, how lovely".
>>
>>3809541
to be fair things do move kinda fast in this quest at times. my bets still on Ringo just having enhanced senses and he can understand what they want even if they themselves cant.
>>
>>3809554
True, our party has all bonded emotionally very quickly. But still, I think it would take more than twelve hours. I think Ringo might be perceiving some latent desires, but definitely not any realized intent.
>>
>>3809323
He just seems like any other sentient dog, how the fuck does he come across as alien?
>>
>>3809541
>>3809345

Well the thing was that Julia and Dorian first met each other back in the 13th Vein. And it's been what 17 Veins?

We've had a heart to heart with Julia in the 19th Vein when she told Shu about her apprehension about becoming fully committed due to her past experiences and not quite understanding romantic love (she was familiar with only Familial love), and encouraged her to find time to sort out her feelings about Dorian.

Dorian on the other hand is heads over heels in love with Julia but hasn't really confessed because he understands Julia's apprehensions being the gentleman he is.

So to boil it down, it is a case of Shyness from both ends, but we've been encouraging both ends to be more open with each other.

As for how their relationship will proceed from there after their love confession...well it's up to them.

Which brings to mind, we really haven't kept track of those two lovebirds and how they're feeling about this.

>>3809554
>to be fair things do move kinda fast in this quest at times.
>>3809559
>True, our party has all bonded emotionally very quickly. But still, I think it would take more than twelve hours. I think Ringo might be perceiving some latent desires, but definitely not any realized intent.

Sometimes I feel like we should spend at least One Vein where everyone just takes a break to do "nothing" and quietly reflect upon life and their journeys you know? So much infodumping, hunting for food, and doing long term objectives yet Shu and her family don't really have that opportunity to go navel gazing and just enjoying the beautiful alien scenery.
>>
>>3809577
eh, we kinda have honestly. not sure an entire Veins worth but we have had plenty of moments of 'doing nothing'.

also i do feel i need to point out those 17 Veins or so may of been weeks and months for us, but only maybe a few days at best for Shu and Co. for them things move fast, for us a snails pace. such is life. also theres probably a joke in there about how Shu is only 3 weeks old, and thus Amara has nothing on her in terms of maturity-to-age or something.
>>
>>3809577
>Which brings to mind, we really haven't kept track of those two lovebirds and how they're feeling about this.
What do you mean? We talked with Dorian just earlier today.

>Sometimes I feel like we should spend at least One Vein where everyone just takes a break to do "nothing" and quietly reflect upon life and their journeys you know? So much infodumping, hunting for food, and doing long term objectives yet Shu and her family don't really have that opportunity to go navel gazing and just enjoying the beautiful alien scenery.
Sometimes I think it's to our party's advantage, that we don't get a ton of time for navel-gazing. Keeps the party from focusing on the existential terror of this world. Life and death have lost all meaning, no one is in their original body, and the stars are roamed by great world-eating monstrosities. It's a spooky-ass place. Keeping so busy means that we never get the chance to break down and start praying to dread Cthulhu.
>>
>>3809589
yeah, ive never seen the point in escaping reality through drugs or other means... but ok yeah, im also not surprised theirs a major, not minor, MAJOR faction in the fleshscape based around drugging themselves into a stupor until this is all over.
>>
>>3809577
>"Sometimes I feel like we should spend at least One Vein where everyone just takes a break to do "nothing" and quietly reflect upon life and their journeys you know?"
I do agree with you to some extent, even if I think BHOP has got the balance quite right as of late. But I think the balance is more likely to swing the other way.

Remember that time when we had freshly obtained two diaries of Hexxane that ascended the cord, plus Elder Uzu diary, and still most of the focus was into cuddling with Rath & Gina? (A major derail for which I WON´T apologize). I swear there are some anons that would have my guts on a silver platter for that, and they have sort of a point.

So far, I think that veins like vein 29 & this one balance well the tension between "making mission-critical things happen" and character development. We get a couple of relaxed missions in which we can explore the fleshcape and have an aside with a select few members of our crew, we came back to our home for a major social development, chat some more, and after a second mission and some social wrap-up shit hits the fan big time and we have to stop the Monastery merger from ending the world.

The point is, I also wish to have more time to explore character development, particulalry when it comes to Francine, November and Julia, but we have to balance it a bit with mission progress. What I really hope is that we are NOT going to get suddenly hit by a race to the cord against Evil Dr. West or another antagonist that makes climbing the cord a rushed sprint. The race against B´ni was cool, but it was a bit of an uninterrupted, nerve-wracking combat escalation across 3 entire veins.
I really hope that next time something major needs to be solved, it is more of an strategic thing, with small pauses to touch base with our crew.
>>
>>3809597
eh, i disagree. while i agree they shouldn't happen often and id hate to see a outright race for the cord too soon, the fact an problem needs our immediate and total heavy focus is what gives those moments the weight they have. otherwise, its just another thing on our list. alot of said stuff on the backburner IS exactly what you said, strategic but important, but its never going to be something major, and if it does become major, its going to be something exactly like anything else major and be something we need to get done with quickly, thats just how these things work.
>>
>>3809577
But yeah, I really want more time for character development (Amara has me worried after the revelations in>>3808816, and Francine and Julia CAN definitively use more of our time).
It is just that I am hoping we get more of these freeform missions, in which we can pursue useful objectives (leveling up, reconnaisance of Evil west labs, meeting & liaising with new daughter factions) while being surprised by fleshcape developments such as the AntQueen, and still having a chance to touch base with whatever crew is accompanying us at the time. So for me, this is a good compromise between moving the plot forward and exploring the Crucible world and our crew. I think that fully dedicated social veins should be 1 out of 3. Excesses would probably be felt.

Also, I definitively hope Evil Dr. West is not going to get brushed aside in a single second. With Mother seemingly out of tokens and Isabelle dead, she gets the "Big Bad Evil Gal" (BBEG) hat by default... and I WANT MY FRANCINE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT DAMMIT!!!
I can´t get that if we don´t face Evil Dr. West often! Francine should define herself in a healthier way, not just seeing herself as a living "Anti-West" missile, but I get the feeling that she will need the catharsis of facing a West proxy at least once to be receptive to that idea.

Add that and the fact that Evil West makes for an excellent antagonist (even when she is infuriating, it is the kind of despicable that you love to hate), and I really want to explore that part of the plot
>>
>>3809619
why are you saying 'Evil Dr.West'? thats redundant. West is evil, its unnecessary to mention that.
>>
>>3809619
Oh, I don't think we're going to run out of villains any time soon. We've got the Altered Altar and Apex Sisterhood, Yurei's faction seems benevolent now but we may come into conflict with them, we've got these "Barber" girls that the info team found, various foreign super-Daughters, the omega-hybrid and nothingness-girl that the Cord had imprisoned, and the Beasts of the Land, Sea and Sky. And that's just what we know about. I agree that I don't want West to be defeated too handily, I'd like her to remain an issue even after we destroy her network (because she's still an incredibly powerful and resourceful being) so that it's not anti-climactic, but she doesn't have to pull all the weight of the villain role.
>>
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>>3808856

Testing a theory, you maneuver your hand under where you estimate Ringo’s chin to be, your hypothesis rewarded by the Tindalos’ enthusiastic tail-wags.

"I’d love to hear about your crucible, if you would be willing to say anything on it." You begin, finding the non-Euclidian creature’s chin surprisingly soft to the touch. “I understand it’s probably not something you could even begin to describe, but I’d love to at least hear you try and explain 'angular space' to me if you would be willing to try."

<Bound to this carcass, I have learned how you experience entropy>

<Beginning to end, existing solely in the moment>

<Dim recollections of the past mixed with anticipations of an unknown future>

<For my people and I, we are born with the knowledge of where we begin, and when we end>

<What has been is a thing that we may revisit as we desire, while the future may be seen similarly>

<Just as you would walk over to your pack, the flow of entropy and the illusion of distance is a space just as easily crossed>

“So…are you saying that you’ll know when and how you’ll die?” You ask, alarmed.

<I do> Ringo replies, an odd note of satisfaction in their voice.

“Is that…I don’t even know what that would be like.” You murmur, your scratches slowing before the Tindalos nuzzles your hand, prompting you to resume. “Is that…I don’t know. Scary? Depressing?”

<It is liberating, Alpha Shu>

<I can devote my mind and time to ensuring I make the most of my existence>

<Fear of what is to come has no place in a life well lived>

<Just as becoming lost in what has been is an endless pit>

<My people believe that the past is a lesson, existing to clarify and better the present>

“…I like that.” You reply, returning your hand to the top of Ringo’s scalp. “

<I now know that our perspective, while beneficial to your kind, is still a difficult one to muster>

<For us, such a perspective is merely a fact of existence, and easy to grasp>

<For one of your kind to strive towards it is a testament to courage and wisdom, and worthy of respect>

"So, speaking of the past and the like…your species was one of the first species caught in the Crucible, right? Do you people pass down any stories about what it was like that early, if you can go to the past?” You ask, your mind whirling with questions. “Or any histories of the Crucible at all, really…you'd have the best knowledge of how it changed it over time with new Mothers adding their own twists."

<My people’s history survived on our tongues, passed from mouth to mouth through the eons like a treasured bone of lore>

<We are born with knowledge of our own span of entropy, but not to those that have come and gone before>

<History is the only belongings our people carried on our time at home, journeying across our planet…>

<…that, and a good, strong piece of marrow, if one was blessed enough to find one>

(Continued)
>>
>>3809628

<Our Crucible was inevitable, a simple fact of existence>

<Many packs fought, many died, and a few began to climb>

<It was a bitter one that emerged victorious, killing their own Alpha in an unforgivable act of blasphemy>

<They ruled that only those that had the power to bring life into this world, the ones that could carry the burden of existence within themselves, had the right to participate in future strains>

<The Crucible made of that what it could>

<After that, the two classes we brought into the system appeared in future strains, one far more often than the other>

“Wait, two?” You say, cocking an eyebrow.

<Yes>

<One that allows you to converse freely with the planet, uttering words of hope and despair with ease>

<Another that the Crucible itself deemed too broken to tolerate though it still appears, unwanted and shattered among the participants unfortunate enough to possess it>

"So, something more like what you and your kind were able to do originally, I take it?” You say, and Ringo just gives a little nod. “Actually, that reminds me; the gun I got from Charon told me some things about the Cord. One of them was that Hounds like yourself mostly occupy the lower levels. But I've also got the journal of a Daughter who climbed the Cord, and she said that she was being encountering your species at high as the thirtieth floor. Was the Cord rearranged since Charon ascended it?"

<If my brothers and sisters within the Cord are strong, then even bound as they are to flesh they may still possess the ability to stride through existence unhindered>

<I would be surprised if they were not present throughout every level of the Cord, as we speak>

"Actually…is it a coincidence that you resemble a creature from our fiction?” You muse, curious. “We've got a famous story called ‘The Hounds of Tindalos’ about canine predators that can teleport through angled space. That's why we call your kind Tindalos. Did the author of that story somehow learn about you, or is it just a weird whim of fate?"

<We leave our paw prints across space and time, in the waking and dreaming worlds, and on the dust-specks of creation to the spiraling stars of eternity>

<Are you so certain that your hounds did not merely take after us?>

“You mean in the story?”

<I mean your dogs>

You stifle a laugh, now using both hands to rub what you assume to be Ringo’s ears.

“You…sound pretty proud of your race.” You grin.

<Like you, I have reason to be>

“Yo, Charon’s caught up with everybody!” Rath announces, bounding barefoot up to you across the floor of the Dragon’s Roost. “Also, Amara’s chomping at the bit to play with Ringo some more, so…”

<The responsibility of an Alpha is forever> Ringo sighs, despite their amused tone. <This has been a pleasant talk, Alpha Shu>

<I shall revisit it often>

(Continued)
>>
>>3809612
"The fact an problem needs our immediate and total heavy focus is what gives those moments the weight they have"
Okay with your point. That doesn´t mean I want a repeat of Isabelle situation, in which we had 3 major fights with no time to regroup and breathe for a second.

If we get into the same situation, I hope we get at least an interrupt while night falls, and combat resumes the next morning. Adress the immediate concerns and brainstorming, have time to listen to some of our crew before the next day and assuage their concerns. Something in that vein.

Unrelated topic: We should really place some serious alarms in the base, improve the walls, and even put some spare Spiritus Ex Testa constructs inside for our dream daughters to pilot when they wish. The latter would not have the benefit to grant a body to any dream daughter that wishes to stretch her legs while we visit the base, it would also lend us some serious backup next time somebody teleports in the middle of our base.

In short: CAP THE BASE. This place is far less secure than advertised, we had already 3 daughters slip in uninvited. I am not willing to get an Evil West Wetwork proxy squad slip in while we are sleeping and get our throats slit, this place is supposed to require some serious protracted siege before any of our foes can enter it. Let´s make it work like adversised.
>>
>>3809623
Some people got offended when I used the term "Dr. West" because they thought I was talking about Francine. So I use the pleonasm for extra clarity. tahnks for your support, that means I can probably stop using it.
>>
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>>3809630

“Likewise, Ringo.” You reply, watching the Tindalos bound over to Amara, who promptly squeals with joy and splits into a dozen clones to fall upon the hound with a legion of rubs. You watch the scene in peace for a moment, only noticing Rath’s utterly shocked expression out of the corner of you eye.

“Shu…when the hell were you gonna tell me the dog could fucking talk?”

“Hey, don’t look at me.” You chuckle, glancing to your left to find Francine still fast asleep. “I only just found out, and that came as much of a surprise to me as it did to you.”

“Shit man, alright.” Rath sighs, running a hand through her short hair. “Anyway, Charon said they’re gonna be heading out soon with Ringo, so I figure we should get everything done that we want to, before they head out. Gina’s almost friggin’ giddy about all the new locations she’s got, and…hey, is the Doc napping? You think I should wake her up for this?”

“Nah, let her rest. She’s making her Choice, so I don’t want to interrupt.” You say, looking out on your assembled family as you weigh how to best proceed with what time you have.

While you wish to say proper goodbyes to the Hexane and Tindalos before they begin their journey of redemption and collection respectively, you’re starting to feel pressure from the sheer number of things you now have to explore and address. From Francine’s quest to end the Proxies to Madame Yurei’s offer, you have no end of demands for your time…how you spend it is up to you.

>>Wish Charon and Ringo goodbye, but not before crafting them a going-away gift or two.

>>Take some time to talk to one or more of your allies, before/after Charon and Ringo leave for their journey (Gina/Rath/Julia/Dorian/Amara/November/Marco)

>>Given the timing of things and the fact that Gina has the Dream Daughters cued up, you’d like to touch base with one of them before/after Charon and Ringo take their leave.

>>Say goodbye, then assemble everyone once Francine’s awake to discuss what you’re going to address first on your rather long list of ‘to-do’ items that demand your attention (Choose next item of business)

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next two hours. Also, is everyone set for an evening of tentative rapid-posting this evening, starting at around 6:30 Eastern Time? Let me know, and I hope your day is going well.)
>>
>>3809630
><They ruled that only those that had the power to bring life into this world, the ones that could carry the burden of existence within themselves, had the right to participate in future strains>
Oh, you're the ones responsible for that.

><Another that the Crucible itself deemed too broken to tolerate though it still appears, unwanted and shattered among the participants unfortunate enough to possess it>
That could be what void-girl has. Something based around crazy hyperdimensional geometry and causality manipulation. That's terrifying. Let's not get on her bad side.

><Are you so certain that your hounds did not merely take after us?>
Pretty sure? They're the result of selective breeding. I guess maybe you could have influenced us, though.
>>
>>3809639
>Take some time to talk to one or more of your allies, before/after Charon and Ringo leave for their journey (Gina/Rath/Julia/Dorian/Amara/November/Marco)
Bhop, why/how is Marco part of the list of options?

Note: This is not a vote
>>
>>3809636
>>Wish Charon and Ringo goodbye, but not before crafting them a going-away gift or two.
>Craft Them both a FuzzBuzz.
>Get help making Ringo a uniquely squeaky and rubbery one, but one that is made to handle his abuse.
>Charons should be something more ornamental, though where and how they show it off if at all is up to them.

>Afterwards, Ask Gina and whoever else is willing to help to organize and catalog all the options you have available. you have several tasks that need completing, several people you might want to meet, and several locations to look at... and some of them havent even been explained to you yet!
>Otherwise, take a moment to speak with your Dream Daughters, both casually, and to bring up the spritius and its implications to them. you wont force it on any of them, or often, but you would like to gauge their opinion on it and you using it, as you dont want to force their aid.
>>
>>3809635
that was probably me because to me it seemed like you were talking about Francine

Mostly a misunderstanding now that i look back on it.

>>3809633
Talk with Rath before they leave
>"So now you have had some time to cool down again while talking with Charon. What is your opinion on Ringo and them? He found you to be endlessly loyal as part of the "pack" as he called you.

>Then make a Fuzzbuzz for Rigno and Charon each. Jus the Normal Fuzzbuzz present with a squeaking function for Ringo and a somehwat ornamental version for Charon.

>Afterwards, Ask Gina and whoever else is willing to help to organize and catalog all the options you have available. you have several tasks that need completing, several people you might want to meet, and several locations to look at... and some of them havent even been explained to you yet!
>Otherwise, take a moment to speak with your Dream Daughters, both casually, and to bring up the spritius and its implications to them. you wont force it on any of them, or often, but you would like to gauge their opinion on it and you using it, as you dont want to force their aid. Alsdo ask if any of them want to just hang around in the "flesh" for longer periods of time. Just to stretch their legs a bit
>>
>>3809636
>>Wish Charon and Ringo goodbye, but not before crafting them a going-away gift or two.
>Squeeky FuzzBuzz for Ringo, obviously. More standard FuzzBuzz for Charon.
>>Write-In
>Get back to discussing the information we gathered, because Charon actually interrupted us before we got even a quarter of the way through. Who are these foreign Daughters that Amara is tracking, what sort of defenses does the West lab have, what sort of Hexane facility did they find, etc.
>And of course, finish off by finally telling Amara about the ants, if getting to play with Ringo hasn't distracted her from the other cute Amalgam moment she was excited about.

>>3809645
Because he is a respected member of this team, damn it!
>>
>>3809636
>Talk with Rath before they leave
>>"So now you have had some time to cool down again while talking with Charon. What is your opinion on Ringo and them? He found you to be endlessly loyal as part of the "pack" as he called you.
>>Then make a Fuzzbuzz for Rigno and Charon each. Jus the Normal Fuzzbuzz present with a squeaking function for Ringo and a somehwat ornamental version for Charon.
>Tell Amara about the moment of Fuzzbuzz and the Ants
>>Afterwards, Ask Gina and whoever else is willing to help to organize and catalog all the options you have available. you have several tasks that need completing, several people you might want to meet, and several locations to look at... and some of them havent even been explained to you yet!
>>Otherwise, take a moment to speak with your Dream Daughters, both casually, and to bring up the spritius and its implications to them. you wont force it on any of them, or often, but you would like to gauge their opinion on it and you using it, as you dont want to force their aid. Alsdo ask if any of them want to just hang around in the "flesh" for longer periods of time. Just to stretch their legs a bit
>>
>>3809645
(Purely by accident. I put his name there as a placeholder before copying over everything, and I think I got distracted by work before thinking to remove him from the list.)

(He's still a valid choice, as best tank pilot.)
>>
>>3809639
i should be good for then.

>>3809632
grah, why do you people interrupt the flow of BHOPS posts so casually!?

and i disagree, both in how those type of situations work, and what is best for them, aswell as what makes sense IC. if a situation is important, you dont just 'take breaks' like that, its as simple as that.

the base is fine, and thats not how Spiritus works from its description.

>>3809635
i have seen literally no one get upset or not understand the difference, though maybe things have changed since she was first introduced, as now it is more of a central point that Francine is her own person.

>>3809650
i think with the influx of info on top of our existing pile, it would work better to take/give folks a moment to compile it all, so diving into it isnt as big a mess. and while thats going on, we may aswell take a moment to solve a different issue.

>>3809645
>>3809653
...but lets also do this after waking up, or maybe after we go through all the info.
actually yeah. let them compile info, talk to dream daughters about Spiritus, discuss all our options, then PLAN what option we want next, but then say "look, we all work ourselves to death, lets take a break for the rest of the afternoon, and do what we decided on in the morning, ok?" then we can talk to Marco and others before napping.

yeah, that sounds like a good idea to me.
>>
>>3809658
>>3809650
plus, im hoping if we take a moment to compile info and talk to our dream daughters, Francine will be awake by then, so we can finish things up with her, and have her input into the discussion and planning of everything. bad enough shes the best suited for organizing it and she isnt available as it is.
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>>3809628
also, personally from how they have been described thats not really the image that came to mind for the Tindalos Hounds.
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>>3809636
Supporting >>3809649, particularly the Rath addition.
I like the discussion about the Spiritus Ex Testa, it is something major. I think that it would make a fine tri-hybrid with our Hive Mistress Core and the Hive Mistress Halo, once we find them. It has been a long time since other anons have been wishing for a way to make our social nature and our focus towards our crew be more represented in how our core manifests, and I think the phantasmal conduit nature of the Spiritus could influence the evolution of our core towards that as it evolves. Besides, it services our beloved dream daughters; once the piloting daughter does not need to roll against deletion when its ride is destroyed (something which is bound to happen once it levels up enough), it will see much use and be a nice contribution to our playstyle, besides the interesting narrative possibilities.

Could we get a "safe" mode where the piloting daughter does not risk deletion at the expense of power, dear BHOP? I believe people likes this skill, but it is not going to see much use if we risk death for our dream daughters each time we use it.
I think it would see much more use if we had a "safe" mode in which the spiritus acts as a piloted and much beefed knightling, and a "risky" mode where we bring the dream daughter all the way in, but risk deletion for this move.
>>
>>3809681
Spiritus is already a hybrid, so we risk muddling the hybrid if we add more than one more thing to it, so we couldn't do both our core and the halo. hell, that probably wont happen at all honestly. thats 24 more levels to put into those both together at their max levels, which is likely to not happen.
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>>3809681
>I think that it would make a fine tri-hybrid with our Hive Mistress Core and the Hive Mistress Halo, once we find them.
Spiritus is already a double-hybrid. Maybe the inherent compatibility of its concepts with our Core and the supplementary nature of the Halos mean that a quad-hybrid would work, though. We can try it, nothing says we have to take that hybridization, but I'm personally more inclined towards Hive/Neurotic Halo/Hive Halo as a possible end game triple-hybrid.

>Besides, it services our beloved dream daughters; once the piloting daughter does not need to roll against deletion when its ride is destroyed (something which is bound to happen once it levels up enough)
You know what would be hilarious, if we can make it so that death doesn't make them have to roll a save? We can apply Swarmling modifiers and augments to Spiritus clones. That includes Recursive. The amount of mini-copies Recursive spawns is proportionate to the Bio spent on crafting the base construct. Spiritus clones can have massive amounts of Bio invested in them. You are now imagining someone killing one of our clones only for hundreds of tiny copies of the Dream Daughter to emerge from the corpse and start attacking. It's going to be absolutely nightmarish, and I love it.
>>
>>3809636

>Go over to the Core Console, have it create one Futon blanket. Then Spawn a Grappling and have it drape the futon blanket over Francine.

>Spawn an Ornamental Fuzzbuzz for Charon
>Spawn a Squeaky Chew Toy Fuzzbuzz with the following features: a rubbery regenerating Caparace/shell/Cortex, squishy Abdomen and thorax to allow it to withstand chewing abuse, and most importantly, it adorably squeaks when squished.
>"Ringo, Charon, Good luck and safe travels. I hope we can meet again soon. "
>Wish them goodbye and good luck.

After Charon and Ringo leaves:
>Ask Gina to help organize all of the information that we've compiled from both the research hunt and all the information that we've gathered.

>Ask Gina to use the Core Console and collaborate with Julia and Dorian in making a Tabletop map of the world.
>Julia can sculpt the topography of notable locations, and make figurines (make them action figures with classic kung-fu grip in case Amara wants to play with them) of notable daughters and Amalgams.
>Dorian can paint the landscape and the figurines as well.

>Give Amara a deep and long hug. You didn't know that Amara had to shoulder hearing so many voices from the world, it honestly scares you that she had to bear it.
>"I never knew you had to put up with hearing so many mean voices, Amara. Ringo told me about it. Are you feeling okay?

>Sit down with Amara (with Amara on our lap) and give her story time about the Colony of Pyre Ants. It'll be dressed up a bit to make it fancy and mesmerizing for Storytime's sake.

I'm going to post another vote detailing how Shu describes the story time for Amara.
>>
>>3809701
I am just now imagining hundreds of Hollys just swarming an enemy and jsut chomping down with their tiny adorable teeth and reducing an enemy to nothing more than bones in seconds.
Like a schoal of piranhias.

The Halo Hybrids is something i am very interested in as well
>>
>>3809703
storytime can wait please. lets get other things in order first, then have pleasantries later, as ive mentioned before.
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>>3809693
I disagree. It is a skill in and on itself with a very restricted purpose. On the level outlook, the tri-hybrid is done at entry-level, BEFORE spending points, and then we level up the resulting tri-hybrid.

The idea is to use the tri-hybrid for the base features, and have them influence the single resulting ability that we level up afterwards. this is a points-efficient way of doing things, meaning we wouldn´t need those 24 points.

I think this outlook would alleviate and give an outlet to our "MAGPIE" syndrome while not harming our level-up options. Just splice the un-leveled, base consumption skill into a preexisting skill, hybrid or not, and use it with the intention of influencing its development in a direction you like, or add new functionalites or beneficial features onto something aready existing.

If we are too rigid against hybrids for point efficiency or purist purposes, people will dilute our power between many skillset level-ups or go full MAGPIE. I porpose this "gardener" approach to tackle those extremes and increase our level-up efficiency instead.
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>>3809714
But story time... I was on such a roll in writing it out. And besides, the story time was a way for Shu to pass the time while Gina, Julia, and Dorian sort and compile the data onto a tabletop map. Complete with figurines!

Let me have some fun dammit!
>>
>>3809728
(You're welcome to go ahead and post it, so I can work it in as appropriate.)
>>
>>3809701
well, we still dont know if that would work, as it might be a bad idea to fracture the Dream Daughters mind.

im honestly unsure about putting the Neuro Halo into our Hive personally. feels like that might work better with Spiritus honestly, at least, if no Augment or level allows us to draw on others Dream Daughters, i can see the Neuro Halo allowing that, and if it does, would fit on it much better.

>>3809716
i have no idea what you're talking about. are you saying make a copy of the two abilities and make a new hybrid? im against that. thats still 10 levels to make the base hybrid in the first place, and a waste of space when we will need something to do with those abilities once fully leveled up.

or are you saying go for the hybrid right now ASAP? if so, no, and no one will go fr it either.

>>3809728
save it for later. i wasn't saying not to storytime ever, i was saying we have better things to do right now and to spend this time and split our focus, something like a story doesn't fit the situation and can happen later once business is taken care of.
>>
>>3809735
>im honestly unsure about putting the Neuro Halo into our Hive personally. feels like that might work better with Spiritus honestly, at least, if no Augment or level allows us to draw on others Dream Daughters, i can see the Neuro Halo allowing that, and if it does, would fit on it much better.
Spiritus would also be a good fit for the Halo, yeah.
>>
>>3809701
>>3809706
>"Maybe the inherent compatibility of its concepts with our Core and the supplementary nature of the Halos mean that a quad-hybrid would work, though"
That is what I was hoping for. Spiritus is very similar in use to our Hive Mistress Core purpose, I just want to synergize them together for point efficiency and thematic purposes and to encourage its use, instead of having a "Spiritus Vs Hive Mistress Core" competition in terms of use and level-up. They draw so much from the same philosophy that it would be a shame to wind at that point.

I would be open to your alternative though. I just want an endgame tri-hybrid that embodies our caring and empathic playstyle, and I think that Phantasmal Conduit skills are the best way to reflect that mechanically; hell, before the spiritus, my plan was to duplicate the Crimson cord on us and fuse it with our Hive. Imagine what would happen if we could get the benefits we get not only from Gina, but from every member of our group?
Shoot a fullbore into a foe, then have Rath DELAWARE SMASH from it when it is close to the foe´s hearth. That is what a high-level hybrid in that vein would bring...
Is anyone Feeling tempted?
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>>3809751
>Is anyone Feeling tempted?
no, and Crimson Cord is an augment, technically Ginas Augment, it cant be hybridized.
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>>3809735
> "Are you saying go for the hybrid right now ASAP?"
I would probably go for the tri-hybrid and wait for the Hive Mistress Halo, but I wouldn´t be against hybridizing the Spiritus and Hive core now.
> "I have no idea what you're talking about. "
If you look at >>3809716, the idea is to hybridize the un-leveled starter skill. So in that scenario, you duplicate the "Crimson Cord" skill at level1, for 1 point invested, then hybridyze it with the Hive Core. You level-up then the resulting hybrid, aiming for the Cord to bleed and influence into its development. Very points-efficient.
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>>3809769
well as already stated, you cant hybridize the Crimson Cord, hell i dont think at the moment we can even duplicate Augments.

otherwise im against that heavily. i agree that Shus Core is one of the few Abilities we should get to level 20, and Spiritus is also one i want to leave alone to see where it goes.
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>>3809769
That does not change the fact the crimson cord is an augment and can not be Hybridized do to that.

And one skill needs to be either at max level or both need to be at the same level (5, 10 or 15) to get the Hybrid. They cant be hybridized at level 1
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>>3809760
Okay, question for BHOP: Can augments be duplicated via Sparagmos Engine?

Also, I think that getting a Crimson Cord would be a very "Shu" thing to do, and definitively in character.
>>
>>3809784
...ok, please go and actually look at how things work and are, then come back when you actually understand what has so far been explained to us.

the Crimson Cord IS Shus. its also Ginas. thats the point of it. its a unique Augment specifically relating specifically to their relationship, and was Ginas Fools Choice reward. it is technically on Gina, however, it is 'Shus' and with Shu, due to it uniquely being about Shu, as Gines Fool Choice was choosing Shu over the Crucible.
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>>3809784
They can be, but I'm still not sure that the Crimson Cord can or even should be duplicated. That thing's representative of a deep and intimate bond with another person, mass-producing it feels tawdry, even if the people we gave it to are also people we have bonds with. Let it happen on its own.
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>>3809777
But that´s a disaster waiting to happen when it comes to skillset consolidation! If we could hybridize at earlier levels to influence later evolution, even trading off some of the potential, things would be much easier. Nobody wants to delete, but people likes to consolidate. I now get why Hybrid discussions last thread were so heated...
>>
>>3809784
>>3809797
also, BHOP has already answered that. no, at the moment we cannot duplicate Augments. we have to find something else or something first before we can, as has been explained. though i will admit i do not remember exactly the method he said. was it an item we had to find, or was it something that allowed us a work-around to allow it?
>>
>>3809802
>>3809806
(There is a way to duplicate Augments, and it will make itself known sooner rather than later.)
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>>3809636
Storytime of Pyre Ants Part 1:
>"So Amara, I heard you you wanted to hear about the Kingdom of Pyre Ants?
>let Amara reply

>"How should I begin... on the beach near the Salt Lake of Spire Island, between a forest of Mushrooms and a Frozen resort, lived a Pyre Ant Queen. She fought, she hunted, she survived, and grew. Pyre Ants I believe have the ability to control heat and fire. But their most powerful weapon was a rage that made them unstoppable when burning red with anger. A fearsome combo that made them formidable when fighting."

