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Your name is Shu, and in the aftermath of Laoc's riots there is hope in your name.

An unnatural Hunger swept through the ornate calcite streets of the peaceful town, but as you walk through Laoc's alleys and between the buildings that the residents call home, you find little moments of kindness from those you meet. There, a Gluttonous' mouth yawning wide
to devour the rubble from a neighbor's storefront. Here, a Humoral Paladin working to heal the injured, vital fluids retreating into the
rapidly-healing wounds while bones snapping back into place at the behest of Calcite Armorers. Powers not of this world, to be sure...but brought to bear for the sake of humanity.

Your mind is stretched, pulled between the dozens of torso-sized insects that zip across Laoc, ferrying townspeople and supplies where they're needed. Through the multifaceted eyes of your brood, you can see the reconstruction efforts are well underway, the storefronts and homestead alike being restored through a combination of Neuromancy and the diligent efforts of other, more specialized power sets. You find your allies in the thick of the work, each one bringing their talents to bear for the sake of a people that are struggling to keep their hopes and dreams afloat in a world gone mad.

Dorian and Julia are found side-by-side, the former's gentlemanly air and the latter's kind spirit doing wonders to keep the civilians they're guiding home calm and peaceful. Amara is everywhere, her adorable duplicates scurrying to and fro and bringing joy to all they meet, even in the aftermath of tragedy. Your fiery brawler Rath is bringing
her unreal strength to bear with flaming arms of starlight made manifest, her ashuran form a stark contrast to the chassis of titanium and steel
that makes up the cybernetic body of November, the niece and aunt working tirelessly to ferry materials back and forth. Meanwhile, Francine is swiftly and professionally tending to the wounded, her deft fingertips working to unravel flesh from bone and stitch it back as it should be, while the moth-like Lara brings new patients to her side on vast, velvety wings.

As for Gina, you're not quite sure where she...ah.

You spy her, eyes aglow with amethyst light as the calcite walls of a nearby building shudder and shift at the whims of the brunette Neuromancer. She glances skyward, and the curvaceous girl shoots your Swarmling a wink and a smile from far below, cocking her hip to one side.

Previous Vein: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/3951968/

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. 3: https://pastebin.com/bUWG6TNF

Relics, Ver. 5: https://pastebin.com/Qwme4CGr

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bodyhorrorquest?lang=en
>>
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{Hey there, cutie~} Gina's playful tone cuts through your admirations, a welcome respite to the churning of your mind. Her voice echoes pleasantly across the telepathic bond you share, a gift that was intended to be a curse...and is now so much more than either. {How're you holding up?}

[Fair] Comes your simple answer, the townspeople occupying your mind as you speak. [We've a lot to get done here, to say nothing of everything else on our plate]

{True...I wanted to talk about that, actually} She muses in reply, shifting her focus to another crumbling building a few meters away. {Between the Proxy situation, the Pyreant Hive, and everything else we have to deal with, there's too much to handle on our own...but we're not alone, are we?}

[Are you...are you saying we outsource some of this?] You ask, and there's a flicker of excitement across the channel that serves as the other girl's reply. [I wouldn't necessarily be against it, but who did you have in mind?]

{Three parties; the Midnight Crew, the Barbers, and Ivey's Hyenas} Gina replies quickly. {The first two are ones that we're on pretty good terms with, and Ivey already said that the Mayor knew how to get
a hold of her, so they could help to replace the town guard for the time being before Jeraha has time to train up some replacements}

[...Perhaps] You hesitantly relent, chafing against the prospect of putting your duties on the shoulders of others.

{You're always saying that no-one's in this alone...and there's no reason to put all of this on our family, not when you've done so much
for so many. It's not all up to you, Shu} The other girl comments, her gentle chiding paired with genuine warmth that flows across the channel, a pleasant tingle working its way across your scalp. {Look, I'm not trying to get on your case...I just worry about you taking on too much, okay? Can't have our fearless leader running herself ragged, can we?}

You have a full docket, certainly...but perhaps Gina has a point. Just off the top of your head, you have enough to deal with to make your mind whirl; Francine and dealing with the West Proxies, attending to the needs of the ever-growing Pyreant Hive, approaching the last two Phalanx members and figuring out why they're defending the sleepers'
Pods, exploring the Hexane factory, chasing down the Apocalpyse-class Amalgam that caused the chaos in Laoc to begin with...

...maybe you could use some help, but the question is just where and when to start with all that.

>>Relent to contacting one or more of the groups Gina mentioned. You could use some help...and maybe just not in Laoc. Reach out to [the Midnight Crew/the Barbers/Ivey].

>>You're open to outside help, but you'd like to keep that in your back pocket for now, and instead attend to some more pressing matters with your family (Choose a course of action to pursue).

>>Bring up a counter-plan to Gina.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, it's good to be back. I hope everyone's holidays went well over the break, and while I had a decent break as well, I'm glad to be back in the swing of things.)

(Now, voting shall remain open for the next four hours, which will likely be the new standard for voting times save for evenings of rapid-posting per usual. There are more elements in play now than ever before thanks to the fascinating way you're playing, and I do wish to give myself time to attend to personal and professional matters while
also avoiding burnout. I'm in this Quest for the long haul, and you all have made me realize that I must pace myself wisely if I'm to bring my all to this Quest.)

(That said, I'm very much so looking forward to where you're going from here, and I wish you all the best of luck.)

(Below you'll find the answers to some questions that had been posed in the 35th Vein that current circumstances did not permit me to answer as quickly as I'd have liked.)

(Continued)
>>
>>4006164

>>Question: Have there been hunger riots in the past? Have there been hunger riots that turned into town-sized Hunger-mad daughters like the Monastery Monster?

(There have been Hunger riots, but nothing like the Monastery in terms of scale. Most Hunger riots occur in smaller groups and lead to things
like the Sad Deer hilarious nickname, kudos to whoever thought of it you fought in the swamp, though if you hadn't been at Laoc, then it would absolutely have become a super-boss like the Monastery was.)

>>Question;
>How does Raths Cystemic Burn ‘Attack Mod’ act in relation to Pangean Arsenal? First off, Pangean effects Augments, which im not sure if Cystemic technically is, over a unique thing for Generator classes? I also ask as it doesn't seem like it would be so simple as just turning it off. Cystemic and similar skills outright change how the ability is as it levels up significantly. While it doesn't effect the Boils due to their hybridization, for other Generator abilities in similar situations, it doesn't seem like it would work to just be a switch, due to how heavily it effects the Ability. I mean, maybe thats the trade off, but it would either be super complicated and change several levels worth of the abilities and what they give us, or just deactivate them is what it seems like.

(The intent behind it is to give you the ability to switch the elemental augments that you'll get on and off, instead of having the damage be multi-elemental. All of your elemental powers will work with Cystemic Burn, so let's say if you change Rath's element type to FROST, then instead of a burst of cold, you'd have a DoT effect that
continually chills the surrounding area instead of a flare. I hope this helps to explain it a bit, and if the Anon who originally asked this would like some more clarification, I'll be happy to provide it. A lot of the alteration is more behind-the-scenes, with the player-facing side being more focused on allowing you to customize Rath's attacks to the situation, once you've gathered more elemental and function-altering Augmentations.)

>Who was the toughest individual enemy in this past fight, and who had to face them?

(The captain of the guard was the single toughest foe, and Jeraha fought her best friend and right-and woman one-on-one. Having to put her down weighs heavily on the Mayor's mind, but she has other people to think about at the moment, so she's staying strong. The main reason she was absent for so much of the Laoc debacle was because the fight was a very close one.)
>>
>>4006167
Hey Bhop, you forgot your trip.
>>
>>4006170
(Thank you, it appears my computer had forgotten it, too.)
>>
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>>4006161
>Relent to contacting one or more of the groups Gina mentioned. You could use some help...and maybe just not in Laoc.
>Reach out to Ivey
>Try and find a moment to collect your family, to properly discuss everything with them.
>start off simply, to give them time to mull over the idea and offer their own opinion on what should happen next.
>perhaps... Gina might be onto something. taking our own family can split up into at least two, if not more, aswell as our already trusted allies and their teams... we do have a list of potential others to try and get onto good terms with. if we have too much on our plate, maybe start off cleaning it by trying to add more allies?

Gina makes a good point, though i will say we in some ways were already doing it, and some things like the Pyreants we really are the only person at the moment who can do it. but things like Ivey helping the town or some of the less important objectives, sure.

But as stated, id like to let our family give their opinion overall first, aswell as put forth the point Ginas got a good idea, and we might be able to expand on it.

>>4006164
my own break was well enough, glad to hears yours was swell, and certainly glad to see this back in the swing of things.

while ill never lie and say ever increasing voting times is great, im glad to see your starting off the new year understanding your limits, and understand your reasoning. looking forward to where this goes from here for sure though. also, my backlog of art for here has grown a bit, gotta start whittling that down.
>>
>>4006167
>and if the Anon who originally asked this would like some more clarification, I'll be happy to provide it.
id like a bit more yes, as that doesn't actually really answer it. Pangean works on all Generator Augments, not just elemental, and i was both asking if Cystemic counts as an Augment, or something unique to Generators, due to their specific class attributes, and if it does, how it would work, due to how heavily it effects Boils levels compared to standard augments.

if we could get the option to switch between the AOE style grenades and back to the actual explosives, that would be neat, but as stated Cystemic Burn has a deeper level of effect than most Augments do.
>>
>>4006164
Glad to see you had a great time Bhop. As for my end: Things got more hectic than I would have liked,I got sick in the middle of the Christmas and New Year's Holidays so it was miserable for me, and I'm starting to hate my job. I've got a potential new job lined up for me with some connections through the back channels, but I can't formally apply due to circumstances and there's a chance that the slot will be filled before I can attempt to formally apply for it. So I still haven't gotten around to working on the story of Carter in Cradleton because of all of that. tl;dr It sucked and I hate it.
>>
>>4006173
oh, and also, despite the potential severity of it, we still cant deal with the West Proxies til Francines had time to hammer out her alternative way of beating it. which id be very impressed if she has thought up of yet.

its gonna involve the Barbers too, so waiting to contact them again makes sense there.
>>
>>4006176
(Cystemic Burn *does* count as an Augmentation, yes. Deactivating it allows Rath's Boils to deal immediate impact damage with a large explosive radius, and imparts her blows with tremendous force at the cost of losing an overall higher DoT in exchange for immediate burst damage.)

>>4006177
(I'm sorry to hear that your holidays didn't go as well as I'd hoped they would, though I do hope tha things turn around for you soon in regards to your job. I wish you the best!
>>
>>4006173
>plan

Not a bad suggestion, but I'm wondering about what job we give Ivey and how do we pay her? So far we have the following: Silvis's factory (explore), Sigma's lab (Raid), Pyreant request (Quill-mole hunt), Phalanx Diplomacy? (scout/poke). Keep in mind that Ivey might be currently working under another employer too.

As for our other allies/friends: The Midnight Crew are currently "House sitting" the Wonderland Forest for Lara, and the Barbers are exploring off on their own...(probably looking for someone else's autograph)


Also. Here's to kick off the new year with our first Relic theorycraft.
>MEAT APPLES (Consumable): An Apple with Fleshy wrinkled human skin for a skin of a fruit. Fortunately the insides of the apple are still revealed to be that of a normal apple. A consumable Relic that is unique due to the fact that this relic can only be found from a certain tree in the wild wild Fleshscape and not made by the hands of a forge. While the effects of consuming is paltry - a meager 3% total boost to their HP and bio Regen (or providing a regen rate equal to 5% of their total hp/bio for those who lack innate regeneration) for 1 hour or until the next combat encounter) - and does nothing to curb the abyssal hunger every daughter must sate, it’s delicious taste more than enough makes up for it, enough to be used as a currency of sorts in certain settlements.
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>>4006193
ah, ok, so just the simple option. not that im complaining, of course thanks.

>>4006196
we uhh, we have alot more than just those things on our list, and some of those you mentioned cant be done by others and/or are no longer going to happen. well, ok, only one of them isnt happening and only one otherwise 100% we have to do, but still. well, hrm, maybe two, depending on your perceptive on the Phalanx, both as Hexxanes and their relation to the Pyreants.

and sure, Ivey might be busy, but she already said if we needed her, to just ask. i dont think she was expecting payment either. we wont know if she is busy unless we ask, and we both have a good reason to ask for her, and the only way to contact her here, in the very place that needs help. plus, think about it. Ivey trusts the Mayor with how to contact her. thats gotta mean something positive for their relationship, so im sure seeing Laoc in need of help will be something she might be more willing to come and help with, especially with us asking too.

as for the Relic, neat little thing fore sure, though feels more like a lore piece you would see for an area over anything else. not that thats a bad thing, mind you.
>>
Ah, good to be back at it in the Fleshscape. I just don't know what to do with myself when I'm not worrying about the meat planet. Hi, BHOP and other players.

>>4006164
>I do wish to give myself time to attend to personal and professional matters while
also avoiding burnout
Good. I'm glad you're going to take more time to manage things on your end. You could be a dozen times slower to update and you'd still be one of the fastest-updating QMs out there, so longer between posts won't be too much of an issue for us and will make you less pressured.
>>
>>4006161
>>Write-In
>Propose we open source the Apocalypse Amalgam hunting. Get Amara to set up a chat group of Skintalkers tracking them, though with a priority on the flyer for its extreme mobility.
>Other than that, contact with the Hyenas as >>4006173 proposes sounds fine to me.
>>
>>4006164
I had a good holiday. spend christmas with the family and a late new years meet up with a couple of friends this last weekend. I spend acutal new years eve and new years day writing Journey, which while making progess did not make as much progress as i hoped. So i will have to delay its realease for a bit but i hope to get it out before the vein comes to a close. With the longer voting times it should give me more time to write between updates.

I hope your own holiday was relaxing as well

I also got a couple of my freind to agree to trying out nechronice so i started to read the rules which also took a bit of time away from everything else. Havent played it yet but i hope to get to that in the next couple of months

The longer voting times are fine wtih me if its means we will get very consistent updates and regular quests without you psuhign yourself. Even if it means possibly getting less done in any one vein

>>4006161
Supporting>>4006173
>>
I've been thinking: We should probably have a better term for the mutations Daughters experience than "Corruption". That's not body positive, our party shouldn't be using that term when we've made the choice to find the beauty in our changes rather than see ourselves as freaks. I'm not sure what's a good neutral replacement, though. Best I have so far is Divergence, acknowledging that it's a move away from the human norm.
>>
>>4006277
what about "Adaptation"? Because it feels like it's using the base human template and adding more bells and whistles. And despite the totem system, it still uses Humans as the base foundation for its template.
>>
>>4006283
>it still uses Humans as the base foundation for its template.
Whats wrong with that
>>
>>4006283
Maybe. To me, "Adaptation" suggests functional changes, and we haven't seen too many of those yet. It's mostly been cosmetic. Then again, Mara eventually turned into a dragon, so maybe we'll start seeing some functional changes as we get deeper into it. Like Shu's chitin getting enough coverage and thickness to provide protection, or something like that.
>>
(Posting shortly, Gentlemen.)
>>
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>>4006161

[That’s not a bad idea, honestly] You relent, switching your gaze from the multifaceted eyes of your swarmling to the pair of orbs in your own head, allowing you to stare out at Laoc from atop city hall’s imposing spire. [I’ll give everyone a little more time to work, then gather everyone at city hall to discuss what comes next with Jeraha…plus, I’ll see if I can’t get a hold of Ivey through her. Two birds, and all that]

Your empathic channel surges outwards, echoing through your allies as your summons reaches far and wide across the sprawling streets of Laoc. Rath and November are the last to arrive in the cozy confines of city hall, the pristine floor-to-ceiling woodwork a testament to Laoc’s efforts in preserving at least some traces of the world that was. Your short brawler and her towering aunt take the empty seats across from you at the circular table, with Rath settling in next to the tall, ethereal Lara, while November silently scoots beside Francine, the lanky woman lost in thought. Gina’s seated on your right with the visibly drained pair of Julia and Dorian next to her, while Amara swings her feet in the chair to your left, her legs a few inches short of the floor. Holly’s leaning up against the wall to your back, stretching her arms above her head. The bartender brings a full suite of drinks to your table, the winding, branch-like tendrils that make up her arms allowing her to deftly supply you all with some much-needed libations. Sierra’s singular eye darts between you all, a cursory glance reassuring her that you’re all topped off with drinks before she leaves you to your discussion.

“Couple items of note; I’ve contacted Ivey, so she and her Hyenas are en route.” Jeraha begins, casting you a nod before she brusquely addresses the rest of the table. “We’ve identified the bodies of those that succumbed to Hunger, too. Three of them are yours, the rest of the remains are going to the families or friends that survived. The ones you’re getting were loners, kept to themselves. They’re ones you fought, too;

Her abrupt declaration catches several members of your family off-guard, and Dorian’s the first to voice that everyone present is thinking.

“With all due respect Mayor…are you certain?” He asks, his even-keeled tone suitably diplomatic. “I’m sure the fallen must have had some-“
“I know how this world works, man.” Comes Jeraha’s curt interruption. “You and yours did me and mine one hell of a favor, and I’d be a piss-poor leader if I didn’t do my part to make sure you had the resources available to keep up with the Crucible.”

He nods, leaning back in his seat as Jeraha rises from her seat.

>>LEVEL-UP POINTS AVAILABLE: 15

>>REMAINS COLLECTED: ONYX BUTCHER, BLOODY BATTALION, DART RAFFLESIA

(Continued)
>>
>>4006329

“That’s all I had to say. Ivey and her team will be here shortly, so I’ll give you all some time to convene. You’ve all done a lot for Laoc. More than enough.” She says, bright eyes lingering on yours for a moment before she turns. “We’ve got it from here.”

You watch her leave, the intent behind her words clear as she leaves your family to decide where to go from here.

“It’s old news that we’ve got a lot on our plate, even aside from Laoc.” You begin, scanning the table with all eyes on you. “That said, I’d like to ask your thoughts on what to deal with next.”

Julia and Gina glance towards Francine, prompting a darkly amused chuckle from the doctor.

“I’ll just go ahead and get this out of the way, Darlings; I’m mulling over alternatives, but I’ve yet to come up with an alternative solution to the one you all so vehemently rejected.” Francine announces, re-crossing her legs, arms folded. “My original plan is still off the table, thank to you…though I’ll need some more time to come up with a viable alternative.”

“We should go help the Pyreant Queen!” Amara interjects emphatically, bouncing in place as she looks up at you pleadingly.

“Amara, the ants are p-plenty s-strong on their own…the p-people of Laoc need our help, here and n-now.” Julia counters, an uncharacteristically hard line in her statement. Dorian shoots you a pointed glance reminding you of your private discussion a few hours earlier as Julia continues to make her case to the rest of your family.

“Shu and the D-Defiants are a symbol of hope, and we c-can’t just swoop in and save the d-day only to leave when the f-fighting’s over with. It’s j-just…irresponsible, I think.” She adds, looking around the table for support.

“I’m inclined to agree.”

Your focus snaps to November, her words echoing in the wood-lined space as hope sparks in Julia’s eyes. “Irresponsible is a good word for it, I think. I know time’s at a premium, but I think we have enough to spare for the people here. Not all of us need to be present, but…I want to help.”

“That’s all well and good, but what about the cause of all this, huh?” Rath fires back irritably. “We can spend a couple of days helping Laoc rebuild, sure...and in that time, how many other towns are gonna fall when goddamn Rodan swoops over? Ignoring the root cause of a disease and just treating the symptoms? Now THAT’S irresponsible.”

“Can confirm.” Francine adds cheekily, prompting a twitch of Dorian’s silver eyebrow.

“I’d just like to say that Rath has a point.” Gina says, adjusting her posture in the too-small seat. “Amalgam or no, Laoc’s going to be alright without us. We have bigger fish to fry at the-”

“People are hurting, Gina!”

A single, unambiguously vehement declaration explodes through the space, and even Julia seems shaken by just how loud and clear her voice echoes through the hall.

(Continued)
>>
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>>4006330

Gina’s wide-eyed at Julia’s unexpected interruption, and Amara’s stock-still and she nervously glances between the three of you.

“People are s-suffering.” The painter continues, visibly resisting the overwhelming urge to sink into herself and instead forcing her voice to be heard. “Laoc is in t-tatters, and we can d-do so much good here. I’m not saying everyone has t-to stay, but…even if it’s j-just for a little while, these p-people need our help.”

“I…support Lady Julia’s stance.” Dorian declares, sitting a little straighter in his chair even as you catch the apologetic look in his eye.

Ah, love.

In any case, Holly’s remained silent and Amara’s gone quiet, waiting for the dust to settle between her family members during an uncommon disagreement.

“Look, Julia…I’m not trying to be a dick.” Rath finally says, breaking the awkward silence with a gentle, weary tone. “I get it. Seriously. Helping people’s what we do, and we’re damn good at it…but exhausting ourselves here will only cause other people to suffer, and we can’t lose sight of the whole point of our journey in the first place.”

“We climb the Cord.” Gina affirms, glancing around the table. “We end this, one way or another.”

“THAT’S how we help people.” Rath says, gesturing towards Gina. “We stop the Crucible, then focus on the clean-up.”

“Macro, then micro.” Francine mutters.

“Uh...yeah. What the Doc said.” Rath mumbles back, unnerved at the source of support.

“Lara? Holly? What are your thoughts?” You ask with a sigh, leaning back to glance at your first Dream Daughter as she just shrugs.

“I’m up for anything! Just happy to stretch my legs.” She replies sweetly, wisely dodging the issue just before Lara answers your question.

“I…I need to get back to Carroll’s Forest.” The Unnatural predator answers, the rustle of her movements causing her wings to shimmer in the soft candlelight of the table’s lamp. “I need to make sure that everyone that’s hiding there is safe, after that thing came through. I’d love to stay and help, but I have a responsibility to those under my care.”

The soft light helps to obscure Rath’s disappointed expression, and as you look around at your allies you find their attentions trained on you…

…the only person whose opinion has yet to be voiced.

>>Acquiesce to Julia’s request, and allow her to take Dorian and anyone else who wishes to stay behind and help while you meet Ivey when she arrives.

>>Gently steer Julia away from keeping your family in Laoc. You can’t afford to get bogged down in crisis relief…there will be time enough for that after you attend to more pressing issues.

>>Shelve Julia’s concern for the moment; Laoc’s not going anywhere, and there are other matters of importance you’d like to address with your family while they’re gathered here (Write-In).

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next four hours. Thank you for your participation, and I do hope that your day is going well.)
>>
>>4006331
Write- In

>"Julia i can not in good concience agree to leave anyone here for long. I wont ask you to steer away from your course but i ask that you limit yourself. These people have made it through rough times already and they will pull through again."
>Glancefrom Julia to Dorian
>"I think we will be fine for the moment so you and one perosn that also wishes to stay, Maybe two but no morecan help out in Laoc for a day or two. Afterwards i will need you again."

>Look at lara
>"Thank you for helping us out when you did. I know you have responsibilites and i wont ask you to stray far from the forest. I would be interested however to plant a fast travel point near your forest with the spoke so we can send people there or have you help us out form time to time without a lot of travel beign needed and you strayxing for long periods of time."

>Look at the rest of the group mostly Amara and Gina
>"I think we need more allies. So i ask you all if there is anyone you would think woudl be a good fit with the outlook we take on the world? And what do you guys think is the most pressign matter we have right now"
>>
>>4006331
>sigh, and meet Julias gaze.
>"I get it Julia, i do, really. seeing these peoples lives upturned? seeing them suffer?"
>Shake, and sigh.
>"Its not easy. its not fun.... but its not our place to be their crutch."
>"We've already saved them. we've helped them, and sure, we can help them a bit more... but we arent their people. friends? allies? sure, but we are not Laoc. we wont be staying here, we CANT stay here. and because of the, the simple, undeniable truth is, they WILL have to learn to survive, to rebuild without us. they'll have to learn to take hope in people like us existing, over us constantly being with them. they'll have to learn to trust in the actions they dont see, over those done next to them.... and if we dont start doing that now, it'll only get harder for that to happen... for us, and for them."
>"The longer we stay, the more we get involved, the harder it will be to pull away when we have to."
>Sigh, and give Julia a moment to lt your words sink in.
>"...that being said, you're sides also right. we have more than enough people to cover more than one issue at a time, and all going well, we'll have allies to help aswell."
>hold out your hand, in a gesture of goodwill, and give her a soft smile.
>"How about a compromise Julia? Laoc gave us a house here, if we need it. personally, with the Gear and waypoints, we dont need it, and i was thinking about making it a 'through-home' for allies to crash at or for Daughters we rescue to temporarily live in til they get their own, if they arent the adventuring type. But until all thats set up, you're more than welcome to use it."
>"so the deal is this. you want to help Laoc? then you can. whenever you have free time, which ill happily try to give you."
>"But if I, if WE need you, for something we deem immediate and important? you help your family until the issue is resolved. sound fair?"
>Sigh, and lean forward.
>"I want to help these people, please dont undermine how much i feel for them Julia... but like i said, we cant be their crutch, and like Rath said, we have other people to help, and ways we can help them and others just as much, if not more, by keeping busy elsewhere. Laoc might need a boost, but it doesn't need all of us, nor can we afford for its suffering to swallow us up."

>Let Julia respond, then either keep the conversation going as needed, or go meet Ivey.
>Regardless, let Lara know she always has a seat with your family, and make sure she has something to remember and keep in touch with you by. also, ask her to send the Midnight Crew your way, unless they simply cannot afford to come.
>>
>>4006338
oh, for reference, our current list of Daughters-of-note to meet and evaluate is;
>‘Nothing’ Girl, ‘Everything’ Girl, Hive Girl, UP Girl, Neuro Girl, Sound Girl.

also, adding in;
>>4006343
>>4006331
>If things settle with Julia, Let your family know about your unexpected meeting and offer from the Skintalker Reporter in the Alleyway, aswell as how it went and your concerns over it, but keep it clean and try and make it obvious it might best be a decision and conversation best left for when Amara has been made sure to have taken off her rose tinted fan-glasses.
>>
>>4006354
i knoq ir could bew however that Amara or Gina came across any other infor or maybe they picked up soemthing while they were walkign around that we werent breifed about by them
>>
>>4006356
We saw a bit of Nuckelavee in action during the Interlude Vein. Looks like she just wants to be left alone, she went "nothing personel, kid" on a Daughter threatening her but didn't touch the Daughter's allies after they backed away.
>>
(Gentlemen, to clarify; if you allow Julia to have her way, then both she and Dorian will become temporarily unavailable unless you find yourself in a crisis situation. November has a high chance of doing the same as well, depending on how her conversation check with Rath goes shortly.)
>>
>>4006332
Code Veins' got some lovely OSTs that fit somber moods. Gah... the feels.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3NRJnEk8As

>>4006331
>Acquiesce to Julia’s request, and allow her to take Dorian and anyone else who wishes to stay behind and help while you meet Ivey when she arrives.
>Transition into other pressing details on your mind: Ozma's offer of information on her end.
>>
>>4006356
fair enough.

>>4006362
possibly, but we also need to know more about what her actual goals are to some degree.

>>4006363
hrm, kinda what my conversation is trying to avoid. mine was supposed to be a compromise more akin to, if we decide we need her on at least the main team they come, bunt unless its highly significant when off of it they can help out Laoc for a little bit longer.

Letting them fully get locked out unless its that dire is not what i wish to settle on at all.
>>
>>4006363
I'm having trouble phrasing it for a write-up, but what I'd prefer is to cycle people through Laoc. It's not like we don't typically split off a field team from the rest of the party anyway. So we'd have it so that there would be two party slots assigned to helping with Laoc, that didn't have to be necessarily filled by Dorian and Julia but whoever was free. That way the Defiant Fools as a group would have a constant presence in Laoc until they get back on their feet. Dorian and Julia would start off being the aid workersm but if they're needed for the party we'd have Gina or November or whoever we swapped out take over.
>>
Gah. I gotta leave for work.
>>
>>4006366
this really is a very bad idea. part of our strength, hell a significant portion of it, it our adaptability via all our different family members. fully allowing her and Dorian to be locked out, aswell as possibly November and even others, would do much more than just gut our numbers, it would significantly gut our adaptability and flexibility, and could very much outright screw us over. i dont think anyone on our team is wholly reliant on others, but we still HAVE significantly built our team around being a team and having so many characters to help cover eachother and adapt to situations when we can. cutting out 2-3 of those in a full lockout is honestly a crippling hit we cant afford, hence my compromise.
>>
>>4006368
i still dont like that, as it feel too much like a requirement that always filling could easily bite us in the ass. plus, while im sure not one member would be against helping, it would still feel like making it a job or a choice, which just could end up wearing the wrong way for those who, despite their good intentions, dont see it as so much as a necessity or major thing to focus on over time.

just leaving spare time open is better i think. allows those who want to help to do so, while others can help as they wish or help on other missions, while no one ever is committed to being locked out if we need them or two things of utter importance taken care of.
>>
>>4006362
She probably wouldnt be too interested in talking but i kinda hope we can also get some of the daughter names that were in the other interludes even though we didnt see them probably not a great hope but a man can dream

With how Nucelavee we might have to fight her if she goes for the cord. I hope we wont have to she seems a bit over our level right now....

Sorry for replying a bit late
Was hunting a bitch of a Lunastra
>>
>>4006366
(Code Vein has some superb music, and is about as close to a video game version of Body Horror Quest as I can get aside from Digital Devil Saga, of course.)
>>
>>4006331
>>Write-In
>"I'm hesitant to leave anyone here long term. A big part of our effectiveness has been the versatility we have as a team. I think we can cycle through, though. We always split into field teams and support anyway. So let's make Laoc a temporary base while they're rebuilding. Jeraha's given us a building here, we can operate out of it in addition to the Lair. Whoever's not on the active team can help out here, give whatever assistance they can provide."
>"I'd still like you and Dorian to be available to be called up, though, Julia. I get your point, I want to fix Laoc too, but if we need you chances are we'll really need you. And this way, even if you are called away you can at least know there will be someone here helping."
>"Meanwhile, let's talk about ways to stop that flyer and prevent this from happening again. Firstly, Amara. I need you to teach me about the Skinternet. I want to get a spotting group started, recruit Skintalkers from all over to track its movements. Best case scenario we find a nest, but even if that's not a solution we should still be able to get some advance warning to other towns this way."
>"On the topic of the Skinternet, I was contacted by a journalist of sorts earlier. Calls herself Orwell, offered to assist us in exchange for the scoop. She wants to liveblog us, basically, get exclusive access to our streaming rights. I told her I'd pass on the offer to the rest of you. Amara's a fan, I don't know anything about this woman, but we might be able to use her resources for both this and acting against West."
>"Finally, there's one more resource that I'm very uncertain about using, but it's only fair that I tell you: Ozmas. She spoke to me and Gina, said that she just wants this all to end and is willing to help us with information if it speeds things along. I don't trust her, it's Ozmas, but you deserve to know she's an option. If anyone knows anything about the Apocalypse Amalgams, it would be the person who released them."

>>4006381
Yeah, she was fast. I hope we don't have to fight her until Dorian's leveled up Spring-Heeled Jack a few more times. Maybe get it to max.
>>
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Good to see you back BHOP. We missed you.
>>
>>4006488
(Likewise, Anon. Thank you for your kind words.)
>>
>>4006490
I absolutely agree, BHOP. I've been on board since the Third Vein, and this has been my favourite quest of all time to participate in. I'm so very glad you're back.
>>
>>4006490
>>4006549
Been here since the begining and can confirm those Anons words. Been a wonderful and wild ride.
>>
>>4006549
>>4006556
I only came in around Vein 17 or 18, can't remember which, but I share the sentiment. It got me back into quests, actually, reminded me of why I found these so fun.
>>
>>4006490
>>4006549
I forget how or why I even found this quest, I'm not even a normal 4chan user so I got linked directly to it somehow but who knows where from. Came in just before Almath times and I'm very glad it's still going.
Good thing I followed you on Twitter too or I never would have remembered the start date.
>>
>>4006549
>>4006490

Been here since the fifth, and I've switched between active participation and lurking depending on how strongly I feel about the scenario at hand.

This Is one of the best quests I've seen, with particularly excellent story and characterization. It takes a lot to get me so emotionally stirred up but this quest has done It...quite a lot, admittedly.

That and your quest's mechanics have also proved inspirational, so I must also thank you for that.
>>
(Gentlemen, I'll be posting as soon as I am able; work went later than I anticipated, so I'll be updating within the next hour.)

>>4006549
>>4006556
>>4006558
>>4006573
>>4006576
(Wow...thank you all so very much for your kind words. It means a lot that you all have stuck with the Quest this long, and I appreciate your encouragement and participation, one and all.)
>>
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>>4006331

"I'm hesitant to leave anyone here long term, Julia.” You begin, exuding an aura of calm through the empathic channel that now envelops everyone present. “A big part of our effectiveness has been the versatility we have as a team. That said…I think we can cycle through, though. We always split into field teams and support anyway, so let's make Laoc a temporary base while they're rebuilding. Jeraha's given us a building here, we can operate out of it in addition to the Lair. Whoever's not on the active team can help out here, give whatever assistance they can provide."

Julia’s smiling, about to voice her thanks when you raise your palm, giving her pause.

"I'd still like you and Dorian to be available to be called up at a moment's notice, though.” You gently interrupt, your caveat prompting the pale artist to cock her head to one side. “I get your point, Julia. I want to fix Laoc too, but if we need you chances are we'll *really* need you. And this way, even if you are called away you can at least know there will be someone here helping. Make no mistake, though; I need you or whoever else is here on call with Escher’s Gear at all times. Understood?”

“Yeah...th-thank you, Shu.” Julia replies, looking up at you with her big, dark eyes, pausing for a moment before she looks around the table. “I’d actually like some t-time to think some things over, if th-that’s…”

“Take all the time you need, Julia.” You say gently, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before addressing the rest of your family. “Now, let's talk about ways to stop that flyer and prevent this from happening again. Firstly…Amara, I need you to teach me about the Skinternet. I want to get a spotting group started, recruit Skintalkers from all over to track its movements. Best case scenario we find a nest, but even if that's not a solution we should still be able to get some advance warning to other towns this way.”

Amara gives you a playful salute from across the table, and when you meet her gaze you realize that there’s another item that needs to be addressed. “On the topic of the Skinternet; there’s an interaction that Amara and I had a little while ago that I wanted to bring to everyone’s attention. Amara, if you’d be so kind?”

“Huh? Oh. Oh yeah, Orwell!” Amara cries, her sudden burst of enthusiasm infectious across your empathic channel. “Can I show them?!”

You nod, and with a series of arcane whispers she recounts your discussion with Orwell as the ‘wood’ around you reveals itself to be well-crafted biomass, once teased into the form of oaken planks and now chattering with a myriad of mouths.

An unnerving surround-sound to compliment the soft tones of the jukebox in the corner, if nothing else.

(Continued)
>>
>>4006649

“Isn’t she the coolest?!” Amara asks, rounding on you and your allies once she’s finished. Rath’s furrowed brow leaves little of her displeasure to the imagination, while November’s folded arms do the same for her otherwise inexpressive suit of armor. Francine’s brow is similarly cross, but more out of curiosity and contemplation than anything akin to contempt. Everyone else is suitably worried about the unwanted interruption you experienced, though no-one’s willing to object in the face of Amara’s boundless excitement.

“Yeah sweetie, she’s…something else.” Gina smiles, her mind whirring as she turns this new element over, examining Orwell’s approach and intentions from every angle even as she offers Amara an appreciative grin. “So, you’re a big fan, I take it?”

“The biggest!” Amara affirms, and from where you sit you cast a glance around the table.

“The biggest.” You echo, and everyone present nods solemnly, slowly realizing the issues this particular little fandom could bring to the table.

“Terribly sorry, but could you run it back a bit? Roughly a minute and thirty seconds in?” Francine slowly asks, steepling her fingers in front of her face, closing her eyes to listen with calculating intent. Amara cocks an eyebrow before relenting with a simple shrug, looping the audio once more.

“Haha, don’t look so mad, I wanna help!” Comes Orwell’s eerily cheerful voice through the lips of her biggest fan. “Wasn’t hard to figure out, if you’re wondering how I knew. It’s not like your Proxy is the first to try and shake things up…operative word being *try*.”

“That’s…thank you, Darling. That’ll be all.” The good doctor interrupts, raising her hand before threading her ungloved fingertips together in thought. There’s silence for a few fleeting seconds, and you catch sight of Julia whispering something in Dorian’s ear before he rises from the table.

“If I may, I’d like to call a short break.” He says, nodding towards you. “Allow us to gather our thoughts for a while before we reconvene.”

“I think that’s a good idea. Everyone? Take a break, refill your drinks and stretch your legs. We’ll meet back here in half an hour.” You announce, and you watch as Julia and Dorian slip away to converse privately while Francine rises from her seat in a daze, thrusting her hands into her pockets as she strides off in silence. Amara’s cat-like ears perk up at the same moment a wide grin spreads across her face, and when you blink she’s already halfway to the front door, yelling over her shoulder.

“Some of my scouts are back, and they brought presents!” She declares, her voice fading as she throws the double-doors wide and disappears into the eternal dusky haze of the Fleshscape.

‘Presents?’ You mouth to your remaining allies, and the group just gives you a series of puzzled looks and confused shrugs.

(Continued)
>>
>>4006651

Rath keeps a wary eye on the door for a long moment before rounding on you, leaning forwards on one arm across the table.

“So. Orwell.” She bluntly starts. “Sketch as hell, yeah?”

“Maybe.” Comes your non-committal reply, paired with a heavy sigh as you take Julia’s empty seat. “I'm hoping that was more a first-impression kind of deal, like with the Midnight Crew."

{And if it wasn't?} Gina asks privately across the Crimson Cord as Rath runs a hand through her short red hair.

[Then we'll deal with that, too] You reply, scanning the room as you open the channel to your allies. [Keeping talk about Orwell limited to the empathic network would be wise. She's got the Skinternet, but our minds are one place she can't overhear]

{Hopefully}, Gina adds grimly, prompting a quick scowl from you.

In any case, the break was a good call given how heated the undercurrent of emotions was getting, though you admit you're a little nervous as to what your two artists are talking about. Francine stalking off on her own also gives you some cause for concern, though you can certainly guess at what she's grappling with at the moment. Your mind still churns with everything on your plate, but it's given something else to focus on when Lara turns to Rath, the two of them practically lighting up as they quickly slip into pleasant conversation...with November awkwardly sitting right next to them, trying her best to ignore her niece's flustered giddiness.

You have a little time before the break's over with, and even with that short time frame, you intend to use it tactically.

>>Take a moment before Amara returns to announce your concerns about Orwell, and gauge your family's thoughts on the matter via the channel.

>>Talk to Francine, alone. She's clearly chewing something over, and maybe you could give her burgeoning ideas a little push in the right direction.

>>Go talk to Julia and Dorian. They're entitled to their privacy, but you want to make your family's focus crystal clear. No ambiguity, no half-measures...you've had enough of those to last a lifetime.

>>Follow Amara outside and see if you can figure out how deep her fangirling goes. You have one or two more questions about the Skinternet you'd like to bring up to her too, while you're at it.

>>Listen in on Rath and Lara's conversation until everyone arrives...what? You need doses of cuteness where you can get it, no offense to Amara.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, I'll be pausing here for the evening and doing something a little different. Voting shall remain open for the next four hours, with the next post to drop around 9:00AM Eastern time tomorrow morning, since I'll write it tonight. Thank you all for your time, participation, enthusiasm, and kind words, and I'll be around this evening if you have any questions, comments, or criticisms. I welcome it all, and I do hope your day went well.)
>>
>>4006654
>>Talk to Francine, alone. She's clearly chewing something over, and maybe you could give her burgeoning ideas a little push in the right direction.
>>
>>4006654
hrm, well im disappointed in the direction that tied vote went. Julia is letting this get to her way too much in my opinion.

Vote;
>Go talk to Julia and Dorian. They're entitled to their privacy, but you want to make your family's focus crystal clear. No ambiguity, no half-measures...you've had enough of those to last a lifetime.

im just wholly unsatisfied with how things are left off with her here. if she wants to stay, shes a free individual, but i really do not think she is not understanding the issues doing so brings up for sure, among other things.
>>
>>4006667
>>4006662
can we have Gina help us out on this? Shu can tackle one subject while Gina handles the other.
>>
>>4006805
I suppose thats an acceptable compromise, though which to which i couldn't say. would still personally prefer to talk to Julia ourselves, but as part of the compromise it might be best to ask Gina who she is more comfortable tackling.

>>4006654
>>4006662
>>4006667
>Do both, and ask Gina to help with the other. whichever she feels more comfortable and up to tackling.
>Throw in a quip about how not putting everything on your shoulders was her idea afterall.
>>
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>>4006656
oh, BHOP, heres something we never asked about but ive always been slightly curious about.

What was up with Meg and the giant worm thing she came in on, but then if i remember just sorta discarded?
>>
Oh, damn it, dozed off before making dinner. What did I miss? Okay, Francine is upset about there having been other Proxies to rebel, only to be brought back in line. Yeah, that's worrying. We need to beef up Francine's psychic defenses, then. I think Unyielding Spirit technically should work for that, what with downgrading any negative status effect on her.
>>
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>>4006827
maybe, though ironically that does kinda help the case against her original plan more... just uh, not perhaps for the reasons we would want.
>>
>>4006826
(Ah yes; the Amalgam was in its death throes as Meg had just hollowed it out after a long fight. She was recuperating her losses when you stumbled across her, so she didn't have time to properly recover bio or level up. Its biomass was shorn through by her Core power's most devastating ability, so there was little left to use after she was done with it...merely an empty shell, in the end. It was rather amusing, actually; they ran afoul of each other while both were tunneling underground.)

(I hope this answers your question.)
>>
>>4006835
haha, and yes it does. thanks.
didn't know we fought her not at her best... actually, she came to us to be fair. not sure why she did that then, if she was not at her best. could we still have even stood a chance at that point if she wasn't weakened?
>>
>>4006840
(Meg's decision was unwise, as she was on the ragged edge of going Hunger-mad, so the odds of her making rational calls in the heat of combat were slim to none, especially how her Hunger manifested.)

(It would've been a much closer fight had she been at full strength, and there would've been a high chance for B'ni to have to show her hand much earlier so that you wouldn't have gotten killed.)
>>
>>4006835
I figured it was probably something like that. Something she killed but didn't have time to harvest, kind of like the other worm that Zahira had. Kind of a recurring theme, there, giant worms that the killer doesn't have time to eat before someone forces them to use the biomass for something else.

>>4006840
Well, we had B'Ni with us, so I imagine if things turned really poorly that would have just lead to her revealing "oh, by the way, I'm actually level eighty-one, not level five" and crushing Meg. But Meg was definitely a lot stronger than Shu and Gina. Gladiatorial Swarm is a triple hybrid, and she had raised it to at least level three given that she could burrow with it, which means that Meg had a minimum level of seventeen compared to Shu and Gina's...I think we were around level four or five, total?
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>>4006844
>>4006846
well, yeah, obviously B'ni could've crushed just about any foe we met. i more of meant within the context of what we THOUGHT we had. which BHOP graciously answered within said context.

surprised she was on the cusp though, she was one of the ones i thought was more stable in that regard, as when we met her in the dreamscape her demeanor was exactly the same as outside and gave off the same 'i just wanted a good fight' impression.
>>
>>4006851
(Some Daughters seem perfectly fine, yet they're straddling the razor's edge of sanity. Meg's the kind of person where if she's *not* talking, then you know something's very, very wrong.)
>>
>>4006855
To be honest, I assumed she was already Hunger-mad when we fought her, and that's why she was so quiet in the fight. Like her Hunger was manifesting as a dissociative state.
>>
>>4006855
oh, well i guess Gina would know more about that, but she just gave off the impression she was just like that, even after meeting her in the Dreaming.

though to be fair, i think we haven't talked to her much. what with losing Gina for a bit and her being more of the type to befriend Rath, etc.
>>
>>4006864
Speaking of Meg and Rath's boxing lessons, has Silvis tagged along for any of those yet? Have Meg and Silvis bonded over punching?
>>
>>4006855
>Meg's the kind of person where if she's *not* talking, then you know something's very, very wrong.
That hits too close to us men. Most of us when we get stressed tend to bottle them up silently and stoically, and then slowly break under pressure in silence until the rage hits a breaking point and then violence happens.

>>4006654
>Ask November and Gina a request via channel.
>{Gina I need your help. Francine's clearly mulling over the fact that her collective has an actual Inquisition system established, and mulling it over alone won't do her any good. Care to help her brainstorm?}
>{November, can you do me a small favor? Ask Amara about how she came across Orwell on the skinternet, what does Orwell do, what does Amara like about Orwell. Don't interject or add your opinion, just ask and listen. Please? I don't want to put pressure on her or give out the wrong opinion, but just let me know what Amara thinks about her.}
>Go talk to Julia and Dorian.
>>
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>>4006867
we seem to have alot of people who make friends through punching the shit out of eachother.

>>4006870
well, we dont know its an inquisition. West Alpha might be enough, or she could have another method.

also, id still prefer to let Gina have a word in who she talks to, and if we WERE going to assign them, you got that flipped. November is clearly close to some degree to Francine, and would do better talking to her. meanwhile Ginas closeness to us probably would make Amara more open to, well, opening up to us.
>>
>>4006867
(They have, and they're actually having a great time. Eloise has taken the two of them ice-skating, which I'm going to have to put down on paper sometime, just to render Silvis' fumbles in glorious text.)
>>
>>4006880
>well, we dont know its an inquisition. West Alpha might be enough, or she could have another method.
West Alpha doesn't strike me as having the level of finesse needed to bring Proxies back into the fold intact. She's basically a hunter-killer drone. And the option to see things from West Tau's perspective in the Interlude voting mentioned that there were two people visiting her that she was terrified to see at her doorstep. I'm thinking that West Alpha probably has a partner, Alpha as the muscle and the other Proxy as the brains.

>>4006882
Oh, excellent. Good to hear that Eloise is getting along, too, I was worried she'd be too reserved to goof off with the alien.