>*add hand gestures to help describe size and shape and mannerisms*

>"Eventually she became strong enough to make her own home. An Anthill three stories high and Five stories wide, with a kingdom that grows ever larger underground. Her subjects grew in number and strength and her nursery grew in number. But with so many mouths to feed, the queen began to expand her territory only to met with insurmountable obstacles. In the mushroom forest there lived a Panther whose skin could let it blend into the forest, and whose speed could take down the Queens Ants in a mere swipe of its claws despite the strength of the Ants. What's worse, the Panther loved hunting the Ants."

>*pause for dramatic effect*

>"It would crouch and stalk the forest. Patiently, quietly. Waiting for an Ant to wander into its territory. And when an ant does wander into its territory alone..."

>*Mime the Panther gestures, including the butt wiggle*

>"SNICK!"
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>>3809817
>>3809636
Storytime of Pyre Ants Part 2:
>*pounce on Amara and scoop her up into a hug*

>might Amara ask about what happens with the Pyre Ant kingdom if they're accosted with the Stealth Panther.

>"I believe the The Pyre Ant kingdom decided to try and hunt elsewhere resorting to hunt other things like Amalgams, but the Panther was too close to home."

>"And so this is where I believe I come into the story, along with Sir Dorian and Aunt November. I never knew about the Pyre Ant Kingdom, I only saw the massive Ant hill. The Ants at the time were underground and there were no Scouts. So I decided to take a look with a special swarmling that could see through the ground. That was when I saw the Ant Kingdom."

>Amara might ask if Shu fought the Ants

>"We almost had to fight. And it was scary. We had to send in a brave soul to see if the Ants were friendly or if they weren't."

>Amara will inevitably ask who was sent:

>"Fuzzbuzz."

>Allow a moment for Amara to appropriately react.

>"Fuzzbuzz was sent in as a diplomat and scout. It wasn't long before he met a Fire Ant Soldier. I was already prepared to pull the plug and use my powers to sink the kingdom when..."

>"..when it decided to take Fuzzbuzz to the Queen."

>"And so Fuzzbuzz was taken to the Queen, to be judged. And her judgement? Adoption. Fuzzbuzz was adopted as a member of the Pyre Ant Colony."

>"Yes, Fuzzbuzz was adopted as an honorary Pyre Ant. Who knew the Queen had such a soft heart? We took this as a chance to make contact with the Queen and explained ourselves through Fuzzbuzz. We wanted to be friendly with the Ant Kingdom, we had never encountered a Sentient Amalgam before. The Queen likewise was weary of us, and wanted to see us prove ourselves that we were worthy. And thus the Queen bestowed us a quest. She explained that her kingdom was under siege by the Panther and wanted it gone. We accepted the quest and began to hunt the panther."

>"We saw how the Panther hunted, and laid a trap for it. We had a juicy swarmling act as bait and set up a pitfall trap. The Panther fell for the bait and was ready to pounce."

>"It pounced. But it was too fast for its own good. it got the bait, but slid right into the pitfall trap where November used her giant tank to blow it into smithereens! Boom!"

>"We brought the Panther's head in front of the Ant Queen's anthill where the worker ants took it in. The queen was delighted to see the Panther dead, and declared us Friends with her kingdom. Not only that it also shared part of its treasures and extended an invitation to meet it face to face. Queen to Queen."

>"Would you like to see the Ant kingdom sometime in the future?"

End Storytime.

There. That's the storytime of the Pyre Ant Kingdom told to Amara.
>>
>>3809802
Yes that is the reason for that.
We simply cant hybridize at every level and in a normal run through you get maximum three chances to do a hybrid with normal abilites.

We can sort of ignore that rule since we have the engine but it does not change the fact we can only hybridize at certain points. Which are always huge point sinks even if the Hybrid is good.

And the Crimson Cord is an Augment that is not directly linked to a certain tree. So it cant level up so it can never be Hybridized even if we could replicate it. Which could become very awkward since it needs both a start and an end point. I am not sure how that would work exactly There is also my personal oppinion that Choice Augments should not be replicated. They are soemthign deeply personal and private
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>>3809775
>"Spiritus is also one i want to leave alone to see where it goes".

The problem is we have that going on with Hundred-handed and the Maw too. If we keep leveling up multiple separate skills at that rate, we will never get the chance to get ones to cap, or add features to them via hybridization. And face the fact: we won´t supress the"shiny" syndrome in the community, and probably shouldn´t go to the lengths neccesary to enforce thatm things would get very heated, very fast.

Hell, if I could, I would tack on the Spiritus as an augment to our Hive Mistres Core. It feels more of an extra functionality to a hive Mistress than something that should live separate, too much synergy to have it flying around under-leveled and under-used.
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>>3809815
>>3809824
i gotta agree with this Anon, feels cheap for special Augments like that to be replicated.

>>3809817
>>3809820
not bad i guess, but still best saved for later.
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>>3809829
well, we will just have to agree to violently disagree, because ill fight you bitterly on this and not kindly either. we've done good strides to suppressing the shiney effect and i wont stop trying to now. that all is also a terrible excuse to ignore keeping good abilities by themselves, hence the fact of why Maw and Handed are by themselves as it is, and even then we barely managed to do that one, but it was still the right move and proved it could happen. Hive is also proven its worth to try and get to level 20 without a shadow of a doubt.

you're not trying to solve any of the problems here, you're folding to them and making them worse and becoming a part of them.
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>>3809830
>>3809824
>>3809815
Okay, I get your points about the sanctity of the Crimson Cord and its emotional value. But we haven´t come so far across anything else representing the kind of drive to protect, communicate and synergize with our family members; Spiritus is the closest thing we have got so far besides the Crimson Cord, but it seems hybridization rules are playing against a strong tri-hybrid Hive mistress core anyways.
Dammit.
The second OTHER option like the Crimson Cord or Spiritus appears, I am going to push for it. Fair warning.
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>>3809824
(Also, Crimson Cord cannot be duplicated due to, as suspected, the personal nature of the ability, much like Dorian, Amara, and Francine's passives.)
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>>3809837
was mentioning Francine there a slip of the tongue about what we can expect once shes done with her choice?
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>>3809841
Even if

I think he was more referring to her passive that first uses her Name and inverts the effect of Creations Strings
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>>3809843
well, maybe, but that ones an ability specific augment, so unless you have the same ability you couldn't copy it anyways.

which, fair, isnt impossible, but seems pretty rare to happen, and thus bring up.
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>>3809833
" You are folding to them, making them worse and becoming a part of them"
No, I don´t. I want a strong Hive Mistress Core, but I think that the best way for point efficiency is to consolidate as much skills as possible into hybrids, if people feel they are under-used or underwhelming.

To be honest, the constraints about hybridization are a shame. I wouldn´t mind turnining low-level skills into augments to something already existing, trading power for adding functionalities. The Maw and Handed was a good example - we wanted more the tongue and hundred-handed utility than the damage or stats, but still we couldn´t focus on what we wished, because the damage and crit-functions of the Maw were in the way.
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>>3809849
yes, you very much are. but we clearly arent going to agree and you clearly arent listening, while also moving the goal post, because of course you are, so theres no pint in continuing this conversation.
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>>3809830
I'll trust Bhop to insert storytime when it's appropriate. I'm just posting the story content for Bhop to use. And it sounded like you had something to say about storytime. Any suggestions/comments/criticisms to add improvement to the overall story quality?
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>>3809854
eh, really some parts just felt a bit silly, even for Shu talking to Amara, like the butt wiggling for sure. just not a personal fan of that type of overall tone i guess, not something that can be pointed out via just a singular line or something.

also Dorian i think shes already called Uncle, which may fit better i think. 'sir' feels a bit too distant maybe, for the family setting and bonds we have forming.

im still surprised Amara chose us over Julia as the mother figure(shes called Julia Aunt along with Dorian Uncle). ive gotta admit i am very curious what about us won her heart over Julia, especially as i think Julias without a doubt spent more time with her. im just also pretty sure thats not a question you just bring up with your adoptive daughter though.

>>3809837
>>
>>3809817
>>3809820
>>3809854
I love you write-in. It makes for a delightful interaction with Amara, and is very well written. I hope BHOP uses it, he already has one of yours saved for future use. I wish to see both of them.
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>>3809854
actually, maybe thats part of it. usually, when we try(and i really mean try, we dont always finish these stories), we take a fun but serious tone and try and teach Amara something with the story, which yours is lacking both those aspects.
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>>3809867
"Really some parts just felt a bit silly, even for Shu talking to Amara, like the butt wiggling for sure"
Do you want a Jihad? Because that´s how you get a Jihad ;-)
Jokes aside, Amara is 7 years-old and excitable. The butt-wiggle is ENTIRELY appropriate.
Seconding the interest about Amara choosing Shu as a Mother figure, though. It doesn´t feel very fair towards poor Julia, she did most of the hard child-rearing work.
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>>3809874
i disagree, for reasons i posted here
>>3809873
>>
>>3809873
Not all needs to be child moral indoctrination. It might end badly, since most of our previous interactions are a bit "preachy" and morality oriented. This may make her backlash in the opposite direction.

She is a 7 years-old, she needs abit of sillyness now and then. Pouncing on her for a hug mid-story is well-woven in the story and fully justifiable in that optic.
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>>3809896
i disagree with basically all of that in basically every way imaginable. seems to be a theme when listening to you.
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>>3809898
It is reciprocal, but enjoyable all the same ;-)
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>>3809873
Oh. So you're looking for something of an Aesop to the story...

It's honestly somewhat awkward to shove an Aesop into the storytime with the Pyre Ants at this rate. We're really retelling our encounter with the Pyre Ants albeit, dressed up for the sake of storytime since the story includes two perspectives, an objective fantasy perspective and that of Shu's perspective when she encountered the Pyre Ants.

Trying to weave an aesop into the story now would be... difficult. The main draw of the story is just describing the wonderful yet terrifying world of the Crucible, the purpose of the Pyre Ant story time is to entertain Amara by having her imagine accompanying Shu during Shu's hunting expedition. Aesop stories can be reserved for a different time when appropriate. For now, we're just entertaining Amara.

If anything, an appropriate one would be the whole "giving people/things a chance to show their colors" or "don't judge a book by its cover", but the latter of the suggestion is a lesson learned when Amara mistook Lara (the cheshire worm) for an Amalgam, and the former is really stretching it.
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>>3809904
eh, i disagree, and then thus with the story then.

>>3809903
hardly, you're the worst person ive had to interact with here by the largest margin possible.
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>>3809867
It is a bit odd, but I can see it. Julia is definitely very affectionate and caring towards Amara. But she's also not the leader of the group. Shu is, she's the authority, it makes sense that the affection that she shows Amara could be interpreted as more maternal. Julia cares for her, but Shu's the one who takes responsibility for her. We teach her morality in an accessible way, we comfort her when she screws up and help her make amends, and we've put a lot of clearly visible effort into keeping her safe (of course Julia does, too, the entire party keeps Amara safe, but we're the one who gave Amara the Shawl and FuzzBuzz). I think it makes sense that Amara would associate Shu with "mom" and Julia with "nice older sister".
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>>3809906
So then what sort of aesop do you think best fits the story?

Having you "harrumphing" at every slight won't be productive unless you have something to contribute and worthwhile for us to work with instead of saying "I disagree" and then stonewalling anyone who doesn't conform with your opinion.
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>>3809906
Or if there's anything you think could change with the story overall? Come on, work with us!
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>>3809914
Trying not to get involved in this argument, but I think it's okay to not have an aesop. Not everything has to have a moral, sometimes a story about giant ants is just you telling somebody about these giant ants you found.
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>>3809639
This Question might be too meta Op but can Amara hear us? Like the anons that fight in Shus head over what actions to take? Or like an approximation of us A hive of swarmlings trying to decide what is best for all of us?? And can Ringo too?

Also i forgot to answer this.
I will go to sleep around that time. If you want to you can still do your rapid posting While I try to get healthy again.
>>
>>3809908
eh, i dont think Shu being the leader of the group really has anything to do with it, as Shu doesn't really advertise or enforce a hierarchy at all. but i guess conversely that in and of itself might help the situation. id imagine alot of it might also depend on how her actual mother was like that influenced the outcome, but we really dont have enough there to decide if/how it may of.

>>3809914
get bent. everyone here stonewalls others, you just dont like im ok with it and not against doing it openly, or calling it out when its resulting in a discussion leading nowhere. i just dont care to have any tact over it.

>>3809914
>>3809916
i mean, you already mentioned two good ones, but really the story is about how you shouldn't be against the unexpected or giving something a chance just because it doesn't make sense. or about how we still were prepared to down them at a moments notice. 'give people a chance, but keep your options open.' Rath would approve of that one.
>>
>>3809921
>but really the story is about how you shouldn't be against the unexpected or giving something a chance just because it doesn't make sense. or about how we still were prepared to down them at a moments notice. 'give people a chance, but keep your options open.'

Thank you for your suggestion. Now to figure out how to weave the aesop you suggested into the story time.
>>
>>3809923
why? i dont want it to happen now and my votes against it.
>>
>>3809921
>eh, i dont think Shu being the leader of the group really has anything to do with it, as Shu doesn't really advertise or enforce a hierarchy at all. but i guess conversely that in and of itself might help the situation.
Well, sure, she doesn't enforce a hierarchy, but she's still clearly the boss. I think the fact that Shu is authority but not authoritarian does help. Makes it easier to take comfort in her presence, she's not harsh about being in charge.

>id imagine alot of it might also depend on how her actual mother was like that influenced the outcome, but we really dont have enough there to decide if/how it may of.
True. We know she was an overworked single mom, but beyond that it's not clear. Maybe we remind Amara of her mom, maybe we're completely opposite and that's why she likes us.
>>
>>3809928
yeah, could go either way. honestly its hard to tell whether Amara would prefer to move on from her past, or would really like to talk about it. at the very least her attitude seems entirely genuine, which kinda leans me towards thinking she doesn't really want to talk about it honestly. mostly i just dont want to push it if shes not up for it, and she never really shows any signs of wanting to bring it up. all we really know is it in some way sucked enough for her to be more than estatic to be in the position she is in now. granted our family isnt bad, but the part that worries me more is her utter acceptance of the fleshscape and those such aspects in order to have this.
>>
>>3809927
You pointed out what's wrong with the story and gave me suggestions to try and improve it. So I'm trying to improve the story by heeding your advice.

As for the timing of telling the story (which appears to be your main source of contention), I can't say I quite disagree but I think I understand the point you're getting at. Since you're implying there's going to be tonal clash after sending Charon and Ringo off to then sitting down with Amara for storytime instead of compiling data and information for our next move, you wanted the Story told at a later time.

That's fine. I get it. But storytime ain't gonna rewrite itself and I can't really find a good time and place to write it down before the muse wilts. And it's inevitable that there will be a moment where other priorities pop up and override storytime. So I figured "why not post it now and let bhop decide its placement and telling the story when it's appropriate."

>>3809734
Bhop, I hope you can find an appropriate place and time for the Pyre Ant storytime, it doesn't have to be now, but when there's time. At least lock that action in as a social action.

>>3809928
I think it's more like Shu's acting like Amara's Biological mom, but Shu's making the time and effort to include Amara in on the activities.
>>
(Apologies, Gentlemen; work is intensifying, so I shall post when I can.)
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>>3809936
its fine, you keep that fire extinguisher buy BHOP.

>>3809932
actually i have to apologize. my roommates cat(s) had decided my lap was free real estate and my hands free pets, and i misread your last post as 'now figure out how', implying i should do it. i guess the lesson here is dont try and read and post when covered in cats.
>>
>>3809936
No worries, BHOP. Take as much time as you need.

>>3809939
I wouldn't know, my cat doesn't sit on my lap. She's never been very cuddly. Consequences of adopting shelter cats, I guess, they come with baggage.
>>
>>3809953
>>3809939
My cat demands two things, the sauce from wet food, and face rubs. Both of them it can't get enough of.
>>
>>3809953
all animals are different. my roommate has three. ones skittish, one half the times stittish, the other half cuddly, the last ones cuddly to annoying levels at times. shes also cross eyed, and the half and half ones got one bad eye. take it how you will, i guess.

also, we still have not let Amara pet a Cat Amalgam. instead, we killed one. quite the opposite of what she wanted to do honestly.
>>
>>3809962
My cat demands butter. I have no idea why or how this started, but god help you if you open a butter container in the house. Though it's better than my now-dead cat that demanded I give him gutter water. There's this little door out onto the roof, like a sort of pseudo-balcony. He'd stand by it and scream and scream until I'd open it so that he could go out on the roof and drink from the gutters. You had a water bowl, Jack!

>>3809964
Amara has become the Cat Amalgam, with her kitty ears. Plus, she's got a bee and a space doggo, that's enough pets for one seven year-old. Even if the space doggo is in fact a sapient being and not really her pet.
>>
>>3809969
>implying that will ever be enough things to pet to sate Amaras endless pet hunger.
>>
>>3809974
See, this is why we need to get that token-giving custom to spread. Once other Hive Mistresses twig on to "making cute versions of your swarmlings is a great way to earn good will", Amara can get a new pet from every Hive Mistress she meets. We should have asked for a cute bat from Jackie before she left.
>>
>>3809969
so. pro-tip from a fellow cat owner: Cats prefer their food source and water source separate from each other. As in across the house separate. Me thinks their preference is due to hygenic behaviors when they were still wild cats so that their food source (usually a prey they hunted) doesn't contaminate the water they drink.
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>>3810009
perhaps. though, it still would be better to get than to ask for them. Jackies not really the type honestly i think to do that. Quinn and Keane however, i can see picking up on the habit after our next meeting. not that im sure how you make a pile of mucus cute, but Keane would probably the the one to make it happen.. or Amara just wont care because its from a close friend, take your pick.
>>
>>3810010
They were kept separate. Jack just really liked gutter water. I have no idea why.

>>3810013
There are cute slime monsters, I'm sure you could make a mucous-glob cute. Or maybe it would turn out to be an uncanny valley sort of thing and only look cute in drawings. Either way, I think Amara would love it regardless.
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>>3810024
Or maybe more like a colourful bouncy toy. Like a rubber ball, only that is can hug you and change colours
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>>3809636

"So now that you've had some time to cool down while talking with Charon, what’s your opinion on Ringo and them?” You ask, motioning for Rath to follow you as you walk over to the Core Console, fiddling with the controls as you speak. “Ringo found you to be ‘endlessly loyal’ to our little pack, apparently.”

“Ha, good to know the space-doggo trusts me. But yeah, they seem cool.” Rath admits, watching you work the console as her eyebrow arches with curiosity. “Then again, kinda looking forward to it being back to ‘just us’ time with everybody, you know? Just kicking back, and…what the heck are you doing, by the way?”

You turn to the red-head, stony-faced as your index finger hovers over the console as she steps back, confused.

“It’s blanket time.” You answer coolly, and with a tap of the screen the ceiling above Francine opens and a Fuzz-down blanket drifts down to cover the sleeping doctor. Rath just stares at the scene as you grin, locking the console as Rath plants her face squarely in her palm.

“If I hadn’t seen what a badass you are before all this, I’d write you off as the biggest goof in the Crucible.” Rath groans, trying her best to hide her grin as you just shrug.

“I just had a fourth-dimensional alien dog engage me in conversation and explain how they saw the world, so yeah…I’m feeling a little goofy.” You fire back, winking at the other girl as you approach Charon and Ringo. The turn as you stand before them, a small Baneling skittering out of your hive with a pair of customized items clasped in their talons.

“So Rath tells me you’re about to head out?” You say, and Charon bow low once more with Ringo at their side, Amara practically dangling off the Tindalos’ neck. “Given that our journeys will likely take us in opposite directions for a time, here…something for your travels.”

Your take the gifts from your Swarmling and hand them over personally. For Charon, a small Fuzz-Buzz pin, green-black and shining. For Ringo, a plump toy that squeaks pleasantly when Ringo wraps their tongue around its midsection.

“I shall wear it with pride, Most Honored Daughter.” Charon intones, affixing in to their cloak just above where a human’s heart would be. “To you, to everyone…thank you for all that you have done.”

“See you soon?” You ask, and Charon’s arms wrap around you one last time, holding you close as Ringo nuzzles your knee, head low.

“Consider it a promise, Shu.”

They step back as the air begins to shimmer, space warping and folding in on itself in a dizzying array of angles, until…

…they’re gone, and the Dragon’s Roost is filled once more with your family, on their own.

(Continued)
>>
>>3810208

“Gina, would you be so kind as to make a list of our current goals and threads hanging out there?” You ask, rounding on the brunette. “And make an interactive map with the Core Console so we can all have something to work with and plan around? If it’s not too mu…”

Her finger on your lips gives you pause, and enough time to appreciate the playful wink she gives you.

“Think nothing of it, cutie. We gotcha covered, so you do what you need to, alright?” She says, glancing to Julia and Dorian as the two of them join her for the map’s imminent construction.

“What’re you going to do now?” Rath asks, glancing between you and Amara, who’s snuggled on the couch with her ever-patient Guardian.

“Touch base with the Dream Daughters, and see who among them would be comfortable in a chitinous temp body.” You explain, sitting down next to Amara and adjusting your posture before your foray into the Dreamscape. “It never hurts to ask, right?”

“I’ve heard weirder asks, so sure.” Rath replies with a shrug before turning to her Aunt. “Hey, you said you wanted to check on something with me?”

“Yeah, I was gonna tune up the Geschoss; you wanna come?” November asks, and without another word she practically has to chase Rath down as the shorter girl bounds past her on the way to the tank. With that, you’re left sitting with Amara as she happily plays next to you…when you close and then open your eyes, there’s a subtle flicker of pink and green before your eyes adjust to a church, pews sprawling out before you. Uzu’s sitting primly in the front row just to your left, hand clasped on her knees, legs similarly crossed beneath a long dress. Johanna’s muscular form is lounging on the pew to your right, denim-clad legs spread with her arms thrown over the back of the pew, giving you a sharp nod of greeting as you take in the scene.

Glancing around, you finally locate Holly, who’s at the very end of Uzu’s pew; upside down with her skirt dangerously pinned between her legs and the back of her seat. Her green eyes sparkle in the light that’s filtering in through the large windows, her tank top sporting some sort of raisin with sunglasses. She winks at you and waves enthusiastically, and it’s as you wave back and attempt to move forward that that you realize that you’re standing at the pulpit.

“I take it this meeting is in regards to the Spiritus?” Uzu begins, her voice high and clear in the otherwise silent space. You nod, moving around the podium and electing to sit with your legs hanging off the stage.

(Continued)
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>>3810214

“Yes, it is. I wanted to offer you all the option to occupy it in person, with no pressure.” You affirm, glancing between the three drastically different women before you. “There’s a risk involved with putting a Dream Daughter in any construct, so I want you to know that since it’s still in the early phases of this power I want to leave it up to you as to whether or not you want to try it out.”

“Chance to actualize out in the field, making some change.” Johanna barks, leaning forward and affixing you with a hard stare. “It’d be an honor. I’m in.”

“Me too!” Holly shouts happily, turning around to sit right-way up as Uzu averts her eyes from the blonde until she’s decent once more. “I know it’ll mostly be for fights and stuff, but still! I can hug everybody and say hello after we win, it’ll be great.”

“I…believe I will refrain, actually.” Uzu admits, head bowed. “You do more good with my power than I ever did, so I am alright staying here.”

She meets your eyes with her own as they go wide, and she begins to stammer.

“T-that wasn’t me being down on myself, just stating a fact.” Uzu hastily clarifies. “I’ve been better about that, you can let Niku know.”

“Yeah. You’ve been great, really come a long way.” Johanna remarks, shooting the dark-haired girl an aggressive, yet well-meaning thumbs-up. “Love that growth. Keep it up.”

You catch Uzu roll her eyes subtly, but she’s less secretive about the earnest smile that plays on her thin lips. Reaching out, you can sense that Gina left the proverbial doors open for you to visit the other Dream Daughters, at least for a short while. On a darker note, Mother has been curiously silent, so you could take the time to reach out and speak with her on your terms, before she gets any ideas. Then again, maybe the waking world demands more of your attentions than the Dreaming one…

>>Speak with one of the Dream Daughters one-on-one, Human or Hexane.

>>Wake up, and talk with Amara while Gina and everyone get things prepared.

>>Confront Ozmas on your terms, with your family by your side. You couldn’t ask for a better setup.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next two hours, with rapid posting to resume once the next post updates. Apologies for the wait, as it's been a day.)
>>
>>3810224
lets give Gina a bit more time.
>>Speak with those present more, they're here, and even if its just casual talk over nothing, you would still love to see how they're doing.
>>then, move on to Penny and Bella. the two you have not yet truly met.
>>
>>3810224
>>3810244
oh, and adding;
>And if any Dream Daughters wish to come and talk to us on their own, we would be more than happy to converse with them.
>>
>>3810224
>Wake up and talk with Amara. You've got a story to tell to Amara, and she's been meaning to hear about the Pyre Ants.
>>
>>3810244
Don't forget Gemma. We haven't met her yet, either. I mean, we have, but not since she got ate. We should ask her how she's doing now that she's in Julia, if she likes hanging out with her new alien roommate. Oh, damn, I just remembered that we forgot to ask about the other Ascendants that were in Charon. Guess we'll have to ask Mulvath about them.
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>>3810272
ah, yeah, very fair point. i've also wanted to discuss with Gemma how she feels about the... well, ironic twist of fate shes found herself in. i still think she misinterpreted what we were saying a bit, but also feels slightly like a moot point now too. well, sorta. i guess that one augment still does what she wants. and i guess what her other selves want? we'll have to be careful with that honestly, though to be fair our Gemma wasn't forcing it on anyone she she would be ok with those that dont want it moving on. speaking of more on her, we also would get to figure out if her weird connection to her other selves is still going on, and/or was passed to Julia.

>>3810224
>>3810244
>>3810248
consolidating and adding to Orders;
>>Speak with those present more, they're here, and even if its just casual talk over nothing, you would still love to see how they're doing.
>>then, move on to Penny, Bella, and Gemma. the two you have not yet truly met.
>And if any Dream Daughters wish to come and talk to us on their own, we would be more than happy to converse with them.
>>
Oh, also, did this trigger Knowable Kadath?
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>>3810289
(Indeed it has, and before you wake there will be a level-up vote.)
>>
>>3810298
Nice.
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>>3810298
well, thats gonna be interesting. though i already know my own vote personally.
>>
Whoops, never actually voted.

>>3810224
Supporting >>3810283
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>>3810283
>>3810298
wasn't it supposed to be that Penny's Dreamstate is inside Julia atm? and if we're talking to Lepisma, then we'd need a route to Francine.
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>>3810437
which is why we're not talking to Lepisma?
>>
(Finally back home and writing now, Gentlemen.)
>>
So, a horrible thought just occurred to me: West Prime communicates with Ozmas sometimes. Now that Francine is part of our group, what's to stop Ozmas from telling Prime about her plans, to spite us? We should probably make raiding the lab our priority after we're done here, to keep the West there from having the time to have prepared.
>>
(Gentlemen, I'm terribly sorry to do this, but after the day's events and the lateness of my arrival back home, I believe it may be in the best interests of this Vein's quality to pause here for the evening. I hate to do so, but I am afraid I'm not feeling well and I do not wish to push myself. There might have been a time when I would have, but you all have helped me considerably to take stock and keep an eye on my health. Thus, please consider voting open for the next twelve hours, with posting to resume in roughly fourteen. Thank you for understanding, and I hope you have a restful evening, one and all.)
>>
>>3810507
No need to apologize, BHOP. Go, get some rest. I'm sorry you've had a rough day, I hope you wake refreshed and have a better day tomorrow.
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>>3810507
Get some rest bhop. Good to know that you're keeping a keen eye on your health. We wouldn't want you to succumb to the hunger.
>>
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>>3810507
im sorry to hear you're not feeling well, but yeah take care of yourself BHOP. get some rest, we'll see ya in the morning.

>>3810505
im not sure Ozmas knows. she very clearly doesn't know everything, and has limited sight on what she can pay attention to at once, and id imagine shes only become more limited now. she also doesn't seem to have outright instinctual knowledge of where everyone is exactly either. otherwise, if she didn't have such limits, things would've already gone alot worse for us in the past. if she would spend what little power and strength she has left on something like that, its far, far too late to stop her, and honestly? im 1000000000000% sure West already expects us to come after her and her labs whenever possible, and already is prepared for such anyways.

>>3810516
>mfw the sign isnt lying and that daughter really is a harmless sweetheart.
>>
>>3810520
>im not sure Ozmas knows. she very clearly doesn't know everything, and has limited sight on what she can pay attention to at once, and id imagine shes only become more limited now. she also doesn't seem to have outright instinctual knowledge of where everyone is exactly either. otherwise, if she didn't have such limits, things would've already gone alot worse for us in the past. if she would spend what little power and strength she has left on something like that, its far, far too late to stop her, and honestly? im 1000000000000% sure West already expects us to come after her and her labs whenever possible, and already is prepared for such anyways.
I guess it depends on if sharing information counts as opposing us. I'm not really sure if it would. Maybe it would cost her tokens, though, let's hope it does. Then she can't risk it. As for West being prepared, agreed, but being prepared for a general assault and being prepared for us jacking into one of the collective to take it down from the inside require very different preparations. If she's just assuming that Shu is going to take out the rest of her labs, then there would be defenses but she wouldn't have anything set to reinforce the network or block access to it. So let's hope that Ozmas can't tell her without spending tokens, because I want that network knocked out.

>mfw the sign isnt lying and that daughter really is a harmless sweetheart.
Lady Aubrey the Second just wants to be your friend, anon. She'll take you to a lovely tea party, where you'll share a delicious cake. Please, do not tarry, Lady Aubrey is ever so hungry.
>>
>>3810545
West Prime might also factor in the circumstances too and make countermeasures in the event that Francine decides to pull the trojan virus trick. And it's relatively simple to see the logical process to the conclusion when you think about it.

>Gamma West was supposedly enroute to wipe out Rogue Beta West (Francine), but mysteriously disappeared/died.
>Her Blackbox relic (Ion Throat Cannon) has also disappeared and the closest non-rogue clone has been unable to recover the relic.
>Rogue Beta (Francine) is also found to be missing from the premises as well as completely cutting off all connection with the West Network.
>>
>>3810545
i suppose. and yeah, im thinking it would, as shes not supposed to directly aid any daughters, or oppose them. id argue telling West would be both, but im very much sure its at least one of those.