Silvis fumbling on ice, huh? Come to think of it, large amounts of ice are probably very alien to them, the Hexane planet (we really need to learn its name at some point) had two suns. You'd only get frozen water at the poles. This must be so weird for Silvis.
>>
>>4006895
>Back into the fold
no one said the Proxies were brought back into the fold though, only they failed to 'go their own way'. that easily could mean many things, including just straight up death. we have no confirmation on what it means, only that it means Francine isnt the first to try and betray West Prime.
>>
>>4006882
I could imagine Churem developing a guilty pleasure for ice skating somehow. Like a normally uptight and stoic alien mall cop uproariously laughing in glee gliding around the ice rink would be a sight to see, until one of the Hexane chimes in and catches Churem in the act of being not so stoic.
Speaking of ice skating, skating on thin ice down a river would be a thing that Eloise might've tried.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3O9vNi-dkA
>>
>>4006880
>alien birb that eats bees
NOOO WHY ANON.
>>
>>4006907
(*'Birds and the Bees' ship intensifies*)
>>
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>>4006907
because you just know someone out there want to specifically make constructs/amalgams to counter Shu.

>>4006911
truly, the skinternet is an unforgivable place.
>>
>>4006899
>no one said the Proxies were brought back into the fold though
Yes they did. From the last thread

>It’s not like your Proxy is the first to try and shake things up…operative word being *try*.” Orwell explains off-handedly. “She’s just the first to make some friends before toeing the line, is all!”

To toe the line is to comply with consensus and status quo and go along with what the group tells you to do. Orwell wouldn't have said that if the Proxies were just killed.
>>
>>4006917
nothing about that at all in any way means they were forced back into the fold instead of killed.
>>
>>4006916
>because you just know someone out there want to specifically make constructs/amalgams to counter Shu.
There actually is a type of bird called the bee-eater. Let's hope we never fight a Hive Mistress whose constructs are those.
>>
>>4006916
>Truly the skinternet is an unforgivable place

Is that so Jon? Look at me Jon. Look what I have become.
>>
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>>4006931
oh hey, ive got one of those on the list to post too haha.
>>
>>4006931
>>4006938
(Unnatural Predators have quite the following on the Skinternet, as I'm sure you could imagine.)
>>
>>4006920
It pretty strongly suggests it. Like I said, that's what it means to "toe the line", that you're complying with the commands of your faction instead of being an individual. I suppose it's possible that Orwell is being heavily metaphorical there, and that she's using conformity as symbolism for death. But that seems less likely.
>>
>>4006943
Oh no. Now that Lara's been seen working with our group she's going to get so many DMs asking for gonopore pics, isn't she?
>>
>>4006943
oh god, have UPDs replaced cat and pet pictures?
do skinternet photographers bribe them to act cute and animalisitc?

>>4006946
no, toeing the line means you're pushing the boundaries of what will get you in trouble. all its saying is, she met us and started to have us warm up to her before she actually started revealing herself as a traitor, which is what kinda happened.

nothing about the saying implies at all how they were in the end dealt with, only shes the first not to be alone when it happens.
>>
>>4006943
>TIL sexy Monstergirls are still a thing.
What's the most popular Monstergirl on the skinternet via rankings? Hellhound themed daughter? Catgirl themed daughter? bunny? Lamia type daughters? Centaur-girls?

>>4006946
>>4006920
Either way, the end result is that the individualism in each proxy that "toes the line" is extinguished. Make that what you will, but it's clear that West Prime does not tolerate individualism and rebellion.
>>
>>4006953
im split between wanting to be mildly disgusted at the fact she probably will, and disturbed at my questioning of if she has that, due to her still being largely humanoid, at least after the metamorphosis.
>>
>>4006959
>do skinternet photographers bribe them to act cute and animalisitc?
More like skintalkers coerce UPDs to let their feral instincts take over. like pic related.
>>
>>4006959
>no, toeing the line means you're pushing the boundaries of what will get you in trouble
No, it means to conform to those boundaries. The idiom comes from military inspections, where servicemen had to assemble on a line to be examined. You're toeing the line because you're exactly in position for where you're marked to stand, not because you're going over it.

>>4006960
>What's the most popular Monstergirl on the skinternet via rankings? Hellhound themed daughter? Catgirl themed daughter? bunny? Lamia type daughters? Centaur-girls?
Everyone in the fleshscape is nasty, I'm going to say it's probably not something mammalian. Like eel Daughters are most popular or something like that.
>>
>>4006979
nope, it doesn't, not anymore anyways, nor any place ive ever seen. you are literally the only person to ever interpret it that way in my entire life, regardless of where it originally came from or meant.
>>
>>4006960
>>4006979
(As for the most popular Unnatural Predator, I'll leave that a secret for now. However, I will say this; she's famous for reasons you wouldn't exactly expect, as her content is less 'Monster Musume' and more 'Mythbusters'.)
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>>4006985
>mythbuster monstergirl
>with all the crazy questions and nonsense of the crucible.
oh, well now you have my attention BHOP.
>>
>>4006985
>as her content is less 'Monster Musume' and more 'Mythbusters'
Why am I imagining a West Proxy with Unnatural Predator traits and skintalking abilities? A Mythbusters segment on the skinternet would be perfect for a West Proxy to do science for "fun" that appeals to the general audience.
>>
>>4006982
It totally still means that. People use that meaning all the time. I don't know how you've never encountered this usage of the term in your life, but that doesn't change that it's quite common. Seriously, just google the phrase real quick and you'll see that "toe the line" is taken to mean "conform" by more or less everyone. I'm sorry, I'm not trying to be a jerk here, but you are wrong.

>>4006985
Oh god, Kari Byron survived into the Crucible and has a hybrid Unnatural Predator/Generator Core based around secreting plastic explosives, hasn't she?
>>
>>4007010
>Kari Byron
She's also got a lovely ass and a large arsenal of Gun Relics when it comes to the Gun and explosive myths.
>>
>>4007010
(On phone)
No, im not. Its like how 'literally' is used differently now-a-days. Just because something had an original meaning does not mean thats what it means, and you simply assuming that because thats what it originally meant is wrong.
>>
>>4007010
>>4006982
(Upon further inspection, I realize that I made an unfortunate goof; for some reason I thought 'toeing the line' meant to over-step one's boundaries, not to stay within one's limits. The original intent of Orwell's usage was meant to mean "Francine is the first Proxy to step out of line with allies by her side, instead of doing so while alone." I am terribly sorry for the confusion.)

>>4007024
(The last part for this particular Predator? Unfortunately, no, she has no firearms or explosives to speak of, though her powerset's inspiration does share a name with a particular type of weapon.)

(The first part? Very much so.)
>>
>>4007010
>>4007033
Also, compare both definitions we are putting forth. You'res makes no sense within the phrasing and context orwell is speaking there, especially compared to mine.
>>
>>4007035
No BHOP, it does mean that, your not wrong here, the other anon is because he doesn't understand language and phrases usages can change.
>>
Ah, I never actually voted, did I?

>>4006654
>Ask Gina and November for help via empathic channel
>Gina to speak with Amara about Orwell and November to speak with Francine about her worries, unless November thinks that wouldn't go over well. Things were awkward last time she tried to talk to Francine about it. If it would be a bad move, have them swap conversation partners.
>We go talk with Julia and Dorian about their plans to assist with Laoc's reconstruction. What are they planning on doing to help here?

>>4007039
No, it makes just as much sense. It's Orwell saying "yeah, it's weird, most Francines don't manage to find help before they get pulled back into the hive mind". But whatever, BHOP was using the phrase wrong too.

>>4007043
Oh, fuck off. No, the phrase means "to conform". Just because you and BHOP both happened to be wrong (sorry, BHOP, but you are) doesn't make it mean something it doesn't. Seriously, just type the words "toe the line" into any search engine and you will see that the consensus is about conformity. Yes, the usage of terms can change, but in this case it hasn't. You're just both making faulty assumptions, only BHOP is willing to actually look it up and admit when he's wrong while you're being completely obstinate about it. Seriously, for every use of the phrase "toe the line" to mean "overstep boundaries" there are a thousand meaning "to conform". It is not unreasonable to assume that's what Orwell meant here.
>>
>>4006982
>>4007039
Oi. Semantics are fun to argue like a pair of Jews and Theology, but we're getting caught up in the details. What IS relevant however is that we now know that Proxies attempting to rebel when they sense an opportunity to escape Prime's Thumb and inquisition has happened in the past and have almost always end in failure and repression. Francine's case is unique that she's able to gather allies before declaring her rebellion. And this also means that there are proxies among the collective who want to rebel and strike out on their own but find themselves either unable to or lack the courage.

Francine's likely mulling this over in her mind about the possibility of a good alternative to the original "suicide Martyrdom" plan that we vehemently proposed. The fact that there are other proxies who also yearn for independence would give her inspiration of a sorts, but she's needs someone to bounce ideas off of.
>>
>>4007052
Yeah, you're right. Doesn't matter the particulars, the confusion has been cleared up. Let's just move on.

So, okay, other rogue Proxies. I'm not sure if we can use them, though. "Doesn't want to obey West Prime" is not necessarily the same thing as "is a good person". It might just be the same selfish personality traits that Prime has leading the Proxies to want to work on their own research projects instead of being sacrificed for the good of the collective. The fact that Francine is the only one to try to acquire allies also suggests that other rogue Proxies may have issues with sociability and cooperation, which might make working with them impossible, But yes, it does present an interesting opportunity. We'll have to be careful, but if we can find ones that are willing to work with us they'd be a good source of second opinions.
>>
>>4007048
nope, it makes much less sense with your wrong definition, and you're simply in the wrong here. its changed, simple as that, and if you're too mentally dumb to realize a definition of a phrase might not be what its mainly used for anymore, thats on you.

and nice ignoring of the fact i never said it did not originate or once mean what you said, in matter of fact, i said it could've sure. but that doesn't mean its still used that way, regardless of what a 'definition' says.

i also never said it was unreasonable to assume orwell meant that, you're the asshat who refused to even aknowledge, even if its just regional, that the usage and meaning of a phrase could be different. as far as im concerned, you punted first, you can fuck right off, and evidence has been shown you're wrong about it only having one meaning nor that one being the only correct one.
>>
>>4007059
Also, it's probably giving Francine some doubts, because her plan was based on the idea that she was the only good West, so it would be perfectly acceptable and in fact noble for her to kill every West Proxy. But if there are other Proxies that are rebelling, then she'd have ethical issues with the virus plan, because what if there are others who are good people? She'd be murdering them, then. So this is good for us, in a way, it helps dissuade Francine from the self-sacrifice plan now that she as to consider that she might be sacrificing others, too.
>>
>>4007052
i mean, for one, just because they wish to rebel does not automatically make them any better than West Prime, in actions or goals. its also quite possible she has already weeded out any she cant trust. lets not forget, Gamma West was on her way to replace Francine, so even before she openly rebelled West Prime clearly was cleaning house, and knew what to look for potentially.
>>
>>4007071
could be, though my first thought was she was thinking she may not be the first to try a similar attack on the West Network or Prime. which might put her in further doubts and make her plan take even longer to formulate. though, while West and the Proxies are a major threat, not like we dont have plenty of major and secondary things to fill that gap at least.
>>
>>4007079
wasn't there a potential omake that we could've viewed featuring a West Proxy? I feel like we could've gotten more info had we chosen that interlude, but alas B'ni and Sam were pretty big in terms of relevance
>>
>>4007103
yeah. dont remember which proxy though. was a 'as a West Proxy packs up a lab, they meet someone who even West fears.'

might of given us insight into the Proxies, but honestly the description at least personally sounds like a sneak peak to a later character(and possibly villain.) over actually focusing on the West Prime and her goals.
>>
>>4007103
Yeah. Here was the description in the vote:
>>West Tau is making last-minute preparations in advance of Prime's ascension when she has two unexpected guests; one that inspires fear, and one that inspires something far more unsettling for the cold Doctor.
Might have something to do with the First Daughter (I don't want to call her Alpha, we've got too many Alphas in this story). From what we saw in Alicja's interlude, the First would probably be pretty unsettling to the Wests.
>>
(Gentlemen, I shall be heading to bed shortly. I wish you all a good rest when you get one, and a very good morning as well.)
>>
>>4007125
Good night, BHOP. Thanks for running.
>>
>>4007125
night, see ya come bright side.
>>
>>4006656
I personally dont like this new way of doing things i can see why you would want to. So i wont ask you to change it.

So i will accept not being able to vote before waking up again which is usually to late to then still vote
>>
>>4007210
you could do what ive done, which is just wake up for the post to vote, then sleep again. with 4 hours(lets be honest, 5 hours as BHOP rarely is ready to post right as voting closes, not that i blame him or anything) now, thats like, legitimately more than a nap now between updates.
>>
>>4006654

[Gina? Mind if I ask you a favor?]

{Oh, you've built up plenty of favors. Worked damn hard for them, too}
Gina teases, a few choice selections of your restful evening flitting through your mind's eye at her prompting. {Ask away~}

[Okay, first; damn you] You fire back, crossing your legs and fighting to keep the blush that's creeping up your neck at bay. [Second, I think both Francine and Julia could use some attention, and I wanted to leave it up to you as to which one you're up to tackling.You pick one, and I'll talk to the other]

{Aw, is this you taking-}

[-your advice to heart? Yeah, it is. No need to sound so amazed, GG] You counter, cocking an eyebrow at her from where you stand at the other end of the table.

{*Pride*. It's pride you're feeling, Shu. Get used to it, you're awesome} Gina chuckles, making a show of tapping one slender finger against her soft chin. {Actually, what if we brought November in to talk with Francine, and I go talk with Amara? The whole 'Orwell' thing has me a little on edge, so who best to tell us about her than her number one fan?}

[Good move] You say, watching Gina gesture to November as she rises
from her seat. [Leave the artists to me, then]

You make your way to the hall of doors where your artisans ran off to, and you're tempted to just knock on doors until you find the right one when the sixth one on the left is opened wide. Dorian steps out, lost in thought before he notices your approach, and even then he maintains
his reticent silence until you're right in front of him.

"Hey Dorian, are y-"

"Shu, I'm...yes, Miss Shu. I'm fine. Lady Julia would like to speak with you a moment." He says stiffly, gesturing towards the closed door as conflicted emotions billow off the young man like storm clouds. Before you can voice any inquisitions, he strides down the hall
towards the double-doors, disappearing into the streets of Laoc in search of clarity. Reaching out, you take hold of the doorknob and ease it open, the hinges groaning the sound of bone-on-bone as you reveal a small bedroom, its high window allowing the light of dusk to
bathe the room in scarlet-gold.

"Hey, I wanted to come and chat, but...is Dorian going to be alright?" You begin, glancing back down the hall with the door half-closed behind you.

"He'll b-be going with you. November t-too, when I talk to her after we're d-done here." Julia answers, gentle smile cast in the warm glow of the light streaming in through the tall window behind her.

(Continued)
>>
>>4007656

"...I'm afraid I don't follow, if I'm being totally honest." You say slowly, studying the artisan's kind, dark eyes. She pats the seat next to her and you relent, sitting down as she begins to speak.

"Shu, I know I'm th-the only one that r-really wants t-to stay. Dorian's sweet, but he'd b-be staying for the wrong reasons. As for November, she...I get this f-feeling of guilt from her that I c-can't really place, but she needs to b-be with Rath. They're learning about each other, helping each other in s-so many ways, and that's r-really beautiful."

You reach out with your empathic field in the face of Julia's inscrutable smile, and you find a host of opposites swirling in her heart. Fear, and courage. Submission, and defiance. Anger, and joy. Yet, despite it all, there's no trace of the turmoil you'd expect with all of that and more weighing on her mind...in the place of chaos and conflict, you're surprised to find a gentle calm. One that makes you more confused, than anything.

"Are you mad that so few of us want to stay?" You posit, trying to get a lead on how Julia's feeling, and the blond girl merely shakes her head.

"I understand where you're c-coming from...I do. There's a world at stake. *Our* world. Our present, our future, our...everything. That mission takes precedence. So, no. I'm not mad at you, or Dorian, or anyone. I d-don't blame them for not wanting to stay. I...k-kind of feel the opposite. I'm mad that I want to s-stay. I know in the grand scheme of things that one t-town pales next to the Cord and p-putting an end to all this...macro versus micro, like F-Francine said. Saving our world...it's a n-numbers game. I don't like it, but th-that's how it is."

You're about to protest when she places a hand on your knee, meeting your eyes with her shining gaze.

(Continued)
>>
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>>4007659

"I'm not in control of anyone b-but myself, and I know that if I left now without trying t-to help Laoc's people more, then...I'd carry that with me, and I know it'd weigh me d-down. This is *my* thing, Shu. I d-don't expect anyone else in our family to drop everything j-just because I feel like I need to d-do this." She continues, chuckling softly in spite of herself. "I know focusing on the m-micro right now doesn't make sense, but I *feel* that it's the r-right thing to do. J-Just for a little while. Just...staying to help these people, to learn their n-names, to show them that there are p-people on the outside that aren't just willing to f-fight the good fight, but to stick with them when the f-fighting's done and all that's left is p-picking up the p-pieces."

She swallows hard, her throat working to form her impassioned words

"I'll k-keep a spoke of Escher's G-Gear with me. I'll b-be by your side in an instant if you n-need me. I'll even help you d-defeat the Mole before I go, or d-do anything else you need, b-but...this is important to me, Shu. I know it's n-not the logical thing...but I feel like it's the r-right thing. For me, at least. I didn't mean to g-guilt anyone b-back there...I'm not as eloquent as you or D-Dorian, so I feel like I could've m-made my point a lot b-better...I'm not sure if anything I s-said makes sense or not, b-but...it's how I feel, and I f-figured you'd want m-me to be honest, so...y-yeah. That's...th-that's all I had to say."

There's a moment of quiet, and it's in during that brief reprieve that you realize Julia's hand is trembling. Not just her hand; you were so enraptured by her words and her eyes that you failed to notice her entire body is shaking like a leaf.

Julia...she was scared to tell you all this. It's only now, as you take her hand in both of yours, that it hits you; you're fairly certain that this is the most she's ever spoken....

...and it's in defense of a choice.

>>Julia seems content to be the only one to remain in Laoc, and on-call at that. You have no issue with this situation as it stands, so you'd like to [speak with Julia some more/Go talk to one of your allies during the break].

>>Since Julia realizes how this doesn't contribute to the over-arching goal, then maybe with a bit of discussion she'll realize that staying in Laoc's a losing battle. Julia's a kind soul, and she's just going to wear herself ragged, if you let her.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next four and a half hours, as I had to post a little early due to wrestling with some formatting issues that could most effectively be done from home.)
>>
>>4007660
>sigh, and nod. Give Julia a warm, sincere smile and a pat on the leg.
>"Julia... I understand. I may not agree, but I do, really. I dont think anyone felt like you were trying to guilt them, or anything like that..."
>"But, you have to also understand where we're coming from. which i think you do."
>Sigh, and give things a moment.
>"Look... you control your own life. please understand, that what im about to say isn't said with malice, or anger. not with contempt or in-compassion. Know that I love you like family, a friend ill never be able to hate."
>"...But im also a leader, by you guys choice. and one that, whether we like it or not, no matter how much i want to deny it or mitigate it... one thats accomplished alot in these three weeks, compared to what even some of the best have done in two years. Its fact, nothing more, and i hope to make sure i keep it that way."
>Turn to look at her.
>"But all of that was possible, because we, our family, stuck together. because we helped eachother first, or if we didn't, we did helped others at our own expense, together, as a team."
>"If you leave. Ill have to remember that, even if having to doesn't make much sense. Ill have to remember, you chose Laoc and your own feelings over the team, over the family."
>"Im not saying we wont want you back, or wont let you back, hah, lord knows i love you too much to not."
>"But you also need to understand, if only from my perspective as someone who has to lead you guy, who you guys have chosen to constantly look to for the final word, what you leaving means aswell. what you choosing this over us and what we have put our lives on the line for means."
>Let the air sit for a moment.
>"I know it might hurt for hear all that... but its the truth. its how i feel. I mean what im about to say. I hope things go well here, i do, and i hope and will be more than glad when you're ready to return..."
>Turn back to look at her.
>"But you're still ripping something out of us, both as a team and a family. You've seen it, you've experienced it. what can change in a day out there, let alone just a few hours. what we go through."
>"...when you do return, you're gonna have to understand, everything could be different... and im gonna have to keep in mind, for our sake, the fact thats happened. thats the reality of it."
>lean in, and pull her into a hug. a deep, hard one.
>"Thats all im saying, in the end, i guess. Know im not holding this against you, im not trying to change your mind... but if i ignored the reality of it too, if i didnt say it... id not be able to live with letting you walk away. I hope no matter how me speaking my mind sounded, you understand that."

>Go and see how things went with Francine and Amara, then meet with Ivey, if she has arrived.

>>4007661
yeah, and dont take this the wrong way, ive noticed since your return some lines have randomly cut out short and started back up below for some reason. trying a new method of typing/posting id assume?
>>
>>4007664
(The new style of formatting is entirely unwanted, I assure you. I despise it, and I'm trying to pinpoint where it's coming from in my text-porting process.)
>>
>>4007666
i figured, and hope you figure it out aswell.
>>
>>4007660
>"Julia...As much as I would like to disagree with you, I understand why you want to do this."
>"A lot can change in just a few hours. Things could be different by the time you return. You yourself might change in the time you're away from the family."
>"I hold no ill will against your choice, but please do keep in mind the consequences of the choice you make and how it affects others."
>"We will miss you in the time you're away, staying here in Laoc, helping the town pick up the pieces until they can stand on their own two feet."
>"I'll miss you for your tea and hospitality, Amara will miss you for being the kind aunt she sees you as..."
>Look in the direction that Dorian has stalked off to. A forlorn expression graces your face as one who knows what it's like to be heartbroken.
>"Dorian will miss you, you know. Prior to meeting you, the bottle was his companion during the days in his old house. He will miss you greatly. To him, you are his rock. His constant. His source of stability in this maddening world who gives him the will to keep him going. The woman who welcomes him home with a warm smile on her face and a hot brew to soothe his stresses. Most importantly to him, you're woman he loves."
>Spawn a pair of paired-jacklings, each of them having an exclusive channel of communication linked to the other. Hand one of them to Julia. The other will be for Dorian.
>"I have no doubt that Dorian would be in constant yearning over your absence. But I think the comfort of hearing your voice over the phone will be enough for him to keep going. Until either we return to Laoc after one of our expeditions, or until Laoc has recovered enough to stand on its own."
>Look at Julia in the eye. Dead serious but warm.
>"But please, above all else. Don't run yourself ragged over helping the town while we're away. Please don't overexert yourself. Laoc may be a small town, but it's a town that has seen its fair share of hardships and has come out the other side ragged but intact. The town, and its townsfolk have survived much this far, they've shown that they are capable of standing on their own two feet."
>Pull Julia into a deep hard hug.
>"Take care of yourself. Please."
>leave.
>>
>>4007569
I might try that today actually.

I just hope to not kneecap my sleeping schedule too much with this.
>>
>>4007661
>Julia, I understand completely. First, I just want you to know that you're always welcome to tell me how you feel. Everybody on the team has the right to be honest, not only with the others, but also with themselves. And for you to take a stand on this tells me how much this means to you.
>I would never force you to do anything you're not completely uncomfortable with. And even if I did, I know that leaving Laoc behind would eat away at you over time. Staying with us would help our team's flexibility, but it would also mean you wouldn't be fighting at 100%. I wouldn't dream of having you risk yourself while something so important weighs on your conscience.
> Just promise me one thing. Laoc is full of people that need help and support. But you're a person too, Julia. Remember to prioritize yourself as well when you're working. You're one of the kindest people I know, and that's an amazing quality. But there's a difference between keeping people warm and setting yourself on fire to do so. You see what I'm getting at? Help people, but make sure to sweety boundaries for yourself as well.

>>>4007687
Include the jackling section, so that Dorian can keep in touch with her.
>>
>>4007777
*set boundaries for yourself, dang autocorrect.
>>
>>4007687
>>4007777
wouldn't just making a set of hive phones or something work better? doesn't take up swarmling slots or make them rely on Shu for communication. not to mention any potential issues with privacy going through Shus Swarmlings.
>>
>>4007782
Gah. You're right.
>>4007687
>>4007660
Amending my vote to add:
>Order up a pair of Hive Phones for Dorian and Julia.
>>
>>4007782
You're right, that's way better.
>>
>>4007660
>>Julia seems content to be the only one to remain in Laoc, and on-call at that. You have no issue with this situation as it stands, so you'd like to [speak with Julia some more/Go talk to one of your allies during the break].
>>Write-In
>"I can't say I'm happy about this, Julia. Not because you want to stay to help with Laoc. You're doing something that you believe in and that will help people, I'm never going to be upset with you over that."
>"But you know me. I'm a worrier. You're taking on a hefty burden, and you're going to do it without any of us. You're up for the task, I've got faith in you to tackle anything, but I'm still going to worry."
>"Promise me that you'll take care of yourself. Not just keeping safe, but keeping relaxed. Don't run yourself ragged here. You deserve consideration, too. And if you ever feel that you need help, do not hesitate to call us. Or just if you want to talk, to me or Dorian or Amara or any of us. We all love you, and we're going to miss you while you're gone."
>Add a pair of Hive Phones to any build orders for Relics we have.
>>
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>>4007660

You nod solemnly, considering her words as you gather your thoughts with a sigh.

"Julia... I understand. I may not agree, but I do, really. I don’t think anyone felt like you were trying to guilt them, or anything like that...but, you have to also understand where we're coming from Look...you control your own life. Please understand, that what I’m about to say isn't said with malice, or anger. Not with contempt or any lack of compassion. Know that I love you like family, a friend I’ll never be able to hate."

She begins to tense, but relaxes slightly when you give her hand a squeeze.

“By everyone’s choice, I’m the leader of our team… and one that, whether we like it or not, no matter how much I want to deny it or mitigate it...one that’s accomplished a lot in these three weeks, compared to what even some of the best have done in two years. It’s fact, nothing more, and I hope to keep it that way. But all of that was possible, because we, our family, stuck together. Because we helped each other first, or if we didn't, we did helped others at our own expense, together, as a team."

Julia casts her dark gaze to your side as you continue.

"If you leave? I’ll have to remember that, even if having to doesn't make much sense. I’ll have to remember that you chose Laoc and your own feelings over the team, over the family." You say quietly. “I’m not saying we won’t want you back, or won’t let you back. Lord knows I love you too much to not…but you also need to understand what you leaving means, as well. What you choosing this over us and what we have put our lives on the line for means."

She nods, not daring to meet your eyes even as you exude an air of understanding across the channel.

“I know it might hurt for hear all that...but it’s the truth. It’s how I feel. I mean what I’m about to say. I hope things go well here, I do, and I will be more than glad when you're ready to return..." You trail off, reaching out to tilt Julia’s chin so that your eyes meet before you speak once more. "…but you're still ripping something out of us, both as a team and a family. You've seen it, you've experienced it. A lot can change in just a few hours. Things could be different by the time you return. You yourself might change in the time you're away from the family. I mean it when I say that I hold no ill will against your choice, but please do keep in mind the consequences of the choice you make and how it affects others."

She opens her mouth to say something, then closes it, opting instead to simply nod as she stares unblinkingly into your eyes.

(Continued)
>>
>>4007887

"We’ll miss you in the time you're away. I'll miss you for your tea and hospitality, Amara will miss you for being the kind aunt she sees you as..." You emphasize, glancing towards the door with a pang in your heart. "Dorian will miss you too, you know. Prior to meeting you, the bottle was his companion during the days in his old house. He will miss you greatly. To him, you’re his rock. His constant. His source of stability in this maddening world who gives him the will to keep him going. The woman who welcomes him home with a warm smile on her face and a hot brew to soothe his stresses. Most importantly to him, you're woman he loves…so, to that end…”

You hive twitches as a pair of Hive-Phone Swarmlings crawl from your spine, with one flitting over to Julia’s side on a pair of gossamer wings while the other clings to your shoulder.

“Dorian may get lonely, but I think the comfort of hearing your voice over the phone will be enough for him to keep going…and I know the rest of us will want to hear your voice, too. Until either we return to Laoc after one of our expeditions, or until Laoc has recovered enough to stand on its own." You say, your tone taking on a harder edge, yet still tempered by the warmth in your voice. "But please, above all else, don't run yourself ragged over helping the town while we're away. Laoc is full of people that need help and support, but you're a person too, Julia. Remember to prioritize yourself as well when you're working. You're one of the kindest people I know, and that's an amazing quality, but there's a difference between keeping people warm and setting yourself on fire to do so. You see what I'm getting at? Help people, but make sure to set boundaries for yourself as well.”

“I…I will. Th-thank you, Shu.” Julia says, her voice threatening to break. When you pull her into the tightest, warmest hug you’ve ever give your kind artist...she can’t hold back. You hold her like that for a while, feeling her heart strain under the weight of her decision and its consequences through the channel as your own chest aches from her choice. After a few moments, she asks you in a small, trembling voice to let her have a few moments to herself, and you’re happy to oblige.

God, you need some fresh air.

Throwing the double-doors of city hall wide, you take in a deep breath of Laoc’s air and immediately regret your decision. You almost gag from the lungful of moist, charred air you suck in, managing a discreet cough to dislodge the foul breath from your throat. Patting your chest as you scan the square, Gina and Amara are trotting up to you, with a pair of Joyous behind them, a collection of odd items held in their arms.

“Presents!” Amara cheers, throwing her arms up in the air as her two clones ferry the Relics over for your inspection. “And there’s more coming, too! I’ve got two more of me following the pants-less woman over with her friends!”

(Continued)
>>
>>4007888

>>RELICS ACQUIRED: Shalaev’s Shawl x1 (you now possess two), General Generator’s Succulent Sauce x2, Shipping Goggles x1, Mr. Bones’ Blockade Ball x1

>>MR. BONES BLOCKADE BALL (consumable): A classic relic known by its name, this relic is composed of a mishmash of human skulls melded together in a tight ball the size of a softball. The skulls on the ball unnervingly rattle when shaken. To use, the daughter must infuse bio into the relic, wait 3 seconds, then throw the relic. Upon detonation, the Relic explodes into an army of skeleton constructs (10% bio per skeleton) that amble about and do their best to grapple and hold down the closest daughter they can find. The skeletons themselves are fairly weak individually but they provide a small yet crucial in aiding a daughter's escape or even provide a small buffer of protection. As an alternate function if the Daughter by shakes the relic 5 times within the 3 second timer before throwing the relic, the relic instead expands into a giant rolling ball of skeletons that automatically grapples anything within close range (costs 100/200/300/500% bio for Small/Medium/Large/X-Large size ball. Small size = 1 rook) upon detonation.

Gingerly handing the ball of skulls back to the expressionless clone, you ruffle Amara’s hair as she darts past you, eager to show the rest of your family the fruits of her scouting.

[So, how’d things go?] You ask, glancing to the brunette at your right.

{Pretty well, actually. Sounds like Orwell’s more like her authorial namesake than his most famous work} Gina replies, matching your leisurely pace back up the steps. {Advocates her listeners to think for themselves, think critically, and be slow to trust. Cheerful about it, though. Keeps an undercurrent of hope in all her stuff, tries to give balanced coverage that’s equal parts good and bad news}

“Hm.” You mutter aloud, mulling over the information before replying via your bond with the girl at your side. [Seems kind of counter-current to her offer to me, though. Telling her listeners to ‘think for themselves’ on the one hand while she’s offering to redact the truth for me, on the other?]

{Oh, I’m not saying she’s not suspect, just that her approach is an interesting one} She says, smirking as she moves through the door you hold open for her. {A one-on-one interview should do wonders to help us figure out what she’s all about, and…pffhaha, oh wow. Check that out}

Gina points as she suppresses a snicker, and you follow her line of sight from where you stand in the mezzanine to see Francine caught in an awkward hug by November’s towering bulk. To your surprise the doctor returns the gesture albeit hesitantly, heaving a sigh while patting the cyborg’s back before breaking contact after an appropriate amount of time. With that, Francine returns to her seat to wait for the meeting to resume while November strides up to you, voxel-voice low.

(Continued)
>>
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>>4007889

“I, uh…I think she’s brewing a better plan, now.” She declares, reaching up to rub the back of her neck, stopping when you wince at the screech of steel on chrome. “I couldn’t begin to make sense of the little summary she gave me and she’s still working out the kinks, but at least she has something positive to work towards…I think. She said she just needs to think it over for a while, is all."

You nod, breathing a little sigh of relief as you glance over towards Francine as she sits, pensive as she stares out one of the main room’s high windows. While you’re still not entirely pleased with Julia’s decision, you suppose you’re going to have to just live with it, for now. At least Amara and Francine seem to be in higher spirits, and you know they’re going to need that in the fights to come. Really, Julia’s call to kindness couldn’t have come at a worse time, but you can’t blame her for how she is. Dorian’s own state of mind is going to be another factor you’ll need to keep tabs on, to say nothing of the roiling emotions you felt weighing on Julia’s heart…despite the empathic channel, conflicting thoughts and desires with no one prevailing feeling makes it infuriatingly difficult to address the issues at hand. Is there something deeper she’s dealing with? Is this her legitimately doing what she thinks is right, or is there another reason she wants to put some distance between her and the rest of your family? Maybe it’s all of the above…your empathic channel’s certainly no help in figuring out what’s really under her skin, in this case.

You can only hope you made the right call by letting Julia have her way.

>>Go ahead and assign tasks and teams to some of the issues you have to address. You’ve had enough talking; it’s time for action, and then you’ll Consume the remains of the fallen before heading out [ASSIGN ALLIES TO TASKS, COMPOSE TEAMS, EQUIP RELICS].

>>There are one or two last thing you’d like to bring up to your allies before moving out or Consuming the remains of Laoc’s fallen guardians, and you’d also like to touch base with Ivey before moving out, too (Write-In).

>>You still have a little time before the meeting resumes, so talk with [Ally or Dream Daughter of choice], then open the meeting once more.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next four hours. I hope you're having a good day, one and all.)
>>
>>4007892
(To clarify, the CONSUME vote will open this evening if the first option is chosen. However, if there are more things you'd like to address before leaving Laoc, then it will likely be delayed until tomorrow evening. I leave it to you, Gentlemen.)
>>
>>4007891
>>There are one or two last thing you’d like to bring up to your allies before moving out or Consuming the remains of Laoc’s fallen guardians, and you’d also like to touch base with Ivey before moving out, too (Write-In).
>Bring up Ozmas' offer already. Even if we don't take it, because it's fucking OZMAS, the party deserves to know it's an option.
>>
>>4007891

>There are one or two last thing you’d like to bring up to your allies before moving out or Consuming the remains of Laoc’s fallen guardians, and you’d also like to touch base with Ivey before moving out, too (Write-In)
>"I know it's going to sound scary, but Ozmas contacted me last night. They're offering information on their end from the Perspective of a person who's currently sitting in the big chair. No strings attached, catches. Ozmas seems resigned to their fate of fading away, but she's also wanting to help us see that the Crucible comes to an end."
>>
>>4007891
>>There are one or two last thing you’d like to bring up to your allies before moving out or Consuming the remains of Laoc’s fallen guardians, and you’d also like to touch base with Ivey before moving out, too (Write-In).

>>Bring up Ozmas Offer about getting information from her her.
>Ask the team to mull it over and give you their answer and if they want to take it what kind of questions they would want to ask.

>If it works out with the timing go and meet Ivey and the Hyenas to touch base and if they have any questions about what happened here
>>
And now I must leave for work.
>>
>>4007906
Farewell, anon. Have a nice day.
>>
>>4007906
(Have a good day at work!)>>4007908
>>
>>4007891
>There are one or two last thing you’d like to bring up to your allies before moving out or Consuming the remains of Laoc’s fallen guardians, and you’d also like to touch base with Ivey before moving out, too.
>tell the team about Ozmas offer, and of course, the obvious reservations over taking it.

>>4007892
also folks, just realized a big issue here relating to Julia, possibly anyways. we STILL have not gotten things settled with Gemma damnit, and thats kinda important to do before we head to the AA with Magpie in a day or so aswell, as to a degree the decision on Gemma could affect if we need to really go at all, albeit we still might want to just meet them, our actual business there was only related to the Gemma shard there.
>>
>>4007933
Say, I don't believe the Tinker Tailor was mentioned as having returned yet. Where is she?
>>
>>4007997
(Ha, oh, she'll be by your side shortly.)
>>
>>4008001
(I was literally just typing out dialogue for her when you posted.)
>>
>>4008001
Nice. I want to see what she, Francine and Rath can cook up together. Gonna be some neat stuff.
>>
>>4007944
>gemma
god dammit. so many mixed messages and backlogs, it was bound to happen.
>>
>>4008021
I think we should talk to Gemma after we eat and level up. Julia said she'd still be available in the short term, so if we do need to resolve things with her and the other alter we can still do that. So we'll eat, head into the dreamscape while we sleep off the post-meal drowsiness, talk to Gemma with Julia and decide where to go from there.
>>
>>4008038
Maybe, we'll see how things pan out. Wouldn't be the first time its not been that simple, to say the least.
>>
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>>4007891

Settling back down with your allies, you decide to address the elephant in the room…or rather, the Hexane.

"I know it's going to sound scary, but Ozmas contacted me last night. They're offering information.” You announce, prompting a wave of distrust that explodes across the empathic channel, directed at the one that occupies the throne at the top of the Cord. “No strings attached, no catches. Ozmas seems resigned to their fate of fading away, but she's also wanting to help us see that the Crucible comes to an end."

“Haha, yeah, no.” Rath immediately snorts, leaning back in her chair as she fixes the ceiling with a wry grin and a hard stare. “Mother can go screw herself.”

“Duly noted.” You sigh, glancing around the rest of your family. “What about everyone else? What’re your thoughts, and do we have anything we want to ask the Crucible’s acting Admin?”

“Perhaps she’d have some advice about the Gemma situation, or some way to stop Dream Daughters from broadcasting like she was before we stopped her?” Gina offers, trying to get the conversation started despite your family’s reticence to even consider Ozmas as an option.

Oh. Shoot, yeah, that’s still a thing.
You just nod sagely, privately kicking yourself for letting Gemma’s shard slip your mind in the flurry of activity surrounding Laoc and, to a lesser extent, Julia herself. The room’s still silent, and after it lingers for a few seconds too long you heave a sigh.

“Screw it. All in favor of talking to Ozmas, raise your hand.” You say, watching as Gina and Francine’s hands are the only ones in the room to rise.

“Cool, cool. All in favor of telling her to fuck right off?” Rath counters, thrusting her hand in the air with everyone else’s hands mirroring hers, save for Dorian.

“I’ve got lots of fun words for when we see her again!” Amara helpfully supplies.

“Alright, well…that settles that.” You mutter, rubbing the bridge of your nose as you catch Dorian just staring down at the table, the scarlet paint that makes up half of his face twisting in place, first one way, then another. “Now, on to-“

The sound of the tavern’s double-doors slamming against the walls opposite them brings your train of thought to a screeching halt as the hall is suddenly filled with the cacophony of boots tramping on wood, suddenly cut short by the bark of a familiar voice.

“Glinthawk, climb up with Marco and get me surveillance.” Ivey orders as she strides into the main hall, the bartender alarmed at the sudden entrance. The tall, muscular leader of the Hyenas turns to a woman at her side; a lithe, antlered young woman with an intensely serious expression. “Blitzen, take the rest and find the groups Jeraha briefed us on. They’ll need all the help we can-“

Ivey’s nostrils flare, her gaze whipping around to meet your eyes with a chuckle.

(Continued)
>>
>>4008205

“Razorback, you’re with me. There’s someone I want you to meet.” Ivey says, calling over her shoulder to an unseen woman in the crowd as she makes her way over to your table. You rise as Blitzen darts out with the rest of the team, leaving a woman roughly Rath’s height and Gina’s proportions behind to walk over to her leader’s side, with Ivey practically twice her height. You meet the plump woman’s forest green eyes, and she gives you a once-over and a curt nod in that order, the trace of a scowl on her forehead. Her hair’s slicked back, the coarse black follicles revealing flecks of cracked calcite armor, the remnants of a recent fight clear on her face.

“Razor, meet Shu. Shu, meet my right-hand gal.” Ivey grins, prompting the much-shorter girl to thrust out her hand for shake, which you take her up on.

“Glad you all made it.” You say earnestly, wincing slightly at the sheer power behind Razor’s grip. “So, you met with Jeraha already?”

“Aye, and she told us what you all did for Laoc.” Ivey affirms, giving you an appreciative clap on the shoulder.

“It’s what anyone would’ve done.” You reply, and Ivey just laughs and shakes her head.

“Humble as always, I see…AND I’ve gotta say, you’ve got the fastest-growing team I’ve ever seen.” Ivey says, nodding to your left as you give her a quizzical look. “Aren’t you going to introduce me?”

You turn, flinching when you’re met with a gasmask-obscured face, the owner peering up at you through dark lenses.

“helloyesIamherenow. here’syourthingback.” Tinker Tailor greets with a rapid wave of her left hand, thrusting a tangle of metal and wires into your arms. Looking down, you find your Uzi fundamentally changed, the living cables squirming against your flesh, almost yearning for you to take hold of it and wrap your finger around the trigger.

“What the…did you upgrade this?” You ask, almost afraid of the girl’s answer.

“doalottathings. can’tkeeptrack.” Tinker replies with a hasty shrug. “sorryforthewait. hadotreturnwhatiborrowed.”

>>UZI (Mk 2): The Uzi’s base form had been drastically modified, as it now tethers itself to the wielder’s very mind through an elaborate neuromantic weave. This upgrade sets the Uzi’s accuracy at a base of 100%, and allows the user to ignore up to two status ailments that would hamper the weapon being fired. Speaking of the firing, the Uzi’s owner may now make a single burst fire per round as a free action, though if they choose not to take this free action then the Uzi will be primed to automatically react against the first attack made against its owner in the following round, twisting the user’s arm as it unleashes a hail of lead against those that would harm its holder.

After inspecting the revamped Relic, you look up to thank the artisan only to find her at the bar, giving Sierra a jittery order for a cup of coffee.

Well, that was…something.

(Continued)
>>
>>4008207

“I…yeah, I don’t know.” You sigh when Ivey turns back to you for an explanation, eyebrow cocked in amusement.

“You meet all kinds, am I right? Anyway, I’m going to chat with Sierra to get the lay of the land, but if you wanna catch up over a drink, I’m game.” She says, turning to stride over to the bar and giving everyone present an eyeful thanks to her unfortunate choice of clothing. Razor just shoots you a glare before following suit, the entire last thirty seconds having left you utterly bewildered. You’re still off-kilter when Rath erupts from her seat, racing to your side in her haste to examine the upgraded weapon in your hands.

“Holy…what’d she DO?! This is amazing!” She says with awe, gingerly taking the gun from your hands and cradling it in her arms like some kind of writhing, metallic infant.

From over her shoulder you can see Gina stifling a laugh, and just behind the top of her brunette head you spy Julia and Dorian, the two of them sitting in awkward silence. Now that it’s needling at your mind, the Gemma situation is one you’d prefer to bury sooner rather than later…a prudent choice of words, if she insists on being a threat to Julia’s safety.

Ozmas’ offer was really the last major thing you wanted to tackle with everyone present, so now that the meeting’s mostly over, Ivey has arrived, and Tinker’s returned, you have a few options in front of you.

>>Since you’ve been reminded of it, you might as well deal with Gemma now, rather than later. You never know what’s on the horizon, and that’s something you want to put to bed before leaving Laoc.

>>Catch up with Ivey to see how her job hunt’s been, and see what her connection is to Laoc…or, more precisely, to Jeraha. It might be prudent to bring up that Julia will be staying behind, as well.

>>Take a second or two to speak with Tinker Tailor…what she did with the Uzi is amazing, and you’re intrigued to see what she, Rath, and Francine can come up with, if she’s interested.

>>Talk privately (or not) with a member of your family, waking or otherwise (Choose ally or allies to speak with).

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next four hours.)
>>
>>4008212
>>Since you’ve been reminded of it, you might as well deal with Gemma now, rather than later. You never know what’s on the horizon, and that’s something you want to put to bed before leaving Laoc.

Just addressing the elephant in the room, mostly privately though, should be a priority with Ozmazes offer out of the way.

and back to sleep again. Good Night anons
>>
>>4008212
>Encourage Rath, and maybe Francine too, to go and find out more about your local Tinkerer. its certainly something you know Rath would be interested in, at the very least. hand her a bit of biomass with a wink, just to get the ball rolling.
>then, as awkward as it'll be, given everything and the timing, go talk to Julia about Gemma. at the very least,remind her you kinda need that dealt with before your rendezvous with Magpie, if nothing else.
>Finally, if she and Dorian dont hold your attention, go and have your drink with Ivey. catching up over some drinks sounds exactly like what you need a bit of, even if some business will be mixed into the conversation.

>>4008216
also, id assume Lara has not left yet?
>>
>>4008244
(Lara's waiting to say her goodbyes until everyone's in a better position...namely you, Rath, and Amara.)
>>
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>>4008258
alright, just wanted to double check, thanks.
>>
>>4008235
Good night, anon. Sleep well.

>>4008258
We should give her a Hivephone before she goes. One with video capability, if that's possible (maybe some Subversive Swarmling chromatophores repurposed as an LCD screen?) so that she and Rath can continue to have awkward "ooh pretty" moments over facetime.
>>
>>4008244
This sounds good. I like how encouraging our party members to talk to people is an option, it gives us some flexibility in our choices.
>>
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>>4008318
does kinda sucks as i really do want to see and learn more about Tinker personally so we OOC will actually get to see the interactions and whatnot, but just another issue with having too many things to do with too little justification for Shu to do it herself, at least at the moment.
>>
>>4008330
I agree. There are so many things we need to do, and so little time to do them in. And out of all of the fantastic NPCs we've met, I would LOVE to know more about Tinker Tailor. For the brief appearance she has made so far in this quest, the adorable little weirdo has really stood out to me.
>>
>>4008343
agreed.
she certainly does not need that coffee though.
>>
>>4008343
It's the rapidfire speech pattern, I think. All the words blending together is a good way to convey a character being somewhat manic and excitable, makes it very easy to portray her personality in a short interaction.
>>
(If you all wish to interact with Tinker Tailor now or after you deal with Gemma, you're more than welome to; she's not going anywhere.)
>>
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>>4008392
fair enough. still dont want to leave Ivey hanging, but if she'll be around later, yeah, would love it. got some ideas for what to ask her, certainly.
>>
>>4008392
I'd leave her until afterwards, then. We'll catch up on what she and Rath (and maybe Francine) have been talking about once we're done with other people.
>>
>>4008392
>motormouth
>orders yet even more coffee
Is Tailor Tinker suffering from a side effect of weaponized hypertension? Because that’s the only explanation I can come up with a girl who is that fast of a motormouth
>>
>>4008562
BHOP said she always talks fast, but her words blurring together is a result of her wind up key relic. i think. he said its at least partially responsible at least.

though the coffee cant be helping.
>>
>>4008562
I think she just likes stimulants. She installed a wind-up clock Relic in her spine so that she can accelerate her thought processes at will, she likes being hyper. Given that she's almost certainly a Flesh Artisan, I'd guess she was the sort of artistic type that would mainline caffeine for more time to focus on her projects.
>>
(Gentlemen, just out of curiosity; Julia's preference would be for you alone to join her in confronting Gemma, with Gina there to officiate in the waking world. Is this suitable to you, or would you prefer to bring the rest of your allies in to the mix? The ones that aren't otherwise occupied, that is.)
>>
>>4008622
im fine with that, especially if its what Julia wants.
>>
>>4008622
If we can add in some measure to prevent Gemma from locking us in. I don't expect things to go wrong, but if they do I want to make sure that we can bail.
>>
>>4008639
(Gina's presence would ensure that...and given you have the Silver Key, getting caught in a normal Dream Space against your will is now quite impossible.)
>>
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>>4008567
>>4008582
>>4008649

Great...now I've got a relic idea in my head and I don't think Shu will like it if she comes across it...I've got a name and basic function for it.