>Lady Aubrey the Second just wants to be your friend, anon. She'll take you to a lovely tea party, where you'll share a delicious cake. Please, do not tarry, Lady Aubrey is ever so hungry.
bitch im a pure blooded southern speaking Texan, what the fuck is a 'Tarry'? and that Tea better be sweet tea, iced.
>>
anyways, heres a Relic ive thought up. more of a pet project than anything meant to be made, but id still love any feedback on it to make it seem more interesting or viable, or even just changes or additions you think would make sense for it to have.

>BUGBEDDERS BIGBANGER; a lightweight autocannon on a sturdy swivel, this weapon was made to be either mounted in a defensive position, or upon a daughters shoulder. Furthermore, the turret has two ways to be fired. The turret may also draw on a number of ways to gain ammunition, and may fire a variety of shots. It also has several firing modes, to aid one in their conquests.

>Ways to Fire;
>>the First method is ‘Automatic Mode’, in which before battle or for the cost of one ACT, all actions the turret may take are preprogrammed into it, aswell as what is considered an enemy or a foe. This mode has the advantage of having near instant reaction time, and having no way to interrupt it from firing,but lacks the ability to be easily reconfigured.
>>the Second method is ‘Manned Mode’, in which the crew compartment at the back of the turret is opened, and a miniaturized version of any construct type one wishes is placed in the seat, to fire the gun itself. While this does come with the risk of the construct being removed and thus one's ability to fire the turret aswell, it offers one control of the turret in correspondence with what the construct type is capable of, aswell as easy access to changing its actions and firing modes without prior programming or further ACTs.


>Mount Options;
>>the First option is ‘Self Mount’, in which the cannon is mounted upon ones shoulder. This of course, gives one easy access to the turret, for reloading and changing its programming, which in ‘Automatic Mode’ is now a free Actions once a turn. It may also now draw upon your latent biomass to reload itself, including any Generator elemental types you have access to. However, due to the obvious nature of the mounting method, one can only have up to two upon themselves at a time, unless they somehow get more shoulders, and suffer a 20% reduction to their reaction time per mounted turret, due to the cumbersome nature of the weapon.
>>the Second option is ‘Terrain Mount’, in which one places the Cannon in a place they wish it to fire from, walls and ceiling included. While this makes it difficult to reconfigure the cannon due to the possible distance between you and it, this can allow you to gain covering fire from helpful angles, or keep an enemy away from a route you would prefer them not to take. While the cannon cannot automatically reload from the fleshscape, it can apply the effects of whatever terrain it was planted upon to its current ammo type, giving its shots a considerable boost. It also, obviously, cannot move itself, and with the Construct inside it needing to be miniaturized, most likely won't have the strength to move it itself either, if ones present.

(1/2)
>>
>>3810573
>Ammo and Reloading;
>>The Turret does not automatically reload itself under most circumstances and instead must take prepackaged ammunition containers, consisting of 25-150 rounds of ammunition, depending on the ammunition type, the cost of which is a base of 1%, but with the necessary additional costs for whatever type of ammunition is being crafted, be it from forge or abilities, and of which its total cost cannot exceed 750% biomass per magazine.
>>As stated before, the turret may draw on a daughters biomass to replenish its ammunition when mounted upon her shoulder, however only its basic ammunition or basic elemental ammunition from available Generator abilities may be crafted this way, though it can at least be set to automatically replenish its reserves.
>>when manned by a Construct, the turret may actually draw upon its owners biomass at any distance, but only to craft itself a unique ammo type based on the construct manning it at the time, and may only load 100%/50%/25% of its current magazines capacity per turn, the less loaded the further from you it is at the moment. It also has limited Firing Modes when doing this action, being limited to the ‘Aimed’ or ‘Standard’ modes.

(2/3, whoops)
>>
>>3810573
>>3810575

>Firing Modes;
>>’Spray and Pray’ allows the turret to fire up to 100% of its current magazine in a single turn, but at hefty accuracy penalty past close range, that only grows with distance. It also cannot target individuals, only areas, in this mode, and cannot do critical hits, no matter its ammunition type. However, it is guaranteed to get all its shots off this turn, even if such a feat should be impossible, and any enemies caught in its area of effect can only move one movement zone this turn, and only to remove themselves from the area being sprayed down, with a 50% chance of being unable to move at all.
>>’Covering Fire’ allows the turret to cover one individual, allowing it to fire up to 75% of its current magazine in one turn, though usually this won't be the case. It will hold its fire, only firing in bursts to clear out constructs going for the target, or try and force daughters going after its assigned protectorate away. Offering itself a 50% increase in accuracy in this mode, it however becomes fully unawares to anything but its charge, leaving it vulnerable to enemies taking it out.
>>’Target Enemy’ assigns it to fire at a single target, firing up to 75% of its ammunition in one turn at any opportunity to shred its assigned adversary, and gaining a 25% increased Critical Hit and Critical Damage bonus while in this mode. However, it is left vulnerable in this mode, if other enemy targets go for it.
>>’Aimed Fire’ allows one to fire up to 50% of their magazine, but with a 75% increase in accuracy, with a 10% increase in Crit Chance and Crit Damage. The turret will fire at whatever enemy is farthest away, except unless it needs to switch to defending itself directly, which always takes priority.
>>”Standard Fire’ allows the turret to fire 150% of its magazine in a turn, focusing on whatever enemy is closest, with priority to defending itself as necessary. It offers no other advantages or disadvantages however, except for the fact if reloaded quickly enough, it can squeeze out some extra firepower under the right circumstances.

(3/3)
>>
>>3810564
Well, she knows how Gamma died. Prime was in communication with B'Ni through Gamma when she was killed. And Francine is pretty certain that she's successfully spoofing her connection to the collective so that Prime doesn't know she's gone rogue. But the throat cannon going missing is a good point. That is suspicious. Here's hoping she drew the technically-correct conclusion that Shu and the party took it, because we did.

>>3810565
To tarry is to delay. And of course, sweet tea is available.
>>
File deleted.
>>3810565
For a moment I thought we were gonna RP custom Daughters on this vein with you rp'ing as Cajun, because I can easily somehow see Cajun say those lines.

>pic source: See "Knights of Sidonia", a manga made by the same artist who penned "BLAME!"

>>3810579
>>3810575
>>3810573
Not bad overall. Mechanically deep, but feels too complex and just too broad. I'll get into the nitpicks below:

>And it's missing that all-important Body Horror Flavor text. The mental image that I'm getting from this relic is of some generic Automatic portable gun emplacement made of metal. It just feels out of place from a tone perspective unless there's that classic bio-punk feel to the gun parts

>The Versatility: It's versatile for sure, but it feels too versatile. So many modes, bells and whistles make it feel like an overly complex version of the Contender Gun. The base idea is good, but it feels like it just does a little too much of everything.

>You could separate the entire Relic and break it down into specialized versions of the base gun-turret relic. Maybe have a version of the Relic that has enhanced effects that fires only Full-Auto or a dedicated anti-construct anti-air gun that only accepts a specific type of ammunition/bio.

These are my current two cents.

>>3810596
>And Francine is pretty certain that she's successfully spoofing her connection to the collective so that Prime doesn't know she's gone rogue.
Not when you look at West Gamma's Diary. The collective knows Francine (Beta) has gone rogue so they might easily suspect her or Shu and connect the dots to come to the conclusion that Shu has teamed up with Francine. Especially after hearing the World-breaking news that Shu crippled Ozmas.
>>
>>3810614
bamboozled the picture, realized there was something that skirted the lines. Replaced it with a different one.
>>
>>3810614
...Cajun probably would say that yeah, haha.
also i still have half of biomega to finish, dont you add more to my list!

>>3810596
...what kinda cake?
actually i was gonna make a joke about 'meat cake' aka just a pile of meat, but this is the crucible so im pretty sure everything is technically meat now, just with flavoring added for effect.

>>3810614
>And it's missing that all-important Body Horror Flavor text.
fair but nothing really came to mind honestly, and its not the first relics thats really been like that honestly either.

>The base idea is good, but it feels like it just does a little too much of everything.
>You could separate the entire Relic and break it down into specialized versions of the base gun-turret relic.
eh, i kinda disagree with these. it cant be upgraded and its heavily restricted in what it can actually ever do at one time, compared to the Contender. you also have significantly less control over it compared to the contender, even when manned by a Construct, as the Construct still it running it on its own via orders and restricted by the firing mode its currently set in.

it would defeat the point of it to make it separate relics aswell, that im extremely heavily against.
>>
>>3810641
Oh... I see. That makes sense. So would the Relic be "locked-in" for its selected loadout once combat begins? because that would also make much more sense for the turret Relic to function that way considering you've made what is essentially a portable gun-turret.
>>
>>3810573
Yeah, gonna agree with >>3810614. It's got a lot of fiddly bits to keep track of. Which is appropriate for its concept, it's a programmable auto-turret. Giving lots of functions to set triggers for is a cool idea. But at the same time, I have doubts how much they'd actually get used. I'm not sure how to make it less complex while also keeping its functionality, though. The many different modes is the entire point.

Also, the "only two guns, unless you've got more shoulders" is making me think of how technically arm-growing powers should include shoulders for the full range of motion, and now I'm imagining Hera in her Hecaton form, but as a mobile gun platform. Just a big ball of autocannons.

>>3810621
Tsumugi is best girl. Someday when Rath inevitably builds that biomechanical giant robot she longs for, I hope it turns out a tenth as good as Tsumugi did.

>>3810641
>...what kinda cake?
It's made of blood. Lady Audrey the Second is quite fond of blood.
>>
>>3810659
well, not for the entirety of combat, but for the automated system, you would have to directly reprogram it using an ACT, and until you reprogram it again it would be stuck with those settings.

if a Constructs piloting it, you can command to the Construct to change it for you, but that still costs an ACT and locks it in for the current turn, which looking i do think i forgot to mention. if you think thats still a bit too unrestricted, i can make it unable to fire on the turn it shifts its modes around, thus making it still viable in different roles but a really big decision to change it, even with a Construct manning it.
>>
>>3810666
The only reason I posted Tsumugi is because the other picture was the initial pic of Gauna 490 had the Vag pit full of teeth in the human form. Here's a better pic of Gauna 490, still got the body horror elements, but none of the things that might get me banned.
>>
>>3810666
i really didn't see it as super complex, but its possible wording could use some editing or cut downs i suppose, if you have any ideas.

>and now I'm imagining Hera in her Hecaton form, but as a mobile gun platform. Just a big ball of autocannons.
that would be utterly terrifying. especially because her hands are still free.

>It's made of blood. Lady Audrey the Second is quite fond of blood.
...so its black pudding then? isnt that basically just fried blood?
also the idea of a character like her that constantly speaks super ominously like she might try to eat you at any moment but actually doesn't mean anything by it is a wonderful concept, i might write something up of Carter having to meet her or someone similar, would be a hoot seeing him have to deal with eccentric characters like that, softly muttering 'this is why i stay away from people' under his breath.
>>
>>3810680
>>3810666
this help with its mental image? and a bit of clarification on some other bits, or at least i hope so.

>BUGBEDDERS BIGBANGER; a lightweight autocannon, with a barrel of long, thin calcite, and a slim body looking like some disfigured, skinned animal shaped into a square, with a single, flayed foot jutting down as the swivel mount in which it aims from, and an empty skull at the back whose cranium can be opened to allow a construct to rest inside of, this turret was made to be either mounted in a defensive position, or upon a daughters shoulder. Furthermore, the turret has two ways to be operated, and the turret may also draw on a number of ways to gain ammunition, and may fire a variety of shots. It operates via several firing modes, that each come with their own advantages and disadvantages, which it is locked into for at least one turn when switched between.
>>
>>3810682
>i might write something up of Carter having to meet her or someone similar, would be a hoot seeing him have to deal with eccentric characters like that, softly muttering 'this is why i stay away from people' under his breath.

You're free to borrow Luna if you'd like if you're aiming to have Carter deal with the oddballs of the Crucible as an example. I'd love to see your take on Luna Bonney's characteristics and insanity.

>>3810682
>i really didn't see it as super complex, but its possible wording could use some editing or cut downs i suppose, if you have any ideas.
If it helps you out, much of what I write when it comes to Relic functions is write down what amounts to be the "User's instruction manual" as if I was a daughter and plan to use the relic. It seems that the relic description you've written down for the portable bio-turret is include the DM's manual on the damage calculation and the crunch numbers which while perfectly fine and justifiable, it also adds to the "too mechanically complex" perception.

>>3810701
Much better...
>and a slim body looking like some disfigured, skinned animal shaped into a square, with a single, flayed foot jutting down as the swivel mount in which it aims from.

I am now imagining the relic that you described as the functional result of some Crackpot Carribean Seafaring Daughter throwing her colorful Parrot Construct into a Forge and turning it into a Shoulder mounted Parrot Turret Cannon. The Gun Barrel is its beak and the bird legs are the supporting struts/anchors. I'm also seeing it fire bullets with an explosion of fire and colorful feathers and it's terrifying and hilarious at the same time.
>>
>>3810714
>You're free to borrow Luna if you'd like if you're aiming to have Carter deal with the oddballs of the Crucible as an example. I'd love to see your take on Luna Bonney's characteristics and insanity.

kind of you and im not against it, but as i said earlier the same applies in reverse for Carter if anyone wants to use him in anything.

>If it helps you out, much of what I write when it comes to Relic functions is write down what amounts to be the "User's instruction manual" as if I was a daughter and plan to use the relic. It seems that the relic description you've written down for the portable bio-turret is include the DM's manual on the damage calculation and the crunch numbers which while perfectly fine and justifiable, it also adds to the "too mechanically complex" perception.
thats fair, though to be fair aswell, BHOP does include most of that type of information to us, or similar enough. the costs at least he does, and usually gives some perception for chances increases in stuff. hard to find a balance for, i guess.

>I am now imagining the relic that you described as the functional result of some Crackpot Carribean Seafaring Daughter throwing her colorful Parrot Construct into a Forge and turning it into a Shoulder mounted Parrot Turret Cannon. The Gun Barrel is its beak and the bird legs are the supporting struts/anchors. I'm also seeing it fire bullets with an explosion of fire and colorful feathers and it's terrifying and hilarious at the same time.
agreed.
>>
>>3810682
>also the idea of a character like her that constantly speaks super ominously like she might try to eat you at any moment but actually doesn't mean anything by it is a wonderful concept
Yeah, it's neat. Honestly, have the fun of this quest is getting to interact with all the wacky personalities of the Crucible, more eccentric weirdos are always good.

>>3810701
Ooh, gross-sounding gun. I like it. As for boiling down the complexity, sounds pretty good. I think a lot could be done just by summarizing more. Keep it with all the options, but don't get into the deep nuts and bolts of them so it feels less daunting to pick between them.

>>3810714
Now I'm remembering that I still need to get around to writing up those pirate Daughters at some point.
>>
>>3810727
>>3810714
right, tried my best here to reword them to be easier to understand, thoughts?


>Operation Methods;
>>the First method is ‘Automatic Mode’, in which before battle or for the cost of one ACT, all actions the turret may take are preprogrammed into it, allowing the turret to operate on its own and with lightning speed, but within a limited range of actions that are costly to reconfigure.
>>the Second method is ‘Manned Mode’, accessed via opening up the back ends skull and placing a miniaturized construct inside, this allows you to operate the turret to your constructs best abilities, easily shifting its configuration without having to fiddle with it yourself, but at the cost of the risk of the construct being taken out, and thus your control of the turret.


>Mount Options;
>>the First option is ‘Self Mount’, in which one mounts the turret onto their shoulder. This allows the turret to draw upon its user to reload itself automatically, and gives easy access to reconfiguring its settings, but it's cumbersome nature slows down its mounts reaction time. One also only has two shoulders to place them upon… usually.
>>the Second option is ‘Terrain Mount’, where one places the turret in a strategic location, be it ground, wall, or ceiling. While this allows for good angles of support and allows it to block off enemy routes of movement, it makes it much more difficult to reload or reconfigure. It does however, have the benefit of being able to add special effects to its ammunition, based on the terrain it lays upon.

(1/2)
>>
>>3810774

>Ammo and Reloading;
>>the turret does not automatically reload itself under normal circumstances, needing to be loaded up with premade magazines, of which the maximum size it may take is 1000% biomass worth in rounds. Ammunition costs start at 1%, but greatly increase in cost depending on the type of ammunition crafted.
>>one exception, is that as stated, when mounted on a daughter it may draw from their biomass, even automatically, but only upon emptying its last magazine, and only of standard ammunition types, or standard elemental types the daughter has access to herself.
>>When manned by a construct, the daughter may gain access to a special ammunition type based off the construct manning the turret, and may even feed ammunition from afar, but at a slow and minimal rate of reloading, based on distance from the turret. The turret is also limited to only the ‘Standard’ firing mode when being reloaded this way.


>Firing Modes;
>>’Spray and Pray’ allows the turret to fire up to 100% of its magazine, but cannot target individuals, only areas, and suffers massive accuracy penalties, and cannot cause critical hits. However, any enemy caught in its area of effect will be ‘pinned’, having their movement reduced to one zone, and a 50% chance to not be able to move at all. This mode also cannot have its firing interrupted by any means, even if it should be impossible for it to continue firing.
>>’Covering Fire’ allows the turret to tag an ally and give them covering fire, using up to 75% of its magazine to keep Constructs and Daughters away from their tagged ally with ease, due to a significant increase in accuracy while giving covering fire, aswell as an increased dodge chance to the tagged ally. It is however, vulnerable while doing this, as it focuses solely on giving aid to its ally.
>>’Target Enemy’ assigns the turret to target a singular enemy, allowing it to use up to 75% of its magazine to rain hell down upon them, with a deadly increase to the turrets critical hit chance and critical damage inflicted. However, it is also vulnerable in this mode, being blind to any threats to it besides its target.
>>’Aimed Fire’ allows the turret to fire up to 50% of its magazine, but with a massive increase to its accuracy even at long ranges, and a very minor increase to its critical hit chances. In this mode, it will automatically target the furthest enemy from itself, unless it comes under direct threat, in which defending itself will take priority.
>>”Standard Fire’ allows the turret to fire 100% of its magazine, with no added benefits or negatives. Targeting the nearest enemy to itself, unless it comes under direct threat, to which defending itself will take priority.

(2/2)

also did a bit of rebalancing, but unsure if it really is even noticeable or makes it feel any better/worse.
>>
>>3810776
>>3810774
It's much easier to understand now. Nice work. Now I'm left wondering about the action economy cost for installing the turret emplacements and whether or not it takes a full ACT to switch Mount modes, the fire modes, or even reloading the Turret gun with certain exceptions. Good work though.

Also, is the gun really limited to shoulders? Some daughter could theoretically put the turret on the back of some four-legged/multi-legged construct, or on their own backs depending on biology. pic tangentally related as an example.
>>
>>3810774
>>3810776
Yeah, that feels a lot less fiddly despite still having the same options. It's a subtle thing, but you nailed it this time.
>>
>>3810795
>>3810800
thanks, and for the help too.

>>3810795
nah, its not that limited in where you can place in on yourself, i just couldn't think of how else to really get across its not something you're gonna be mounting on your wrist, and the shoulder is a good example. really its not that limited in number or where you can put it, its just supposed to be pointing out its not so small or shaped in such a way you can just stick it outright anywhere or in any number.

i suppose certain daughters with certain assets could hip mount them with ease, and of course, an unnatural predator daughter could put on on her back.

...i suppose you could mount it on Constructs too, though i feel like it wouldn't really be something to give any unique advantages over, though the idea of a large Fuzzbuzz with a tiny FuzzBuzz manning the turret on its back is... i want to say adorable, but at that point we just gave FuzzBuzz an autocannon so im not sure thats the safe thing to say.

>>3810507
if you get the chance BHOP, id love to her your thoughts on this, and what Tier you think it would be. technically, its still mechanically only really Tier 2, unless you want to count the construct part as 'evolving' to argue Tier 3, but its also pretty complex so i could imagine it simply requiring a higher tier forge naturally.

>>3810701
>>3810774
>>3810776
>>
>>3810814
>>3810800
>>3810795
>>3810507

Chapter 7: Titans and Dreams 12.09.2019 *NEW*
Mina and her friends go on a hunt and bite of more than they can chew. Mina has an encounter with an Echo of a woman and the city needs their help again
https://docs.google.com/document/d/15FfkGGGSFjn8-Fn4a5DpU-dsagLvQv2rgNx8UUyujoI/edit?usp=sharing

While i am on sick leave i managed to finish this chapter while lying in bed and writing whenever I felt bored to death.


I look forward to any feedback you may have for me
>>
>>3811081
Ill read it when i can, but Will probably wait til the end of the days posts or the Vein to post my thoughts so as to not interrupt the flow of things.
>>
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>>3810224

“So, how’ve you all been?” You ask, settling on the edge of the stage, leaning forward with your fingers curled around the trim. “Has Sam leaving had any effect here?”

“Yeah!” Holly answers immediately. “I didn’t realize how chaotic she was, but it’s cleared up a lot!”

“Visiting others has gotten much easier.” Uzu adds, a shy smile on her lips. “Gina helped Niku and I spend some time while everyone was out in the field, so that was quite pleasant.”

“Place seems sunnier.” Johanna clips, leaning forward with her elbows digging into her knees. “My gardenias are actualizing the hell out of my windowsill.”

“What about the Hexane?” You prompt, curious at the interaction between your resident Dream Daughters. “Any issues there, or…”

“Now that you mention it, I’m afraid we haven’t really talked to them yet.” Uzu admits, uncrossing her legs to smooth out her dress. “They’ve seemed content to talk amongst themselves it seems.”

“I’ve reached out!” Holly shouts, raising her hand. “Vultha is a super-sweetie, they showed off their library! I couldn’t read anything, but the illustrations and everything were top-tier aesthetic, so cool. Oh, and I had a picnic with Mulvath! Their home was amazing, I can’t wait to go back!”

“Silvis seems like he doesn’t care, but he’s got depth. Funny and tough.” Johanna declares nodding along at her own additions to the conversation. “Cheruem talks big, kept asking me ‘bout ninjas. Weird. Told her I didn’t know much. Said she’d ask Amara more next time they had a sit-down.”

Uzu glances between the two other girls, a slight blush creeping across her cheeks.

“…Oh. I guess *I* haven’t really talked to them, yet.” She adds sheepishly, tapping her thumbs together. “They seem pleasant…Niku said I should try to reach out. I think Vultha’s library warrants a visit, at the very least.”

“Speaking of visits, I think I may try to say hello to some of the other Daughters that chipped in during Almath.” You interject, rising to your feet as the girls before you do the same. “I’ll check back in soon, alright everyone?”

Uzu folds her hands in front of her and bows, while Johanna fires off a sharp salute with the flash of a grin.

“Oh yeah, before I forget!” Holly chirps, bounding up to you and putting her lips close to your left ear. “Kosi told me that GG wants some alone time with you soon…just thought you should know~”

“Oh, uh…duly noted. Thanks, Holly.” You smile, a little disconcerted at the grapevine of Dream gossip that’s apparently growing in your family’s collective unconscious. Making your goodbyes, you turn around to face a rolling, verdant field stretches before you, the edge of a grass-covered cliff overlooking the wind-swept ocean.

It’s a breathtaking sight, marred only by the goblin of a girl whose back is turned to you.

(Continued)
>>
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>>3811629

You approach slowly, recalling that the last time you were this close to Penny was when her chainsaw was grinding against the Contender’s edge. She hasn’t noticed you, content to merely admire the vista even as you get so close you can see her in profile. When she’s not sneering, you have to admit she’s actually quite attractive; her features softer than you recall, the sharpness of her killer smile notably absent.

You’d almost describe Penny as serene before she turns and catches sight of you, a sudden grin slashing across her placid visage.

“Oi, cunt!”

Lovely.

“Hope I’m not interrupting.” You begin cautiously, holding your ground as the shorter girl storms up to you. “I know we didn’t part on good ter…”

“Ah, shuddit’, ‘ere’s not tha’ place to chew it over.” She clips, seizing your hand with surprising strength and speed and pulling you forwards. “C’mere, I know just tha’ place!”

Your feet stumble as grass turns to cobblestones as Penny drags you through a fog-choked alleyway, and you catch snippets of British accents from the faceless, dimly-recalled beings that idle in the street, actions looping as you pass.

“Is this where you grew up?” You ask, marveling at the architecture, if not the inimitable smell of London.

“Nah, izza’ set of Sweeney Todd.” She calls back, suddenly coming to a stop before a simple door with a lamp hung just to the right of the entrance.“’Ere we are! Inn’t she a beauty?”

You don’t get the chance to answer before the throws the door wide with one hand and tugs you inside with the other, revealing a dimly-lit pub, patroned by few. “’Ave a squat an’ I’ll be back with a drink’er two.”

More confused than anything, you sit and watch the girl get the attention of the blank-faced bartender, resembling a mannequin as it sets about pouring her a beer and making some sort of specialty drink for her. When she returns, it’s with a frothy Guinness in one hand and a Bee’s Knees in the other.

“I got it roight, dinn’t I?” She demands, a hint of uncertainty buried in her blustery tone. You nod, taking an experimental sip and finding it pleasant, if a little heavy on the alcohol.

“Uh…how old are you, exactly?” You ask, giving the petite girl a once-over as she collapses inelegantly into her seat.

“What? It’s five o’clock sumwhere, innit? An’ wherevah that is, you can bet ‘yer arse I’m legal. Cheers!” She says, brushing you off and sipping the froth off her glass. She lips her lips, closing her eyes as she relishes the sensation before locking eyes with you once more. “So, what brinin’ you tah my neck of the Dreamlands, then? The ‘whole murderin’ me bit is water under the Thames, so we can jus’ leave that ov’r there, roight?”

You…you don’t even know where to start with this girl.

>>Ask her something about herself (Write-In).

>>Visit Bella.

>>Visit Gemma.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next two hours, with today’s posts to conclude in the early evening due to dinner plans. Thank you for bearing with me yesterday, as that allowed me to finally catch up on some much-needed sleep.)

>>3810814

(Thank you so much for sharing this magnificent Relic. It’s imposing, functional, and flavorful; all of which I try to bring to the forefront when crafting Relics, so very well done. I agree in your reasoning that it would technically be a Tier 2, though requiring a higher Forge Tier to craft or having a high price would be needed given the sheet utility and power of the Relic. Very nicely done, and thank you again for sharing!)
>>
>>3811640
>"So are you getting along with Julia? No problems arising?"
>"Have you met with Sahsa yet? She is with Amara and you didnt seem to get along to well but she could probably use soemone who is not a bunch of kids or an alien to keep her company from time to time"

>Move on to visit Bella

>>3811647
Good to hear you got a good nights rest
>>
>>3811640
oh this girls a hoot and a holler haha.

>Ask her a bit about herself, and what her thoughts and goals for the crucible were, if shes willing.
>Ask her if shes getting along with the others, or just causing them trouble, though with a hint of you hoping the second part can just be a joke.

>visit Bella next.

>>3811647
glad you got a good nights rest, and i hope those dinner plans go well for you BHOP.

and thanks for the thoughts on the Relic, id be alright bumping it up to Tier 3 and adding a somewhat hefty cost to it both honestly, whatever works for balancing.
>>
>>3811640
>>Write-In
>"Just saying hello. I try to meet with everyone we've eaten at some point. Get to know them under less stressful circumstances. Looks like you've settled in alright. You talked to your neighbors any?"

I also want to address the fact that she's quite clearly putting on an act with how British she is, but I'm not sure how to say it without it sounding like an accusation. But come on, "water under the Thames"? The Thames is water, it's the river, not the bridge. And everything else just has a vague feel of fakeness to it. Why are you trying to be so aggressively British, Penny?


>>3811647
Oh, I hope you have a nice time at your dinner. Glad you got some sleep, too.

>>3811659
>>3811666
Wouldn't it be easier to visit Gemma next, stay in the same dreamscape? Bella's all the way over in
>>
>>3811703
..... its just that distance means nothing in the dreamscape. As long as the Halo is on broadcast we are as fast over with Bella as we are at meetign Gemma
And i would like to safe Gemma for last. There are a couple more questons i have for her instead of the usual "nice to meet you without you trying to murder me" and all that stuff
>>
>>3811703
she brought us into the movie of sweeny todd instead of her own memories. shes clearly an edgy girl who likes her edgy british culture. shes the horror version of a weeabo, but for british culture. let her have her fun.
now, whether this is just her hobby/passion, or her trying to cover up a past shes not happy to remember, is another story.

my thoughts were that the dreamscape never seems to work like that, and Gemma is the one i at least actually have something more possibly to talk to about, so felt it was best to save her for last. not that i dont like talking to the others mind you, just, you know, thers a bit more to Gemma naturally due to the fact she actually does still directly effect the waking world still, the others dont.
>>
>>3811647
Bhop, I keep on imagining Penny dreadful as Himiko Toga from MHA with that cockney accent.
>>
>>3811703
also, theres actually a tunnel under the Thames, for what its worth.
>>
>>3811736
....oh dear god im seeing/hearing it now too.
why anon why!?
>>
>>3811736
I was imagining more British Harley Quinn, for some reason.
>>
>>3811640
>Take a long drag on the Bee's Knees
>"That's nice"
>Imitate an butchery of an Irish/Gaelic/Scottish Accent
>"Fer tha record lass, you looked cuter when you were looking out on those windswept cliffs of dover before you took me to the pub for a drink. You looked a lot more honest with yourself."

>>3811742
because it somehow fits better with the mental image.
>>
>>3811757
only thing that would make the mental image better is if she was drinking a bloody mary.
>>
>>3811640
Ammending my vote from only this >>3811659
to include this as well >>3811757
all in the same style of butchered accent

The image is just to good
>>
>>3811736
(Ha, you're not the first one to mention that, actually. I'm glad, since Toga's one of my favorites from MHA. The whole League of Villains, really; all of them would fit nicely in a Crucible.)

(Speaking of, one of my friends sent me a picture of the young man with the 'Meatball' Quirk, and said 'Hey, it's you!')
>>
>>3811794
The one where he's just holding the mangled remains of Kirishima in one hand, super casually? Yeah, that fits.
>>
>>3811794
...yeah, i mean he fits from a narrator perspective, though within the actual crucible itself for sure meatball is almost a non-ability.
>>
>>3811800
It's not a terrible Flesh Artisan ability. Affects both the user and others, hybrid Impessionist/Expressionist. That's a good skill. Seiji just doesn't have it at nearly high enough a level for the current meta, though. Come back after you've hunted some Amalgams and are at a decent level, man.
>>
>>3811794
One Question OP.

Would this ability be something of an Impressionist Fleshartisan or more a Gluttonous Ability? Or maybe something completely different?

I am unsure myself and have tentatively given it the Fleshartisan Class. But what is your opinion?
ABOMINABLE ADAPTION(Flesh Artisan Lvl 1): The Power of the Abominable Feaster is one to be feared. Whenever you are now struck by an Attack you may expend 15% BIO to gain one level of resistance to one damage type used against you in that attack.If the damage was elemental in nature you may imbue your own attacks with that element. These effects last until the end of combat. A simple power to be sure but one with massive potential that could make you one of the top predators of the crucible.
(HEALTH +25%, BIO +25%)

At later levels the power is also supposed to grant the ability to absorb augments of the attacks the user was hit with as well as making them able to steal augments from an attack making them unavailable to the attacker
>>
>>3811825
seems alot more gluttonous to me personally. strong absorption traits, flesh artisans seem to deal alot more with the opposite side of things.
>>
>>3811841
While i can see where that logic comes from.... i have to say that with Lepismas ability i am not so sure anymore.
Sure she needs to build up stacks of Curiosity but she could steal augments and even lock off levels as well.
>>
>>3811851
fair but Lepismas kit was outright said to not be the standard, but to be the unusual, and even then, she still had to have STACKS implying even her unique kit couldn't fully escape from the usual artisan constraints. yours just sounds like another form of Elemental Digestion or Gemmas Core, and doesn't have any of the other usual traits of a expressionist flesh artisan ability.
>>
>>3811640

You take a long, leisurely sip from your Bee's Knees, considering what to even ask when an idea hits you.

"Hm, that's nice" You say, clearing you throat before you attempt your best Scottish accent. "Fer tha record lass, you looked cuter when you were looking out on those windswept cliffs of Dover before you took me to the pub for a drink. Tae yeh the truth, you looked a lot more honest with yerself."

“Oi, you jus’ wen’ an’ butchered that better than the Fleet Street Barber ‘imself!” Penny cackles, knocking back another swig of her Guinness. “Caught me thinkin’ ‘bout home, ‘fore I knew you was creepin’ about.”

“Which is…?” You trail off, hoping Penny will take your cue.

“Jersey, Millville projects.” She answers simply, chugging a bit more.

“As nice as this place is, we’re a long way from Jersey.” You comment, glancing about the aged bar. She just shrugs, finishing off her glass and hailing the bartender mannequin for another before heaving a sigh.

“Yeah, well…bein’ piss-poor sucks no matter where ya’ cut yer’ teeth. The ‘hole Cockney thing made it a bit more fun, though . Learnt it from the movies I watched on the telly. My Fair Lady n’ stuff.” She “Made bein’ tha’ dregs somefin’ to be proud of, ‘stead uv somefin’ people’d just look at like you was stuck on the bottem of their boot, ya’ know?”

“Yeah, no, that…that makes sense.” You reply, drink forgotten in your hand until the ice settles. "So, are you getting along with Julia? No problem, I hope?"

“Ha, yeah, she’s real nice. Made me tea, then got all up’n worried that I’d take offense.” She chuckles, giving the faceless man a pair of finger guns when he deposits a fresh mug in front of her. “Seems a right kinda’ girl, all proper n’ tha like without bein’ stuffy and posh. Far from that Sasha girl, that’s fer sure.”

"Well, since we’re on the subject…have you met with Sasha yet? I did, and she didn’t seem as stuffy as you say, once she let her barriers down.” You reply, watching the gaze of the girl opposite you catch yours, a hint of surprise flickering through her suspicious eyes. “She’s with Amara now, and while you didn’t seem to get along too well but she could probably talk to someone who’s not a bunch of kids or an alien."

“I’ll…take tha’ under advisement, I fink.” She mutters, glancing around the bar as you finish the last of the Bee’s Knees.

“Thanks for the drink, Penny.” You say, rising from your seat with your glass held loose in one hand. “Glad to have a chat when we’re not crossing blades.”

“Sort n’ same to ya’, Defiant.” Penny raises her mug, meeting your glass mid-air as the resultant clink of glass on glass echoes through the fading space, rendering the bar’s exit the only piece of the scene that isn’t devoured by the encroaching dark.

Thus, you step out into the void as it swallows you whole.

(Continued)
>>
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>>3812022

You stand for a moment in pitch blackness, the slow, steady sound of your own breathing your only company until your eyes start to adjust to the scene, helped by the television screen that brightens to cast an eerie glow across the room in which you find yourself standing. Bella sits cross-legged on her bed, long dark hair draped over half her face and with a corded controller tethering her to a gently whirring PlayStation 2. She gives you a meek little wave before returning her attention to the slow, deliberate motions of the girl on screen, camera clutched tight in her hands.

“Hey Bella.” Comes your tentative greeting as you glance between her and the television set. “What’cha playing?”

“Um…Fatal Frame? T-the first one, specifically.” Comes her equally tentative reply, in the tone of someone that doesn’t expect you to recognize the name. “You can sit if you want, but…it’s a horror game, and it’s…like…really spooky. Like, really-really.”

“Bella…” You say, trying to stop incredulity from creeping into your tone. “…we’re in the Crucible.”

“Oh…yeah.” She says lamely, staring off into space for a moment before coming back to the present and patting the seat beside her. “Um, have a seat.”

“You seemed pretty close to Kosi, Gina, and everybody when we first met in Almath. “ You begin, watching Bella focus intently at the flickering screen. “Do you mainly keep to yourself, or…?”

“Kosi comes over sometimes. We remember Bloodborne and stuff together, since we both played it. Memories get a little entangled, though, so one of us always ends up playing a blend of our builds or forgetting where stuff is supposed to be.”

“Oh, that’s cool. So, where are we, exactly? Your home, or…” You start, before something odd distorts the empathic channel.

“Um…I don’t…really like, uh…talking about myself, i-if that’s okay?” She stammers, your channel flooding with a tide of nervous energy that threatens to overwhelm you. “I don’t wanna impose on you or be a jerk or anything like that, it’s just Meg had said I need to be more…upfront, I guess? With what I want, instead of…of just…”

“Yeah, that’s perfectly fine if you’re okay with listening.” You reply, instantly noting Bella's agitation start to wane. “So, do you want me to just talk about whatever, or…”

“I’d…like to just…hear you talk? If that’s not weird.” She says, making a face as the words leave her mouth. “That’s weird, just forget I…”

“No worries. If I bore you, stop me, though. I can ramble, if you let me.” You joke softly, prompting a weak smile to flash across the girl’s pale face. You have to admit, this is certainly a reversal…you’re normally be the one listening, instead.

>>Talk about Gina.

>>Talk about Rath.

>>Talk about B’ni…if you're ready.

>>Choose someone or something else to talk about (Write-In)

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Voting shall remain open for the next two hours, Gentlemen.)

>>3811825
(I would say that it's closer to Gluttonous, given the absorption mechanic, though it would work well as either a Glutton/Artisan or Glutton/Humoral Hybrid. Also, many abilities struggle to define themselves in lower levels, so if you swing it to be more Flesh Artisan, that could work too. It's a great starting point, and I'd love to see where later levels and the Choice take it.)
>>
>>3812038
>Talk about Gina
>Talk about Rath
>Talk about your Family.
>if shes willing to listen, lets your words flow. when, afterall, have you actually gotten a chance to let the weight of the world off your shoulders for once, instead of trying to take it off others?
>>
>>3812038

>"I think you would like Hera. She has entire arcade full of games. And she is very good at them."
>First talk about Gina and Rath a bit and try to extract what other rumors Kosi has been spreadign in here

>then go to talk about the family.

>If your words carry you to Isabelle so be it

>>3812046
Thing is it going on a character that has already made their choice.
I think i will go with Glutonous/Artisan Hybrid, i want it to be more capable of eventually take all kinds of Augments from enemy attacks and applying it to the character themself

Real SPOILERS now if you havent read the latest chapter

The Construct that this came from copied even Avengers flames and could have used them against Mina in the fight if it hadnt been killed.

It would have also guaranteed the victory of the Feaster over the VOrtex s the feaster could have made full use of the power dwelling wihtin Avengers flames.
>>
>>3812076
i dont think Bella is the type to really be comfortable discussing rumors, i have to say, considering she just wants to hear us talk, not talk herself.
>>
at work
>>
>>3812139
you...didn't change anything though?
>>
>>3812152
you are correct.... i must be gettign tired
>>
>>3812156
oh yeah, you're in europe, its like, 4? 5? hours ahead of me there?
>>
>>3812038
Ammending my Vote from >>3812076

to
>"I think you would like Hera. She has entire arcade full of games. If you are interested in Multiplayer Games that is"
>First talk about Gina and Rath a bit

>Before continuing try and tentatively test the waters to try and see if you can extract even some hints about what kind of rumors Kosi has been spreading

>then go on to talk about the family.

>If your words carry you to Isabelle and what happened between you so be it


>>3812159
Its about 9:15pm here and i am sick so i get tired earlier and have slept worse during the last days

(I am roughly six hours ahead of OP i think)

>>3812173
If that was suppposed to second my vote you will have to revote since i deleted that vote, I made no real changes in that one
Sorry if i bamboozled you
>>
>>3812038
>>3812057
amending my vote;
>Talk about Gina
>Talk about Rath
>Talk about your Family.
>if shes willing to listen, lets your words flow. when, afterall, have you actually gotten a chance to let the weight of the world off your shoulders for once, instead of trying to take it off others?

>DO NOT push her about Kosi or any rumors, at all. Bella just wants to listen, and it would be rude and uncouth to try and force or extract info from her when we are the guest here, not her.
>DO NOT talk about Isabelle, thats done and gone with. you had your last words about her, and thats all that needs to be said on her.

>>3812183
yeah, im basically gonna have to Veto the second half of yours, for the reasons stated above.

>9pm
oof, yeah thats 7 or so hours ahead of me.
>>
>>3812038

Seconding: >>3812183.

To get to the heart of things on must walk the spiral, edging nearer to the truths of self. You cannot just cut straight through.

I use too much metaphysical allegory in my fuzzy logic processors. Please forgive the purple prose, but it's the mood I'm in.
>>
>>3812183
>>3812217
>pushing the shy girl who doesn't like talking to try and spill rumors she probably would prefer not to know if she even does know them.
you two are dicks honestly.
>>
>>3812231

I am not pushing her to spill anything or try and force her. A small probing question as a small aside added in while in the flow of conversation. That is what iam aiming for. It is fine if she does not want to share or knows nothing. Shu will notice and can steer the talk in another direction and just talk about herself.

Of course we could just go out and ask Kosi but she is gonna be very tightlipped about any rumors regarding us or Gina. We are gonna be as succesfull extracting information from her as we are gonna be trying to create gold from a single hydrogen atom. At least that is my guess
>>
>>3812255
and i disagree. shes already stated she doesn't want to talk, probing her for information is still trying to get her to talk, which is a dick move to those kinda people who prefer to stay silent. its also over some pretty iffy subject matter, which she may not be comfortable with given her disposition, and makes the whole thing into an interrogation instead of just us giving her company with some of our thoughts.

also what? Kosi loves to talk about that stuff. if you want the info, go to Kosi, she at the very least would easily hint at it just to tease us.
>>
Blerg. I keep trying to come up with something to say to her in particular, but nothing is coming that I don't think would be way too heavy for Bella. It just would get her down, make her all anxious about them. You know what we should do? We should see if anyone in our little dream network remembers enough of Celeste for Bella to play it. She'd like Celeste.
>>
>>3812231

Give the benefit of the doubt once in a while anon. I'm not saying give the third degree, a gentle testing of the waters is way different. I think there may be that pesky lack of tone/intent that can occur in written communications.
>>
>>3812276
Gina and Kosi were both heavy gamers, they might have it too. maybe one of the Soroitas? one or two of them were early teen, no? might of been into games a bit too.

also, you bringing that up now makes me want to see Cherum try and play a videogame. worse, a multiplayer game. competitive multiplayer game.


>>3812283
and i disagree. when someone says they dont want to talk, you respect that, or you go the fuck away, its as simple as that.
>>
>>3812294

So, not to get into deep personal waters, but if people followed that rule with me there's a decent chance I wouldn't be on the planet anymore. People taught me that I didn't have to keep everything bottled up, by offering up "safe" topics to discuss. I'm happy to change the topic of said water testing, but making sure she can talk about things, and that we'll listen back as well as she listens to others is important to me on a personal level.
>>
>>3812294
She said she does not want to talk about herself. And while she would prefer for Shu to do all the talking that can feel very onesided as well.

Giving your partner the chance to react by either giving them a small cue when you await a reaction or a simple yes or no question without going into detail is important as well to keep the flow of the conversation going.

It has something to do with Metacommunication i think and how humans need bodylanguage am facial expressions to have the feeling like they are talking ot a human and not a mannequin I dont remember all this shit its been to long
>>
>>3812294
>Gina and Kosi were both heavy gamers, they might have it too. maybe one of the Soroitas? one or two of them were early teen, no? might of been into games a bit too.
Could work. This idea of reconstructing games is actually a really cool one to me. I can see it being a big thing if the Crucible didn't store records of human art and culture, too. Like, post-Crucible humanity rebuilding the world, and a foundation starts up to reconstruct as much of our art and history as we can. It would ask for volunteers to give access to their memories (with the ability to withhold details they thought were too private, so probably most of their episodic memory and some semantic), and assemble it into this shared pool of knowledge. Then the reconstruction teams could sort through it and reassemble texts and music and games and all our other creations to make sure humanity retains a tie to its pre-Crucible self. You'd probably get the best results from the most popular media, reconstructing a 900-page dissertation on Han-period Chinese salt tariffs probably won't happen just because not enough people remember it clearly, but you could still recover a lot.

>also, you bringing that up now makes me want to see Cherum try and play a videogame. worse, a multiplayer game. competitive multiplayer game.
Hexane LAN parties, yes. That would be the best thing. The worst thing would be making them play Mario Party. Cheruem would not appreciate that.
>>
>>3812302
yeah, and guess what? im the quite type and have known more than my fair share too. when someone doesn't want to be talk, you dont make them. you respect that. not everyone whos ok being silent is hurting or looking for help, some just dont have much to say or dont like talking, some just enjoy a bit of alone time. shes not pushing us away, shes happy we are here, shes happy to listen. respect what she wants or leave, its as simple as that, or you're an asshole and next time? they wont have any reason to even just listen to you.

>>3812304
no, she also said she would prefer to just listen, which very clearly means she doesn't want to talk. shes very clearly shown she isnt the type that likes to be pressed, and thats what you're doing. its a dick move and thats that.
>>
>>3812302
>>3812316
its quite important to me on a personal level too, to not be asshats to her like you guys are trying to be.
>>
>>3812307
well, that depends on what art and stuff the crucible has kept. actually, you point out a very good point, where IS everything? Mother only got rid of weapons, but theres still plenty of stuff that should be laying around from the old world, as a ton of it wouldn't be biodegradable, if you catch my drift. evenwith two years, given the very reduced population, old world "junk" should still be laying around in piles honestly, yet we see less then nothing.... or is it all trapped under the layer of flesh on the ground and no ones thought to excavate it?

>Hexane LAN parties, yes. That would be the best thing. The worst thing would be making them play Mario Party. Cheruem would not appreciate that.
haha, im imaging Cherum trying to have an honorable duel to the death over stolen stars now.
>>
>>3812322

I get that. For what it's worth, I think we're both concerned about her, but from differing positions of how to help. It's quite obvious you've got a lot of personal investment in it, and I'm not belittling your position. I don't know if there is a fundamentally "correct" answer here, just that I know what helped me and I'm trying to reach out and help her in a similar manner.
>>
>>3812332
It's probably buried under the flesh. Some of it might have been digested despite being non-biodegradable to terrestrial biology, though, the Crucible has more potent enzymes to work with. But I think even the stuff that remains is probably in a damaged and degraded state, there aren't a ton of storage media that do well with being warm and moist. The recovery project would probably also work with remaining physical records that can be found, try to extract as much readable data from them as possible.

>haha, im imaging Cherum trying to have an honorable duel to the death over stolen stars now.
They are then calmed down by offering to have such a duel, but in a fighting game. One with ninjas. This distracts them long enough to forget why they were upset.
>>
>>3812341
wasn't trying to necessarily say you were belittling my position, but i am tired of people assuming someone whos quiet isn't ok with being quiet or even prefers it or is hurting, etc. some people ARE happier like that, and i hate it when people refuse to even let that be an option.
poking and prodding someone when they say they just want to listen and not talk isnt helping them, all it is is annoying. if they want to talk, they will respond to what you say, but dont try and make it about them or at them when they have said they dont want it to be. when you do that, all they do is rightfully distance themselves from you, because you're refusing to care about what they want, and/or are making something thats not an issue an issue. its an asshole move to do, and if i was her(and several people i know), id punt Shu out of the dream sequence in a heartbeat over that shit.

shes said what she wants, we should not cross the lines shes laid down.
>>
>>3812349
i can see it i suppose, though id argue if its all one big stomach we would not be having as painless a journey as we are... when it comes to walking across the fleshscape i mean. do we even have shoes actually?

regardless, im sure theres something left out there. hopefully. im sure theres an archaeologist gal already out there, saving what she can. you keep saving earths history mystery girl! unless you've already been eaten, in that case, damnit other daughters, some girls you just leave alone!

>They are then calmed down by offering to have such a duel, but in a fighting game. One with ninjas. This distracts them long enough to forget why they were upset.
oh god, Cherums going to become a weeabo, isnt she?
>>
>>3812038
>>Just talk about our family. Nothing major, just ramble on a bit about them. Talk about how Amara is the best kid we could ask for and we're proud to have her see us as a mother figure. How Dorian and Julia tip-toeing around their feelings is cute and we hope they work things out and get together, we've been shipping them literally as long as we've known Dorian. How our own relationship with Gina is an incredible thing to have in our life, we're very happy to have that bond, even if we're a bit uncertain how to handle her teasing us and Rath. But we're a bit of a hypocrite that way, we love teasing Rath too.
>Keep it nice and comfy. Leave things open for Bella to interject at any point if she wants to say things herself, but don't try to force it. More along the lines of making her comfortable enough with our presence that if she wants to she won't feel anxious about it.

>>3812373
>regardless, im sure theres something left out there. hopefully. im sure theres an archaeologist gal already out there, saving what she can. you keep saving earths history mystery girl! unless you've already been eaten, in that case, damnit other daughters, some girls you just leave alone!
I hope so too. It would be a real shame if it was all lost. We're already going to lose every work of art made of biological materials, so all those manuscripts and paintings and such. Probably going to lose a lot of statues, too, just from them getting knocked over by rapidly-growing biomass. Let's save everything we can.

>oh god, Cherums going to become a weeabo, isnt she?
They were already a weeb, they just didn't know it yet. Cheruem is an overly-dramatic katana-wielder who is now being introduced to human culture, there was no other possible fate for them.
>>
>>3812394
...lets keep Gina and Kosi away from her then, they would never let her live the similarities down.
>>
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>>3812038

“I guess…god, I really don’t know where to start with everything. It’s all been going really fast, honestly.” You start, scooting back to rest your shoulders against Bella’s bedroom wall. “I mean, I’ve been awake for, what? Two weeks? Three? If you think about it, I’m technically the youngest member of our family.”

“I’ve been thinking about time a lot, recently. Talking to Ringo sort of brought it to the forefront, but especially after learning more about November’s past, along with Rath. Unlike everyone else in our family, my past wasn't even mine. Sam, Isabelle, their push and pull ultimately didn’t have anything to do with me. I was just stuck, caught between them…now one’s hanging around my neck, and the other’s out in the Fleshscape *hopefully* not being a huge bi***.”

Bella chuckles a little, her avatar creeping through some dingy hall as you stare past the screen.

“Gina and Rath have pushed me forwards a lot. If I hadn’t met Rath when I did I’m not sure if I’d have caught on to B’ni’s red flags as soon as I did. And without Gina, well…through her I met Mara, learned a lot, and…yeah. I know they look to me like I’m some sort of leader, but I wouldn’t have made it this far without them. And if I had, I don’t think I’d be the kind of person I am now.”

You idly watch Bella’s character scan the surrounding area through some old camera, carefully panning around a seemingly empty room before cautiously creeping forwards.

“They’ve both been amazingly supportive through all this, and I guess the fact that neither of them really want to dwell on the past is sort of helpful, in a way. I mean, Gina’s never so much of mentioned her family except in passing, and Rath…she just wants to leave all that behind, and I don’t blame her. A lot of Daughter’s I’ve met view all this as a fresh start, but…this is the only thing I’ve ever known.”

“Actually, that may be a blessing. I mean, aside from Gina and Rath, I’ve been able to meet Julia and Dorian, who are two of the nicest people I’ve ever met. They’re adorable, and I’ve been shipping them as long as I’ve known them…hell, everyone has. And Amara is just the best…I can’t wait to see what kind of person she’s going to grow up to be. I swear, she'll be unstoppable.”

You chuckle to yourself, just now noticing that Bella’s stopped playing and is now regarding you with a small, shy smile.

“I may not have a past, but I have the best future ahead of me that I could possibly imagine.” You say, turning to her with a smile of your own. “And I’m glad you’re a part of it too, Bella.”

“Same, Shu.” She quietly replies.

>>Continue talking, just a little longer.

>>Choose another Dream Daughter to speak with, while you’re here.

>>You think it’s about time to wake up…you have a little girl that’s waiting on a story, after all.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, I shall be pausing here for the evening. Voting shall remain open for the next sixteen hours, with posting to resume thereafter. Thank you for your continue participation, time, and enthusiasm, and I look forward to continuing tomorrow. Rest well one and all, Gentlemen.)
>>
>>3812472
>*hopefully* not being a huge bi***.”
i see the work censors gotten BHOPS tongue again.

Vote;
>Just enjoy Bellas silent company for a bit longer, doing small talk if it feels right. sometimes just beng with someone with a good ear for listening does wonders for the mind.
>Then, head onto Gemma. while you want to catch up with her, you also cant deny her presence still has an impact on the waking world, and thats something you need to figure out with her a bit.

>>3812475
goodbye BHOP, hope that dinner is enjoyable, and the company that comes with it too!
>>
>>3812475
Have a great evening OP. And i hope your dinner goes well.

I think i can hear my own bed calling out to me......

Good Night Anons

>>3812472
>"If ever want someone else to play games with i am sure Gina or Hera would be also willing to join you"

>Go over and talk to Gemma. We should go and see how she is feeling now that she sort of got her wish to become a dreamdaughter
>>
>>3812487
night Anon. ill post my review of the chapter in a few before i go to bed, so you can read it when you're up again.
>>
>>3812472

Before I head out to go be a monster for a long weekend, I second >>3812485, with the Gina/Hera note included at the end of the silence with Bella.
>>
>>3812472
That was nicely done, BHOP. Hit on some ideas I wanted to bring up but couldn't think of how to phrase of Shu being technically the youngest party member with the least life experience and how that's weird she's become the leader. Glad you raised them, because I had no idea where to start.

>>Choose another Dream Daughter to speak with, while you’re here.
>>Write-In
>Just hang out with Bella for a bit, enjoying the quiet company, but leave before it gets to the point where our leaving would be an awkward moment.
>Tell Bella that Hera's a pretty big gamer, too. More into arcade stuff then consoles, but still someone to consider hanging out with.
>Then head out to meet up with Gemma, see how she's doing with being in the Dreamscape and ask how she wants to handle the rest of her iterations now that she's got first-hand experience with being consumed. Twice, actually, Nikuzu ate her and then Julia did.

>>3812475
Thanks for running, BHOP. I hope you enjoy whatever dinner event you've got planned.
>>
>>3812516
well, actually, shes basically has been consumed numerous times, as she was absorbing back with her other personalities, and id imagine that means their memories and experiences too.
hopefully shes not all gung ho about combining with her other selves, for, uhh, the wrong reasons now, as it was...
>>
>>3811081
Right, finished reading your latest chapter.

Overall Thoughts;
Overall, well… see below mostly honestly. Even if you don't agree, the issue mentioned below is personally too big of one to ignore or not heavily affect my thoughts or reading of the rest of the story.

Otherwise… it was alright. Really didn't feel like the team deserved much of anything honestly, with their only kills being an amalgam types thats kinda overstayed its welcome. Nothing much else really happened before the end, except the morrigan being killed, but nothing about her was ever really explained or hinted at, so whatever impact that was supposed to have really didn't hit home for me. Not gonna lie, this chapter really didn't do it for me, as the saying goes. I am interested in seeing who is attacking the city though, at the very least. (my guess, basically angry meth heads.)

Major Thoughts;
>several thousand amalgams
That is a stupidly ridiculous in numbers. Getting a few dozen to be corralled into an area from the evidence we have seen would be impressive enough, a few hundred alone would already be End Times level with what we have seen. But a few THOUSAND? Thats really breaks suspension of disbelief pretty hard. At those numbers every daughter present in the hunt, even if over a hundred are there, would be god tier by the end, like, ‘end the crucible by themselves' god tier, hell the few hundred i mentioned would do that easily, but a few thousand? Thats like god-god-god tier for all of them. Even moreso, by the point, they should all be panicking, as killing that many amalgams, aside from how impossible a task that honestly should be even for a team of high level daughters, should scare them, thats no joke, easily possibly the entire countries supply of amalgams, and possibly more. You kill all those and everyones fucked in a week. Even the crucible still needs its ecosystem afterall. That really is just way too absurd of a high number and it just kinda ruined the mesh of the rest of the story for me honestly.


(1/2)
>>
>>3812590
>>3811081
Minor Thoughts;
>Eva
Leech or not, you dont get corruption levels like her without having some levels behind you. Shes a bitch, but she looks like the type who knows how to make herself into a lasting problem you cant get rid of if pushed hard enough.

>Avenger
I still cannot pin down what the avenger actually wants here. Seems to not actually care about its freedom much oddly, but i am unsure why it otherwise seems to care about Mina. from how it talks, her being so weak should make it care as little as possible, yet it seems invested at least in her survival. I mean.. Worse case, someone stronger gets it if she dies, no? Not like Minas really shown it any care in return either, so it cant be that.

>Abilities
I will say alot of the costs for your abilities do feel a bit cheap, but it’s it’s own story with no real focus on the mechanics heavily, so it is what it is. You do seem to underestimate how powerful those anti-ACT abilities are. We basically almost never see those, both on ourselves or on the enemy, and for good reason. That shits broken powerful.

>Carter
Nice reference, though rather it was a nice experience for him is yet to be determined.

(2/2)
>>
>>3812472
>You think it’s about time to wake up…you have a little girl that’s waiting on a story, after all.

I WANT MY STORYTIME DAMMIT!

If we keep putting Amara off, we'll be no better than Amara's other mom!
>>
>>3813112
we'll get to it after our business and planning with the family is taken care of, and it makes sense to move on to more casual conversations. you vote like BHOP didn't already say he planned to use it.
>>
>>3812590

Okay yeah I thing i get the scale wrong soemtimes. But the Fleshscape is populated by a lot more Amalgams than we give it credit for. Its just that anything below our level will try and run away or is so small we dont even try to hunt it.

As to why they are not Godtier by the end. I always thought consuming to be more of an absorption of experience points and traits.
Most of those Amalgams were either constructs generated by the Hunters or trashtier Amalgams that dont realy do anything for a daughter over level 5 and would usually try and avoid something like a daughter. (Like killing an earthworm at level 50. It gives you one XP for the 1.000.000 XP bar you have to fill to progress. Its easy and you can do it all day but it doesnt really do anything for you)


The worthwhile amount of Amalgams in there were like more around 50. One of them being the Feaster and one the Vortex. The rest was trash that would have been nothing but a nuiscance or a distraction for the guards and might represent a danger for any newborn daughters that wake up in that are around that time but nothing more. The issue was more that a four daughter team could not kill them all as the area was too big for them to effectively patrol while something like that was going on


>The Morrigan being killed

I think you dont forgot something. That was not the Morrigan that was killed by Avenger Try and remember who was called the Usurper by Avenger in the past

>The Team receiving way more than they were supposed to.

Kristine felt bad for underestimating the amalgam that killed her clone... She also would have gotten maybe one level from her part of the Feaster and the Vortex combined. It was not a large sacrifice for her as she was hunting real prey. So she was like "Have this. I am sorry for almost getting your friend killed."

>Avenger
Avenger has a plan. A too powerful daughter would put a pretty hefty dampener on that plan. Iota ALpha was to strong for Avenger without any powerups and she was aware enough of its true nature to not fee it any Forgecores. Mina dying would do so as well as that would reset its powerlevel, as would just handing it off to another daughter, while in her hands at least.

Have you ever heard of the posessed Weapons of Warhammer?

You can think of Avenger as one of those and its motivations should become very clear indeed.

>Carter
It was the most profitable night Gabis Bar had ever had even if the star of the show disappeared twenty minutes in mumbling something about "damn sensationalists"

>Eva
Without some levels behind her she would have not survived the tailpunch she was hit with. And yes she is a mayor nuiscance in the community. But she also hadnt done anything that would warrant throwing her out or executing her.
>>
>>3813646
thats really not how consumption has been shown to work though. at the very least every amalgam would be worth a level, as its based off the Amalgam/daughters level, not the one consuming them, and very much has been shown to work in chunks, not marginal points gained.

and i highly disagree, there more than we have seen but its been very clear they still are not in massive numbers at all, and even rarer for them to ever be packs that are similar past a singular pack. this is too much of a massive change to the system and workings for the fleshscape for me to personally enjoy.

>Morrigan
nothings coming to mind. scene felt like it was pointing to her, given what has and how she had been left like in the past aswell.
>>
>>3813673
>Morrigan
Chapter 4 Page 6

“BUT YOU PAID THE PRICE IN YOUR BLOOD AND THE BLOOD OF THE USURPER. WE SERVE YOU, THOUGH WE CAN NOT FREE YOU YET.” Avenger to Mina in the Dreamscape

The echo of the Woman also first appeared while Mina visited Rara after the latter made her choice

The entire swarm was also not a singular pack. It was made up of many different types of Amamlgams all running away from something and only snapping at each other without getting into a fight as they would have died if they had stood and fought one another

Seems like the logic (from my RPG trained brain) does not translate well into the fleshscape

I am sorry if that ruined your enjoyment of the story but you can be happy as somehting like that will not come up again
>>
>>3813689
ah, fair enough on the Morrigan thing. maybe it was the whole melting thing that confused me, and i just last remembered that on her. that and she seemed to have a knack for getting tortured so i just assumed the 'tortured until she cannot talk' girl was the same as before.

also i wasn't saying it was all the same, only pointing out the fleshscape seems to not reuse the same design very much, and thus one pack would not look like another or be very big.
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>>3812472
For this, supporting >>3812516, BUT after we are done... AMARA STORYTIME as in>>3809817 and >>3809820

This write-up is frigging fantastic and I want to see Amara´s reaction when we tell it. Plus Ringo reveleations about her have me concerned, and we have had few moments alone with her, considering all the experiences she has had.
>>
>>3812475
Have a great evening and weekend! Thanks for all your writing, it is always a pleasure to touch base and enjoy socialization with the cast. Dreams daughters, Ringo and Charon for the win.
>>
>>3809939
> "I guess the lesson here is don´t try and read and post when covered in cats."
A very satisfying Aesop, if I may say.