>NITRO SUGAR (Consumable): A relic whose name sake invites only the foolhardy and the thrillseeking to ingest it, or those who crave a massive sweet tooth. It tastes like diabetes and blueberries. A container of Nitrosugar will contain 3 doses. One dose, undiluted will send a daughter straight into a hyperactive state and triple their Action economy on the turn after the daughter has consumed a dose of Nitro Sugar, where upon on the turn after their hyperactive burst, their metabolism drops like a rock and limits them to 1 ACT per round with penalties to movement and reaction times for the rest of combat. WARNING: Consuming all three doses in one go ill advised! The sugar crash will cost your life!. Do not feed undiluted doses to constructs, THEY WILL EXPLODE!
>>
>>4008655
(Sugar would like twenty, please.)
>>
>>4008649
Oh, that's right, I forgot about the Silver Key. Alright, then, let's do it. I was worried that Gemma might be able to override Gina in this specialized instance, but her plus the Key is insurance enough for me. Okay, let's go in alone with Julia.

>>4008655
>Do not feed undiluted doses to constructs, THEY WILL EXPLODE!
Keep out of Sir FuzzBuzz's hands, got it. No, Sir FuzzBuzz, just because you're a bee does not mean that all sugar water is good for you.
>>
>>4008655
haha, neat. though not worth it if you dont think you can end it in a single turn, and probably not if your AP is not above average.

>>4008662
oh dear, she might be one of the few to not have to worry about its side effects too.
>>
>>4008662
I'm sorry, my dealer won't tell me where they got them or how they make them.

>>4008663
There is a key operating word is in the warning that savvy daughters can exploit, and the key word is "undiluted doses". There's no rule saying you can't dilute nitro sugar to make it weaker and safer. Theoretically, if you dilute nitrosugar far enough, then constructs won't explode.
>>
>>4008672
>There is a key operating word is in the warning that savvy daughters can exploit, and the key word is "undiluted doses".
True, but I wasn't thinking about applying it in controlled doses, I was thinking about Sir FuzzBuzz following his apiary instincts and getting into trouble. We'd have to make him vomit it all out as fast as possible, which I guess would also cause it to be refined into Nitro Honey.
>>
>>4008678
>Sir FuzzBuzz ingests a controlled diluted dose of Nitro sugar
>Sir FuzzBuzz is now a constant vibrating blur of black and yellow, even when stationary.
>>
>>4008678
hrm, wonder if that would change its effects at all, as dangerous it would be to do. albeit we could just use throw-away constructs to test it out.
>>
>>4008680
On the plus side, it makes him really comfy to hug, works out all those knots in your muscles.
>>
>>4008690
or makes swarmlings good for purposes Gina has hinted shes wanted them for.
>>
>>4008698
As always: Kosi has been a terrible influence on every last person to interact with her, the audience included.
>>
>>4008704
i mean, to be fair, she was basically a living infection slowly consuming city and anything that walked into it. fits her personality.
again, the true villain of the story has been with us all along.
>>
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>>4008212

"Hey...what would you say to taking Francine over to the bar and chatting with Tinker?" You ask, eyeing the redhead as she marvels at the augmented Relic.

Rath's citrine eyes snap to yours, and the moment you hand her a freshly-spawned swarmling filled with biomass, all it takes is a wink from you and she's practially dragging Francine by the sleeve to go talk to the hyperactive Artisan. Congratulating yourself on a job well done as Lara follows after your luminous brawler as if in a trance, you realize that you've given yourself an opening to deal with that which you'd forgotten.

"Julia...if you're up for it, I'd like to talk with Gemma. I think it's time we know where she stands." You begin reluctantly, seeing a nervous look pass over Julia's face before she simply nods, rising from her chair. Dorian's throat works as if he's about to say something, but he merely rises from his seat to give Julia a simple bow before you turn to the girl.

"I'd like for our talk to be under terms you're comfortable with." You say with your warmest smile, both of you clearly not looking forward to your talk with the Dream Daughter in the slightest. Wordlessly, Julia takes your hand and leads you back to the side room you found her in earlier, this time with Gina in tow and her Neuromantic abilities on call should things get out of hand. The two of you sit down in the same spots, only this time you have GG sitting across from you atop a ramshackle dresser. The brunette's eyes flicker with Neuromantic light, and you feel a small, familiar tug at the corners of your mind as Gina interfaces with your thoughts, ensuring that the three of you remain in control as you look to Julia.

"Ready?" You ask, and when she nods in the affirmative, you turn to GG.

She closes her eyes, and you're falling, stomach in your throat as you tumble through an abyss with Julia by your side. When you land, there's no impact, no shock or trauma of collision. You just freeze, your hands and knees finding solid ground in the pitch-black void as you rise with Julia's hand clasped tight in your own. It's one of the Dreamscape's little paradoxes, you realize...a lightless space, with you and your friend rendered in perfect clarity.

Julia's eyes catch something to your left and you turn, finding a simple door suspended in nothingness with Uzu standing before it.

"It's time, isn't it." She says, less of a question and more of a moment of truth. You nod, and she opens the way forward as light spills out from around the frame until your eyes can't take it anymore so you're forced to blink. When you and Julia next open your eyes, you're in a dimly lit space, a collection of computer screens occupying the whole of the wall opposite you. You've been here before, but where there once was over two dozen live feeds from Shards across the Fleshscape, there's nothing but a single ominous phrase scrolling endlessly across the bottom of each projection.

"YOU ARE ALONE."

(Continued)
>>
>>4008774

The text is on an endless loop, and as your eyes trail down from the glowing wall to the figure hunched in a chair before it, there's a small creak as the seated girl turns to face you with accusing eyes.

"Shu." Gemma says, your name hanging in the air like a epithet.

"Gemma." You reply, your tone very much the opposite of hers.

"I'm sorry." Gemma says, though not to you. Her gaze is fixed squarely on Julia, the anger in her eyes dissipating as she looks upon her Host. "What I did, it...it was wrong. I get that. I just...you can understand it, can't you?"

"I...I d-don't..." Julia stammers, taking a step back when Gemma rises from her seat, hands outstretched.

"You and I, we're both lost, aren't we?" The Shard says, refusing to meet your eyes even as you step between Dreamer and Host protectively. "I don't know who I am without the others, and you don't know who you are when you're playing a part. We're both yearning to know who we are. You can feel that, right?"

Julia's silent behind you, and with a glare you stop the other girl in her tracks.

"You put our family in danger, Gemma." You growl, voice hard. "You could've talked, and we would've listened."

"No." Gemma counters simply. "No, you'd have done exactly what you did to Isabelle, and what you're doing to Julia; monologue."

"No...no, Shu's j-just being a g-good fr-" Julia weakly protests.

"Julia's the one that makes sure Amara's taken care of, and yet you're the one who she calls 'Mom'?" Gemma interrupts, focusing solely on you for the first time since your arrival. "She's the real 'mom' of your group, and what respect does she really get? You pushed her into coming along and fighting, which is the last thing she wants to be doing. Dorian's content to put her in a little box, and what'll happen when things get rough? He'll do what all guys do when she dares to be herself. Is it any wonder she wants to leave, with all she's been putting up with? He'll leave after she makes a wrong move, just like-"

"STOP IT!"

The room shudders with the force of Julia's demand, loose wires swinging underneath the eerie screens behind the insistent Dream Daughter.

"Just...s-stop it." Julia breathes, clutching her chest. "I'm doing this because it's the right thing to do, and I...you don't know what you're talking about, you d-don't..."

"Time passes differently in here...and I hear things. I know what you've been fighting." Gemma says, her voice just as hard as yours as she turns her gaze from Julia back to you. "She wants to be free. I want to leave. You're letting her go....so won't you do me the same courtesy?"

Your nails dig into your palms at the heart of clenched fists.

"Or are you scared of giving up control? Are you scared of what people will become when your brood's out of sight? Out of sight, out of control, is that it?"

You jaw tenses, then relaxes as you step back to put your arm around Julia. This anger, this vitriol...this isn't like Gemma.

Or is it?

(Continued)
>>
>>4008777

You've spoken with her...what, twice? Maybe three times? You don't really know her at all, you realize. Looking to Julia, her eyes are locked onto her feet, cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. You thought you were getting to know her, but if what Gemma says is true, then...

No. No, Gemma's deflecting. She's making a forced link between her and Julia in a bid for freedom, trying to force a divide between you that's based in fiction...right? All you know right now it that the conflict in Julia's heart is at a fever pitch, with the only clear emotion in the room being Gemma's desperation, which time and focus as honed to a spear's point aimed at reuniting her disparate parts.

You're...you're not sure what to do. Free her? Destroy her? You're not...

A subtle vibration at your hip reminds you of Yurei's strange Relic as the Silver Key hums idly by your side. A key...keys fit in locks, but this...your mind is filled with an answer, a solution that is neither creation nor destruction. You reach into your pocket, your fingers sliding across the orb's unnaturally chill surface. It's cold...and it's warm. It opens the way, and seals it off. It is a thing of contradictions, of everything, all at once...and it has made a part of itself known to you, in your time of need.

Keys are for cages, for locking things away...and that's exactly what this can do.

It's but one of many things.

>>The Silver Key beckons. [Seal Gemma away in the Dreamscape, only to be released when the Crucible is over]

>>Screw it. You have an Engine. You have a Forge. Gemma wants to leave so badly? Fine. You have a dozen different ways to get her the hell away from Julia. [Force Gemma into a construct body/other solution that involves her freedom]

>>No...you're not scared of giving up control. You're looking at the bigger picture, and from where you're standing? Gemma's toxicity has no place in it. [Destroy Gemma]

>>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 posting to resume in approximately thirteen, give or take as work demands. Writing the next morning's post was a decent experiment, but it threw me off too much for it to be a consistent strategy.)

(Thank you all for your patience, participation, and enthusiasm, and I wish you all a restful evening. I'll be around for the next hour or so before bed, so any questions, comments, or criticisms you may have that I don't address tonight, I'll take a look at with fresh eyes in the morning. Take care, one and all.)
>>
Dammit. All of this stemming from my write-in way back then in Vein #16-17. God dammit. Why did I set her on this path? Hindsight is torturing me over this.
>>
>>4008792
>Take a moment to stare Gemma down, then, simply scoff.
>”You’re an idiot Gemma.”
>”Ignoring the resource issues with letting you go, and the fact after what you pulled, you certainly haven't earned it over others in our dreamscapes, you’re forgetting one, simple fact; You’re a threat to other shards. Ones who DONT want what you want, ones that have proven their friendship and earned my trust. You yourself, with your actions and words, have proven what you are, in or outside my sight.”
>”I dont need my swarm to know what you are.”
>shrug.
>”If you cant stand my speeches, thats fine. But to me, it just sounds like an excuse to ignore you have nothing to counter them with.”
>Turn to Julia, and ignore Gemma. talk over her, talk around her, talk to JULIA.

>"Julia... is anything she said the truth? no pressure, but no lies, please."
>Sigh, and tilt her eyes up to look at yours, if need be.
>"Im sorry, if you ever felt pressured, if you ever felt you were forced to fight when you didn't want to. But know, now or before, all you have ever had to do... is tell me what you wanted, and id try my best to accommodate you."
>Smile and shrug.
>"You're family, and we care about you, no matter what anyone says. heh, but even family messes up, and trying to help those you love can make you do things they may not want sometimes."
>"And for what its worth, choosing me wouldn't be the first time we've questioned Amaras choices, now would it?"
>Chuckle, and step back, and toss Julia the key.
>"Shes your Dream Daughter, its your decision Julia."

Gemma, hurting or not, still has no excuse for not just TALKING to us or Julia, and for ignoring how she have VERY MUCH implied not agreeing with or wanting to stick to our plan to not consume EVERY shard. she needs to be reminded of that, if nothing else.

also, as i put down, i do think it should be Julias choice, with as best us putting caveats for peoples safety in place.
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>>4008819
I want to point out the hypocrisy of Gemma railing against us for relying too much on Julia while trying to force Julia into the role of "Gemma's shard collection services". Because that gives her so much more self-determination, right? But every time I try it just flusters out instead of being anything coherent. Though I guess that at least gives Gemma her wish not to have Shu monologue at her.
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>>4008887
i hear ya, maybe something like...

>Take a moment to stare Gemma down, then, simply scoff.
>”You’re an idiot Gemma.”
(or fool, if folks think idiots too harsh for Shu)
>”Ignoring the resource issues with letting you go, and the fact after what you pulled, you certainly haven't earned it over others in our dreamscapes, you’re forgetting one, simple fact; You’re a threat to other shards. Ones who DONT want what you want, ones that have proven their friendship and earned my trust. You yourself, with your actions and words, have proven what you are, in or outside my sight.”
>”I dont need my swarm to know what you are.”
>shrug.
>”If you cant stand my speeches, thats fine. But to me, it just sounds like an excuse to ignore you have nothing to counter them with.”
>>"Meanwhile, here you sit a hypocrite. not only to you speak about freedom while want to take that choice away from your other shards, but you wish to coerce Julia into being your personal collection service for the dirty deeds."
>>"Heres a monologue for you, short and simple; dont speak about coercion and freedom while doing the first and trying to steal the second from others, then maybe your anger and words wont ring hollow to me."
>Turn to Julia, and ignore Gemma. talk over her, talk around her, talk to JULIA.

...this sound? with the new lines the doubled up points, obviously.
>>
>>4008895
Yeah, sounds decent. I'll probably still try to write up something coherent of my own, just to see if I can get my own thoughts in order, but this works for me if I can't.
>>
>>4008898
fair enough.

>>4008792
>>4008819
Amending vote to;

>Take a moment to stare Gemma down, then, simply scoff.
>”You’re an idiot Gemma.”
(or fool, if folks think idiots too harsh for Shu)
>”Ignoring the resource issues with letting you go, and the fact after what you pulled, you certainly haven't earned it over others in our dreamscapes, you’re forgetting one, simple fact; You’re a threat to other shards. Ones who DONT want what you want, ones that have proven their friendship and earned my trust. You yourself, with your actions and words, have proven what you are, in or outside my sight.”
>”I dont need my swarm to know what you are.”
>shrug.
>”If you cant stand my speeches, thats fine. But to me, it just sounds like an excuse to ignore you have nothing to counter them with.”
>"Meanwhile, here you sit a hypocrite. not only to you speak about freedom while want to take that choice away from your other shards, but you wish to coerce Julia into being your personal collection service for the dirty deeds."
>"Heres a monologue for you, short and simple; dont speak about coercion and freedom while doing the first and trying to steal the second from others, then maybe your anger and words wont ring hollow to me."
>Turn to Julia, and ignore Gemma. talk over her, talk around her, talk to JULIA.

>"Julia... is anything she said the truth? no pressure, but no lies, please."
>Sigh, and tilt her eyes up to look at yours, if need be.
>"Im sorry, if you ever felt pressured, if you ever felt you were forced to fight when you didn't want to. But know, now or before, all you have ever had to do... is tell me what you wanted, and id try my best to accommodate you."
>Smile and shrug.
>"You're family, and we care about you, no matter what anyone says. heh, but even family messes up, and trying to help those you love can make you do things they may not want sometimes."
>"And for what its worth, choosing me wouldn't be the first time we've questioned Amaras choices, now would it?"
>Chuckle, and step back, and toss Julia the key.
>"Shes your Dream Daughter, its your decision Julia."
>>
>>4008792
>"It's not about how Julia tends to take care of Amara, it takes a family, a village, to raise a child. Amara has Rath, Gina, November, Dorian, and even Francine. Heck even I look after her from time to time."
>"It's not about your sense of control, Julia's control, or my control., it was never about control. It's about choice. It's about who you are in the dark, and the choice you made alone."
>"Do you even know what Julia and I came here for?
>let Gemma make guesses and answers. Shoot them down if she's wrong on any aspect.
>"I came here with Julia to have a talk with you after so many adventures and finally finding a timeslot to focus on you and your shards.
>"I came here with Julia to so we could discuss as a GROUP about how to deal with your other shards and to see if we can find some sort of compromise that we can all agree to, despite the possibility of having shards who yearn for independence."
>"But instead I find you pulling...this on us."
>"What you did behind our back, broadcasting where we are, where Julia is on the globe to the other shards? I cannot forgive that."
>"But this isn't my choice to make Gemma."
>Take out the key.
>"This is Julia's choice to make."
>Hand the key to Julia. put it into her hands and clasp it closed. Talk to Julia, ensure that Julia listens even if Gemma attempts to interrupt.
>IF Gemma does attempt to interrupt: "You've already spoken your piece Gemma. I will not tolerate a hypocrite who further speaks of freedom and control who yet further attempts to coerce their host into becoming an unwilling one for all her other egos."
>"Julia. I'm sorry if I ever put you on the spot, or even pressured you into doing things you aren't comfortable with."
>"Sometimes, things in the family don't work out well. We all make mistakes sometimes. But that's what family's for. To help each other with any screw-ups we have."
>"Know this. If you ever need or want something, be it some help or some time and personal space to yourself alone...All you need to do is to ask. All you need to do is to speak up, and everyone in the family will do their best to accommodate. It's what family's for."
>"You've made the choice to stay at Laoc Julia. You said so because you said 'you felt it was the right thing to do'. I've done my best to follow your wishes."
>"Now, when it comes to Gemma? She's your dream daughter. it's your choice Julia. You get to decide what to do about Gemma. You have control."
>step back and let Julia decide.

>>4008898
>>4008903
Care for some feedback? or are there any lines that sound good that we could mash together?
>>
>>4008983
eh, my one issue is that first part is kinda lying to Gemma. we very much came here to talk about her betrayal and what to do about it, not to talk about coming to a compromise or specifically about her shards. i also feel we had a good enough talk before about her shards, and instead of discussing things further, she very hastily shoved us out the door. its very much on her if she feels things did not get discussed enough, though like i said, not the issue we came in here for regardless.

I also personally agree with the other Anon, in that the things you've put under to only say if she interrupts, should be said before then and regardless of if she does interrupt or not.

Personally id prefer to just ignore her too if she tries to interrupt, but comparatively especially to my first concern, that ones purely opinion based, and understand at least wanting to try and shut her up if she does.
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>>4008983
I like the idea of pointing out to Gemma that we came here wanting to negotiate, and that if conversation has broken down it's because of her. Yes, we were here to deal with her going behind our back, but we were still open to making a deal. Gemma's the one who's decided to needle us instead of try to communicate honestly. Hell, what does she even expect to get out of this? For us to let her free, right? But she knows that there's no way we're burning a Sparagmos charge on reviving her properly, that's saved for family, so she'd be in a construct body. A construct that can't consume and assimilate the other shards. She's not making good decisions here, too focused on trying to establish control to pursue what she actually wants.

Sam was the same way, really. Yurei, too, in a way. Time and again we find people who, instead of communicating honestly, do these bullshit power dynamic games instead. They don't try to come to an accord with us, they just shout "well, you're not perfect, so that means you're awful!" and hope that unsettles us enough they can establish dominance. Like, we'd listen to their problems with us and do our best to correct them if they weren't trying to use those problems as a bludgeon. But they always do, and that's what sets us off into the monologues.
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>>4008792
Supporting >>4008903

>Take a moment to stare Gemma down, then, simply scoff.
>”You’re an idiot Gemma.”
I think idiot is justified
>”Ignoring the resource issues with letting you go, and the fact after what you pulled, you certainly haven't earned it over others in our dreamscapes, you’re forgetting one, simple fact; You’re a threat to other shards. Ones who DONT want what you want, ones that have proven their friendship and earned my trust. You yourself, with your actions and words, have proven what you are, in or outside my sight.”
>”I dont need my swarm to know what you are.”
>shrug.
>”If you cant stand my speeches, thats fine. But to me, it just sounds like an excuse to ignore you have nothing to counter them with.”
>"Meanwhile, here you sit a hypocrite. not only to you speak about freedom while want to take that choice away from your other shards, but you wish to coerce Julia into being your personal collection service for the dirty deeds."
>"Heres a monologue for you, short and simple; dont speak about coercion and freedom while doing the first and trying to steal the second from others, then maybe your anger and words wont ring hollow to me."
>Turn to Julia, and ignore Gemma. talk over her, talk around her, talk to JULIA.

>"Julia... is anything she said the truth? no pressure, but no lies, please."
>Sigh, and tilt her eyes up to look at yours, if need be.
>"Im sorry, if you ever felt pressured, if you ever felt you were forced to fight when you didn't want to. But know, now or before, all you have ever had to do... is tell me what you wanted, and id try my best to accommodate you."
>Smile and shrug.
>"You're family, and we care about you, no matter what anyone says. heh, but even family messes up, and trying to help those you love can make you do things they may not want sometimes."
>"And for what its worth, choosing me wouldn't be the first time we've questioned Amaras choices, now would it?"
>Chuckle, and step back, and toss Julia the key.
>"Shes your Dream Daughter, its your decision Julia."

I just hope that the key is not something that will unleash some terrible monstrosity if it is fed enough. and if i am honest i dont want to consign a soul to oblivion... but rather that than seal her away. I think being sealed away(if it is even remotely like Sam's prison) would be even worse than killing her.....
But the choice is ultimately Julias
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>>4009081
yeah, im hoping it wont too, but only time id think that could be an issue is if someone picked the dream Amalgam option, in which case it wouldn't technically be the Relics fault if it 'gets loose' in a way. otherwise, i feel like Yurei would've warned us on that. she may not agree with our plan, but she certainly isnt our enemy nor does it seem she wants us to fail, albeit if only because us beating her makes us the best alternative, but still.

as for Gemma, i do agree deletion would be better than death. im more worried about the implication to basically turn her into what i assume a dream Amalgam is, which would be a specter that can freely go from daughter to daughter, possibly over any distance and almost certainly with no connection needed... and Julia might just be soft hearted enough to pick that over deleting her or torturing her.

Hopefully though she wouldn't be much of a threat like that, she doesn't seem to be very dream capable, with the only caveat being her ability to possibly connect to her shards, which may make her specifically a threat to all of them at worst i think. still not really acceptable though to let happen, but as said, Julia should at least have some say here.
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>>4009105
The thing is with this scenario is that Julia's being put on the spot here. And I think the issue that I'm starting to realize with our write-ins is that we're monologuing again and basically putting Julia on the spot almost immediately after Gemma and Shu basically barraged her with opposing strong opinions. She won't be in the right of mind to make a sound decision if she's put on the spot.
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>>4009081
>I just hope that the key is not something that will unleash some terrible monstrosity if it is fed enough.
It's probably not 'Umr at-Tawil, The Most Ancient One. Probably. We'll see more after using it with Knowable Kadath.

>>4009108
Yeah, that's where I'm having trouble coming up with a write-in of my own. Both avoiding a lecture and not putting too much pressure on Julia. It's not jelling. I think I might head to bed and try again after a few hours sleep. Whatever we say, it needs to make sure that Julia walks away from this in good spirits. Or at least accepting it and able to come back from this stronger.
>>
>>4009105
>>4009108
>>4009116
Am this Anon now on my way to work>>4009081 I am sorry I can't help out more with this

Could we maybe close what we are saying by telling Julia to come to a decision in her own time?
Leave her with the key so Gemma can't pull anything and let her decide with her own mind

Though I am a bit worried Julia will be overwhelmed by Gemma with words if we don't put Julia on the spot....

To be honest I am pretty conflicted right now.......
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>>4008794
Several different things (although I'm a bit late)
1 - Julia clearly has an opinion here but I seriously doubt she is able to properly voice it (kind of especially to us after we told her she's basically screwing the family over for leaving)
2 - Gemma is alone (unclear to me why) and trying to make a connection with Julia. It's not exactly in a positive way for either of them, but if we want to save Gemma like Isabelle this is probably the way forward. Julia has probably been leaving Gemma alone just like we did with Sam and it seems like she's gone even more crazy (if she was ever sane to begin with)
3 - Gemma is at least partially right about both us monologuing and Julia wanting to leave and/or being afraid of Dorian leaving. I feel like we should deal with that first rather than directly with Gemma because ultimately it is Julia's mind and should be her decision.

I assume the Key has some sort of mute or pause button or something (or just create another side room). As mean as it is for someone so alone, I think we pause Gemma for a minute and talk to Julia first without interference about what she's been dealing with rather than the other way around (Julia is much more important after all). I think it's very possible that Julia and Gemma's situations are reflections of each other and are just making each other worse.
>Tell Julia you had no idea it was this bad a situation, has she always been like this? Because if she has, then she might just be mentally unstable beyond saving
>Ask Julia what about Gemma upset her
>Ask Julia if something happened between her and Dorian, and if she wants our help or wants Dorian to stay with her. Losing Dorian for a bit is far preferable over losing Julia forever and making Dorian depressed
>Finally ask her what she wants to do about Gemma, she seems alone and angry but similar to the way Sam was and I think Julia could bring her back to sanity
Overall, this is Julia's head and I feel like us monologuing at Gemma while she's clearly not going to listen here is counterproductive.

Regardless of anything, if she doesn't want to make a decision now I agree in giving her the Silver Key. Dream Daugters are seeming like they can have a much larger effect on the host psyche than we expect sometimes and hopefully this can mitigate it.
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>>4009297
changing my vote from >>4008983 to support >>4009297 and amending my vote:

>"You have spoken your piece Gemma. I won't tolerate any more talk from someone who speaks of freedom and control who yet further attempts to coerce their host into becoming an unwilling one for all her other egos. Any further interruption and you will force my hand."
>"But this isn't my choice to make Gemma."
>Take out the key.
>"This is Julia's choice to make."
>Hand Julia the Silver key.

>Tell Julia you had no idea it was this bad a situation, has she always been like this? Because if she has, then she might just be mentally unstable beyond saving
>Ask Julia what about Gemma upset her
>Ask Julia if something happened between her and Dorian, and if she wants our help or wants Dorian to stay with her. Losing Dorian for a bit is far preferable over losing Julia forever and making Dorian depressed
>Finally ask her what she wants to do about Gemma, she seems alone and angry but similar to the way Sam was and I think Julia could bring her back to sanity

>"Julia, this is your chance here. Whatever you do, it's your choice. I relinquish control over the situation to you."
>>
>>4009297
>>4009336
Let's not say the "mentally unstable beyond saving" part. That is incredibly cruel. Telling someone that they're so fundamentally broken that there's no way to fix them is how you psychologically crush your enemies, not help your friends. Even if it's true, which I don't think it is.

Also, calling it now: This is going to end with Julia taking her skin off. She feels like she's just wearing a mask instead of being a real person? She's going to take off her physical mask, then, the literal skin that she does not feel comfortable in. Maybe we should have seen this coming, now that I think about it, with Julia always wearing a costume so that the world would accept her. But skin is such a useful thing to have that the idea that she'd rather not have it never crossed my mind. Maybe that she felt equally comfortable skinned or not, but not that she'd prefer not to wear her skin. That it was a metaphor for her feelings of having to comply with societal expectations.

Okay, so forget Gemma, address Julia first. We need to apologize to her for being stupid and not seeing that she was hurting, not realizing that we were leaning so hard on her for support that we weren't letting her be herself. Okay, I think I know how to phrase this write-in, now. Give me a bit, still got to put it together right.
>>
>>4009336
>>4008792
Vetoing my own vote until I think of something better. Gah. This is so heavy to think about.
>>
>>4008792
>>Write-In
>Turn to Julia, pull her into a hug.
>"I'm sorry, Julia. I'm sorry for being an idiot. You were hurting, and I didn't see it, because I was relying so much on your strength. But you deserve better than this. You deserve to be happy as yourself, instead of who I need you to be, even if you're not quite sure who that is yet. I want you to be free to find that out for yourself."
>"Don't feel any obligation to come back to us. If you want to when you've got this figured out, I'll welcome it, because I want to meet that person you're going to become. I'm sure she's going to be amazing. You'll always have a home with the Defiant Fools. But don't let that hold you back from doing anything you feel is right. Okay?"
>Squeeze Julia a bit tighter, then let her go and turn to Gemma.
>"Now as for you, Gemma. I suppose I owe you some thanks for forcing this conversation. It's a bit hypocritical of you, yelling at me for using Julia when you were trying to force her into being your hitwoman. But hey, stopped clocks twice a day, right?"
>"In any case, I think it should be Julia's choice what to do with you. It's her head, after all. She should have the right to decide what to do with the people living in it.
>Hand Julia the Silver Key. She doesn't have to decide right now, we'll give her the real one to hang onto once we wake up if she wants to think it over. Though if she could mail it back to us via Joyous Many once she does use it, that would be appreciated.


Also, BHOP, have you ever played We Know The Devil? Because I'm actually getting some pretty strong We Know The Devil vibes to Julia, now that I've thought about it. Because...gonna put this in spoilers in case you haven't, because WKTD is great and I don't want to spoil anything: The skinlessness makes me think of how in the True Ending the girls all pull off their bodies to reveal something else underneath, something simultaneously horrifying and beautiful that better lets them embody who they really are. Also the general themes of the game with how society places and enforces crushing expectations of roles. Julia isn't an LGBTQ teen (well, I guess she's bi, I recall you said that in theory any character in the quest is a potential love interest) at a Christian conversion therapy camp like the girls of Group West, but it's a similar sort of enforced identity issue, where the person never even got the chance to find a real identity underneath it all.
>>
>>4008792
This is probably my final answer to the vote. My other votes >>4008983 and >>4009336 are null.

>Write-in:
>"Do you even know what Julia and I came here for?
>"I came here with Julia to have a talk with you after so many adventures and finally finding a timeslot to focus on you, Julia, and your shards.
>"I came here with Julia to so we could discuss as a GROUP about how to deal with your other shards and to see if we can find some sort of compromise that we can all agree to, despite the possibility of having shards who yearn for independence."
>"But instead I find you pulling...this on us. Talking about freedom and choice all the while you're attempting to Coerce Julia into doing something without her consent in order to feed upon your other egos. Saying that Julia's silently suffering from all the pressure."
>"What you did behind our back, broadcasting where we are, where Julia is on the globe to the other shards? I cannot forgive that."
>"But dealing that sort of judgement on you isn't my choice to make Gemma."
>Take out the key.
>"This is Julia's choice to make."
>"Julia... is anything she said the truth? no pressure, but no lies, please."
>Let Julia respond.
>"I'm sorry for being an idiot. I'm sorry for being blind to your silent suffering."
>"Sometimes, things in the family don't work out well. We all make mistakes sometimes. But that's what family's for. To help each other with any screw-ups we have."
>"Know this. If you ever need or want something, be it some help or some time and personal space to yourself alone...All you need to do is to ask. All you need to do is to speak up, and everyone in the family will do their best to accommodate. It's what family's for."
>Take out the silver key.
>"This key, this silver key is a powerful catalyst in the dream world. It has the power to seal off Gemma in the dreamscape if you so desire. But it also opens doors. it opens the gate to the city of Kadath, the place that I once mentioned when I asked about seeing a city in the dreamscape. I don't know what lies in that city, nor what happens if we use the key. But its immediate use for now is a possible solution to dealing with Gemma by sealing her off in the dreamscape. If you truly think that Gemma is bothering you and you want her gone, the key is one possible solution."
>"If the key is too much for you, we can talk this out. You, me, Gemma. Find a solution to this problem together."
>Hand the key to Julia. put it into her hands and clasp it closed.
>"You've made the choice to stay at Laoc Julia. You said so because you said 'you felt it was the right thing to do'. I've done my best to follow your wishes."
>"Now, when it comes to Gemma? She's your dream daughter. it's your choice Julia. You get to decide what to do about Gemma. You have control."
>"You have the floor to this discussion, and we have the time. And when you're ready to speak, we will listen."
>step back and let Julia say her piece.

>>4009397
I'll also support this.
>>
I kind of also want to tell Gemma that if this was about finding what she's missing within herself, since she's hoping reuniting with the other shards will help her piece the puzzle together and make her feel whole, that we would've helped find that something and fill the hole within.

I'm tempted to fire back that if she's going to bring Isabelle into this, then Gemma can go ask her what she thinks herself and see how that turns out.

I'll admit right away that I'd shy away from the destroying Gemma option, since her fractured nature as a shard means that if humanity is revived, it won't be her that comes back and gets a second chance at life, but whoever it was she initially made up. The individual that was divided into Gemma, Sia and the other shards may very well be revived either way whether or not they recombine, but Gemma would be erased forever.
>>
>>4009418
Please link your vote to >>4008792 if you have any write-ins that you would like to contribute. Your input is very valuable for us. it will help us consolidate and come up with a solid consensus through all of this on the best solution that we can come up with for everyone.
>>
>>4008792
Ammending my vote from >>4009081
to
>Write-in:
>"Right now i think you are an idiot Gemma. Do you even know what Julia and I came here for?
>"I came here with Julia to have a talk with you after so many adventures and finally finding a timeslot to focus on you, Julia, and your shards.
>"I came here with Julia to so we could discuss as a GROUP about how to deal with your other shards and to see if we can find some sort of compromise that we can all agree to, despite the possibility of having shards who yearn for independence."
>"But instead I find you pulling...this on us. Talking about freedom and choice all the while you're attempting to Coerce Julia into doing something without her consent in order to feed upon your other egos. Saying that Julia's silently suffering from all the pressure."
>Just sigh in Gemmas direction. Then address Julia
>"If it is true what she said Julia then this broadcisting situation just became a side objective in this conversation"
>Hug Julia
>"No pressure, but please be honest with not only me but also yourself about this whole situation."
>Let Julia respond

>"I'm sorry for being an idiot. I'm sorry for being blind to your silent suffering."
>"Sometimes, things in the family don't work out well. We all make mistakes sometimes. But that's what family's for. To help each other with any screw-ups we have."
>"Know this. If you ever need or want something, be it some help or some time and personal space to yourself alone...All you need to do is to ask. All you need to do is to speak up, and everyone in the family will do their best to accommodate. It's what family's for."
>Adress Gemma and Julia
>"I wont tell either of you what you have to do right now. Gemma for forcing me to have this conversation you have my thanks but not my gratitude. You are after all not only trying to turn her into your personal hit woman when we could have talked this out instead. No you also put her in danger by broadcasting her position."
>Give Julia the Silver key we have and explain to her the power it holds.
>"Its your chouice Julia what to do from here. Take your time to come to the conclusion that feels right for you. "
>Lean in a bit closer and whisper
>"But always know that the dfiant fools will always have a place for you. i love you like a sister... and if you want to stay here i am sure i can make due without Dorian for a day, if you need to have some time with him without anyone else be3ign able to interfere"

>Take a step back
>"Well i tried but i still started monologuing... Julia, Gemma its your stage. You can kick me out if you dont want me here, though i would like to at least stay as an observer so i wont have to be fille d in on what consensus you two reached after the fact"
>>
Well i am back again from work and had some time to mull things over....

Feedback is appreciated
>>
>>4009108
>>4009116
the issue you're overlooking is, that simply is unavoidable, unless we want to make the decision for her, which would be just as wrong.

>>4009297
i kinda disagree with this.
the monologing thing is garbage and utterly deflecting, simple as that. everyone expresses themselves differently, and thats just how we do it. its neither good nor bad, and not tied to the issues at hand or being presented.

the other issue is, we dont have time to let Julia handle it fully on her own time. sucks, but thats also the reality of it. Magpie has shown a pretty good tenacity for being willing to just do things on her own, we're lucky she held off this much, but shouldn't be surprised if she wont again. whether we or Julia like it, that puts us on a time limit, and one that her leaving the group makes it precarious for us to solve later at the last minute.

as for the first one, the issue is, Julia has to find her voice eventually. sounds hash maybe, but its also the truth. unless she WANTS to step back and just let us take the reigns on everything, she simply is gonna have to realize situations like this exist and require her to make her own decision, regardless of how much she isnt up for it, if she wants to be her own person. we're already trying our best to do the right thing and incentivize her to actually BE her own person and make her own decisions, we cant do much more, and like i said, its simply a tough situation but one that needs to be resolved, whether we like it or not.

Gemma is alone due to her own actions. unless she decades to change, that might be for the best, and wont change either. he unhealthy and destructive obsession with her Shards also cannot be ignored. she simply is not worth saving or compromising with if it jeopardizes people like Sias(?) safety and life.

I do agree Julia is much more important here than Gemma though, sure, but personally feel if we ignore Gemma and dont address her, it'll leave too much hanging, and address Gemma first makes some sense and i think will(or at least can), better lay the foundation for talking to Julia and letting her have a more stable foundation to work from.
>>
>>4009457
>>4009402
>"I came here with Julia to so we could discuss as a GROUP about how to deal with your other shards and to see if we can find some sort of compromise that we can all agree to, despite the possibility of having shards who yearn for independence."

i still utterly despise this line, not gonna lie, and honestly cannot support even a compromise so long as this is part of it. look back at how both us OOC and IC have talked about the Gemma situation. that line is just simply, utterly, not the truth.

since we first learned about Gemmas betrayal, both IC and OOC, all we have ever said on it or talked about is our concerns over her having betrayed us and what to do about it, and our frustrations over her not talking to us. we never once were saying we planned or were coming in here for any other purpose, and it just feels way way too much like an utter lie and being disingenuous to pretend it at all was a reason for this, and is highly hypocritical when then talking about her lying and manipulation us in return.

also, though less a concern, she might know how we have been about her, as DDs seem to hear alot, so could easily turn out whole argument against us over that one line, as without a doubt its been a major focal point of ours even if you disagree it was our only one, but it certainly was enough of one id very much argue for her to use against us if we try and pull a line like that.
>>
>>4009397
>>4009402
>>4009457
otherwise, not gonna lie, not a fan of any of these, and like i said, its utterly ignoring the reality of the situation is, she and us dont have the room or time to LET her have it on her time. the last thing we can afford is to come back when it time to go with Magpie, and Julia has made a decision we literally cannot support and need to have an even longer discussion on.

I get it, its Julia. we love her, we want her to have the best, and let her have her time on this. but the reality of the situation simply isnt allowing for us to just walk away and let this play out on its own time. we just dont have that luxury, and so neither odes Julia. Julia and Gemma also, whether they like it or not, not the only ones this affects or who has to be taken into account here, further making waiting and having a last minute decision unacceptable.

theres also concerns for us and our families own safety, and even possibly goals, for leaving the key with her.
>>
this stuff also annoys the crap out of me because you guys might not even wake up in time even if you're willing to discuss the points and compromise, making it feel like i cannot afford to even go to sleep, despite having had a headache.
>>
>>4009468
Your right this line is not good as it is.
>"I came here with Julia to so we could discuss as a GROUP about how to deal with your other shards and to see if we can find some sort of compromise that we can all agree to, despite the possibility of having shards who yearn for independence."

So how would this sound:
>"Gemma. You probably know what we were talking about outside. You dreamdaughters see and hear a lot. I tried finding some time to talk about this with you earlier but a lot of things got in the way. I wanted to find a compromise about how to deal with the independently minded shards but after you put us all in danger and right now tried to make Julia your own hitwoman that option is pretty of the table for now. Because shit like that is something I just have to speak out against"

>>4009471
Well I am awake and willing to discuss this. I want the best answer as much as you do
>>
>>4009476
yes, that line is very much better and on the mark. and even throws the truth in her face, that said unwillingness of us to discuss it further is literally only on her going behind our back on the issue.

>Well I am awake and willing to discuss this. I want the best answer as much as you do
very true and very fair. though your very different timezone is the reason for that, and sadly seems to cause you trouble at other times.
>>
>>4009477
So a more agressive style of writing then?

More pushy maybe even setting a hard time limit on how much time we are willing to give her?
And of course telling Gemma that if she pulls that shit againwe will delete hereven if she could offer us the holy grail...
Treason can not be tolerated and all that stuff

I will try my best
>>
>>4009482
i mean, doesn't necessarily have to be aggressive, but i certainly think Gemmas in a position where a bit of bluntness might be necessary to smack back to any senses she might have left. even assuming she is right about some things here, like her going behind our back, she is not going about any of this the right way at all, and even assuming we wanted to help her, which im not even sure we do, but even assuming that, we couldn't even begin to make progress with her if we dont stand our ground, especially with what shes saying, and give a bit of push back for sure.

though, i suppose that could be translated into being aggressive.

as for the time limit and treason stuff, again, i kinda feel like we dont have time to let this sit to be honest, but certainly the warning about backstabbing regardless of how this plays out or Julias chooses i think is warranted.
>>
>"Right now i think you are an idiot Gemma. Do you even know what Julia and I came here for?
>"I came here with Julia to have a talk with you after finally finding a timeslot to focus on you, Julia, and your shards."

* >"Gemma. You probably know what we were talking about outside. You dreamdaughters see and hear a lot. I tried finding some time to talk about this with you earlier but a lot of things got in the way. I wanted to find a compromise about how to deal with the independently minded shards but after you put us all in danger and right now tried to make Julia your own hitwoman. That option is pretty much of the table for now until we have resolved all of this. Because shit like that is something I just have to speak out against"
>be blunt about the following"
* >"So instead of trying to truly apologize for the breach of trust you commited I find you pulling...this on us. Talking about freedom and choice all the while you're attempting to Coerce Julia into doing something without her consent in order to feed upon your other egos. Saying that Julia's silently suffering from all the pressure. This is not somethign i can tolerate. And about lettign you go. You havent earned that not by a long shot. Not the way you would want to go out there. And right now there is a shard out there that i actually respect and somewhat trust. YOu would be a threat to her as well, which you have proven with your actions and now your words in thsi very conversation"

>Sigh in Gemmas direction. Then address Julia
>"If it is true what she said Julia then this broadcisting situation just became a side objective in this conversation"
>Hug Julia
>"No pressure, but please be honest with not only me but also yourself about this whole situation."
>Let Julia respond

(continued)
>>
>>4009488

>"I'm sorry for being an idiot. I'm sorry for being blind to your silent suffering."
>"Sometimes, things in the family don't work out well. We all make mistakes sometimes. But that's what family's for. To help each other with any screw-ups we have."
>"Know this. If you ever need or want something, be it some help or some time and personal space to yourself alone...All you need to do is to ask. All you need to do is to speak up, and everyone in the family will do their best to accommodate. It's what family's for."
>Adress Gemma and Julia
>"I wont tell either of you what you have to do right now. Gemma for forcing me to have this conversation you have my thanks but not my gratitude. You are after all not only trying to turn her into your personal hit woman when we could have talked this out instead. No you also put her in danger by broadcasting her position."
>Give Julia the Silver key we have and explain to her the power it holds.
* >"Its your choice Julia. What to do from here. I can give you some time to come to the conclusion that feels right for you. But sadly not a lot. If by the time we reunite with Magpie you havent come to a decission i will have to ask you to make one then and there."
>Lean in a bit closer and whisper
* >"But know that the defiant fools will always have a place for you. I love you like a sister... and if you want to stay here i wont stop you. But you are undeniably one of the big things keeping us alltogether. I am sorry if we pressured you. If in the future you ever feel like we are pressurign you jsut tell us and we will try to do anything to accomodate you"

>Adress Gemma directly before stepping back a bit
>"But know that if you pull that broadcast again or do anything else that could endanger my family without talking about it with us first. I will delete you. No ifs and buts."

Changes made = *

I probably got a bit longwinded......
>>
>>4009484
Any thoughts about these>>4009488 >>4009489 ?
>>
>>4009488
>>4009489
much better in ideas and overall, though id be lying if i didn't say i think some of the wording is a bit odd to me, but im 100% sure thats the language difference again causing that, which i dont blame you for at all.


>>4008792
>>4008903
i guess ill personally go with;

>Take a moment to stare Gemma down, then, simply scoff.
>"Right now i think you are an idiot Gemma. Do you even know what Julia and I came here for?
>"Gemma. You probably know what we were talking about outside. You dreamdaughters see and hear a lot. I tried finding some time to talk about this with you earlier but a lot of things got in the way. I wanted to find a compromise about how to deal with the independently minded shards but after you put us all in danger and now tried to make Julia your own hitwoman? That option is pretty much off the table for now until we have resolved all of this. Because shit like that is something I cannot sit by and tolerate."
>"instead of trying to truly apologize for the breach of trust you commited I find you pulling...this on us."
>”Ignoring the resource issues with letting you go, and the fact after what you pulled, you certainly haven't earned it over others in our dreamscapes, you’re forgetting one, simple fact; You’re a threat to other shards. Ones who DONT want what you want, ones that have proven their friendship and earned my trust. You yourself, with your actions and words, have proven what you are, in or outside my sight.”
>”I dont need my swarm to know what you are.”
>shrug.
>”If you cant stand my speeches, thats fine. But to me, it just sounds like an excuse to ignore you have nothing to counter them with.”
>"Meanwhile, here you sit a hypocrite. not only to you speak about freedom while want to take that choice away from your other shards, but you wish to coerce Julia into being your personal collection service for the dirty deeds."
>"Heres a monologue for you, short and simple; dont speak about coercion and freedom while doing the first and trying to steal the second from others, then maybe your anger and words wont ring hollow to me."
>Turn to Julia, and ignore Gemma. talk over her, talk around her, talk to JULIA.