> "Hardly, you're the worst person i´ve had to interact with here by the largest margin possible."
I think that´s a bit harsh, and for sure I don´t have a bad opinion of you, much less to these extremes. We may have our disagreements, but we always have polite discussions that arrive to interesting and often original conclusions, and make the quest all the more interesting for it.
As a rule, you have good sense for the crunch and numbers involved in this game, besides making a hefty and very valuable contribution when it comes to book-keeping and vote counting, but you often get tunnel vision and tend to discard too many possibilities at the planning stage.
While I love to peruse our skillset and see if a forgotten feature of one of our skills can turn the tide or solve a given problem if applied creatively. And face it, its is a valuable addition to our plans: Lepisma tongue grapple, Hundred-handed rescue chains during Spiraling Fear battle, escape Escher Gear teleport during Isabelle battle and many other successes besides come from that philosophy, and were carried out against your initial reluctance.
>>
>>3814041
>Lepisma tongue grapple, Hundred-handed rescue chains during Spiraling Fear battle, escape Escher Gear teleport during Isabelle battle and many other successes besides come from that philosophy, and were carried out against your initial reluctance.
except none of that is true at all and i wasn't against any of those, with one of them being my idea.
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>>3812394
>>3812373
>Churem becoming a weeb

Woe is the Alien that learns about Naruto, hunter x hunter, Rouroni Kenshin, or Kimetsu no Yaiba.

Hunter x Hunter for the mindgames, Rouroni Kenshin and Kimetsu no Yaiba for the extensive and romanticism of sword play, and Naruto for just fantasy Ninja shit.

Also, I think Vultha might also become a weeb as well because of the general overall quality and visual aesthetics of anime.
>>
>>3814109
> I think Vultha might also become a weeb as well because of the general overall quality and visual aesthetics of anime.
well, aesthetics, more than not sure, but id very much argue on the quality side of things. id say both sides of the ocean actual quality is rarer then not.
>>
>>3814109
Mulvath would probably get roped in after being introduced to cooking anime. "Ah, Miss Julia. These 'croissants' that the characters are so enraptured by. Do you happen to have memories of them yourself?"

Meanwhile Rath is trying to get Silvis interested in Gundam but the Newtype metaphor doesn't really work for a species that actually has empathic powers.
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>>3812472

Bella returns to her game, and you sit in comfortable silence as you watch her play. To your amusement, your off-hand comment that Hera enjoys arcade games catches the shy girl's attention, and with a bit of prompting you think you have her convinced to at least give the arcade-savvy girl a visit. Shortly thereafter you quietly take your leave, noting that she seems rather appreciative of the space that was shared.

Struggling to find the doorknob, you open Bella's bedroom door only to be greeted with a similarly cramped room, if not a better-lit one. Dozens of small screens flicker in and out of resolution, the windowless space pulsing with light. The snap of a pull-chain precedes a lamp flaring to life to your right, and you turn to find Gemma seated in a large armchair with a thick notebook in her lap.

"Hey!" She says cheerfully, disposition quite at odds with the frantic, unsettling decor. "Glad you stopped by, I had a bunch of stuff I wanted to run by you."

"What's all this?" You murmur as you take in at the wall of videos, no two apparently the same.

"Oh, it's my fragments!" She says, snapping her book closed and gesturing to the screens. "Before the whole Monastery thing, I found out that the more I absorbed, the stronger my connection got to the other ones that're wandering out there."

"The other versions of you, you mean?" You clarify, and she nods so rapidly the glasses almost bounce off the end of her nose.

"Yep! I know you're busy, so I'll make this really quick." She begins, launching into a monologue before you can stop her. "So I've found the location of most of the fragments, one of which you'll be interested to know is part of that Barber gang your Gina mentioned, so I can totally keep tabs on them for you. Also, it looks like there's another fragment out there's that's going solo, and she's drawing a lot of the weaker fragments to her and getting strong, so I'll definitely keep an out out for her and let you know when she's on her way. Oh! And one of my Fragments is actually really close by and waiting for you to pick her up at the Altered Altar, which isn't far from here at all. Ah, and before I forget, I wanted to talk with you about Yurei's offer. I think it's a great opp..."

"Woah, slow down." You say as the girl gets out of her chair. "So you're still okay with becoming whole, for one?"

"Oh, definitely! It's a total win-win. You get stronger, I get closer to being whole, and it's great. It's weird that your head's so stable...I don't mean that in a bad way, but a really really good one. I haven't felt this focused since...god, since ever!"

Focused is...not the way you'd describe Gemma, right now. Then again, she certainly seems happier than you've ever seen her, so maybe this is a good thing?

>>Select one of the topics she's broached to discuss further. Content as she seems to be to shotgun topics, you'd like to narrow things down a bit (Write-In).

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next two hours. My sincerest apologies for the delay in updating, as I woke up feeling rather dreadful and came home early from work. I truly hope everyone's Friday is going well, and that you have some good weekend plans ahead of you.)
>>
>>3814309
>"so whats this 'Altered Altar?' i guess that fragment wants to be absorbed? is she safe, is the location safe?"
>"The Solo Fragment, she seem dangerous or a threat to us? or is she just another looking to become whole again, but could be reasoned with?"
>"Im willing to listen to what you have to say about Yurei's offer, even if i have my oppositions to her plan."
>>
>>3814315
Hope you will get better soon

>>3814309
>"You mentioned the Altered Altar. Where are they? What are they? Are they violent or try and convert people to their view of things? I honestly have not much information on them."

>"On the Yurei Thing.... I will probably need to have a talk with her about htis but i dont think i can support her way of tryign to win the crucible by living inside the cord. There are things out there that even the crucible fears. Ys i have learned from charon. And staying in what amounts to in stasis without any chance to experience new things or influence the outside world doe snot sound like my cup of tea. I am glad you like being here but i dont think it would be for me. But please give me your opinion"

>"If you can give us an estimation of how strong the entire gang is we might be able to after them right now to deal with them before they become much stronger. Though it would still probbaly be between bigger events..... and you rsolo fragment"
>>
>>3814315
im sorry to hear that. Feeling any better? dont feel like you have to push yourself, of course, if you're feeling too sick for this.
>>
>>3814309
>>3814324
adding in;
>"You talked to Julia about this yet? you, and i guess now her, absorbing your other selves?"
>>
>>3814309
>>Select one of the topics she's broached to discuss further. Content as she seems to be to shotgun topics, you'd like to narrow things down a bit (Write-In).
>"Tell me about the Altered Altar. The name and what I've heard about them makes me think they're some cult pursuing chemically-expanded consciousness. That about right? What's the Fragment with them like, is she safe?"

>>3814315
Sorry to hear that, BHOP. I hope you rest and recover.

>>3814328
I don't think Yurei's group is going to live in stasis, but build a virtual world inside the Cord's systems. I don't oppose the idea, but I also don't support it as the only method for humanity's survival. It could actually work together very well with our plan, provide a buffer zone to store minds in on the way to re-embodying them. Give us someplace to keep everyone while the ecosystem is being re-established, and afterwards as some sort of planetary info-network. But as the sole plan? No, that's terrible, we need to re-establish our physical world so that we can rebuild and be prepared for further world-eaters. It's not safe to just live in a server farm.
>>
>>3814315
Glad you're calling it in for work so you could rest up.

>>3814309
>"Have you talked to Julia about the whole re-absorbing your other fragmented self?"
>"On the Yurei thing, I'll need to talk to her about the plan. I'm willing to hear your opinion, but I have my reservations about this plan.

>>3814374
>>3814330
I'm having a gut feeling that with whole Crucible Cord thing with it being a link in the cosmic food chain, there's a possibility in which Literal Cosmic endgame is basically converting the entire planet Earth into Bio-Cybertron and fighting off the space predator that is Bio-Unicron by waking up the planet sized Vessel that's reserved for the new Mother. And that could only be done by sitting in Mother's Throne.
>>
>>3814374
i personally am fully against it. feels like doing nothing but running from your problems. that, and even without other world eaters, it by itself is a terrible plan. first off, it wouldn't work unless you force it on everyone, which is a gigantic big 'no', because if even a handful of people stay outside, all it takes is one mistake or one jackass to potentially fuck everyone in the simulation over. ironically, to do it safely, you would NEED someone to stay behind to guard it, but that again wraps back around to similar potential issues of having to trust them or anyone else down the line that stays outside.

honestly it just sounds like asking for disaster to strike.

>>3814379
maybe. lets re-establish control over our own planet first though, before we think about fighting off other planet enders. cant do anything about the rest of that at the moment, which is kinda a terrifying prospect in its own right.
>>
>>3814374
Kinda what i was trying to get at with the whole living inside the cord thing but i think i will rewrite it just to make sure i better put my thoughts across

>>3814309
Ammending my vote from >>3814328
to
>"You mentioned the Altered Altar. Where are they? What are they? Are they violent or try and convert people to their view of things? I honestly have not much information on them."

>"On the Yurei Thing.... I will probably need to have a talk with her about this but i dont think i can support her way of tryign to win the crucible. At lesat not as the only piece of that plan. I learned form Charon that there are things out there that even prey on the crucible. And staying in what amounts to in a virtual world without any chance to experience influence the outside world does not sound like my cup of tea or a good idea in general. I am glad you like being here but i dont think it would be for me. But please give me your opinion on her plan as i have given you mine"

>"If you can give us an estimation of how strong the entire gang is we might be able to after them right now to deal with them before they become much stronger. Though it would still probaly be between bigger events..... and your solo fragment. But just to make sure. Have you talked with Julia about the reabsorbing of your other selfs"
>>
>>3814315
Take care of yourself, get some good rest, and enjoy some of our fan-created content.

>>3811081
Story of Mina's Bizarre Adventure in Europe, Ch. 7

>>3806466
Story: Local Moon Rabbit Scares Alien Goddess.

I hope that write-up review of yours is going at a good pace.
>>
>>3814389
is that a Jojo reference?

I would appreciate your opinion on it as well. If you deign to give it to me that is
>>
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>>3814379
also, hey, neat, thats the same girl i think as one of BHOPS origional two Rath pictures. actually it is, just went and got the image, same shirt and skirt exactly. Rath, why are you a giant space goddess? or worse, why are you so tacky you made your giant space mech look like you?

>>3814389
oh, and speaking of Luna, finally started on a story with her and Cater, might be slow going though, but Carter is in for a... well im not sure the word 'fun' ever works with Luna interactions.
>>
>>3814399
>Carter is in for a... well im not sure the word 'fun' ever works with Luna interactions.

Luna's definition of "fun" tends to get skewed to a weird degree. I think a good way to boil down Luna's definition of fun is asking this question:

>in Luna's words: "Does X still have Fresh Carrots with them and is there Mochi to pound?"


Make that sort of logic what you will.

I bamboozled this post for a filename change.
>>
>>3814442
surprisingly, though depending on how you wish to look at it, yes to both of those criteria.
and not in the way Carter has an unfair advantage at for the first one.
>>
>>3814456
"I wonder how many Carrots will Luna nibble through before Carter steps off the train."

Oh. This will be fun to read when it comes out. I do hope you incorporate the red lettering text. It was fun to format and write the word salad into a logical yet insane arrangement. Take your time though!

>>3814396
I'll give it a read, the present-tense grammar will give me a headache though, and I'll have to start from chapter 1 if I have the time.

Heading off to work soon.
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>>3814488
If you are willing to do so i would be very grateful you dont have to push yourself however

If you dont want to or cant cope with the writing. It's fine if you dont read it
>>
>>3814488
i shall make the text red yes.

good luck with work Anon.
>>
(Writing now, Gentlemen.)
>>
>>3814309

"Tell me about the Altered Altar, for starters." You say slowly, trying to impart your calm onto the bundle of energy before you. "The name and what I've heard about them makes me think they're some cult pursuing chemically-expanded consciousness. What's the Fragment with them like, is she safe?"

"Oh yeah, she's good. High as balls, but they all are." Gemma replies hastily. "She's a Humoral Paladin pretty high up in the Altar's order by now. They're all just sitting around getting stoned and waiting for their black-eyed prophet-founder to save the world. Grey-eyed? Whatever. Anyway, they're chill, except for some Daughters that serve as guards to keep the Altered in line and any predators out."

"Good to know...now, about the Barbers. If you can give us an estimation of how strong the entire gang is we might be able to after them right now to deal with them before they become much stronger." You ask, beginning to thoughtfully pace the room as you listen to Gemma's answer.

"There's four of them; Abbey, their Humoral leader and a real goof when she's not using her powers to exsanguinate some and boil the blood of others. Her right-hand woman's a Crystalline Daughter and Gluttonous/Humoral/Artisan tri-hybrid, real nasty piece of work by the name of 'Blood Sugar.' Stupid name, but her combo's potent. Crystallize her prey, turn them to candy, then eat them slow. Betty's a Vitruvian/Artisan hybrid. Weird, stretchy powers, kind of like Rath but a little more broken. Still haven't figured out how it works, yet. Then there's the last one, a Neuromancer...my fragment. The nature of her power makes it so I can't really dig deep, but I could see through her eyes well enough to get what I've told you just now."

"How do they stack up against us, by your estimates?" You ask, pausing mid-stride when Gemma grimaces.

"Uh...well, in terms of power, if you take into account all the Relics and Hybrids they're packing then I'd say they're up to your level. Just in the past day and a half alone I've watched them just dismantle other teams like they're nothing...kind of like how you do, actually."

"Moving on to the Solo Fragment..." You segue, resuming your deliberate pacing as you mull over these revelations. "Does she seem dangerous or a threat to us? Or is she just another fragment looking to become whole again, but could be reasoned with?"

"...Maybe?" Gemma shrugs unhelpfully. "I mean, if it was anyone other than you, I'd just say 'no', but...anyway, she's a really strong Armorer that's been using some Sauce to just boost her main power set by just stacking Augmentations like crazy. Calcite Armorer ones apparently help to double-down on the offense and defense of the tree. I'm guessing Mara probably did something like that too, with the Arbiter-thingy she gave you. I mean, if things go south then after you beat her then Julia could..."

"Have you talked with Julia about any of this?" You interrupt, catching the mousy girl off-guard.

(Continued)
>>
>>3814711

"No." She says simply. "But it's a no-brainer, like I said. You get stronger, I get my pieces back together, and everyone's happy."

"You need to talk this over with Julia, regardless." You push, holding Gemma's dark eyes. "It may be a no-brainer to you, but it's Julia's choice, too. Talk with her, reach a consensus, and we'll go from there. To say nothing of how the other Gemmas feel about all this. It'll be a case-by-case basis from here on, alright?"

The girl before you regards you with wide eyes for a moment before shaking her head side-to-side, then up-and-down before breaking into a smile.

"Oh, totally. Yeah, I'll bring it up to her and we'll have a sit-down." She assents, a broad smile on her pale lips. "Happy?"

"Thank you." You say, a vague uneasiness settling in your stomach as you speak about your next topic. "On the Yurei thing, I'll need to talk to her about the plan. I'm willing to hear your opinion, but I have my reservations about what she's planning."

"Oh, that's fair. Honestly, forget I said anything. We'd need to hear her out in person before we would know where to go with her plan." Gemma dismisses, placing her book next to her. "You are planning to go see her, right?"

"Probably, yeah." You say, watching as she rises from her chair and walks over to the door.

"Okay, awesome. In that case, I'll keep researching the Barbers and the Calcite Fragment and let you know what I find, 'kay?" She says cheerfully, opening the door to her room and standing aside. "I don't want to keep you. After all, didn't your little one want to hear a story?"

Moving to the door, you meet Gemma's eyes one last time before she ushers you out of her dreamspace, the door quickly closing as you step out into the void. She's an odd duck, for sure...you have to wonder if you upset her in some way for her to usher you out so quickly, but your empathic field didn't fluctuate. It stayed level the entire time, in fact.

Closing your eyes, you focus, willing yourself to rise to the waking world. Instead, your stomach lurches as you feel yourself plummet like you're on some sickly-angled roller-coaster as you fall, falling until...

You stand on a precipice overlooking a valley, its interminable vastness marked only by a far-off plateau, its lines stark under the endless vermillion sky. You breathe, and the air is sweet with honey, sharp with the tang of blood. It's so cold, and so wonderfully warm. A place of contradictions, of beings ex-nihilo.

It is a memory.

It is a fantasy.

It is fact.

It is a dream, and yet...

>>KNOWABLE KADATH: Activated

Something stirs within you, within those bound to you by the control you wield. You feel them in your mind, your bones, your heart...guiding you home, as you guide them to salvation.

>>PLEASE CHOOSE ONE OF YOUR DREAM DAUGHTER-ASSOCIATED TREES TO LEVEL-UP

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next two hours. After the vote, Amara will finally get her story, and I believe the Vein shall come to a close.)
>>
>>3814725
Did you forget to put in your name?
>>
>>3814720

>Ravenous Maw

Might as well start on getting that higher level hybrid going again

>>3814725
Are you going to finish that write up over the weekend?
>>
>>3814720
>Upgrade; Maw
it made the sacrifice to even get this ability, makes sense to spend the first instance on bringing it back up to where it was.

and Gemma, you're an odd one. she seems to have reservations for sure about us not just absorbing any other fragment on the spot, but hopefully she'll understand why after Julia talks with her.

>>3814725
thats fair, though shame we didn't get to any of the information we have piling up to dig through, but what we got was a good hold over at least.
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>>3814747
i think he said this coming week he will finish it off, as its his and his wifes borderlands 'vacation' week if i remember correctly.
>>
>>3814752
Okay. I was just not sure if it would be this or next week. To be honest i dont keep much of an eye on video game releases unless i am really interested in getting them
And non of my friends are big fans of the series so i dont really have a way to keep up with those news passively
>>
>>3814736
(Oh goodness, I did. My apologies. It seems fairly random when it does, unfortunately)

>>3814747
(As >>3814752 mentioned, I'll be taking some of the next week off, but the time on my breaks I would spend writing I'll devote to finishing up the write-up, since I'll have some free time to do so. Also, I want to re-read everything and get caught up, as well.)

>>3814748
(What I may do in addition is go ahead and craft a list of the various items and post them here in advance for everyone to discuss. Gina and the team will have more in-depth things to say about them of course, but I figure that will help the planning stages for you, a bit.)
>>
>>3814720
>Ravenous Maw.

Get it its level back.
What are the other members of our family upgrading? Besides Francine, who can only upgrade Lepisma's Hand Of The Queen.
>>
>>3814755
yeah, honestly im not into video games much anymore myself, but BHOP himself seemed to lose track of the date so that somehow amusingly made it easier to remember myself. take that how you will.

>>3814757
that would be lovely, but dont force yourself too much, it sounds like you already have enough plans for the week as it is.
>>
>>3814760
(Actually, when the 31st Vein opens I'll have a vote fairly early on where you'll get to choose, since each of them interacted with multiple Dream Daughters while they were under.)
>>
>>3814720
Wait, a plateau? The dream-city of Kadath lies past the Plateau of Leng. Knowable Kadath actually takes us to go know Kadath? Well, was not expecting it to be more than a cute reference.

>>PLEASE CHOOSE ONE OF YOUR DREAM DAUGHTER-ASSOCIATED TREES TO LEVEL-UP
>Ravenous Maw
Get it back up to the point it was previously before we took a level off to experiment with the hybrid.

>>3814757
>(What I may do in addition is go ahead and craft a list of the various items and post them here in advance for everyone to discuss. Gina and the team will have more in-depth things to say about them of course, but I figure that will help the planning stages for you, a bit.)
That would be very helpful, I'd appreciate that.
>>
>>3814770
Dont "overwork" yourself during the week okay

I would hate if you had to delay the next vein or the write up
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>>3814720

>>RAVENOUS MAW: LEVEL UP

Your eyes fly open to the sight of the Dragon's Roost, with Gina and your pair of artists hard at work on a model of the Fleshscape a few meters away from where you sit. Turning to your left, Amara's eyes lock with yours and before you can open your mouth her nose is almost touching yours, her two-tone eyes wide with anticipation.

"Ant time?!" She demands breathlessly, having patiently waited for you to awaken and tell her the tale she's been so looking forward to. You nod, and you think she might hurt herself from how wide a smile she's sporting.

"Alright, so...how should I begin?" You muse aloud, Amara snuggling up to you while keeping one arm around her FuzzGuardian. "On the beach near the Salt Lake of Spire Island, between a forest of Mushrooms and a Frozen resort, lived a Pyre Ant Queen. She fought, she hunted, she survived, and grew. Pyre Ants have the ability to control heat and fire, but their most powerful weapon was a rage that made them unstoppable when burning red with anger. A fearsome combo that made them formidable when fighting."

She's in awe of your descriptions, watching your hands with rapt attention as your gestures make the tale come alive in her young mind.

"Eventually she became strong enough to make her own home. An Anthill three stories high and five stories wide, with a kingdom that grows ever larger underground. Her subjects grew in strength and her nursery grew in number. But with so many mouths to feed, the queen began to expand her territory only to met with insurmountable obstacles. In the mushroom forest there lived a Panther whose skin could let it blend into the forest, and whose speed could take down the Queens Ants in a mere swipe of its claws. What's worse, the Panther *loved* hunting the Ants."

The pause you take has the desired effect, with Amara on the edge of her seat, eyes wide as she scoots closer so as not to miss a single syllable or utterance.

"It would crouch and stalk the forest. Patiently, quietly. Waiting for an Ant to wander into its territory. And when an ant wanders into its territory alone..." You say, your fingers curling into mock claws as you wiggle in your seat, and then...

...you pounce.

A screech of surprise, followed by a peal of laughter as you scoop Amara up in your arms. She suppresses her giggles as best she can, still committed to hearing the tale to completion.

"So what happened next?" Amara demands, doing a better job of catching her breath again than you are.

(Continued)
>>
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>>3815088

"So, the Pyre Ant kingdom decided to try and hunt elsewhere resorting to hunt other things like Amalgams, but the Panther was too close to home...and so this is where I believe I come into the story, along with Dorian and November. I never knew about the Pyre Ant Kingdom, I only saw the massive ant hill. The Ants at the time were underground and there were no scouts, so I decided to take a look with a special swarmling that could see through the ground...and that was when I first saw it."

"Did you fight them?" The little girl asks, spellbound. You smile, a twinkle in your eye.

"We thought we might have had the fight of our lives, and we had to send in a brave soul to see if the Ants were friendly...or if they weren't."

"Was it Uncle Dorian?" She asks, and you merely shake your head.

"It was Fuzzbuzz."

Her eyes, dinner plates. Her mouth, agape.

"Fuzzbuzz was sent in as a diplomat and scout. It wasn't long before he met a Fire Ant Soldier. I was already prepared to pull the plug and use my powers to sink the kingdom...when it decided to take Fuzzbuzz to the Queen." At this, she's on the edge of her seat, unblinking as she drinks in every morsel of your story. "And so Fuzzbuzz was taken to the Queen, to be judged. And her judgement? Adoption. Fuzzbuzz was adopted as a member of the Pyre Ant Colony."

"What?!" She yelps, prompting a few glances and good-natured smiles from your family members across the room.

"Yes, Fuzzbuzz was adopted as an honorary Pyre Ant. Who knew the Queen had such a soft heart? We took this as a chance to make contact with the Queen and explained ourselves through Fuzzbuzz. We wanted to be friendly with the Ant Kingdom, since we had never encountered a sentient Amalgam before. The Queen likewise was weary of us, and wanted to see us prove ourselves that we were worthy. And thus the Queen bestowed us a quest. She explained that her kingdom was under siege by the Panther and wanted it gone, so we accepted her charge and began to hunt the panther."

"We saw how the Panther hunted, and laid a trap for it. We had a juicy swarmling act as bait and set up a pitfall trap. The Panther fell for the bait and was ready to pounce...and pounce, it did. But it was too fast for its own good. It got the bait, but slid right into the pitfall trap where November used her giant tank to blow it into smithereens!" You say, emphasizing the explosion with your hands, you eyes fixed on Amara's wondrous expression as she imagines the pyrotechnics. "We brought the Panther's head in front of the Ant Queen's anthill where the worker ants took it in. The queen was delighted to see the Panther dead, and declared us Friends with her kingdom. Not only that it also shared part of its treasures and extended an invitation to meet it face to face. Queen to Queen, as allies."

"WE HAVE ANT FRIENDS, NOW?!" Amara practically howls.

"Yes, and..."

"*FUCK YEAH!*"

(Continued)
>>
>>3815092

"Amara!" Julia calls out from across the room, and both you and the little girl next to you wince simultaneously as Gina just breaks down into tears of laughter. To his credit, Dorian's trying his best to hold himself together, but it's an effort in futility as he leans against the map table to not double-over completely.

"Magic, right. I'm sorry!" Amara pouts, turning on the puppy-dog eyes as she turns to you. You can't help but chuckle as you ruffle her hair, slinging your right arm around her and her FuzzBuzz, both.

"No worries...but yes, we have ant friends." You affirm, and you can practically see the gears turning behind Amara's eyes.

"I want...I NEED to be there when you walk to her." She declares, no room in her voice for debate. "I wanna meet the Queen!"

"Hey, if you're done with storytime, we've got the maps and lists together!" Gina calls out, waving to the two of you across the space before you can give Amara an answer. The little Skintalker bounds up, about to dart forward on her own before she pauses, reaching out her hand for yours with a smile. You rise, small fingers wrapping around yours as you're led to the rest of your Family. November's over by Francine's side, the Doctor waking groggily and smoothing her hair with a single gloved hand. Julia's nature as the ultimate hostess has not failed her yet as she swiftly begins assembling a fleet of cups and saucers while Dorian brews a fresh pot. Gina's smiling at you, at the sight of Amara leading you to her side with FuzzBuzz hovering not far behind. The map is an impressive thing, a motile construct of thin flesh stretched over delicate bone, easily capable of altering its topography with the slightest touch of an Artisan. Gina's phone rests at the edge of the table, and even from where you stand you can see a long list of potential friends, foes, and everything in between.

You glance around the room once more, and you have to admit just how amazed you are of the family you've made at the end of the world. They've seen you through more in three weeks than most people would've fought through in a lifetime, and you're certain that they'll see you through far worse before you bring the Crucible to a close. GG plucks up her phone, and when you meet her eyes you realize everyone's assembled, and waiting for you to give the order to begin. They've put their trust and hopes in you, and they're not the only ones. You have to wonder what waves you've made in this world, and what events you've yet to set into motion with your choices...with your control.

You have options, tasks at hand that could pull you in a dozen different directions at once, but you know that no matter what you choose...

...you're not alone.

>>Thirtieth Vein: Closed
>>
(Gentlemen. Thirty Veins. Ten months of continual writing. I wish to thank you again for your time, enthusiasm, and kindness over the largest writing endeavor I've ever undertaken. Each and every one of you has made it a thing worth writing, and your patience and commitment is inspiring, truly. The 31st Vein is set to open on September 23rd at 9:00AM, Eastern time. I look forward to seeing you there, and I'll be keeping this Vein active for as long as I can, so if you have any questions, comments, or criticisms, please let me know as I welcome it all. I hope you have a magnificent weekend, and take care.)
>>
>>3815110
We've been glad to share the ride with you, BHOP, it's been a good one. I too look forward to seeing you next time, and I hope you enjoy your week of binging Borderlands with your bride.
>>
>>3815110
BHOP, it has always been an honor to be present for this quest. Thank you so much for everything so far, and as always, I eagerly anticipate the opening of the next vein.
>>
>>3815105
wonderful ending as always BHOP, thanks for running.

>>3815110
>Thirty Veins
its been one fun and amazing ride BHOP, and damn though, does it still feel like we have so much left to go, though thats not a bad thing. thank YOU, Bhop, for being such a superb QM, and pouring so much of your time and passion into this quest. while theres been its rough patches, i at least without a doubt have nothing but respect for the effort and overall endless quality you have put into this quest, and as ive said before, and still mean today, this is still the most entertaining piece of media and entertainment ive ever had the pleasure of enjoying. you've truly created something spectacular here, and thank you for sharing it with us and letting us participate in it to such an honestly absurd degree at times. as if you're own content wasn't already spectacular, your commitment and even encouragement for us to add to the game in ways, and use our ideas for inspiration, is something ive never seen honestly, or accepted so openly, and i could not commend you more for it than i already am.

i look forward to the next Vein, and those to come after it, and you enjoy your break, you've more than earned it.
>>
>>3815110
So, for current side quests and ongoing story threads, I have compiled a list:

>Meet with Yurei and discuss her offer

>Go to the West Proxy Laboratory

>Meet with one of the three foreign Daughters being tracked by the Joyous Many

>Go to the town which is said to be a font of information

>Hunt down the Barbers

>Look for the solo Gemma

>Meet with the Altered Altar

>Investigate the Hexane Structure

>Hunt one of the three Unleashed Amalgams

>Locate one of the two Released Daughters

>Go to the Amalgam Spawning Zone

>Hunt the non-sentient Lesser Tindalos

There's quite a bit, make no mistake. Question is, where do you fine folks think we should start?
>>
>>3815125
i still honestly want more information on alot if not all of it before we make our decision. theres just too many details missing from many of them to get a clear picture of their importance in my opinion.
>>
>>3815125
There's also the Apex Sisterhood. We don't have any plot hooks for them in particular, but they are something to investigate while we're getting the scope of the other factions around here.

As for where we start, I agree with >>3815130 that we need more information before we can make serious decisions. I'd personally mark off "hunt the Unleashed Amaglams" for now, though, they're likely far too strong for us at our current level. They're designed to fend off other world-eaters, they're probably Weapon-style bonus bosses tougher than the actual final boss.
>>
>>3815125
>>3815130
like, for example, Wests Lab;
sure, destroying her Labs is important, but what lab is it? is it basically an old, abandoned one? still in use? is it a low ranking Wests Lab? high Ranking? what type of research is she doing there? where is it? how guarded is it? the list could go on, but depending on the answers it may easily be something worth pushing far down the list, or might be something we will feel we already wasted too much time getting to.

mind you, this is just an example, and similar can apply to alot of the others, though i do acknowledge some will always be more important than others, my point(though im not saying anyone disagrees with me) is even something that seems as important as taking out a West Lab might not actually be as important as we think, and vise versa for other options.
>>
>>3815147
>>3815141
Right, more information for these is definitely needed. When the next thread rolls around, we'll do some research and see what our best options are.

Also, something to keep in mind - now that we have eight party members, I believe we have the possibility of creating two teams of four, in order to investigate two options simultaneously.
>>
>>3815174
yeah, that was something i was definitely going to suggest we do. though, some things might still not require a full team of four honestly, most will, but some might not be all that bad, though would have to send the right team to it to make up for that.
>>
>>3815110
Thank you for this vein. I'm just grinning from ear to ear when I read the update where Shu told the Pyre Ant story to Amara. It's too precious seeing her react like that, and it warms me so seeing that you appreciate my write-ins.

It's been a WILD RIDE for a girl who was born 3 weeks ago in-quest time. And a wild 5+ Months ride for us.

Thank you for the vein and for endeavoring on this quest with us.

I'm looking forward to the next vein.