(1/2)
>>
>>4009504
>>4008792

>"Julia... is anything she said the truth? No pressure, but please be honest with not only me but also yourself about this whole situation."
>Sigh, and tilt her eyes up to look at yours, if need be.
>"Im sorry, if ive been an idiot, if ive been unable to see how much you've been suffering in silence."
>"Im sorry, if you ever felt pressured, if you ever felt you were forced to fight when you didn't want to."
>But know, now or before, If you ever need or want something, be it some help or some time and personal space to yourself alone...All you need to do is to ask. All you need to do is to speak up, and everyone in the family will do their best to accommodate. It's what family's for."
>Smile and shrug.
>"You're family, and we care about you, no matter what anyone says. but even family messes up, and trying to help those you love can make you do things they may not want sometimes."
> >"But know that the defiant fools will always have a place for you. I love you like a sister... and if you want to stay In Laoc i wont stop you. But you are undeniably one of the big things keeping us all together."
>"And for what its worth, choosing me wouldn't be the first time we've questioned Amaras choices, now would it?"
>Gentkly set the key in Julias hands, and step back, giving her a reassuring nod.
>"Shes your Dream Daughter, its your decision Julia."

>Address Gemma directly one last time however.
>"But know that if you pull that broadcast again or do anything else that could endanger my family or others again, without talking about it with us first. I will delete you. No ifs and buts."
>Narrow your eyes.
>"theres more i have to take into account here, than just whats going on here, no matter how much any of us dislike it."

(2/2)

>>4009503
sorry, was well, doing this, while also trying to think things through.
>>
>>4008792
Ammendign my vote once again... Sorry OP

Instead of supporting >>4009081 or>>4009457 any longer i will support

>"Right now i think you are an idiot Gemma. Do you even know what Julia and I came here for?
>"I came here with Julia to have a talk with you after finally finding a timeslot to focus on you, Julia, and your shards."

>"Gemma. You probably know what we were talking about outside. You dreamdaughters see and hear a lot. I tried finding some time to talk about this with you earlier but a lot of things got in the way. I wanted to find a compromise about how to deal with the independently minded shards but after you put us all in danger and right now tried to make Julia your own hitwoman. That option is pretty much of the table for now until we have resolved all of this. Because shit like that is something I just have to speak out against"
>be blunt about the following"
>"So instead of trying to truly apologize for the breach of trust you commited I find you pulling...this on us. Talking about freedom and choice all the while you're attempting to Coerce Julia into doing something without her consent in order to feed upon your other egos. Saying that Julia's silently suffering from all the pressure. This is not somethign i can tolerate. And about lettign you go. You havent earned that not by a long shot. Not the way you would want to go out there. And right now there is a shard out there that i actually respect and somewhat trust. YOu would be a threat to her as well, which you have proven with your actions and now your words in thsi very conversation"

>Sigh in Gemmas direction. Then address Julia
>"If it is true what she said Julia then this broadcisting situation just became a side objective in this conversation"
>Hug Julia
>"No pressure, but please be honest with not only me but also yourself about this whole situation."
>Let Julia respond

(continued)
>>
>>4009511
>>4009511 (You)
>>"I'm sorry for being an idiot. I'm sorry for being blind to your silent suffering."
>>"Sometimes, things in the family don't work out well. We all make mistakes sometimes. But that's what family's for. To help each other with any screw-ups we have."
>>"Know this. If you ever need or want something, be it some help or some time and personal space to yourself alone...All you need to do is to ask. All you need to do is to speak up, and everyone in the family will do their best to accommodate. It's what family's for."
>>Adress Gemma and Julia
>>"I wont tell either of you what you have to do right now. Gemma for forcing me to have this conversation you have my thanks but not my gratitude. You are after all not only trying to turn her into your personal hit woman when we could have talked this out instead. No you also put her in danger by broadcasting her position."
>>Give Julia the Silver key we have and explain to her the power it holds.
> >"Its your choice Julia. What to do from here. I can give you some time to come to the conclusion that feels right for you. But sadly not a lot. If by the time we reunite with Magpie you havent come to a decission i will have to ask you to make one then and there."
>>Lean in a bit closer and whisper
>>"But know that the defiant fools will always have a place for you. I love you like a sister... and if you want to stay here i wont stop you. But you are undeniably one of the big things keeping us alltogether. I am sorry if we pressured you. If in the future you ever feel like we are pressurign you jsut tell us and we will try to do anything to accomodate you"
>>Adress Gemma directly before stepping back a bit
>>"But know that if you pull that broadcast again or do anything else that could endanger my family without talking about it with us first. I will delete you. No ifs and buts."

>>4009507
I get it i was just thinking maybe you didnt get a notification or something...

Kinda silly of me... well goes to show that i am not 100% there right now....
>>
(Gentlemen, I woke to a slew of superb write-ins. These look absolutely incredible.)

>>4009397
(I have played it, and I'm glad the vibes came across so well! It's a fantastic game, and I also enjoyed the makers' next creation, 'Heaven Will Be Mine'. It's intriguing if you haven't checked it out yet. In any case, I'm glad someone else here knows about WKTD.)
>>
>>4009523
Thank you for the compliment, but the devil is in the details in the tone we're trying to deliver and the core issue that we're attempting to diagnose when it comes to Julia's hidden issue and Gemma's apparent frustration, and that's what we anons are discussing over.
>>
(Gentlemen, my morning has been taken up with last-minute meetings, so my posting may be somewhat delayed. Thus, I am extending voting an additional hour in case there is any last-minute tweaks you all wish to make before voting is locked.)
>>
>>4009504
>>4009472
You're not wrong, anon. You're not wrong.

>>4009538
Thank you for this opportunity you've given us.
>>
>>4009538
hope the meetings arent too bad BHOP.

>>4009530
so... any thoughts or comments on anything? if for no other reason we have the time now for it, though if you dont, thats fine aswell.
>>
>>4009544
We've got another hour of voting time. Let me have a look-see and see what I can input.

I'm currently juggling this and proofreading a cover letter for a job that I'm trying to apply for so my attention may be divided.
>>
>>4009545
oh, no, thats way more important. dont let us distract you from that at all.
>>
>>4009545
(Oh, that's way more important. I wish you the best, and I know you'll do great with the cover letter!)
>>
>>4009538
Hope it wont be too bad.
>>
>>4009545
You have way more important things to do. So you should do that first instead of worrying about this
>>
>>4009472
>>4009544
(I missed the fact that you had a headache, Anon. I hope you feel better soon.)
>>
>>4009560
oh, its fine, but thanks for the concern. sleep got rid of it... at the cost of not the best sleep ive ever had. but still, better than a headache.
>>
>>4009507
>>4009511

So I did a little reading and there are a few things in this vote that's bugging the hell out of me.
why do I see frequent use of the "shrug" gesture? I know it could be justified as a character tic, but the words we say feel like they're conflicting with the body language and the body gestures that Shu subconsciously conveys.

>But know, now or before, If you ever need or want something, be it some help or some time and personal space to yourself alone...All you need to do is to ask. All you need to do is to speak up, and everyone in the family will do their best to accommodate. It's what family's for."
>Smile and shrug.
>"You're family, and we care about you, no matter what anyone says. but even family messes up, and trying to help those you love can make you do things they may not want sometimes."

This part bugs the hell out of me due to how what we say and how our body language (a smile of reassurance and the shrug of indifference) is at a conflict. Why the shrug? it just defeats the point of our speech of how we go on about caring for family and a reassurance that Shu cares about Julia.

If we really do care, we would go for a different gesture such as gently clasping her hand while still conveying the smile. I would also take advantage of gently clasping her hand with our own to palm the key and put it in her hands.
>>
>>4009561
>a fellow anon who got 3-4 hours of sleep
Oh hello. It appears that we are in the same boat for this day.
>>
>>4009562
i think thats just a difference in... culture?
as thats not exactly what the shrug means there.

its not a shrug of indifference, but one meant to convey causality. its more of saying 'what you gonna do?' than 'i dont care.' if that makes sense. its supposed to be Shu trying not to let Gemma or the situation get to her or Julia, a sorta 'shrugging off' of the damnation at us not being perfect. we cant be, but Gemmas points at least partially rely on us needing to be. we cant catch everything and cant always know exactly how deep even our families struggle goes, but we know now, so we're trying to do something about it now. to be fair, it fits the line under it compared to the one above it, which, well, was the point and what it was in relation to.
>>
>>4009562
While i didnt use taht particular emote in my own writing i can see why it woudl cause a certain dissonance.

THough i think the shrug in combination with the smile is supposed to mean that no matter what she can come to us with her problems and we will be there

Smile -> I will be there for you
Shrug__> No matter what

At least that is my interpretation.
>>
>>4009562
>>4009566
>>4009568
speaking of that, it does bring up an interesting point, which is that Shu has no 'culture' of her own to work off of, rather then our own, very different upbringings and culture, which, as stated here and probably before, probably does cause an interesting difference in interpretation and thus disagreements.

and we haven't gotten much to work or build up on her off of others either, due to her kinda being the leader, which kinda defaults back to her and her soupy heady of how us Anons form her in the end.

less saying much here, over i just thought it was an interesting point i just thought up i wanted to put down.
>>
>>4009504
>>4009572
It also does highlight the sort of Character Shu has yet to develop into aside from having small vestiges and tics leftover from Sam. On the outside she's projected herself as this sort of fearless wise beyond her years girl despite waking up from the pod-womb about 3-4 weeks ago. On the inside however, Gemma and Sam does have a point. We as anons are basically the "brood/swarm" for Shu and we're just counseling wisdom to her, and it seems that like Julia, Shu relies heavily on our wisdom in order to make a decision.

And it really puts into the point of what Shu really is if you strip away the template. but I digress.

But there's also one line that feels so off.
>”I dont need my swarm to know what you are.”
It feels 'meta'. I get that it's an acknowledgement of Shu herself being aware of our counsel and the wisdom we try to provide, but the tone of it feels not warranted.
>>
>>4009582
huh?
oh, no. that lines referring to the fact Gemma made a quip about how we use our swarm IC to keep tabs on things, and how Shu is saying she doesn't need that to see who Gemma is.

that line has nothing to do with us, IC or OOC.
>>
>>4009584
Thank you for clarifying the intent behind the line, but the fact that the subject feels 'meta' and leans upon the 'meta wall' has me concerned about what "Shu's swarm" really is. Are they talking about us as the swarm in Shu's head?

Because if it's confirmed it would explain Sam's remark about Shu's swarm when she addressed it.

>"No. No, of course it didn’t. It didn’t occur to any of you.” She mutters, shaking her head. “I can hear them, you know. I can hear the swarm, buzzing around in your head. Arguing, picking at each other, going apeshit when you score a kill. A part of them despised Isabelle…a bigger part of them despise me, just like they despised that proxy out there. And then what? ‘Ooh, shiny new ability’ and she’s suddenly worth talking to. Your swarm changed their tune real fucking fast on that one.”

Granted, Sam was in much closer proximity inside Shu and our conversation, but it feels like it's the same subject that Gemma here is referring to.

>"Or are you scared of giving up control? Are you scared of what people will become when your brood's out of sight? Out of sight, out of control, is that it?"

Dreamscape be dreamscape, but there seems to be hidden rules or traits that we aren't privy to when it comes to how much insight a dream daughter has about their host. You can explain away on how OOC or IC it is, but there's no denying that the implication of a connection between "us Anons" and what the daughters in the quest refer as "Shu's Swarm" is there.

If the connection between us as "Shu's Swarm" is true, imagine if a daughter pulled something that would lock us anons out of agency as an ingame mechanic of putting Shu's core on lockdown during combat.
>>
>>4009594
honestly, this sounds like either something we need confirmation from BHOP on, or something we simply do not have enough info on.

i still think whatever that is though, BHOP means for it to still be an entirely IC interpretation. not only due to meta issues, but also, well, locking us out of the game would be silly, to say the least.

overall, thats still not a can of worms i think we even have the right can opener to open, if that makes sense?

i will say, if it was that, and not a metaphor or Shus swarm outside the dreamscape(or, remember, she could be talking about other Dream Daughters, as they are not 'spying' for us.), it is interesting how only Gemma and Sam have even gotten some type of recollection about that, though it would make sense for it to be them two. Sam used to BE Shu, technically, so of course she may have a deeper connection to see those things. and Gemmas split personality might be her seeing Shu as a split personality.

whatever the case, at the very least, i think it still makes sense and is not at all Meta, as if nothing else, what else but he swarm would Shu think Gemma is talking about? IC Shu has hardly seen or heard enough, or thought about it enough, to interpret that line as whatever the hell it was Sam meant by that line earlier.
>>
>>4006160
Good to see this back at the top of the catalogue.
>>
>>4009603
Personally, I'm still fond of the theory that Shu has parallel thought processes. Shu has some sort of mental super-speed, that's how us having hours to plan out actions in combat is reconciled with Shu only have seconds in-character. It makes sense to me if it's based in parallel processing, Shu having a bunch of thought tracks running at the same time. Shu doesn't notice because they all contribute to the same mental gestalt, but as you said Sam and Gemma have a different perspective on the idea of mental gestalts, seeing the individual moving parts of the machine as a whole.
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>>4009670
i could see it.

i think i mentioned once, an interesting possibility could be Shu mentally is a Chimera. because the Crucible needs a 'soul' to dump into each body, but couldn't use Sams as she was eliminated, it just cobbled up data from leftover personalities in its data-banks to fill in the gaps.
>>
>>4009674
I wouldn't be surprised. Shu's clearly got some Sam bits in her, but there's plenty of other stuff in the mix. The parallel thought tracks manifesting traits from individual donors to Shu would make sense.
>>
(Gentlemen, work on my end is rapidly devolving into a dumpster fire. Posting shall be suspended until a little later today, as I’m having to skip lunch to get everything back on track. Thank you all for your patience and understanding, and I’m looking forward to the next update, when I’m able to finish it.)

(Also, on the topic of Shu's cognition; I will go on record by saying that other Daughters' comments have nothing to do with anything in real life, but rather something that has not yet been fully explored in the Quest as of yet.)
>>
>>4009711
So it started devolving. Sorry to hear that. I hope it wont devolve much further

was your lunch homemade? or would you go to some kind of restraunt or soemthing similar?
>>
>>4009711
oof, im sorry to hear about work. dont think any job should make you skip a meal, if im being honest. mind giving an estimate though? id assume after work, which i thinks usually about 5-6pm CST?

>Also, on the topic of Shu's cognition; I will go on record by saying that other Daughters' comments have nothing to do with anything in real life, but rather something that has not yet been fully explored in the Quest as of yet.
i figured it had an IC explanation, but thanks for clarifying even just that, helps alot.

though might be misinterpretation, but your wording pipes my curiosity at the fact it sounds likes its not related to something entirely unknown to us, though what that could be, damned if anythings coming to mind.
>>
>>4009711
Take care of the dumpster fire. And take care of yourself and sanity before endeavoring to work on the next post, no need to rush. We've been very patient with you since the very beginning so don't worry.

I've got to leave for work in 30 minutes myself. I did manage to finish that cover letter and send in the application. So now it's a waiting game for me, but the thought of me somehow botching the cover letter is haunting me now.

>Shu's cognition
Well then, thanks for your input. It honestly never occurred to me that Shu never got the time to have a small moment to reflect upon herself, do some navel gazing, or even look at herself in the mirror to do some deep soul-level recollection and reflection.
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>>4009722
well, actually, haven't we done that at least once? though, to be fair, i think the furthest she may of gotten/the point of it then was just 'im not Sam, im my own person' possibly. though, good starting foundation at least.
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>>4009711
Sorry to hear that, BHOP. Make sure you get the chance to eat at some point, we don't want our favorite QM going hungry all day.

And very interesting to have confirmation the mental stuff is something in-character. Though not perhaps what we're hypothesizing. I can't help but feel it has something to do with Shu being the only one to see Kadath when using Knowable Kadath.
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>>4009729
i could see that, though i feel like thats more a side effect of whatever it actually is, than being directly related probably. might still be a useful hint though, though nothing is still coming to mind.
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>>4009734
Oh, I didn't mean it was the direct cause. Just that the Kadath stuff is a symptom of whatever is weird with Shu's neurology.
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>>4009734
>>4009729

Maybe that city is the place where Shus mindpieces are gathered and connected.
Citys are gathering places so maybe her mind interprets the knot of her personality liek a city.

There might be soemthign very interestign like dream relics or even an ability hidden there.

Or maybe backdoor access to the cord or some other data repository of the crucible
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>>4009736
ah, fair. so we agree then it seems.

also, maybe im thinking about it too much, but doesn't Shu having seen Kadath imply a strong possibility of 'great things' beyond just whats physically happening? especially as its clearly not entirely tied to the ability that she has seen it?

>>4009740
possibly. though like some have now said, Kadath could be more a consequence, over being directly tied to Shu like that. honestly, the Dreamscapes clearly got more going on to it than at first glance. id personally not be surprised to learn the Dreamscape has nothing to do with the Crucible, even if the Crucible can still affect it significantly.
>>
>>4009714
>>4009729
(I have a sandwich in the fridge, so I'll be okay. Thank you for your concern!)

>>4009720
(I'd say a post between 4:00 and 5:00 would be accurate, the way things are going.)
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>>4009740
>>4009734
>>4009729
wildest deepest conspiracy time: Shu is actually an a host of Shub-Niggurath, and the overall story of Body Horror Quest is a bedtime story of how Shu(b-Niggurath) came to be known as Mother of a Thousand Young
/conspiracy over.

There is a connection to be made you know. Kadath is an ancient city and the home of the dream-gods of Earth, otherwise known as the "Great Ones".

But it also does bring to question about Yurei. iirc, Yurei had Knowable Kadath in her character sheet and the silver key in her possession. We could ask her if she's ever seen or been to the city of Kadath. Because it seems that Shu's cognition and what she is on the inside seems to be tied to the dreamscape and Kadath.
>>
>>4009740
Maybe. I might be reading too much into it, but in the story The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath it turns out that Kadath itself was actually abandoned, and the gods had migrated to the "sunset city" that is a manifestation of Randolph Carter's memories. So it would make sense if Shu's dream-questing was a metaphor for residual Crucible memories being collated together.
>>
>>4009722
>>4009722
Have a nice day at work, anon. I hope your application goes well, and I'm sure your fears of having done something wrong are nothing to worry about.
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>>4009747

Bhop, I don't know if you've come across this, but here's a mango that I found that you might be interested in.

https://manganelo.com/chapter/ane_naru_mono/chapter_1

>plot is basically: My older sister is Shub-Niggurath
It's a cute eldritch horror story
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>>4009748
That would be amusing i woudl have to say. But i kinda doubt that.....

Where are the goat daughters and where the Cephalopd Daughters we will need them if that is to come to pass

And we would have to giuve up our Bee theme......... That can not be allowerd I refuse to believe it could be

And that is a question we could ask her in our next Dram Daughter Segment
I will write it down next to all the other questions we might never get an answer for
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>>4009748
>that conspiracy
if nothing else, i laughed.

i agree we should ask Yurei about it though. actually, the Key could be what BHOP is referring to thats yet to be explored, or well, i guess more like what they key allows us to do i suppose.
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>>4009755
(Ha, yes, I'm quite familiar with that one when I was branching out from Junji Ito and trying to find Lovecraftian manga.)
>>
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>>4008792

Your fingers graze the chilled chrome of the Silver Key as you just stare at Gemma for a long, hard moment before a sound of disgust escapes your lips.

"Right now I think you’re an idiot, Gemma.” You say, prompting the bespectacled girl’s eyebrows to shoot up. “Do you even know what Julia and I came here for? You probably know what we were talking about outside. You Dream Daughters see and hear a lot. I tried finding some time to talk about this with you earlier but a lot of things got in the way. I wanted to find a compromise about how to deal with the independently minded shards but after you put us all in danger and now tried to make Julia your own hitwoman? That option is pretty much off the table for now until we’ve resolved all of this. Because shit like that is something I cannot sit by and tolerate, and instead of trying to truly apologize for the breach of trust you committed I find you pulling this garbage on us."

Gemma begins to raise her voice, but you raise your hand to silence her, forgetting that it’s the hand that holds the Silver Key. Suddenly, she’s yelling at you soundlessly, her voice lost to the powers of the curious Relic as she slowly realizes what you unknowingly did to her.

”Ignoring the resource issues with letting you go, and the fact after what you pulled, you certainly haven't earned it over others in our dreamscapes, you’re forgetting one, simple fact; You’re a threat to other shards.” You continue in the face of her involuntary silence. “Ones who DONT want what you want, ones that have proven their friendship and earned my trust. You yourself, with your actions and words, have proven what you are, in or outside my sight…and I dont need my swarm to know what you are.”

Gemma’s just glaring at you now, and you simply shrug, turning away from her impotent fury to the far more important person behind you.

"Julia... is anything she said the truth? No pressure, but please be honest with not only me but also yourself, about this whole situation." You say, and your heart breaks a little as she slowly nods. She doesn’t dare to meet your eyes until you take her face in your hands, the Silver Key dropped into your dress pocket. "I’m sorry if I’ve been an idiot, if I’ve been unable to see how much you've been suffering in silence. I’m sorry if you ever felt pressured, if you ever felt you were forced to fight when you didn't want to…but know, now or before that if you ever need or want something, be it some help or some time and personal space to yourself alone? All you need to do is to ask. All you need to do is to speak up, and everyone in the family will do their best to accommodate. It's what family's for."

“I’m…n-not really used to that.” Julia whispers quietly, and she looses a little sound of surprise when you scoop her up into a hug.

(Continued)
>>
>>4009955

"You're family, and we care about you, no matter what anyone says. But even family messes up, and trying to help those you love can make you do things they may not want sometimes.” You say, stepping back with a smile. “Know that the defiant fools will always have a place for you. I love you like a sister... and if you want to stay In Laoc, then I won’t stop you. But you are undeniably one of the big things keeping us all together."

She’s bashful at that, even as you fix her with a serious expression.

"And for what it’s worth? Choosing me wouldn't be the first time we've questioned Amaras choices, now would it?" You jest, and Julia chuckles softly until you reach into your pocket, retrieving the Silver Key and placing it in her grasp. "She’s your Dream Daughter, Julia. It’s your decision, and no one else’s."

You turn to Gemma one last time, stepping back to allow Julia to make her choice.

"Gemma, make no mistake; if you pull that broadcast again, or if you do anything else that could endanger my family or others again without talking about it with us first? I will delete you. This is not a warning, Gemma. It is a promise.” You declare, narrowing your eyes as she swallows hard…and with that, Julia has the floor. Dark eyes reflect the silver orb Julia holds in her grasp, staring down as the device’s use becomes clear to her mind. She’s quiet for a long moment, the room filled with the soft hum of the scrolling screens.

"Gemma?" Julia finally says, turning her dark eyes on the Dream Daughter. "I'm s-sorry we didn't talk more. You know…you c-could be whole again, and I could j-just keep wearing...this."

Julia tugs lightly at her ill-fitting flesh as Gemma's eyes widen, desperate hope blossoming in her features, until...

"B-but we'd just keep making the same mistakes, wouldn't we? You'd keep clinging to the collective, and I'd k-keep quiet about how I feel." Julia says, the smile fleeing Gemma's face as her Host speaks. "We *are* similar Gemma, but not in the way you think. Shu hasn't d-done anything wrong. Neither has Amara, or Dorian, or anyone else in m-my family. You and I have been using g-good things as crutches to avoid f-facing who we are. We've trapped ourselves by l-leaning on good people at the expense of turning a b-blind eye to what we can be if we were brave enough to s-stand on our own and figure out who the k-kind of people we can b-be if we stop hiding behind labels and m-masks."

Julia shakes her head as she pauses, gaze lingering on Gemma’s awestruck eyes.

"If you or I had just...t-talked? To Shu, or anyone in our f-family? They'd have listened. They wouldn't have j-judged like you or I thought they might. We were both too s-scared of who we'd be on our own to admit that we'd b-be accepted if we were just honest with ourselves and w-with the people around us."

(Continued)
>>
>>4009958

"Shu, I'd l-like..." Julia starts, stopping herself before turning back to Gemma. "I am g-going to ask Francine's help in making something so that even without the other Dream D-Daughters, you won't be able to p-put me or anyone else in danger. I am going to reach out to the B-Barbers and ask Sia how I can help you, too. She's learning how to b-be her own person, and you should have the option, t-too…your voice deserves to be heard, loud and clear.”

The Silver Key hums in Julia hands, and Gemma’s slow breathing can be heard for the first time since you activated Yurei’s Relic.

"We have t-time, Gemma. You d-don’t have to rush.” Julia assures her, reaching out and squeezing your hand. “I t-trust Shu. I know she's g-going to change the world, and stop the C-Crucible. So if I can take a l-little time to get myself centered and r-really understand who I am, then I'll be able to s-stop walking behind everyone and start walking s-side-by-side with them. I…I’m g-going to help Laoc. I’m going to help m-make a foundation for the f-future that Shu’s building. I’m going to b-become a better person. And I’m going to help y-you too, Gemma…”

Julia steps past you, pulling the speechless Gemma into a half-hug with her unoccupied hand.

“…if you’ll l-let me.”

Gemma’s silent for a long moment as she studies Julia’s face, her emotions slowly opening in the wake of Julia’s earnest plea.

“But…I’m…I’m alone, without them. I don’t know who I am without…” Gemma falters, taken aback at Julia’s kindness.

“I’d like to f-find out who I am, and you w-want to do the same. How about we f-find out together?” Julia offers, pocketing the Silver Key to leave her hands free to take Gemma’s hands in hers as the dream starts to fade. Gemma nods, and your vision’s filled with darkness until you open your eyes to see Gina standing before you, concern writ large on her face as she looks between you and Julia. The blonde girl beside you opens her eyes as well, staring down at her hands before she musters the courage to look you in the eye.

“I th-think…I want to give her some time. She knows she m-messed up, and I’m g-going to give her the chance to make things right…b-but if she doesn’t, then she knows the c-consequences.” Julia says, looking between you and GG as the two of you wait for your friend to speak on the larger issue that Gemma brought to your attention.

“I’m…I’m s-sorry I d-didn’t tell you how I f-felt.” She admits, her stutter worsening with her nerves run raw. “I j-just…I saw th-that I was doing the same th-thing with you all that I was d-doing with my family before the Crucible, and I…I wanted to b-be strong enough to tell you what I f-felt, since I n-never got the ch-chance to say it t-to…”

Julia swallows back tears at the memory of those the Crucible robbed her of, regardless of the conflicted emotions you feel roiling in her heart.

(Continued)
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>>4009960

“It’s okay.” Gina assures her, sitting on the opposite side of the trembling young woman. “Self-betterment? I get it. I was a...hell, I was a straight-up monster before I resolved to change myself. Putting your foot down and trying to be a better you…that’s hard. Really, really friggin’ hard. But you don’t have to be strong to tell us how you feel, ‘cause we love you, Julia. We want to know how you feel, no matter what.”

“Are you m-mad that I wasn’t more f-forceful?” Julia asks, wiping her eyes with the backs of her hands as you just chuckle.

“Nah, not really” You answer with a grin. “I think I put the fear of god in her with my ‘monologue’…and prompting her to see who she is aside from the other Shards is wise, I think. She’s your Dream Daughter, and it was your call. In any case, you’ve given her plenty to think about on top of a second chance. Now, what she does with it…”

“…Th-that’s on her.” Julia finishes, nodding as she stares at the dresser on the other side of the cramped room. “I c-can see…I d-don’t really know h-how to describe it. I c-can see what I can d-do for Laoc, and what it c-can do for our f-family, t-too. I…there’s a l-lot I want t-to and learn about m-myself before I’m r-ready to ascend the Cord w-with everyone…if I t-tried it n-now, it would…w-well…”

“Huh…yeah, I totally get that. Given what we know, the Cord *is* supposed to jack with your head and prey on stuff that’s below the surface.” Gina admits, mulling over Julia’s words. “So in a way, you were looking at the macro, if you think about it.”

At that, Julia shrugs. “Y-yeah, I just…there’s a lot on my m-mind, and I always used m-my art t-to help me work through stuff. I th-think it’s the main r-reason I kept it together until y-you both f-found me.”

“Glad we did...I don’t know what we’d do without.” You say honestly, putting an arm around the girl’s narrow shoulders.

“Y-you’ll manage...and so w-will I.” Julia replies, without any sign of self-depreciation in her voice. “We’re a t-team, but everyone in our f-family is so, so s-strong. I j-just want to get stronger in the w-ways that matter, is all. Th-things will get tougher the c-closer we get to the Cord, and I w-want to make s-sure I’m okay with myself and m-my decisions…I th-think it’ll help me after all this is d-done, too.”

>>You and Gina will leave Julia in peace while she collects herself, and you’ll go have that drink with Ivey in the meantime…you need it.

>>There’s still one or two things you want to talk with Julia about. She’s going through a lot, and you want to be there for her.

>>Even though neither you nor Julia used it, the Silver Key’s unusual properties aren’t what you expected…so maybe a visit to Yurei is in order to pick her brain about the thing’s capabilities, as well as what you saw when you last used it.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next four hours. Your patience has been greatly appreciated, and I hope that your day is going well, one and all.)
>>
Some mood music for Julia. Starts out very tense and fearful, but evolves through the song to a hopeful place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpluEINasQA
>>
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>>4009963

(Nah man, thank you, as always.)

>>You and Gina will leave Julia in peace while she collects herself, and you’ll go have that drink with Ivey in the meantime…you need it.

Offer a hug on the way out and ask if she wants us to send Dorian her way if we see him. Then let's see if we can tie up some more loose ends, specifically about Laoc with the Barbers.

I think we should try and order a drink as we sit down next to Ivey if our bartender can work some flavor magic. I just can't resist the puns.

Bricks and Ivy:
- 3 thick slices of cucumber, muddled
- 1 1/2 oz. vodka
- 1/2 oz. St. Germain
- 1/2 oz. honey syrup
- 1/2 oz. lime juice

There's another drink I'd send to Gina, and let her figure out the name:
- 1.5 oz. vodka
- 1 oz. vermouth
- 1 oz. puree from a cantaloupe
- 1/2 oz. honey syrup
- 1/2 oz. lemon juice
>>
>>4009961
>>You and Gina will leave Julia in peace while she collects herself, and you’ll go have that drink with Ivey in the meantime…you need it.
I want to know more about the Silver Key, but maybe not right this moment. Ivey is still out there waiting on us, let's talk with her before we follow up on that. Inform her about Julia staying, too, because Julia is a huge badass and they could work together well. Actually, Julia even kind of fits into their aesthetic already, she wears leather (well, untanned still-living skin) and has an Unnatural Predator skill making her a monstergirl. Okay, now I want Julia when we see her next to have picked up some personality traits from Ivey in her quest to become more confident, that would be hilarious.

>>4009987
I actually can't find what this cocktail's name is. What is it?
>>
>>4010002

Nice Melons, there's quite a few variations of it depending on what melon you use.
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>>4010022
Ah, I see.
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>>4010027

I'm a terrible person, and hope she would have as much trouble finding the name, only to find it at some point in the future, eliciting laughter.
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>>4010032
She really would find it hilarious, too. "Oh my god, Shu, you huge horny dweeb."
>>
>>4009987
Seconding.

Talk to Ivey, tell her about Julia and her capabilities. Maybe the Hyenas can take our favorite sculptor under their wings, teach her a few things.

>Ivey and the Hyenas teaching Julia how to be confident and sure of herself
>Ivey giving Julia dating tips with Dorian
>Ivey offers a horrified Julia assless chaps
>Julia compromises, blending the Hyena leather look with her own taste in clothing
>We come back to Laoc, and Julia looks like Sandy at the end of Grease, pic related
>>
>>4009961
well, that went well. hope things work out for ya Julia.

>You and Gina will leave Julia in peace while she collects herself, and you’ll go have that drink with Ivey in the meantime…you need it.

we can ask Yurei about it more later. im sure the keys gonna at least be more useful than first thought, but still, we can afford to wait on those answers for now, for sure.
>>
>>4009961
>>You and Gina will leave Julia in peace while she collects herself, and you’ll go have that drink with Ivey in the meantime…you need it.

>>4009963
It was well worth the wait though i overselpt a bit with my little nap....

Speaking of..... I will go back to sleep now so i am ready for the day ahead. Good Night Anons
>>
>>4010055
it was a good scene yeah. though not gonna lie, Gemma being forced to be silent wasn't what i was expecting. kinda was looking forward to Shu just ignoring her a little ill admit haha.

its ok, i just assumed BHOP was responding in the same timezone i asked in and overslept a bit too, though luckily its hardly the most complicated vote this time. hope you sleep well Anon!
>>
>>4010055
Good night, overseas friend. Sleep well, and we'll see you in the morning.
>>
well, i guess the Gemma situation is... well i dont want to sat resolved, but certainly at least satified, for now.

it does bring up the issue though, of, well... we really dont have a reason to go to the AA anymore. again, sure, we might still want to check em out, but technically we no longer have business with the, which was our excuse to hold Magpie off from... whatever she had planned there.

I mean... we really have no reason to meet that shard thats there anymore. i dont think were really in the consumption game anymore, and hell, honestly im suspicious of if that shard ever wanted to be consumed in the first place, or if Gemma was just lying or bending the truth. dont get me wrong, still want to hang out with Magpie more, just saying our excuse here and the situation for it might not be as justified anymore.
>>
>>4010124
Yeah, I've been thinking of that since Julia said she wanted to stay behind. It seemed like one way or another we were going to lose our excuse for following Magpie and making sure she doesn't get herself killed in a gunfight. I'm not sure what we could say for why we're going now, maybe that we think the Altar might know stuff about the dreamscape that we're curious about? They do pursue chemically-altered consciousness, they actually might have some insights to the Kadath issue.
>>
>>4010140
...i mean, we could just be honest with her?
>"Hey, we DID have a legitimate reason to hold you back... but things changed and now we dont. HOWEVER, you old smoking bird, you're my friend, and i care about you, you alcoholic shit, and im worried you might be going down a bad path, and worse, might be going it alone when you shouldn't and dont have to. so please, just this once, shut up and just spend a day or whatever wandering around an addict hippie community with us, if only to put our minds at ease, ok?"
>>
>>4010141
It's less that I want to lie as to our real reason for wanting to come with her (since she knows it, it's super obvious we're just worried she's going to get into a big dumb gun fight without any backup) and more that I don't want to explain this bit of drama to her if she asks "so, what was the reason you were using for coming along?". Because even if this actually had a quite positive resolution, man do I not get into it again. But I guess we can sum it up without having to explain the whole sordid mess.
>>
>>4010152
fair, but yeah we can just summerise it.
>"Theres someone in the AA who has an... odd relationship with one of our dream daughters, but due to recent events with that dream daughter.... well having the two meet probably isnt a good idea right now, to say the least."
>>
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>>4009961

You and Gina share a glance, and you don't need the Crimson Cord to realize what the other's thinking. Julia doesn't fight you on giving her a little time to reflect, so you and GG make your way back to the bar where you're immediately met with a glare of disapproval from Razor. She's at the bar with her tall, grinning leader, and you take Ivey up on her offer as she beckons you both to the seats beside her.

"What's been keepin' you busy, Defiant?" The Hyenas' leader asks as you gesture for Sierra's attention, a bit of unearthed memory giving you an idea.

"I'd like to treat my friend here to a Bricks and Ivy..." You announce, giving the tall woman to your right a good chuckle that helps cover up your second order, one that you whisper to the bartender.

"Honestly?" You sigh, getting comfortable on the barstool as you weigh the best way to answer Ivey's question. "Settling things with a Dream Daughter that's part of a fragmented collective who was broadcasting our location to some potentially bloodthirsty members of her hive mind, while maybe-kinda-sorta trying to convince a friend of mine to maybe not be Frank Castle for two whole seconds."

Ivey just stares at you, unblinking.

"Never change, Shu." She laughs, finishing her drink as Sierra places her new one on the bar, and you lean over to address Ivey's ally.

"Razorback, was it? Would you like anythi-" You begin, interrupted by the other girl's pointed scowl.

"Fine, thanks." The girl replies gruffly, downing the rest of the amber liquid in her cup with in irritable swig. You glance to Ivey, looking for some sort of hint of what you could've done to piss off her friend, but she doesn't seem to have caught the exchange since it landed squarely in her downing half of the drink you ordered for her.

"Me an' mine are doing fine. Just got through tryin' to scrounge up some work, but seems like everyone 'cept Paloma's battening down the hatches with all the weird stuff going on recently. Wouldn't you know it, even she'd already got a hold of some people for a little project of hers, so...hey, 'least that left us open to help out here. And if people ARE looking to hire, then it's the sort of stuff any self-respecting merc wouldn't touch with a Fibromancer's ass-hair, unless they don't mind losin' half their crew." Ivey explains bitterly as Sierra brings Gina the drink you ordered for her, a particular vodka cocktail whose name remains your little private joke on your girlfriend's behalf. "Good to be back in Laoc, needless to say...wish it were under better circumstances, though."

"Fond of the town?" You offer, and she just shrugs her muscular shoulders.

"Fond of Jeraha, mostly." She smiles, downing the rest of her drink without flinching. "She and I go back to when we first woke up. We traveled a while together while we got our bearings, then split. Always were on good terms, said we'd drop whatever and come help if the other needed it...and this sure as hell qualifies."

(Continued)
>>
>>4010294

"She's singin' your praises too, in her own way." Ivey continues as you catch Razor's eyes narrow, her irate aura only growing the more you speak with her leader. "She can be a pill, but she's a great friend to have. And believe you me, she considers you one of her own now, after what you did."

You nod, unable to shake Razorback's unnerving gaze. Her forest-green eyes pierce into yours, her pupils a black as gun barrels as you meet her unblinking intimidation with your own bewildered expression.

What the hell's this girl's problem?

{Heh, oh, I see what's going on here} Gina says suddenly, a knowing note in her voice as she speaks to you privately. {Hey Shu, just bear with me a sec, 'kay?}

GG scoots off the bar stool and strides around to Razor, tapping the other girl on the shoulder and gesturing for her to follow her to the other side of the bar.

"Mind if I borrow your number-one gal?" Gina asks Ivey, giving Razor a little wink that causes the other girl to scowl in confusion. "Won't be long, just wanted to get to know her! Have a girl's chat, and such."

"Knock yourselves out. Any friend of Shu's is one of me and mine." Ivey answers good-naturedly. After a few seconds of hesitation the stocky Razor complies, watching you over her shoulder as she's led away by Gina, who just gives you a little wink before launching a barrage of questions.

You're not sure what just happened, but you trust you Neuromancer to figure things out.

(Continued)
>>
>>4010301

"Good on your girl, there. Razor needs more friends." Ivey sighs, give the pair a little wave before turning back to you. "Speaking of friends, everything alright with that blonde of yours? She and her man seemed a little out of sorts since I last saw 'em."

You give Ivey the run-down of Julia's intent to stay behind in Laoc, leaving out the connection between the aforementioned Shards and your kind sculptress.

"Hey, even if she's the quiet type, she's an Unnatural Predator like the rest of my pack, so we'll make sure she feels at home." Ivey smirks, flagging Sierra down and ordering you and she another round. "Wait...does she drink?"

"As long as it'll mix with tea, I think she'd try anything." You guess, a statement that leaves Ivey pleased at the prospect of a new 'recruit'.

"Fantastic. She'll fit right in. So!" The taller woman barks, leaning her elbow against the bar. "Down to brass tacks; anything you wanna know before you take you leave of Laoc, or anything you think it'd be good for me to be abreast of? I appreciate catching up and all, but we're both busy women, Defiant. I've got a town to rebuild, and you've got a Cord to climb."

...No matter how much you interact with Ivey, you're not sure if you'll ever get a solid read on her. WHile you consider how to answer and what to ask, you quickly scan the tavern, finding Amara and November engaged in a heated battle of rock-paper-scissors, with Sir FuzzBuzz officiating as he hovers nearby. A short distance away sit Rath and Tinker, engaged in a rapid discussion that even Francine seems to be struggling to keep up with. Lara seems content to hover near Rath, eyes glued to the softly glowing red-head as she continues to chatter on excitedly. Dorian's no-where to be seen, having likely taken another walk to collect his thoughts.

>>Ask Ivey about what jobs she tried to take, and from whom. Ivey must've touched base with some bigger names, so getting an idea of who's looking to make moves might prove useful.

>>Jeraha briefed Ivey on the situation, so ask for it straight; how long does she think it'll take Laoc to recover and what obstacles might they (and Julia) face?

>>You can't think of anything you'd like to bring up, so finish you drink with Ivey and go talk to [Ally of your choice].

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, I shall be pausing here for the evening and going to bed early after a thoroughly exhausting day. I'll be available for the next hour or two so as to address any questions, concerns, or criticisms you may have. Voting shall remain open for the next twelve hours, with posting to resume in approximately fourteen, give or take. I hope you have a restful evening, and thank you for you patience and enthusiasm, as always.)
>>
>>4010301
What, does Razor have a crush on Ivey and is angry we're occupying her attention? I assumed she was just angry we ended the Hyenas' last job by killing their employer (it was only two days ago, after all), but if Gina is going "oh, it's like that, huh?" then I'm going with jealousy as my guess.

>>4010304
>>Jeraha briefed Ivey on the situation, so ask for it straight; how long does she think it'll take Laoc to recover and what obstacles might they (and Julia) face?

>>4010309
Thanks for running, BHOP. Sorry to hear that your day's been rough. Get some rest, you deserve it.
>>
>>4010304
>Order another drink ,and shrug. "Not gonna lie Ivey, after the two days ive had, the longer you can keep me from getting back to business, the better."
>Chuckle, and give her a smirk. "We came to Laoc to have a day off after a pretty harsh bout. so, you can imagine how we all feel now."
>Ask Ivey about what jobs she tried to take, and from whom. Ivey must've touched base with some bigger names, so getting an idea of who's looking to make moves might prove useful.
>Try and get her talking about her teams exploits. her best gigs? her silliest? the epic moments she will never forget.

>>4010309
hope you get some good rest BHOP, you deserve it, truly.

>>4010314
BHOP did confirm one of Iveys high ranking teammates had a massive crush on her, and im not at all surprised Gina picked up on that.
>>
>>4010318
>BHOP did confirm one of Iveys high ranking teammates had a massive crush on her, and im not at all surprised Gina picked up on that.
Did he? I don't remember that. Well, okay then, definitely Razor having a crush.
>>
>>4010319
not sure what thread, but i asked him about other characters of note on Iveys team, and sadly i cannot remember... really anything, except there were only two he really had fleshed out, one i think was tall, the other small, pouty, and had a major crush on Ivey.

hrm, i cant remember if the little mask girl stayed with them or not either.
>>4010309
what happened to the Yurei phone kid? did she stay with the Hyenas, or did they just take her someplace safe?
does Amara finally have a kid her age to interact with?
>>
>>4010318

>one of Ivey’s girls having a massive crush on Ivey
cite your sources please.
>>
>>4010323
i did,
>>4010321
unless you expect me to go and find BHOPs exact quote, in which case, i literally do not care enough about this topic to do that. ask BHOP himself if you care for confirmation that much.
>>
>>4010323
>>4010319
(Can confirm. The main two members of Ivey's pack are Blitzen and Razorback, the latter of whom does indeed have a huge crush on their fearless leader.)
>>
>>4010321
>what happened to the Yurei phone kid? did she stay with the Hyenas, or did they just take her someplace safe?
I believe she was already a member of the Hyenas, not someone that Yurei added to their group. In which case she probably is around here somewhere. Maybe one of the Joyous Many will run into her.

>does Amara finally have a kid her age to interact with?
She's got the Sororitas. Though I think they're actually a few years older than Amara. Anyway, yes, it would be nice if Amara got to hang out with the Hyenas' kid. They can bond over being little girl psychic scouts working for a gang of post-apocalyptic badasses.
>>
>>4009961
Just catching up after getting home, great job blending everyone's ideas. Better outcome that I had expected too.

>>4010304
Have we asked Ivey in the past about any of the Daugters we have been trying to track down? If not, that's another thing to ask about in addition to or instead of past jobs.
>>
>>4010329
im just gonna say it, as nice as having DDs is, its still not really a replacement in my opinion for having flesh and blood friends and family.

also, was the girl? fair enough if she was, i just dont remember it getting confirmed.
>>
>>4010329
>>4010321
(That young girl has been adopted by the Hyenas, and Amara will be meeting her soon enough. She's actually playing with the Joyous that have been following Ivey, right now.)

>>4010330
(I don't believe you've asked her that yet, no.)
>>
>>4010335
ah, glad to hear, and thanks for the confirmation. though, guess that means that Joyous failed on the stealth part of its mission at least... though i also dont think we asked Amara to track them... then again, you said she has like 30 of them out and about, and we maybe asked her to track like 10 people/places, so yeah, Amaras a go getter, i guess.
>>
>>4010337
(That particular Joyous joined purely out of wanting to play with the masked girl, actually. She was one of the few that wasn't trying to be stealthy. The second Joyous they ran across is another story, though.)
>>
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>>4010340
oh, well ok then, that makes sense.
i think. yeah, it does. probably.
>>
>>4010333
Yeah, I suppose you're right. It's nice to have the Dream Daughters, but them existing on a separate plane of existence does make hanging out with them a bit of a hassle.

>>4010335
Oh, good. Psychic scout buddies. Time to bond over being the most anime characters in the plot.
>>
Back from work. I feel horrible, and am still trying to wrestle with the bronchitis that I got over christmas break.
>>
>>4010420
oof, sorry to hear that.
and oh hey, that might be what ive had a mild case of for over a month now!
>>
>>4010420
I'm sorry to hear you're sick, and I hope you feel better soon.
>>
>>4009977
(Ah, one of may favorite tracks from that game. Thanks for sharing!)

>>4010046
(The allusion made me laugh harder than I thought it would.)

>>4010420
(Oh my word, I'm so sorry you're feeling poorly. I hope you feel better soon, so take it easy.)

>>4010423
(Good grief, you get better soon, as well. The holiday season wasn't kind to many of us, was it?)
>>
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>>4010426
to be fair, 2019 was not kind to me at all, so honestly this is and was nothing comparatively. but hey, im still alive and not doing too bad all things considered, so hopefully thats a good sign for going forwards.
also, damnit, so many pictures to post, yet i constantly forget to post one.
>>
>>4010426
>(Ah, one of may favorite tracks from that game. Thanks for sharing!)
Yeah, mine too. I like Joyride better, but Silly Game is definitely near the top of the list. Alec Lambert is an amazing musician.
>>
>>4010435
(This artist's work is amazing and I am furious that I haven't run across it before. The humanized Godzilla art they've done is making me want to revisit the Kaiju Magical Girl story I'd cooked up a few years back.)
>>
>>4010446
....im
uhh...
well i like Kaijus BHOP, so ill give you that....
>>
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>>4010426
>>4010446

>Julia going from meek homely house-waifu wearing floral prints to Sexy-in-leather Bayonetta-level girl who struts with confidence and tease.
Dear Lord. Dorian's gonna feel be flush with a different hue of red when he sees the wild side of Julia. Or the whole thing could horribly backfire given Dorian's current tastes.

Have a "Praying" Mantis Nun.
>>
>>4010454
(I am the Elon Musk of bad ideas. For every Body Horror Quest, I have another five story ideas that should never see the light of day.)

(But have no fear; this Quest is my sole creative focus to the exclusion of my many, many other terrible plots.)
>>
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>>4010462
i feel like Julia still is enough of 'herself' despite her personal issues not to change THAT much.

>>4010464
i mean, to be fair BHOP, if someone told you they planned to run a story about eldritch lesbians in a meatball world thats a death tournament who have horrible body mutations, you probably would still look at them sideways at first even if you're into that kinda thing.

yet this still turned out great.

also, we talked about possible Atlantis gals before, and i happened to have found this.
>>
>>4010464
I hate to inform you that this terrible idea actually already exists, because Japan is a depraved place. Kaiju Girls, a show about the kaiju from Ultraman being reincarnated as magical girls.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBWcVuASRMU
>>
>>4010470
>blobfish is mafia don
perfection
>>
>>4010472
(Ah, foiled again, I see. Then again, my story was more 'Animorphs-meets-Madoka-then-henshins-into-Gamera' than 'Pretty Cure-meets-Ultraman', but I'm glad to see at least part of it's been done before.)

>>4010470
>>4010475
(Blobfish as Mafia Don is best character.)
>>
>>4010482
>(Ah, foiled again, I see. Then again, my story was more 'Animorphs-meets-Madoka-then-henshins-into-Gamera' than 'Pretty Cure-meets-Ultraman', but I'm glad to see at least part of it's been done before.)
Honestly, that would be more entertaining than generic monster girl moe tropes. I just wanted to share the depravity with you.
>>
>>4010482
oh god, as if animorphs didnt look painful enough, but now you level an entire city block and have that much growing pains? ow.

and yeah, all those character designs are great, shame i cant find them separated though.

oh, and this artist has becomes alot more active too, so got some good stuff from them in the logs aswell.
>>
>>4010486
(I'm very glad this artist is posting more, since their designs are always so great.)
>>
>>4010304
>Get another drink
>"So how did you meet your team? Did you just kinda pick them up along the way?"
>"Do you only accept Unnatural Predators?"
>"Know anyone that might want to help out here as well? Would be nice to have some more people that were capable of defendign themselves and others... Reduce the stress and all that so something like this cant happen again...."

>"How long do you think Laocs gonna need to recover?"

I am not gonna ask her if ther is anyone that might attack Laoc.. That would jsut add more to the pile of things we have to deal with. Lets not expand our list of tasks quite yet

>>4010420
>>4010423
I wish you both the best and a quick recovery
>>
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>>4010304

You grab Sierra’s attention and order another drink, and her ivory tendrils immediately set to work in crafting a Bee’s Knees for you while you shrug, turning back to the tall woman seated beside you.

"Not gonna lie Ivey, after the two days I’ve had, the longer you can keep me from getting back to business, the better." You answer with a tired chuckle, and the woman just gives you a knowing smirk. "We came to Laoc to have a day off after a pretty harsh bout, so you can imagine how we all feel now. But yeah…enough about us. What kind of jobs did you try and take, and from whom? Be nice to know who’s posting on the Fleshscape equivalent of Craigslist."

“Eh, the biggest potential client we had was this Skinternet figure, goes by Paloma. Midnight Crew snapped that contract up pretty quick, though.” Ivey replies, ordering yet another drink as she rolls her neck this way and that, prompting a series of bone-shattering cracks to echo through the room. “Followed a lead from this one small settlement to the north, but by the time we got there the raiders we were gonna help ‘em out with had already been taken care of. They said a charred skeleton with a bitchin’ cape and a pack of Tindalos came to help, and ended up refusing payment. Said the weird-lookin’ Daughter just wanted to talk to them about you, actually.”

“Me?” You choke, and Ivey just gives you a shrug of her angular shoulders before continuing to rattle off her failed job prospects.

“Sounds like someone’s spreading the good word about you, friend. Anyway, next up we checked out the Apex Sisterhood, but that didn’t exactly pan out. You heard what happened to ‘em?” She asks, and you nod in the affirmative, deciding not to elaborate on the breadth of your knowledge on the matter. “Freaky stuff. Whoever did them in was a pro. Almost Mara-level, judging by how surgical it all was.”

Ivey shivers, downing her glass and pausing a moment, as if wrestling with what she’s about to say next.

“Ashamed to say I was desperate enough to hear out a job request from West Tau, but all we found when we got to her lab were signs of a struggle…and something that belongs to you.” She trails off, turning in her seat to glance over at Amara, of all people. “Thought you two had gotten separated until we realized the kid we found hiding in West’s cabinet was a construct. Not one for words, but she’s been keeping Anna entertained. Never saw the kid smile before she made friends with that construct of yours.”

You cock an eyebrow, unfamiliar with the name until you recall the masked girl that had been following them when you first made the Hyenas’ acquaintance. You’re about to ask about her when the sound of raucous laughter explodes from where Gina’s sitting, as both she and Razor’s quiet conversation has escalated to a peal of laughter from both girls.

(Continued)
>>
>>4011064

Gina catches your quizzical eye, and the only explanation you get for the unexpected shift in mood is a coy wave and a wink, with Razor’s scowl replaced with a wide grin and a bright blush in her cheeks as she covers her face in amused embarrassment.

Ivey looks at you, and you look at her…and you both just shrug, happy the two are getting along regardless of whatever’s gotten them tickled pink.

“Not sure what’d gotten in my girl’s bonnet when I told her we'd be meeting up with you, but glad to see she’s loosening up. Anyway, yeah. Far as jobs go, that’s about it.” Ivey continues, giving her ally a pointed glance over one shoulder while Razorback tries and fails to stifle her laughter. “Feels like everybody who’s somebody is either hiking to the Cord or battening down the hatches. Jobs are scarce, so as much as I hate that it happened, this whole Laoc thing couldn’t have come at a better time for me and my pack to have some direction.”

“Speaking of your pack, I’ve been curious; how’d you meet your team? Did you just kinda pick them up along the way? Come on, I want to learn about the legendary Hyenas, so dish out the backstory already.” You nudge, and it’s Ivey’s turn to laugh. “

“Ha, sorry to burst your bubble, but we kinda got rolling by accident. Razorback and Blitzen were the first ones I met after Jeraha and I split, and when people heard about a bunch of Unnatural Predators banding together and rocking some leather, well…word got around, one way or another. Not that we’d turn down anyone who isn’t, but we’ve kinda carved ourselves a fun little niche with who we got in the pack.”

“Favorite exploits?” You fire off with a grin as you hear the door open behind you. “Best gigs? Silliest? Epic moments you’ll never forget?”

“Oh God, I don’t even know.” She groans, in spite of her grin. “I wouldn’t know where to start…”

She suddenly cocks her head, ear aimed at the door.

“…and it looks like our ‘legendary’ tales will have to wait.” She sighs, just before Blitzen throws open the doors of the tavern, striding over with haste and giving Ivey a stiff salute.

“Ma’am, we’ve located the groups in need. Ready to move on your command.” She reports, her shrill voice causing Ivey to wince before glancing to you.

“Sorry to cut things short, but me and mine’ll take it from here.” She says with a grin and a wink as Gina and Razorback return to your side. “You done good, Shu; we got this.”

(Continued)
>>
>>4011065

“I ‘preciate what you did for the people here…and sorry for earlier.” Razor interjects with an earnest smile, thrusting her hand out for another shake. You take it, relieved to find she isn’t throwing her bone-crushing strength behind it the second time around. “Your girl’s alright, Defiant.”

“So I’ve been told.” You reply with a wink towards the brunette at your side, even though you’re still not quite sure where the change of heart’s come from.

“I second that. All of it.” Ivey says, rising to lead her teammates to Laoc’s aid. “Looking forward to working with Julia, and good luck with whatever weirdness you turn up next, Defiant.”

You wish her the same, and with that, the Hyenas leave the bar much quieter than when they arrived.

“So, I have to know.” You begin, turning to the brunette at your side. “What’d you do to melt Razor?”

“Well, she didn’t know you were taken, for one. Second, we had a little bonding moment over being women of fine taste. It’s no wonder she’s so smitten, I totally get it.” She replies with a sly grin.

“…What’re you talking abo-HEY!” Comes your yelp of protest, Gina’s sudden pinch catching you off-guard and drawing your allies’ attention to you. Quickly taking stock of the eyes on you, you find Rath and Tinker Tailor still immersed in conversation with Francine and Lara on the outskirts, and you also realize that Dorian’s still absent…come to think of it, you haven’t seen Magpie recently, either.

Then again, if Magpie doesn’t want to be found, you’re pretty sure you’d have a bear of a time tracking her down.

>>You’re sure Dorian’s processing things, and you’d like to give him a little longer to work through stuff. Meanwhile, you’d like to talk to [Choose an ally] before wrapping up in Laoc. After that, you’ll deal with the Guardian’s Remains and decide you next destination.

>>Try and find Dorian…he’s still not back, and you’re getting worried about him. He seemed pretty upset at being told to go with you, and you’d like to know what he’s working through. After that, it’s time to CONSUME and head for parts unknown.

>>Given Ivey’s mention of what happened to the Apex Sisterhood, you’d like to touch base with Magpie before you leave Laoc, then CONSUME and gear up for the next leg of your journey.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next four hours. I’m aiming to have the CONSUME vote this evening, if all goes well and if that works for everyone’s schedule. With 15 points to assign, it won’t be a terribly lengthy affair, and please also know that Julia will continue to keep pace with your main team’s levels while in Laoc thanks to Ivey’s hunting parties.)
>>
>>4011067
>Try and find Dorian…he’s still not back, and you’re getting worried about him. He seemed pretty upset at being told to go with you, and you’d like to know what he’s working through. After that, it’s time to CONSUME and head for parts unknown.

though i still want to talk to Tinker, but actually, Tinker will probably involve forging, it just would make sense, and leveling up first would give us a boost to work with, so it might actually make more sense to catch her afterwards anyways.

>>4011068
doing it tonight would be stupendously preferred over tomorrow night, i can tell you that.

speaking of Julia, i do personally think she should probably get a smaller cut this time. it sounds like she'll be ok anyways, but even if its not much, even such a small boost to the others could make a much needed difference for her absence. sorry Julia, but its the nature of your choices, nothing more or less.
>>
>>4011067
>>You’re sure Dorian’s processing things, and you’d like to give him a little longer to work through stuff. Meanwhile, you’d like to talk to [Choose an ally] before wrapping up in Laoc. After that, you’ll deal with the Guardian’s Remains and decide you next destination.

>Talk with Holly and maybe have her go with us to meet Amara we have a possible new frined for her that she might like to get to know in person
>"So how was it to stretch your legs? I hope the limits your body has were not too bad durign the fight"
>"I know it hasnt been too great since we got interrupted by that Amalgam and all but i still hope you had fun nontheless"
Move with Amara to Anna if she hasnt met her already


>>4011068
Does that mean she will autolevel or will she level once she gets back to the party?
>>
>>4011072
If we were to cut her part down. Would it be comepletely or just cut it by one level or something?

Leaving Julia with no extra levels from us would make sure everyone else would get three Levels.
>>
>>4011067
>Try and find Dorian…he’s still not back, and you’re getting worried about him. He seemed pretty upset at being told to go with you, and you’d like to know what he’s working through. After that, it’s time to CONSUME and head for parts unknown.

We have a hivephone to hand to Dorian and some talk about how his girlfriend's feeling and the real reason why she wants to stay. Needless to say, I think the honeymoon phase of their romantic relationship (the part where they're going around and having cute dates and courting each other) has reached a new stage where each of them will have to learn more about themselves in the time they are away from each other. Dorian's a Brooding Byronic type of boy so letting him stew things over by himself won't do him any good.

>>4011068
I'll be okay with it aside from being unable to give adequate voter input by next update It will be in the middle of dinner rush for me and that's when I'm busy, it's a shame I'll be unable to provide commentary or valuable insight on Dorian's Romantic woes by the next update. I'll maybe be able to catch the tail end of the voting period and provide at least one point of input if I'm lucky enough to get back to the computer by 8:30, assuming the next update is posted at 5 with a 4 hour voting time.

Question: Since Julia went into the dreamscape with Shu to have a serious talk with Gemma, would that mean Julia is eligible for a Kadath point?
>>
>>4011067
>Gina pinching Shu's legs.
>Not going for an ass-slap.
bhop pls, how could you.
>>
>>4011064
>“Followed a lead from this one small settlement to the north, but by the time we got there the raiders we were gonna help ‘em out with had already been taken care of. They said a charred skeleton with a bitchin’ cape and a pack of Tindalos came to help, and ended up refusing payment. Said the weird-lookin’ Daughter just wanted to talk to them about you, actually.”
Uh, Charon, what you doing? Not to say I'm not happy you're helping people, but why you evangelizing about us? Last we heard you were working on a plan and were recruiting for it, are you using us as part of your recruitment pitch?

>>4011067
>>Try and find Dorian…he’s still not back, and you’re getting worried about him. He seemed pretty upset at being told to go with you, and you’d like to know what he’s working through. After that, it’s time to CONSUME and head for parts unknown.
You okay, buddy? I know the girl you like is working through some stuff and that makes you worried for your relationship with her, but it's not about you. She likes you, Dorian, she just wants to be sure she likes herself.

>>4011076
No it wouldn't. That would be fifteen points between six people, three would get left out. I don't think it's worth it, if we're going to be unbalanced anyway. Let's give Julia a normal share, emphasize that she's still part of this family. Two points each, with an extra to allocate to whoever we decide needs it.
>>
>>4011079
it was an ass pinch, not a leg pinch most likely.

>>4011076
id be fine just leaving her with 1, to help stave off the hunger, but otherwise i dont think she would need anything atm. she will also be in a relatively much safer environment too.

so due to November thats 6 people and 14 points if we do that. we'll have 2 extra points to choose where to put em. to be fair even if we gave Julia a full share, 15 cannot be evenly split 7 ways either... or 6 ways.

odd number counts are annoying, i suppose.
>>
>>4011081
yeah, Charon might be putting us on the spot it sounds like... not sure im ok with that honestly.

i mean, i trust their intentions are well meaning, but still.

and agree to disagree on Julia, guess we're gonna have to have a more heated debate even on points distribution this time around.
>>
>>4011081
Yeah your right my bad. I forgot to include Dorian when i counted the people eligble for consuming

>>4011084
I think i would be okay with giving those two points to maybe Francine? She is still behind the level curve even though she got such a strong boost from Yurei
>>
>>4011088
maybe.
level curse shes still behind, but stats wise she actually has at least caught up if not started to get ahead compared to others. oddly she seems to have balanced herself out pretty quickly.

if we could ensure Amara and Dorian got good Biomass boosts, id say one to each of them. they are severely behind on biomass, and for Amara at least that does matter a good bit. Dorian too, but less so.
>>
>>4011094
your right Amara needs a lot of Bio to cast those big spells we need her for.

So i think i could agree on that when it comes to a vote
>>
>>4011094
Well, we've got three Cores to allocate, those would give substantial Bio boosts. Also, I suspect Bloody Battalion's Core would merge with Queen Crimson or Red Death and turn into an Augment, so putting her Core on Amara or Dorian wouldn't just be us spending a level on nothing but stat boosts.

Alternatively, going with just the skills already on them, their Generator skills both give good Bio increases. Accumulated Charge on Dorian and Oxygenic Artillery on Amara, put levels into those.
>>
(Gentlemen, what I'll likely do is post close to when the voting period's over for this current segment to deal with whatever you choose to do, then open the CONSUME vote at around 8:00PM Eastern time if that works for everyone. Starting any earlier in the evening doesn't seem to have worked too well in the past, but if anyone has any major reservations over the 8:00PM start time, please let me know.)

>>4011077
(I'm not near my notes right now, but I'm pretty sure that her interaction with Gemma would qualify, yes.)

>>4011074
(She will have a pool of level-up points that you'll be free to assign once she joins back up with you.)

>>4011072
(Putting the level-up vote before Forging was so that you'd have the most stats to work with, yes.)

>>4011079
(Oh, Gina absolutely pinched the butt.)
>>
>>4011100
>(Gentlemen, what I'll likely do is post close to when the voting period's over for this current segment to deal with whatever you choose to do, then open the CONSUME vote at around 8:00PM Eastern time if that works for everyone. Starting any earlier in the evening doesn't seem to have worked too well in the past, but if anyone has any major reservations over the 8:00PM start time, please let me know.)
Works for me, I'll be free then.
>>
>>4011100
Well fine i will make sure to be up for that time

God i hate that i am so far away from America right now
>>
>>4011099
sure, that could work. worse case we could compact them down into just stats too. really will depend on how those actually work, of course.

as ive said, really dont think we need any new abilities on anyone(except maybe Francine), though like always maybe something will be good enough to replace something.

>>4011100
that works, sure. wont make the game planned for tonight, but its not the one my actual friend is running so thats fine.
>>
>>4011107
come to Texas, buy a gun and a cool hat and live the dream! though honestly anywhere not the west coast states or New York isnt all that bad.
>>
>>4011110
maybe in a couple of years if work brings me over there. Right now i am in a contract and would like to learn a copuple of extra things as well befroe i step out into the open market again

though i already have the cool hat part down....
>>
>>4011100
>8pm CONSUME VOTE
I won't be able to start arbitration when the process starts and it's likely I'll be a bit late to the party when voting begins, but I'm fine with it.

Talking to Dorian and seeing how he'll react to Julia staying...that I'll miss and that's what I'm worried about.

>>4011094
>Amara and Dorian needing a bigger Bio pool.
Agreed.

>>4011081
>Charon running the equivalent of a Door-to-door mormon preacher asking people if they've heard about their lord and savior Shu.
Charon please. Helping people's fine and all but the exaltation of Shu and her family is unneeded. The moment people start looking at us like we're Jesus is the moment a cult forms, and when a cult forms, zealotry begins, and when zealotry begins...that's when things get messy, and we very much do not like to see that turning ugly and stagnant with every negative stereotype the word "cult" brings. People looking up to us like a folklore heroic archetype as inspiration and example of who/what they could be if they better themselves and do the right thing? I'm fine with that. but please keep it in moderation.
>>
>>4011112
understandable.hope it goes well for ya Anon!

>>4011116
yeah, thats what im worried about. that and Charon could be accidentally falling for the trap of not understanding cultural, emotional, and mental differences between our species too. not that i think they're oblivious, only that thinking like an alien(him to us in this case) cannot be easy to do, or even remember to do.
>>
>>4011125
I'm hoping that it's just them acquiring support for us when we hit the Cord, or something like that. BHOP said that Charon and Ringo were recruiting for a plan, maybe that plan is just "provide aid for the Defiant's party when besieging the Cord". And they're talking about us just because they're trying to convince people that we're worth fighting alongside. At least, this is what I hope, and we've all learned what hoping gets you in the Fleshscape by now, so I'm probably super wrong.
>>
>>4011132
i mean, it could be that, and even part of it, but i do feel like Charons got to have something else in mind. seems just a bit too...blunt, for their personality. but we'll see.
>>
Just finished a previous Crucible. Pretty short and with no story attached to this one.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oUZI-ILUMl_5woMDO7VLm_7DLSzU-OKjuRNsSDuMmFs/edit?usp=sharing
>>
>>4011276
A Crucible taking place on an artificial world with multiple species. I like that a lot, the fleshscape having to adjust to a weird geography and biomass having to adjust to mimicking multiple different biochemical bases. Cool.

I'm not too sure on Aromatic Alchemist being a Fibromancer replacement, though. Feels more Humoral Paladin to me. I'd say that instead of it being the Pitched's Fibromancy equivalent, they just don't have Fibromancy and have this alternate Humoral setup.
>>
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>>4011067

You thankfully don’t have to venture far to locate your missing painter, finding Dorian anxiously pacing a ring around city hall.

“Hey.” You greet simply, prompting the artist to pause his ceaseless circle.

“Miss Shu.” He greets, giving you a polite bow even though his attentions are clearly elsewhere. Glancing down, you note that even while he’s standing still, his foot’s tapping with nervous energy.

“Mind if I join you for a lap?” You offer, and he takes you up on it as the two of you begin to pace city hall in silence as you wait patiently for him to speak.

“When I was drinking, I didn’t used to do…this.” He begins, gesturing down at his legs as the two of you walk side-by-side. “It’s an unfortunate habit from when I was younger, I’m afraid.”

“Doesn’t strike me as all that bad.” You comment, stretching your arms above your head. “Better than the alternative.”

“You mean the drinking?” He asks pointedly, and you remains silent for a moment before he merely chuckles. “Ha, I suppose you’re right. I’ve been cutting back, but perhaps I could stand to nix it entirely.”

“You know she’s not running away from you, right?” You posit, leaning over a bit to make eye contact with the young man’s front-facing focus. “She wants to find herself, to be a better person. She’s wrestling with a lot, but I think she just wants to be the best version of her she can be.”

“Yes…yes, I hope so.” He sighs, glancing your way and taking a moment to compose his thoughts before he continues. “…I believe that I’d like to do the same. I’d like for whatever future we may build together to be one that sits upon a foundation that’s made of the best versions of ourselves, as far as we can manage. I…hope that makes sense.”

“Dorian, with your vocabulary I don’t think you couldn’t not make sense.” You tease, and he just makes a face at your casual butchery of grammar until the two of you share a laugh.

“I suppose I…I don’t want to put any restraints on the kind of woman she is, even unintentionally.” He continues, tucking his hands in the pockets of his scarlet overcoat. “My father put enough limitations on my family, and I’ll be damned if I ever repeat that mistake.”

“You’re not your dad, Dorian. I don’t think you could be even if you tried.” You assure, raising an eyebrow as he gives a little shake of his head.

“I believe the pitfalls of his thinking are easier to fall into than I’d expected. Perhaps I’m not as draconian as he ever was, but I’ve been reflecting on my own paradigms.” He muses, breathing in deeply as the two of you make a left turn at the corner of the building you’re circling around. “I had an idea of the future I think I was clinging onto a little too tightly. When Julia said she wanted to find herself, I…well, I’m ashamed to say that I panicked at the thought of her growing without me.”

(Continued)
>>
>>4011363

Wordlessly, you retrieve the other Hive Phone from your pocket, handing it over to your friend as he fixes you with a questioning look.

“She wants to stay in touch, Dorian.” You say, pressing the other half of the Swarmling pair into his hands. “The two of you want to grow and be your best selves before you move forward…despite how scary it can be to spend some time apart, it sounds to me like you’re both working towards the same thing.”

Dorian looks from the bio-tech communicator to you, his single azure eye glinting with a flicker of optimism.

“I…good. I know she’ll do great things here, and I know I have some things to work on before I consider myself truly worthy of being with her.” He says with a smile, pocketing the device as you cock an eyebrow his way.

“Oh, come on. You’re the perfect gentleman.” You counter when the two of you pause at the step of city hall, having come full circle.

“A gentleman I may be, but she is the sun, the moon, and the stars in my sky. I just hope that I can become the sort of man that gives her all that lies beyond them.” He replies eloquently, staring out at the city as his snow-white hair is ruffled by either the breeze or some choice flexing of his core power.

“You never know...” You ponder, staring out alongside him. “…she could snore. You cool with that?”

He turns to give you a withering stare, and you just stick your tongue out from the corner of your mouth teasingly. He just snorts inelegantly, his regal facade broken by the most juvenile of gestures as you share another brief laugh. You’re relieved that he seems to be in higher spirits than when you found him, and he rounds on you once he’s caught his breath with a heavy sigh.

“I…thank you, Shu, and sorry to worry you.” He says with a half-smile, nodding up to the hall’s imposing doors. “Well…shall we get ready to go?”

You consider it, though if you’re being completely honest you think you may have been dreading this part.

You consume, gear up, and then it’s off into the unknown…

…you can only hope that you and the ones you love are prepared for what lies ahead.

>>It’s time. [CONSUME. 15 LEVEL-UP POINTS AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION, WITH 1 INSTANCE OF ‘KADATH’ TO TRIGGER FOR JULIA]

>>There’s one last thing you want to bring up to Dorian before you gather everyone together to consume the remains (Write-In)

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next four hours, with the CONSUME vote to open at around 8:00PM, Eastern time. I’ll hold off on posting the level-up list from the Guardians until then to give everyone a fair start, and I do hope your day is going well.)
>>
>>4011364
>>It’s time. [CONSUME. 15 LEVEL-UP POINTS AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION, WITH 1 INSTANCE OF ‘KADATH’ TO TRIGGER FOR JULIA]

>>4011367
I will go and take a nap now see you soon one and all
>>
>>4011364
>It’s time. [CONSUME. 15 LEVEL-UP POINTS AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION, WITH 1 INSTANCE OF ‘KADATH’ TO TRIGGER FOR JULIA]

Dorians doing fine it seems, nothing else to really say to him honestly, just wanted to make sure he was ok.

>>4011373
yeah, think ill be taking one of those aswell.
>>
>>4011364
>>It’s time. [CONSUME. 15 LEVEL-UP POINTS AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION, WITH 1 INSTANCE OF ‘KADATH’ TO TRIGGER FOR JULIA]
Cannibalism time, go! Actually, wait, weren't we going to make the Arbiter's Appetite available to the rest of Laoc when they were consuming their dead? Did that happen off-screen?

Also, good to see that Dorian is handling this well. I was worried for a moment that he'd be really upset with himself because he felt that he was part of what was holding Julia back, but it seems to be mostly a passing bit of self-loathing.
>>
>>4011364
>>It’s time. [CONSUME. 15 LEVEL-UP POINTS AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION, WITH 1 INSTANCE OF ‘KADATH’ TO TRIGGER FOR JULIA]

Oh boy, I've been waiting for this ever since the end of the last thread back in December.
>>
>>4011385
(Arbiter' Appetite has been in use behind the scenes, yes.)
>>
>>4011364
>>It’s time. [CONSUME. 15 LEVEL-UP POINTS AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION, WITH 1 INSTANCE OF ‘KADATH’ TO TRIGGER FOR JULIA]

IT'S TIME

>>4011503
You and me both.
>>
>>4011503
Indeed. Even if, as always, we'll be up long past when we should go to sleep.

>>4011512
Oh, good. Everyone gets ghosts in their heads.
>>
>>4011512
How ae the townsfolk taking to the opportunity that they will not have to deal with the thought of not picking up the dream daughter versions of their loved ones due to arbiters appetite?
>>
>>4011723
(They're slowly going through the process, and one of the Joyous has temporarily retrieved Arbiter's Appetite for your use, to be returned upon the completion of your CONSUME round.)

(Slight spoilers here, but they'll get along well without it; Jeraha possesses a Relic that can temporarily become a duplicate of any Relic it's exposed to, for the duration of a single Vein. They'll be fine, and you don't have to worry about Arbiter's getting duped once the Vein ends.)
>>
>>4011503
yeah, same.

>>4011735
good to hear, though not exactly the hardest to just pick it up once we need it again id imagine.
>>
>>4011735
Interesting Relic. I imagine its something along the rarity lines of the Appetite....

But its nice to know our own consumption wont stop the townsfolk, merley slow them down
>>
(Bamboozle imminent. That crossed-out fifteen simply cannot stand.)
>>
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>>4011364

When you and Dorian finally re-enter the tavern, you're met with the rest of your assembled allies, plus a few Joyous to round out your little group. They know what's about to happen, and with a silent nod to Sierra, she leads you all to the end of the hall of doors you found Julia in less than half an hour ago. Sierra's tendrils reach out to the knobless door, sneaking around the thin gaps in the frame until you hear a soft click, and with that, she swings the door open before you.

The stench of fresh blood and seeping viscera hits you full force, whatever's been done to the room to prevent the Fleshscape from reclaiming what came from it now forcing the meat into some sort of stasis. Rath nearly gags, while Amara inhales deeply, more curious than anything as both she and Francine peer around your shoulder before you turn to the rest of your allies.

"Alright..." You say simply, looking to each of your family members in turn. Glancing over them, you see Lara and Holly hanging back, one waiting to say her goodbyes, the other entertaining herself by seeing how far her limbs will rotate in her borrowed, and blessedly sated form. You look to your allies again, and you can tell by the looks in their eyes...they've worked up one hell of an appetite.

"Let's do this."You say, and that's all they need before the feast begins.

>>PARTY LEVEL UP: 15 POINTS AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION

>>NEW ABILITIES AVAILABLE FROM GUARDIANS: https://pastebin.com/9KBQ25jk

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
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GENTLEMEN. IT IS TIME.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5j5rRvAvY4
>>
(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next fourteen hours, with posting to resume in approximately sixteen, due to several individuals being out tomorrow at my place of employ.)

(I'll be around for the next two or three hours to address any questions or concerns you may have, and I wish you luck in the voting process. Thank you all for your patience and participation as always, and I do hope you all get some rest when you can.)
>>
>>4011829
so, how long before we start things off gentlemen, and anyone else want to be the artiber like we usually have?

personally id say start at 7:30-45 CST myself.
>>
>>4011829
Did the townsfolk make use of the T-5 Forge that we offered?
>>
>>4011820
It begins.

Are we going to tackle coming to a consensus character by character, gentlemen? Or should we just post full lists? I'd prefer the former, for sanity's sake.

And we're all going to need a minute to look at this pastebin.
>>
>>4011827
Indeed it is.

As always the all important question......

How do we want to split the points we can consume

My vote is
two for everyone but Julia who gets only one in addition to her Kadath level and one extra point for Dorian and Amara
>>
>>4011829
>>4011833

That and the Spare Sparagmos Engine?
>>
>>4011835
definetly one character at a time
>>
>>4011820
>while Amara inhales deeply, more curious than anything
Oh, Amara. You and your unsettling comfort with butchered human corpses. I love you, sweetie, but sometimes you scare the shit out of me.

>>4011831
Yeah, I'm good with a moratorium of fifteen to thirty minutes.

>>4011835
By character, that's how we've been doing it since the Spiraling Fear and it's worked pretty well. Only way to get things done efficiently.
>>
>>4011837
getting a bit ahead of yourself mate, probably best to let everyone look over the options first like i suggested here; >>4011831


>>4011835
see above.
>>
>>4011835
>>4011831

We do this like we always have ever since the Monastery. Character by character basis. But we first we need to hold consensus on point distribution.
>>
>>4011843
yes, agreed, but what abilities are up for grabs could effect how people want to spread points, hence i still think that should be given time before starting.
>>
>>4011833
>>4011838
(They have, supervised by Jeraha. They've mostly been duplicating their own Relics with the T-5 Forge, since the majority of the Relics the general townsfolk possess are things that help them in everyday life, and not combat-based Relics. As for the Engine, they've gotten some use out of it, but the Forge has definitely seen more use.)
>>
>>4011831
7:45 CST (8:45 EST) please.
>>
>>4011849
>Relics used for mundane utility.
Now I'm curious. what sort of relics have they made?
>>
>>4011850
>>4011841
>>4011839
>>4011835
im fine with that.
everyone ok with me arbitering things, or anyone else want to do it? im more than happy with either.
>>
>>4011849
>>4011849
What happened to Angry Hornet Girl's corpse? Did we recover her corpse or did the fleshscape NOM her corpse before they could recover it?
>>
>>4011857
I could do the arbitration. You did arbitration of our previous feast iirc. I'd like to take the duty this time.
>>
>>4011857
i dont really care who does. as long as i dont have to do the arbitratiering at three in the morning
>>
>>4011864
sure, go for it.
>>
>>4011829
Okay, some questions:

1. Would any of these skills merge with existing ones on our party?

2. Can Hunter's Honor count as a ranged attack for purposes of Blade's Bounty, given that it can make thrown weapons?

3. Is Spring-Heeled Jack eligible for the range boost of Yearning Noose?
>>
>>4011859
(She had family in Laoc, and her corpse went back to her two sisters. Her ability set didn't really have anything unique as far as Hive Mistresses go, I'm afraid.)

>>4011855
(Things to help with simple tasks, such as Generator-based heating and cooling systems, Humoral water filtration tubes, and other things of note. If you'd ended up helping Jeraha set the shopkeep's place back in order, she'd have pointed out a few.)
>>
>>4011872
1: (They would not, as they are all markedly unique in how they grow and evolve compared to anything else you possess.)

2. (Yes, it can.)

3. (Absolutely.) (Gotta go fast.)
>>
>>4011884
Okay, that's about what I figured/was hoping for. Oh, an additional question: Does Blade's Bounty do friendly fire, or are allies safe from it? Because I'm thinking it could be really good on Shu, but if it would harm our team then it's not worth it.
>>
>>4011893
Gina would benefit more, she's a Neuromancer who can use Calcite spikes as Terrain attacks, as well as being our primary Terraformer. f

Shu's already got enough on her plate.
>>
>>4011829
A question, BHOP: If Dorian were to gain Humoral Network, would his Paintlings count as Humoral Paladin constructs, for the sake of the bonuses granted?
>>
>>4011893
>>4011894
getting ahead of yourselves, but Amara is the best for that by a large margin.
>>
>>4011884
Would the Humoral Network boost the effect of the Dominus Line?
>>
>>4011898
I agree, just imagine hybridizing Hunter's Honor with Stygian Arsenal at higher levels.
>>
>>4011901
i disagree. no one but Francine, and even her its iffy, at all needs more level-able abilities, even for that, and its not that good of one to get and use levels on for that either.

non of the options are worth adding to anyone's list or replacing anything on them, besides like i said i do think Francine could live with a singular extra one.
>>
>>4011893
(It *does* do friendly fire, unless of course the allies in question have a way of mitigating the damage or know it's coming. If they know it's coming, then they get a considerable boost to dodge it, but there's still a chance they'll get hit.)

>>4011897
(Oh, absolutely.)

>>4011899
(It would not, at least at its current Tier. Higher tiers boost a greater range of stats, just for your information.)
>>
>>4011894
>>4011898
I admit it's probably not the best use of our points for Shu. But creating a massive field of Firmament's Spirals, all of them producing the Fear To Tread effect, would be absolutely devastating. But no, you're right, that's a really situational use and probably not something we should spend points on.
>>
>>4011901
>>4011905
Amara also stays out of CC, or more specifically brawls, to make proper use to if too.
>>
>>4011906
Ah okay probably not worth it then right now

>>4011910
I think the Arsenal could be molten down for stats. it does give a large BIO boost
>>
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MORATORIUM IS OVER. COURT IS IN SESSION.

Gentlemen, let us begin the counsel. Our first Topic of Debate is the point distribution.

We have 15 Points available for consumption, with 1 point exclusive to Julia due to the circumstances of Knowable Kadath.

Persons eligible for the 15 points:
>Shu
>Gina
>Rath
>Dorian
>Julia
>Amara
>Francine

Persons Ineligible:
>November

Persons eligible for Knowable Kadath:
>Julia

Persons Ineligible for Knowable Kadath:
>Everyone else.

Begin submitting proposals to this post.
>>
>>4011906
>>4011893
easy to negate Friendly fire with that though, if you read its description and realize with Shu we always have a terraformer with us.

>>4011917
15 points total:
>Shu, 2 points
>Gina, 2 points
Rath, 2 points
>Dorian, 3 points
>Amara, 3 points
>Francine, 2 points
>Julia, 1 point, 1 kadath
>>
>>4011917
my proposal

>Shu x2
>Gina x2
>Rath x2
>Dorian x3
>Julia x1
>Amara x3
>Francine x2

>Julia: Kadath x1
>>
>>4011921
>That Rath mistake
i literally copy and pasted then entire block of text. its in the middle of the text chunk. literally HOW????????? thats like, computer type eldritch nonsense going on there.

>>4011916
yeah, theres only one core im personally not melting down, and its for Francine.
and just a reminder, just incase folks forget, we still get the Dream Daughter if we melt it down, so no worries on losing them for that.
>>
>>4011901
>>4011908
Anons, any input on the point distribution?
>>
Alright, so here's my take on the consume options.

>STYGIAN ARSENAL
Not great, not awful. Synergy is nice in that It seems investment in this skill gives bonuses to other calcite skills entirely or at least partially. Could be good for Amara if we're willing to invest, but I'm not currently wanting to.

>ARMORY OF THE INFINITE
A great augment for Amara imo. This would let her instantly rearm herself If she were disarmed, but far more importantly she can cheese her blade stacks by immediately cloning another identical blade with identical 'modifications', letting her spend a load of built stacks twice.

>BLADE'S BOUNTY
Considering her power over the fleshscape, this Is also good for Amara. It gives her a nasty AoE that would combo with Armory of the Infinite. Build stacks, throw stacked sword at fleshscape, obliterate everything in radius, retain stacked sword for melee.

I think we should take both of the augments for her but not the core.

>PULMONARY LEGION

Good, could potentially let us create a legion of dream-daughter fighters, but who would get It? I don't know. I'm neutral about this one.

>BLOODIED STAND

Not really feeling It. It's a skill designed as an emergency measure to keep people alive but It's not something we should rely on.

>HUMORAL NETWORK

Would this work on Dorian's constructs? If so this Is potent just for that.

>VIOLENS TETRASTIGMA

No. Is It good? Absolutely, but I want nothing to do with It personally.

>PHEROMONIC PREDATION

While It would be yet another investment for Shu, It would combo very well with her and likely end up as a 'all of your minions are my minions' style ability and make her un-challengeable In swarmling fights.

>YEARNING NOOSE

This affects Spring Heeled Jack? Holy shit this is busted on Dorian. Dorian has to get this for sure.
>>
>>4011917
Two points for everyone, Amara getting the leftover for three. Her Health is still fairly low, let's give our daughter Daughter some room to raise it while still getting things she'll use.

>>4011906
If we melt down Stygian Arsenal for stats with the Refine function on the Sparagmos Engine, can the aesthetic shift it causes in Calcite constructs remain even? Just because I do quite enjoy the idea of Amara wielding this pitch black katana, maximize her anime quotient.
>>
>>4011943
(If you want her blade to be a black as night and more dramatic than the stroke of midnight...then by all means, I'll allow it.)

(That gives me an idea for a re-color Relic, though.)
>>
>>4011936
anon. Any input on point distribution or are you abstaining?
>>
>>4011936
ill withhold discussion til we get to character voting as always, to keep things clean and simple.

>>4011943
my issue with that is, Dorian and Amara need the Bio boosts the most, but Amara uses more Bio, so she needs to take Legion in my opinion, for the extra boost, and Dorian a melted down Stygian, for the second biggest but smaller boost. aesthetics simply isnt a good enough reason to to give them out as better suited, especially if only getting stats out of it.
>>
>>4011923
>>4011921

I'll support this distribution
>>
>>4011954
>>4011943
>>4011925
>>4011923
Gentlemen, thank you for your input. Votes have been tallied. the following points will be distributed as thus with a majority consensus:

>Shu x2
>Gina x2
>Rath x2
>Dorian x3
>Julia x1, Kadath x1
>Amara x3
>Francine x2

Next article of debate. To ensure that we do not get any further confusion, We shall discuss the point distribution for Julia, our lovely wallflower who's staying behind in Laoc to learn more about herself.

1 Point Kadath (please apply only to abilities on her current character sheet, cannot be used to CONSUME from pastebin)
1 Point (can be used to CONSUME from pastebin)

Please submit your proposals to this post.
>>
>>4011967
Julia, 1 point, 1 Kad;
>Seasonal Oppression
>Elemental Digestion(Kad)
Both could use some love.
>>
>>4011967

Level UP JULIA x1 + Kadath

>Kadath: Elemental Digestion

>SEASONAL OPPRESSION

the digestion will be very useful for her and the oppresion is gonna need soem more power to become even more devastating
>>
>>4011969
>>4011973
Seconding both of these votes.
>>
>>4011967
Honestly, I don't see much in the way of new things for Julia to get, none of the Augments do much for her and she's got enough other skills to not bother with picking up new ones. I'm fine with the Oppression and Digestion combo. I'd like to upgrade Artisanal Appetites, see where that skill goes as it evolves, but I can't put a point into both it and Oppression. Supporting >>4011969
>>
>>4011967
My proposal is this:

>Seasonal Oppression
We could really use the upgrade to Seasonal oppression since we can't apply Knowable Kadath to Frozen Fury or Depressive Weight.
>Kadath: Bloody Ripper

Bloody Ripper is because it's one of the basic foundations of Carnivorous Carver, we upgrade that, and our Carnivorous Carver's ability is multiplied.
>>
>>4011973
>>4011969
Sounds good to me.
>>
>>4011981
i dont think Bloody Ripper has enough kick to it to really be worth it over just upgrading what it went into or another personally. its good, sure, but not so much so to really be worth the Kadath work around.
>>
>>4011981
I'd rather amp up her secondary abilities some, at least for now. Julia's doing good on single-target DPS, expanding the abilities of Bloody Ripper or Carnivorous Carver aren't too important. But she's going to be away from the party and won't be able to rely on us for support, so I think until she's gotten used to working with the Hyenas I'd feel more comfortable with her getting a boost to her defense and crowd control skills. Help keep her safe while she adjusts.
>>
>>4011983
>>4011981
>>4011979
>>4011976
>>4011973
>>4011969

Gentlemen thank you for your input. Votes have been tallied.

With a super-majority vote of 5:1 The following proposal passes:

Julia:
>Seasonal Oppression (1 Level-up point)
>Elemental Digestion (1 Kadath point)

Points left:
>14 level up points
>0 Kadath points

Next subject of debate: Francine. Our Black sheep of the West Collective, once cold, now warming up to the family albeit slowly.

Points available for Francine: 2

Please submit your proposals to this post.
>>
>>4011995
Francine, 2 points;
>Unyielding Spirit
>Violens Tetrastigma
I think Francine could put Violens to AMAZING use, and it would fill a ‘melee’ gap i think she does have in her list, even with Luohans, which is actually more defensive in nature. That, and it fits her unraveling theme really well i personally think. Worse case, im sure we could triple hybrid it to mitigate its appearance effects, and i can even see some potential options to do that in her set already.
Spirit just to see how it can aid her more.

also doing it in opposite order than usual i see, not that im complaining, just amusing.
>>
>>4011995
Level UP FRANCINE x2
VIOLENS TETRASTIGMA (core)

YEARNING NOOSE


I think the Core could be very useful for her to herlp her regain Health for herself to then heal people without having to need to switch targets with her creations strings

Yearnign noose is useeful fo rh er to iuncrese the strength and reach of her Core
>>
>>4012001
Seconding.
>>
>>4011948
>>4012001
BHOP, how would Noose effect Luohans Hands? because i think Creations doesnt really need the range boost? but if its not that impressive for Luohans, Noose isnt worth it at all on her.
>>
>>4012004
could you please link your vote to >>4011995
It makes it easier to count later on
>>
>>4011995
>Yearning Noose
>Luohan's Hands

Yearning Noose because Creation's Strings drops off in effectiveness with range, so that's a natural upgrade to give it. Luohan's Hands because Francine is primarily a reactive fighter and that supports that combat style.

>>4011999
Francine's got a Vitruvian power, anyway, so if she gets Tetrastigma she should avoid most of the aesthetic issues. Keep her mostly humanoid.
>>
>>4011995
My proposal:

>Yearning Noose
>Luohan's hands

Yearning Noose would help Francine greatly with her core ability, allowing her more distance and range with her tether and increases her full-power siphoning to Medium range instead of close range.

Luohan's hands helps out Francine when she inevitably needs to get in close.
>>
>>4011995
Seconding this vote:
>>4012001
>>
>>4012013
>>4012017
hopefully BHOPS still around, but its strength doesnt drop off that much from what we have seen to make Noose at all worth it just for her core, and with Hands being a counter via being hit that i dont even think relies on 'range', though that depends entirely on what qualifies as a melee attack. is a tentacle still attached to the attack still melee, or only 'melee range'?

though looking, i think the votes already been decided, as i think we have 5 people(stable people at least)?
>>
>>4012008
(It would essentially extend the activation range of Luohan's hands from melee to short range, allowing even projectile attacks to trigger the counter attack, and even that counter range is extended by one zone due to Yearning Noose's effect.)
>>
>>4012001
>>4011999
>>4011995
changing to support this though, as my main goal is to get her Violens, so the other point can be sacrificed.
>>
>>4012001
Upon second consideration, VIOLENS combo's extremely well with YEARNING NOOSE (which Is especially nice if It improves upon LUOHANS counters), and the aesthetic issue Is lessened on Francine, yes?

In that case-

Supporting.
>>
>>4012028
(CORRECTION: the expansion would be from SHORT to MEDIUM range for both the counter's activation and the attack range of the resulting counter-strike. Apologies, I've been reading up on other systems and my wording was off.)
>>
>>4012028
oh, fair enough. guess its acceptable on her then, sure. if only because its an augment.
>>
>>4012028
So are you saying if a projectile attack triggers Luohan's hands, would the resulting counterattack throw the projectile back or would it trigger Francine and prompt her to move towards the direction of the projectile attack in order to counterstrike in melee?
>>
>>4012039
(So, if someone threw a projectile towards her, then Francine would literally unwravel, reaching across the distance to slap their shit with the resulting counter. Tossing the projectile back is more Amara's game, and Luohan's Hands is built to trigger more melee boosters that it gets as it levels. Basically, Noose enhances Francine's melee range with Fibromancer techniques.)
>>
>>4012034
In light of these weird range boost interactions, I'm now regretting not putting Luohan's Hands on Gina with the vision-channeled Neuromancy that Neon Ascendant gives her. She could shoot karate lasers out of her eyes, if we had given her that.
>>
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>>4012047
ok, now im laughing at the image of Francine just bitch slapping someone from across the battlefield while calmly saying 'you stop that.'
>>
>>4012054
(That's precisely the kind of imagery I wish to invoke with the good doctor.)
>>
>>4012049
(Kosi would be so proud.)
>>
>>4012059
is it bad that i want to see Francine have to deal with a group of adorable well meaning but utterly science denying and kinda dim hicks... alone?
>>
>>4011999
>>4012001
>>4012013
>>4012017
>>4012020
>>4012033

Gentlemen, thank you for your input. Votes are Tallied:

The following proposal passes:

Francine:
Unanimous consensus
> Yearning Noose (1 point)

4:2 Majority
>Violens Tetrastigma

Points left:
>12 Level up points
>0 Kadath points:

Next subject of debate: Our Adorable yet simultaneously unsettling magical-ninja-catgirl Daughter, Amara.