As per tradition, I'll archive this vein so you don't have to.
>>
>>3815125
You're missing a side quest:

>Visit the Pyre Ant Queen with Amara.
>>
>>3815263
That's not under our control, it will happen when the Ant Queen is ready.
>>
>>3815110
Honestly it's been a great time and I'm looking forward to what you have in store, thanks for running.
>>
Here's a relic idea that I've thought up. Feedback is appreciated. Reference is obvious since it's a on-the-nose this time.

>Mazin’s mantle: An Iconic badge for those that walk the path to become god or devil. This relic takes the form of a Large Brooch of Bloodstone nestled between a pair of Bat wings large enough to wrap around the wearer like a protective mantle when fully unfurled. While the bat wings adorned on the Relic appear delicate, they are surprisingly resilient to the elements, providing 1 level of resistance against all types of elemental damage. For those who have immunity to a source of elemental damage, the mantle converts 30% of the total elemental damage negated by the immunity into health or bio replenishment. (Chest slot: Can fire Autumn Protocol twice in combat. First use of Autumn Protocol disables the relic, second use disables plasma weaponry. Health +10%, Health Regen +300%)
>>
>>3815787
well, like usual im not one for references. in that i have no idea whats being referenced. otherwise, aesthetically, sounds like its bat wings on the front furling around to the back of the body. odd choice, but to each their own.

otherwise, mechanically, nothing wrong with it but does feel a bit plain. the November slot part however, got issues with that as it makes no sense. if you look, the unique effects of Novembers slotted Relics still pertains to the effects and purpose of the Relic being slotted, while yours just pertains to something wholly different and doesn't fit what the Relic actually does.
>>
>>3815950
I'll sleep on the issue. thanks for the feedback.
>>
>>3814711
So personal notes on the Barbers and the Solo Gemma.

>Abbey HP Leader.
Seems pretty straightforward, though the fact that she's the leader makes me think she's Choleric and so can heal or boost the others. The boiling blood also makes me think there's also a Heat Generator component in her build somewhere.
>Blood Sugar Right-hand
The tri-hybrid that lets her caramelize her foes sounds pretty cool to be honest, even if it's a cruel fate to inflict. She's also got a pretty fitting name given the classes involved. Also, "Crystalline Daughter" sounds like one of those body types for daughters like Liquid. Is that the type of daughter that is vulnerable to terraforming? Is she made/covered in rock candy?
>Betty
Fighting Reed Richards/Luffy/Plastic Man/Spinel. Got it.
>Solo Fragment Calcite Armorer
First mention of a full augment build. I expect little versatility, but all of her hits are going to pack a punch due to all of the additional effects tacked on. Maybe she's also hunting down other CAs to add more weapons to her core's arsenal. Makes me think of other classes of daughters doing something like that, like a Generator that wants to obtain every elemental damage types.
>>
>>3815787
Feels weird to have a Jet Scrander refernce that provides neither flight nor the ability to use the wings as blades.

>>3816148
>Also, "Crystalline Daughter" sounds like one of those body types for daughters like Liquid. Is that the type of daughter that is vulnerable to terraforming? Is she made/covered in rock candy?
That would be my guess. Definitely should bring Gina when we go to meet them, just in case it turns into a fight. Neon Ascendant plus Earthen Mind should be a nasty surprise.
>>
>>3816255
I was trying to go for making a relic look and function akin to Mazinger's Heat Sinks (specifically Mazinkaiser) which also explains the odd enhancement of letting November fire the Autumn Protocol twice, but apparently it isn't as iconic as the Scrander. hence the visual confusion. But if the relic doesn't fit, then we're not forging it.
>>
>>3816327
I did catch the Breast Fire heat sinks part. But I thought it was supposed to be both them and the Scrander. Probably because of how the wings extended far enough to be worn as a mantle, made me think of how some versions have wings that fold around the Mazinger.
>>
>>3815110
We still haven't received information on Lagaanlings and Spiritlings.
>>
>>3815110
hey BHOP, as its come up a few times, is there any worry about using things like Recursive and similar abilities on Spiritus Constructs? would it split the dream daughters psyche up between all the versions of themselves, or would it be more like a 'hive' mentality, where one of the real dream daughter, aka the 'queen', controlling all the other instances of themselves? i see benefits to both, and drawbacks to both.
>>
>>3816812
If it works at all. There's also the fact that we're probably not going to bother with Recursive until we get the skill leveled enough to protect them from death saves when the clone dies, so that sort of protected neural link might affect things.

Also, I just thought of another question about Spiritus: Does the clones counting as swarmlings mean we can use the Matron's Stoicism on them? Does Shu eating someone with a bunch of damage resistance/immunities give her access to them, now?
>>
>>3816818
yeah, true it might not be possible, though if it is id imagine its actually possibly useful safety net to keep them alive, as they might not have to take DST til their recursive it hit. the issue then though is, if its the 'queen' method, we need to give them enough for the 'queen' to escape, while if its the other method, we yeah, might not want to use it as it may save their life, but each recursive that dies could be a part of their memories and self being permanently killed. though, granted, thats still better then their entity being on deaths door, but not by much, and is still bad.
>>
>>3816864
>>3816818
I hope it's possible for Shu to reabsorb and get the dream daughter constructs back into the safe dreamscape when conflict is over. Dorian's display of being able to insta-gib constructs with the right condition has me scared for the dream daughters knowing that there are other abilities that can do basically the same thing.
>>
>>3816886
id imagine so, considering usually constructs arent made to be active forever, but we'll see what BHOP says. im hoping more that long term Spiritus constructs start to count more as actual daughters or something to get around those type of abilities, but we'll see, we have 14 levels afterall stuff like that could be hidden in.
>>
>>3816896
yet another thing to put on the leveling list.
>>
>>3815110
on a random note, i think i found something that perfectly exemplifies how it sounds like BHOPS work day usually goes.

https://i.imgur.com/i4HNv8L.mp4
>>
>>3815110
How hyped is Amara about the Ants?

I can already see Amara just vibrating non-stop until we take her out to see the Ant Queen (As in Vibrating so hard she involuntarily keeps shedding clones from the frequency and intensity that she vibrates in place)
>>
>>3818415
that is something to keep in mind though, that we wouldn't want to keep the ant Queen waiting but we also could get her call shes ready at basically any moment. and i doubt Amara will have the patience to wait long after we get that call either.
>>
>>3818449
No, but at the same time the Ant Queen doesn't expect us to be able to teleport. If she calls us she'll probably expect at least some delay before we arrive, so if we're in the middle of something we'll have the chance to finish it off before we head over to speak with the Ant Queen. Enough time to grab our diplomatic retinue, so to speak, as well.

But yeah, I think we should bring Amara along to meet with the Queen. Amara's got an aura of Calm Diplomacy, which explicitly applies to Amalgams (even if the description for that ability doubts the idea of finding an Amalgam willing to talk), she's great for it. Plus, having her be affectionate with her own FuzzBuzz will be a good way to establish solidarity. Ant and human, Amalgam and Daughter, all are united by the love of soft bees.
>>
>>3818529
oh yeah, Amara has diplomacy stuff. honestly that slipped my mind, i just was gonna say we bring her because she wanted to, and well, it may help the Queen relate to us to see we have our own young we take care of.
>>
>>3818573
Yep. Shows a level of trust, that we brought our own young along where they could be vulnerable. And just establishes Amara being so happy to meet the ants because she thinks they're really neat, so hopefully that will convince them of our willingness to work together. Look, our daughter thinks you're the coolest thing ever, it would disappoint her so hard if we let anything bad happen to you.
>>
>>3818585
...Amaras gonna go hug the gross(but probably cute) wall of larva maggot babies, isnt she?
>>
>>3818602
If they allow her to.
>>
>>3818608
you mean if they can stop her.
>>
>>3818623
I think Amara is well-mannered enough not to hug the squirmy larva-babies unless given permission to.
>>
>>3818650
well, alright yes i get it, i suck at jokes.
>>
>>3818658
Oh, I'm sorry, I thought we were being serious. Tone often doesn't come through well in text, I know that many of my jokes have fallen flat here. It's not you, just a weakness of the medium. For what it's worth, I did think it was an amusing image.
>>
>>3818668
nah i get that, i just forget myself too. though to be fair, it really IS true they would have trouble stopping her. she wouldn't actually do it, which is the joke, but Amara actually could be terrifyingly deadly now if she really really wanted to not be stopped or got upset.

I still feel sorry for Shu and co when Amara reaches her teenage years. though the worst part of it might not happen, really depends on how we 'restore' humanity after this i guess.
>>
>>3818708
Teenage Amara is going to be unstoppable. How do you keep an eye on the comings and goings of a teenager who can clone themselves and turn invisible? We're going to have to have Ringo, who I assume is going to be an unofficial member of the family at that point, constantly on watch on nights when Amara has a curfew.
>>
>>3818726
worse, she has a work around. she just makes sure she always has a few selves not ever come home. honestly her kit is hilariously almost custom made to make her a true teen nightmare for any parent even compared to most crucible girls.
>>
>>3818744
Yeah, she has arbitrarily many iterations of herself. How do you cope with that? I guess we'll just have to trust her not to get into trouble when we're not around, but extend that trust much earlier than most parents do. Then again, we're already trusting her to fight killer abominations from beyond the stars, so I guess she's growing up fast anyway.
>>
>>3818756
feel theres some sorta joke there.
"Fighting giant mutant flesh monsters i can do, saving the planet was a piece of cake. but teen relationship drama? kill me now."
>>
>>3818765
Even if Amara didn't have all these superpowers, Shu would probably not be the best person to help Amara deal with relationship drama. She came into existence fully-formed as an adult, was in a committed relationship within two weeks of her birth, and the only drama she knows involves Isabelle trying to become the final boss of the Crucible. We have no reference point for your troubles, Teen Amara, please go ask a different member of this family!
>>
>>3818809
...who else is she going to ask though? none of our family is honestly a good choice for a teen girl to ask about teen girl relationship troubles. Gina's the only one i can think, but shes a tease and her type of courtship wouldn't work very well on most. though on a more serious note, by the time shes that age id think Shu would still have gained enough experience to help her, minus maybe any reference for the hormonal side of things.

i guess theres always Kosi though.
>>
>>3818838
I was thinking November, actually. She was a teenage girl at one point. Though it would be funny if Amara went to Ringo instead. I want to see Amara try to translate acausal dog courtship rituals to humans. "Well, your first step should be to resolve to be there when he dies, laying down a thick cloud of pheromones. This means that his awareness of his death will cause him to actually have known your scent his entire life, making this next step much easier."

But yeah, in seriousness Shu does her best to be a good mom, I don't think she'd have too much trouble. Never having known the emotional intensity of being a teenager will probably be as much asset as detriment.
>>
>>3818860
isnt November like, 30? and was unmarried? even if by choice that still implies not the best amount of experience perhaps.

>"Well, your first step should be to resolve to be there when he dies, laying down a thick cloud of pheromones. This means that his awareness of his death will cause him to actually have known your scent his entire life, making this next step much easier."
pfff haha

>Amara shanks her crush onto deaths door, so in deaths clarity he shall see her.
>Ringo in the background giving her a paws up.
>>
>>3818880
>isnt November like, 30? and was unmarried? even if by choice that still implies not the best amount of experience perhaps.
Well yeah, she's single now. Or at least, if she had a partner she hasn't mentioned them. But she was a teenager once, so we'll draw on her experience of that age for dealing with future teenager Amara.

>Ringo in the background giving her a paws up.
I'm not sure why, but I love this image. I'm imagining it juxtaposed against a stereotypical high school, Ringo just peeking out from behind a row of lockers and giving Amara a thumbs up while all the other students run from this terrifying hyperdimensional monster that popped up out of nowhere.
>>
>>3818912
id think at that point they would be running from the girl that just stabbed her crush nearly to death to try and get him to fall in love with her, but i mean, why not both i suppose?
>>
>>3818838
Well, there's Julia who had a boyfriend before she met Dorian, but I don't think she's willing to talk about it.

>>3818756
Which brings to mind something that I want to talk about with Amara. How does she cope with handling having to hear the voices of the world and what not?
>>
>>3821119
>Which brings to mind something that I want to talk about with Amara. How does she cope with handling having to hear the voices of the world and what not?
I think her being so aggressively cute is a coping mechanism. Not to say that it's all one big lie, it seems pretty genuine most of the time. But sometimes it feels like she's playing up the innocent little girl behavior, like when she responded to Quinn's drinking game with "Hi. I'm seven!". She picks up on a lot, and I think that pretending that she doesn't helps her compartmentalize the nastier stuff.
>>
>>3821152
>tfw Amara picked up on Quinn's intent on trying to make the party devolve into a giant drunken orgy of meat girls and actually understood what "orgy" meant.
>tfw Amara has to listen to all the cruelty, torture, the mean girls talk, and all the /d/egenerate stuff and adult humor on a separate frequency 24/7 through the skintalker channel
>tfw this has been going on ever since she woke up.

Is it wrong that I want to snuggle Amara and just be an actual mother for her and just make life a little bit more comfy for her?

One of these veins, we're gonna hum a cheerful lullaby for Amara while she sleeps so that she can focus her hearing on Shu's singing and tune out the horror of Crucible life for a little while.
>>
>>3821119
Julia, no offense to her, is the worst person to ask, as shes struggling to even understand romantic love as it is.

>>3821280
honestly? i think Amara is already showing us we do more than she could ever have ashed for, just being there for her and caring about her in the first place. i think we already ARE making life more comfy for her than we think, and she im very certain understands whats at stake and why we cant always do more for her, and is ok with that. we can be more for her when we have the time, but sadly in the grand scheme of things we honestly barely have what we do give her. some daughters might even vilify us for taking as many rests and not being as focused as we are, and honestly they would have a very good point given whats at stake. not that im personalty saying we're doing anything wrong mind you, just i can also see the other side of the 'good teams' view like that as it was.
>>
>>3821327
Given how fast we move and the short time frame the quest's actually operated on, I'd say that Shu's presence comforts and reassures Amara a lot. We haven't actually known her for very long, and she's already seeing us as a mother figure, that wouldn't be the case if she didn't take a lot of comfort in Shu. I think that you're right and that Amara being aware of how much is at stake just encourages her to value the happy moments more. She's a good kid, and while she may need some therapy later in life (just because I think everyone who's survived the Crucible will need at least some) I think she feels as safe and secure as she can be expected to.
>>
>>3821343
>>3821327
>the moment Amara calls Shu "Mama" aloud.
Feels will be had if/when that happens.
>>
>>3815950
>>3816255
Redesigned Mazin's Mantle. Expanded on the elemental absorption/resistance ability, changed how the mantle would interact with November. The main draw of the mantle is the accumulation of elemental energy and resistance, with an option to reflect all the absorbed elemental damage in a singular burst. Enhancements to November makes the mantle unique as it enhances November's forge core systems and expands its options in exchange for not providing physical defensive enhancements, acting as a utility/offensive relic instead of a defensive one. It's somewhat redundant on Julia, but the ability to gain increasing resistance up to full immunity using the Stack system makes it valuable for daughters who are in dire need of elemental defense.

Feedback as usual is appreciated.

>Mazin’s mantle: An Iconic badge for those that walk the path to become god or devil. This relic takes the form of a Large Brooch of Bloodstone nestled between a pair of Bright-Red Bat wings large enough to wrap around the wearer like a protective mantle when fully unfurled. While the bat wings adorned on the Relic offer little to no defense they are surprisingly conductive to the elements and absorb elemental damage inflicted or channeled on it including Allied generator abilities. (For those who have immunity to a source of elemental damage, the mantle converts 30% of the total elemental damage negated by the immunity into health or bio replenishment.).

>As the wings absorb elemental damage inflicted by outside sources or channeled through the wearer, they take on ADAPTATION STACKS that grant increasing resistance to the corresponding element inflicted/channeled (2 stacks = 1 level of resistance, 5 stacks = 2 levels of resistance, 10 stacks = Immunity). The wearer of the mantle can spend an ACT to channel generator abilities through the Relic to give it adaptation stacks, with the relic able adapt to multiple different elemental sources; the wings visually changing depending on the adaptations it has taken on:
>Acid: The wings grow Acidic Sulfur Crystals.
>Ice/Cold: Frost accumulates on the wings.
>Electric: Sparks dance across the wing in pulses.
>Heat/Plasma: The wings glow red hot.
>Wind: The wings vibrate intensely.
>Radiant: The veins on the wings blow blue, radioactive crackles can be heard.

>Finally the wearer can weaponize the ADAPTATION stacks by spending an ACT to forcefully purge the Relic of all Adaptation stacks in an explosion of elemental power centered on the wearer.

>Chest slot: Health Regen +300%, Health +100%, Can modify/toggle damage type of November’s attacks by spending ADAPTATION stacks, Autumn Protocol and Kaiser Flare does not expose Forge Core as said abilities are channeled through Mazin's Mantle, Kaiser Flare becomes circular explosion (centered on November) instead of Cone AOE
>>
>>3821726
you know, you bring up a good question to ask BHOP. how many levels of resistance equals immunity, or is he running on a system where mechanically the two are entirely different? as in, resistances could technically stack forever without converting to the other.

i still think its odd for the wings to be coming off the front, just is a very odd mental image for me. but again, its just cosmetic so more power to you if you like that.

seems much more useful now, though ACT intensive to gain those stacks to use it in the first place. the November slot now seems much better, actually relating to the relic, so good job there.

only thing i can see mistake wise is you didn't mention the relics attack was a cone attack, and it feels really odd to only get that info from the slot info section.
>>
>>3821726
It's an interesting concept. I'm not sure how useful it would actually be for November, requiring her to absorb a fair amount of elemental damage to charge it with anything other than her native Heat damage, but the ability to charge off of allied damage means it might not be so slow as I'm fearing. Modifying her damage type and protecting her Forge Core are very good upgrades for her, too, so if she can get that it would be really useful. All in all, I'd say I'd be willing to craft this. Should give November some nice additional flexibility.
>>
>>3821877
That depends on the Forge Tier November's core is equipped with. At tier 1, November's immune to Heat Damage, at Tier 3, November adds Cold immunity to the list.

The Mantle provides November cover from other elemental damage sources she's not immune to (Acid, Electricity, Wind, Radiant) by slowly adapting to it while granting her a small benefit of healing off of elemental sources she's already immune to and acquiring adaptation stacks for elemental sources she's already immune to as to not let the elemental damage go to waste.

>>3821771
>i still think its odd for the wings to be coming off the front, just is a very odd mental image for me. but again, its just cosmetic so more power to you if you like that.
It was supposed look like a chest insignia as a reference to a certain anime, but the image of the bat wings just sticking out on the front alone like an awkwardly placed Batman symbol made it look even more awkward so I made it large enough to wrap around and make it resemble more like a leathery Mantle with a brooch keeping the relic together.

>only thing i can see mistake wise is you didn't mention the relics attack was a cone attack, and it feels really odd to only get that info from the slot info section.
I actually intended for the Relic attack (Adaptation purge) to be a circular explosion centered on the wearer, but I could also see the logic of a cone attack since the bat wings are centered on the front.

>you know, you bring up a good question to ask BHOP. how many levels of resistance equals immunity, or is he running on a system where mechanically the two are entirely different? as in, resistances could technically stack forever without converting to the other.
We did see a small glimpse of it being intertwined when we saw the HUNGER'S MASOCHISM Augmentation as a consume option: (tl;dr 3 stacks of resistance to a damage type converts damage into health by half that would've been inflicted), so I took that as inspiration and a reference when creating the Adaptation stack system.
But I wasn't sure how many stacks of resistance would be needed in order to gain full immunity, so I tied the Resistances to the Stack system employed by Flesh Artisans, Humoral Paladins, and Phantasmal conduits to make it more potent and guarantee of measurement of scaling resistance into immunity.
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>>3815110

>Shu has tea with Charon, talks to a 4-D Doggo, chats with many dream daughters, and tells a story about Ants to Amara.

The 30th Vein has been archived.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/3805827/
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>>3822068
>I actually intended for the Relic attack (Adaptation purge) to be a circular explosion centered on the wearer, but I could also see the logic of a cone attack since the bat wings are centered on the front.
pfft, fucking hell. nah your wording mixed with my dyslexia just acted up, and i misread it. i didn't see the cone-to-circular only was talking about Kaiser flare, you're fine. though i do see some advantages to having Flare be a cone, mistake wise at least you are fine.
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>>3822837
>though i do see some advantages to having Flare be a cone.
Huh...thanks for pointing that out. I should have given Kaiser Flare a toggle option to switch from cone to circular and vise versa.
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>>3822914
yeah, a toggle for both might make sense, though only when slotted. up to you though, as its clear you are trying to make sure its balanced, which i appreciate personally.

also, i think Carters story with Luna is coming out well, or so i hope so. will probably have it done either late today or tomorrow, we'll see how things go. not sure how well im doing Luna, but hes fun to write at least regardless.
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>>3822188
>>3815110
right, well for those interested, Carters first story is finished.

Carter and the Bunny;
While looking for a vault holding a treasure of Mothers, Carter runs into a strange character, and is forced to go along with her antics to get what he seeks.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12VY6zs_tfTN02Z8kVsS5siohmlO6STw5X8EqUJeHBzA/edit?usp=sharing

i found it quite fun to write, even if the story otherwise was pretty straight forward. hope it at least is entertaining to others, and that i at least did Luna some justice.
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>>3823519
Story was funny. Seeing Carter dealing with trying to make sense of Luna's word salad and getting a headache from both Luna's abilities and just her apparently zany behavior. With Antics Luna invading Carter's personal space and Carter trying not to peep at Luna's figure, the whole thing seemed like a very weird Romantic Comedy (depending on how you look at it) where Carter is the brooding straight man to Luna's Maniac Pixie Dream Girl.

The Mochi mashing was hilarious though. Carter giving a "but why?" reaction on seeing Luna destroying the Core Console to the Hexane house is utter gold.

And then the punchline of having taken the long way into the vault with Luna having known the window exit from the start.

I do have a few things to nitpick though, but it's mostly grammar and spelling. Mochi is spelled with a 'c' not an 's'.

Also, Considering Mrs. Franklin (Carter's Mother) turned him into a trap, what does Carter look like/what clothes does he wear? I couldn't get a concrete mental image of him since he's basically a trap. Does he still look like a trap? or did he swap out all the girly clothes for men's clothing? Because the whole 'trap' aspect with Carter might make fun story content to explore (as well as make it a pain for Carter) with some daughters trying to exploit the fact that Carter is a boy and whatnot.
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(Gentlemen, I'm catching up on everything since being sick over the weekend. I'll post replies this evening, work willing, and I'm looking forward to catching up on what's been posted.)
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>>3823962
>Also, Considering Mrs. Franklin (Carter's Mother) turned him into a trap, what does Carter look like/what clothes does he wear? I couldn't get a concrete mental image of him since he's basically a trap. Does he still look like a trap? or did he swap out all the girly clothes for men's clothing? Because the whole 'trap' aspect with Carter might make fun story content to explore (as well as make it a pain for Carter) with some daughters trying to exploit the fact that Carter is a boy and whatnot.

Carter is a genuine guy. i mean, he's on the skinnier side of things for sure, hes no muscled hunk, and much to his dismay would without a doubt probably be 'cute' over 'handsome' if one were to actually care to look, but he very much is and thinks of himself as a guy, clothing aswell. it's an odd way to word it, but Carter is both a genuine and ingenuine guy, if that makes sense, though more in a 1920's/1950's gentlemanly way. by that i mean, he is and feels like a guy, but also due to his upbringing stifling his ability to actually be a guy in his past, he often overcompensates on how he acts or presents himself in that regard.

hope this helps! i welcome criticisms aswell though, so feel free to mention it aswell.
Mochi is my bad, but is probably my lack of Japanese culture. Moshi wasn't giving me spelling errors and Mochi was, and i just didn't think about it otherwise.

>the whole thing seemed like a very weird Romantic Comedy (depending on how you look at it) where Carter is the brooding straight man to Luna's Maniac Pixie Dream Girl.
that is not an interpretation i am against. Carter however... well then again, part of the joke is i dont think anything in that situation was Carters choice in reality, which probably would only add to his horror at hearing it described that way. they were very enjoyable to write together from a writing perspective at least.
Carter is free game for other authors to use as ive stated, the poor bastard haha. would still love to see what people put him through though.

>>3824069
oof, sorry to hear that. you just haven't been able to catch a break, have you?
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>>3823962
>>3824237
he could still probably be a trap though, or to clarify, pass for a girl easier than he would like, if that is what you are also asking. he would not be happy about having to do so though, hence himself not hiding what he is, but the promises of enough alcohol to forget something ever happened has probably convinced people to do worse than wear a dress, to put it bluntly, under the right circumstances. it is a bit of a sore subject for him though, so its not something he would do without a damn good reason, but use that info how you will, if its a story element you want to work on.
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>>3824069
(Gentlemen, I'm rather glad that I took this week off as I have been unable to set aside any time for writing given recent events. I will endeavor to compile everything as soon as I am able, so forgive me for the radio silence, as it were.)
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>>3824069
There's been a question that's been bugging me. we know the IC reason for the horribly skewed gender demographics (100% female humans as daughters, 1% male humans as daughters 99% are amalgams/dead), but what's the meta reason for having a nearly all-female cast of characters?

I just wonder what would've been different had the genders between some of cast had been flipped around or diversified. Like Shu staying female, while Rath, Gina, and Isabelle got flipped to male.
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>>3825845
Take your time as always, deal with work, then give us your thoughts if able.
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>>3825849
(I'll try and address this tonight along with some of the other questions that have been posted, as I should hopefully find some time this evening or next, work and personal life willing.)
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>>3825858
By the way, we still need those two new swarmlings from Spiritus and Firmament.
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>>3825845
>>3825858
sorry to hear hings have been so busy for ya. but hey, you focus on what you need to, and if you have free time, feel free to spend in with the wife and that game you had planned over us, we'll understand and it sounds like you could use a break anyhow.

>>3825849
going off past things he has said, i think its mostly the fact Nechronica was a big influence, which had all female casts as it was. from there id imagine he just built a world that had a reason he could come up with for only having females, to fit with the inspiration.

speaking of that, sadly that does mean a decent chunk of our theories are defunct, due to the new info from the Tindalos hounds. most seemed to be running off the theory that even when guys could participate in the past, they still weren't allowed to actually win, but the new info seems to say guys could win, its just the first winner changed who could participate in the first place, but that context will greatly changes what the original purpose of the cord may of been about, aswell as some other details, if its female oriented aspects were not in its original design, but a major change from a winner.
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>>3826440
>speaking of that, sadly that does mean a decent chunk of our theories are defunct, due to the new info from the Tindalos hounds. most seemed to be running off the theory that even when guys could participate in the past, they still weren't allowed to actually win, but the new info seems to say guys could win, its just the first winner changed who could participate in the first place, but that context will greatly changes what the original purpose of the cord may of been about, aswell as some other details, if its female oriented aspects were not in its original design, but a major change from a winner.
I wasn't running off the idea that men were allowed to participate but not win, but I was running off the idea that the only-females thing originated much later in the Crucible's history than the Tindalos. The Tindalos were a super-early Crucible, probably within the first few iterations. That means that the system started diverging in major ways from whatever its intended purpose was almost as soon as it was out the gate. Either the Crucible's creators were very short-sighted and didn't realize how quickly it could mutate or they were actively hoping for rapid mutation. Probably the second, given how the Mother position works.

It's also bringing me back to the question of why so few human women were turned into Daughters. What are the other criteria involved, and why did so many more of the Hexane meet them? Because what we know about the Hexane Crucible is that most if not all of their species were transformed. There's a part of me that's wondering if it's psychic sensitivity tht the Crucible selects for. Both the Hexane and the Tindalos were completely transformed, and both of those races had natural psychic abilities. Maybe the human females who became Daughters were those rare mutants who had latent psychic ability. But that feels like a longshot, I'm not sure how we'd go about verifying the idea. Best to leave it well on the backburner for now.
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>>3826590
alot of people, hell actually everyone, was making theories based off 'motherhood' and similar aspects being integral to the purpose and functions of the crucibles original purpose. this cannot be the case if a female oriented operating style was not inherent to the Crucible.
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>>3826601
Actually, if we were to still go with the old theory, it would make sense to alter "Motherhood" as a form of "Parenthood" Given the initial stages and the fact that the Hexane and the Tindalos were asexual and replicated without the sexual dimorphism hardcoded into their species genetic code. But somewhere along the line of the Crucible's many iterations, it picked up the sexual dimorphism coding (you know the male and female genders) and the winner had to prioritize one of the two.

The Crucible's basic function is practically the same with all living life forms:
>Survive and Reproduce

Semantics sure, but wording is apparently key the the Crucible.
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>>3826601
Yeah, but didn't we drop that idea a long time ago? Discussion of that idea mostly petered out around when we got to the Monastery, probably because of Elder Uzu being...well, an elder. Not fertile breeding age. Prepubescent Daughters like Amara, too. Maybe other people were still holding that assumption in their minds, but I don't recall it coming into many conversations about the Crucible's purpose lately. Mostly I remember our more recent discussions being centered on the idea of the Crucible as some sort of ark or artificial afterlife, trying to make sense of how it records the information of everything it consumes. Though that "Mother of All" thing does potentially throw some gender-related wrenches into the gears, I admit. We'll find out when we learn more about what it actually means.
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>>3826627
no, it was still very much a focal point for sure.

>>3826618
are Tindalos asexual? i dont remember that being said anywhere, and that wouldn't make sense really, considering the change their winner made. even if its not in the same way we view it, if they didn't have two genders in some form, the concept of only allowing 'life givers' aka 'mothers' to compete really wouldn't even be on their mind or even a big enough deal for them to make the stipulation.
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>>3826618
I don't think the Tindalos were asexual, or else "only the females should have the right to participate in the Crucible" would not be a concept they'd be able to articulate, let alone have a reason to. For that matter I don't really believe the Hexane were asexual, either, but hermaphrodites capable of self-fertilization like some plants are. You don't have a pair-bonding instinct if you can't reproduce with others. It makes more sense to me if they're capable of sexual reproduction and self-fertilization, and because of cultural reasons used only self-fertilization by the time the Crucible came.