Points available for Amara: 3 points.

Please submit your proposals to this post.


A Gentle reminder to >>4012033, please properly link your post. I counted yours as a courtesy. Future proposals will not be valid if you don't properly link your post.
>>
>>4012082
Amara, 3 points;
>Armory of the Infinite
>Blades Bounty
>Pulmonary Legion(Stats only)
Pulmonary give the most Bio, and thats what Amara needs.
And with the charge build up on Amaras swords aswell as her being able to launch them like spears with Oxygenic, imagine what she could do with those two augments, especially together?
>>
>>4012068
God damn it, I'm now imagining a Humoral Paladin Core based on the really horrifying types of quack medicine, like the turpentine diet or eye bleaching. There's probably a black salve Relic that actually does draw out toxins, isn't there? Fuck, I am genuinely angry at myself for imagining this, I made the body horror too real.
>>
>>4012090
(Good things await in the Quest, Anon.)
>>
>>4012082
>Pulmonary Legion(Stats only)

>Armory of the Infinite

>Blades Bounty

As long as we launch the blade it should do what >>4012088 suggests but otherwise it will give Amara back a weapon that has zero charges after she slashed someone with it(sicne the weapon will be in the state it was jsut before it was removed from her grasp)
>>
>>4012090
honestly 'quack medicine' probably does exist in the Crucible, yeah. would be horrifying yet kinda neat to see though. imagine we find an entire hospital running on quack medicine abilities and relics?
>>
>>4012082
(Much appreciated)

Here's my suggestion

>Armory of the Infinite
>Blades Bounty
>Sygian Arsenal (Stats and Aesthetic only)

That aesthetic Is too cash to pass up on, and has good HP gains and she needs It. The augments combo far too well to pass up on.
>>
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>>4012090
>>4012096

That daughter better be dressed as a plague doctor or else we RIOT
>>
>>4012098
i mean, while its more a backup, id still say being able to instantly get the blade back if someone knocks it out or melts it down before she can use the charges is still a good ability aswell.

>>4012102
i highly disagree, Amara uses significantly more Biomass than Dorian, so while they both need it, its a terrible idea not to give her the bigger boost, especially as Aesthetics alone is not at all worth it nor a good reason not to do so.
>>
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>>4012103
(SOON.)
>>
>>4012082
My proposal:

>Pulmonary Legion
>Infinite Armory
>Blade's Bounty

As much as I like Stygian Arsenal, Pulmonary Legion helps out Amara more in the fact that it allows Amara to spawn her many many dream daughter friends like the Sororitas, Sasha, and Churem. That and the fact that it provides the stats that Amara needs desperately.
>>
>>4012096
Oh dear god no.

>>4012100
Francine, please hurt them. Hurt them with your words. I mean, you're not exactly a great scientist yourself (she's clearly brilliant, but she does things that no sane scientific review panel would approve of), but you at least know what science is supposed to be.

>>4012103
No, no, quack doctors want to give an impression of respectability and non-threatening sagacity. They're trying to appeal to the people who are intimidated by fancy medical degrees telling them what is and is not good for them. The quack doctor Daughter would probably be a Vitruvian and dress like an average suburban mom, seem as "normal" as possible.
>>
>>4012106
Can we not refine Pulmonary Legion? the fact that it allows Amara to spawn her Dreamdaughters like the Soroitas, Sasha, and Churem, which would allow Amara to project a more formidable combat force. That and it finally allows Amara to finally summon "Bloody Stands".
>>
>>4012116
Oh God. Are you saying that the quack doctor is an anti vax Facebook mom?
>>
>>4012115
as stated, i disagree on basically everyone left on getting new abilities without recycling an old, and certainly dont think any level-able ability left is at all worth taking. plus, Shu will be able to call out her friends in time anyways, that ability just leaves her with zombies basically. not Amaras style.

>>4012116
>mfw when you are the one the doctor needs to bitch slap
bring it you fancy ball of parasitic yarn!
>>
>>4012122
see
>>4012124
i disagree heavily with not melting it down. she also does nto at all need that with how potent and numerous she can get her Clones. its doubling up uselessly with even more level spread.
>>
>>4012122
But she has a stand. its name is Queen Crimson

and i also think gettign a Spiritus Construct for them woudl be better
>>
>>4012123
>>4012116
Anons. are you voting or abstaining? please submit your proposals.
>>
>>4012123
Yeah, she's going to be real into essential oils, and thanks to her Humoral Core those will be a thing that actually exists for her.
>>
>>4012115
>>4012082
>>4012102

It's clear I'm not going to win, but I'm fine with that. We're getting the augments, which Is what's important.

Switching
>>4012102

To support

>>4012115
If we're going to get legion, she should at least put It to use. It's a very solid dream daughter spawning ability.
>>
>>4012082
I'll second this proposal:

>>4012088
She needs those stats.
>>
>>4012132
Right, sorry, got distracted fuming over quack medicine.

>>4012082
>Pulmonary Legion (Refine)
>Armory of the Infinite
>Blade's Bounty

Compromising on Pulmonary Legion. I'd rather give Amara Stygian Arsenal so that her Health would break 2000%, but I'm fine with putting that off until the next level if it makes this go easier.
>>
>>4012082
Apologies, I changed my mind. Switching my vote from this:
>>4012150

To support this:
>>4012115
>>
>>4012164
>>4012142
>>4012115
it really is not worth it. she already has way too many levels to spread points around too, its cutting the stats she gains in half, and overlaps horribly with Joyous, which honestly is already much better at that same goal. it also doesn't even let her actually interact with them, as they're only repilcants, which again, isnt Amaras style.

its just doubling up on something we already have, just making Joyous stronger would suit her significantly better, and even if we wanted something like that, Spiritus would suit her personality much better, but Shu can already cover that for her in the long run, without needing massively extra level drops.
>>
>>4012184
i mean, seriously, with how we have been told Spiritus will work, longterm no one else needs a DD ability, as Shu can just make the shell and put any of their DDs that want out in one, but just have them hang out with their 'owner' instead of Shu, as theres no range limit on them.
>>
>>4012164
>>4012151
>>4012142
>>4012115
>>4012098
>>4012088
Gentlemen, thank you for your input. Votes have been Tallied.

The following proposal has been passed:

Amara:
Unanimous consensus
>Blade's Bounty
>Infinite Armory

>Technical Unanimous Consensus
>Pulmonary Legion

Points left:
>9 Level up points
>0 Kadath points

Before we move on to the next subject, it has come to my attention that there has been some conflict over whether or not we should refine Pulmonary Legion into the stats rather than leaving it as is.

For that I'm imposing a lightning round on whether or not to refine Pulmonary Legion into stats rather than leaving as is.

Vote Yay to refine Pulmonary legion, Nay to leave it as is.

Please submit your proposals to this post. Lightning round ends in 10 minutes.
>>
>>4012210
Yay.
>>
>>4012210
>yay
melt it down. its needless overlap, more levelables we absolutely do not need, and we have a much better way to do what it does, both in Theme of Amara and our family, and via being significantly more cost effective to do, aswell as making them higher quality.
>>
>>4012210
>Yay

is this a Disgaea Reference?
>>
>>4012210
>Yay
>>
>>4012210
>Yay
>>
>>4012213
>>4012215
>>4012216
>>4012221
>>4012224
Gentlemen, thank you for your input.
5 votes for Yay, to refine Pulmonary Legion into stats, and 1 to abstain (myself)

The Updated proposal has been passed.
Amara:
Unanimous consensus
>Blade's Bounty
>Infinite Armory
>Pulmonary Legion (Refined into stats)

Points left:
>9 Level up points
>0 Kadath points

Now for our next subject:

The "Man" who broods on his very "enthusiastic" walks, A man made of blood and bloody passion for Art: Dorian Gardner

Points available for Dorian: 3 Level up points.

Please submit your proposals to this post.
>>
>>4012239
Dorian, 3 points;
>Spring Heeled Jack
>Accumulated Charge
>Stygian Arsenal(stats only)
I still like the idea of keeping Jack and Charge side by side, though my intention here is not to hybridize myself.
Dorian also needs a Bio boost, but not as much as Amara, so he gets the lesser stat only Core.
>>
>>4012239
Here's my suggestion

>Spring Heeled Jack
>Accumulated Charge
>Yearning Noose

Improve the speed, improve our ability to benefit off our speed. Increase the benefits to his stacks and hopefully how fast he gains them. Simple and solid.

Additionally, possible Hybrid with SHJ and AC. He's fast now, but imagine if he were as fast as lightning. Imagine if his melee was even more lightning enhanced, while reducing the amount of things to level on his sheet.
>>
>>4012241
Dorian need the stat boost to his Bio much more than Noose. he doesn't use Bio as much, but he still does use it alot in a good few abilities, especially for how far behind in it he has gotten. melting it down should make it a non issue going forward from now on.
>>
>>4012239
>STYGIAN ARSENAL (core), molten down for stats

>Accumulated Charge
more BIO and more electric stuff for him

>YEARNIGN NOOSE
>>
>>4012241
Donrians Stas are not that high so we should get him a core to improve those.

It will aslo improve his regen by a bit as well., Soemthing he is already pretty good at but is beign outpaced right now
>>
>>4012239
My proposal:

>Humoral Network
>Yearning Noose
>Stygian Arsenal (Stats only)

Stygian Arsenal has good stats for Dorian, and Dorian's considered our team's Regen King. Yearning Noose would greatly benefit his Resplendant Thread and his Spring Heeled Jack.

Humoral Network would amplify the paintlings he tosses about, and provide him even better stats.
>>
>>4012239
>Stygian Arsenal (Refine)
>Yearning Noose
>Humoral Network

Stygian Arsenal just for stat boosts. Yearning Noose will both enhance his Threads and his speed. And Humoral Network can be incredibly powerful given the huge number of constructs that Dorian can make. It's a minimum of a +70% to his constructs speed and durability (50% base, +10% for Scarlet Terror, +10% for Red Death), even if he only has a Matron or Sibling active that's still a big boost. Throw in a few dozen Bloodlings and it becomes stupid broken.
>>
>>4012239
Sounding this build:

>>4012245
>>
>>4012241
I would rather wait on Hybridizing Spring Heeled Jack and Accumulating Charge, the problem is that Spring Heeled Jack and Accumulating Charge are not eligible for Knowable Kadath, so if we hybridize them now, we won't be able to upgrade the individual abilities any further. I would rather wait before we hybridize.
>>
>>4012245
>>4012241
>>4012250
>>4012251
>>4012255
i also dont think Noose is at all worth it on him. he has one ability that would use it, but we have never had issues with its range with it, which is all Noose would upgrade on it given its caveat. it would give something already long range added range, when its never been an Issue and Dorian can not only close the gap, but BENEFIT from closing the gap. he doesn't need its range bonus. its also powerful enough too, if it even gave the power boost, but the wording says otherwise.
>>
>>4012257
BHOP said that it would enhance Spring-Heeled Jack, too. Giving him Noose makes him faster, not just have more range on his Threads.
>>
>>4012210
Apologies, I forgot about Humoral Network. I retract my vote posted here:

>>4012255

And second these votes:
>>4012250
>>4012251
>>
>>4012260
he doesn't need to waste a point on an augment like that, when he can just upgrade Jack itself. its a waste of an augment, as just putting the point into Jack will help his speed, but also help Jack move further forward to other benefits, while Noose is stagnant. it doesn't do enough we cannot get elsewhere with more.
>>
>>4012264
>>4012251
>>4012250
he does no rely on his construct enough for them to need Network, and with him closing the gap her literally negates its usefulness by usually being where or being able to get close easily to get them where they need to be.
>>
>>4012239
I think i will adress my own vote to go from>>4012245 to
>STYGIAN ARSENAL (core), molten down for stats

>Accumulated Charge

>Humoral Network
>>
>>4012239
Since
>>4012256
Makes a good point about waiting for hybridization-

Switching
>>4012241
to
>>4012251
>>4012250

Yearning noose increases threads, and for SHJ It increases not only speed, but Dorian does bonus damage based off speed, and has his alpha strike from SHJ too, Yearning should increase the damage of those as well as his speed.
>>
>>4012270
>>4012273
see
>>4012269
>>4012267
>>4012257
>>
>>4012267
Eh, fair. I guess I'm just getting excited by the prospect of a guaranteed speed boost. I'll think about it.

>>4012269
This, though, I don't want to budge on. We should be using Dorian's constructs more, especially now that he can make Matrons and Siblings on demand.
>>
>>4012250
>>4012239
I'm altering my proposal to
>Stygian Arsenal (stats only)
>Spring Heeled Jack. (Do not Hybridize)
>Accumulating Charge (Do Not hybridize)
Dorian's Fear aura at level 4 would help deal with Neuromancers and other enemy phantasmal conduits who perform concentrated actions. It's been way too long since we leveled up.

>>4012270
>>4012264
>>4012273
I'll count your posts as votes to go for

>Stygian Arsenal (Refine)
>Yearning Noose
>Humoral Network

>>4012269
>>4012267
You make a good point.
>>
>>4012281
my point wasnt we shouldn't be using his contructs, my point is the way they work, especially on him, they do not need defense or speed. thats just not how they work. they glue or poison that can move, people dont and have not defeated them based on beating them to death, especially due to their liquid nature.
>>
>>4012276
I read your posts, anon, I just disagree.

Noose being 'stagnant' because It's a passive is no problem, because It pushes the potential of both of his fibromancer abilities farther. Now no matter what, both of them have increased range and power. Wherever they would end up upon being capped, they're now better upon completion than If we hadn't taken this ability. To give two enhancements to two abilities Isn't minor.
>>
>>4012281
Matrons and siblings only appear when our allies are out cold, not when Dorian or our other allies are conscious. Besides, Dorian's only limited to summoning one of them at a time.
>>
>>4012239
Altering my vote >>4012251 to

>Stygian Arsenal (Refine)
>Spring-Heeled Jack
>Humoral Network
>>
>>4012276
there is nothing in there that makes me reconsider not takign the Network.
Ican see the Noose part from it but i think the network will be useful. since he can spawn them for free when moving

>>4012283
i would like it if you didnt do that since i explicitly stated what i wanted in that post you linked. I know it makes more work but i am no longer a fan of the Noose
>>
>>4012287
well, your're wrong. its not that big or even potent an enhancement, especially over what can be given elsewhere. it IS minor, because neither ability will actually benefit from it significantly, or even really at all in ways that matter enough.

>>4012291
the network is worse than the noose is uselessness and wastefulness.
>>
>>4012286
>>4012289
Dorian can summon Matrons and Siblings at any time now.

>RED DEATH (Lvl 8): Fear is a creeping, spreading thing. Now, upon a foe witnessing one of their allies or constructs suffer a critical hit at Dorian’s hands, all foes within line of sight will automatically be inflicted with an instance of FEAR. Additionally, Dorian’s Paintlings will now coalesce into one of his potent familiars if enough are present, with a percentage meter now provided to show how close they are to combining. (HEALTH REGEN +30%, BIO REGEN +20%)

He just has to pile up enough Bloodlings and they combine into one of them. Now, Matrons and Siblings have Dorian's full power set, though specialized for damage and defense (Matron) or speed and criticals (Sibling). Imagine an optimized Dorian with enormous speed and defense boosts added on top of that.
>>
>>4012289
i think stygian is at least guaranteed, if you want to lock at least it down for cleanliness sake?
>>
>>4012300
and i still disagree thats really worth it, albeit id also have to see the actual cost for the coalition.
>>
>>4012300
>>4012302
also how long it can take, as it may rarely be worth the effort to summon them that way, especially given Dorians playstyle.
>>
>>4012301
I'll try to narrow it down. Tracking down who votes for what is hard, even harder is when I'm arbitrating and a few anons are simply saying "I'm seconding this post" and linking their votes to me, and some of them have changed their minds.
>>
>>4012300
>>4012302
>>4012308
fuck, sorry.
also, if it uses up them being able to spawn on allies when they go down, i disagree its worth it, as it could leave a very useful safeguard out of position.

>>4012310
trust me, i understand.
>>
>>4012308
So he just makes some in advance and has them follow him around. Or when we're preparing for a fight, like the Mole and Phalanges we're going to have to gear up for.
>>
>>4012291
Apologies. I've read your post now and I'll rectify that.
>>
>>4012315
and i disagree that happens often enough to get something to boost them.

also what i said too late for you to catch right above your post.
>>
>>4012314
>also, if it uses up them being able to spawn on allies when they go down, i disagree its worth it, as it could leave a very useful safeguard out of position.
I don't think it would. Pretty sure those are all their own separate slots. BHOP, if you're still awake, can you clarify if Dorian spawning Matrons and Siblings for himself prevents them from being summoned for others?
>>
>>4012317
Thank you.

I guess you jsut misread. its understandable when you try to arbitrate and have nearly a dozen votes to go through
>>
>>4012325
i mean, it sounds like it would, and like with DD summons, they are pretty unique and special constructs. it would fit what we have seen, for them to be used up like that.
>>
>>4012337
Well, if they're not their own separate slots for each individual, then only the first person downed in a fight generates one of Dorian's familiars, and I'm not sure that's true. I could have sworn it was supposed to be one per customer. But maybe I'm misunderstanding.
>>
>>4012346
nah, its only ever been one of each that has spawned(we have had more than two people go down before), one mother, one sister.

never seen a second of one spawn either.
>>
>>4012302
(It takes a mere twenty Platelings to generate a Familiar, so given some aspects of Red Death, it's possible he could summon one as an after thought when he runs, now. Additionally, unless the Inklings are called to split or go off in separate directions, they'll automatically join together at the end of a given round if left alone. Again, just so you know how it works so that you can plan accordingly.)

>>4012310
(You're doing a magnificent job with arbitrating, I must say. Very well done, I know it's not easy, so thank you for doing this.)

>>4012314
(Following up on the above, thank you as well for doing so in the past. You did a fantastic job, truly.)

>>4012325
>>4012337
(Even though Dorian's Familiars aren't like Dream Daughters, they are classified as 'Unique Constructs', like Mara's human form or some high-tier Hive Mistress abilities. Thus, only two of them may manifest at any given time, as much as I wish I could rule otherwise. Given how they work, they'd be utterly broken now, otherwise. I'm sad you haven't seen them in action that much, because in playtesting they're absolutely brutal.)

(Finally, I shall be turning in for the evening. Best of luck, and any questions that are posed past this post are ones I shall address first thing in the morning, if you'd be so kind as to link them to this post if you'd like them answered promptly.)

(Thank you, and have a great night, one and all.)
>>
>>4012349
Actually, there has been. Just found it in the Yurei fight. Both Amara and Rath went down, each of them spawned a Matron. So yeah, they're separate slots for each party member. Dorian can spawn his advanced familiars without worry about leaving his friends without backup bodyguards.
>>
>>4012352
>>4012353
BHOP says otherwise, so i personally think keeping them as a safeguard is much more important. also both are called 'matrons', that was one of each spawning.
>>
>>4012352
Sleep Well OP
>>
>>4012353
(Blast it all, that was a mistake on my part. A Matron and Sibling spawned, not two of the same. My apologies, and thanks for catching that.)
>>
>>4012352
Dorian's familiars are that powerful? In that case, Humoral Network will be even more of an advantage.

Thanks for clarifying, BHOP, have a great sleep!
>>
>>4012352
yeah, thanks for the answers, and sleep well.

how much are inklings? 5%? yeah, 5% 20 then for 100% biomass. ok, fair not bad, but still dont think its worth the Augment for them, and again, his inklings dont need it. they are made to be safe guards first and foremost, and would prefer them to be ready for that.
>>
>>4012290
>>4012283
>>4012273
>>4012270
>>4012264
>>4012240
Gentlemen thank you for your inpu- Yikes. I've never seen a contested and messy voting process like this. Let me try to narrow it down.

From a poll of 6 votes (including myself) here are the results

Dorian:
Points available for Dorian: 3 points
Unanimous Consensus:
>Stygian Arsenal (Refined into stats)

Contested:
Humoral Network (4 votes)
Accumulating Charge (4 votes)
Spring Heeled Jack (3 votes)
Yearning Noose (3 votes)

Well then. It seems aside from Stygian Arsenal, we have two runner ups unless I somehow counted them wrong.
>Humoral Network
>Accumulating Charge

Final results:
>Stygian Arsenal (Refined into stats)
>Humoral Network
>Accumulating Charge

Well this is gonna make some people angry somehow...

Points left:
>6 level up points

Anyways...Next subject on the list: The living flame who has caught the attention of one rather large, tall, and fluffy Moth, Rath.

Points available for Rath: 2 level up points.

Please submit your proposals to this post.
>>
>>4012376
oh yay, you guys got us the even more worthless of the two, greaaat.

Rath, 2 points;
>Calcite Halo
>Bloodied Stand
Bloodied Stand would be amazing on our main melee fighter, especially with how often she takes big hits, and well, Calcite Halo on our main brawler, duh.
>>
>>4012359
Yeah, I know, let me catch up with my vote, he posted just eleven seconds before me

>>4012239
Right, since the advanced familiars are apparently not something we can freely deploy, let's change >>4012290 one more time.

>Stygian Arsenal (Refine)
>Spring-Heeled Jack
>Accumulated Charge

>>4012365
Yeah, it looks like you referred to them as both in that thread, guess we were all confused. Red Death level eight doesn't seem that useful if we can't summon the familiars without getting rid of the bodyguard function, though. Maybe a higher level will let us use them more effectively, but I like having that backup guard of downed allies too much to give it up.

>>4012367
They're as strong as he is, with boosts to their stats for their specialized role. It's a pretty big deal.
>>
>>4012376
CALCITE HALO

INDIGNANT IGNITION

i am not married to just increasing her strength with the options she already has but i am not sure what wlse she might need from that list...

Just nothing jumped out at me but maybe i missed soemthing
>>
>>4012381
>>4012376
>timing on that vote change.
Arbiter Anon feel my pain.
no ones fault though, but i also cant help but laugh at that, sorry. cathartic or something to see it from the other side, i guess, no offense meant.
>>
>>4012381
(Yeah, higher levels do fudge that cap, but at higher levels it's certainly needed with what you'll be facing.)

>>4012380
(Oh, I don't think you'll be all that disappointed once you see what they can do, now. You all were basically arguing over which way Dorian is going to utterly wreck face, so I'm pleased either way since I'm looking forward to writing it.)
>>
>>4012385
>>4012381
My soul was slightly crushed seeing from that. Just a little.
>>
>>4012385
>>4012394
Sorry, 4chan's been updating weirdly for me tonight. My posts aren't appearing until like a minute after I press reply, even when I hit update instead of just waiting for the auto. I don't know what's wrong, my connection is just fine on other sites.

>>4012388
Okay, well if we've got an assurance that it will be useful all the same, I guess I'm okay with it. Won't try to walk it back, let's just see where it goes. Worst case scenario, we've just got to focus on Spring-Heeled Jack next level.

Anyways, good night, BHOP. Get some sleep, friend.
>>
>>4012376
Seconding this vote:
>>4012384
>>
>>4012376
>Unrelenting Cold
>Calcite Halo
I'd like to see where Unrelenting Cold goes, based on the Kinetic Remnant it should offer some really cool stuff with absorbing momentum and growing in size. And we know from Dorian and Julia that Calcite Halo level two will synergize really well with Alabaster Endoskeleton. It makes turn-length defense boosts fade over the next few turns instead of disappear after the turn, so Rath hardening in response to trauma would carry over and stack the longer she was in a fight.
>>
c'mon guys, Raths literally been in a situation where Bloodied would've been a life save more times than almost the rest of our team combined.
>>
>>4012416
Oh, actually, you're right, that does work really well with Indignant Ignition. Swap her Health regen for Bio regen when her Bio becomes her new Health pool, that works really well. Yeah, changing my vote

>>4012381
Changing >>4012413
to
>Bloodied Stand
>Unrelenting Cold
>>
>>4012416
She has the resilient SPiral so it should be very possible to survive even if she gets knocked otu after her second health bar.......

I have to admit i didnt read this ability as thoroughly as i should have.

>>4012376
Ammending my vote from>>4012384
to
>CALCITE HALO
and
>Bloodied Stand
>>
>>4012380
I would support, but Bloodied Stand is an augment that makes me very very hesitant about.

The issue that I'm having is that despite the benefits of the heroic second wind and the benefit that gives our brawler death saving throws with advantage, she has to make three of them instantly, and I do not like our chances. You've seen what happened when Rath had to fight a Churem made by Yurei, she had to make 5 saving throws and only succeeded in making one of them and that's with Resilient Spiral active as well. It's an augment that sounds good on paper but makes me very scared of it in practice when I look at the cons.
>>
>>4012419
you forgot to link it to the original post. You just linked to your now retracted Dorian Vote
>>
>>4012428
Great, I'm already getting into the misposting stage of a build voting night. I always get here eventually. It's only 11:23, I shouldn't be making mistakes yet.

>>4012376
Hey, this. This vote. >>4012419
>>
>>4012421
true, but resilient doesn't on a technicality, though kinda in an iffy way, sorta double her health pool. it just makes her more likely to survive Deaths Door, which is can still do. honestly poor girls put through the ringer pretty often, not that she would complain, but still, giving her something to further mitigate that would be nice.

>>4012426
i disagree, especially when she already has advantages on those and it gives her further advantages, and it makes her significantly less likely to ever have to take them in the first place. the real point is, getting to Death Saving Throws is bad to happen at all, and this significantly reduces that chance on a charter who is usually the closest to or having to make them the most often.
>>
>>4012436
its alright, we only have two to go after this!
>>
>>4012436
we all get there.....

and i have to leave for work in less than an hour so i may still post from my phone(if things havent been resolved until then) while on my way to work
>>
>>4012376
My proposal:

>Calcite Halo
>Bloodied Stand
>>
>>4012426
Well, here's the way I see it: Combat typically only lasts five to six turns. So as long as Rath can last until turn three on her normal Health bar, she should be in position for someone to stabilize her the moment she drops from Bloodied Stand collecting its price. Especially since this way, she's far more likely to be able to disengage from an enemy attacking her and get to medical attention. Normally Rath fails her Death Saves not because they're hard but because her opponent is still there wailing on her while she's helpless. If she stay mobile when she takes a potentially lethal hit instead of falling unconscious, then she's much more likely to be stabilized.
>>
>>4012380
>>4012421
>>4012412
>>4012419
>>4012446
Gentlemen, thank you for your input:

Following results from a poll of 5 participants (Medic! we lost one!):

>Calcite Halo (4 votes)
>Bloodied Stand (4 votes)
>Unrelenting Cold (1 botes)
>Indignant Ignition (1 votes)

Rath:
Locked in:
>Calcite Halo
>Bloodied Stand

Points left: 4

Next subject: Gina. I got nothing for her, we know her, she knows us.

Points Available for Gina: 2 points

Submit your proposals to this post. Yes, I know I've got a misspelling, I'm tired.
>>
>>4012469
Gina, 2 points;
>Neon
>Torrent
Get that core up, and her Area Denial with Torrent is good too.

also dont beat yourself up over it Arbiter Anon, you're doing good.
>>
>>4012469
>NEON ASCENDANT

>NERVOUS TORRENT

Increase her core power and increase the possiblitys we have to work with when we maybe want to double up on something later usign the Pestilence
>>
>>4012475
Don't worry about me, I've got a 2 liter bottle of mountain dew to keep me going...I think.
>>
>>4012486
>he thinks
a-anon? tell us, are you seeing the dew or not? are you ok? is the dew there anon, IS THE DEW THERE?!
>>
>>4012486
Are you sure your not hallucinating things that Gina wants you to see? So she can later have her way with you by givinng herself more level poitns when no one is looking

You know that she can break your mind if you think about what kind of an animal she is too hard
>>
>>4012469
Nothing from the new list appeals. Let's go with core competencies.

>Neon Ascendant
>Gladiatorial Swarm
Neon because more Neuromancy is always good (especially when the endgame is "use Neuromancy on Cord"). Swarm because I think the burrowing and anti-tremorsense stuff is going to be really useful against the Mole and Phalanges. Very important for misleading them, the Mole and one of the Phalanges navigate via vibration.
>>
>>4012469
My proposal:
>Verurteilung
>Neon Ascendant.

Verurteilung's so underrated and unused. why is this being ignored? the fact that it's very disruptive in the passive sense make me feel like we're missing something good here.

>>4012489
>>4012493
Don't worry, I have the bottle in my hand and have already taken a few swigs, I'm just questioning how long it will keep me awake.
>>
>>4012493
That's ridiculous, she's clearly a starf...gah, my brain. Oh god, I can taste sound!
>>
>>4012497
not gonna lie, i love gladiatorial swarm, i just felt like we should spread the love around is all. not gonna lie, for this vote im pretty 'meh'. i mean, she doesn't have a bad choice here, just i also dont think any are that far ahead level wise or in usability wise to focus on over another.
>>
>>4012498
>the Dew is real
Anon is ok, for now. maybe soon though the Dew fueled hallucinations will start though....
>>
>>4012475
>>4012482
>>4012497
>>4012498
Gentlemen, thank you for your input: (we lost one more comrade this council session)

Votes have been tallied.

Unanimous:
>Neon Ascendant

Runner-ups:
>Nervous Torrent (2 votes)
>Gladiatorial Swarm (1 vote)
>Verurteilung (1 vote)

Locked in:
>Neon Ascendant
>Nervous Torrent

Points left: 2

Final Subject of debate for tonight: Shu. Shuuu....We shuud finish this.

Points available for Shu: 2

Please submit your proposals to this post.
>>
>>4012519
Shu, 2 points;
>Trypophilic Hive
>Spiritus
Hive just because, Spiritus because i love it, but i want it to be safer, which im hoping levels will do. That, and eventually it lets Shu call on allied DDs, which is,well, fuck yes.
>>
>>4012519
>Trypophilic Hive
>Hundred-Handed
Always going to vote to put at least one point in Trypophilic Hive until we've got it maxed. Hundred-Handed because it's got good utility and I want to see if by the time it's at level ten we'll feel confident capping it to make Abaddon's Grasp and consolidate somewhat.
>>
>>4012519
Please stop the puns i cant keep shuing them out of my head forever

Actual vote
>SPIRITUS EX TESTA

>TRYPOPHYLIC HIVE


The Hive must grow i want to seee it at maximum potential

And Spiritus is nice
reducing the risks and strenghtening the constrcutrs is gonna be very useful if we want to keep using them till the endgame
>>
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>>4012529
Why would I stop?Besides, the Shu pun fits like a Shu's Shoe. Nice and Smug.
>>
>>4012519
>Trypophilic Hive
>Pheromonic Predation

I want to give Shu the ultimate construct- counter. No Hive Mistress will ever equal her with this.
>>
>>4012554
the last thing Shu needs is another levelable ability, regardless of what it gives. plus, we already have Dorian for that.
>>
>>4012554

The thing with the Pheromonic Predation is that functions more like a passive aura effect at base level just to generate a medium sized cloud of +MUSK centered around Shu for 50% bio a puff.
>>
>>4012519
My vote:

>Hive
>Spiritus

At least level Spiritus so I don't get so nervous when making a new body for our dream daughters. And yeah, level up the hive so that we can focus on our other abilities sooner after we're done maxing out Hive.

Although I do wish the Corruption effect of our Core ability keeps our face/head and our general body shape as a human. Otherwise we won't be able to snuggle, cuddle, or provide headpats to Amara. I'll be fine with having a body carapace made out of bee chitin.
>>
>>4012587
you both underestimate ones ability to cuddle when one is a mother, and Amaras willingness to hug and cuddle literally anything.
>>
>>4012568
Yeah, it's neat, and I like the idea of Shu having it, but fuck no. We're already putting enough levels into Hive Mistress assets. By my count there's another FIFTY-NINE levels after this level-up needed to max everything (assuming Hive and Spiritus win). Eight more Trypophilic Hive, eleven more Spiritus Ex Testa, fifteen to acquire and max the Hive Halo, ten to get Neurotic Halo to the point of hybridization with it, and another fifteen to max the hybrid Halo. I'm not throwing on another fifteen levels of Hive Mistress skills, we need to raise our direct power too, Maw and Handed and Dominus and Spiral.
>>
>>4012592
Yeah, Amara loves gross giant bug monsters, look at how she responded to the Pyre Ants. If Shu becomes the wasp queen Amara will be psyched as hell to hug her.
>>
Well i will have to leave for work now

But i think this thing is pretty much over now.

See to tomorrow/ this evening anons
>>
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>>4012587
>>4012554
>>4012536
>>4012526
>>4012521
Gentlemen, thank you for your input. Votes have been tallied:

Results:

>Hive (Unanimous)
>Spiritus (3 votes)
>Hundred Handed (1 vote)
>Pheromonic Predation (1 vote)

Lock in:
>Hive
>Spiritus

Points left:
>0 points

Gentlemen it is finished.
>>
Now to tally up and finalize a summary post to Bhop.
>>
>>4012599
Good bye, anon. Have a nice time at work. See you tomorrow.

>>4012600
Wonderful.
>>
>>4012594
yeah, and even a good kill is lucky to get us 5 per character, if that. i mean, i get why BHOP does that, but still, even only counting what we have on her now is one hell of a climb.

plus lets not forget, once Hive is maxed, we really have no reason NOT to try and find something to hybridize it with(honestly id like to put the Neuro Halo in there, but, a discussion for another time). point is, thats at LEAST 15 more Hive levels at some point, possibly 30 if we dont triple hybrid it early.

i already thought honestly 4-5 was probably a better standard for abilities to level up, and were at like, 6-7 on everyone.

>>4012597
indeed. Amaras love apparently only knows limits via cigarette smell. which, hey, fair.

>>4012600
and there we have it. not as bad overall. though the trend of me not liking how Dorians voted turned out is still going strong. not gonna lie, hes certainly not my favorite to use in battle, but to each their own.
>>
>>4012604
>plus lets not forget, once Hive is maxed, we really have no reason NOT to try and find something to hybridize it with(honestly id like to put the Neuro Halo in there, but, a discussion for another time). point is, thats at LEAST 15 more Hive levels at some point, possibly 30 if we dont triple hybrid it early.
Well, a Trypophilic Hive/Neurotic Halo/Hive Halo mix could be pretty powerful if we don't want to have just the Halos hybridized. That would only raise the amount of points needed to sixty-four, since the hybrid would have a Core in it and a max of twenty instead of fifteen from just the two Halos. So yeah, "just" sixty-four levels. Here's hoping the Apocalypse Amalgams have good eating on them.

>indeed. Amaras love apparently only knows limits via cigarette smell. which, hey, fair.
I still want to know why we smelled like cigarettes the night after the party. What did we do with you, Magpie? Do we want to know?
>>
>>4012610
I think she hugged us quite a bit and also smoked while we were standing next to each other. So quite a bit of Smoke problem still clung to Shut
>>
>>4012610
we could do double halo possibly sure. though honestly part of my(very poorly worded point), was i dislike trying to plan for something we might not get, and if we do, it could be awhile, if its even morally acceptable to take it, as someone might have it, and them being stuck ups about letting us copy it is not enough justification to kill them for it.

but yeah, regardless, whew, alot of damn levels.

>I still want to know why we smelled like cigarettes the night after the party. What did we do with you, Magpie? Do we want to know?
im starting to think we just overthought on that one. for example, my roommates family smokes so much, he can literally just visit them for like 5 minutes just to walk in and grab something, and when he comes back he smells like smoke from across the room. it could've just been something like that, but with Amaras skintalking and UP powers making the minimal smoke smell on us much stronger to her.

i think the issue here is, BHOP has simply trained us to expect something more from everything, especially when it comes to odd things about Shus existence.
>>
>>4012624
>we could do double halo possibly sure. though honestly part of my(very poorly worded point), was i dislike trying to plan for something we might not get, and if we do, it could be awhile, if its even morally acceptable to take it, as someone might have it, and them being stuck ups about letting us copy it is not enough justification to kill them for it.
That's fair. I definitely want it, but if we can't get it I will settle for making a Neurotic/Trypophilic hybrid. That would lower the cost considerably, to only forty-four levels.

>i think the issue here is, BHOP has simply trained us to expect something more from everything, especially when it comes to odd things about Shus existence.
Yeah, it's probably just me being paranoid. Or maybe that's just what BHOP wants me to think. No, no, I kid, it's paranoia.
>>
>>4012631
*only* fourty four levels.
by god we have a ways to go....
and thats JUST with Shu.
>>
>>4012636
And we're only at the half-way mark of being ready to climb the Cord. And that's just getting Ready. Bhop has yet to say ANYTHING about level-ing up INSIDE the Cord. No one said that we can't have level-up opportunities inside the Cord.
>>
>>4012645
So many wonderful possibilities. I can't wait.
>>
>>4011820
Here you go Bhop. Voting Results are in.

Julia:
>Seasonal Oppression (1 Level-up point)
>Elemental Digestion (1 Kadath point)
Result: An increase in Gemma’s social link = A Rank up for Elemental Digestion. Also, you now can feel more of Julia’s oppressive and cold moodiness.

Francine:
> Yearning (1 Level-up point)
>Violens Tetrastigma (1 Level-up point)
Result: Francine’s yearning reach now lets her bitch slap idiots who don’t believe in PROPER HUMANE SCIENCE, either with her hand, Muscle fibers, or Intestines.

Amara:
>Blade's Bounty (1 Level-up point)
>Infinite Armory (1 Level-up point)
>Pulmonary Legion (Refined into stats) (1 Level-up point)
Result: Amara’s become THE BONE OF HER BLADE. We should totally have her say that Fate line. It’s simultaneously funny and Chuuni. It’ll be fun.

Dorian:
>Stygian Arsenal (Refined into stats) (1 Level-up point)
>Humoral Network (1 Level-up point)
>Accumulating Charge (1 Level-up point)
Result: Dorian’s got +1 incoming resident in his dreamscape, and has expanded his bloody networking. That and he gets shockier.

Rath:
>Calcite Halo (1 Level-up point)
>Bloodied Stand (1 Level-up point)
Result: Rath gets tougher, and now has a second wind. Fight on, little flame.

Gina:
>Neon Ascendant (1 Level-up point)
>Nervous Torrent (1 Level-up point)
Result: Gina gets to optimize her Brain efficiency and can pull more Neuromantic tricks. Also, her Acid reflux has gotten worse. Must be from the Rotten Ramen.

Shu:
>Hive (1 Level-up point)
>Spiritus (1 Level-up point)
Result: Shu gains more Chitin on her back, her Hive buzzes stronger, and now her life-sized model making skills has improved from making Standard Grade Buzzpla to High Grade Buzzpla.

Total points used: 15 Level up points, 1 Kadath point.

Note: I’m not sure about our stat line Gains however, but that's your department Bhop.
>>
>>4012645
oh, yeah, thats a good point. id be surprised if no one knows if you get to or not though, but its never been confirmed if you can or if its different. add to the list of questions i suppose.

and yeah, not to mention i doubt its gonna be so simple as just 'we're ready,lets go!' to even get to the Cord too.

>>4012655
nice work Anon, thanks for Arbitering. i love doing it, but i alos understand it can be mind screamingly painful. and dont worry about the Stats, i wait til BHOP confirms everything then just add em as i update everything anyways.
>>
>>4012636
Perils of group play, I guess. If Shu was flying solo she would have leveled up most of her skills a long time ago. On the other hand, Shu would have never defeated any of the really big-ticket meals if she was fighting solo, and her life is undeniably better for having people that she cares about in it, so I guess we just have to cope.

>>4012655
>Result: Amara’s become THE BONE OF HER BLADE. We should totally have her say that Fate line. It’s simultaneously funny and Chuuni. It’ll be fun.
It's even factually true.

Well, this was a nice level-up session. Went fairly smooth and fairly fast, as these go. Helps that we only had a few points each. I'm going to head to sleep now, got a doctor's appointment in the morning and if I show up all sleep-deprived they're going to think something is wrong. Good night, everyone.
>>
>>4012671
night Anon, see ya on the flip side.
>>
>>4012655
>Result: Shu gains more Chitin on her back, her Hive buzzes stronger, and now her life-sized model making skills has improved from making Standard Grade Buzzpla to High Grade Buzzpla.
Wait, shit, something I just realized as I was logging off: Julia was the one who helped us sculpt the Spiritus Shells into human-looking forms. Sorry, everyone who isn't Holly, you're going to have to deal with looking like bug monsters until Julia's ready to come back.
>>
>>4012676
well, while hes no Sculptor, id imagine Dorian can still help make em look swell too. not unusual for artists to have some overlap in art types.

though yes, im sure even he would say hes not as good, but it is what it is. we *could* just... have Julia help us make one for literally every DD before we head out.... nah nah, im joking, that would take forever,especially the task of asking which ones would even want one, on top of refilling the resource pools to make them buff bugs.
>>
>>4012678
>>4012676
We could always reuse and recycle existing Spirit Shells, remodel, refurbish, etc.
>>
>>4012710
we could, but Spiritus feels too personal in my opinion for that.
>>
>>4012655
Awesome job Arbitering, Anon! Thanks very much!

Also, I've tallied the stat increases gained from the listed Consume abilities. The other increases, gained from existing abilities, will have to be tallied tomorrow when BHOP posts them.

Rath:
>Bloodied Stand (BIO +200%, BIO REGEN +40%)

TOTAL: BIO +200%, BIO REGEN +40%

Dorian:
>Stygean Arsenal (Refined) (HEALTH + 560%, BIO +400%, HEALTH REGEN +40%)
>Humoral Network (BIO +120%, BIO REGEN +60%)

TOTAL: HEALTH +560%, BIO +520%, BIO REGEN +60%

Amara:
>Pulmonary Legion (Refined) (HEALTH +360%, BIO +560%, BIO REGEN +120%)
>Blade's Bounty (BIO +100%, BIO REGEN +10%)
>Armory of the Infinite (BIO +80%, BIO REGEN +20%)

TOTAL: HEALTH +360%, BIO +740%, BIO REGEN +150%

Francine:
>Violens Tetrastigma (HEALTH +400%, BIO +100%, HEALTH REGEN +100%)
>Yearning Noose (HEALTH +60%, BIO +60%)

TOTAL: HEALTH +460%, BIO +160%, HEALTH REGEN +100%
>>
>>4012740
Jesus Anon. for a second I thought I was crazy looking at those numbers. but then I remembered the Refine function in the Engine which basically doubles the stat gain in exchanging for stripping down the Core ability functions. Jesus. Look at Dorian and Amara's stats skyrocket.
>>
well, im probably off for the night.
i look forward to the Forge Relic votes tomorrow.
because, this never ends.
NEVER.
>>
>>4012746
>Forge Relics
Dear lord. Voting and shopping are boss fights in and of themselves.
>>
>>4012747
Indeed.
Though honestly i was planning to ask Tinker her opinion on what she thinks each of our family could use, both to five ideas, and just genuinely interested in giving her some screentime.
>>
>>4012744
You're absolutely right. Amara's Biomass before this was 990%. With this voting period, her total count has gone up to 1,730% - nearly double what it was before.
>>
>>4012778
Oh, and her Bio Regen has more than doubled. It was at 90%, and now it has skyrocketed to 240%.
>>
>>4012655
(Marvelously done, Gentlemen. I hope you all were able to get some decent rest after the voting concluded.)
>>
>>4013099
so, i ended up talking to one of my roommates bout the quest a bit after they asked what i was up to, and they made a horrible joke i AM going to regret putting down here.
they said 'oh, well with something like that(Nervous Torrent), its no wonder the girls a lesbian. acid reflects a bitch on its own when you dont dine on sausages.'

heres a picture to make up for daring to actually write that out, but i figured you all should suffer aswell.
>>
>>4013105
(Heh, oh dear. I'll admit, I chuckled.)
>>
>>4013099
What rest?
I went straight to work
>>
>>4013105
>that joke
That's a mighty OOF to Gina.
>>
(Gentlemen, I'll be posting momentarily. Work's been a bear, but I'm just reviewing everything before I post. Thank you for your patience, one and all.)
>>
>>4011820

JULIA - LEVEL UP

>>SEASONAL OPPRESSION (Lvl 2): Depression is a chill wind that can seep into even the warmest of hearts. Now, when Julia reduces a foe suffering from CORRUPTION to 0% HEALTH, their accumulated corruption is spread evenly among any other foes Julia is currently engaged with. Additionally, Julia may now 'tag' a given foe, and upon the death of a given enemy that has been afflicted with CORRUPTION, instead of being split evenly between all applicable targets, the other tagged foe is instead afflicted with one half of the total corruption the slain foe carried upon death. (HEALTH +80%, BIO +60%)

>>ELEMENTAL DIGESTION (Lvl 4): Once per turn, the first elemental attack directed at Julia will now deal half damage before any other damage reductions are applied, while still granting the full benefits to current and future ability triggers as if the full damage had been applied. Additionally, Julia finds that her pallet has deepened, and she is now able to passively sense any elemental affinities a foe may possess, making this knowledge known to her allies as soon as she enters combat. (HEALTH +40%, BIO +60%)

FRANCINE - LEVEL UP

>>VIOLENS TETRASTIGMA (Unnatural Predator/Fibromancer Hybrid - Dart Rafflesia’s Core, Lvl 1) - (HEALTH +400%, BIO +100%, HEALTH REGEN +100%)

>>YEARNING NOOSE (Fibromancer Augment) - (HEALTH + 60%, BIO +60%)

AMARA - LEVEL UP

>>PULMONARY LEGION (Humoral Paladin/Phantasmal Conduit Hybrid - Bloody Battalion’s Core, Lvl 1) - REFINED - (HEALTH +360%, BIO +560%, BIO REGEN +120%)

>>ARMORY OF THE INFINITE (Calcite Armorer Augment) - (BIO +80%, BIO REGEN +20%)

>>BLADE'S BOUNTY (Calcite Armorer Augment) - (BIO +100%, BIO REGEN +10%)

DORIAN - LEVEL UP

>>ACCUMULATED CHARGE (Lvl 5): Heat, cold, corrosion…it’s all kinetics, a domain that is increasingly under Dorian’s control. Now, when Dorian is hit by any elemental attack, he accumulates charges as if they were ELEC-based. Additionally, upon reaching 25 STACKS for the first time in combat, Dorian gains a tremendous burst of speed that lasts until the end of his next turn, doubling his current speed and rendering the next single attack he makes an automatic critical hit that does not expend any CHARGE stacks. (BIO +60%)

>>STYGIAN ARSENAL (Calcite Armorer - Onyx Butcher’s Core, Lvl 1) – REFINED - (HEALTH + 560%, BIO +400%, HEALTH REGEN +40%)

>>HUMORAL NETWORK (Humoral Paladin Augment) - (BIO +120%, BIO REGEN +60%)

(Continued)
>>
>>4013226

RATH – LEVEL UP

>>CALCITE HALO (Lvl 2): Reduction of defense is a cornerstone of Crucible combat, allowing Daughters to whittle down their foe until victory is inevitable. The Calcite Halo’s been specifically designed to curb any efforts that would weaken the defenses of the holder, vexing any attempts to reduce Rath’s defenses or make her more vulnerable to a given status effects. Additionally, any defensive boosts that Rath accumulates via ability activation during the course of combat that would that would fade at the end of the turn now is merely reduced to one-third of its amount, allowing bonuses to carry over to other turns. (HEALTH +80%, HEALTH REGEN +40%)

>>BLOODIED STAND (Humoral Paladin Augment) - (BIO +200%, BIO REGEN +40%)

GINA – LEVEL UP

>>NEON ASCENDANT (Lvl 5): Gina’s dominion over the ground she treads only grows. Now, when a foe terraforms the Fleshscape within Gina’s line of sight they temporarily lose any resistance, immunity, or buffs they would have regarding their own terrain until the end of their next turn. Additionally, though they regain their footing after the effects dissipate, the same cannot be said for their allies, as the terrain they shaped can no longer distinguish between friend or foe. (BIO +60%, BIO REGEN +40%)

>>NERVOUS TORRENT (Lvl 4): Now, when Gina reduces a foe to 0% HEALTH with NERVOUS TORRENT, the remainder of the foe’s BIO is automatically spent as they expel a blast of caustic fluid, generating a new instance of NEVOUS TORRENT that lashes out at the next closest foe, with its intensity based on the amount of BIO consumed. What’s more, if the follow-up target is also reduced to 0% HEALTH, then the process repeats. (HEALTH +40%, BIO +60%)

SHU – LEVEL UP


SHU – LEVEL UP

>>TRYPOPHILIC HIVE (Lvl 12): Swarmlings. Friends. Constructs. Family. Bonds such as these do not weigh on your mind, but rather relieve it. Now, when a Swarmling is attached to and granting any form of stat buff to you or an ally, they no longer take up your slots as long as they remain attached to their target. Additionally, your network of Swarmlings have begun to serve as a more elegant extention of your own mind and senses, as each Swarmling you have active now gives you a 0.25% chance to avoid melee or ranged strikes, as your command of the battlefield only grows more potent. Just what are you becoming, as your power evolves? (BIO +50%)

>>SPIRITUS EX TESTA (Lvl 4): Though the Spiritus are no mere extention of your will, your bond with those given form allows you to use their resources as your own. Spiritus shells that are currently active may now serve as an origin point for any constructs you can create, using their own BIO to construct them with a per-turn cap of 25% BIO per level of TESTA. Additionally,this remote spawning may be taken as part of your 1 ACT spent to generate or control constructs, and does not require any additional resources. (BIO +40%, BIO REGEN +10%)

(Continued)
>>
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>>4013228

Within minutes, the room is stripped clean of biomass as you and your family finish your grisly meal, and you all exit the room to inspect yourselves for any new quirks of corruption. Reaching behind your back, your fingers graze your shoulder to find you don’t have to go far to see how your glossy green-black chitin’s spread; it’s crept up your shoulders, sneaking towards your throat. Tapping your lower spine, you find its reach now extends to just above your tailbone. Gina seems to be admiring your Core power’s latest additions while Francine’s utterly fascinated by hers, pulling back the sleeves of her coat to reveal the vein-like vines that are now woven along her flesh, moving perpetually in a circuit of thorny vines that don’t appear to be causing her any distress.

Your turn to Rath, about to ask if she’s experienced any changes when you find her fidgeting at your side, smoothing back her short hair with one hand as Lara approaches.

"I really wish I could stay, but I do want to check on everyone in Carroll's Forest, just to make sure they're alright." Lara apologetically explains as she comes to stand before you, her velvety wings falling about her tall, lithe form like some kind of elegant gown. "I'll let the Midnight Crew know what happened here, though. They seem like a nice bunch, so maybe they'd come and help out here, too?"

"Yeah, I think that'd be up their alley." You say, curious as to whether or not they'll come to help out the struggling town and if they'd butt heads with the Hyenas...or party with them hard enough to cause Laoc more harm than good.

"So, uh...headed back?" Rath pipes up beside you, trying to put her hands in her pockets before realizing she doesn't have any, then fidgeting a bit with what to do with them before settling on just planting them on her cocked hips.

"...Hm? Oh, yes. For a little while, yep." Lara replies, smoothing out her wings as she looks down at the red-head before her, your brawler's limbs glowing with a soft orange light that has the taller girl transfixed. The two of them just stand there for a moment that’s longer than you think either of them realize, and they’re only snapped out of their mutual awe by November making a small noise, as if she’s clearing her non-existent throat.

“Glad to fight alongside you, Lara.” Rath’s aunt says, engaging the Unnatural Predator in a warm handshake of chitin-on-metal before glancing between her niece and the park ranger. “If you don’t mind, I think we’d like to stop by sooner rather than later. Carroll’s Place is a beautiful spot. Good place to relax, if you’ll have us.”

Lara nods emphatically, even as you fix November with a blank stare at the prospect of visiting that death-trap again…though you can’t help but appreciate what she’s trying to do for your favorite red-head.

(Continued)
>>
>>4013229

A few more goodbyes are shared before Lara takes her leave of you, and it’s as she’s walking out the door that you spy Tinker Tailor giving her a rapid wave from her seat at the bar, before she picks up her steaming beverage and pours it into her mask’s filter.

Huh.

Neat.

The doors open again to reveal Jeraha, exuding her usual businesslike demeanor as she’s followed by a few townsfolk that are carrying a variety of baskets between them.

“What’s all this?” You ask as Jeraha directs the women to place the containers before you, bowing out with a gesture of Laoc’s mayor.

“Laoc sends her thanks. You saved the sister of a shopkeep by the name of Juliet.” Jeraha explains, her lips a stern line in what you think is the closest she gets to a smile. “Well, she took up a collection, and this is what she gathered.”

With a nudge of Jeraha’s foot, the lid of one container slips off to reveal raw biomass, throbbing every few seconds within the basket’s confines.

“We don’t want you to leave empty-handed, so use this to make something useful before you go.”

>>RAW MATERIALS GAINED: 300% OF EACH TYPE OF BIOMASS (Only usable at Forge)

She gives you a sharp salute before turning in place, wordlessly striding away before you can give her proper thanks. Tinker Tailor’s focus snaps to the baskets, and she shudders slightly with what you assume to be anticipation.

…You should probably keep an eye on those baskets, just in case.

Chancing a furtive glance back over to your family, you find them chatting amongst themselves about whose skill sets would work best for the various tasks ahead of you. They’re ready to go at your command, and you can’t help but admire their enthusiasm despite the struggles you face ahead.

You have a call to make before you head out, one that will decide your future…and theirs.

>>Your family's looking for direction...so here goes everything [ASSIGN TEAMS TO MISSIONS].

>>Touch base with Tinker Tailor to see what she's been talking to Rath and Francine about, and if they can put their heads together and make something useful with your Tier 5 Forge, and then assign teams once everyone’s outfitted properly.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL
>>
(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next four hours. Additionally, the next update shall likely cap off this Vein as I wish to retool a bit of the Tier 5 Forge sheet to better encapsulate some of the brilliant ideas you’ve posited in the past few Veins, as well as just make the layout a little more pleasing to the eye and easier to interpret at a glance. As much as I’d love to launch right into crafting, I want to ensure my ducks are all in a row before that whole process essentially begins the next Vein, as well as opening up the remainder of this one to Relic brainstorming and answering the questions that will arise with what the Tier 5 Forge is capable of, which I’ll be posting over the weekend for your consideration.)

(I do hope your day is going well, and thank you for your participation.)
>>
>>4013233
(Additionally, if you notice any issues or have any questions regarding the level ups, please do not hesitate to point them out or ask.)
>>
>>4013233
Thanks. And I'll be taking advantage of today since today is my day off. Now to review what new goodies we have for our friends, and to start a fun pasttime of mine for Body Horror quest: Relic Theorycrafting.
>>
>>4013231
>>Touch base with Tinker Tailor to see what she's been talking to Rath and Francine about, and if they can put their heads together and make something useful with your Tier 5 Forge, and then assign teams once everyone’s outfitted properly.

>>4013233
The day was ... well dull. Not exactly helped by the fact i was pretty sleep deprived and my work was prettsy much mindless searching for prices of specific parts.... well at least my boss left me alone so i had some kind of peace and could take it slow.

It was fortunate i only now finished the models i was painting when i noticed your post so i will at least be able to vote before i head to bed....

I think i should also apologize for what i said earlier (and the tone in which it might have come across)>>4013112
I think i just kind of snapped after havign to deal with such a mindnumbing day.

I may show up tomorrow briefly to drop some relic ideas if i find any in my collection of ideas i wont need for my own story
>>
(Oh, and to the Anon that posted the alien Crucible earlier, I can't wait to dive in what you wrote earlier. I've been waiting to close this Vein so that I can read and comment with a clear mind.)

>>4013238
(No worries, I meant to reply with my sympathis sooner, but work prevented me from doing so. I'm sorry you didn't get any sleep, and I truly hope that you can get some well-deserved rest soon.)
>>
>>4013231
>Touch base with Tinker Tailor to see what she's been talking to Rath and Francine about, and if they can put their heads together and make something useful with your Tier 5 Forge, and then assign teams once everyone’s outfitted properly.
>Try and pry some actual details about the Tinker out of her though, you're curious about her and where she came from.
>If it doesn't happen naturally, also get suggestions from her on what she thinks everyone could use.

new Relics would be good, and with what BHOP said, seems like starting off the next Vein with those and assignments would probably work better anyhow. fits the pattern of 'casual then combat' we seem to have going on anyways i suppose.

>>4013233
I understand, plus you have been a bit... Coy, lets just say, with giving us a proper explanation or limits on T4 and T5 relics anyhow, so both that and some examples would help us greatly with the process.

>>4013234
speaking of that, though it might be a kinda odd place to suddenly do it, it IS a new year, and we have been running for over a year now. would you like me to make a new character sheet document to start using in the next Vein, to start better encapsulating our progress better, or do you think we've been running with the same one so long we missed that shark a bit too hard?
>>
>>4013240
(Sympathies, I mean. It's been a long morning.)
>>
>>4013241
(Hm...Regarding the character sheet, that might be a good idea if it's not too much to ask. I'd do what I can to help, of course. What improvements did you have in mind?)
>>
>>4013235
>>4013238
also, we need to craft Julia a parting gift. still should be practical, something she can use upon returning too, but nothing says it cant also be a bit more special and less the usual type of practical.

or just something silly and fully heartfelt but utterly usable, either works. maybe something related to Tea, she would love that. maybe a teapot that auto-heats itself?
>>
>>4013231
>Touch base with Tinker Tailor to see what she's been talking to Rath and Francine about, and if they can put their heads together and make something useful with your Tier 5 Forge, and then assign teams once everyone’s outfitted properly.

Lets cap off the vein with a discussion with Tinker Taylor and your updated release of the T-5 Forge mechanics for the next update and hold off on assigning teams until the opening of the 37th Vein. That way we can spend the time to go full ham on relic theorycrafting. How does this proposal sound bhop?
>>
>>4013249
(I believe that would grant everyone a proper foundation for team-building, yes.)
>>
>>4013246
not at all, hence why i offered.
>improvements
oh, uhh, not entirely what i meant, though also not at all against doing that too, and if we're gonna start using a new one to mark the 'anniversary' as it was, it would be a perfect time to do that yes.

....what would you or anyone else even want to see added and/or think could use improvements?
best i can remember someone may of said a resistances list or something, but no offense to you BHOP, and not a complaint either, but the way Resistances have been done from when i tallied them up that one time, whew, i just dont think you could at all list them cleanly or accurately, what with how situational some levels can be aswell.
>>
>>4013246
I think what our good anon friend >>4013241 is suggesting is that he creates a new google spreadsheet each time we make major changes to the party (such as leveling up). That way some of us can use the data from past documents to make an actual graph that charts the growth rate of the characters.
>>
>>4013231
>>Touch base with Tinker Tailor to see what she's been talking to Rath and Francine about, and if they can put their heads together and make something useful with your Tier 5 Forge, and then assign teams once everyone’s outfitted properly.
Got to run in a minute, hopefully will be back in time to catch the Relic crafting. Later, everyone.

>>4013247
Idea before I go: How about art supplies? She wants to get back into sculpting, reconnect with that part of her. We could make her a roll of regenerating skin she could work with indefinitely. Or maybe a set of sculpting tools that drastically boost Flesh Artisan abilities but work so slowly they're useless in combat, making them only good for sculpting flesh.
>>
>>4013254
>>4013250
not sure i meant 'every single time', but i mean... fuck it? theres already a log folder of literally ever past version ever for people to browse. mostly id just not want to make BHOP change the opening link THAT often, though, entirely up to him and what he is ok with/wants to do.

mostly meant the past idea of a middle ground of changing ever Act/major Event, but again, whatever BHOP wants. on the improvements/changes too.
>>
>>4013247
>Thermic Bottle

>A silvery bottle made from humoral fuids mixed with calcite to create the perfect storage place for hot beverages btoh hot and cold.
If a fluid is filled into this bottle it will perfectly keep its temperature and its screw on head makes for a very nice cup to frink from.

>The perfect relic for the daughter of refined taste that may not always have the time to brew a fresh pot of their favourite beverage.

I know its silly but maybe soemthing Julia would appreciate to keep ehr tea in when/ if she goes on patrol or while out hunting.


>>4013253
maybe total Character Level? To see who is where on the level curve?

And that will be my contributions for today i think. I will go to sleep now
>>
>>4013240
Thanks. I had also previously made a character that I posted at the end of the previous vein during the hiatus. Not sure if you ever saw that.
>>
>>4013257
maybe, though i feel like an artist would find something boosting their abilities as 'cheating', though just standard tools otherwise she may like yes, that parts not at all a bad idea.

>>4013260
i mean, i can if everyone wants that, but its not really useful info id argue. with how this system works, overall level total actually has little to no bearing on actual power or stats. some, but not actually as much as i think people think.
>>
>>4013259
Sorry. I didn't mean to shove words into your mouth, I kinda jumped the gun there, so I'll retract what I said in this post here >>4013254. Though I am curious, what was your original idea for improving the spreadsheet?
>>
>>4013241
(Actually, on the topic of how coy I've been; the mechanical distinction between the levels has been too vague for too long on my end as well, particularly between levels four and five. I’ve been trying to hammer out a very simple, straightforward distillation that encapsulates the parameters of each Relic level, and trimming down my own excessive verbiage has been the biggest hurdle in that, by far. So no worries, a hopefully less wordy explanation is forthcoming.)

>>4013253
>>4013254
(Oh, that makes much more sense. My apologies! Really, I think the character sheets are marvelous, as is. A resistance level list might be useful for players at a glance, just for knowing who is stronger against what would be a good idea, though the actual mechanics would still be handled behind the scenes during damage calculation. However, it’s by no means a necessity. Essentially, 'bigger number = scaling damage reduction from X thing', with immunity being complete damage reduction.)
(I have my own notes, so whatever makes things easier on you the players is what takes precedence. If that means changing the character sheet each time I open a new Vein if that makes it easier on everyone, then I'll be happy to. Whatever's the simplest and cleanest solution, as long as it doesn’t take a great deal of effort on your part.)

>>4013262
(Ah, I'll go back and review that, thank you for the reminder!)
>>
>>4013267
nah, you're fine, i can at least see how it could've been interpreted that way.

and, none. apparently i worded that post exceedingly poorly, as while you were not correct, you were along the right lines of what i meant, as explained in a previous post. The only improvements ive mulled around with at the moment are trying to make Novembers sheet work better, but honestly? she just works in such an entirely different way than everyone else, id just have to make a separate set of Sheets just for her to make her work properly, and after doing some thinking and testing, though feel free to disagree, it felt like just keeping them all together for easier comparison and viewing was worth a few shortcomings in how hers is presented, as it still can all be presented correctly.

Otherwise as stated, feel free to suggest or spitball things. otherwise just whatever BHOP wants/needs once work stops chokeholding him as it whispers terrible issues into his ears.
>>4013272
oh, speaking of.

>the mechanical distinction between the levels has been too vague for too long on my end as well, particularly between levels four and five
well, looking forward to it. though i do think you said we got level 3 pretty much right on the money more or less?

>Oh, that makes much more sense. My apologies!
no worries.

>If that means changing the character sheet each time I open a new Vein if that makes it easier on everyone, then I'll be happy to. Whatever's the simplest and cleanest solution, as long as it doesn’t take a great deal of effort on your part.
well, it wouldn't be every single Vein, only after a level up happens,which isnt too often i dont think. but if you're up for that and people would prefer it, sure, ill start being more active and linking you to an new updated one to use after each one. probably will help people reading the backlog too i suppose, as the sheet at the start of the Vein would then correspond to what they're reading, and not be 30+ Veins ahead of them. avoids minor spoilers, kinda, too, now that i think about it.

>Oh, that makes much more sense. My apologies! Really, I think the character sheets are marvelous, as is. A resistance level list might be useful for players at a glance, just for knowing who is stronger against what would be a good idea, though the actual mechanics would still be handled behind the scenes during damage calculation. However, it’s by no means a necessity. Essentially, 'bigger number = scaling damage reduction from X thing', with immunity being complete damage reduction.
well, the issue there is theres not really a clean or proper way to list it. very few abilities actually just give a straight up 'X level of Resistance or Damage' was what i was saying. if i remember correctly, it could be entirely possible for some characters to have 1-7(kinda oddballing here to be fair) 'natural levels' depending on exact conditions. makes listing it inaccurate and kinda worthless, as it would be unreliable.
>>
>>4013285
>Making a separate sheet just for November
I don't think I would like that. it would take up more tabs and internet bandwidth just to keep track of everything.
>>
>>4013294
well, meant on the same Google Sheets Page, but yeah, same thing basically. having to switch between the two would get kinda annoying honestly, was my thought anyways.
>>
Some relic ideas that I came up with. feedback would be appreciated on their viability or any issues in quest play.

>BLOOD CODE CATALYST (Consumable): A drop of Pure-blood in a bead of white glass. A Relic that works exclusively with Daughters whose origin core belongs to the any of the 4 categories of the Humoral Paladin class. Consuming this will prompt a temporary albeit life-altering change to a Paladin’s blood type, allowing them to change their blood type into a different one of their choice. The change lasts for one day, upon afterwards the consumer reverts back to their original blood type and cannot consume another Blood Code Catalyst for one day or risk massive penalties to their stats (-20% percentage debuff to the consumer's total stats across the board, stackable) from severe blood rejection for each additional catalyst they consume before the cooldown is up.

>CERBERISIAN OVERCOAT OF ARMS: A heavy large overcoat of Blood, bones, and animal hide with two extra-large sleeves capped by obsidian skulls at the cuffs. The skulls are of unknown and unsettling origin. This overcoat is meant to be worn around the shoulders like a cape instead being properly worn like an actual coat. Heavy, edgy, and rough, the Overcoat provides a defensive bonus equivalent to 180% bio, and gives 1 level of resistance to blunt, piercing, heat, and cold damage. Yet what makes the coat live up to its namesake is when the wearer activates the relic by infusing 200% health and 200% bio into the Cerberisian sleeves and bring the skulled sleeves to life, the sleeves taking a form appropriate to the totemic form of the wearer’s corruption. Firstly, the sleeves automatically attack any foe that dares to attack the wearer’s flank in close range, with each successful attack refunding a portion of health and bio back to the wearer. Additionally, the overcoat provides a grappling bonus to the wearer for maneuvers in a grapple (pin, hold, or overpower), and allows the wearer to make additional free attacks using the sleeves while grappled. Finally, the wearer may spend 100% bio to direct the overcoat to assist the wearer when a critical hit occurs, the sleeves providing the extra strength in a devastating critical hit and increase the damage done. However, the Overcoat is not without weaknesses, as the Cerberisian sleeves provide an extra target for foes to attack, any damage dealt to the relic is transferred to the wearer, and the sleeves can be severed, rendering the relic useless until it is repaired if both sleeves are severed.
>>
Another Relic. This one's a cheeky one.

>RHINOVIRAL POWDER (Consumable): A bag or jar filled with Sickly mucus colored powdery pentagonal flakes. To use effectively, throw the powder at the “face” or the appropriate equivalent of your enemy daughter/amalgam/construct’s respiratory system. Upon inhalation or exposure to the relic powder, the unfortunate victim will experience the onset of the following symptoms for 10 rounds: coughing runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and a sore throat, sometimes accompanied by muscle ache, fatigue, headache, and loss of appetite. Additionally during combat the unfortunate victim will have a low but increasing chance to waste one ACT on their turn entirely spent on dealing with the symptoms. Purging this disease takes up the victim's entire turn for one round. Even in the onset of the Crucible, mankind’s most common sickness persists. Bless you.
>>
>>4013272
I found a good mango. It's got lots of quirky characters and some good body horror to boot.

https://manganelo.com/manga/read_dorohedoro_manga_online
>>
>>4013233
Right, here is the new sheet for both you and everyone BHOP.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aWnZNOdWUuITaPNUeluAufjfLetqOJWqkTBVFW24Dq0/edit?usp=sharing
and to ease your mind BHOP, if any suggestions are made over the weekend i can/should implement, ill just be changing it to this one, so no worries about last minute ideas from you or anyone making you post an outdated link come next Vein.

also, Should Rath feel ashamed she got knocked out of second place in Health by both Dorian AND Francine, or can she argue her new Augment makes he technically now in first place above even Julia?

>>4013321
>BLOOD CODE CATALYST (Consumable)
im...not at all sure the purpose of this one. blood type doesn't exactly matter anymore in the Crucible, so im not seeing its purpose.

>CERBERISIAN OVERCOAT OF ARMS
not really my type of thing, and cant see it being useful for our party, but overall nothing actually wrong with it. feels a bit too cheap for refunding its own cost is all id say.

>>4013378
>RHINOVIRAL POWDER (Consumable)
mechanically i think saying what the symptoms actually do(lowered Neuromantic Focus. Lowered Reactions time. etc) would be more appropriate, as it just... doesnt actually feel like most Daughters would even care of be effected by those in any regard that hinders them, Relic based or not. Crucible is just too... Crucibley, for just listing symptoms like that feel impactful, i guess, and certainly not give you any actual idea of what its meant to actually accomplish against your foe.
>>
>>4013387
>Blood Code Catalyst
It was supposed to be a relic that turns the humoral paladin's current temperament (Sanguine, Phlegmatic , Melancholic , Choleric) into a different one.

>CERBERISIAN OVERCOAT OF ARMS
Fair point on the refunding part, removing that would make it a bit more fair for the cost then.

>RHINOVIRAL POWDER (Consumable)
It's a gag relic that induces the common cold on daughters/amalgams/constructs. The main purpose is that the powder causes daughters to have a small but increasing chance to have their intended action interrupted and wasted due to the symptoms of the common cold over 10 rounds as a relic that disrupts the enemy's Action economy over a period of time.

Thanks for the feedback, sorry if the relic descriptions weren't clear enough, I think I got over enthusiastic on the fluff.
>>
>>4013392
its fine, though yeah certainly the wording was poor on the first one, no offense. Humoral type is not blood based, i suppose is the big issue there, but entirely different bodily 'liquids' in the first place.
>>
>>4013395
and your thoughts on the common cold powder now that I've clarified it's intended purpose? I made the relic out of the thought that it would be very very amusing that of all the things that still persist despite the eldritch body horror of the Crucible, the common cold would be the one thing that still remains a crippling annoyance.
>>
>>4013398
the joke has merit without a doubt. though in actuality if even ol coldy boi was that persistent i feel like we'd be seeing more signs of it.

otherwise 10 rounds of a... 50(?)% chance to lose an Act is still pretty potent, especially for costing ALL your Acts to remove, regardless of how many you have. i dunno, even for a consumable i guess, Acts are just so rare and valuable it still feels just utterly devastating for having no real downsides to using. Act nullification in my opinion is just a very very hard one to justify with how the games balance works.
>>
>>4013420
Hmm....I think this warrants some greater drawback in the form of collateral by having the status effect spread from combatant to combatant like an actual disease. That way everyone gets sick (Friends, allies, and the daughter that threw the powder herself) with the cold so it becomes a game of "do you stop to purge the cold or do you keep on fighting through the cold and have some of your actions whiff because you just had to sneeze?" it would slow down the tempo of the fighting greatly if anything else.

There is something that unnerves me about Ivey's recap of current events however:
>“Ashamed to say I was desperate enough to hear out a job request from West Tau, but all we found when we got to her lab were signs of a struggle…and something that belongs to you.” She trails off, turning in her seat to glance over at Amara, of all people. “Thought you two had gotten separated until we realized the kid we found hiding in West’s cabinet was a construct. Not one for words, but she’s been keeping Anna entertained. Never saw the kid smile before she made friends with that construct of yours.”

West Tau had an Amara clone with her, but then she had two visitors, one that she feared and another who was far more terrifying. The Amara clone survived, but I think it's safe to say that West Tau is dead in the fight's aftermath. Which begs the question, why did West Tau fear the visitors and why was she killed yet the lab remained intact?
>>
>>4013437
Yeah, I noticed that, too. What was a Many doing hiding in West Tau's closet? Did West Tau know she was there? Did Tau do something to her? We need Amara Prime to fill us in on what her clone saw and what happened to Tau.
>>
>>4013231
Okay, after taking everything BHOP posted in regards to stat increases into account, I've tallied up all the stat gains for all of the abilities. Here we go!

Julia:

>Seasonal Oppression (HEALTH +80%, BIO +60%)
>Elemental Digestion (HEALTH +40%, BIO +60%)

TOTAL: HEALTH +120%, BIO +120%

Francine:

>Violens Tetrastigma (HEALTH +400%, BIO +100%, HEALTH REGEN +100%)
>Yearning Noose (HEALTH + 60%, BIO +60%)

TOTAL: HEALTH +460%, BIO +160%, HEALTH REGEN +100%

Amara:

>Pulmonary Legion (Refined) (HEALTH +360%, BIO +560%, BIO REGEN +120%)
>Blade's Bounty (BIO +100%, BIO REGEN +10%)
>Armory of the Infinite (BIO +80%, BIO REGEN +20%)

TOTAL: HEALTH +360%, BIO +740%, BIO REGEN +150%

Dorian:


>Stygean Arsenal (Refined) (HEALTH + 560%, BIO +400%, HEALTH REGEN +40%)
>Humoral Network (BIO +120%, BIO REGEN +60%)
>Accumulated Charge (BIO +60%)

TOTAL: HEALTH +560%, BIO +580%, HEALTH REGEN +40%, BIO REGEN +60%

Rath:

>Bloodied Stand (BIO +200%, BIO REGEN +40%)
>Calcite Halo (Health +80%, Health Regen +40%)

TOTAL: HEALTH +80%, BIO +200%, HEALTH REGEN +40%, BIO REGEN +40%

Gina:

>Neon Ascendant (BIO +60%, BIO REGEN +50%)
>Nervous Torrent (HEALTH +40%, BIO +60%)

TOTAL: HEALTH +40%, BIO +120%, BIO REGEN +50%

Shu:

>Trypophilic Hive (BIO +50%)
>Spiritus Ex Testa (BIO +40%, BIO REGEN +10%)

TOTAL: BIO +90%, BIO REGEN +10%
>>
>>4013470
Shouldn't Shu have +20% Health for Holly finishing off that one Daughter with Ravenous Maw? I believe BHOP said we could apply that to either Shu or to Holly's Shell, and it makes more sense to put it on Shu. It's not much, but it's something. We really need to get Shu's Health up, she's currently the least Healthy party member. If we get a Core next level-up we should put it on her, and if not then we should level Dominus Bloodline. That's got good Health upgrades. Firmament's Spiral should, too, but I don't think I'm going to win any vote to put points into that any time soon.
>>
>>4013486
That's right, we should decide where the +20% bonus goes. I vote for Shu myself, she needs it until we can get her a more substantial upgrade.

She also has the fewest number of Cores, having only absorbed Uzu's. She's the next priority for Core allocation.
>>
>>4013533
>>4013486
Well mommy Shu has to make sure her family has the good stuff when they eat, so they can survive on their own when they grow up! What kind of a mother would she be if she fed her family only scraps?
>>
>>4013547
Be that as it may, Mom also has to eat, otherwise she won't have the strength to find enough food for her family to eat in the first place.
>>
>>4013533
Shu actually has two Arbiter Cores, we've got Gretchen's (the cloner girl who knew Sam) as well. It's just that we don't have Gretchen as a Dream Daughter, because spending time in B'Ni's head with Secluded Mind active eroded her away to nothing. Still, lowest Health of all party members, if only because we tend to focus on abilities that grant Bio upgrades. We've got to catch up.
>>
>>4013566
This comes back around to the discussion of of "ability mileage" vs "raw stats". Of all the classes that I can tell, Shu's one of the more complicated abilities that has the potential to squeeze out more functions for each ounce of bio used to create a swarmling. That and the fact that our regen is immune to regen debuffs courtesy of Isabelle means that Shu's bio efficiency is very high.
>>
>>4013566
It's not that Shu's got the lowest stats, it's more of the fact that we've geared Shu to be more "bio-efficient", which means that despite our relatively low stats, we tend to make the most efficient use out of our resource pool. Compare that to Gina whose Terraforming "spells" frequently take out big chunks out of her bio pool, or even Rath, whose strength augmentation works better around having a huge stat pool but gradually decreases due to how her core and her other main ability works.
>>
>>4013573
>>4013580
Oh, sure, our Bio is typically at max a whole fight long, we've got good regen and our abilities are efficient so running out isn't an issue. I'm not concerned about Shu's Bio reserves. I care about giving her more Health, more Health is always good. Shu can cheat by using Dominus Bloodline to boost her regen considerably in a fight, but I still want larger numbers.
>>
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>>4013231

Tentatively approaching the wiry young Daughter at the bar, you resist the urge to flinch when her head whips to the side with such speed it looks as if her neck would snap from the force, and you’re suddenly looking at your own distorted reflection in her murky lens.

“shuthedefiantyeshowareyou?” She hastily greets, her jerky, stop-motion movements an unnerving sight as she places her empty cup on the counter. “goodtalkwithyourfriendsearlier. cleververyclever. youkeepgoodcompany.”

“They’re the smartest people I know.” You reply honestly, leaning on the bar as you continue. “Not sure if you caught on that my friend Rath’s pretty interested in Forges and how they work, and I had to pick her jaw up off the floor when she saw what you did to my Relic earlier. So…how *did* you do that?”

“itisnotonlybymyhandsthatidowhatido. theforgecoresspeakifyoulisten.” Tinker replies as-a-matter-of-factly, dismissing her own hand in the work she’s done. “theysingingongsfrombeyondthoughtandtimeandspaceandperception. Crucibletocrucibletheywerecraftedagainandagainbymortalhands, yetconceivedbymindsoutsidemortality.”

“I…see.” You say, uncertain as to whether or not to push that topic further on your first interaction. “Well, I hope you don’t mind my saying, but I saw you eyeing that biomass Jeraha brought in earlier…so would you be willing to help my family to craft some Relics with your expertise? We have a Tier Five Forge Core, and Rath’s-”

There’s suddenly a grinding, rattling sound that emanates from somewhere deep within the girl’s chest, almost like a car trying to turn over.

‘ohyesmostcertainlyitwouldbemypleasureentirely.” Comes a faster, more enthusiastic reply than you thought possible from the lithe craftswoman. “wecanstartwhenyouarereadyassoonasyouarereadywecanstart.”

Well, that was easier than you thought it’d be; you have to admit you were a little nervous when she…laughed? Maybe she was just, like…purring?

Hrm.

“Excellent. We’d like to get started as soon as possible, so that we can have some items before we leave Laoc.” You say, putting the girl’s unnerving sound out of your mind for now. “And of course we’re prepared to compensate you for your hel-“

“paymentisnotneededcreationisitsownreward! Theheartcoressingthesongsofangelsanddevilsandeverythingbetween. suchasoundasasneverbeenheardbefore, eachonemorebeuatifulthanthelast.” Tinker tailor interrupts happily, literally vibrating in place at the thought of your offer.

“Much appreciated, Tinker. With what my family and I are going to tackle…” You trail off, feeling a sense of unease settling in the pit of your Ravenous Maw.

Maybe it’s the aftermath of Laoc, maybe it’s the fact that West is on the move, but you can’t help but feel like something big is coming, carried on fetid winds that roil across the Fleshscape.

“…we’ll need all the help we can get.”

>>Thirty-Sixth Vein: Closed
>>
(Gentlemen, the 37th Vein will open on January 20th at 9:00 AM Eastern time, granting plenty of time for brainstorming and getting the next leg of your journey hammered out, both in terms of your plans and my QM prep. Thank you all again for being the best group of players I could ask for, and for your continued patience, enthusiasm, and courtesy towards each other. I look forward to reading your Relic ideas, writings, and comments over the weekend and week, and know I’ll be checking in frequently to address any questions, comments, and criticisms you may have. Take care, one and all.)

>>4013392
>>4013321
(These are marvelous, and I'm happy to see the source of the inspiration. Ditto on >>4013378 as well.)

>>4013386
(Ah yes, that's a great one I'm working through currently in advance of the anime version releasing next week.)
>>
>>4013602
haha, man you are an interesting one Tinker. interesting thoughts there on the Forge cores Tinker, though its hard to know exactly what you mean there slightly given your disposition haha.

>>4013607
oh dang, well another week wait it is then. still, thanks for running, was a calm but good one.

>>4013437
>>4013455
yea, we can see what Amara knows. my guess is destroying the Lab simply wasnt seen was worth the effort it all though, but we'll see, possibly, one we ask Amara.
>>
>>4013634
>>4013455
It also begs the question: who were Tau's visitors?
>>
>>4013644
Who knows, a good few options i think, both known and probably unknown. Maybe the Amara clone saw them.
>>
>>4013607
Thanks so much for running BHOP, glad to have you back after the holidays!
>>
>>4013602
Assuming that Taylor is correct and not delusional, this supports the "Hexane tech is reverse-engineered from the Crucible's original dev console" theory. The sense I get is that Crucible tech is like a build seed for a procedural generation engine, so that you'll always inevitably strike upon certain derived technologies if you study it. It just unfolds algorithmically, one step leading to another as a natural development. Spooky.

>>4013607
Thanks for running, BHOP. See you on the twentieth, I'm looking forward to it.
>>
>>4013661
>>4013648
i just had a thought: while we have tinker here, can we see if we can further restore the void orrery? Bhop hinted that additional functions could be unlocked if we spend more time with the right help in fixing it. The functions that we’ve managed to unlock so far is getting a galaxy wide map of active crucibles, so i wonder if the is more hidden.
>>
>>4013725
I like this, we should definitely keep this in mind.
>>
>>4013644
>>4013648
(Amara is now privy to that information since her Joyous has arrived.)

>>4013654
>>4013661
(It's great to be back, and thank you for participating!)

>>4013725
(You'd have to leave it with her, but she may be able to make some repairs to it.)
>>
>>4013725
>>4013862
sure. while far from useless, outside of November its super situational anyways when we could use it as a 'stealth' device anyways. wouldn't be the worst Relic to be missing for awhile. Francine might get jealous we dont trust the project to her though, heh.
>>
>>4006160

Oh Shu suck my dick oh yeah you like that don't you suck it you slut all the way choke on that dick oh fuck I'm gonna cum I'm gonna cum down Shu's throat I'm cooming ooooh yeeah uuungh aaahh
>>
>SUPPRESSION CHAINS; thick, heavy links of chain made of glossy, rough cut obsidian, that weigh more than should be possible and dig deep into the skin. These chains can be linked ad-infinitum, each link incurring a guaranteed 1 negative displacement in the initiative order, and a 5% penalty to their maximum speed and reaction time, with every 5 links making one lose 1 zone of movement, and every 10 one entire Act, all of which may reach 0. However, the Chains are not negating these aspects of oneself, but suppressing them, and even enhancing them. At the beginning of any round of combat, one may cast off the chains, not only instantly gaining back all the stats unused or lost due to the chains, but having them multiplied by the number of turns the chains were worn. To suppress one's true potential, so one may become better than their limits.

thoughts?

>>4014629
oh hey, the troll is back, but with lower quality bait than usual.
>>
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>>4014629
>>
>>4014692
So basically training weights. neat idea. Does it also suppress visual corruption effects? Do they come with collar/cuffs? and can a daughter weaponize them to use as a very heavy whip?
>>
>>4015323
>visual corruption effects?
no, not something it was intended to do.

>Do they come with collar/cuffs?
id say thats up to the crafter. some links could be collars/cuffs, but its not necessary and does not change the effect. each cuff/collar would just be counted as another Chain Link.

>Can a daughter weaponize them to use as a very heavy whip?
for additional effects besides what the weight would naturally add? no, but so long as the Chain is draped on them in a way using it in such a manner could still be argued to also be weighing them down, then sure. so probably you could not get much actual distance out of it without losing the Relics, or at least the weaponized Chain Links, effects, but i also wont say i'd be impossible to use a few to beef up attacks, though probably within a limited range and arc.
>>
>>4015344
Two new relic submissions:

>PEPTO BOMB (Consumable): A Bubblegum pink candy the size of a Jawbreaker. Despite the tantalizing appearance, its juiced formulaic contents at its core are designed to turn the digestive powers of Gluttonous Daughters against themselves, releasing chemicals that weaken Gluttonous digestion and gluttonous abilities for 3 rounds. On the same coin, consuming this will also aid a Gluttonous daughter; speeding up debuff durations by 3 rounds in order to pass it out of the system, and reducing stack based debuffs by half for 3 rounds.

>HOMEBOUND FEMUR (consumable): A Human bone bleached and fragile. It smells of pain, nostalgia, and recovery. To activate this relic, the daughter must simply break the bone. In doing so the bone teleports the user back to the spot where they last slept in the fleshscape. However, this also breaks the daughter’s “legs” and halves their mobility for 1 day (still applies to daughters who are amorphous or lack legs, the Relic WILL cut down their mobility somehow by breaking a limb).
>>
>>4016139
>PEPTO BOMB (Consumable)
Neato. Seems fair enough. For some reason im imagining some gluttonous daughter trying to scarf these down like a wild amalgam while her team trues to hold her back.

>HOMEBOUND FEMUR (consumable)
Interesting idea, and certainly has its drawbacks, but not sure having your legs broken(half broken?) For a day is worth it, especially as i cant see you doing that casually over an emergency escape, but thats exactly when you would not want halved movement, just incase it was too close by and/or they have good tracking abilities. Certainly a good creative idea without a doubt though.
>>
>>4008671
>haha, neat. though not worth it if you dont think you can end it in a single turn, and probably not if your AP is not above average.
Although...Imagine Julia consuming one dose of Nitro sugar and then having that tripled ACT rampage on a Mass-daughter death like when we fought Yurei...
>>
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>>4017049
oh, yeah, it still could be great under the right circumstances.
>>
Just an idea for a relic. First time posting btw, so sorry if I mess something up. Love this quest BTW.

>TINDALOS TREADERS: A pair of knee high boots that upon inspection seem to be made from something vaguely reminiscent of crocodile skin, or some animal hide that's seemingly pebbled, rough, pitted and somewhat worn. However, the truth is far more fantastical, as these boots are in fact the reshaped flesh prison for a Tindalos Hound, with a Hound still living inside. Upon activation, the pits and pebbles in the boots seemingly slide open and the Hound's true 4D body partially emerges into the world, but the changes don't stop there, as these pits slide open across the wearers whole body, as their entire body is temporarily converted into a prison for the Hound. This transformation, which lasts for 1 turn in combat, allows the wearer to travel through angled space, just like a Hound of Tindalos. This allows the Daughter to traverse space in a fraction of the time they would normally take, letting them move from melee to medium-long distances with a single step and seemingly not traverse the space between. An added benefit is that the effects are increased if the Daughter wearing the prison is on good terms with the Hound itself, and instead of fighting to be free, the Hound assist it's friend/owner. Whose a good boy then?

I was thinking that upgrades to this would result in more effects, like intangibility due to 'stepping' out of space/time, very limited time travel to rewind wounds/effects ala Ringo, and of course increase duration of effect.

The kicker, of course, is to capture a wild Hound or convince a sane Hound to work with you, as the Hound itself is the material to make the relic. Would definitely make for an interesting dream daughter!
>>
>>4019144
an interesting idea, but im not sure it would work. the abilities we have seen Ringo have are exactly a result/limits of Tindalos being enraptured and limited to our flesh, so i cant see trapping them in boots, willing or not, being able to break past that barrier when the Tindalos themselves cannot. adding an extra layer of difficulty and complication to an ordeal that already cant be overcome, and all that.
>>
>>4019144
>>4019158
that being said, you bring up a very interesting idea, though not one i think our party would use. if T5 Forges can consolidate down entire Daughters... can it do so to Amalgams too?
>>
>>4019144
(Thank you for posting, and I'm glad you're enjoying the Quest! I really like the concept, and while >>4019158 did mention some issues with the design, I think you'll see soon enough that a slight variant of it would be quite viable.)
>>
>>4019144
>>4019251
ah, yeah sorry new guy on that. 100% meant to welcome you to the quest, but ive got mild food poisoning and a headache today because thats just how things go.
dont trust a medium-rare steak you ordered that came to you rare at a seafood place, is all im gonna say. love ya family but i think next time ill just catch a meal before i meet you guys at the restaurant i know has nothing ill enjoy eating, over trusting them with something not their specialty.

but yeah, glad you're enjoying the Quest. always interested to hear new(even if just to posting) guys perspective and favorite moments too if you're up for it, and know BHOP would enjoy it too.
>>
Okay, catching up on the thread

>>4014692
Neat idea. I think it's nicely balanced, though potentially very useful on a Daughter who fights from the backlines of a party already. Have them hold back the first few turns of a fight, maybe throw out the occasional ranged attack, and then unleash to start spamming attacks in a huge barrage.

>>4016139
Some solid Consumables. Pepto Bomb has a neat mixture of beneficial and harmful components. And Homebound Femur could actually be really useful to our party as an emergency retreat in the case the Escher's Gear isn't available. We've got a fortified base where we sleep, having to be holed up there for a day while we recover wouldn't be too bad.

>>4019144
Hi, welcome to the quest. I like the idea for this Relic, it's mechanically interesting and I don't think the lore contradicts what we know about the Tindalos too much. It could work if we frame it not so much as channeling the Hound so much as altering its bindings. It's more limited now, it no longer has autonomy, but that's taken off a bit of the restrictions on its many-angled movement. Not completely, but enough to be useful.

Anyways, I'm glad to see you contributing cool ideas for Relics, and I hope to see more of you here in the future.
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>>4019144
Welcome to the Crucible. the Ethereal Elk greets you.

>>4019272
Yikes. I hope you can recover.
Me on my end, I feel like my legs are made of lead and much of my muscles are aching from work. That and the fact that I'm getting sick and tired of accepting the many many nagging requests of grandmas... speaking of said elderly...

>>4019251
Hey bhop. Is there a daughter out there whose whole gimmick is being the Eldritch Grandma from Cookie Clicker?
>>
>>4013602

>And now for the tedious part after the Laoc hunger riots: cleaning up , level-ups and some heart-to-heart talks for those who need it.

>36th VEIN: ARCHIVED.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/4006160/

>"Hmmm....another storm brewing in the womb."

>The Pale rider mused on its steed, surveying the land west.

>"The winds tell me..."

>a mirthful laughter, discordant and deep. echoed from the steed.

>"So many daughters...so many ROUGH gemstones gleaming and glorious...perhaps it is time to make my entrance and polish those stones until PERFECTION IS FOUND."

>The rider thumbs an empty jewelry ring, the socket beckoning, yearning, hungering...as the rider nudges the steed into motion...westward, towards the storm.
>>
>>4019272
(Oh goodness, I hope you feel better soon.)

>>4020232
(Absolutely.)

>>4020363
(Thank you so much for archiving the most recent Vein!)
>>
Made some more mundane yet potent Relics.

The following is part of a Relic set called "Forgeheart's Creation".

>Forgeheart’s Lyre: What is creation without its Muse? What life does a creator give to its creation if it does not give it a purpose? A human obsidian ribcage spread wide open like an eagle, a human heart nestled at its base, its golden heartstrings strung across each rib. Heed its tune when it plays in the presence of a working forge during relic, and the macabre instrument will play a song that inspires purpose into your creation. (Mechanically: Creating a relic with the Forgeheart’s Lyre in its presence or when a daughter plays the instrument at the Forge will reduce the chance of failure in relic creation and increase the effects of consumable relics created.)

>Forgeheart’s Bellows: A living pair of human lungs complete with throat and trachea, in 1:1 scale. However, the lungs inhale and exhale unnaturally on their own devices, the bloodvessels are made of solid gold, and the trachea is unnatural the length of 2 meters. There is an empty space between the lungs where a human heart should reside. This relic must be used in tandem at a working forge, with the forge core installed in the Bellows. When used correctly, the heat of the forge is amplified by the bellows, allowing the forge core to have a moderate/high chance of having any relic it produces be 1 tier above its current tier, but increases the cost to forge a relic by 20%. The heart is the furnace, the Forge’s throat the chimney, but where are the flowing pumps and the bellows to fuel the flame and bring the heat?

>Forgeheart’s Hammer: A still-beating Crystallized human heart as the hammer head, a living bone spine as the handle. The Hammer is floating, fractured, yet whole relic whose purpose lies solely as the Hammer to the Forge’s anvil, and the pacemaker to set the rhythm of creation. Heartbeat begets heartbeat, synchronicity is achieved, and a symphony is played. A relic reusable at the forge, the Hammer irons out the kinks in a relic’s drawbacks and reinforces its strength. Giving the smith the option to either add one additional augmentation on a relic or cut down the drawback costs that certain relics require to use.

>Forgeheart’s Quencher: A creation of life, undergoing baptism in blood. A tub/bucket lined with stomachs and filled to the brim with blood. The blood never runs out. Like the iron tools and weapons before the Crucible’s coming, so too are Relics prone to improvement, alteration, mutation, renovation, restoration, and reforging, until their final baptism. Quenching a Relic in Forgeheart’s Quencher will permanently locks a single Relic’s trait/stat of the Forgemistress’s choice. Cannot be used on consumable Relics.