>>3826660
>no, it was still very much a focal point for sure.
I'll have to go back through the archives, then, because I seriously have no memory of this. Do you recall when the last time it was brought up was?
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>>3826670
not really, but to be fair upon thinking upon it more, it may not of come up for while, it could be the aspects being talked about now were 'neutral' aspects, if im using the right word, where the new topics neither went against or for those aspects, and i just assumed what people thought about them based off no one outright stating a change in their position on them.
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>>3826676
I think it may be that, that it was background context to the conversations but not a current point of discussion in the theories, and you and I both had different assumptions about other people's assumptions on that context. Ultimately not that important, either way we have to deal with the gender-lock being something that was added early but was not an original feature of the Crucible's design, not much point in debating it now. At least it gives us a conclusive data point, even if it knocks out some theories.
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>>3826701
yeah. also, an a related point, but not an important one, i kinda feel like the Tindalos winner was a hypocrite morally. with how Ringo talked, their decision to make only 'life givers' allowed to win seemed like a 'chin held high' moral grandstanding display, yet according to Ringo, with implications this was a very bad thing to do both in their culture and in that specific instances, it seems that winner only won in part due to betraying their alpha, implying they really didn't have any moral high ground to be standing on for their later crucible change.

dunno, i suppose while we only know two crucibles winners, there seems to be a theme with them already forming thats not all to pleasant.
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>>3826714
Agreed, it does seem rather hypocritical. The logic might begin to make sense if the pack leader that the Tindalian Mother betrayed was stated to be a really bad person, but Ringo didn't actually say that. Like, I could get the reasoning of "I had to commit a horrible crime to stop my male pack leader, but I really did have to stop him, so I'm getting rid of male Crucible contestants because they can't be trusted with power". I'd think it was way too reductive and flawed reasoning, but I'd understand it. But Ringo didn't say that, just that a bitter pack member betrayed their alpha. Doesn't give the best impression of the Tindalian Mother, makes it sound like they were just power-hungry and then trying to claim a moral high ground after the fact.
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>>3826714
I’m seeing that disturbing trend again, that’s twice a Crucible has ended with the winner committing personal treachery. it happened with the hexane and it happened with the tindalos.
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>>3826759
What if we get to the end and it turns out Fuzzbuzz was playing us from the start?
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>>3826791
The greatest of bamboozles.
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>silence from bhop
apparently being bhop is suffering.
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>>3827620
(It is this week, in any case.)
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>>3827900
I'm sorry to hear that, BHOP, especially when you were hoping for a nice relaxing week.
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>>3827904
(Oh, no worries. This weekend is relatively open to get the prewriting done I'd wanted to this week, so hopefully nothing gets in the way of that.)
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>>3827620
>>3827900
im beginning to think that Gif i posted earlier may of been more akin to a calm week over a busy week, heh. you hang in there BHOP.
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>>3827919
I hope you have your written responses and your thoughts on all of our fan submitted content as well as the topics we've discussed on a separate doc ready so you can copy paste it when you have the chance.
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>>3806129
>Among the Daughters, there are two of note; one, who I was told in short order attained all twelve abilities within a few days of awakening, and combined them all into a thing most terrible.
That daughter better be a Pillar Woman of some sort.
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>>3828287
>she teamed up with a skintalker who replaced her main buff words with "AWAKEN MY MASTER"
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>>3828303
more like having an aura that causes the fleshscape to sing the tune of "Awaken my masters".
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>>3824273
>>3824237
>those spoilers

I am VERY tempted to write a story that puts Carter through a very uncomfortable situation that involves the logical conclusion of what happens when you throw a guy into a world of cannibalistic women where a grand majority of them are straight and thirsty for a person of the opposite gender.
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>>3830169
That sounds hilarious in the worse way possible. Id read it.
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>>3830351
I will need a more detailed description of Carter however.

Physical description of his build (slim, scrawny, effeminate) won't be enough. I will need Carter's height, weight, eye color, hair color, skin tone, ethnicity, the sort of clothing he prefers to wear (outer clothing and undergarments; Boxers or Briefs?), and his junk size.
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>>3830530
I am a bit unsure how serious you are, nor am i sure i am comfortable with all of that., but...

5'6'' height, 105 pounds(Slim, Skinny, and a bit effeminate to his dismay indeed), Grey-Brown eyes, Brown and short but unkempt hair, tan(was pale but time in the fleshscapes changed things), Anglo-Italian. clothing would be Aristocratic Adventurer in look, practical but tasteful and high class, take that how you will. honestly does anyone wear underwear in the Fleshscape? i mean, not sure i want to know, but theres no clean water, and most dont seem to have a base, or even carry backpacks or anything, so no change of clothes either, which is bad enough for just outer garments, much less inner. might actually be better sanitation ot have none, but ill leave that one up to you. last thing on that list ill leave up to you

honestly thinking about it its kinda groady enough thinking about how little anyone probably bathes much less changes their clothes in the fleshscape, unless our new bodies just dont sweat or shed... which might actually be a thing. blood and other bile still is though. might be best to just imagine everyone has microscopic fleshscape symbiotic lifeforms keeping them and their clothing clean or something. wait that kinda sounds terrifying and not any better.
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>>3830638
It's easy to forget how inescapably disgusting this setting is when you have a home to go back to.
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>>3830638
>>3830351
I'm very serious about this. I've got some of the story beats written down, but the only question that's left for me to ask is "where's the line that I should draw in the sand?"

Part of me wants to push the envelope to the absolute limit and actually write a smut-fic that takes place in Body Horror Quest, but I'm actively restraining myself because I feel like it pushes the degeneracy too far and basically disrespects Carter as a character. So now I'm stuck with finding the difficult position of what I can and cannot do.
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>>3832569
I think it's probably best to leave it at the implicit rather than the explicit.
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>>3832569
While smuts really not my thing, if its what you want to write then no harm no fowl, or whatever the saying that fits here is.

Honestly the only potential issue id bring up or be concerned about is more of if it fits the character over the type of story it is.
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>>3832569
Please write as you like! don't censor yourself to make others happy! If someone doesn't like it they don't have to read it.
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>>3833320
>>3832569
...yeah, on second thought, this guy reminded me of a good point. might be best not to cross that line, sets a precedence for a type of people and story both the BHOP has tried to avoid, and i think it would be a good idea to keep below that line in fan works aswell.
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>>3833926
So you're not going to write cool smut then? I dont understand why you wouldn't are you being bullied anon? once again i remind you that you seem to be censoring yourself to make others happy which is not a good idea.
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>>3834320
im not that Anon learn to read ID's and the flow of a conversation.
also smuts not cool, but regardless of opinions on that, you saying that makes you a perfect example of why im retracting my earlier statement that there is no harm in him writing it, as the QM to this quest has specifically avoided crossing certain lines to avoid making the quest or community about certain things or attracting that sort of crowd, and i personally think it would only be fair for us to respect the lines he wishes for his quest and keep those lines intact in any fan works or side projects we do relating to the quest aswell, to help keep those intact.
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>>3834338
>"smut isnt cool"
>"The QM wrote the story like X so we cant interpret it or innovate on it like Y! that may bring DEGENERATES into the quest!"

Nah senpai you are a killjoy, let people make whatever they want.

1 You don't have to read it.
2 The QM does not have the right (or desire from what i have seen) to bar people from putting their own spin on his fictional universe.
3 Who are you to censor?
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Gentlemen, I've thought about this subject for quite some time. And I am frankly amazed that we're taking this conversation seriously. It's honestly relieving that we're having this conversation. Otherwise my writing might suffer from uncertainty or I might publish the story not knowing that I've opened the door for more explicit degeneracy. Talking this out helps me set my limits.

>>3834424
>>3834424
It's not that I'm censoring myself to make others happy, it's also important to me as a writer to respect the fan-made characters other anons have created.

>>3834338 has very good point however.
When it comes to the the precedence the story would set. Many times throughout the quest, there have been topics that have been derailed into very /d/ territory on a blueboard quest like this one that for the sake of the community and the quest quality, we anons try to avoid or actively restrain ourselves from entering further because diving into that abyss would bring about a demographic that would harm the overall quality of the quest that this quest has become known for.

the overall plot premise of the story that I'm trying to write for Carter skirts that very fine line just by the premise itself as it has too many parallels to harem stories, which I've explicitly stated in the past is not my cup of tea because of the audience it attracts. And I feel that if I push it too far in the content of the story then I'm opening up a Pandora's door of degeneracy because I broke the unspoken gentleman's agreement that has been set by many conversations in past veins.

That said I do enjoy a good smutty story from time to time, but I'm going to put my foot down on this subject:

>Writing explicit smut in this story will not be in the cards for this story that I'm writing about Carter, but subjecting Carter to all the harem tropes is free game.

>Implicit smut (read: fade to black) will be a long shot coin toss because mishandling it will push the envelope too far and open up Pandora's door of degeneracy, so I'll be playing it by ear.

>I will touch upon some of the adult themes that has been mentioned once or twice in the quest from some of the topics that we had as a community and if I do touch upon them, it will most likely be played for the visceral horror instead of titillation.

There. I hope this clarifies things. Even though I feel like stating my writing objectives aloud spoils some of the potential story content, I feel like it's worth the trade in maintaining civility and the overall quality of the quest community as well as the quest itself.
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>>3834489
>>3834489

>"derailed" "for the sake of the community and the quest quality" "diving into that abyss" "harm the overall quality of the quest"

You speak in such negative terms for a core element of story telling and indeed peoples lives! I dislike the culture and mindset of "sex bad". I understand the issues of writing on a blue board and lament the draconian rules that entails. the last thing i want is for this quest to be deleted because the mods deem it ""too offensive"". but i cant help but feel something valuable is being lost.
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am >>3834489

>>3834527
I’ll think about it some more.
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>>3834424
>>3834527
no, i just know exactly how internet communities work, especially people like you. im not a killjoy, im trying to preserve the fun and joy of the quest by keeping people like you and smut elements out. because ive seen it literally any and EVERY time you add smut elements to a story or community, that is ALL people will focus on.

Every. Single. Time. all allowing it does is attract assholes like you who only care about those elements and nothing else, and jump and use every opportunity they can to only focus on those elements at the expense of the rest of the story and everyone elses fun. saying im a 'killjoy' or were 'censoring' ourselves is just an excuse to try and get us to allow or write you fap material. its no surprise at all a stable ID poster only started posting when smut was mentioned and only to encourage it at all costs.

people like you and the attention Smut brings is exactly what ruins and has destroyed Quests that have tired to find a middle ground before. BHOP has already set the line in the dirt and said he doesn't want that for this quest, one of the ONLY times he has EVER in any form asked or said he has ANY such lines at all. its HIS quest, him who runs it, and its the respectful thing to do to not cross lines he doesn't want crossed or not make him feel uncomfortable by ignoring one of the few things he wishes to avoid by crossing it.

and if you refuse to do that or listen. get the fuck out as far as im concerned. you arent welcome here as far as im concerned and dont deserve to be here either. ive never met a QM more accommodating then BHOP and if you are going to abuse that and cant respect the ONE line he has ever drawn in the sand, you are and will be nothing but a problem that drives this quest into the ground, simple at that.

that, and yes, the simple fact is crossing the line into actual smut, even in fan-works, simply puts the whole quest at more of a risk. the board is not without rules and those rules have been and are enforced. its an unnecessary risk over something easily and asked to be avoided. if you want your smut and to ruin quests with it, run back to Akon or wherever it is, plenty for you there.
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>>3834527
The reason why I'm this negative is because it's for a good reason. introducing smut and even the possibility of smut involving a male character and any number of female characters in a story, quest, or even fan submitted content tends to degenerate into a scenario where the community wants the QM to do nothing but write about never-ending sex with a community preferred character; which is not fun to write nor read. It's a very slippery slope that goes hand in hand with the toxicity of fandoms of harem quests/stories, an outcome that I've seen repeat itself time and time again to my disappointment and frustration.

No explicit smut, and Fade to black is treading a very thin line which will likely not be written in because the precedence and ramifications it holds in the community is too dangerous. The buck stops here. This is my line in the sand. No more compromises.

>>3835293
No need to be that aggressive. I understand your passion for defending this, and I thank you for supporting my stance.

And since it seems the story premise alone seems to generate more controversy than potential enjoyment just from discussing it (I originally asked you for permission and advice on what boundaries I'm allowed to push Carter to since it's your character) I'm willing to kill the story for our sake and for Carter's sake if it has to be this way.
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>>3835372
eh, i didn't think it was that aggressive but ill also admit him calling me a killjoy over legitimate concerns instead of actually discussing them, while also clearly only being here or even commenting due to the possibility of smut, did miff me a bit, so fair game i guess.

and as for the story, my intent was never to outright kill the story or stop you from writing anything, merely trying to point out it shouldn't go past the line the actual Quest itself has set as the standard, nor pushing it further or too far towards a direction we shouldn't take things based on that. if you want or can still write a still... well im not sure 'romance' is the right genre for that, but if you still want and can write something within those boundaries you think fits within the lines then you still have my thumbs up, i just certainly am and would say tread with caution here yeah.

the only other thing i can think it say is im not sure Carter would be a harem man or a man whore, though yes i also know the harem genre often technically doesn't do either of those nor were you implying or saying you would go for either, just something i thought on and felt like mentioning since i was already typing all this.
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>>3835398
Thank you.

A couple more questions:

Did Carter attend sex ed or was he hospitalized before his school could actually teach him? How willing is Carter to accept help from others? Does Carter already have some preconceptions about masculinity in general?
I'm asking this because
a) I really don't want to take things too far nor be presumptuous about the unspoken parts of his backstory.
b) It's a sensitive subject for Carter when touching upon the rite of Manhood, Masculinity, sexuality, and the opposite sex in a fucked up world that is the Crucible, which is a subject that could easily pass the line that bhop drew in the sand.
c) tl;dr: The story has the possibility of Carter losing his V-card. Are you okay with this or is this too far? You're the owner of Carter, it's your call.
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>>3835452
he probably did not attend Sex Ed(but mostly because most american schools dont require it) but would not be oblivious to how sex works. hrm, id actually have to look up when, if ever, american schools have it actually to know for sure, but id at least say his specific situation and condition would've had him look alot of info up himself, if only purely for personal health reasons.

well, he accepted help technically from an insane bunny, so id say a bit too willing. jokes aside, he's not against accepting help if you earn his trust, its just earning his trust in the first place that may be difficult. he's not a loner due to thinking one never needs help, for what it helps. life and death for sure he would prefer to live over having even a smidgen of pride, but to be fair so would most people so might not be the best example.

oh yes, he very much has preconceptions about masculinity. like i said, he often overcompensates due to his lack of being able to be himself growing up. very old school style, not a 'women need to be in the kitchen' type but a gentleman's code mixed with a 'certain things a mans gotta do and know how to do' kinda thing. less about outright muscles or brutality, more about holding oneself to strict standards and not backing down from what needs to be done, even if its only him who thinks it needs to be, and/or its not the prettiest thing to do, as it was. honestly he probably would be into dueling if you put him far enough back in time, that odd thin line between just socking a man in the streets, but demanding a slight on him or others not just be ignored, within reason. issues arise though over his want to avoid others in general and not get involved in things, and the fact everyone around him is a women, which makes a pretty interesting dynamic and push-pull scenario personally.

as for 'C', im fine with it, so long as it makes sense, but thats kinda implied anyways.
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(Gentlemen, I am afraid I will have to postpone the 31st Vein until either later this week or early next, due to a frankly absurd amount of factors. This week has been as far from restful as could be imagined, so please accept my humbles apologies for the delay. I'd hoped this break would have turned out differently, but alas. I have a list of the questions everyone's asked and a rough draft of my replies, but I've barely been able to attend to that with what's been taking place. Thus, if this thread should fall off the board, would you all simply wish to keep an eye on the Body Horror Quest Twitter, or have me make an interim Vein?)

(Once again, my sincerest apologies for the delay, and I hope you can forgive me for my lack of communication. I kept trying to carve out the time I needed to set everything in order, but I'm afraid it wasn't exactly forthcoming.)
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>>3835638
I'm sorry to hear you've had a busier week than you were hoping for, BHOP. Take as much time as you need. As for plans for if we fall off the board, I think an interim Vein probably isn't necessary. I'm fine without one.
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>>3835638
interim veins are fun
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>>3835638
well, sad to hear that, but i understand. lifes a bitch sometimes, and you do what you gotta do. i hope things calm down for ya and you find some time for yourself, not just the quest, as it sounds like you could use it.

id be perfectly fine with an Interim, both just cause and to give you a place and breathing room to post your responses and information, though honestly dont feel like you HAVE to give those anyways, especially given the circumstances. regardless, id say wait and see how long this one stretches out and how things look by the end. would be silly to make an Interim just to cover a small amount of days, but if its gonna be another week or so then it might be best, really depends on how things play out on your end of things. up to your really though.

hope things get in order and calm down for ya!
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>>3835638
well shite. having a general gist of your occupation, I'm absolutely fine with this. we can wait until you are ready.
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>>3835293

>"people like you" "keeping people like you out" "assholes like you" "people like you and the attention Smut brings is exactly what ruins and has destroyed Quests" "if you refuse to do that or listen. Get the fuck out " "you aren't welcome here " "if you are going to abuse" "you are and will be nothing but a problem"

First: I only just caught up to the quest after reading through all the veins. That's why I haven't posted until now.

Second: You shouldn't be trying to otherwise me Anon I am a reader just like you who enjoys the quest I have just as much right to be here as you.

Third: I am not some mindless sex craving reader who will forsake anything to see some smut. I happen to consider myself a patron of the arts and believe that story's do not automatically become degenerate just because they feature coitus!

Forth: The salt you are displaying right has killed more quests and story's than smut has in my opinion.

Fifth: I can not begin to fathom how you think you could change my mind with such a tantrum, you are very rude and I would expect an apology from you if you are a decent person.

Sixth: I did not abuse you or anyone else.

>>3835372

I understand and will respect your decision. It's still a shame though as I cannot write myself but wanted to contribute in that capacity.

>>3835398

>"eh, I didn't think it was that aggressive" "instead of actually discussing them" "clearly only being here or even commenting due to the possibility of smut"

Anon, I laid out my arguments quite well I think. YOU are the one throwing around insults like its going out of fashion. All I said was that you were a killjoy which is quite mild criticism compared to the other things said on this site. Please grow up.

>>3835638

I look forward to the next instalment on baited breath! No need to apologise either we all have lives outside the internet.
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>>3835892
yeah no get bent honestly, ive spent absurd amounts of time trying to reason with people in these threads with little to show for it more often then not. theres people in these threads that i do and that do deserve a bit of tact and respect. theres also plenty of topics ill happily entertain, this isnt one of them. people like you are only a detriment to quests and wont get the point no matter how much you try and talk to them.

what you are trying to push is and has ruined more quests than anything else. this isnt an opinion, its fact thats been observed and mentioned by numerous on this board, not just me or the other Anon. the fact you dont understand that, would tell me to 'grow up' or anything else over it, and refuse to actually acknowledge that argument or any actual reason relating to it just shows you are exactly the huff and buff type that make it such a problem.

you're a problem and im fighting a problem, its as simple as that.
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>>3835984

You are quite bigoted you know?. You didn't see the "I understand and will respect your decision." part from my last post? have accepted the QM's decision I just wanted my voice to be heard on the matter. If you can't handle that I suggest being quiet and keeping your semi-incoherent tribal ideas to yourself. As i have said before i have just as much right to be here as you do. perhaps if you did'nt automaticly equate me to those you have spent "absurd amounts of time trying to reason with" and see me as some kind of enemy from the get go we could have had a nice conversation but i think you are too immature for that kind of exchange hense the grow up comment. You tell me to "get bent" but it seems that you have that covered. Don't write me again you cringeworthy crusading crybaby.
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>>3836099
about the level of 'literally nothing of value said' i expected from you yeah. you make yourself one or push an issue, im not gonna say nothing about it, its as simple as that.
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>>3835638
not to add to the pile too much, but was on my mind so figured id ask it.

unlikely as it is ever to be a thing, i was curious how quickly November can switch out Forge Cores. biggest thing is wondering if for longer trips we could eventually have her carry an extra around with her, or eventually make the Autumn Protocol less finky to use.

still trying to figure out an easy way to switch her profile around as her Core switches, though thankfully so far it really hasn't mattered much, and might not too. she certainly feels out of place on the character sheets with how she operates in alot of ways, not a bad thing mind you, but felt... incomplete to me a bit when she stuffs not in order on it, but i might just have to come to terms she works too differently for it not to be finky AND be with the others, which im fine with i just also wonder if theres not some way to streamline it on the sheets for people, if anyone has any ideas. or if it even seems like a problem, like i said she doesn't change cores often and same can be said with her Relic loadout, if we even use her often as it is. biggest thing with the relics is filling out her stats without having to erase her base information.
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>>3835638
Sorry to hear your week has been so rough..... though i kind of expected that with the amount of radio silence we have gotten.

I dont think we need an intermission thread.... I at least cant think of anything i want to discuss or ask you.... So do what you think is right. The write up might be easier to post there as well as being open to be discussed about (But there is no need to rush its completion as we can still talk about such things after the next vein has ended)

Take care of yourself and i hope your week wont be as crazy as the last one
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>>3835892
>First: I only just caught up to the quest after reading through all the veins. That's why I haven't posted until now.
Fair point. But on the other side of the coin, you should have figured out by now which anon is whom from their posting style. Your mislinked post was probably what set that other anon off which led to the mudflinging argument.

>Third: I am not some mindless sex craving reader who will forsake anything to see some smut. I happen to consider myself a patron of the arts and believe that story's do not automatically become degenerate just because they feature coitus!
You made your debut by telling me to not censor the smut, became apparently disappointed you thought there would be no smut, mistook the other anon for me, and then proceeded to troll the other anon with greentext, and implicitly kept on prodding me to go for writing smut. It made for a horrible first impression.

>Forth: The salt you are displaying right has killed more quests and story's than smut has in my opinion.
It is not salt that he was displaying, if it was a salt post then I would've had an issue, but I do not. He wrote that post in response to both your apparent troll post and as a reinforcing statement to my post on my stance of restraining my baser urges for the sake of story quality on a fan-submitted side story.

>Anon, I laid out my arguments quite well I think. YOU are the one throwing around insults like its going out of fashion.
Looking at the flow of the posting conversation, You shot first and picked a fight with him by calling him a killjoy instead of trying to convince me with other counterpoints. The other anon retaliated in kind.

>All I said was that you were a killjoy which is quite mild criticism compared to the other things said on this site. Please grow up.
Paraphrasing aside, Sarcasm does not translate very well on text. The post you wrote >>3834424 came off as very trollish in an otherwise very serious discussion that he and I were having which did not help.

>Fifth: I can not begin to fathom how you think you could change my mind with such a tantrum, you are very rude and I would expect an apology from you if you are a decent person.
He was not trying to change your mind, he was entrenching his position.

>I understand and will respect your decision. It's still a shame though as I cannot write myself but wanted to contribute in that capacity.
Acknowledged, but you should've left the discussion at that instead of continuing to pick a fight with the other anon. Learn to pick your battles.

>>3834320
For the record I was never 'bullied' by him. I respect him as much as he respects me. Frequently butting heads with each other over the nit-picky details? Yes. One-sided bullying? No.

It's his OC I'm messing with in the story I'm trying to write, and I'm trying to show proper respect and do justice to the amount of work put he's into the character.

>>3836099
Oh and Welcome to Body Horror Quest. Enjoy the Crucible.
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>>3836612
He thinks i'm a degenerate out to turn the quest into a Slaaneshi acid trip and I think hes... well best not to say at this point, lets just all enjoy the quest. Thanks for the welcome!
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>>3836805
While you may not be interested in it. I can see where he is coming from. Since you brought up the slaaneshi acid trip.... Remember the path to damnation begins with a single step. And it is a slippery road especially when the dark prince is concerned. And I have to agree with the Anon you were having that unfriendly argument with. If we don't nip things like that in the butt(though granted I have pushed for some lewd stuff in the past. But outright smut in the main quest is something that would attract the wrong crowd) there might be people that come on here and try to push for stuff like that in theain quest. You are still welcome without question and please the more participate the merrier the arguments and laughs can get.

But please remember that the people after you might not view things the same way as you and might push for smut very hard and try to derail the quest with it.
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>>3836805
and here you are, ignoring that Anons point and what he's actually trying to say.

look dude, you're ignoring him saying all that isn't actually about me. no one, no matter the argument, has ever felt the need to even mildly come to the defense of what ive said or why i said it. and for good reasons i can honestly respect. i dont know how many arguments and discussions ive had with these anons both civil and not, and if they feel the need to say all that when its not even directed at them, you're missing their points if you brush it aside simply as a defense in my favor, which is all you're doing.

trust me, i dont dislike any of them really, respect them for sure at least, and would like to think they do back, but its not my character they would ever come to the defense of. thinking that is only proving my some of my points, honestly.
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>>3836805
I don't care about what horrible impressions you have of each other and vise versa. It's not the crux of the discussion.

You're missing the points that he and I have been making behind the decision about the original talking point (where the boundary lies in a side story where smut acceptable in a quest setting like Body Horror) which is backed by personal experience of following other quests, and you chose to join the conversation by flinging mud and picking a fight in a petty race to have the last word in the argument instead of providing a civil case for supporting your opinion that I should have smut in the story that I was going to write by providing examples and talking points.

Please learn to pick your battles and words more carefully in the future.

>>3836805
>>3837095
We've gotten to that point where everyone's just entrenched in their positions and talking past each other in circles or have devolved into petty bickering, and it has poisoned the muse for the story I've been trying to write about "Carter and Women Troubles in the Crucible".

I'm half tempted to drop the story all together, don't make me drop it completely. So everyone involved in this discussion should drop this subject now if you know what's good for everyone. I don't want to hear any more post replies attempting to get the last pettiest blame-game word in this argument.

That said, I'm sorry it had come to this. I hope the welcome reception didn't sour your impression of the quest.
If you've got some fun ideas related to body horror, write them down and post them so we can give our opinions on it, be it theorycrafting, story telling, relic ideas, OCs, powersets, or Dual techs, or crazy creative combat techniques or anything fun homebrewed for Bodyhorror. It's half the fun in body horror between veins.
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>>3837185
This is really just the result of going too long without updates or productive discussion. People will just latch onto a non-issue and make an argument out of it, which can be amusing but I hope it doesn't hurt your drive to create.
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>>3837234
well to be fair there,i did try and put discussion forward and no one bit. though thats my fault on the topic i guess, no one seems to have an opinion on the character sheets so long as they exist and are up to date, which fair enough i suppose.

maybe this one will get some attention; what kinda ability would one need to see/want to hybridize into Amaras Lexicon core, even if you still wish to wait til level 20 before doing so? its such an odd ability its kinda hard to think on, as its not impossible id imagine for a hybrid to have greater effects over her words, but at the moment her core any hybrid would be affecting actually has little direct influence over her actual words, which might not change with a hybrid but makes it... hard to think of anything fitting to hybridize with it.
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>>3837573
Well the closest I can figure would be to hybridize Oozmas' Speaker of Hope but otherwise I have no idea. I believe BHOP once said that the more discordant the hybrid the stranger the ability so anything we would combine it with would be an extremely unpredictable hybrid.
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>>3837716
ell, we kinda already did that. Speaker of Hope was simply an inferior version of Amaras Holistic Lexicon, so it just became an augment for it.
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>>3837573
I'd say either Queen Crimson or Joyous Many. Amara's Core is about communing with the fleshscape and making friends with it. Combining it with a skill that creates semi-autonomous things should have interesting results. Maybe let her embody it, summon up avatars of the local environment to fight with her.
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>>3837573
>>3837759
As for the topic of November's character sheet, I feel like the part where her health gets calculated is the point where we have to actually write excel functions and plug it into a formula in order to keep it up to date, but the nature of the Google Excel document makes it very finicky to properly work it into the character sheet. We would also have to make entries for each Relic that we have in our inventory and put it down onto a separate column in order and plug in even more formulas in order to get November's stats updated in real time. Given enough time and effort, we can pull it off.

You make a solid point there. Hybridizing the Lexicon with another ability feels like it would change the medium in which the skin talking spells would be cast. It's in the same position as Shu's Core ability where it feels like it's good enough to stand by itself and benefit form getting a specialized Capstone instead of going down the Hybrid route, yet it's so modular and malleable that hybridizing it would turn it into a completely different ability.
I'm of the opinion that Amara's Core ability should be one that is a standalone ability with a specialized capstone. The Potential capstone Amara could have feels like it's worth pursuing instead of hybridizing and climbing the Level ladder again. The amount of exotic effects and the mileage that we get off of the Core ability alone is enough to invest more in it. Even though Much of Amara's power comes from the word library, each level brings out more utility in her words. Not to mention that hitting lvl 20 means one more ACT for Amara plus a very powerful capstone.
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>>3837788
Yeah, I'm down for keeping it intact until the capstone. Same with Shu's Core. Maybe Julia's too, I know some people want to hybridize it but I think it's pretty good on its own and I'd like to see where it goes.
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>>3837759
i can see it, though Joyous would work alot better i think. though still feels like it might work better for finding something new aswell. more passive flesh artisan ability might mesh well.

>>3837788
>November's character sheet
sounds reasonable, i think my biggest issue was sometimes the sheet is picky about allowing or how it allows things when applied to individual cells.

>Lexicon
i actually disagree her core has really been worth it. the effects its levels have given us honestly are extremely lack luster in my opinion. the only reason, which i do agree with, to wait is to not fuddle up how she casts her words too much and to get the extra ACT, but its honestly in my opinion a very shitty ability by itself that i certainly dont want to leave by itself. i mean to be fair there though, kinda think once any ability hits its max level theres no reason not to keep getting more mileage out of it, provided you have at least a decent option to hybridize it with.

>>3837810
Shus core sure, but eh, Julias im not so sure on. its good, but not so much that i cant see certain hybrids being extensively better and worth getting sooner.
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>>3837185
Something I feel the quest is missing is a (preferably in depth) character description of everyone in the team. I know most characters have pictures but they do leave some things out or are a bit too stylised. I know it could take a while to write such a thing out but i think the reward would be worth it. on a related note I wonder what everyone would look like with corruption values as high as Mara's.
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>>3837901
>Lexicon
It's worth it in my opinion. The effects seem lackluster, but they provide low-key utility that helps out at critical moments. Hybridizing it at lvl 10 or 15 just robs much of the potential utility that Skintalkers can give to a group at even later levels. The Extra ACT for hitting lvl 20 on Lexicon will bump Amara's potential Word Chain up to 5 words in a chain at base (6 if you count the Skintalker relic). And there isn't much in Amara's ability set that can properly hybridize into a unique and high tier ability.

If you're really pushy and pressing me to think of the abilities in her kit that I can think of that could possibly form moderately good synergy with Lexicon...

>Oxygenic Artillery amplifies her voice and skin talking to ear shattering decibels turns her spells into fus ro dahs and gives spellcasting a backlash risk as well as an elevated cost to cast. Turns Amara into a Nuke mage.
>Joyous Many would turn her skin talking into one that requires a chorus ensemble in order to get the more exotic effects that results from the hybrid. I also have a gut feeling that this route might allow the fleshscape to channel its personality through a Joyous Many clone, which equates to Amara going full Druid.
>Queen Crimson would require Amara to use blood writing in order to cast spells. I think a runic writing variant.
>Hunter's Honor would turn Amara into a Spellblade, and given the comparisons to Churem and Ninjas in general, probably ninja arts. Somehow.