Tell me what you think of it.
>>
>>4025800
>Forgeheart’s Lyre
neat. honestly i forget failing to craft is technically possible, as we have apparently rolled surprisingly well there as its never happened, nor have we heard of it happening.

>Forgeheart’s Bellows
also neat. though i think T5 is still the limit. by now im pretty positive we would've heard otherwise, and possibly seen otherwise, by now if such was the case. also, thinking about it, i am unsure about the purpose of this one. Tiering is not actually fully indicative of use and technically quality, due to the actual mechanics and use of a relic heavily impacting what tier it is. because of how forging works, Tier has never actually outright effected directly how well a relic works, at least not in any way we have ever seen evidence of that raising a tier level would at all help. i think at best a relics durability we have heard can be affected, but the only time we have heard of that actually also possibly disproved that, so even that is very iffy if a thing, and certainly worth it for a 20% increase for just that.

>Forgeheart’s Hammer
not a bad one, though, why does this one not require a cost, in comparison to the one above? albeit i suppose maybe said issues with the one above didnt cross your mind, so the contrast of how much better this one is for free compared to the other may be an accident, though i still think at the very least time of crafting would make sense to increase here. otherwise just not my kinda thing, as like ive said actually making relics feel balanced is something i very much like and think should actually be enforced, and this feels like an easy and heavy way to break that i dont like, so i cannot deny its an opinion over possibly legitimate concerns or issues, but because of that i highly dislike this one.

>Forgeheart’s Quencher
im.... really not seeing the point of this one. i guess it can prevent tampering of your relic? maybe? but relics already arent actually malleable in the same way at all as Daughters or their abilities at times are, and the possible ways to influence or even just temporarily change a relic seem... so rare and differently done, if that makes sense, that it doesn't feel like something stopped by how this was intended if it does happen. may just need you to explain this one further ill admit, as what your intention here just isnt clicking at all when i think about it compared to how relics work.

nice theme though, but im just imaging the theme and relics not coming about in a very acceptable way, intentional or not, especially with the onset of T5 forging and its controversial unique trait around the corner....
>>
>HEARTH ROD; a relic made specifically for a special little troublemaker, this relic works in tandem and abuses one daughters relic based abilities, well, ability to pass a relics attributes around to more of herselves. Now, this little girl can have her other selves forgo any natural ACTs they have to pass one down the line to the nearest other self other than the original, who now counts this new act as a natural Act, allowing them to further pass it down, thus acting as a chain of bodies to get acts stacked upon an individual instance that both needs or is where such an accumulation of ACTs is needed. Though these others may not accumulate ACTs above the original self, having more one a single body, especially under the right conditions or at the right location, can be immensely helpful. The lack of a range limit also holds interesting possibilities...
>>
>>4026259
I should be asleep, so I'll entertain your thoughts when I wake up in the morning.
>>
>>4025800
Well, it's somewhat ominous how it implies that it was all made from a single human torso. But that's life in the Crucible for you, baby. As for the individual Relics:

>Forgeheart’s Lyre:
Oh yeah, crafting isn't a guarantee, is it? I guess we've just gotten kind of spoiled by Rath (and now Francine) being such great fleshsmiths that we never had to deal with that issue. Could be useful now that we're playing with Tier 5 crafting with hypothetically much more expensive Relics, make sure it doesn't go to waste.

>Forgeheart’s Bellows:
Not too useful for us since as far as we know Relics don't go above Tier 5, but really good for anyone working at a lower-Tier Forge. Makes me wonder how it would interact with a Forgebody like November, though. Could they boost their power supply for their cybernetics?

>Forgeheart’s Hammer:
This should probably raise the cost of crafting a Relic. It's a potent enhancement, and should have commensurate costs. I'd say as much as the Bellows, an additional one-fifth price surcharge.

>Forgeheart’s Quencher
I'm honestly not seeing much use for this. Is it meant to make a Relic invulnerable, so that things like Artisanal Appetites can't degrade it? That's useful, then, though somewhat situational. It might not necessarily be something to use even on Relics that have been fully upgraded, as Taylor shows it's possible to upgrade even things that are supposed to be "finished".

>>4026269
Interesting. What Tier would you put this at? Should probably be above Tier 2, I figure, since otherwise Amara's copying-over Tier 2 Relics to all her copies would make this way too cheap to use en-masse. But really effective if we did get a bunch made and distributed to the Many, have them charge up some of their members to cast bigger spells. We probably won't need two five-word spells on a single turn too often, but when we do I'm sure we'd be glad to have it.

>>4026277
Yeah, me too. Woke up a bit ago, can't get back to bed.
>>
>>4026282
>Interesting. What Tier would you put this at? Should probably be above Tier 2, I figure, since otherwise Amara's copying-over Tier 2 Relics to all her copies would make this way too cheap to use en-masse. But really effective if we did get a bunch made and distributed to the Many, have them charge up some of their members to cast bigger spells. We probably won't need two five-word spells on a single turn too often, but when we do I'm sure we'd be glad to have it.
well, no, as it was intended to not even be able to work without Amara pre-existing ability, or one basically of the same design. its worthless without her relic sharing properties to work off of, and relies on it entirely to function. it has no use or function if you cannot do what Amara can do, as it basically just adds something new specifically to that ability level.
>>
>>4026282
>>4026296
hrm, worded it a bit poorly, but words elude me. more of an dd on, but if it feels too cheap, then it simply needs to be reworked, due to what i said, moreso than anything, due to how it was designed to work. though it technically does cut down on her clones overall ACT count significantly to use.
>>
>>4026296
>>4026299
Somehow I completely missed the line that it was meant to benefit from Amara's Relic-sharing. I was thinking we'd just make a bunch and hand them out. We could just raise the cost to craft it, then, I was thinking cost to produce rather than cost to use. I think the ability itself is fine. It's going to be difficult enough to coordinate teams of Many using it thanks to the "affects nearest Many" targeting rather than allowing the user to select a specific Many, so it's not too abusable in large numbers. Only so many Amaras you can cluster together such that they're all closer to the designated caster than to each other, geometry is the main limit of this Relic.
>>
>>4026312
ah, yeah, i didn't expect it to be cheap to be fair.

>using the relic to force Amara to learn geometry and distances.
id make a joke about how Amara doesn't seem like the type to like school, but actually teaching her via abstract and interesting ways like this actually probably would get her interested enough to listen.
>>
>>4026314
Yeah, Amara strikes me as the sort of child who is very bright but who does poorly with traditional educational models because the teacher can't keep her interest. She needs a problem to work on or an experience to explore in order to properly learn, something that she can really dive into and get involved with.
>>
>>4026314
>Math involves using Amara's Joyous many.
>English vocabulary and grammar involves using Amara's Skintalker vocab library.
Amara will definitely have an interesting childhood education.
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Got a pic of the next dungeon the Defiant Fools will spelunk in.
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>>4026691
gah, damn you.
i was saving that for the opening on the new thread, when more would be round to see it....
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(Gentlemen, my apologies for the radio silence. Between an exceedingly busy week at work, my third wedding anniversary, and attending to personal matters, my schedule has been filled to the brim. That being said, I’ll be posting an overview of the Relic Tiers later today, as well as reviewing everything that’s been posted so far, as several Relics that have been shared here serve as great examples of the various Tiers. Thank you for bearing with me, and I do hope that your week has been going well!)
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>>4028720
>my third wedding anniversary
Oh, mazel tov!
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>>4028720
well, assuming not all those personal matters are bad, glad it sounds like your busy schedule was at least filled with wonderful things! good job on three years, and may it last that many centuries more!

looking forward to the Tier listing, to be honest i was beginning to wonder if i had just imagined you had said you planned to post that or not.
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>>4026259
>Forgeheart's theme
Finally found time to write down how I came about to creating the Forgeheart's Creation Relic set.
To be honest, I was going for a blacksmithing theme that went with the visceral squick of Body Horror's setting.

>Lyre
This was the first thing that came to my mind when I was reminded of the story of Hades, Orpheus, and Eurydice. Inspiration and Muses, and an instrument that uses the ribcage.

>Bellows
A forge has bellows which pump air into the furnace and bring up the forge temperature. The fact that the forge core is a still-beating heart that's constantly on fire, I thought having a set of strong lungs and the trachea would make an ample comparison. That and Dan Bull's Frostpunk Rap made a very good inspiration to the flavor text from the rap's third verse. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOPQ-AKbhhY

>Hammer
The Hammer was probably second or third thing that came about after the Lyre. Heart beats and music reminded me of the rhythm. That and pacemakers. Hammers are part of the blacksmithing tool, and one of the more important ones, so I was more focused on how the Hammer would modify or refine a relic's trait. Post-creation A thought occurred to me on the possibility of modifying existing relics...I would love to see the Forgeheart's Hammer used on the Dainsleif and give it the property to Ricochet and impale multiple enemies all in one-throw.

>Quencher
It was the last thing on the list and frankly the relic that I paid the least attention to. It was late in the night when I came up with the Quencher. It's creation came about when I thought about Relic durability and the fact that certain Relics lose their function (i.e. Sui Sacrificium and Void Orrey) on certain damage thresholds. So the Quencher was made to more or less make a Relic more durable and retain certain parts of its function no matter how damage the relic overall becomes.

>>4028720
Happy wedding anniversary!
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>>4028720
>>4028755
A present: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkklG9MA0vM
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(Gentlemen, though last night didn’t go exactly how I’d planned, thank you for your patience. I’d also like to open the floor after this post to whatever Relic-based questions you all may have. I figure it would be best to hammer these out now before the next Vein rolls around, though of course I’ll still leave long voting times open during Forging to answer the questions that will inevitably pop up.)

(I figure that going in reverse order makes a little more sense, to get the broad strokes out of the way.)

-TIER 5: The highest class of Relics typically fall into one of two classes. The first are items that blur the line between Relic, ability, and even characters themselves, whose uncapped growth render them viable throughout an entire Crucible. The Contender, Halos, and Crown are all examples of this class. The second class are those that possess qualities that either make the wielder automatically suitable for endgame upon acquisition or that somehow ‘break’ the fundamental nature of action economy, limited abilities, or a particular system aspect. You haven’t seen as many of these as of yet since they’ve not been seeded into the main campaign to prevent breaking the game completely upon pickup, but you’ll see them soon enough.

-TIER 4: Relics that interact with either one’s own specific powers or those of others, boosting skills or hindering those of your foes, an example of the latter being the Hive Mistress-hampering grenades Yurei used against you. Relics of these types go beyond what’s capable of Tier 2 relics of the same ilk by several orders of magnitude or by granting boons that are capable of easily swinging the results of a battle on their own.

-TIER 3: Most weapons and armor falls into this category, as Tier 3 specializes in rather straight-forward damage-dealing or mitigation. Additionally, these are the first types of Relics capable of growth though they do have a discrete limit on their evolution. The ‘Sui’ line of Relics is an excellent example, as are any items that grant stat boosts with some sort of caveat or price to be paid.

-TIER 2: Relatively simple Relics that serve to either grant boosts to the capabilities of (more than one) class’ skills, some sort of tactical advantage, or alter a certain gameplay mechanic in a minor, but helpful way. The Spine and the Shroud are examples of the first two, while the Forgeheart series of Relics that were posted earlier this Vein is an excellent example of the third, as is the Silver Key…despite the latter’s nebulous origins.

-TIER 1: Simple, straightforward items that either some sort of minor, static mechanical benefit or can serve as an extension of the user for small offensive, defensive, or information-gathering purposes. That’s…really it. There’s nothing too terribly special about these Relics, for the most part.

(Now, on to Relic crafting itself.)

(Continued)
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>>4030470

(Regarding the Tier 5 Forge Core that you now have access to; you’re now able to craft Relics of any Tier level, in addition to being able to generate a single duplicate of a Tier 1 or 2 Relic for free ONCE per Vein, with a Tier 3 copy able to be made at 1/2 its base BIO cost. You may not duplicate Tier 4 or 5 Relics this way, though certain abilities may allow you to break these rules.)

(When creating Relics, I usually start with a basic idea, then hammer out the actual description and flavor text (along with the November-specific info) before slotting it into the appropriate Tier. Finally, I come up with the amount of BIO needed to craft it, determining the class or class types needed by whatever feels appropriate given the item’s capabilities, with the amount dependent on Tier.

(Now, as you may have already guessed, the real point of the Tiers is to act as a gating system as to when a typical Daughter or group of Daughters would be able to gain access to particular items through the normal forging process. That being said, there’s obviously nothing to stop a Daughter from acquiring Relics well past what they’re capable of Forging either through exploration or gifts from other beings.)

(Part of the ill-defined nature of Relic Tiers came about as a result of my own Relic creation efforts; I’d come up with something I thought was fun to use or helpful, playtest it, then throw it into the Relic pool, so the Tier system cam about well after I already had a considerable backlog of Relics and abilities. As an aside, the Relic system is something that I’d really like to hammer out more after the Quest is done, as I thoroughly enjoy crafting systems and I think there’s a lot more mechanical fun to be had with deepening the preexisting system and incorporating more from other inspired sources. I’m certainly not blind to the weaknesses of my current Relic and ability systems, so while they’re both things that I wish to improve upon over time I’m certainly open to feedback for them while the Quest is ongoing. I altered the leveling system fairly early on in addition to the resistance system, and both are much improved as a result of your feedback. The Quest is an interplay of everyone’s ideas, and know that I value your input immensely.)

(So, if you have any questions, then please let me know, as I’ll have a fair amount of time on my hands this weekend with which to answer them and offer guidance where I can.)

>>4028750
>>4028755
>>4029551
(Thank you all very much for the well-wishes!)
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>>4030470
huh...well honestly then from these descriptions our Tiering of relics is utterly wrong and what we have been archiving needs to be significantly re-organized. i think almost all of T4 we have is a Tier too low or high.

>>4030473
honestly i guess all i can think to ask, is how you try and balance relics and where you would draw the line, even with a T5. sure, cost helps, but the side-effect of even massively significant costs is only temporary, and with our current playstyle too is easier to mitigate and control. while we have so far inquired to try and self regulate, im honestly very worried about T5 capabilities, and what and where that might lead, Intentional or not. T4 too honestly, possibly even moreso actually.

the system honestly feels too easy to abuse at the moment still in my opinion.
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>>4030470
>>4030473
Thank you for this information. This will really help out streamline the cataloging process of Relics and the criteria of what sort of relics that we plan to forge.

I do have to say though, it makes me wonder the rarity ratio of Relics, like how many T-5 Relics are out there among all the relics scattered on the planet.

>>4030492

Some new relics that I came up with. Relatively straight forward yet not as well defined. It lacks flavor text.

>Vitruvian Exo-skeleton: Confines daughter’s physiology into a bipedal/human template scaled to size, and renders them immune to limb-severing, increases their regen and decreases bio cost in exchange for severely limiting certain abilities that would otherwise break a normal human body’s mould (i.e. spawning an extra arm, stretching limbs past normal human parameters, gaining an animal skeletal structure).

>The Weight of Age: A set of bands meant to be worn on a finger or an appendage. Each band representing a decade of life experience. The more bands you wear, the stronger your body becomes (or brittle at certain age thresholds), however each ability or augment you consume or level up is amplified in strength by the number of bands you wear.
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>>4030572
aw, but flavor text is important!

>Vitruvian Exo-skeleton
huh, neat. i like it. good drawbacks for good boons. nice one. add flavor text, ya bastard!

>The Weight of Age
hrm.... i guess i can see this. though id have to know what you actually mean by 'consume or level up'? like, it only works when you are leveling things up or consuming a new ability? if so, neat. i feel like it should have more of an effect though. like, the whole thing with how youth is strength, age is wisdom, or something. make choosing the 'age' you wear matter more, and gives you a good reason to risk old age too.
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>>4030583
>The Weight of Age
hmm...how to explain this. Wearing enough bands that still puts you in the "young" threshold (probably around 0-35 years old) will give you more powerful "consume" options as the abilities you consume will give you higher tiered stat gain in both consuming and leveling up in exchange for weaker ability gain. the "old" threshold (36-and up) will instead make your abilities stronger through consumption and leveling up at the cost of next-to-nil stat gain from consuming new augments or leveling up existing abilities.

>Flavor text for Vitruvian Exo-skeleton.
A skeleton in the shape of a perfectly physically fit human. The bones, cartilage, and spinal disks are bleached white and cannot be stained by blood or viscera. The skull is fractured into pieces yet whole. When worn, the Skeleton expands and morphs to wrap itself around the daughter and confines their physiological structure to fit the skeletal template of a homo sapien by any means necessary. Bestial features, corruption effects, and abilities that warp the body in inhuman ways are suppressed and restricted by the eldritch enforcement of Human bones that the daughter wears. Yet the exo-skeleton ensures protection to the daughter wearing it, providing immunity to limb severing effects, and greatly increasing their health and bio regeneration. For ages, the human was a skeleton wearing a meat suit, who wished to be more than human. In an ironic twist of fate in the Crucible, wearing the skeleton suit over the malleable inhuman meat that is a daughter will give her the shape she sorely misses. The shape of a human.

I'll come up with some flavor text for "The Weight of Age" in the evening. I have work to prepare for.
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>MAGNETIC CONNECTIONS; these small, belt buckle sized ‘magnets’ may be placed anywhere on ones body, and may be crafted in any solid, single piece form the crafter wishes, though always stuck to the dull, dark gray of a fridge magnet in color. Their use is simple. The magnet, of course, has a ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ side. When moving closer towards another daughter, amalgam, or location with the opposite side of their magnet activated, your movement is tripled, but when moving away, it is cut down to a third. Like a magnet, the opposite is true. When moving away from a magnet with the same side activated, your movement is tripled, but when moving towards such a magnet, it is cut down to a third. like one's personality, you’ll make sure people just can't stay away… or just don't want to be near.

name up for suggestion though, kinda a lame one honestly. also, if not obvious, each magnet is crafted individually, so having alot of them would of course increase the cost... but very possibly be worth it.
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Fae Floral Laurel: A laurel of flowers fashioned from many species of flowers. Some of them are alien in origin. The flowers constantly bud, bloom, wilt, and die in a never ending cycle. Each cycle spawns a different flower. Bee and insect themed hive mistresses benefit from this greatly, as any idle swarmling that stays within close range of the daughter wearing the laurel will flock to the flowers growing on the laurel and regain a small amount of health and bio at the end of each round from pollination.
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>Dragon's Marrow (Tier 5, Consumable): A small pill of spongy material, Dragon's Marrow contains the distilled essence of the Crucible's mutation protocols. Consuming a pill sends the Daughter into a brief trance as their bodies process the information, lasting approximately five minutes. Each additional pill taken within a twenty-four hour period doubles the length of the trance each pill provides, as well as extending the cooldown time until a new pill can be taken without raising the trance's duration. During the trance the Daughter experiences vivid symbolic hallucinations as their minds synaesthetically interpret the information on Crucible biology that the Dragon's Marrow contains. Upon waking, though, they receive a potent benefit: For every pill consumed, they gain a single level to be allocated to whatever skills they so desire.

I've been thinking about this one for a while. Conceptually, I don't think there's any reason a Relic like this wouldn't work. It's established from things like the Halos and the Sui Tormentis' max level upgrade that Relics can add skills to the user. A Sparagmos Engine could then dismantle that level of new skill and reassign it to an existing one. This just condenses the process to a single action. That said, BHOP would have to be crazy to let us actually do this. Even with a very high cost (and it would have to take BIO from every standard class, I figure) it would break the game so hard to have levels be something we can just give ourselves whenever we want. I'm posting this as a theoretical thought experiment rather than an actual proposition.
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>>4030757
yeah, gotta say, things like this is exactly what im worried about. just... feels too abusable. things like Halos still take actual levels, with things like Sui being extremely limited and coming with a technical downside to gain.
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>>4030838
Well, I was thinking the original Relic Halos, not the skills derived from them. Those just give you a skill when you absorb the Relic, that's how Meg got the Neurotic Halo originally. But yeah, it's an abusable idea. Like I said, conceptually sound, but really shouldn't be allowed in this game. Maybe it could work as a background detail, like there's some xianxia-themed Daughter in China making these that we'll never encounter within the boundaries of the quest.

And another Tier 5 Relic. Kind of obvious what the inspiration is, but eh. Felt like it was appropriate after the stuff with Julia.

>SMOKE AND HONEY (Tier 5, Reusable Consumable): This tangled mass of electrical components may have been a radio, once. Certainly it plays music, though the rectifier crystal is cracked and the antenna twisted. It's a beautiful song, an instrumental piece full of heartbreak and hope. Anyone who listens to this music for at least a full minute is granted a powerful boon: To escape, at least in part, the Crucible's demands for what their body must be. The listener gets a one-time opportunity to redesign their Corruption, replacing their current set of mutations and setting a theme for future development. The mutations must still represent the listener's abilities in some way, but they have broad authority to reinterpret the symbolism involved. It's not much, but to leave behind a body that brings them suffering is one of the most powerful things a person can do.
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>>4031032
>>4030757
And this is why I'm hesitant on creating T-5 Relics. creating them and using them just ACCELERATES the rate in which bhop and us anons force the plot to progress. If we make a bunch of T-5 Relics that accelerates or amplifies our group powers too much/fast, bhop and the quest in general will respond in kind and ramp up the ridiculousness and the amount of chaos that we have to deal with.

And I really don't want to be too reliant on the power of T-5 Relics. There could be a floor in the cord where all the relics on a daughter's person gets shutdown/locked out as a trial to test a daughter's natural mettle.

>>4030473
Hey bhop. Has there ever been a iteration of the Crucible where a Daughter ascended (then lost the game by getting the "Mother" title instead of the "Mother of All") with a pure Relic-based build? As in having their main strength be stemming from a T-5 Relic which the daughter built her abilities around, or having a massive arsenal of relics that allowed her to climb to the top that she completely relied upon?
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>>4031442
Well, neither of my ideas were meant to be things for the party, really. Just ideas I thought would be neat to have exist somewhere out in the Crucible.
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>THICK SKULL: An oversized Neanderthal skull that does not belong to the current age. This relic is meant to be worn on the head, where upon the skull wraps around the daughter's head and transforms into an intimidating skull helm providing 1 level of stun resistance at the helm. However thick the skull may be, it is still vulnerable to destruction. As such, if a critical hit lands on the daughter's head, the Relic will automatically and permanently destroy itself to negate half the damage that the daughter would take in the affected limb.

>LOCKJAWS: A set of cold-iron dentures afixed to a pair of human/animal jaws (upper half and lower half), the jaws are locked shut. It looks more like a bear trap made out of bones. There is a hand-winch that allows the jaws to be slowly pried open with a sensitive trigger that springs the jaw shut. Aside from being an effective or ineffective bear trap that deals a crippling burst of inescapable crushing damage and a constant pain of crushing damage per turn on its unfortunate victim, the Lockjaws true purpose is that of locking down Relic function. If The Lockjaws are applied upon a Relic, The Relic's owner will be locked out of using their precious Relic, and the Relic will cease to function. Unlocking the Relic involves a rather straining strength check to pry the lockjaw off with one channeled action (hopefully uninterrupted, interrupting it reapplies the painful SNAP damage on the daughter), after which the affected relic will reactivate the round after the lockjaws have been pried off.

>PSYCHO-SERUM (consumable): A potion of glass containing virulent grey matter harvested from Amalgams. The serum flows about in the potion in a frenzied pace. Imbibing the serum will allow the daughter exclusive insight into the mind and world of Amalgams, giving them instinctive breadth and knowledge of the amalgams in their vicinity and more importantly, the precise location, mood, and intent of their quarry. Extending in combat, the insight allows the daughter to accurately divine their quarry's next move, their target, and their intent, as well as the threshold of their next fighting phase. However, such a dive into animalistic instincts dull the higher mind, as the daughter that has consumed the serum will be uncontrollable in their actions, and higher forms of cognition such as coherent thought and verbal speech will regress into animalistic grunts, any corruption manifestation will grow while in this "feral" state, and their hunger will accelerate. This potion lasts for a few hours or until the daughter feasts.
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>>4031528
Ooh, that Psycho-Serum is nasty. Very potent, but not something I can see our party ever using given how much of our effectiveness is based around rapid repositioning. Being unable to tell party members "go here and do this" would be pretty bad for us. Still really cool, I could definitely see some berserker Daughter (maybe with some Unnatural Predator, for good measure) making really effective use out of it. They'd actually be a great counter to our maneuver warfare, thinking about it, lots of power and being able to anticipate all our moves.
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>>4031553
it's a good counter to a certain extent. There's a reason why action economy is king when it comes to a combat system like this. The Psycho serum however potent it can be, is limited by the imbibing daughter's own action economy. Furthermore, it only gives out the information on the target's first Action in the start of each round, not all of the target's actions. Still, psycho serum is a viable method to work around our current fighting style since much of our tactics revolve landing the first opening move in the start of each round with our classic "Setup and execute". If we can't make a proper set up for a devastating play, we can't really follow through and in the end, Shu's team usually ends up flailing about when a ploy goes wrong. Except for Rath. Rath doesn't really give a shit when it comes to fighting since her main strength is basically being a brawler. So it's not really useful when your opponent's next actions is basically "PUNCH, PUNCH, PUNCH, and more punching."
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>>4031571
Yeah, we do need to be more adaptive, but it's hard to do that in a quest when we have to plan everything out ahead of time because we're not there for the actual mechanical resolution. We could add "if that fails, do this" contingencies into the votes, but I think turning everything into Markov chains would get just absolutely tedious for everyone involved. Not really sure what other way there is to make for more flexible plans, though. I guess we could give more control of Shu's decisions over to BHOP, set general goals and leave it up to him to actualize them, but then we run into the problem that a lot of the fun of combat is in coming up with the plans ourselves. It's a tricky issue.
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>>4030492
(Regarding balance, I like for every powerful thing to have some sort of weakness or abilities that allow them to be countered in some sort of way. Relic-based Daughter powers aren't uncommon, so Daughters that rely on using and abusing Relics can find themselves swiftly slain by clever powers and smart tactics. On the active testing side of things, I frequently load out your full team and throw them at West Prime, among a few other powerful bosses to run numbers. To most other Daughters, you'd certainly be overpowered...)

(...but not in the face of those with true power.)

>>4030583
>>aw, but flavor text is important!
(Truer words were never spoken.)

>>4031442
(You make an excellent point, and one that should be heeded; reliance on Relics of any sort is a recipe for disaster.)

(However, to answer your question; though there have been many Daughters that reached and attempted to climb the Cord were Relic-based, there was only one that managed to make the full journey successfully, though this was early on in this strain's lifespan. The winner had a powerset similar to Tinker Tailor, actually.)

>>4031571
>>4031583
(It's a hard balance, actually; your family is competent, but having them be *too* quick to come up with their own plans risks taking control out of your hands, and that's the last thing I want to do. I actively roll for the complexity and success of their secondary plans for when things go south or you somehow can't communicate with them. So far, only Gina and West have gotten decent rolls on that.)

~~~

(As an aside, all of these Relics are absolutely delicious, and thank you all for sharing.)
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>>4031601
Bhop, is that you? If so, you're missing your trip and ID.
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>>4031610
(Indeed, it's me.)
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>>4031601
So what's your favorite relic pick of the litter so far in this vein?
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>>4031615
(Hm...for overall theme, I'd say the Forgeheart set if mainly for the fact that I love items/equipment as matched sets. As far as standalone Relics go, the Psycho Serum...I'm a fan of items that drive the users to madness.)
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>>4031601
>On the active testing side of things, I frequently load out your full team and throw them at West Prime, among a few other powerful bosses to run numbers.
Interesting way to test balance. "How well can the current party do against the most ruthless powergamer on the planet?" At least when we finally do face her down we'll get to break the trend set by all the simulations.

>To most other Daughters, you'd certainly be overpowered...)
>(...but not in the face of those with true power.)
Yeah, we've been punching above our weight class for a while. We look super strong, but we've had a lot of optimal conditions on our side. We're still relatively weak, and I think that some of why our party has gotten so much reputation so fast is because people recognize that we're weak. If we're not that strong, but have still done so much, we must be real badasses to get this far. But that ignores the fact that we've had a lot of help. Have us fight a powerful foe in a vacuum and we're not going to do so well. We really need to hunt down something big that we can claim all for our own.
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>>4031630

I do agree with you in the sense that we are punching above our weight class and had a lot of optimal conditions on our side. In the sense, we've grown Shu's family into the sort of people who are relatively weak but skilled.

There's also a thing to consider is that when it comes to in-quest time, it seems like Shu's got this uncanny ability to think long-term and parallel on the fly in a mere instant, being able to turn any disaster in the works into a victory by the skin of her teeth. So yes, Shu's weak as she is stand alone, but she had to exploit the hell out of her surroundings and existing conditions/information in order to gain that winning edge. Think about it.

A counter raid against Mara while Mara's in the middle of her own raid? and being able to fend her off long enough to make away with Mara's prize? That's just the ballsiest case of thievery, but Kosi herself did her best to ensure that Shu would get a clean getaway by ridding of Mara's willing lackeys so that Shu would only have to worry about Mara.

Leading the Raid against Sprialing Fear and killing it before it became unstoppable after crossing the River of Tears? Shu brought lots of help and support, so that while She did much of the planning and coordination, Mara and the others would be seen as the ones doing a slight majority in the heavy lifting.

the Almath gamble against God itself? Shu was fighting in a very advantageous environment that she exploited for all its worth in order to bring down Ozma's chosen avatar: Isabelle. That and Isabelle was a case of strong but unskilled and unused to her own powers while Shu took her down while the Iron was hot.

The fight against Yurei? Shu had to call in prompt reinforcements that turned the fight into a 12 v 1 instead of the original 4v1, and it then devolved into containing Yurei's final form while Shu has to puzzle together Yurei's past in order to convince her to give up the ghost

Hunger Riots? Shu had access to the Town resources and had both her family and friends coordinate together to contain and stop the riot.

I think another key factor that what makes Shu's family so strong is that Shu herself serves as a sort of keystone army figurehead in combat. Much of our family's actions have been dictated by Shu due her instinctive empathy field as well as the sheer amount of information she can process through her swarmlings, giving her unprecedented battlefield control.

It's the sort of thing where the Hive Mistress class daughters really shine. Put them into a group and let them coordinate, and watch how their forces masterfully outmaneuver and defeat the enemy in a decisive manner, they really aren't suited to chaotic brawls or battles where the outcome is decided by who has the bigger stat. And I think that is where we struggle.

>>4031601
I have no doubt that in bhop's simulations, much of our TPKs will have occurred from Shu being the first to bite the dust and everything cascading from that point onward.
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>>4031686
Oh, sure, we've taken very good advantage of the resources we've had available to us in all these fights. We've done well for ourselves. I'm just acknowledging that we're still very far away from the top tiers of power, and we need to get there quickly because we can't rely on always being able to acquire further resources to turn a fight around. Like, once we get to the Cord we're going to have to fight West Prime and she'll have had a long time to dig in.

Good point on Shu being a huge force multiplier for the party, though. Our presence gives a lot of advantages in terms of command, coordination, and support. Shu's got terraforming, she's got minions, she's got buffs for allies and debuffs for enemies, she's got the ability to manage all of it with her communications and sensory rig, and she's got enough personal power that trying to gank the support class doesn't work so well. Our party probably would not be nearly as effective as they are without us. Hive Mistress is only an okay class on its own, but once it gets some other classes added on top it becomes kind of OP for any team build.

Hey, speaking of Hive Mistress powers getting way stronger when mixed with other abilities, does the specialized constructs bit apply to Hive Mistress hybrids? Will Gina get specialized maggot armor once Gladiatorial Swarm hits level ten?
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>>4031630
It does bring up a couple of important questions however: How will our family suffer when they don't have access to a relic loadout? and how can our family cover their weaknesses without the aid of relics?

November will certainly suffer that's for sure due to the nature of the Etain frame's reliance on having its specialized weaponry be outfitted with Relics, so how does that affect her?
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>>4031624
Forwarding this question to bhop.

>>4031716
>Hey, speaking of Hive Mistress powers getting way stronger when mixed with other abilities, does the specialized constructs bit apply to Hive Mistress hybrids? Will Gina get specialized maggot armor once Gladiatorial Swarm hits level ten?
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>>4031528
>THICK SKULL
neat. simple and good, with a nice drawback.

>LOCKJAWS
hrm. interesting. seems like its a bit hard to use, but seems reasonable.

>PSYCHO-SERUM (consumable)
seems interesting, but certainly not something id want to use.

>>4031583
yeah, i agree. i tihnk how we do it is fine, and honestly just a limit of the situation. if we tried to cover for all 'what-ifs' and the like, we both would never be satisfied, nor stop being able to add things. sometimes you just gotta make a plan and trust the team to do it to their best.

>>4031601
could you try and point out any relics, or even part of relics, you think would need to be tweaked or go too far, just to give us an example of your limits to work with?

and i need to get to my game with friends, so ill respond to those utter text blocks later.
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>>4031717
Well, none of our party are too dependent on their Relics. Outside of November, I'd say that Shu and Rath are the ones who find them most important. Shu because the Hexane Contenders make for a lot of her ranged damage, and Rath because Sui Tormentis is such an important part of her punching. Other than that, nobody's gotten too dependent, the Relics we have are nice additions but nothing essential. Amara can go without Vocem Virtutis if she has to, Dorian might lose some speed without Sui Interitus but he's still plenty fast, etc.

November, as you say, is the one who would really suffer from losing access to her Relics. Her power is capped, she's not going to get a stronger Forge Core (as far as we know, maybe we'll find an "overcharged" Tier 6 Forge that somebody made) at this point, so all of her additional versatility comes from Relics. Take them away and she's...not terrible, she's still got some strong heat-based ranged damage, but she loses her role as a mainline fighter. If we wind up with a Cord floor effect that prevents Relic use, then she'd probably do best holing up in her tank and serving as an artillery role. Stay towards the back lines, focus on her railgun and tank cannon, don't mix it up because she needs her Relics to most effectively do that.
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>>4031724
(Yes, she will.)

>>4031731
(Enjoy your game, and I'll review the Relics and post my thoughts tomorrow.)
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>>4031740
That said...there's something that I did want to bring up from the 27th Vein:

>(Given the construction of the Etain model and the fact that your ‘slots’ are really just re-worked Forge Cores located throughout November’s new body, paired items like the Gauntlets would draw power from a single slot, despite being on both arms. Thus, November could absolutely slot the Gauntlets in one arm, the Uzi in another, and then manifest the Uzi in her armored hand, all the while benefitting from stat boosts from both Relics. I hope this helps to explain it a bit better.)

>>4031757
If the main power source is a Forge core (Currently T-5), but November's current Etain Frame has 6 other auxiliary Forge cores that power the Relics function in each slot, is it possible to upgrade the auxillary cores into T-2 (up to T-5) Auxillary cores to draw out even more power from the Relics? I'm asking because you've already established a precedent for shoving multiple high powered Forge Cores into a daughter (West Alpha), so I was wondering if the same could be applied to November.
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>>4031797
(A variant of it can be...reverse-engineered after a certain point if particular events occur, shall we say.)

(Also, I shall be heading to bed, so rest well, Gentlemen.)
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>>4031818
Good night, BHOP. Sleep well.
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>>4031818
>(A variant of it can be...reverse-engineered after a certain point if particular events occur, shall we say.)

Damn. I know it's gonna involve the Disassociated Ones. Their rocket launch is three-four(?) days away and we still have a ton of things on our plate not to mention Shu's gut feeling that someone in the world is gonna make a major "power play" that'll disrupt the current status quo. Reverse-engineering those auxillary reactors will be dope because it would give November the ability to manipulate her power management with the addition of having auxillary cores that can divert spare power into various slots and relics, or have it all augment her main reactor...
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>>4031845
I would guess it's killing West Alpha, actually. It shouldn't be the Disassociated Ones, Francine was the one who developed much of their cyberbody technology. She wouldn't have to reverse-engineer anything, she could just go retrieve her notes or request details from Cassandra. But if it was killing West Alpha, who as you said was a proof of concept for multi-Forge Reactor technology, then we'd have to pry the secrets of the process from her...husk? Yeah, probably not a corpse, technically. So I'd guess that an upgrade for November is something we could get as a reward for defeating Alpha.
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>>4031686
>>4031716
hrm, actually not much to say here, other than our family has on more than one occasion been completely without Shu to guide them and done well. both on their own and as smaller groups.

also i feel the Heca-whatever arm monster was probably a good example of raw stats vs strategy, which certainly was more of a slog but we got through it. the issue with, well, anything like this, is if its another situation like our first fight with Isabelle? we're fucked. thats just how the crucible works. anyone would be.

not our fault but really nothing worth worrying about. not because its impossible to run into another such situation, but because its out of our control a bit there how those go. mind you, we always could've tried to run, and while Isabelle was fast, we actually possibly could've at least slowed her down enough for that. probably not, but possibly. we just couldn't afford to run for more moral reasons.

Running and its availability is something we really need to keep in mind honestly. I do feel theres been one or two times when it was a viable option, and people were just too against accepting a loss, and sure we won, but not in a pretty or clean way because we really shouldn't of actually stuck around. nor do i think at least one of the times enough was on the line to justify such a mindset.

>>4031717
>>4031740
yeah, none are too dependent. Shu honestly does lean on the Contender too much at times i think, but honestly even without Tormentis Rath is pretty well off, even on strength. but i could see Shu being able to adapt, though i do think the lack of the contender would be the biggest hit to us via a missing relic.

as for November... were just gonna have to live with that. if an anti-relic daughter or room comes up. shes neutered. its the nature of what we chose and he playstyle.

>>4031845
>>4031855
im thinking facilities and tools are the real issue here. no reason to think Francine, who designed all this, doesn't still know ho it works, or couldn't think of how to upgrade it or make variants. the issue is, just like how we cant forge without both a core and forge, even a genius cant just make a cyborg body out of two sticks. we would have to acquire her both the right facility and tools for anything like that, which id imagine the DOs might leave some larger equipment around. maybe, for her to lug off back home, but id not be surprised if the smaller, more precise parts she would need are 'beyond' just being forged due to their nature, and would have to be acquired elsewhere, or at least the materials to make them.

but as stated, said supplies or equipment might be in a location or in a person we might not be able to go soft enough on for anything to survive. i could also totally see West being the type to go down making sure anything useful to us she has goes with her.
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>>4031927
Oh, I expect that Francine will need specialized equipment to upgrade November, and that raiding the remains of the Disassociated's lab will be one of the best ways to get that equipment. But I think that there has to be more to it than just a need for specific parts and tools. BHOP said that we'd get the multi-Forge Core reactor if we get the chance to "reverse-engineer...shall we say". Which means that what we'd be doing could be interpreted as reverse-engineering (i.e., taking a piece of technology apart to learn how it works) but there are complications meaning that's probably not the most accurate way to describe it. Not sure what that would be, though.

Anyways, a new Relic

>IBI EVACUA: The wielder of this slender lancet of Calcite may prick their skin in order to trigger the formation of a rapidly-growing cyst. So long as this cyst remains, any active use of Humoral Paladin powers will instead of their normal effect cause the wielder to accumulate stacks of ABSCESSION as the humors pool within the cyst. Each stack of ABSCESSION inflicts a mounting debuff to reaction times as pain and swelling slow the wielder's movements. Upon the cyst being popped, which can happen from any significant piercing/slashing damage striking the abscessed area or from the wielder harmlessly lancing the cyst with a second prick from Ibi Evacua, a flood of humors will issue forth. While disgusting, this returns the user's use of Humoral Paladin abilities while giving a turn-long boost to their use proportionate to the number of stacks accrued. Afterwards, natural regeneration causes the abscess to recede and the user's skin to return to normal.

From the old piece of Roman medical advice still held by doctors to this day: "Ubi pus, ibi evacua". Where there is pus, drain it.
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>>4032239
>IBI EVACUA

You know...I think this could be modified in a way that any mounting debuffs that the fighter would acquire in a fight would instead be stored in the Abscession cyst, and popping the cyst would be purging the debuffs.
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>>4032239
ah, so another 'debuff to gain buffs later' relic like the chain links, but less a general one and made to focus on Humorals. neat.

much much more disgusting though. like.... gross.

>>4032383
would be interesting. honestly the thing i want the most i think is an anti Phantasmal/Flesh Artisan Relic, though like always i still want it to be fair and not an idea forced out just because of that, so i've got nothing now. though unlike some other things, i still personally disagree those types are balanced so am less against trying to actually counter them, in my opinion for Phantasmal Auras at least id just be trying to even out something broken to be more fair.
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>>4032398
I'm now imagining Dorian fighting a daughter with something akin to a giant zit that just takes up the painted half of his face and the enemy daughter having a massive urge to pop it for Dorian due to how discomforting it looks.

Actually fuck it. make the abscession have this supernatural trait that compels daughters to pop it and the pus that explodes from the cyst transfer all the debuffs onto them instead.
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>>4032498
oh my fucking god why did you have to post that and me see it RIGHT AS IM EATING!?!
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>>4032498
(Quality content, I chuckled heartily. Bravo, Anon.)
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>>4032515
oh, so kinda have but also kinda haven't, i think, so sorry if im making you repeat yourself a bit.
but where did the idea for making the Tiers not necessarily(or more like, entirely) better/more useful just based off of how high it is come from? not actually seen that before, and certainly something im a fan of.
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>>4032542
(I'm a fan of systems where higher-tier doesn’t necessarily mean better overall, myself, and I have to admit I can't quite remember what inspired it. I think it was a roguelike that may have done it, where you had these high-tier items that were with Awesome But Impractical, or were ludicrously powerful but only in these very narrow, specific situations. For example, it's entirely possible to find multiple Tier 1, 2, and 3 Relics that complement each other so well that you're better off using those than any one Tier 4 or 5 Relic.)

(Now that I think about it, I'm reminded of Slay the Spire, where certain minor cards and relics could interact with each other in fun ways, while certain rare, singular cards/relics could be utterly useless depending on your build or situation, so that may have been what inspired it.)

(Additionally, while I may have been blasé about Tier 1 Relics, in the grand scheme of how I plotted everything out they can be just as potent in the right hands as any 'game-breaker' from the higher tiers. In fact, considering how rare the latter are, you're inevitably going to get much more mileage off of things like the Sui line, the Dainsleif, or even the Shroud than most of the high-end stuff. I mean, just look at the Tier 4 grenades Yurei used against you. Shutting down a Core power? Devastating. The fact that Shu has backup powers and abilities, not to mention the full force of her family to back her up? Suddenly that Tier 4 Relic's looking a lot less effective. Add in the fact that certain abilities can render Relics destructible, programmable, or even make them turn on their wielders at higher levels? Relics are yet another tool in your bag of solutions, and trying to use the wrong one, however powerful, can and will backfire.)

(Also, check out Slay the Spire. It's eaten more of my time than I care to admit, and I'd heartily recommend it to anyone that's fond of card drafting and strategy games.)
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>>4032800
there’s a touhou mod for slay the spire where you get to play as Marisa the witch
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>>4032855
(My computer is garbage that I need to replace sooner rather than later, so I can only play on console. I've watched a lot of gameplay of the Marisa mod, and it's ludicrously high quality.)
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>>4032867
>BHOP didnt listen to use and get himself a new computer for christmas
BHOPs a masochist confirmed.

seriously man you've talked about it causing issues enough to where i cannot understand how you havent done something about it.

>>4032800
yeah, like i said the Tier system and how you've done it i certainly really like and is a good part about it(even if as ive stated i still think it has some issues). thanks for replying, and look forward to when you have time to reply to other things aswell. but dont let us take up your weekend plans or relaxation time either! lord knows your mondays alone make it sound like you need it.
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>>4032867
>bhop still hasn’t replaced his cpu
bhop pls, get a new cpu.
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>MURPHY'S MONKEY WRENCH: A Monkey Wrench made of both Iron and bone. The clamps are of rusted Iron, the handle is made out of the bones of simian's paw. This tool of adjustment is both a blessing and a curse to relics as hitting a relic with the Monkey wrench will yield spectacular results upon its first use after percussive maintenance, often guaranteeing a critical success or a critical hit. However, the Relic's next use after its initial success almost always ends with a catastrophic misfire. Careful with that relic girl, that's a living spanner in the works. (tl;dr: hitting a relic with the wrench makes its next use an automatic critical success/hit, but the next attempt a guaranteed misfire/critical failure the Relic's innate luck is reset after the misfire)
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(Gentlemen, I am afraid that I must postpone the 37th Vein until Tuesday at 9:00AM due to the fact that I am being sent to go assist another office tomorrow, and I would not be around to update or answer your questions regarding the Forging process. My sincerest apologies, and thank you for bearing with my work schedule. The 37th Vein will open on Jan. 21st at 9:00AM, and I look forward to seeing you there!)
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>>4035431
Hey, no problem on our end, BHOP. I just hope things aren't too difficult or hectic for you. See you Tuesday, friend.
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>>4035431
what did i say bout mondays, eh?
you take care BHOP, we understand, and see ya tuesday!
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>>4035534
(Ha, I'm just glad I had forewarning for once.)
>>
>RED DEVIL'S ENGINE: Crucibles may cry at the sight of this miniaturized 6 V-stroke combustion engine out of brass and Obsidian bone, the odd motorcycle handle sticks out of the motor alongside 3 pairs of exhaust pipes a sign of Man’s legacy living on to rock the Crucible. This wicked motor module is apparently compatible to the biological systems of a daughter despite the counterintuitive logic. A daughter may equip the Motor to a single relic or a single ability tree in their arsenal, where upon the Motor is then integrated into their biological functions and counted as a mechanical Augmentation. Removing it imposes a cool down (1 vein) which prevents the engine from re-integrating with another daughter’s ability or Relic. The daughter then can charge the motor to gain a single charge of “Revs” (3 max) with a swift action, or commit 2 ACTs to charge all 3 “Revs” where after the motor is charged, supercharging the damage of the augmented ability’s next attack, or the effectiveness of the augmented Relic with all 3 Revs automatically consumed in the process. For reasons only men know, the Engine automatically gains a “Rev” whenever the daughter wielding it lands a critical hit or fights in a flashy and stylish manner, the former being guaranteed and the latter given out sparingly as the engine silently judges the fighter.
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(The 37th Vein is now open, Gentlemen.)

>>4038281


(Also, this >>4037634 is magnificent.)



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