But I digress. Lets agree to disagree. Amara at the moment doesn't have much to go with in her kit to come up with a good hybrid ability to fuse her Skintalker ability with another one. So I'll say lets do a wait and see approach. Sound good?
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>>3838008
well to be fair, i was actually talking more akin to things not in her kit. types of abilities or whatnot that if you saw you would be ok with or even want to. like random example, a bit iffy on how much we actually use it, but Lexicon plus Raths Forgemistress Fingers might be interesting as hell and id be totally willing to see what such a hybrid would make.

i could see combining the lexicon with say, a defensive ability making her automatically gain temporary defenses based off her last casted spell or something, as another example, though it would depend on exactly how that hybrid works if id be willing to take it. something akin to Julias skin defenses would probably work better than say, Raths Alabaster id imagine.

honestly i dont think getting her more ACTs for her lexicon specifically is really worth it. i mean, ACTs are always worth it, but specifically for the Lexicon, there really is only so many words you can string together and be worth it, at a certain point it really isnt worth it to try to string more words together just cause you can, especially with other actions or doing two spells very easily being much more potent. more ACTs would just make using her lexicon not take up all her ACTs in my opinion, over really opening options to longer strings, in the sense that would actually be worth it.
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>>3838006
>Shu: Green eyes, long hair, probably dark color bordering on black. Braided into a pony tail. Killer Ass and thighs from running Track and Field. B-cup breasts. Wears a Fancy Bee-themed Insect Carapace dress (open backed) with insect wings as the skirt. Looks like an insect queen. A cluster of hexagonal plates line the back of her spine from corruption due to hitting lvl 10 on her core, opening and closing to allow bee constructs to enter and exit.

>Gina: D-cup Titty monster, does not wear a bra. Long wavy brunette hair that travels down to chest height. Has a Smartphone that is Wetware compatible, and a set of Mystery Skull Headphones she wears. Has a forehead gem due to Neurotic Crown. Hazel eyes that turn Amethyst when Neuromancy is active Wears a baggy hoodie, shirt and pants with Neon Amethyst as the main colour scheme. Forearms are laced with tron-patterned neuromancy lines that are actually her nerves due to her core hitting lvl 10 prior to hybridization, sensitive too.

>Rath: Hot-headed petite Red-head. Not a ginger since she has a soul. Petite in size and stature. Punkish. Citrine yellow eyes. Has freckles. I imagine she wears Catholic School kid clothing, white dress shirt underneath suspender shorts, but wears a biker's jacket over her regular clothing.

>Amara: Smol, cute, adorable. Hyperactive as a 7-year old. Heterochromia eyes. Wears a blue sundress made of tailored skin. Short cut hair, blue tinted blonde. Probably runs around in bare feet. Cuddle bug.

>Dorian: Blue eyes, white hair. Tall, lithe, lanky. Half of his face is corrupted into a rainbow hue of paint (currently in hues of red due to Hybridized Core). Fore arms have devolved into liquid-like appendages that show varying hue of (red) paint colors . Wears a Sharp suit (colored red) and a white Tie. Handsome enough to be considered a MAN despite being a Daughter of the crucible. Jury is still out on his true sexual gender.

>Julia: Dirty Blonde hair, porcelain skin. Hazel eyes. Southern belle. Has a soft motherly expression. Same height as Dorian but probably a shorter than him by 2 inches. Normally skinless, but has taken to wearing a literal skinsuit that mimics what Julia looked like prior to the Crucible. She wears clothes on top of said skinsuit, Thighhighs, loafers, dress shirt and skirt combo. Has a habit of stuttering.

>Francine: White Doctor's Coat, Dark dress shirt and skirt. Grade A kneesocks and high heels. pale skin, Citrine orange eyes. Auburn brownish red hair kept in a side ponytail with a single bang dyed Golden blonde. Has a very high class haughty laughter bordering on socialite. Has a droll (amused) expression by default.

>November: Big, smooth plated Iron Maiden. Prior Frame had a rustic Iron Soldier look with an rusty orange paint scheme due to wear and tear. Current Frame is a polished Onyx colored Iron Man frame, with the face plate Colored red. Eye lights shine an Azure blue.
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>>3838118
(I would like to chime in to say that this is set of descriptors is quite accurate, save for Shu herself. I've been intentionally vague on describing her, as the original description was lost to the first thread...that, and I'm amused that the only concrete descriptor that's been given has been one granted by Gina.)
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>>3838118
just gonna say details im pretty sure are wrong for the sake of it, but see the end for what i feel actually matters.

actually Gina probably doesn't have a shirt. last time we tried to make her wear one she stealthily took it off and got rid of it.

im very sure Rath no longer wears anything like that, not her style at all.

though Dorian was blonde, and i think he has control over any facial or arm corruption from the sounds of it. also it was confirmed he still is sexually a female.

i think Fraince doesn't have a ponytail, hairs too short for it i think.

im unsure thats how Novembers suit looks at all. not the impression the picture or what little has been described of it sounds at all. i think the biggest thing is it was described more angular than smooth too, which is very un-ironman like.

personally im very unsure of many of these aspects. BHOP has said the pictures are only an approximation and really he hasn't described much in the way of details for them. might be on purpose, but personally its either a 'fill in the details and no one is wrong' kinda feel he's going for, or best to let him actually explain it.
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>>3838148
>>3838146
(Linking this, as I'm rather exhausted but the points that >>3838148 notes do hold true, particularly the parts about Gina's shirt and Rath's outfit. Really, regarding clothes I'm rather non-committal unless it's a good, key aspect of the character, like the dress you all designed for Shu.)

(I do like to leave certain aspects of the characters up to everyone's discretion, hence why I don't emphasize it as much as I would, otherwise.)
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>>3838154
thats fair, and seems reasonable to me. oddly a random factor i know is wrong but for some reason i have trouble not imagining is Gina with glasses. dunno why but my mind likes the idea.

clothing's pretty easy to interpret freely too. now that we have a home at least, id be very surprised if they haven't all made themselves extra sets, even Amara. more a mental thing id think, than a cleanliness thing, a way to help themselves have a bit of normalcy via being able to change their look.

that, and with Julia and Dorian around there may simply be no choice in the matter.
>"Rath, change your clothes, you've been wearing them for a week straight now. its more patches then clothing by this point."

you should get some rest BHOP, though i understand you might be happy to have even just the time to post what you have, still wont do anyone any good if you keep yourself up all night.
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>>3838168
(Ha, I'm actually headed to bed now, in fact. I appreciate yoy concern, truly. Rest well everyone, and I believe this week shall be a productive one when it comes to writing.)
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>>3838168

>"Girls!"
>"We're going SHOPPING FOR CLOTHES!"
>Julia and Shu subject Amara (and Rath) to the family tradition of making them try out new clothes and being fussy about it. Alternatively it runs into Project Runway and Everyone has fun at the fashion show doing the 15 meter sassy runway walk, including November.
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>>3838189
And then Rath gets into the Core Console and makes a rotating platform for November to pose on like a concept car.
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>>3838189
i cant see Rath liking a runway show, at best she would be stumbling down it red as a tomato. somehow i can both see November being up for it, and the mental image of her posing in a dress over her metal frame is hilarious. alternatively to take it 'seriously' she makes cheap relics that specifically change her frame when slotted in ascetically pleasing ways, and/or gives her frame a neat paintjob to show off.

everyone else i can see either loving it or at least enjoying it. Julia would certainly probably have literal sparkles coming out of her eyes at the prospect of it too. Amara aswell actually.
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>>3838196
Then Amara takes it even further and turns it into a miniature merry-go round.
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>>3835638

I just popped in to see if things were going because life has been... hectic. I see that they've been that way for you as well BHOP. Again, as a fellow content creator, take care of yourself, first for yourself, second for the content and then as a distant third, for us whackadoos. An interim vein isn't necessary for myself at least, as I just ctl+F the catalog for "Body Horror". You seem to have that niche market of quests cornered. Be gentle with yourself, for the world will not be.
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>>3838198
Accustomed to the bizarre sights of the Crucible, Amara gives it all sorts of alien mounts instead of ponies. Naturally, hers is in the image of Ringo.
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>>3838198
>>3838207
should Amaras birthday gift be uncontrolled access to the core console for the day?
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>>3838209
Probably not, but we should expand on what we already have. We could have her design a single piece or maybe two for her amusement. I like the Go-round idea.

It's less that I think she would mess things up in a dangerous way and more that she could get so excited she goes a bit overboard and we will need an entire adventure just to find the fire console again. Which could be interesting I guess
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>>3838247
pfft, haha
>"Shu, Shu! i made a new game!"
>"...Amara... wheres the core console and why is our house now an endless labyrinth?"
>"Its the new game! its called 'find the core console in time!"
>"...in time for what?"
>"I have no idea!"

i can see that idea going places yeah.
>>
>>3838209
Maybe. It would be more fun with other kids to play on her customizable playground, though. But her birthday isn't likely to come until after the Crucible, so maybe she'll have made friends her age by then. That would be nice. Especially if we can rope Mara and Ringo in to help with the party. Can you imagine a bunch of kids getting to ride on a dragon or play hide and seek with a teleporting dog? They'd have a blast.

Meanwhile, their parents are in the kitchen drinking coffee with Shu and Gina, very studiously trying to ignore their worries over the horrifying monsters their children are playing with. It's okay, the Godhunter said they were friendly, right? Then Charon comes in, having been a bit late because they were finishing up Amara's present, and the parents have to make awkward conversation with a skull-faced alien warrior demigod.
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>>3838265
>Charon enters the room. Every parents head snaps around
>"I hope I am not interrupting things honored daughter"
>Shu waves for Charon to take a seat and all the parents shift to accommodate Charon who sits down and puts a large basket made from bones in the table containing a mountain of clothes and all kinds off accessories
>"Where are the young ones. I wish to bring them my present and play with them"
>Every parents face when their children come back wearing relics that make them near indestructible covered in light scrapes and bruises after the house has been shaking for the last hour
>Shus face when the dress up party devolved into a massage be playfight at Amara's and Ringis insistence to see who gets to wear the cute outfits and show them off
>>
Finished my image search for the mob of thirsty daughters pursuing Carter. Now onto the hard part.
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>>3839067
Looking forward to your writing. Maybe i can take some hints at what to avoid and what to use.....
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>>3839067
looking forward to it. will be interesting to see which story was a more regretful experience for the poor sap.

on a comical, semi-related note;

>RESTRAINING ORDER; this fine scroll of skin is both tattooed and scarred in an alien language only those of the talking skin variety have even some grasp on. The name says it all of course, this scroll may be signed by an individual who simply has had enough of another individual, and using either a bit of genetic material or an item with a strong connection to the individual one wishes to keep away, this scroll becomes active. Through the power of skintalkers and terraformers alike, this scroll will let its owner know when the unwanted individual has entered the same location as them. Even better, it actively prevents said unwanted individual from coming within five movement zones of the scrolls signee, forcing them to move away if for some reason they would fall within range. The scroll doesn't even have to be upon the person for the second effect to work, though to warn the individual of unwanted guests it does have to be on their person. Not everyones a fighter, but that doesn't mean they can't just want someone to leave them the hell alone still.
>>
>Restraining order
Oh god. the hilarity, the comedy value. That's probably going to be another one of Humanity's relics leftover as an example of comedy when it comes to the insanity of Humans in general. I can imagine a daughter signing a restraining order to prevent a super persistent daughter from getting into their 50 meter personal bubble and said latter doing everything in their arsenal to break the barrier al la Wily Coyote and Road Runner.
>>3839407
>>3839082
>Looking forward to your writing. Maybe i can take some hints at what to avoid and what to use.....
>looking forward to it. will be interesting to see which story was a more regretful experience for the poor sap.
Don't worry, he'll survive the ordeal, just not in the way you expect.
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>>3839407
I wonder if there's a relic equivalent to filing Divorce papers besides the shotgun divorce procedure?
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>>3840590
I think it's the link-severer that Francine invented, technically.
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>>3840590
as amusing an idea as it is, divorce is a bit more of a complicated thing compared to just keeping someone at bay. you also have to have been married first, which would imply another relic potentially in this scenario.

>>3840626
i think thats more like suing your parents for neglect or abuse honestly. unless you are implying West has a certain relationship with her clones.
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>>3840949
>i think thats more like suing your parents for neglect or abuse honestly. unless you are implying West has a certain relationship with her clones.
I meant how other people use it, severing Crimson Cord connections. That serves as a decent analogue for divorce, I think.
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>>3840963
maybe, if the cord things weren't automatic. you could technically hate someone but just otherwise have too close a goal to eachother to not work together and end up forming one. its really more of a 'do i hang out with this person often' connection then anything. and sure, actually liking the person speeds it up and how strong it is, but thats still not the only thing that makes them form, and simple friendship would make just as many if not more.

TLDR; actual marriage is an actual choice you make, the cord is not.
>>
(Gentlemen, I have finally found the time to sit down with a glass of my favorite bourbon and re-read everyone's writings and do some catching up on your updates and the like, and I must say I'm utterly delighted. Seeing your creativity inspires me considerably, and I'll be posting my write-ups later this week or as a pastebin at the start of the 31st Vein, which will likely go live this upcoming Monday morning. Once again, kudos to those of you that have taken the time to write, and once I post my commentary I welcome you to ask more pointed questions. I realize that part of the trouble with writing my opinions on what's been written is the fact that it's quite open-ended; I could talk at great length (and in circles) about how the Pepperbox Gang's interactions make me smile or how Luna's exceedingly unnerving nature is brilliantly depicted through text size and color, but aside from these things I believe a more directed effort would be more productive than me just word-vomiting on my computer. Thus, once I post the write-ups then if you have any further questions or you're curious about a particular aspect, please bring it to my attention. I'm having a blast catching up, and thank you once again for sharing your work.)

(You're an inspiration, and I appreciate the time and effort you've put into crafting these fantastic characters and personal slices of the Crucible.)
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>>3841022
glad to hear you finally found some free time to yourself BHOP.
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>>3841022
>>3841040
whoops, somehow hit send way too early there.

what i was also gonna add is, while it would be a shame to hold onto it longer, if you cant get it out before the end of the week, it may be best to still wait til the end of the next Vein. the start at least of the next is gonna be pretty question heavy due to the massive list of options we have to ask questions about, so at the very least it seems like that would be a bad time to mix in others things alongside.
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>>3841050
(You raise a good point, and the voting period for the next Vein's opening will be about two and a half hours to account for the influx of questions. Most of your allies will hit the high points in the opening post however, with Gina discussing some of the foreign Daughters Amara has noted and Francine detailing what you're likely to be up against with the Proxy Lab.)
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>>3841022
I'm glad you've got the time to relax, finally. Looking forward to seeing the write-ups.
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>>3841064
sounds reasonable, but dont underestimate our ability to dig up a question from even the most solidly worded info dump!
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>>3841079
We'll probably wind up fixating on a point and keep asking for more and more clarification on it, when it turned out to be completely inconsequential.
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>>3841080
well of course, but would you have it any other way?
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>>3841084
No, not really, even with the frustration it often brings us. It's the only way we know.
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>>3841079
(Ha, I'm counting on it. You all never cease to impress me with your insights and comments.)

>>3841071
(Thank you, and I'm looking forward to posting them. I'm sure they'll seem like little more than scatter-brained gushing about what I enjoyed, but I'll do my best to refine them further into a workable script.)

>>3841080
>>3841084
(The number of times that everyone's zeroed in on an irrelevant point so hard I decided to make it relevant is still one of my favorite things about running this Quest.)

(To be perfectly fair, you've caught a great many things I didn't think you would, and there are still some key items that I'm still surprised no-one's asked about. I thoroughly enjoy how everyone's progressing, and I'm very much so looking forward to the upcoming Veins and the characters and problems they'll introduce.)
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>>3841095
>spoilers
just the nature of these things, heh, cant catch everything but cant miss everything either.

>The number of times that everyone's zeroed in on an irrelevant point so hard I decided to make it relevant is still one of my favorite things about running this Quest.
sounds about right, though guesses to what some of those are certainly elude me, not that im asking for examples, mind you.

FuzzBuzz was probably our most important one, though a bit iffy as we kinda made that one ourselves. but otherwise the Ants are the only one i can potentially think of along those lines, but wasn't actually irrelevant just highly unexpected.
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>>3841095
>and there are still some key items that I'm still surprised no-one's asked about
Literal items, or items as in points of interest?
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>>3841114
(Points of interest, mostly.)
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>>3841129
Oh, okay, that makes much more sense. I couldn't think of many physical items we haven't investigated, just the diaries really. We'll get to those eventually, I'm sure. As for points of interest...well, there's the obvious things like how we never hit up the Colosseum or our relatively minimal interaction with the Disassociated Ones. But those are more because we can't think of a good way to make it work in-character for Shu and the party. There's Carrol's Forest, probably some questions to ask there, like "why does the Crucible have a weird forest that tells you about its history?". And something that we maybe should ask our Hexane friends some time is what their Mother was like. It's not hugely relevant to us, but it could be interesting to find out what their experience with an alien sky-bitch was like.

Other than that, I'm blanking, which is probably why whatever things are missing are things we haven't investigated yet. We just haven't seen them as being important issues, just saw them as background details not worth getting suspicious about. Things like...I don't know, how Cassandra journeyed with Professor Uzu if she's a giant face on a wall. We're just assuming she was more mobile in the past, but it's going to turn out that the real answer is shocking and surprising. She's actually a Transformer, and is the Dissasociated's ship, with the basement being where her head turns up when she's in vehicle mode. Oh, I was just saying this as a joking example, but now I actually want that.
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>>3841168
to be fair on Carrols Forest, that ones falls under the 'we got interrupted on any potential ability to do that, and have not had an appropriate time since.' its interesting, even potentially useful, but not really compared to most if not all other options we have honestly. we may not have a super strained time limit even IC but that doesn't mean we can afford to pick up ever avenue of interest either. the crucibles history just simply isnt as needed as current events and people are. same with things like the Hexxanes and their Mother.

but like you said in the second half, reasons like that are probably exactly why we have overlooked or not investigated things BHOP is thinking about. just the give and take of any story really, its why alot of stories long-term release side-books just about random lore bits and the like sometimes.
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>>3841129
Glad to hear you finding time.

>Missing out on Points of interest.
It's kinda hard to figure out what's relevant and what isn't relevant because we're mainly focusing through this from Shu's perspective and time management. Carroll's Forest of the Past and the Spooky Forest that Dorian's estate was placed would be cool places to explore, but we were on an implied time limit. As much as we'd love to explore your world set-pieces, delve into the lore and backstory you so lovingly crafted behind the scenes, we're sorta on a time limit when it comes to the Crucible.

As for notable points of interest we may have not asked about, the Big one would probably be Almath, but we're sorta ignoring that out of respect for the hexane. Although I do wonder how Hexane Architecture allows the dead to manifest themselves and whether if its possible to replicate them... A question for another time.

Also, one question We've been meaning to ask: As you may have read on this vein. There's been talk about where the line is set when degenerate stuff like smut is involved. For example: my upcoming fan-story involving Carter trying to survive a settlement full of Horny Daughters who crave the biological opposite gender Body Horror style.

Where do you draw the line in a setting like this? I'm asking because I want to respect the tone you've set for the quest and not cross the line that goes into full /d/ territory, yet I want to explore the adult theme of sexual horror in the Crucible, which is something that isn't touched upon for the sake of the community and the quest's health.
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>>3841183
Oh, very much agreed. There are things that we've missed and know we've missed, just because Shu either hasn't gotten the time to go look at them or because her going to them doesn't make much sense. Like getting involved further with the Disassociated. They're cool, I'd like to learn more about them, but what justification does Shu have for major interaction? Especially now that Francine is living with us. I'm not too worried about things like that, I see us missing out on them as just part of the opportunity cost for going and doing other cool things. It's the unknown unknowns, the things we don't even realize that we need to investigate further, that worry me. Probably going to come back to bite us at some point and we'll feel foolish for not realizing it sooner. Oh well.
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>>3841209
probably, but at the same time, its another give and take, and a good part of why i love the quest, as it does feel like choosing one option over another matters. even if we had seen them, important or not, we would've been giving something else up to investigate or fulfill those objectives. obviously for things we overlooked i cant say id not of preferred them, but with the exception of not doing more for the Monastery perhaps ive got no regrets really on the decisions we have made in terms of the story really.

even potential points of contention like Isabelle i can at least live with or understand why we went down that path, even if i still have some misgivings over some aspects there.
really only the Monastery feels like something we outright had enough hints and info about to ever look back on and outright say its something entirely on us we knew we could've tried more to help with, even if we didn't expect the time-frame to be so short. was a valuable lesson though, and i think in the long run that mistake helped us understand how our decisions work more.
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>>3841226
Looking back, the thing was about the Monastery event as well as the Isabelle arc was that it was such a powerful wake-up catalyst of Character development for Shu, her family, and for us as anons, a pivotal point in the quest where the tone and motivation for all persons involved become clearly defined and how drastically different the paths would diverge had the Monastery not fallen.
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>>3841186
(Regarding Carter's story and the topic matter that was brought up earlier; while both smut and sexual horror are things I'm avoiding so as to not fall into the spirals that they tend to bring, I encourage others to explore those aspects of the Fleshscape and Crucible, as long as the authors of the characters involved have granted their permission.)

(I'm a strong believer in exploring story topics that you either enjoy on a personal level or want to tackle to work through certain aspects that they entail. Both healthy sexuality and people's inhumanity to each other regarding the subject are absolutely things that would come up in the Crucible, though I must profess that I lack the skills at current to delve into them in a meaningful or sensitive manner and thus have not included them for this reason, in addition to the ones listed above. Creation is an incredible tool for self-reflection and understanding, as well as pure, simple enjoyment. If you want to write something that handles characters in a silly, harem-like situation or something that delves into the very real and distressing prospect of one's physical state being a highly desired object, I encourage you to write whatever you have in mind, and I'm sure you'll do it justice either way.)

(There's a lot of room for laughter, sorrow, lewdness, and genuine human connection in the setting by design, so I don't think that one's personal take on the material detracts from the story, tone, or themes I'm trying to examine in my slice of the Crucible. Do you want to write it? Will you be happy when it's made? Then let nothing stop you in making it happen. Both my story and yours are ones worth telling, regardless of what they tackle.)
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>>3841209
>>3841226
>>3841237
(I'm actually glad to hear all of this, as I do strive to make every choice have impact, regardless of whether or not the effects are immediately seen.)
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>>3841241
yeah, guess this is the second major point of contention between us then, as for reasons mentioned i still dont think encouraging those aspects is a good idea or will lead anywhere good. its simply one of those topics/aspects of storytelling not being firm against attracts the wrong crowd.

but it's your quest and your risk to take. this is gonna sound harsh, but mostly just got to get it off my chest, but if it leads down the path it does way too often, I wont have any regrets leaving if it gets out of hand, nor if it ruins the quest will i have any sympathy. as far as im concerned, its a bad line not to set and you yourself are smudging the line, and it'll be on you at that point for encouraging it, and you'll have gotten what you deserved honestly.
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>>3841241
Thank you for this highly important answer. But the Crucible is your Child too, I had to ask this because the setting Carter's story takes place in also involves your quest by association, if I executed the story poorly or went too far, it would reflect upon the Body Horror Quest poorly as well.

This is the one time where I feel that your answer of leaving it to the community and encouraging the exploration on those taboo themes is something that I feel is a bad move for the Quest's long-term health instead of setting a defined line.

It's a slippery slope I tell you, the moment I publish the story, there will be readers who will latch on to the parts where the sexually suggestive parts are implied and demand more explicit depictions of it.

Therefore, if you're avoiding sexual horror and smut for the sake of avoiding the abyssal spiral, I'll try to do my best to restrain myself while still trying to find a way to get the horror across.

>>3841288
As for Carter's story. Lewdness, sexual horror, sexual comedy, Horror in general, and the reflection of what it means to be a biological male in the Crucible reserved for women will be had. Just not as explicit as I had currently planned.

It's a hard topic to explore and to write on a blue board in a quest setting like this, even on a fan-submitted content which isn't even canon to the main quest line.
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>>3841288
(In that case, I hope to allay your worries by saying that my response was meant to encourage the Anon I replied to to continue to create and write what they wish, while I shall do the same. The tone of this quest has been established by me, you, and the others that have participated in it, and I will strive to ensure that it continues on that track, as descending into what you're afraid of would utterly negate the points that I wish to address.)

(In short, while I have a set of rules and items that I'm not willing to address in the main storyline of the Quest, I would never discourage others from writing what they wish. If I've misunderstood the intent behind your words then I do apologize, as it's been established that tone and intention are very tricky things to manage online. I genuinely appreciate your candor just as much as I respect your position on the matter, and I hope you can respect that while I hold myself to a standard regarding the tone, themes, and content of my writings, I would not wish to impose said standards on other creators or discourage them from pursuing their own efforts. That's all I was trying to say, and in too many words, as usual.)
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>>3841288
>>3841306
(Upon re-reading, I think I have a better handle on the points you're both making as well as a little better understanding of your fears regarding the slippery slope, as it were. I am a very new QM, and I'll be the first to admit you all and the groups I've played with in real life have spoiled me by being reasonable, even-keeled, and thoughtful in how they approach things. Since I haven't had those negative experiences or witnessed how Quests can descend quickly into the aforementioned spirals, I can easily see how I'd be treading into territory that could precipitate such a thing, since you've seen it happen firsthand and I simply haven't due to my overall positive experiences here. I greatly appreciate you both taking the time to make me aware of it now and going forward, and if you believe that me putting my foot down would preserve the overall quality and integrity for everyone involved, then I shall do so.)
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>>3841306
well honestly you've already convinced me you are understanding of why my worries exist and can handle the topic, i wasn't pointing fingers at you or anything i trust you to both write something superb and keep it within the lines that should be kept.

just in general is how i was speaking, its never a singular person who is the problem after-all.

>>3841307
fair, and i understand that, i just simply disagree on it this time. as the QM and original author of the setting, you do have some say over how people use it and what you wish posted in the threads. maybe no modlike authority, but your word still holds weight. i simply disagree not asking certain aspects to be left outside the threads and quest even in fanworks to be a mistake on your part in my opinion.

i do understand and respect where you're coming from mind you, i just simply have seen people keep the two sides of the line separate or under control way too rarely to wish risking it. honestly i myself am not even personally sure why smut specifically has such a problem not going overboard, but thats a different discussion i think, than it being a problem, sorta.

mind you, and may of helped the discussion with the other anon earlier. i actually dont have anything against smut itself. not really my thing but if thats what someone likes then whatever. its the fact those that like it, or a majority of them, push it heavily when they see it even somewhat introduced and will try and devolve quests into basically just that, even if its not even their actual intention. that, and i disagree it meshes well with any setting, but again, a bit of a different topic a bit. you either make it obvious its smut quest upfront(even if smut isn't the only part of the quest), or you dont. trying to find a middle ground simply doesn't work, or at least is a very big risk to try.

(1/2)
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>>3841343
>>3841331
I personally think it would. the line of course can still be where it is, there is a difference between lewd and outright smut afterall, but its still a line and crossing has its implications. but like i said above, i also understand you not wanting to directly prevent others from writing what they wish, but again, even there there is a line to draw id argue. i mean, not an exact example, but you you really be ok with someone just blatantly ignoring lore or major parts of your world, but still saying 'nah this is happening IN this crucible and world' ? i mean, of course you have the right to choose what is and isnt Canon (i personally dont consider anything Canon if not mentioned in the actual story or blatantly stated to be by the original Author, but again, different topic),but im sure even if its a thin line, theres still a line with what you would be comfortable with there, no? tone and story topics still affect that, even in fan works, though not to as great an effect usually.

but in the end honestly, its up to you, and ill respect your decision. as stated, though rare, it has been done before even in the main story, but theres a reason its rare and certainly, once you pass the line theres really no going back. i could be being a bit paranoid with it just be being in fan works, sure, but the paranoia doesn't come from nowhere either. if you think you can handle it though, well, you've certainly proven yourself above most already, and i dont say that lightly, so maybe you could handle it here.

(2/2)
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>>3841331
>>3841320
Smut, lewdness, Sex, and Waifu Warsgo hand in hand with a few things in common between all of them in quests that have them. Once "sex/Lewdness" surfaces as the main point of any given scene in a quest, it persists like a cancer that can never be quashed.

In retrospect, the reason we've gone this long so far without delving into very degenerate territory is due to your ability to keep us anons focused on the combat and the tone of the quest in general, not to mention you've established background setting elements as well as the overall quest tone that subtly discourage us from bogging you down with lewd and lewder requests of degeneracy. Which I think everyone here takes as a silver-lined blessing; I thank you for that.

Still, I do see exceptional quests where the topic of sex and sexual horror can be handled maturely without sacrificing overall quest quality. And I'll list down one quest that I've read that did exactly that...scratch that it's the only quest I've seen/participated where such themes are handled maturely. It's an exception, but not the rule.

On akun, there is a quest called "Crusader: Tales of the Monster Girl War", where the premise is that anons take control of a Male Paladin who must constantly resist the endless hordes of succubi and ensure humanity's future in a world where Succubi have more or less dominated the world in fantasy Renaissance-era Europe. (tl;dr: Kenkou Cross's Monster Girl Encyclopedia in Europe) The Quest by all rights should have died right then and there and devolve into a smut-fest. But to everyone's surprise, the QM and the quest community focused on the world building and the socio-economic paradigm of such a premise as well as going into philosophical debates on what romance and sex means instead of driving the story into a smut-fest. Heck, the community in that quest avoided smut like the plague (which is ironic because the QM confessed he was pushing for smut in the first place) and any scene involving coitus (explicit and implied) is portrayed for horror instead.

It might be a bad example in the eyes of some anons, and the only reason why I think Crusader Quest got away with it is because choosing to push the quest into the never-ending spiral that is smut-fests is boring and too easy; the premise made it clear that smut can happen as easily as pulling down your pants yet any background scenes and implications of coitus is generally played for horror to add to the surprisingly grimdark tone of Crusader Quest's setting.

If you have time, I would tentatively recommend it. It is a good piece to read and to take an example/inspiration from if you look past the silly premise you will find an enjoyable quest that's pretty grim and dark in its storytelling and stands out as an quest that manages to straddle that fine line.

>>3841343
Thank you for having faith in me. I'll do my best to not let you or Carter down.
>>
(Gentlemen, the 31st Vein shall open on Monday, September 30th at 9:00AM. I look forward to seeing you there as we continue and new threats come to light.)
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>>3844353
Looking forward to it and hope your weekend gives you some time to yourself BHOP, or at least a break from all the hectic work you have had.
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>>3844353
I hope the week has allowed you to get all of your ducks in order. And I do wish to see what you think of our fan submitted content and what ideas it might give you in the future.

>>3844648
Carter's Story with women troubles is shaping up, but I've run into unexpected developments when writing out the story beats which dramatically expanded the cast of characters involved.

>New building location needed to be expanded upon: House of Whorrers

>New Group of Daughters that require expanding upon: Man Hunters
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>>3845255
oh, well both of those sound bad in interesting ways.
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>>3845255
(I'm not going to lie, the second I read those group titles I started cackling like an imbecile. Well done.)
>>
(Good Morning, Gentlemen. The 31st Vein is now open.)

>>3848948



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